Of note in the Browns latest depth chart is the inclusion of FB Joe Kerridge (in a 21/2-back set).
I don't buy it. The 2019 Browns will rarely take a Tight End or WR off the field to make room for a fullback.
All the same, they seem to like this player, and he is a true fullback. He's a good Special Teams candidate, and they probably like having that cave man option in short yardage vs some defenses.
I haven't heard much about Kerridge's blocking, but know he wouldn't be here without that skill.
A guy his size can not only lead block, but be very effective in pass protection (from a central point). And Kerridge himself is a good outlet receiver.
In re pass pro and outlet catches, this is another way for offensive coaches to plug a leaky offensive line.
I wish OBJ would shut up. They sent him to Cleveland "to die"? It wasn't business? They had better offers?
Better than Zeitler, Peppers, and #17 overall for you and Vernon, Odell? Stay away from the Front Office when you retire, ok?
But Donald Trump Baker Mayfield said he couldn't believe that the Giants drafted Daniel Jones high in the first round, and wow!!!
NOBODY could believe that Geddleman would draft a one year starter that high, ok?
Jones was projected to be drafted as low as the fifth round. Is ANYBODY but Geddleman not shocked by that pick!?!
All this kid says is that, and everybody is bashing him like he said Jones sucks, Geddleman is an idiot, and somehow they'll probably find a way to blame Mayfield for a school shooting and call him a racist and stuff.
Gimme a break. Nobody can say a damn thing anymore without the snowflakes coming after him with a fkng gag and handcuohhmmmm....ohhmmm....1 2 3 4 5 6...
I was gone for awhile but I'm back now. You didn't burn OBJ and Baker at the...ok all is well...
Damion Ratley and (moreso) Derrick Willies really looked great today...
Jeez how can you cut any of these guys? And how 'bout that John Dorsey for digging them up?
I'm now guessing that Ratley should make it. He was an actual draft pick, and has Callaway-like (game-breaking) speed. Unless he gets hurt yet again.
And Willies, because he's by far the biggest target, and different from everybody else.
That would make 6. Unless they keep 7, they'd have to waive the rest before trying to sign any to the practice squad, and 31 other teams would have a shot at them.
John Dorsey will definitely try to retain at least Strong or Montgomery, since (like I posted) Jarvis Landry is probably leaving in 2020 (money? Cap?)
I'm happy for Rodney Mitchellfield for (so far) holding off Greedy Williams.
Yesterday, Eric Murray made a couple nice plays, and the DBs in general are rounding into shape.
Murray is kind of a lock because he plays every position and is a key special teamer. GREAT depth guy.
But today in camp one pundit said Mayfield was especially hot, making pinpoint throws all over the place.
Mayfield is in the Brees/Rodgers/Warner zone in the touch and accuracy dept. People like Colon Cowturd don't comprehend that this is more important than size, but...well why bother?
Yeah see now Colon restates that Sam Darnold will be better than Baker Mayfield in the long run.
No knock on Darnold, who I think is already pretty good, and will become very good, but what is Colon really basing that prediction on?
First and foremost, his earlier prediction. Second, the fact that Darnold is a couple inches taller and somewhat bigger...period.
No really. That's it! Darnold isn't more athletic or smarter or more accurate than Mayfield. He doesn't have a stronger arm, and he's not a better leader of men.
The ONLY edge Sam Darnold has over Baker Mayfield is his size. For that matter, Mayfield is certainly more accurate, may even have the better arm, and is the better throw-on-the-run guy too.
Some people are just impervious to logic and reason. Nor will I ever manage to keep a straight face when I hear Colon utter the word "ego".
Kush seems to be the top Right Guard, but this aint over yet, and Drew Forbes is making a move.
Don't worry about Kendall Lamm and the other guys. That's testing/experimentation. James Campen, as he himself explained, is trying to identify his top 2 backups, each of which must play multiple positions.
Tough call! I suspect the 2019 Browns will keep 8 Offensive Linemen, because Corbett seems to be the backup center, Forbes was just drafted and has been shining lately, but niether have experience.
I'm glad I don't have to make these decisions. (But if it ever comes down to OBJ or me, I'm stepping up!)
Okbye
1: Please stop overreacting about the kickers. Ever since Phil Dawson left with his Brinks truck, you've compared every kicker to him, and every one of them "sucked".
Bub, now our kickers suck because they missed 53-yarders? Actually, most kickers are shaky at anything over 48 yards.
Verily, it would be better to have signed that Gold guy or somebody, and whichever kicker wins the competition probably won't be a top 10 guy or whatever, but "suck"?
The percieved fantasy outlook for several Browns is really interesting, but nobody has asked me yet, so who knows, right?
It's ok. I'm here for you:
1: OBJ will be a top 10 WR, but top 5 is iffy.
The reasons are the same as I listed before:
A: Mayfield spreads the ball around (which is a big part of why he is exceptional).
B: When opposing defenses focus on any Browns WR, it will be Beckham.
C: Njoku's drop rate in the most recent 8 games (knock-knock anybody home!?!) was top 10 among TEs last season, and he's a prime red zone target.
D: Both Higgins and Landry will cut into OBJ's catches, as well as the running backs.
But OBJ is an extraordinary talent, so don't get me wrong. He could still be a top 3 WR in 2019 despite all this.
2: Baker Mayfield will obviously be a top 5 fantasy QB.
He will have better weapons, an even stronger running game, most of a season under his belt---I mean duh!
I guess you could legitimately say that an upgraded defense and the likelihood of playing with nice leads more often could undermine Baker with more conservative game plans and playcalling.
That's logical, but I don't think the cards will fall that way.
Todd Monken will influence this offense, and Freddie Kitchens doesn't mind going for the throat early and often either. The Browns will seek to establish those early leads running a balanced offense, and Mayfield will always go for it every chance he gets.
Inside the red zone, it's been Mayfield's arm that's racked up those TDs. A bunch of those scored by Duke or Nick were receptions instead of handoffs as well.
And you can't tell a Quarterback "don't go deep", or just keep handing off all day, or in general put your strongest offensive asset on ice.
What's a "comfortable lead" by halftime in the NFL these days?
30+ points.
3: Njoku should be a top 10 TE, but maybe not top 5. He's got most of OBJ's issues working against him, plus he'll be blocking more often to help Hubbard or Robinson; the WRs in general are going to be the main downfield weapons.
I don't know about Jarvis Landry.
He's "solid", but on this Browns team in 2019, he's kinda tied with Higgins, ok? It's why I've predicted that Jarvis Landry won't be on this team in 2020.
Ah, shaddap! I love the guy too, but business is business (like with Kirksey/Schobert).
4: Nick Chubb will be a top 5 RB (including for PPR leagues) through 8 games, but after that?
This gets deep. I addressed it in depth in a post a week or so after Dorsey signed Kareem Hunt:
In a nutshell, the Browns use Hunt some in 2019 (partly to showcase him), then pay serious dineros to sign him long-term, then TRADE him and his (still not outrageous) salary for awesome draft picks a year or so before Nick Chubb's contract nears the "renegotiation" zone...
But I digress:
MKC's view of day 17 is as good as anybody's, but I'm here for you again (you're welcome):
Gregg Joseph doesn't still "have a chance" vs Seibert. Pun intended, he's still kicking Seibert's ass! Is this about that F I F T H round draft pick or something?
Ok so Drew Stanton is a major brain and has helped Mayfield (etc) a lot.
...this recommends Stanton as a COACH, ok? How can you turn this into an excuse for this guy to step in for an injured Mayfield ahead of 2 Quarterbacks who are better than he is?
Fuzzy thinking. Zzinggg!
Damion Ratley, who testified on Drew Stanton's behalf, is in trouble now due to his injuries.
As you guys know, I've been in Ratley's corner all along, with his length, freakish agility, and speed.
But now Strong, Willies, and Montgomery have all stolen a march on him.
I can't predict how this shakes out, but can guarantee you that the rest of the NFL eagerly awaits the players the 2019 Browns will have to waive.
WR is the big one, as Willies, Strong, Ratley, and Montgomery all belong in the NFL.
But after that, the Browns will be letting go some very good DBs, LBs, (maybe) DEs, and TEs too!
For that matter (Bub) whoever loses the punting and kicking battles here has a good shot at remaining in the NFL.
By the way I love Colquitt but want the Scottish Hammer (and a couple mil in cap savings) more.
I will close with this:
Experience at suckage or mediocrity means less than talent. And if you favor a more experienced sucker or mediocre guy over a younger guy who hasn't mastered suckage or mediocrity yet, you are an IDIOT.
NO offense intended, Freddie.
Several Browns backups and fringe guys stood out vs the Colts on saturday, and Nick Snook pegged the guys I would have.
This DJ Montgomery is just messing everything up, man! Just when we thought we could relax and pencil Willies and Strong in there behind Higgins...wtf!?!
All the Quarterbacks are hitting this kid, and he's the rawest and newest on the roster! If he's already making all these plays now, where might his cieling be?
He's been showing up more and more often.
This is the bright side of the top guys not playing in preseason: These brand new guys get actual reps, and opportunities.
Like Garrett Gilbert.
Listen, Freddie Kitchens is sounding alarmingly like Hue Jackson when he says "Drew Stanton is the number two quarterback" regardless of the FACT that both Gilbert and Blough are better than he is.
I can only hope that this is "coach-speak" and Freddie is just saying it, because if he really means it, he's indeed not as smart as we'd hoped.
Drew Stanton is, and always was, a bad Quarterback. He has a lot of experience at being a bad Quarterback, but...
Anyway Gilbert should be the backup Quarterback, because he is...you know...better than Stanton...obviously? D U H?
Then there's RB D'Ernest Johnson, who was all over the place in the absence of Hunt and Hilliard, as both a runner and receiver.
Johnson is challenging Hilliard right tf NOW, you people. And Freddie won't get stupid about that like he has about Quarterbacks.
Rodney Averyfield got back on the field off an injury and (believe it or not) played linebacker!
It's true! And he played well!
You guys get my sarcasm, of course. I've told you since Genard Avery was drafted that he's a full-spectrum linebacker who fits in any defense, at every position, so no surprises here.
I haven't seen the game, but know he got two open field stops to kinda stuff a Colts drive.
In both cases, however, I guarantee that Avery was coming off another assignment (maybe out of coverage)...because he is THE FASTEST LINEBACKER ON THIS ROSTER DO YOU U N D E R S T A N D?
Genard Avery was expected by every legitimate analyst to return as a more accomplished player in year 2.
He was practicing with the Defensive Ends early in camp, and everybody except my humble self said "Derr dah linebagger eggzbarriundd is owverr..."
Why does anybody who reads this Blog take anybody else (except maybe Jake Burns) as seriously? Because you're supposed to?
Sorry that was just me being objective bragging remember forget it.
Dammit.
The way Jacoby Brissett sliced and diced the Browns linebackers and secondary was alarming, but it's utterly impossible that this crew under Wilks will be that bad when it counts.
For one thing, Saint Kirksey probably can't hold off Mack Wilson...
Well ok unless Freddie Kitchens decides that since Kirksey has a lot more experience at being mediocre than Wilson does...
...?
FREDDIE KITCHENS: You're already scaring the hell out of us!
Elliot Kennel writes that Austin Corbett has finally been demoted from starting Right Guard (he's listed as the number 2 center).
Elliot saw a different Depth Chart than the Our Lads one I use, and his might have been more recent.
Ourlads has Kush as both the starting Right Guard and the backup center, with Corbett number 2 at Right Guard.
Elliot's has Corbett as the number 2 Center, period. I have to lean towards Elliot's chart here, since it sounded like it came from the team itself and was more recent.
It is looking worse and worse for Austin Corbett, and Elliot isn't overreacting when he says that this is looking like a major disappointment. Because Corbett was drafted at the very top of the second round in 2017, that would make him a bust.
It doesn't mean the guy can't play, or become a starter, or even bloom late and become a star; but that's what you hope to get out of an Offensive Lineman drafted in the third round or lower.
Elliot did assume too much, however:
I haven't heard how well Corbett is doing at Center, but do know that this is where he's been getting the bulk of his reps.
Tretter's Brinks truck will be backing up after the 2019 season, and it is possible that he will leave.
Elliott says that Corbett could be on his way to the chopping block here, as he'll be due over 2.5 mil in 2020. If he hasn't turned into a starter, or at least "go-to" depth at 2 or more positions, that's right.
But Austin Corbett is only entering his second season, and the Center position is unique. In fact, most top centers have been mediocre guards.
I'm telling Elliott and you that it's too early to shovel dirt on Austin Corbett the Center.
John Dorsey does have a lot of influence here (not a bad thing! Ex-player, real football guy, speaks the language ok?).
Austin Corbett will be given every opportunity to live up to his lofty draft status before he is kicked to the curb, and it is very possible that he can be at least an above average center.
All centers need to be genuine athletes. Elliott himself mentions Corbett's ability to pull and run around, but seems to think that this only matters for guards.
Well, Centers can pull, too! It's atypical, but not uncommon. More importantly, in zone blocking schemes, the center is often going downfield hunting little guys in space.
Centers rotate back to intercept edge-rushers getting around their tackles, and...
Well it's still quite possible that Austin Corbett could become an exceptional center, and even conceivably replace JC Tretter (saving 8+ mil in cap space) in 2020.
...or not. That was not a prediction. Just a "waitaminnit" for Elliott.
I'm using this link because Thomas Moore wrote the article. The guy Thomas quoted was an emotionally governed, Steelers hyperhomer spazz.
It is idiotic to call all the hype surrounding the 2019 Browns "rediculous". What is rediculous is the fact that guys this dumb get on the air.
To redundanizationalize, I have objectively projected the Steelers and Ravens (in that order) as "matches" for the Browns in 2019.
Steelers and Ravens fans can't be blamed for feeling insulted and irked by most of the experts predicting that the 2019 Browns will win the AFC North.
But if you say that this is "rediculous" because of history and "it's still the Browns", you need a brain transplant.
Reports from the Colts vs Browns' scrimmage are pretty positive from the Browns' perspective.
Andrew Luck isn't participating, and this matters, but Jacoby Brissett is no joke. Some feel he's a top 20 NFL QB. Others think he's less than that.
But I digress: Both the Colts and the Browns pundits are reporting positive news. This is because of how the practices are structured.
Based on what coverage from both sides I've read, I think the Browns look better overall (just an opinion).
I can't find the damn article again, but Baker Mayfield waxed poetic in re Rashard Higgins, and it was impressive:
Mayfield cut right to the chase and broke it down: Rashard Higgins is not a "burner", but is a guy who will be in the right place at the right time.
Baker called Higgins a "back shoulder guy" (you people don't get how rare such comments are from any QB or coach).
Baker Mayfield was so refreshingly open and honest!!! How can you hate this guy, even if he bashed Duke Johnson and made an ass of himself picking on Hue Jackson?
Anyhoo, nobody gets this: the "back shoulder" comment labeled Higgins a deep threat zzzinngg!!!
Baker Mayfield...he is special. Psychologically as well as physically. I can't emphasize this enough for the permabashers, Ravens/Steelers/Bengals homers and dart-throwing parrotpundits:
Baker Mayfield is as good as any QB in the NFL NOW. Not "eventually" or "in time".
I can't fathom most of you people! How the hell can you rationalize yourselves into the ROOKIE Baker Mayfield not doing what he DID in 2018, and expecting him to decline somehow...duh "sophomore slump" or something?
Baker Mayfield is a "Franchise Quarterback" squared. RIght now.
He will improve over time, of course.
It's idiotic that detractors cite Freddie Kitchens and...well just him (as you know he'll like sorta cave in to the pressure of Head Coachery and stuff or something?)
I have compared Freddie Kitchens to Donald Trump. Regardless of your politics, you should "get" that Freddie Kitchens is way smarter than lots of people think he is.
The 2019 Browns are rightfully projected to win the AFC North.
Deal with it.
The Browns' Depth Chart heading into joint practices with the Colts promoted ma man Nick Dudukovich to have 3 thoughts.
He wasn't his usual supersharp self:
I do agree 100% with Nick about Sheehy-Guiseppi, who is listed as the third punt returner.
Nick says this guy needs to test against real NFL players; he's earned it.
However 1: Special Teams aren't like Offense and Defense. A bunch of those 4th quarter "teamers" will end up in the NFL.
2: Guiseppi's teammates were as bad as Washington's coverage unit.
3: His ranking doesn't mean the Priefer won't use him early.
Nick thinks Right Guard looks "settled" with Kush, but Jake Burns sees some serious flaws in Kush, which he saw exposed vs the Redskins:
Jake said that Kush got bull-rushed into the backfield on pass plays, and that this was always his weak spot.
That's a huge red flag, because inside pressure is exactly the best way to attack Baker Mayfield, and if one DT can pull it off, Defenses won't need to blitze.
And it's a "safe" attack, because if it doesn't blow up a handoff, it forces any run outside.
So while Kush's rankings seem to indicate that he has won the RG Derby, it's not that simple.
Avery "starting" at SAM...Nick just went off the rails with false assumptions and bad reads on this one. I'll just redundate here:
1: Avery was a LINEBACKER in college. While he did blitze a lot, he was ok in coverage.
2: As a Browns' ROOKIE, Avery proved an already scary passrusher, and was used a lot in that role.
Nick really disappointed me talking about "failed experiments" and based on what a rookie player did in his rookie season.
Despite the additions of Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki, Genard Avery remains the fastest and strongest linebacker on this roster.
I haven't seen the roster that Nick talks about, but if it looks like a 4-3 it's irrelevant, and Avery isn't a real starter in Steve Wilks' 4-2-5. Nor does it matter why the Browns did it that way--but it was probably for PR.
Mack Wilson was the highest graded player in the NFL for preseason week 1.
Per PFF, Wilson got pressures on both of his blitzes, in addition to his 2 interceptions.
He's getting these interceptions as a zone guy, by the way; ie not running with Tight Ends or Running Backs.
(I'm learning more about Wilks' scheme every day, despite superficial punditry).
Some are wondering if Wilson is a "flash in the pan". Probably not:
A rookie defender doesn't do this 4 days in a row. Do you think that opposing Offensive Coordinators will be game-planning around this kid or something?
Mack Wilson was rightfully "dinged" by real talent scouts for (I'm not sure) poor instincts/hesitation/bad reads vs the run, and that's why he slid to the 5th round.
Ok full circle: Try to keep up with me here:
1: Genard Avery, when he shows up, will stand up, and rush the passer more often than not. Opposing Offenses will have to assume that he is blitzing, and assign a blocker to him.
...so when he drops into coverage instead, one blocker is a minute late and a dollar short trying to stop somebody else.
...and he can cover (in zone)! And stop the run too. Avery is entering his second NFL season and is a physical freak. No offense to Nick Dudukovich, but let's not talk about "failed experiments" with this guy just yet.
2: Wilson makes Schobert and his Brinks truck tradeable, Takitaki makes Kirksey expendable, and...
Pearls before swine. Why do I bother?
Okbye
THIS JUST IN:
The Browns Offense reflects a 2-back with new Fullback Kerridge as a starter.
Nick? Come on, man!!!
John Dorsey could not have picked a better team to scrimmage against in week 2. The 2019 Colts are at least almost as stacked as the Browns are on offense (with maybe a better offensive line).
On defense, find old freinds Jabaal Sheard and Pierre Desir.
T Y Hilton, Devin Funchess, Chester Rogers, Parris Campbell what are you kiddin me? These guys are really going to challenge the secondary!
Colts GM Chris Ballard has done a brilliant job with his roster; notably his nearly instantaneous upgrade of his Offensive Line.
Ballard and Dorsey are good freinds, which has a lot to do with why these two teams will be practicing against eachother. It will be great for both of them.
I should mention here that old veterans (like Easy Ed McCaffery of NFL Radio) tend to despise these intrasquad scrimmages;
The young guys fighting for roster spots are kind of desperate to make a big impression, so they take these opportunities to try to lay out non-teammates, and people can get hurt.
But I presume that Ballard and Dorsey will be right there, and the Coaches all over that stuff. I have a hunch they'll be paying extra attention to Sione Takitaki, who is kinda bloodthirsty.
New guy Steve Gessic Jr. might be one of my secret admirers, as he is the first non-me to have it dawn on him that Wilson and Takitaki could make Kirksey and Schobert expendable this season.
You can't blame me for being suspicious. Who else has been suggesting this?
(To review: Schobert's Brinks truck is due to back up after 2019, and Kirksey...well he's just not earning his big salary).
Steve says that Takitaki looked decent and Wilson was obviously amazing in coverage (again).
You people should understand that off-the-ball linebacker is not a big rocket science project type position, ok?
Certainly it's not like running back or anything, but an experienced rookie can often step right in.
Damarius Randall is a thorny issue, but Kirksey and Schobert vs Takitaki and Wilson...not so much. Deal with it.
John Keatly wrote a decent article on newly signed TE Rico Gathers, but that "clearly, they're not satisfied with depth behind Njoku" etc stuff is ignorant.
I told you LAST YEAR that Orson Charles was overrated (even as a fullback). DeValve is hurt (yet again--which is a problem in and of itself), but "clearly not satisfied" is hyperbole.
Anyway Gathers is a big skyscraper who I assume is expected to block like Demetrius Harris.
It starts to look like I was right about the 2019 Browns carrying 4 Tight Ends with 2 blockers and 2 move guys, and zero fullbacks.
(Ok well if DeValve could stay healthy for over 72 hours at a time he could line up back there...)
Look no further than the 2018 Browns offense under Freddie Kitchens, Sherlock:
Freddie used 2 Tight Ends a lot. That inverted Wishbone stuff was a knuckleball (and effective) but even here the 3 running backs were actual running backs.
And when you have questionable offensive tackles, the best way to help them (in pass pro) is with chipping Tight Ends...is any of this sinking in yet?
And then, if you're going to zone-block (for...oh I don't know...Nick Chubb?) those Tight Ends make a huge difference.
I didn't listen to Jake Burns' podcast about how the Browns need to be "proactive" about "fixing" the kicker situation.
I have to assume that Jake thinks the Browns need to get somebody else from somewhere else.
I really don't get this anti-Greg Joseph sentiment. Joseph has actually been pretty good for the Browns.
...is this because he missed an extra point last week? That's kinda like let's kick Dontrell Hilliard to the curb for his fumble, no?
Don't get me wrong now: If you can nail down a truly elite kicker, you should--but while Rodney Josephfield isn't elite, he is pretty good.
Maybe Jake had some specific stud kickers in mind, but if not...he is wrong.
But maybe I am wrong too, as Nick Dudukovich (and Tony Grossi) point out:
Nick asks which player lilipution WR Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi (pant-pant/relieved sigh) would push off the roster.
Grossi points out that the 2019 Browns have NOT been using 2 Tight Ends much, and might only carry 3 on the roster.
I hadn't realized the Tight End situation...
This is probably about OBJ and Monken...
I just gotta stipulate here: If the Offensive Tackles look weak vs Edge guys in pass pro, and/or they look useful as run-blockers in zone schemes, the Browns will keep 4 Tight Ends anyway.
Zero fullbacks, 3 running backs...what's the big deal?
Okbye.
First, this review of Dontrell Hilliard from day 13 of camp is a little more fair to him than calling him a "dud" vs the Redskins (with all due respect to Mr Dudukovich):
The Skins pretty much stuffed Hilliard when he took handoffs, and he fumbled and drew that costly penalty...ok Dude you got me he was a dud vs the Skins I stand abashed.
However, it was just one preseason game, and as Elliott Kennel points out, Hilliard (in only his second season) is a sweet receiver out of the backfield, is doing great in pass-protection, is (at least) an effective returner, and can r...well he's like Duke Johnson...like Randy Gurzi said last preseason.
You guys know I've been a Hilliard fan ever since.
Elliott Kennel did a nice piece on Derrick Willies, who is contending with Eric Murray as the "gunner" on coverage units.
This tells me that Willies has already made the final roster. Even if he's not THE gunner, he's very good at nailing returners (which is really unusual for a guy as tall as he is, with such an unimpressive clock-time).
My regulars know that predicted that Willies would make the final roster already (and was ranting about him last season before I even knew he was any good at Special Teams).
Rodney Mitchellfield isn't letting Greedy Williams take his job. In fact, this might be the closest competition between any 2 players on this roster.
Even as I was disgusted by those dumbass pundits who listed the need for a cornerback opposite Denzell Ward, hopping up and down waving my arms and pointing at Terrence Mitchell, who PFF ranked near the top of all cornerbacks, I figured that the taller, faster Greedy Williams would come right in and take his job.
I still think that, honestly, as Greedy vs the Skins proved he could tackle, (and I mean at or behind the line of scrimmage) as well as shut people down and get interceptions.
But Mitchell on Day 13 deflected 2 consecutive pinpoint Mayfield passes to Jaelen Strong in the end zone.
...Oops wrong link: Nick Snook says Strong just "dropped" those passes. I can't find the guy who credits Mitchell for the deflections, but I suspect he is right and Snook is wrong. Jaelen Strong has great hands.
Still, Nick singled out Terrence Mitchell as a top performer on Day 13, and is usually very good, so I'm not bashing him, and have not demoted him as a source.
I saved this: The Browns' coaches told the Redskins' coaches in advance that the Browns' Offense would start out in a hurry-up.
This is like Freddie/Todd telling the Browns' defense "we're going to run" so they can try to run when Steve Wilks and company see it coming.
Kitchens and co are truly maxing out Training Camp and preseason.
They have, from the start, stressed physicality. Nothing fancy. "We're gonna run it here, Steve. See if you can stop us."
This is exacty how I would do it, so obviously Freddie Kitchens is a genius (I rest my case).
The Redskins won't have an elite defense or anything, but well...you saw it. No OBJ or Landry...?
As QB Coach (Ryan?) Lindley points out, you really shouldn't "hurry up" all the time, no matter how good you are at it, because your own defense will wear down.
That's not strictly accurate, of course:
1: The "hurry-up" does NOT neccessarily preclude running plays (except in the extreme circumstances in which unimaginative blockeheaded Coaches use it ie only when they HAVE TO).
2: Once any team is down by 10+ points, they are pressured to pass more and run less. Obviously, there are tons of variables here, but the general idea is that:
If a hurry-up produces at least 3 points 90% of the time, and a TD 60+% of the time, you can use it "as neccessary", and should use it early to establish big leads, because:
Once it's futile for an opposing offense to run the ball any more vs the 2019 Browns, 3-and-outs are best-case scenarios, and here comes Nick Chubb.
3: While a bunch of pundits are stuck on Baker Mayfield's "volatility" (or whatever) and OBJ and Callaway's suspension and GOSSIP and stuff, only a rare few of us notice that:
The ROOKIE Baker Mayfield broke a bunch of Team and a couple NFL rookie records in 13.5 games (knock-knock anybody home!?!)
He did it with Higgins, Njoku, Landry, Callaway and errumm...well just whoever was there!
Willies was one of them (then got hurt). Jarvis Landry might have expected to be Baker's crutch "go-to" guy, but no.
Baker Mayfield has already conclusively proven that he is a "franchise" Quarterback. It almost doesn't matter who he has to hand off or throw to.
It's true! It's not just vs a weak defense in a preseason game, but Jake Burns (and PFF) spell this out over every snap of his R O O K I E season!
I hate to to redundate yet again, but dammit nobody GETS this:
When a Quarterback kicks ass, but you can't pick out his favorite receiver, that is a great Quarterback, see?
Let's compare Pat Mahomes in his second season to Mayfield in his first: Compare their respective WEAPONS (btw including HUNT) is any of this sinking in yet!?!
Don't get me wrong here: Pat Mahomes is almost a lock for the Hall of Fame, ok? I'm not even suggesting that Baker Mayfield is better than Mahomes, ok?
But Mayfield vs Mahomes? Oh HAYULL yes! It's already on, as far as the contenders are concerned.
Baker Mayfield left Texas Tech to walk on at Oklahoma when he found out that Mahomes was going to replace him as the starter.
1: The fact that Patrick and Baker are pals contradicts assertions that Baker is egotistical or selfish.
...Is any of this sinking in yet? Mahomes TOOK HIS JOB, ok? (and later in a head-to-head matchup racked up over SIX HUNDRED YARDS passing and running (vs Mayfield's paltry 400 or so)...
Baker Mayfield has been immature, but is not a punk. He should beat Pat Mahomes more often than not, because he's a stronger leader.
...okbye.
