NFL Thread

[ZANNI_1276]

As a homer, I wanted to get the board's thoughts and make sure that I am not being delusional. The Cleveland Browns offensive line is now a strength of the team?

LT: Joe Thomas

LG: Eric Steinbach

C: Hank Fraley

RG: LeCharles Bentley

RT: Kevin Shaffer/ Ross Tucker

They are going to need some time to come together, and you may see some shifting position-wise, but the talent here seems ridiculous. If the Gorilla can't gain 1500 yds and 12 TD this year, I'll be shocked.

Edit: Please feel free to dash my hopes now, rather than making me wait until the first 6 games of the season are over.

I too am of the NE OHIO area and die hard Browns fan (please no sympathies) and IF and i mean a big giant bigger than life if - Bentley is healthy and plays to a fraction of what he was (and that is if he is cleared and passes the Team physical) it can be a serious NFL line. It will take time to gel though - so much of it depends on team work but as of now if Bentley can play and perfect world scenario of signing Thomas in time, he catches on etc...Line up will be this:

LT: Joe Thomas

LG: Eric Steinbach

C: LeCharles Bentley

RG: Kevin Schaffer (if is his whinny ass concedes to the fact he got killed at Tackle last year)

RT: Ryan Tucker

Back ups: Seth McKinney, Hank Fraley, Isaac Sowells, Rob Smith, Fred Matua, Lennie Freidman and Nat Dorsey (some talent and obviously not all will break camp on the roster)

Some potential there but as being any cleveland sports fan i am cautiously optimistic. Jamaal Lewis needs to stay healthy though - they don't have squat at RB, couple third down backs and no legitmate backups. Could be an issue but i don't care - i love them anyway but i do hope they are on the road to recovery from that charlaton Butch Davis; i feel for Crennel - dude has had no talent for the past two years and he is on the hot seat the year they actually start acquiring peices..

[Robert's Last Bastard]

I too am of the NE OHIO area and die hard Browns fan (please no sympathies) and IF and i mean a big giant bigger than life if - Bentley is healthy and plays to a fraction of what he was (and that is if he is cleared and passes the Team physical) it can be a serious NFL line. It will take time to gel though - so much of it depends on team work but as of now if Bentley can play and perfect world scenario of signing Thomas in time, he catches on etc...Line up will be this:

LT: Joe Thomas

LG: Eric Steinbach

C: LeCharles Bentley

RG: Kevin Schaffer (if is his whinny ass concedes to the fact he got killed at Tackle last year)

RT: Ryan Tucker

Back ups: Seth McKinney, Hank Fraley, Isaac Sowells, Rob Smith, Fred Matua, Lennie Freidman and Nat Dorsey (some talent and obviously not all will break camp on the roster)

Some potential there but as being any cleveland sports fan i am cautiously optimistic. Jamaal Lewis needs to stay healthy though - they don't have squat at RB, couple third down backs and no legitmate backups. Could be an issue but i don't care - i love them anyway but i do hope they are on the road to recovery from that charlaton Butch Davis; i feel for Crennel - dude has had no talent for the past two years and he is on the hot seat the year they actually start acquiring peices..

According to news reports and the discussion on Mike and Mike this morning, the surgeon (Giant's team surgeon) is the foremost expert on knees in the country, and if he passed Bentley, the Cleveland exam is no more than a formality. His opinion is highly respected.

I agree regarding Lewis staying healthy. If he does, he is going to be a monster. The pass protections are the more difficult to learn, but you don't need as much geling for effective run blocking. That being said, I still know you need to have some semblance of a passing game in order to run the ball. I expect Chud to stretch the center of the field with Winslow, opening up more crossing routes and stops in the middle.

I don't know if Shaffer has the quickness to play guard. We'll see. Fraley- IMO- is a very capable center, but he never got the chance to shine last year due to the poor play of the guards. With Bentley, we have a probowl G/C- though I expect him to want to play Center. It really depends on how much of a team player he is willing to be. I think we would be better served with him playing guard (unless Shaffer surprises me in training camp). Oh yeah, we're also depending on Tucker to keep his marbles in the bag. If he can't do that, Shaffer is RT by default.

[14th Dragon]

1. Our Linebackers: They're old... and we didn't make them any younger. I don't know what to think here except that if they were 1 year younger on average... maybe we win the Super Bowl.

Yeah but we have more of them now. 6 as opposed to 4, so if one gets hurt we are not completely screwed. Plus Woods and Alexander have some more experience and I have high hopes on the Lua kid.

2. Secondary Issues: The guys we have are great- everyone is absolutey certain that Harrison is in the best shape of his career and apparently Merriweather has impressed folks. Great stuff. However, Asante Samuel has stated OUTRIGHT he is out until week 10 because .... honestly, because he should look at Deion Branch and scream "I HAVE LEARNED NOTHING!!!!!" And then walk away from 7.75 Million, appx 1000% increase in salary from last season. Lossing Asante is as bad as you think. And when will we have the "Third Anual Harrison Out For The Season" Party?

Samuel will show up as soon as the two a days are over. He is not really stupid after-all, he wants the big money and knows another good season is prerequisite. I think Sanders made big strides in the starting lineup last year and is an adequete replacement is Harrison goes down. If Geno doesn't come out of his tailspin Merriweather better be ready to step-up.

3. Vinney Testiverde is our Back up. Okay. I understand that if Brady goes down, it doesn't matter WHO is back there- the season is over. At the same time, the same could have been said for McNabb, and Garcia turned their season around. I would like it if the guy we have as our backup wasn't alive during the Kennedy Adminsitration. Just saying.

No, Mat Cassel is the back-up Vinny is unlikely to make it to final 53 and is an extra insurance policy.

[Rockroi]

No, Mat Cassel is the back-up Vinny is unlikely to make it to final 53 and is an extra insurance policy

I read this well after I made my post; prior, I had read that Vinney was the #2. I assumed (natuarally) that Cassell had been traded. WRONG! I am MUCH happier that Cassell is stilll there, and he is leagues better than Vinnie.

Though, we still have AARP members for line-backers.

[CelticBrennus]

I read this well after I made my post; prior, I had read that Vinney was the #2. I assumed (natuarally) that Cassell had been traded. WRONG! I am MUCH happier that Cassell is stilll there, and he is leagues better than Vinnie.

I think the Pats will alternate between Cassell and Vinny during the season for kneel downs and such, and I fully expect that BB will put Vinny in at some point to play and throw a TD. BB loves football history, and last year let Vinny continue the longest streak in the NFL (history?) of seasons with a TD pass (now 21?). You know, like how he let Flutie do the drop kick at the Fins game in '05, first one in something like 50 years - nothing is funnier then the announcers wondering if that is even still legal.

Though, we still have AARP members for line-backers.

Quite true.

Nobody is happy about the age, but the two oldest, Seau and C. Brown, are likely to be mostly situational backups and depth. The main 4 now, are between 30-34/5, so while old, are not ancient. Both Colvin and Thomas are both still young, having barely crossed 30 when camp starts.

I think it will be huge to see if some of the backups like Alexander, Mays and Woods can begin to contribute as situational LB’ers, such as Alexander replacing Bruschi on obvious passing downs.

Alternatively, it could be useful to rotate Vrabel, Bruschi, Seau and Thomas as ILB’s to help prevent anyone from getting too worn out.

It has always seemed like BB prefers AARP members to man his LB’er corp rather then the youngsters. Guys like Ted Johnson, Roman Phifer and Brian Cox were all older then Bruschi is now during the SB runs, and they were major contributors and starters. I think he just really wants guys who have proven themselves, have tons of experience, and are real lovers and students of the game. That, and you have to practically be a MENSA member to understand BB’s LB’er schemes.

[ZANNI_1276]

According to news reports and the discussion on Mike and Mike this morning, the surgeon (Giant's team surgeon) is the foremost expert on knees in the country, and if he passed Bentley, the Cleveland exam is no more than a formality. His opinion is highly respected.

I agree regarding Lewis staying healthy. If he does, he is going to be a monster. The pass protections are the more difficult to learn, but you don't need as much geling for effective run blocking. That being said, I still know you need to have some semblance of a passing game in order to run the ball. I expect Chud to stretch the center of the field with Winslow, opening up more crossing routes and stops in the middle.

I don't know if Shaffer has the quickness to play guard. We'll see. Fraley- IMO- is a very capable center, but he never got the chance to shine last year due to the poor play of the guards. With Bentley, we have a probowl G/C- though I expect him to want to play Center. It really depends on how much of a team player he is willing to be. I think we would be better served with him playing guard (unless Shaffer surprises me in training camp). Oh yeah, we're also depending on Tucker to keep his marbles in the bag. If he can't do that, Shaffer is RT by default.

Schaffer has played Guard and he is atheletic enough and they are not going to want or know if Bentley is capable to play gaurd b/c of mobility (got a buddy who works for the news ) so more than likely he will be at Center if he can play.

I do know there has been some trepidation on the Browns end concerning Bentley b/c he did not go through their own Dr.'s but there is a whisper that the C-town Clinic botched it his surgeries and Bentley wants to disassociate himself from their team Dr's. But he should get cleared.

That whole Tucker thing last year was vexing? I mean "mental break"? dude works 5 months out of the year but hey - sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Lewis needs to stay healthy and if there isn't anything more appealing is a star who maybe considered "washed" up that signs a one-year deal who is hungry and looking for one more big payday contract - i think he will have a HUGE year - cautiuosly optimstic - but they do need a back up back especially if you look at the trend of the succesful 2 back offenses the past year.

I think Chud will put an offense together that will open up the field, Winslow was just listed as UNABLE TO PERFORM but should be playing opening day and he should be able to have a big year and I think Jervicious being healthy and if Edwards can stop his mouth from running constantly and catch the damn ball he can/and should have a big year, make or brake for him. As far as the QB though i hope Anderson gets a chance to play, i think he is better fit than Charly at least with the offensive scheme they are putting together. How many times is Frye going to throw an INT in the endzone or in key situtations that you can justify playing him? Dumb mistakes that are repeated is a sign that you should be filing your income tax return as NFL Back-up Quarterback. Stoked about Quinn though, i don't care that he had crappy voluntaries, who comes out blaring like a star at QB - hands down the toughest position to play in sports and he is going to need time to be effective. In the meantime you play the Anderson/Frye combo - let them take the beating while the line gels and play Brady limited if at all during the 07 season.

[Robert's Last Bastard]

Schaffer has played Guard and he is atheletic enough and they are not going to want or know if Bentley is capable to play gaurd b/c of mobility (got a buddy who works for the news ) so more than likely he will be at Center if he can play.

I do know there has been some trepidation on the Browns end concerning Bentley b/c he did not go through their own Dr.'s but there is a whisper that the C-town Clinic botched it his surgeries and Bentley wants to disassociate himself from their team Dr's. But he should get cleared.

That whole Tucker thing last year was vexing? I mean "mental break"? dude works 5 months out of the year but hey - sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Lewis needs to stay healthy and if there isn't anything more appealing is a star who maybe considered "washed" up that signs a one-year deal who is hungry and looking for one more big payday contract - i think he will have a HUGE year - cautiuosly optimstic - but they do need a back up back especially if you look at the trend of the succesful 2 back offenses the past year.

I think Chud will put an offense together that will open up the field, Winslow was just listed as UNABLE TO PERFORM but should be playing opening day and he should be able to have a big year and I think Jervicious being healthy and if Edwards can stop his mouth from running constantly and catch the damn ball he can/and should have a big year, make or brake for him. As far as the QB though i hope Anderson gets a chance to play, i think he is better fit than Charly at least with the offensive scheme they are putting together. How many times is Frye going to throw an INT in the endzone or in key situtations that you can justify playing him? Dumb mistakes that are repeated is a sign that you should be filing your income tax return as NFL Back-up Quarterback. Stoked about Quinn though, i don't care that he had crappy voluntaries, who comes out blaring like a star at QB - hands down the toughest position to play in sports and he is going to need time to be effective. In the meantime you play the Anderson/Frye combo - let them take the beating while the line gels and play Brady limited if at all during the 07 season.

Shaffer hasn't played guard since high school. He is athletic though- I really, truly hope you are right. It would seem like such a waste (of money) to me if he landed on the bench. Your right about Lewis, and if he gets hurt we are screwed. We would be best off looking for a trade if that is the case, though I do like Harrison as a third down back. As far as QB's go, I like Anderson as well. Charlie's deep balls are never tight, so they always end up hanging too long, resulting in all the picks. We all know Quinn is the future, but if we can keep him on the bench all year, I will be happy. If Quinn is playing, I have a feeling it will be out of necessity (due to injury). If we can survive the first 6 games of the season, get a couple of wins, and avoid major injuries- I think they will be a strong second half team. I'll keep my fingers crossed- expect the worst, and hope for the best.

[ZANNI_1276]

Robert's Last Bastard,

Hear you - pray for the best expect the worse. People were yammering about Pennington's gun in an earlier post. Frye's arm makes Chad Pennington look like John Elway. But it wasn't the lack of arm strength that chills me on him though so much as the repetitive mental errors - same thing week after week, turnovers inside the 20.

Not sold on Harrison though - plus if he gets too much time the Cleveland Police Department may have to file neglegent homicide charges on the dude because whomever the QB - he will get them killed. I heard he put 10 pounds on - so now he 185lbs. It is a big concern at RB - hell bring back willie green - i am sure he is bagging groceries at the giant eagle. I guess they are really, really high on Vickers - not only as FB but carrying the ball, he is big and strong and they like the potential there - he is one of those guys i have a sneaky feeling we are not going to see much of him carrying the ball in the preseason and he will get a lot during the year - keep the tape from being out there sort of thing.

The way i see the offense will evolve into a competent one - with whoever the QB is until Quinn is ready they just need to eat the clock and score. I am really surprised about the lack of publicity the defense is not getting. They are going to be tough - i like signing shaun smith - should spell washinton and make a nice combo and i like drafting wright - bodden is a legitmate shutdown CB and i think wright will be a star. Safeties are tough and people laugh at me when i tell them but they have one of the best LB corpse is the NFL - Davis is solid (though i wish he could make the tackle 4 yards closer to the line of scrimage than he normally does) Jackson had a great rookie year and will get better. McGinnest is aging but in limited capacity very solid and still makes big plays and Leon Williams just might be a footbal player - got to get that kid on the field and Kamerion Wimbley should have went to the pro bowl last year and will be a STAR in national footbal league. Of course the secondary is the unknown but as is they have a very, very solid defense and even last year teams for being on the field for 40 minutes a game kept teams out the endzone - very tough to score on Crennel/Grantham defenses - glad grantham didn't get the MSU job - Crennel needs him this year.

[Lord O' Bones]

Briggs is still not dealt with. Fucking bears.

Shazam!

[EHK for Darwin]

Briggs signed for the year and playing for the paycheck. This could be good.

[Caliban]

Briggs signed for the year and playing for the paycheck. This could be good.

This is a great scenario for the Bears. This allows us to keep Briggs for one more year. Get a year under Okwo's belt and a second year under Williams' belt. Not signing Briggs long term allows us to sign Tommy Harris long term when that time comes.

ETA: Ive shit on Briggs through this whole thing, but Ive not forgotten that Briggs won us the Seattle game.

[Quijote Light]

Briggs is a good player, Cal, no doubt. But you were dead on when you said that he exemplified what is wrong with sports today. He could have done this from the begining, but instead chose to be a complete ass. I'm glad he'll be playing, but I'll also be glad to see him go next year. Douschebag.

[Stego]

Wanting to get paid is what's wrong with sports?

In a year of Bonds breaking the all time home run record through chemistry, The Bengals and Chargers seeing more and more of the inside of jail cells, steroids becoming more and more prevalent in the NFL, Mike Vick being caught with his dog fighting, and NBA officials throwing games for the mob.........

You think wanting to be paid what one is worth on the open market is 'what is wrong with sports?' Honestly?

I won;t call you an idiot, but I sure am thinking it.

[childe roland]

Wanting to get paid is what's wrong with sports?

In a year of Bonds breaking the all time home run record through chemistry, The Bengals and Chargers seeing more and more of the inside of jail cells, steroids becoming more and more prevalent in the NFL, Mike Vick being caught with his dog fighting, and NBA officials throwing games for the mob.........

You think wanting to be paid what one is worth on the open market is 'what is wrong with sports?' Honestly?

I won;t call you an idiot, but I sure am thinking it.

now this is thread i was expecting.

[Mexal]

Unbelievable.

Odell Thurman's petition to be reinstated was denied today. So in effect, he's getting suspended for 2 years because of a DUI and a failed test (which he never even took in the first place so who knows if he would have even failed...just irresponsible). So Goddell denies his petition without even meeting with the guy after he fulfilled every requirement that he had to. This is just fucked up beyond belief. Pacman Jones gets 1 year, Henry gets 8 games, Vick gets nothing atm and Thurman gets 2 years for a DUI and missed test. I'm fucking livid at the moment.

[Jaxom 1974]

Shazam!

Now I know I'm getting ignored when I posted he'd signed the page before, something like 12 hours earlier.

All this Cleveland chatter is taking away from me finding out how damned dominant the Patriots are going to be again.

[CelticBrennus]

All this Cleveland chatter is taking away from me finding out how damned dominant the Patriots are going to be again.

We could talk about how the left tackle that has protected Manning's blind side for all but three or four games of Manning's career just up and retired. Not only that, but the stats appear to show that runs off the left side of the line got about .8 more yards per carry then the right or center.

So, lets all celebrate the fact that the best offensive linemen that the Colts had, a man who defended Peyton and was their best run blocker decided to call it a career. SO now they either need to throw the guy they traded their 2008 No.1 pick for in as the new LT, or switch someone else into a new spot.

I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I think about the new left tackle getting teed off on by teams best pass rushers determined to find out just how good he really is.

[Bazzlebane]

All I can say is that the retiring tackle went to HS with my best friend. All my friend had to say about him was "He was really big." That sums it up, really.

[Bronn Stone]

I've seen Tarik up at the Claremont Hotel a couple of times. I concur.

[Stego]

The loss of Glenn may be the biggest loss of any team this season. What is amusing is that the Colts reportedly did it to themselves. They had a short offseason due to the Super Bowl, and yet forced Glenn to workout at the Colts facility during the entire offseason. (He normally trained at home) He basically got no down time, and does not feel recharged enough to play again, and is burned out on football.

Stupid, stupid Colts. A guy that takes that much of a beating, year in and year out deserves to rest his weary and massive bones for a few weeks. And let's be honest, you didn't make him live in LA or New York, Philly or Miami or San Diego. You forced him to live in Indianapolis. You may as well have put him in prison.