Q: Hey, Tony: What do you think of the possibility that Brady Quinn picks up the offense quicker than Charlie Frye, (since it's new to them both) and he starts. Many are saying don't start him his first year. Also, do you see any validity in what [Notre Dame coach] Charlie Weis says about him being the smartest QB he's coached?
A: Hey, Steve: I think Quinn and the Browns know that he has a long ways to go before he is ready to play against the likes of Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati. Unfortunately, the Browns' schedule does not include games against Navy, Air Force and Michigan.
Hey Tony: lol. lol lol lol (just getting them out of the way. God am I sick of reading that. lol lol. Buncha sheep.
Q: Hey, Tony: I love your ex pertise. Do you think Brady Quinn might have a chance of being a decent QB if he starts by midseason? - Logan Linen, Cleveland
A: Hey, Logan: Let's put it this way: the longer it takes for Quinn to start, the better off he will be in the long run.
Hey Logan: Tony is right. THIS time.
Q: Hey, Tony:What do you feel is the weakest part of this team now that the draft is over and how is the team looking to try to fix this weakness? Jerry Carrel, Moore, Okla.
A: Hey, Jerry: Good question. We're still talking #=cm DSQ=#on paper#=cm DEQ=# until the team starts its preseason schedule. On paper, I think the defense against the run still is a major concern. Newcomer Shaun Smith certainly has the right build for a nose tackle, but we'll have to reserve judgment until we see him in action. Also, the running#-#back depth chart is scary. I'm at a loss to explain why the team is showing no interest in a proven running back to back up Jamal Lewis.
Hey bonehead: Robaire Smith is a tackling machine. 100 tackles per season. Those are twilight-zone numbers for a DT or a 3-4 DE. Smith was protected by Cinci because he was about the best run-stuffing lineman they had. The rookies and young guys will all be better, and there are a lot of them. You won't buy improvement until they replace the rest of the line 2-deep. Stop it you're killing me.
They don't want to release Jerome Harrison, and no affordable FA is better than Jason Wright. Jerome Jackson is something special, too. Might or might not be special enough, but quit assuming the all suck.
Q: Hey, Tony: Do the Browns have any interest in former two#-#time 1,000#-#yard rusher Domanick Davis? Jason Brunner, Elyria
A: Hey, Jason: Not to my knowledge. There are serious concerns around the league about the player's health and durability.
Q: Hey, Tony: Does former Bengals DT Sam Adams hold any interest for the Browns? Greg Shearer, Hilliard, Ohio
A: Hey, Greg: Zero interest.
Q: Hey, Tony: Let me start by saying that I've been a longtime ND fan, but remain a little skeptical on Quinn as a pro. Just by taking what we know about Tim Couch and Brady Quinn coming out of college, what are the differences that will make a Browns fan feel better about the most recent first#-#rounder? Travis Chappie, Charleston, S.C.
A: Hey, Travis: Quinn was a four-year starter for one of the highest#-#profile college teams in the country. His last two years he operated a sophisticated offense installed by a pro-style coach. Couch ran a gimmicky offense for mostly two full seasons. Kentucky's playbook consisted of four loose-leaf pages (OK, I'm exaggerating). Further, Couch was rushed in on an expansion team after one measly game. The Browns of today are much stronger than the 1999 team. I find the comparison of Quinn and Couch totally off base.
Hey, Travis: What he said, plus you're a dumbass.
Q: Hey, Tony: I noticed on ESPN.com and Yahoo sports that William Green is still on our roster. Is he back on our team? Might be a nice backup for Jamal Lewis. What do you think? Joe Braucher, San Francisco
A: Hey, Joe: Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. Green is not on the Browns' roster and probably never will play in the NFL again.
Q: Hey, Tony: Aren't people overlooking the fact that although the Browns' defense isn't great, they play well for the first half and are in the game but by the second half they have been on the field so long they are dead. Now, hopefully with an improved offensive line, the offense might be able to give the D that much-needed rest, thus improving the defense some? Joe Ribar, Crestview, Fla.
A: Hey, Joe: The Browns are hoping your theory is right on the mark.
Hey, Joe: thanks for proving that there really is intelligent life in Cleveland. What you said is true both in games, and over the course of the season. Prior to losing their top three cornerbacks, and then Roye, this was one of the better defenses in the NFL. And by the way, it just got quite a bit better.
Q: Hey, Tony: You know every time you ask the Browns about LeCharles Bentley, they kind of downplay or kind of dodge the question. I know he is going to talk to the doctors about another operation but do you think he is making a push to come back this season? If so, where would Hank Fraley play would he move over to guard or be a backup? When [Braylon] Edwards came back it was kind of a shot in the arm to the team. I just was thinking that's what they were doing with Bentley to bring up the morale of the team. Your thoughts, Tony. Mark Field, Columbus
A: Hey, Mark: I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy, but I don't believe your scenario. If Bentley had any chance of playing in 2007, we would be seeing him at the off-season practices or at least he would be rehabilitating under the auspices of team trainers.
Q: Hey, Tony: Just out of curiosity, did Charlie Frye and Brady Quinn ever face off in an Ohio high school football game? Jason, Monterey, Calif.
A: Hey, Jason: Not to my knowledge.
Q: Hey, Tony: Since the Browns should be on the lookout for a new kicker, what is the status of Mike Vanderjagt, the one time all#-#world kicker who has missed a few lately and was released by the Cowboys? History says he misses kicks in the playoffs. I would love for him to have the opportunity to miss one in the playoffs for us. What is the kicker situation with the Browns? Mark Miller, Springfield, Ohio
A: Hey, Mark: The Browns have expressed some concern with Phil Dawson and may believe he is losing distance and accuracy. They signed an undrafted free-agent kicker who has a howitzer for a leg but is not accurate. Perhaps they will tinker with the prospect of carrying a kickoff specialist, but I doubt it. Dawson had a sub-par season last year, but I always have contended he suffers from rusting out, not wearing out. The Browns' offense simply has not afforded him enough opportunities from year to year.
Q: Hey, Tony: I know this requires a great deal of speculation, but just for discussion's sake, if Charlie Frye has a Drew Brees-like season, who becomes the trade bait, Frye or Quinn? Alex Aldoory, Akron
A: Hey, Alex: If Frye has a Brees-like season I would suspect neither would go. The longer Quinn sits on the bench, the better off he will be in the long run. Brees left San Diego because his contract was up.
Hey guys: If Rodney Andersonfield or Charlie Frye have a Breezy season, Phil would absolutely consider an offer he couldn't refuse. It might be best for Quinn to have two years, but it's far less important than you, Tony, believe. If the non-Quinn could be converted into a stud running back or whatever, of course you make that deal!
Q: Hey, Tony: You stated that Savage has authority over the draft and roster. So who decides on the cuts in training camp? Does Romeo Crennel have the authority to decide the final roster on his own, or is he required to get Phil's approval to cut a player? Rich Duwelius, Gales Ferry, Conn.
A: Hey, Rich: Savage is involved in every cut. If there are disagreements, the GM may accede to the coach on occasion, but Savage ultimately has final say.
Q: Hey, Tony: In response to a question comparing Brady Quinn to Mike Phipps, you joked that at least Quinn wasn't traded for a future Hall of Famer (Paul Warfield). Don't you think you should have at least waited to see who the Cowboys take with our No. 1 pick next year? Al Ruscitto, Cincinnati
A: Hey, Al: Of course we will revisit this issue next April when the Cowboys are on the clock with the Browns' No. 1 pick.
Hey, Al: Seek therapy.
Q: Hey, Tony: I have read that Brady Quinn is the prototype pocket passer. I believe Derek Anderson is a pocket passer too, while Frye appears uncomfortable in the pocket and rolls out whether he needs to or not. Wouldn't a QB lineup of Anderson and Quinn ( or Quinn, Anderson) with Dorsey as the emergency QB if we keep one be a realistic possibility? Dude Thomas, Palm Coast, Fla.
A: Hey, Dude: From what I saw in one voluntary team practice, the QBs will be required to roll out and throw on the run. Frye's mobility is an asset. Quinn appears fairly mobile, too. The old-fashioned dropback passers are in danger of extinction because teams simply can't protect them against today's array of defensive blitz packages.
Hey, Tony: You're right, but Anderson may be able to do it, too. A designed roll-out has the QB jogging. The issue is whether or not Anderson can be as accurate on the move, and with his arm-strength, he's half-way there. Hey, Dude: More intelligent life in Cleveland! A banner day!
Q: Hey, Tony: What is your opinion on the cornerback position opposite of Leigh Bodden (assuming he remains healthy)? Do you see Daven Holly retaining the starting CB position until Eric Wright develops? Chris Dix, Kent
A: Hey, Chris: I believe Holly will line up as a starter at the beginning of training camp. The Browns have high hopes for Wright and probably envision him starting fairly soon. But he doesn't have a lot of college game experience. He would have to be something special to start so soon.
Hey, Chris: Wright can man cover right now, but zone defense is a mental challenge, requiring each cornerback to read the field like a safety. This caused most of the difficulty for Holly and Perry early-on; their mistakes were mental...and this is why they improved so dramaticly with repetitions and experience.
Tony may be right--Wright is ready right now to be the nickel cornerback, because this guy can man-cover and not worry about reading. But he's very intelligent, with good football instincts, and could beat out Holly, before or during the season.
Q: Hey, Tony: If the worst happens and LeCharles Bentley and/or Gary Baxter can't return from their injuries, what will the salary cap hit be next year? Will the Browns get a cap break if they have to release them due to injuries? I was also wondering if the Browns will have any money to spend in free agency next year? Megan Miller, Taylor Mill, Ky.
A: Hey, Megan: There is no cap relief due to injuries. However, the salary cap is rising so fast, due to the league's skyrocketing revenue, that not even the combined cap hits of Bentley and Baxter will impede the Browns' ability to spend in free agency in 2008. For the time being, salary cap issues are not a problem to most NFL teams.
Q: Hey, Tony: I have been a Browns fan for most of my 55 years. I ended up in North Carolina via the Marine Corps, but I am still an avid Browns fan. I keep hearing about the possibility of Romeo and Savage being fired if the Browns don't come out of the gate fast enough, or if we don't have a winning season. Even though we have improved I don't think the Browns are in the same class as the other AFC North teams yet. When you look at the schedule, it is going to be tough to pull out a winning season unless we have some surprises from some of the players? What do you think the chances are that we will lose our coach and GM before the year is out? Steve DeLong, Jacksonville, N.C.
A: Hey, Steve: The Browns have to show credible progress in their record for things to remain status quo. They have regressed from 6#-#10 to 4#-#12 in the first two years of this regime. Whatever the reasons for that setback, it must be reversed.
Hey Steve: Since Lerner is not a retard, he doesn't want to fire either of them, but might be forced to by the lynch-mob. He won't fire Savage. Savage is widely respected by NFL people as one of the best in the business. "Whatever the resons" is dismissive. The reasons, almost irrefutably, were a massive wave of injuries, the like of which NO NFL team has, or could, overcome. Five centers? Top three cornerbacks? Best DE? Every O-lineman except Shaffer? That's all Romeo's fault (let alone Phil's)?
A winning record would be a lot to expect, but even a game or two better might give Lerner the room he wants to avoid committing suicide and starting all over yet again.
Steve, you shouldn't be surprised when Jerome Harrison takes a little dumpoff 40 yards for a TD, K2 catches 12 passes for 130 yards, the defense generates five turnovers and a TD, if Braylon Edwards in his second season back from a repaired ACL gets over 1,000 yards and averages over 15 yards per catch, or even if Jamal Lewis averages over 4 YPC. This team doesn't need surprises to improve dramaticly.
Unless somebody rolls another grenade under the tent-flap.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Sky Is Falling
My last blog was made by that damn hacker again. You can tell because there are mistakes in it. He could be part of the conspiracy (THEM) to undermine my credibility, as well as bankrupt me and make me have accidents and stuff. But the nefariously diabolocal bastard could also be just trying to catch a sliver of the adoration of my legion of fans. Of crickets. Dammit.
These were 7-on-7 drills. It's true that everything is new, but the advantage here was still clearly with the offense. While rumors of the demise of both Quinn and Frye are typicly premature (and spastic), they shouldn't have sucked that bad.
Well...Charlie shouldn't have. He knows the recievers. It's way, way, way too early to shovel dirt on anybody, however.
Solomon Willcotts (Bengals/Steelers ex-safety) and Jim Miller (QB for several teams inc. the Stealers) made a pretty big deal about it, and when people with their insights say stuff like this, I have to listen. (A man's got to know his limitations.) Miller said that in these drills, the defense should always look bad.
For Frye, this was meaningful. For Quinn--he has a long history at Notre Dame, and hasn't suddenly become incompetant. Miller failed to mention his altered throwing motion, which is still no doubt unnatural for him, so I presume that he's not aware of it. No knock on him--he has to look at all 32 teams, with more attention to those expected to contend.
...and this is why I'm better than Cabot or Grossi. And why, if you weren't prejudiced against me, you would read this. All you got from any beat writer was a mention of the QB Coach working on his mechanics, and that was it. But I recognized the significance of it, and anticipated a lot of these problems early-on. But go ahead, just keep ignoring me.
Imagine if somebody told you you needed to keep your elbow closer to your body when you threw a baseball. The first time you try it, you miss, badly. You keep practicing it, but all along your muscle-memory is trying to make you throw it the way you've been throwing your whole life. You're determined to do what you've been told...and you throw like a girl.
Yeah--because you're sort of learning to throw all over again.
And why is this being done? Well, Quinn had accuracy issues, didn't he? The Browns coaches seem to feel that wind was a factor, and his accuracy also declines when he's on the move. Both of these problems would be mechanical, and changing his arm motion and/or release could be the answer. But it will take some time. And now you know what Grossi doesn't.
Looks like Rodney Andersonfield is making headway. He's looked pretty decent. Miller, Willcotts, Kirwin et al all seem to agree that, if Anderson gives Crennel the best chance to win, he will indeed be treated fairly, and start.
Makes sense. Because losing four centers and his top three cornerbacks, not fielding the same offensive line three weeks in a row, featuring two rookie defensive starters, and stone-handed recievers accounting for over half the interceptions thrown don't seem to matter to you guys in Oxbow, Romeo is sitting on a horse with a rope around his neck.
If I could get 3:1 right now, I would bet on Anderson. Romeo can't play favorites--the best man wins here, and I believe that is Anderson. At least, early on. And I hope that if it's him or Frye, they surprise everybody (except me haha) and play to well to get benched for Quinn. The best thing that could happen would be if Quinn had to sit the bench--except for some mop-up stuff, etc.--for the entire season.
The guys on NFL Radio all agree: Frye's no Drew Brees (to Quinn's Rivers). But you know what? Anderson MIGHT be!
I repeat: Anderson threw most of his picks in his last game. Leading up to it, he was near the top of NFL QB's in most categories-as a first-time starter with a bad team. He was decisive and accurate.
Gotta go
These were 7-on-7 drills. It's true that everything is new, but the advantage here was still clearly with the offense. While rumors of the demise of both Quinn and Frye are typicly premature (and spastic), they shouldn't have sucked that bad.
Well...Charlie shouldn't have. He knows the recievers. It's way, way, way too early to shovel dirt on anybody, however.
Solomon Willcotts (Bengals/Steelers ex-safety) and Jim Miller (QB for several teams inc. the Stealers) made a pretty big deal about it, and when people with their insights say stuff like this, I have to listen. (A man's got to know his limitations.) Miller said that in these drills, the defense should always look bad.
For Frye, this was meaningful. For Quinn--he has a long history at Notre Dame, and hasn't suddenly become incompetant. Miller failed to mention his altered throwing motion, which is still no doubt unnatural for him, so I presume that he's not aware of it. No knock on him--he has to look at all 32 teams, with more attention to those expected to contend.
...and this is why I'm better than Cabot or Grossi. And why, if you weren't prejudiced against me, you would read this. All you got from any beat writer was a mention of the QB Coach working on his mechanics, and that was it. But I recognized the significance of it, and anticipated a lot of these problems early-on. But go ahead, just keep ignoring me.
Imagine if somebody told you you needed to keep your elbow closer to your body when you threw a baseball. The first time you try it, you miss, badly. You keep practicing it, but all along your muscle-memory is trying to make you throw it the way you've been throwing your whole life. You're determined to do what you've been told...and you throw like a girl.
Yeah--because you're sort of learning to throw all over again.
And why is this being done? Well, Quinn had accuracy issues, didn't he? The Browns coaches seem to feel that wind was a factor, and his accuracy also declines when he's on the move. Both of these problems would be mechanical, and changing his arm motion and/or release could be the answer. But it will take some time. And now you know what Grossi doesn't.
Looks like Rodney Andersonfield is making headway. He's looked pretty decent. Miller, Willcotts, Kirwin et al all seem to agree that, if Anderson gives Crennel the best chance to win, he will indeed be treated fairly, and start.
Makes sense. Because losing four centers and his top three cornerbacks, not fielding the same offensive line three weeks in a row, featuring two rookie defensive starters, and stone-handed recievers accounting for over half the interceptions thrown don't seem to matter to you guys in Oxbow, Romeo is sitting on a horse with a rope around his neck.
If I could get 3:1 right now, I would bet on Anderson. Romeo can't play favorites--the best man wins here, and I believe that is Anderson. At least, early on. And I hope that if it's him or Frye, they surprise everybody (except me haha) and play to well to get benched for Quinn. The best thing that could happen would be if Quinn had to sit the bench--except for some mop-up stuff, etc.--for the entire season.
The guys on NFL Radio all agree: Frye's no Drew Brees (to Quinn's Rivers). But you know what? Anderson MIGHT be!
I repeat: Anderson threw most of his picks in his last game. Leading up to it, he was near the top of NFL QB's in most categories-as a first-time starter with a bad team. He was decisive and accurate.
Gotta go
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Correctly Re-Reported OTA News
In order to become an intelligent analyst, you need to, first and foremost, put aside your personal biasses, and secondly view all events IN CONTEXT.
CONTEXT: 1: New offensive system. New terminology, new plays, new tactics, and even new patterns. 2: Rookie QB with altered mechanics. 3: Defense in it's third year, as in not NEW.
BIAS: We're NOT all gonna die.
Got it? Good. Now, Frye and Quinn (note I didn't mention Rodney Andersonfield here) threw a bunch of picks, right? It couldn't possibly have anything to do with miscommunication, incorrect patterns, or mistakes that won't keep happening, could it? NAAH!
The big surprise would be if this didn't happen.
Shaffer at LT. That's true, but the reporter forgot to say "Big deal!" Romeo needs to quit treating these guys like little kids. It's condescending, and Kevin Shaffer, for one, has to be pretty insulted. He has pride, like all pro athletes, but also a brain. He knows that Thomas is better than he is at that position coming off the bus. He knows that pretty soon the kid will have to take over so he can get his reps with the first unit. Yes, he knows it.
And he probably has nothing at all against Thomas. It's not personal. They might even be buddies. But I bet Shaffer resents Romeo's condescention. Romeo, try this: "Kevin, he's here to play left tackle, he's born to play it, and pretty soon he's going to be better than you." He'll nod, and ask you what you're going to do with him.
And what about all those picks? It couldn't have anything to do with the secondary being really good could it? NAAH! I already told you about Wright. Long before he was drafted. Remember making sure to delete the link to this site and not save it to favorites, and then not reading it? Yeah, see?
Good thing Bodden is lame. Otherwise Romeo would be giving Holly all the reps.
Between the lines: Frye said that, in this offense, the RB hits the hole fast and hard. This indicates a pre-designated gap, and that's not zone-blocking. But I hope it's not man-blocking, either, because that would be utterly STUPID. The key is inside, where nobody is over 305 lbs., or OBESE. Most NFL guards are like 320, and obese. Even most centers are over 310.
Those are road-graders. The guys we have are quick, agile, fast. Add Thomas and Shaffer to that--same deal. They might be adequate man-blockers, but excellent pullers, trappers, and linebacker-hunters.
Remember the Superbowl Steelers of the 70's? LITTLE guys! They trap-blocked--ran games. Ok ok, so they want the hole in a certain place, by design. It's probably because that's what suits Jamal Lewis best. It doesn't preclude trap-blocking or slant-blocking. So hopefully we're ok.
But Chud? Don't make me come down there! You have an athletic offensive line. USE it!
Anyway, now you know what really happened. Or would. If you read this. Which you don't.
I never had a chance, did I?
Well okbye.
CONTEXT: 1: New offensive system. New terminology, new plays, new tactics, and even new patterns. 2: Rookie QB with altered mechanics. 3: Defense in it's third year, as in not NEW.
BIAS: We're NOT all gonna die.
Got it? Good. Now, Frye and Quinn (note I didn't mention Rodney Andersonfield here) threw a bunch of picks, right? It couldn't possibly have anything to do with miscommunication, incorrect patterns, or mistakes that won't keep happening, could it? NAAH!
The big surprise would be if this didn't happen.
Shaffer at LT. That's true, but the reporter forgot to say "Big deal!" Romeo needs to quit treating these guys like little kids. It's condescending, and Kevin Shaffer, for one, has to be pretty insulted. He has pride, like all pro athletes, but also a brain. He knows that Thomas is better than he is at that position coming off the bus. He knows that pretty soon the kid will have to take over so he can get his reps with the first unit. Yes, he knows it.
And he probably has nothing at all against Thomas. It's not personal. They might even be buddies. But I bet Shaffer resents Romeo's condescention. Romeo, try this: "Kevin, he's here to play left tackle, he's born to play it, and pretty soon he's going to be better than you." He'll nod, and ask you what you're going to do with him.
And what about all those picks? It couldn't have anything to do with the secondary being really good could it? NAAH! I already told you about Wright. Long before he was drafted. Remember making sure to delete the link to this site and not save it to favorites, and then not reading it? Yeah, see?
Good thing Bodden is lame. Otherwise Romeo would be giving Holly all the reps.
Between the lines: Frye said that, in this offense, the RB hits the hole fast and hard. This indicates a pre-designated gap, and that's not zone-blocking. But I hope it's not man-blocking, either, because that would be utterly STUPID. The key is inside, where nobody is over 305 lbs., or OBESE. Most NFL guards are like 320, and obese. Even most centers are over 310.
Those are road-graders. The guys we have are quick, agile, fast. Add Thomas and Shaffer to that--same deal. They might be adequate man-blockers, but excellent pullers, trappers, and linebacker-hunters.
Remember the Superbowl Steelers of the 70's? LITTLE guys! They trap-blocked--ran games. Ok ok, so they want the hole in a certain place, by design. It's probably because that's what suits Jamal Lewis best. It doesn't preclude trap-blocking or slant-blocking. So hopefully we're ok.
But Chud? Don't make me come down there! You have an athletic offensive line. USE it!
Anyway, now you know what really happened. Or would. If you read this. Which you don't.
I never had a chance, did I?
Well okbye.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wile E. Grantham on the Browns' 46 Defense
But first, a note: I will be in Cleveland: actually between Ridge and State Roads on Brook Park, on sunday. Anyone who reads this can give me a call or something. Otherwise I'll deliver on tuesday and boogie. Dammit.
Now: Jeremy Stoltz is probably my single best source on the nuts and bolts of football. He breaks down stuff like zone-blocking, the Tampa-2, and the 46 defense for me, and is one of the reasons I know so much more about all this stuff than you guys.
Yeah, that's right. And Grossi, too. Dipsticks.
Anyway, thanks to Jeremy I know that the 46 was actually named for Doug Plank: his jersey number. Plank was Buddy Ryan's favorite safety, and a key to his 46.
The 46 deploys--very loosely defined--four down linemen. These are a nose tackle, in the center's face, two DE's head-up on the GUARDS, and an edge-rusher, 2-3 yards outside the left tackle. I say "loosely", because in that position, it's irrelevant whether this player is standing or in a 3-point stance. But these four players are all right on the line.
Two outside linebackers set up one or two yards off the line of scrimmage: both on the strong side--opposite the edge-rusher. The tight end and right tackle have to go through space to reach them.
Then there is of course the Mike Singletary; a middle linebacker. Here, there is a true strong safety, who lines up within five yards of the line of scrimmage and is a run-stopper. This is a "stacked", eight-man front.
Two other critical components are two press/man coverage cornerbacks--these guys cannot play zone here. ...And finally, a true center-fielding free safety.
The Ravens often deploy a 46, making the most of Ray Lewis and their own pro-bowl safety.
As you can imagine, this is a nightmare to run against. You can't really get around it. The middle is clogged but good. It's not even possible to double-team the nose-tackle, as both guards are engaged. Nor can the tackles really help the guards, either, as on one side there's the edge-rusher, and on the other TWO outside linebackers to contend with. And you can forget about getting a hat on the middle linebacker and the strong safety, see?
It generates tremendous pressure on the QB, as it's designed to collapse the pocket. The four "linemen" always attack--though the three in the middle are two-gapping initially--but usually one, two, three, or even four of the other guys will also blitze.
The 46 started getting picked apart by the West Coast offense. The quick shallow timing patterns got behind the aggressive front and under the single safety, and breaks to the inside make press coverage a lot tougher. Properly executed, a west coast offense will deliver 5-12 yard passes successfully with just a couple feet of separation--and before the QB can be smothered.
So the 46 can't always be used nowadays. Depends on the bad guy's offense, and also the situation. If it's used exclusively, it will get beat.
For the 2007 Browns, it's definitely an option for certain situations, and this is why:
Wimbley stays where he is, and does what he does, unless Peek is used on that side, and Wimbley as one of the guys on the strong side. The other guy on the strong side could be either Leon Williams or Chaun Thompson, because both of these guys can cover most tight ends, or blitze, or stop the run.
A. Davis, Jackson, or Williams are the MLB. Mike Singletary was smaller than Jackson, by the way. As I mentioned, this front makes it just about impossible to get a hat on this guy, so size is secondary: The most important thing is quick diagnosis, range, and aggression. Poole or Hamilton could be Doug Plank--the enforcer-safety.
I should have mentioned (and by the way, Jeremy didn't but I figured it out blush-blush): The safety is there for speed. He's centrally located, so can break left or right to intercept a run, and a running back can't really get around him. When he blitzes, he often comes clean, and gets in faster than anyone else can. Ditto if he sees it's a run. He can also drop and cover the middle zone.
Another factor here is that the center is always overmatched. He's being hit before he gets his right hand up--naturally usually from the right side. He's being driven into and bull-rushed hard on every play, and as I said the guards can't help him.
Who would be the nose tackle? OSHINOWO. Shawn Smith is a good run-stuffer and can bull-rush--he'd do okay, and I'm not knocking him. Then J'Von Parker has great potential, and could emerge as something special (not predicting it--just telling you it's possible). Oshi is about maxed out at 305 lbs., but, as we saw in his brief appearances last season, is an explosive penetrator. Here, he's not double-teamed, and this changes everything. He is the best guy we have to nail the center fast and hard and leverage him back on his heels.
The DE's, lined up on the guards? Robaire Smith and Rodney Fraserfield! Single-teams--fast and hard--then shed and tackle. These are the guys to do that, and they have pursuit-speed. They are disruptors, like Oshi. This is an attack defense. That's the whole idea. Both these guys are not only quick off the ball, but good in pursuit (which Oshi aint). Also, they can STUNT, and hit gaps as a nasty surprise.
Zone-blitzes could also be used here, too. Smith or Fraser can drop off to cover a short zone. Ryan's 46 didn't do this--it's my own humble new addition. This could break up some of the quick-timing, west coastal stuff in use nowadays. Basicly, it's just to confuse the offense in this case.
Who would be the free safety? Well, Sean Jones should be ready to do this now, but we also have a sleeper: Mike Adams is a true free saftey; ie a cornerback/safety cross who excells in coverage and has great instincts. He might actually be even better than Jones for this particular alignment.
What makes this really do-able? Jason Wright. With Bodden, this gives us two press-coverage guys. (These are imperative. With eight guys in the box, there can be no help for them, and if their guy gets by them, the only hope is the free safety. The whole idea is to smash the QB before a reciever gets loose--within 4-5 seconds. Against a zone, the QB will just throw it right away, while the CB is backpedalling upfield.)
But nobody can get behind Wright. He is one of the fastest dudes in the NFL. And man aint rocket science. He can do it immediately.
A 3 or 4-wide set messes this scheme up, of course, which is another reason it couldn't be a base defense. There are different types of nickel and dime defenses which could be used and still incorporate some of the same principles. If the slot guy is a big tall possession guy, then Hamilton or Poole is in his face, jamming him. Or maybe Minter, or even Holly for a smaller guy, with the other players bouncing him around some, too. Still eight in the box, see?
As it stands, the Browns have a lot more depth than they have had, and players will be rotated more. I mentioned all the different options at most of the non-cornerback positions, and the Browns would, more often than not, have the appropriate personnel on the field at any given time vs. a 2-wide offense.
Grantham is a smart guy. Watch for this. And when you see it, remember making sure not to read this.
Offensively, I really like what Chud told Grossi. Clean slate. Adapt system to personnel. Let QB's change plays if they prove capable of it. Already sounds like a genius to me! (Depressing, aint it?)
And in that case, watch out for Rodney Harrisonfield, man! He is tailor-made for a West-Coast type scheme! He has PROVEN that he can run both inside and outside, but the real problem for bad guys will be trying to cover him with linebackers. CAN'T BE DONE!
No, not an every-down back (I don't think). He's aspiring to just be an adequate blocker this season. If we're lucky, the pumped-up version can be like Jamal White, who would cut their legs out from under them. And, while there are a lot of little guys who were studs, Harrison's build is different, this is the AFC North, and he could break down. (We can hope for more, though, and ackowlege that it's possible.)
People keep repeating that Lewis is "an old 27", as if that says it all. It's true that he's been dinged up, and had a lot of carries. More than Earl Campbell, maybe (I don't know). But the bone-spurs that he's been trying to run with are gone now, and it appears that he'll often have a lead blocker again, and at least a lot of two-tight end sets to help him out, and (oh yeah) zone-blockers and his choice of places to go downhill into.
His declining stats are indeed a bad sign, I admit, and I really doubt he'll come roaring back as the player he was three years ago. However, I don't believe that Chud expects 30 carries a game out of him.
I think that Harrison and, yes, Wright, will spell him as change-of-pace guys. Lewis will be off the field on thirds and longs, and many second-and-longs, because he's not a very good reciever, and isn't expected to make big plays. Harrison is the home-run hitter here, and Wright is...well he can make a little into a lot sometimes. And if you try to stop either of them the way you've been stopping Lewis, you're going to be eating turf with cleat-marks up your spine.
By the way, believe it or not, "change-of-pace" is not just an expression. Regardless of how smart they are, and how well-prepared they think they are to change their tactics, defenders to get habituated, and will make critical mistakes when you go from a human wrecking ball to a waterbug, or vice-versa. It really messes them up. And this is why, so often, you see one guy getting stuffed, and then another guy nobody ever heard of tearing the same defense a new one.
This will be backfield-by-committee. Jamal's just the chairman.
Okbye.
Now: Jeremy Stoltz is probably my single best source on the nuts and bolts of football. He breaks down stuff like zone-blocking, the Tampa-2, and the 46 defense for me, and is one of the reasons I know so much more about all this stuff than you guys.
Yeah, that's right. And Grossi, too. Dipsticks.
Anyway, thanks to Jeremy I know that the 46 was actually named for Doug Plank: his jersey number. Plank was Buddy Ryan's favorite safety, and a key to his 46.
The 46 deploys--very loosely defined--four down linemen. These are a nose tackle, in the center's face, two DE's head-up on the GUARDS, and an edge-rusher, 2-3 yards outside the left tackle. I say "loosely", because in that position, it's irrelevant whether this player is standing or in a 3-point stance. But these four players are all right on the line.
Two outside linebackers set up one or two yards off the line of scrimmage: both on the strong side--opposite the edge-rusher. The tight end and right tackle have to go through space to reach them.
Then there is of course the Mike Singletary; a middle linebacker. Here, there is a true strong safety, who lines up within five yards of the line of scrimmage and is a run-stopper. This is a "stacked", eight-man front.
Two other critical components are two press/man coverage cornerbacks--these guys cannot play zone here. ...And finally, a true center-fielding free safety.
The Ravens often deploy a 46, making the most of Ray Lewis and their own pro-bowl safety.
As you can imagine, this is a nightmare to run against. You can't really get around it. The middle is clogged but good. It's not even possible to double-team the nose-tackle, as both guards are engaged. Nor can the tackles really help the guards, either, as on one side there's the edge-rusher, and on the other TWO outside linebackers to contend with. And you can forget about getting a hat on the middle linebacker and the strong safety, see?
It generates tremendous pressure on the QB, as it's designed to collapse the pocket. The four "linemen" always attack--though the three in the middle are two-gapping initially--but usually one, two, three, or even four of the other guys will also blitze.
The 46 started getting picked apart by the West Coast offense. The quick shallow timing patterns got behind the aggressive front and under the single safety, and breaks to the inside make press coverage a lot tougher. Properly executed, a west coast offense will deliver 5-12 yard passes successfully with just a couple feet of separation--and before the QB can be smothered.
So the 46 can't always be used nowadays. Depends on the bad guy's offense, and also the situation. If it's used exclusively, it will get beat.
For the 2007 Browns, it's definitely an option for certain situations, and this is why:
Wimbley stays where he is, and does what he does, unless Peek is used on that side, and Wimbley as one of the guys on the strong side. The other guy on the strong side could be either Leon Williams or Chaun Thompson, because both of these guys can cover most tight ends, or blitze, or stop the run.
A. Davis, Jackson, or Williams are the MLB. Mike Singletary was smaller than Jackson, by the way. As I mentioned, this front makes it just about impossible to get a hat on this guy, so size is secondary: The most important thing is quick diagnosis, range, and aggression. Poole or Hamilton could be Doug Plank--the enforcer-safety.
I should have mentioned (and by the way, Jeremy didn't but I figured it out blush-blush): The safety is there for speed. He's centrally located, so can break left or right to intercept a run, and a running back can't really get around him. When he blitzes, he often comes clean, and gets in faster than anyone else can. Ditto if he sees it's a run. He can also drop and cover the middle zone.
Another factor here is that the center is always overmatched. He's being hit before he gets his right hand up--naturally usually from the right side. He's being driven into and bull-rushed hard on every play, and as I said the guards can't help him.
Who would be the nose tackle? OSHINOWO. Shawn Smith is a good run-stuffer and can bull-rush--he'd do okay, and I'm not knocking him. Then J'Von Parker has great potential, and could emerge as something special (not predicting it--just telling you it's possible). Oshi is about maxed out at 305 lbs., but, as we saw in his brief appearances last season, is an explosive penetrator. Here, he's not double-teamed, and this changes everything. He is the best guy we have to nail the center fast and hard and leverage him back on his heels.
The DE's, lined up on the guards? Robaire Smith and Rodney Fraserfield! Single-teams--fast and hard--then shed and tackle. These are the guys to do that, and they have pursuit-speed. They are disruptors, like Oshi. This is an attack defense. That's the whole idea. Both these guys are not only quick off the ball, but good in pursuit (which Oshi aint). Also, they can STUNT, and hit gaps as a nasty surprise.
Zone-blitzes could also be used here, too. Smith or Fraser can drop off to cover a short zone. Ryan's 46 didn't do this--it's my own humble new addition. This could break up some of the quick-timing, west coastal stuff in use nowadays. Basicly, it's just to confuse the offense in this case.
Who would be the free safety? Well, Sean Jones should be ready to do this now, but we also have a sleeper: Mike Adams is a true free saftey; ie a cornerback/safety cross who excells in coverage and has great instincts. He might actually be even better than Jones for this particular alignment.
What makes this really do-able? Jason Wright. With Bodden, this gives us two press-coverage guys. (These are imperative. With eight guys in the box, there can be no help for them, and if their guy gets by them, the only hope is the free safety. The whole idea is to smash the QB before a reciever gets loose--within 4-5 seconds. Against a zone, the QB will just throw it right away, while the CB is backpedalling upfield.)
But nobody can get behind Wright. He is one of the fastest dudes in the NFL. And man aint rocket science. He can do it immediately.
A 3 or 4-wide set messes this scheme up, of course, which is another reason it couldn't be a base defense. There are different types of nickel and dime defenses which could be used and still incorporate some of the same principles. If the slot guy is a big tall possession guy, then Hamilton or Poole is in his face, jamming him. Or maybe Minter, or even Holly for a smaller guy, with the other players bouncing him around some, too. Still eight in the box, see?
As it stands, the Browns have a lot more depth than they have had, and players will be rotated more. I mentioned all the different options at most of the non-cornerback positions, and the Browns would, more often than not, have the appropriate personnel on the field at any given time vs. a 2-wide offense.
Grantham is a smart guy. Watch for this. And when you see it, remember making sure not to read this.
Offensively, I really like what Chud told Grossi. Clean slate. Adapt system to personnel. Let QB's change plays if they prove capable of it. Already sounds like a genius to me! (Depressing, aint it?)
And in that case, watch out for Rodney Harrisonfield, man! He is tailor-made for a West-Coast type scheme! He has PROVEN that he can run both inside and outside, but the real problem for bad guys will be trying to cover him with linebackers. CAN'T BE DONE!
No, not an every-down back (I don't think). He's aspiring to just be an adequate blocker this season. If we're lucky, the pumped-up version can be like Jamal White, who would cut their legs out from under them. And, while there are a lot of little guys who were studs, Harrison's build is different, this is the AFC North, and he could break down. (We can hope for more, though, and ackowlege that it's possible.)
People keep repeating that Lewis is "an old 27", as if that says it all. It's true that he's been dinged up, and had a lot of carries. More than Earl Campbell, maybe (I don't know). But the bone-spurs that he's been trying to run with are gone now, and it appears that he'll often have a lead blocker again, and at least a lot of two-tight end sets to help him out, and (oh yeah) zone-blockers and his choice of places to go downhill into.
His declining stats are indeed a bad sign, I admit, and I really doubt he'll come roaring back as the player he was three years ago. However, I don't believe that Chud expects 30 carries a game out of him.
I think that Harrison and, yes, Wright, will spell him as change-of-pace guys. Lewis will be off the field on thirds and longs, and many second-and-longs, because he's not a very good reciever, and isn't expected to make big plays. Harrison is the home-run hitter here, and Wright is...well he can make a little into a lot sometimes. And if you try to stop either of them the way you've been stopping Lewis, you're going to be eating turf with cleat-marks up your spine.
By the way, believe it or not, "change-of-pace" is not just an expression. Regardless of how smart they are, and how well-prepared they think they are to change their tactics, defenders to get habituated, and will make critical mistakes when you go from a human wrecking ball to a waterbug, or vice-versa. It really messes them up. And this is why, so often, you see one guy getting stuffed, and then another guy nobody ever heard of tearing the same defense a new one.
This will be backfield-by-committee. Jamal's just the chairman.
Okbye.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Browns Forum: Coach Richard Hedd, Conrad Luczeonlieper, and Coach Joe Twelve Pack
Conrad: Topic number one is, of course, Brady Quinn. During the recent rookie minicamp, Quinn threw several ducks. To make this worse, he made excuses for it, pointing an accusing finger at one of the coaches, implying that he was being forced to practice differently, throwing into the wind. Should the Browns cut their losses now, and release him unsigned, or sign him and then seek a trade?
Joe: I think they should sign him and then try to get at least a third round pick for him. Or a second rounder in '09.
Richard: Maybe they could sign him and then trade for a right guard.
Joe: But they might be able to fix his mechanics.
Conrad: Possibly, but it would take several years. As it is, he needs to sit on the bench for a couple years anyway, which makes him a bust.
Richard: But we have a much more urgent need at right guard. A gaping hole through which entire defenses will pour into the backfield. No quarterback will stand a chance, so the point is really moot.
Joe: I thought McKinney was healthy, and a pretty good player.
Conrad: He is undersized--only slightly over 300 lbs. And his spinal injury will render him even more useless. I doubt that he can even lift or turn his head.
Richard: There you go! And there's no one behind him, unless you count that tackle they drafted last season!
Conrad: Right! Another project who will need several years to make a position change, if he ever does.
Joe: I heard they were also working him at tackle.
Conrad: Brilliant! Why not confuse the kid, too! He needs to eat, sleep, and breathe right guard for several years, and eventually become a back-up there. We just drafted a tackle! Obviously, they have no confidence in Joe Thomas. Makes sense, though, as he won't be ready to start until next season.
Joe: I think they might mean right tackle.
Conrad: I knew they were lying about Tucker coming back! There's your proof: Tucker is gone, and they're desperate for a right tackle!
Richard: I sure wish they wouldn't lie so much. We have to figure out everything for ourselves.
Conrad: Topic 2: How long before Eric Wright gets arrested?
Richard: I think he might make it through one season, and then get busted at a party. He's behaving himself temporarily.
Joe: You can't help being a hardened criminal. I think it's genetic. Bet he's in the hooscow before mincamp.
Conrad: Topic 3: The offensive line coach said that Joe Thomas didn't need to gain weight, when he's obviously too thin and weak. Should the coach be replaced now, or after the season?
ME: Ok I can't take this anymore. I'm sorry I started it. We're done here.
Joe: I think they should sign him and then try to get at least a third round pick for him. Or a second rounder in '09.
Richard: Maybe they could sign him and then trade for a right guard.
Joe: But they might be able to fix his mechanics.
Conrad: Possibly, but it would take several years. As it is, he needs to sit on the bench for a couple years anyway, which makes him a bust.
Richard: But we have a much more urgent need at right guard. A gaping hole through which entire defenses will pour into the backfield. No quarterback will stand a chance, so the point is really moot.
Joe: I thought McKinney was healthy, and a pretty good player.
Conrad: He is undersized--only slightly over 300 lbs. And his spinal injury will render him even more useless. I doubt that he can even lift or turn his head.
Richard: There you go! And there's no one behind him, unless you count that tackle they drafted last season!
Conrad: Right! Another project who will need several years to make a position change, if he ever does.
Joe: I heard they were also working him at tackle.
Conrad: Brilliant! Why not confuse the kid, too! He needs to eat, sleep, and breathe right guard for several years, and eventually become a back-up there. We just drafted a tackle! Obviously, they have no confidence in Joe Thomas. Makes sense, though, as he won't be ready to start until next season.
Joe: I think they might mean right tackle.
Conrad: I knew they were lying about Tucker coming back! There's your proof: Tucker is gone, and they're desperate for a right tackle!
Richard: I sure wish they wouldn't lie so much. We have to figure out everything for ourselves.
Conrad: Topic 2: How long before Eric Wright gets arrested?
Richard: I think he might make it through one season, and then get busted at a party. He's behaving himself temporarily.
Joe: You can't help being a hardened criminal. I think it's genetic. Bet he's in the hooscow before mincamp.
Conrad: Topic 3: The offensive line coach said that Joe Thomas didn't need to gain weight, when he's obviously too thin and weak. Should the coach be replaced now, or after the season?
ME: Ok I can't take this anymore. I'm sorry I started it. We're done here.
Hey Tony and Wile E.
Online only submissions
Q: Hey, Tony: Having been a Browns fan since the Leroy Kelly and Paul Warfield days, I see a lot of negativity towards the Browns this spring. I believe we are in much better shape than in previous years. My biggest concern is the defense. I don't see that we did much to improve in that area. What is your take so far? Can our defense keep us competitive? — John O'Donnell, Sandusky
A: Hey, John: The Browns added five players on defense who should figure prominently — nose tackle Shaun Smith, defensive end Robaire Smith, outside linebacker Antwan Peek and cornerback Kenny Wright in free agency, and cornerback Eric Wright in the draft. I'm not sure these additions sufficiently address the defense's historical problems in stopping the run and effectively rushing the passer.
A: Hey John: How's the weather in Oblivia? Hey, Tony: You first said Peek--a passrusher--Smith and Smith--run-stoppers. Then you wondered if the pass rush and run-stoppage had been sufficiently addressed.
Well, if not absolutely totally, the run-stopping has been significantly upgraded. But pass-rush? Last season there WAS a good pass-rush--what are you looking at?
Q: Hey, Tony: At the cornerback position the Browns have Leigh Bodden, Daven Holly, Eric Wright, Kenny Wright, DeMario Minter, Brandon McDonald and Antonio Perkins. I'm not trying to be hard on an injured player, but why don't they release Gary Baxter? It is going to be very hard for him to come back from two blown knees, and he has a big cap number. — Mark Miller, Independence, Ky.
A: Hey, Mark: Releasing a player does not automatically erase his salary-cap charges. In fact, sometimes it affects the cap adversely based on the player's contract. In Baxter's case, though, releasing him would cost the Browns less. According to my salary information, releasing Baxter would leave the Browns with a $3.5 million charge on their salary cap for 2007. Keeping him costs $5.25 million. So, it's a $1.75 million difference. That's about 1.5 percent of the total salary cap, a pittance to keep alive his dream of coming back from his devastating injuries.
Q: Hey, Tony: I just wanted your thoughts on the Browns adding say Corey Dillon. I think he would love two shots a year at the Bengals. Is it possible or too costly, you know [GM Phil] Savage gets a lot of credit for the draft and I agree, but does [coach] Romeo [Crennel] have anything at all to do with it and should he get any praise, I just don't want to leave him out. I really like this coach. — Mark Fields, Columbus
A: Hey, Mark: Great. How about this idea? Use Dillon the two games against the Bengals, Jamal Lewis the two games against the Ravens and lure Jerome Bettis out of retirement to play the two games against the Steelers. Dillon's done, or else the Patriots wouldn't have let him go. As far as Crennel's input in the draft, it appears to be negligible.
A: Hey Tony: That's an assumption. Savage et al would be out of their minds to ignore their head coach (or even assistant coaches) on personnel issues. I doubt that ANY GM would be that stupid!
Q: Hey, Tony: At one point Chaun Thompson looked as though he was athletic enough to contribute beyond a special-teams role. What held him back and will he ever be more that a special-teams player? — Bill Decker, Spring Valley, Ohio
A: Hey, Bill: Thompson came from an extremely small college in Texas that lost all 11 games his senior season. He has been switched to different positions and has played in three defensive systems. He looks best at rushing the passer, but the team has other players who contribute more in the overall defense. He may never be more than a special-teams player and role player on defense.
A: Hey Bill: So any player who doesn't start doesn't play, right? Hey, Tony: Thompson looks best in PASS COVERAGE, although he does everything well. And this "role-player" might play over 25-30% of the defensive snaps. Drink some coffee or something!
Q: Hey, Tony: Any chance we will be trading for/signing a veteran to help Brady Quinn out? I figured Derek Anderson or Charlie Frye would be a draft day casualty since we are making room for Quinn. — Aaron D, Tipp City, Ohio
A: Hey, Aaron: GM Phil Savage said in March that he has no plans of adding a veteran quarterback. Then he changed his mind and pursued Trent Green. Green doesn't want to play for the Browns. Recently, Savage said again that he has no plans of adding a veteran quarterback. Look for the Browns' QB roster to be made up of Quinn, Frye and Anderson.
Q: Hey, Tony: Lots of talk these days concerning who will be the Browns punt returner. Antonio Perkins was a very successful punt returner in college. Is he still being considered for the job with the Browns? — Skip Springer, Harvey, La.
A: Hey, Skip: Perkins has been a deep disappointment. I suspect he will compete for the job in training camp. It's his only hope of making the final roster.
A: Hey, Tony: You mean any low-round draft pick who can't displace Dennis Northcutt as a punt-returner is a deep disappointment? Wasn't Northcutt pretty good?
Q: Hey, Tony: Is it possible for the Browns to pick up Chris Brown? He would be the perfect change of pace back to spell Jamal Lewis. — Brandon Reyes, Avon Lake
A: Hey, Brandon: He would be an improvement over what they've got behind Lewis, but there appears no desire on the club's part to add a veteran running back.
A: Hey, Brandon: A 230 lb. power back is not a change-of pace for a 240 lb. power back. Words mean things. Hey, Tony: Give Harrison a freaking chance, will ya? Hey, Brandon: A 205 lb. scat-back would be a great change-of-pace for a 240 lb. power back.
Q: Hey, Tony: Is it true that Browns GM Phil Savage admitted to wearing a Baltimore Ravens T-shirt in the Browns war room during this year's NFL draft? I heard he showed it off to owner Randy Lerner as if to infer the Browns were having a good draft because he had his lucky Ravens T-shirt on. If this is true, don't you find it mildly ironic that the guy who claims to be sick and tired of Cleveland fans bemoaning the Browns luck felt it necessary to wear his lucky Baltimore shirt on draft day? Does Savage realize that most of the frustration and disappointment surrounding the “new†Browns lingers from the [Art] Modell/Baltimore fiasco and the NFL subsequently doing no favors for the new regime? Tony, please inform Mr. Savage that his plea of “just give us a chance†would have come off a little more sincere if he was wearing orange and brown. — Paul Cseplo, Twinsburg
A: Hey, Paul: I agree it was an odd thing for Savage to do. I take issue with your statement that the NFL did no favors for the expansion franchise. The Browns received 14 extra draft choices over their first two season. They squandered most of them. How is that the NFL's fault?
A: Hey, Paul: GET A HOBBY!
Q: Hey, Tony: Now that the Browns have had a great draft do you think that this turns up the heat on [coach] Romeo [Crennel] to produce a winner in order to save his job? And if so, what do you think will be required in terms of wins and losses to save it? Is 8-8 enough or do the Browns need to make the playoffs? — Mark Incorvia, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
A: Hey, Mark: I think what's more important is to make some headway in division games, where Crennel's record is 1-11. The first month of the season, featuring three division rivals in Cleveland, will say a lot.
Q: Hey, Tony: I'm psyched about the Browns draft picks and their free agent signings. Could we actually see an 8-8 season? — Bruce Rexrode, Mentor
A: Hey, Bruce: That would amount to doubling last season's win total. I would say it's doubtful, but not impossible.
Q: Hey, Tony: What is the status of DeMario Minter? I have not seen his name mentioned once this year whenever the topic of the cornerback situation has come up. — Sam Toth, Cleveland Heights
A: Hey, Sam: Minter is on the roster. He missed last season after knee surgery.
A: Hey, Bruce: He will compete to START, but will probably get beat out by Wright, and perhaps Holly, to become the third or fourth cornerback in this deep, talented corps.
Q: Hey, Tony: What kind of offense can we expect with the new offensive coordinator [Rob Chudzinski] and who do you see from this offense as having a shot at the Pro Bowl? — Brad, Shaker Heights
A: Hey, Brad: Kellen Winslow Jr. would have a shot at the Pro Bowl if the Browns had a winning record and Winslow had 70 catches and 10 touchdowns. Jamal Lewis would have a shot if he rushed for 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns. Braylon Edwards would have a shot if he had 80 catches and 12 touchdowns. If all those things happened, somebody on the offensive line would have a shot, too.
Hey, Brad: Braylon Edwards went so far as to call it a "west coast" offense. The QB will get rid of it quickly, and this means slants and crosses. The QB will throw to windows, rather than tracking his recievers. He will often throw before the reciever makes his break. And when the ball hits thin air or is intercepted with a reciever no where near it, it is usually the reciever's fault.
The personnel on the offensive line strongly indicates zone-blocking, and Lewis and company should have an opportunity to not get swarmed at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield--and get blamed for it.
Q: Hey, Tony: When do you think Brady Quinn will start his first NFL game? I really believe if Quinn picks up the offense, he could start Week 1 against the Steelers. If he could pick up Charlie Weis' playbook surely he could pick up Rob Chudzinski's? What do you think? — Mark Potthoff, Glandorf, Ohio
A: Hey, Mark: I think Quinn's first start depends on how Charlie Frye fares. If the season starts with Frye the starter, he has to win some games in the first month to hold on to the job. Otherwise, the drumbeat for Quinn will be so loud that it will drown out everything going on with the team.
Q: Hey, Tony: Mary Kay [Cabot's] article [last] Sunday indicated that [line] coach [Steve] Marshall didn't want Joe Thomas to gain any weight and stay at 310 pounds. On draft weekend, many of the analysts (and I believe [coach] Romeo [Crennel]) said he could put an additional 15 — 20 pounds on his frame and not lose any quickness. What's Marshall thinking? — Bob Ruple, Newbury, Ohio
A: Hey, Bob: Part of the attraction to Thomas was his mobility and agility. Why pack on 20 pounds at the expense of losing a millisecond of quickness? Size isn't the be-all, end-all.
A: Hey, Tony: AMEN! Hey, Bob: Another indication of a zone-blocking offensive line, which prioritizes agility, speed, and quickness. I'm sure they wouldn't mind Thomas gaining 15 lbs. of MUSCLE--they're just saying we don't need fat guys here like they do most other places. Lard merely anchors a guy more securely to the ground. Muscle moves.
Q: Hey, Tony: It seems to me that the logical time to expect Brady Quinn to become the starter is after the bye week — am I right? — ” Frank Mazzella, Parma
A: Hey, Frank: Not if the Browns are 4-3 under Charlie Frye (or Derek Anderson, for that matter). The ideal situation is that Frye or Anderson beats out Quinn in preseason and then takes the team through a winning season, allowing Quinn to soak up the pace of the NFL game and season and not be forced in too early. Carson Palmer didn't play his first year and that worked out well.
A: Hey, Tony: Good answer, and I appreciate your not dissing Anderson, who might be a huge, huge sleeper.
Q: Hey, Tony: While rookies are attending minicamps prior to signing contracts are they being paid? — Ronnie Butcher, Chapmanville, W.Va.
A: Hey, Ronnie: No, but they receive free transportation, room and good eating.
Q: Hey, Tony: Why the talk of moving Kevin Shaffer to right guard and not right tackle? Is the team really sold on Kelly Butler (or Nat Dorsey?) at right tackle? — Brian Cochran, St. Louis
A: Hey, Brian: You're forgetting that Ryan Tucker is a pretty good right tackle and is expected to be back.
A: Hey, Brian: He's right about Tucker. Shaffer might be a better right tackle in a zone-blocking scheme. Those who suggest using him at guard are clueless, and that's regardless of the scheme.
Q: Hey, Tony: I keep hearing about competition between [Charlie] Frye and [Brady] Quinn. What happened to Derek Anderson? Did I miss something last two years? Frye's reads were slow. Derek made the offense run more up-tempo. — Champ Brown, Cincinnati
A: Hey, Champ: Anderson is in the mix. Keep in mind he was 0-3 as a starter.
A: Hey, Champ: I hear ya, bro! Rodney Andersonfield was 0-3 with a crappy team, fighting from behind, getting sacked to death, but he has a cannon, gets rid of it fast, is accurate, and has adequate mobility. Only, the new passing offense is being re-designed to better suit Quinn and Frye.
Hey, Tony: You stand corrected.
Q: Hey, Tony: Having been a Browns fan since the Leroy Kelly and Paul Warfield days, I see a lot of negativity towards the Browns this spring. I believe we are in much better shape than in previous years. My biggest concern is the defense. I don't see that we did much to improve in that area. What is your take so far? Can our defense keep us competitive? — John O'Donnell, Sandusky
A: Hey, John: The Browns added five players on defense who should figure prominently — nose tackle Shaun Smith, defensive end Robaire Smith, outside linebacker Antwan Peek and cornerback Kenny Wright in free agency, and cornerback Eric Wright in the draft. I'm not sure these additions sufficiently address the defense's historical problems in stopping the run and effectively rushing the passer.
A: Hey John: How's the weather in Oblivia? Hey, Tony: You first said Peek--a passrusher--Smith and Smith--run-stoppers. Then you wondered if the pass rush and run-stoppage had been sufficiently addressed.
Well, if not absolutely totally, the run-stopping has been significantly upgraded. But pass-rush? Last season there WAS a good pass-rush--what are you looking at?
Q: Hey, Tony: At the cornerback position the Browns have Leigh Bodden, Daven Holly, Eric Wright, Kenny Wright, DeMario Minter, Brandon McDonald and Antonio Perkins. I'm not trying to be hard on an injured player, but why don't they release Gary Baxter? It is going to be very hard for him to come back from two blown knees, and he has a big cap number. — Mark Miller, Independence, Ky.
A: Hey, Mark: Releasing a player does not automatically erase his salary-cap charges. In fact, sometimes it affects the cap adversely based on the player's contract. In Baxter's case, though, releasing him would cost the Browns less. According to my salary information, releasing Baxter would leave the Browns with a $3.5 million charge on their salary cap for 2007. Keeping him costs $5.25 million. So, it's a $1.75 million difference. That's about 1.5 percent of the total salary cap, a pittance to keep alive his dream of coming back from his devastating injuries.
Q: Hey, Tony: I just wanted your thoughts on the Browns adding say Corey Dillon. I think he would love two shots a year at the Bengals. Is it possible or too costly, you know [GM Phil] Savage gets a lot of credit for the draft and I agree, but does [coach] Romeo [Crennel] have anything at all to do with it and should he get any praise, I just don't want to leave him out. I really like this coach. — Mark Fields, Columbus
A: Hey, Mark: Great. How about this idea? Use Dillon the two games against the Bengals, Jamal Lewis the two games against the Ravens and lure Jerome Bettis out of retirement to play the two games against the Steelers. Dillon's done, or else the Patriots wouldn't have let him go. As far as Crennel's input in the draft, it appears to be negligible.
A: Hey Tony: That's an assumption. Savage et al would be out of their minds to ignore their head coach (or even assistant coaches) on personnel issues. I doubt that ANY GM would be that stupid!
Q: Hey, Tony: At one point Chaun Thompson looked as though he was athletic enough to contribute beyond a special-teams role. What held him back and will he ever be more that a special-teams player? — Bill Decker, Spring Valley, Ohio
A: Hey, Bill: Thompson came from an extremely small college in Texas that lost all 11 games his senior season. He has been switched to different positions and has played in three defensive systems. He looks best at rushing the passer, but the team has other players who contribute more in the overall defense. He may never be more than a special-teams player and role player on defense.
A: Hey Bill: So any player who doesn't start doesn't play, right? Hey, Tony: Thompson looks best in PASS COVERAGE, although he does everything well. And this "role-player" might play over 25-30% of the defensive snaps. Drink some coffee or something!
Q: Hey, Tony: Any chance we will be trading for/signing a veteran to help Brady Quinn out? I figured Derek Anderson or Charlie Frye would be a draft day casualty since we are making room for Quinn. — Aaron D, Tipp City, Ohio
A: Hey, Aaron: GM Phil Savage said in March that he has no plans of adding a veteran quarterback. Then he changed his mind and pursued Trent Green. Green doesn't want to play for the Browns. Recently, Savage said again that he has no plans of adding a veteran quarterback. Look for the Browns' QB roster to be made up of Quinn, Frye and Anderson.
Q: Hey, Tony: Lots of talk these days concerning who will be the Browns punt returner. Antonio Perkins was a very successful punt returner in college. Is he still being considered for the job with the Browns? — Skip Springer, Harvey, La.
A: Hey, Skip: Perkins has been a deep disappointment. I suspect he will compete for the job in training camp. It's his only hope of making the final roster.
A: Hey, Tony: You mean any low-round draft pick who can't displace Dennis Northcutt as a punt-returner is a deep disappointment? Wasn't Northcutt pretty good?
Q: Hey, Tony: Is it possible for the Browns to pick up Chris Brown? He would be the perfect change of pace back to spell Jamal Lewis. — Brandon Reyes, Avon Lake
A: Hey, Brandon: He would be an improvement over what they've got behind Lewis, but there appears no desire on the club's part to add a veteran running back.
A: Hey, Brandon: A 230 lb. power back is not a change-of pace for a 240 lb. power back. Words mean things. Hey, Tony: Give Harrison a freaking chance, will ya? Hey, Brandon: A 205 lb. scat-back would be a great change-of-pace for a 240 lb. power back.
Q: Hey, Tony: Is it true that Browns GM Phil Savage admitted to wearing a Baltimore Ravens T-shirt in the Browns war room during this year's NFL draft? I heard he showed it off to owner Randy Lerner as if to infer the Browns were having a good draft because he had his lucky Ravens T-shirt on. If this is true, don't you find it mildly ironic that the guy who claims to be sick and tired of Cleveland fans bemoaning the Browns luck felt it necessary to wear his lucky Baltimore shirt on draft day? Does Savage realize that most of the frustration and disappointment surrounding the “new†Browns lingers from the [Art] Modell/Baltimore fiasco and the NFL subsequently doing no favors for the new regime? Tony, please inform Mr. Savage that his plea of “just give us a chance†would have come off a little more sincere if he was wearing orange and brown. — Paul Cseplo, Twinsburg
A: Hey, Paul: I agree it was an odd thing for Savage to do. I take issue with your statement that the NFL did no favors for the expansion franchise. The Browns received 14 extra draft choices over their first two season. They squandered most of them. How is that the NFL's fault?
A: Hey, Paul: GET A HOBBY!
Q: Hey, Tony: Now that the Browns have had a great draft do you think that this turns up the heat on [coach] Romeo [Crennel] to produce a winner in order to save his job? And if so, what do you think will be required in terms of wins and losses to save it? Is 8-8 enough or do the Browns need to make the playoffs? — Mark Incorvia, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
A: Hey, Mark: I think what's more important is to make some headway in division games, where Crennel's record is 1-11. The first month of the season, featuring three division rivals in Cleveland, will say a lot.
Q: Hey, Tony: I'm psyched about the Browns draft picks and their free agent signings. Could we actually see an 8-8 season? — Bruce Rexrode, Mentor
A: Hey, Bruce: That would amount to doubling last season's win total. I would say it's doubtful, but not impossible.
Q: Hey, Tony: What is the status of DeMario Minter? I have not seen his name mentioned once this year whenever the topic of the cornerback situation has come up. — Sam Toth, Cleveland Heights
A: Hey, Sam: Minter is on the roster. He missed last season after knee surgery.
A: Hey, Bruce: He will compete to START, but will probably get beat out by Wright, and perhaps Holly, to become the third or fourth cornerback in this deep, talented corps.
Q: Hey, Tony: What kind of offense can we expect with the new offensive coordinator [Rob Chudzinski] and who do you see from this offense as having a shot at the Pro Bowl? — Brad, Shaker Heights
A: Hey, Brad: Kellen Winslow Jr. would have a shot at the Pro Bowl if the Browns had a winning record and Winslow had 70 catches and 10 touchdowns. Jamal Lewis would have a shot if he rushed for 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns. Braylon Edwards would have a shot if he had 80 catches and 12 touchdowns. If all those things happened, somebody on the offensive line would have a shot, too.
Hey, Brad: Braylon Edwards went so far as to call it a "west coast" offense. The QB will get rid of it quickly, and this means slants and crosses. The QB will throw to windows, rather than tracking his recievers. He will often throw before the reciever makes his break. And when the ball hits thin air or is intercepted with a reciever no where near it, it is usually the reciever's fault.
The personnel on the offensive line strongly indicates zone-blocking, and Lewis and company should have an opportunity to not get swarmed at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield--and get blamed for it.
Q: Hey, Tony: When do you think Brady Quinn will start his first NFL game? I really believe if Quinn picks up the offense, he could start Week 1 against the Steelers. If he could pick up Charlie Weis' playbook surely he could pick up Rob Chudzinski's? What do you think? — Mark Potthoff, Glandorf, Ohio
A: Hey, Mark: I think Quinn's first start depends on how Charlie Frye fares. If the season starts with Frye the starter, he has to win some games in the first month to hold on to the job. Otherwise, the drumbeat for Quinn will be so loud that it will drown out everything going on with the team.
Q: Hey, Tony: Mary Kay [Cabot's] article [last] Sunday indicated that [line] coach [Steve] Marshall didn't want Joe Thomas to gain any weight and stay at 310 pounds. On draft weekend, many of the analysts (and I believe [coach] Romeo [Crennel]) said he could put an additional 15 — 20 pounds on his frame and not lose any quickness. What's Marshall thinking? — Bob Ruple, Newbury, Ohio
A: Hey, Bob: Part of the attraction to Thomas was his mobility and agility. Why pack on 20 pounds at the expense of losing a millisecond of quickness? Size isn't the be-all, end-all.
A: Hey, Tony: AMEN! Hey, Bob: Another indication of a zone-blocking offensive line, which prioritizes agility, speed, and quickness. I'm sure they wouldn't mind Thomas gaining 15 lbs. of MUSCLE--they're just saying we don't need fat guys here like they do most other places. Lard merely anchors a guy more securely to the ground. Muscle moves.
Q: Hey, Tony: It seems to me that the logical time to expect Brady Quinn to become the starter is after the bye week — am I right? — ” Frank Mazzella, Parma
A: Hey, Frank: Not if the Browns are 4-3 under Charlie Frye (or Derek Anderson, for that matter). The ideal situation is that Frye or Anderson beats out Quinn in preseason and then takes the team through a winning season, allowing Quinn to soak up the pace of the NFL game and season and not be forced in too early. Carson Palmer didn't play his first year and that worked out well.
A: Hey, Tony: Good answer, and I appreciate your not dissing Anderson, who might be a huge, huge sleeper.
Q: Hey, Tony: While rookies are attending minicamps prior to signing contracts are they being paid? — Ronnie Butcher, Chapmanville, W.Va.
A: Hey, Ronnie: No, but they receive free transportation, room and good eating.
Q: Hey, Tony: Why the talk of moving Kevin Shaffer to right guard and not right tackle? Is the team really sold on Kelly Butler (or Nat Dorsey?) at right tackle? — Brian Cochran, St. Louis
A: Hey, Brian: You're forgetting that Ryan Tucker is a pretty good right tackle and is expected to be back.
A: Hey, Brian: He's right about Tucker. Shaffer might be a better right tackle in a zone-blocking scheme. Those who suggest using him at guard are clueless, and that's regardless of the scheme.
Q: Hey, Tony: I keep hearing about competition between [Charlie] Frye and [Brady] Quinn. What happened to Derek Anderson? Did I miss something last two years? Frye's reads were slow. Derek made the offense run more up-tempo. — Champ Brown, Cincinnati
A: Hey, Champ: Anderson is in the mix. Keep in mind he was 0-3 as a starter.
A: Hey, Champ: I hear ya, bro! Rodney Andersonfield was 0-3 with a crappy team, fighting from behind, getting sacked to death, but he has a cannon, gets rid of it fast, is accurate, and has adequate mobility. Only, the new passing offense is being re-designed to better suit Quinn and Frye.
Hey, Tony: You stand corrected.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Dink and Dunk
(In John Kerry mode): As I had predicted before my prediction, Tyrone Moss was summarily dismissed.
But they signed Jerome Jackson from Michigan. Jackson was a backup at Michigan, but averaged well over 6 YPC. He has good size and should get bigger than his current 206. I have little else on him...but 6 YPC? That's Michigan, in the Big 10, right? Very interesting!
They also got an ILB who got suspended and injured--Kevin Sears out of Auburn. Listen carefully: Leon Williams. Stand by. And they signed a P R O J E C T offensive tackle. These guys might or might not accomplish something, sooner or later. Jackson and Sears have special teams potential--and sleeper potential.
I heard Braylon Edwards interviewed on NFL radio. First of all he has a charitable foundation which awards college scholarships to underprivelaged kids in Detroit. This kind of charity works, because it gets people off the plantation. Uncles, aunts, older siblings, and often even mom and dad tell them "You aint got a chance. They fixed it that way."
Edwards says "Get the grades and graduate and you can be somebody". So they DO. Bravo!
Anyway, he sounded more mature. Good. He said Charlie is still his QB til they tell him different, and defended Frye, saying he got killed last season. He declined to mention the interceptions and non-TD's that went off his own personal hands, but I guess defending him was something.
I did get a lot of insight into the new offense from him. He said it's designed for the QB to get rid of the ball quickly--and some other stuff. This will NOT be a Raider-like mad-bomber offense, but will have a lot of west coast elements it. Shallow crosses and slants, yards after catch, etc.
This is really good news! It was Chudzinski himself who originally described a "vertical" passing offense, so the dude is clearly open-minded and adaptable.
And it just makes sense. Edwards and the walking wounded guy we got from the Giants are the only deep threats here. But Edwards isn't one-dimensional, and will cross and run after the catch as well; is probably more effective doing this than just flying down the sideline hollering "hit me!"
Winslow is exceptional, but not like he was originally. He is called a "deep threat" only because he can GET deep, and defeat even double-coverage. Heiden could start for many teams as a reviever, and Jurevicious is a possession guy. Travis Wilson, who WILL make a strong bid for a starting role this season, is also mostly a possession type, who exploits his height and size, and can run with the ball.
This whole crew is ideal for a West Coast type scheme. Another rarely-mentioned element of this is the fact that the recievers are all expected to be accomplished blockers. Not just trying to bump a guy or whatever--but assigned targets to intercept or attack.
On runs, they will burst off the line in order to sell the pass and get a zone DB on his heels or a man DB running away from the line. Then, against man coverage, they'll slow enough to get the DB ahead of them and keep driving them, or in zone they'll aim right at the guy.
Now, Savage has loaded up on fullbacks. Here's what to expect: a lot of two-TE, and a lot of two-back. A three-wide set would be a one-back, with the back probably being Rodney Harrisonfield. (The timing, quick-release part of the offense makes the slot/outlet reciever more important than a bodyguard, and a little fast guy is more effective on draws against spread-out defenses).
Everybody except Lewis is a nifty reciever.
Man, I'm starting to feel it--what did I say about Frye and Quinn?
Adam Caplan in a recent blabberfest ("chat" session) opined that the current D-line is adequate, with depth. He got that one right. But the wild-card is, I say again, Simon Fraser. He is a disruptor, and will still be one even as he returns heavier and stronger. Also I've heard that this Orien Harris dude aint half-bad. Will study up on him.
OK a second-year player, Miami Hurricane. Main problem was inconsistancy. He's athletic and explosive, but the profile says he couldn't hold up to double-teams. Of course this was his college profile say...damn--dude sounds like FRASER!!! Let's see how much he's i m p r o v e d!
He also mentioned Wilson, who could be really damn good.
And Peek. Adam feels that the whole defense hinges on Antwan Peek, and whether or not he generates a pass-rush opposite Wimbley. He's technicly right, but overstating it. Every player on this defense can and will blitze to augment and distract from Wimbley, and the defense could still be very effective even if Peek aint.
But Peek is a prototype bookend, and in the ideal scheme, either or both of these OLB's can be "sent" at any time, and the rest can fill the holes in coverage. These are guys which the blockers often can't stop even when they know they're coming. That's why they have to be big and have reasonably long arms--so they can meet a blocker and get by him without running halfway around the football field.
They'll bull-rush a much bigger guy when they have a running start and the guy is neccessarily backing up already. Andra Davis has the strength and bulk to do that, but the lineman would easily reach out and stagger him with a hand-punch (and jersey-grab) before he could touch him.
So yeah, Peek is important. At least Caplan correctly identified him as an important component, and not just a "situational" player, like some yawning nimrods did.
Well okbye
But they signed Jerome Jackson from Michigan. Jackson was a backup at Michigan, but averaged well over 6 YPC. He has good size and should get bigger than his current 206. I have little else on him...but 6 YPC? That's Michigan, in the Big 10, right? Very interesting!
They also got an ILB who got suspended and injured--Kevin Sears out of Auburn. Listen carefully: Leon Williams. Stand by. And they signed a P R O J E C T offensive tackle. These guys might or might not accomplish something, sooner or later. Jackson and Sears have special teams potential--and sleeper potential.
I heard Braylon Edwards interviewed on NFL radio. First of all he has a charitable foundation which awards college scholarships to underprivelaged kids in Detroit. This kind of charity works, because it gets people off the plantation. Uncles, aunts, older siblings, and often even mom and dad tell them "You aint got a chance. They fixed it that way."
Edwards says "Get the grades and graduate and you can be somebody". So they DO. Bravo!
Anyway, he sounded more mature. Good. He said Charlie is still his QB til they tell him different, and defended Frye, saying he got killed last season. He declined to mention the interceptions and non-TD's that went off his own personal hands, but I guess defending him was something.
I did get a lot of insight into the new offense from him. He said it's designed for the QB to get rid of the ball quickly--and some other stuff. This will NOT be a Raider-like mad-bomber offense, but will have a lot of west coast elements it. Shallow crosses and slants, yards after catch, etc.
This is really good news! It was Chudzinski himself who originally described a "vertical" passing offense, so the dude is clearly open-minded and adaptable.
And it just makes sense. Edwards and the walking wounded guy we got from the Giants are the only deep threats here. But Edwards isn't one-dimensional, and will cross and run after the catch as well; is probably more effective doing this than just flying down the sideline hollering "hit me!"
Winslow is exceptional, but not like he was originally. He is called a "deep threat" only because he can GET deep, and defeat even double-coverage. Heiden could start for many teams as a reviever, and Jurevicious is a possession guy. Travis Wilson, who WILL make a strong bid for a starting role this season, is also mostly a possession type, who exploits his height and size, and can run with the ball.
This whole crew is ideal for a West Coast type scheme. Another rarely-mentioned element of this is the fact that the recievers are all expected to be accomplished blockers. Not just trying to bump a guy or whatever--but assigned targets to intercept or attack.
On runs, they will burst off the line in order to sell the pass and get a zone DB on his heels or a man DB running away from the line. Then, against man coverage, they'll slow enough to get the DB ahead of them and keep driving them, or in zone they'll aim right at the guy.
Now, Savage has loaded up on fullbacks. Here's what to expect: a lot of two-TE, and a lot of two-back. A three-wide set would be a one-back, with the back probably being Rodney Harrisonfield. (The timing, quick-release part of the offense makes the slot/outlet reciever more important than a bodyguard, and a little fast guy is more effective on draws against spread-out defenses).
Everybody except Lewis is a nifty reciever.
Man, I'm starting to feel it--what did I say about Frye and Quinn?
Adam Caplan in a recent blabberfest ("chat" session) opined that the current D-line is adequate, with depth. He got that one right. But the wild-card is, I say again, Simon Fraser. He is a disruptor, and will still be one even as he returns heavier and stronger. Also I've heard that this Orien Harris dude aint half-bad. Will study up on him.
OK a second-year player, Miami Hurricane. Main problem was inconsistancy. He's athletic and explosive, but the profile says he couldn't hold up to double-teams. Of course this was his college profile say...damn--dude sounds like FRASER!!! Let's see how much he's i m p r o v e d!
He also mentioned Wilson, who could be really damn good.
And Peek. Adam feels that the whole defense hinges on Antwan Peek, and whether or not he generates a pass-rush opposite Wimbley. He's technicly right, but overstating it. Every player on this defense can and will blitze to augment and distract from Wimbley, and the defense could still be very effective even if Peek aint.
But Peek is a prototype bookend, and in the ideal scheme, either or both of these OLB's can be "sent" at any time, and the rest can fill the holes in coverage. These are guys which the blockers often can't stop even when they know they're coming. That's why they have to be big and have reasonably long arms--so they can meet a blocker and get by him without running halfway around the football field.
They'll bull-rush a much bigger guy when they have a running start and the guy is neccessarily backing up already. Andra Davis has the strength and bulk to do that, but the lineman would easily reach out and stagger him with a hand-punch (and jersey-grab) before he could touch him.
So yeah, Peek is important. At least Caplan correctly identified him as an important component, and not just a "situational" player, like some yawning nimrods did.
Well okbye
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