DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Hey, Tony!

Hey, Tony!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Got a Browns question? Send it in. Submit your question to cleveland.com/heytony, and Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi will choose several to answer each Sunday here in the sports section. All of Tony’s answers will be archived online.

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. And now, hopefully with an improved o-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 certainly are hoping your theory is correct. It’s one reason they devoted the majority of their offseason investments to strengthening the offensive line and running game.

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Q: Hey, Tony: Why hasn’t the Steelers’ e-mail story received any mainstream media attention? — Doug Barhoover, Cortland, Ohio

A: Hey, Doug: It’s a very small news story that is not going to affect anything. Incidentally, Larry Zierlein, the assistant coach who mistakenly forwarded a pornographic e-mail leaguewide, coached the Browns’ offensive line under Butch Davis. He is a good man who made a mistake.

Q: Hey, Tony: With LeCharles Bentley’s future in doubt, what would it cost the Browns to cut him? I just do not think that he will ever play again. — Gerry Strauser, Phoenix, Ariz.

A: Hey, Gerry: According to my figures, it is a lesser charge on their salary cap to keep Bentley in 2007 ($3.4 million) than it would be to release him ($8.6 million). When it is cheaper to cut him, that’s when the deed probably will be done.

Q: Hey, Tony: After the Browns spent the third overall pick in the draft on Joe Thomas, why are they wasting OTAs and practice time lining Kevin Shaffer up with the ones at LT? It’s obvious that he’s no longer in their long-term plans on the left side and that Thomas is, so why not start him working on the right and get Thomas in with the ones? If Shaffer is going to stick with the Browns it’s going to be on the right, and most of what I read says he’s probably better suited over there anyway. I know they told him they’ll give him a chance to keep his job on the left, but how could they keep Thomas on the bench? — Jason, Monterey, Calif.

A: Hey, Jason: The linemen do very little in the OTAs other than bend down and put their hands on the ground. This situation will sort itself out when the pads are on in training camp and players actually hit each other.

Q: Hey, Tony: Everyone seems very concerned about the backup running back role on the team this year. Two things on that: 1) The fact that backup running back is one of our chief concerns this season seems, to me, a blessing. 2) Jerome Harrison was the best running back on the roster last year. I would anticipate another strong preseason from him this year and we can pencil him in as the number 2 guy, erasers handy. — Joe Cepec, Columbus

A: Hey, Joe: Harrison did pack on some weight after his rookie season, so maybe he will be better suited to pick up pass rushers this year. I would not minimize the issue at backup running back. I am hopeful the Browns will add a dependable veteran back before September.

Q: Hey, Tony: In response to Al from Cincinnati’s response about comparing Quinn to Phipps, why didn’t you remind Al that the Browns eventually traded Phipps for a future Hall of Famer (Newsome)? — John J. Berezo, Culloden, W.Va.

A: Touche! But the fact remains that the trade of Paul Warfield and drafting of Mike Phipps in 1970 set a bumpy course for the franchise for almost 10 years.

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Q: Hey, Tony: To answer the Quinn question .¤.¤. No the Ravens aren’t ticked off at all. They didn’t want Quinn. The Ravens did make the Browns burn their first-round draft for next year. The Ravens got their guy. — John Kostur, Port Deposit, Md.

A: Hey, John: Rats.

Q: Hey, Tony: Does an injured player, such as Bentley, count against the salary cap? If so, why should a player who has not seen any action count toward the cap? I feel the team needs some sort of protection against this. — Wayne Thomas, Newton Falls, Ohio

A: Hey, Wayne: The cap rules were set in stone in 1993. Truth is, the cap has grown so much in recent years that Bentley’s cap figure is not hindering the Browns at all. You almost have to be totally inept nowadays to have salary cap problems.

Q: Hey, Tony: I enjoy most of your columns and things, but why is everyone making such a big deal about Braylon’s missed practice? Do you think it really matters, honestly? — Will Suddeth, Lewisville, Texas

A: Hey, Will: If it didn’t matter, why did coach Romeo Crennel demote Edwards to third team? Trust me, it was a bigger deal inside the team than outside it.

Q: Hey, Tony: There have been recent talks about Kevin Shaffer starting instead of Thomas at least in the OTA’s. Is their any truth to this and if there is, do you think he will start the season or Crennel is just saying that he doesn’t give jobs away? — Jordan Smith, Cleveland

A: Hey, Jordan: The only things less important than minicamps are OTAs. If Thomas is not the starter in Game¤1, the Browns will be disappointed or Kevin Shaffer will have turned into Anthony Munoz.

Q: Hey, Tony: If Kevin Shaffer were to keep his starting left tackle position, what would happen to Joe Thomas .¤.¤. would he start at another OL position or sit? Did Shaffer and/or Thomas line up at another position during voluntary practices? — Tony O’Leary, Charleston, W.Va.

A: Hey, Tony: See above answer.

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Q: Hey, Tony: How come none of the Browns top brass mentions Jason Wright from Northwestern as one of the running backs for 2007? In his short time at running back last year, I thought he did outstanding before he got hurt. He’s a high character person who’s smart and a great addition to this team. Also, what was his rushing average compared to Reuben Droughns last year. I think there is a lot of upside to this kid. — Norm Locker, Kirtland Hills

A: Hey, Norm: Wright is deeply respected by the Browns’ top brass for all the reasons you mention. Wright rushed for 189 yards on 62 carries last season, an average of 3.0 yards per rush. Droughns’ average was 3.4 — 758 yards on 220 attempts.

Q: Hey, Tony: I was going through a copy of Pro Football Weekly and came across a Colts’ offensive lineman whose last name is Lilja; I say he’s related to the former Browns lineman, but my friend says it’s coincidence. I get a full tank of gas (premium) if I’m right. — James Smith, Euclid

A: Hey, James: Colts guard Ryan Lilja, 26, is no relation to George Lilja, who was a guard with the Browns from 1984 to ’86.

— Tony

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Didnt see this posted and its been slow the last couple weeks figure it is something to read and give thought to

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Q: Hey, Tony: To answer the Quinn question .¤.¤. No the Ravens aren’t ticked off at all. They didn’t want Quinn. The Ravens did make the Browns burn their first-round draft for next year. The Ravens got their guy. — John Kostur, Port Deposit, Md.

A: Hey, John: Rats.

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That's stupid, leaving him there leaves trade opportunities for the Lions and Bucs as well. there are plenty of teams interested in QBs besides the Ravens. The trade up to dallas made plenty of sense to me, even still.

And it sounds like pure speculation to me, nothing to back it up with. i'd want to know more



I like Tony's answer though "Rats" lol

A: Hey, John: Rats.



that one word can be taken so many different ways

I do have to say that "Rats" comment bumped Tony up a notch in my book....


...that puts him at Notch 1.

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A: Hey, Jordan: The only things less important than minicamps are OTAs. If Thomas is not the starter in Game¤1, the Browns will be disappointed or Kevin Shaffer will have turned into Anthony Munoz.

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First; The Browns will not be disappointed in Thomas, IMHO. Second; Shaffer becoming Anthony Munoz is Hi Larious, Never gonna happen, hell, Munoz could hold with the best of 'em and keep defenders out of the backfield.

Quote:

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Q: Hey, Tony: To answer the Quinn question .¤.¤. No the Ravens aren’t ticked off at all. They didn’t want Quinn. The Ravens did make the Browns burn their first-round draft for next year. The Ravens got their guy. — John Kostur, Port Deposit, Md.

A: Hey, John: Rats.

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Sounds like a case of Sour Grapes from John in Maryland

Quote:

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A: Hey, Jason: The linemen do very little in the OTAs other than bend down and put their hands on the ground.

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That is complete, total, utter BS!

Since I'm ignorant, what else do they do?

Granted, they may not do a lot of hitting, but they practice firing off the ball, staying low, you knwo the fundamentals. Then, they practice and use their knowledge of the playbook. Which plays do they block a guy heads-up, which do they just throw a chip and then get downfield to a linebacker, which plays do they double-team a guy? Those are things that the linemen practice consistently while they're still in shorts. When it comes to TC, then the physicality becomes a part of it and those who don't know the plays are left out of the mix. OTAs may not be as important as Training Camp, but do not underestimate their legitimacy in helping our o-line learn this offense and develop cohesion.

You are not ignorant, but there is a lot that goes into playing OL that people don't realize, and Grossi is a perfect example of that.

Footwork is huge for offensive linemen. For instance, if you are gap blocking, you must come out of your stance low, like you are running through a tunnel w/your lead foot pointed at a 45 degree angle. The next step must maintain that same angle and you have to stay low. You come across the defender getting your face mask into his far armpit. Your lead hand is a punch to the chest area and your back arm is raised like a chicken wing underneath the defender's shoulder pads. You chop-chop-chop trying to turn the man away from you.

Another example is area or zone blocking. I'll give you backside protection as the example here. Let's say the play is a half roll to the right. The backside which would consist of the LT, LG, and C have to work as one. It is imperative that they all back peddle together at the same speed and w/the same steps---typically two to three steps, they then open their left shoulders together and drop their left foot. If this is hard to picture, get in an athletic stance [knee bend w/chest over thighs and on the balls of your feet] drop your left foot and angle it about 45 degrees so that if you started out facing at 12 o'clock you are now facing at about 10:30. This has to be done cohesively and the spacing has to remain the same throughout the entire process. It takes a lot of practice to get these huge men to move like synchronized swimmers.

That's two freaking examples that take time to perfect. There are dozens of maneuvers these guys must perfect before they ever put their pads on. It isn't ALL about hitting. That's why I say Grossi is full of and why if the Browns want Shaffer to compete for a job on the right side, they need to get him some work over there.

Blocking is as much mental as physical....maybe even more mental than physical.

Your ability to block is dependant on technique and a blocking scheme that gives the line options to call the proper blocking scheme for the defensive set on each play.

There are times though when blocking becomes a man on man test of wills and strength..i.e., short yardage. But for the most part, the game is a contest of line calls vs defensive calls...kind of a chess game.

The Browns new offensive line coaching staff is now center stage. Their ability to teach will be tested now that they have some very good material to work with.

I'm more concerned about the Oline coaching staff's ability than the individual lineman we have on the team.

Steve Marshall's record at the NFL level is not encouraging but he now has a second chance to prove he can coach at the NFL level.

Marshall will have assistant Mike Sullivan to help him but Mike's experience coaching the Oline at the NFL level is also very limited, thus a concern.

Offensive assistant, Frank Verducci is the most experienced member of the Oline coaching staff with 7 years of NFL experience with the Bengals, Cowboys and Bills.

Hopefully, this team of Offensive line coaches can teach the art of blocking and create a Oline unit that will be the core of the offense for years to come. The Oline coaching staff has been handed a group of players loaded with "potential". The success of the Browns offense will depend on the offensive line and the ability of the new Oline coaching staff to teach and mold them into a unit.

Thanks.
I incorrectly paraphrased/interpreted their radio conversation. Neither Ozzie nor Decosta specifically stated the 1st rounder was the issue. I just ASSumed it. I think their words were along the lines of "the Browns were willing to give more that we were".
Thanks for the even better news that a well-respected drafting team was also willing to give up next years first for BQ.

A lot of what you spoke of is the "Classroom" stuff.

Not to completely defend Tony...I'm sure he was trying more so to be cute than accurate.

But in his defense - lets put it this way - Nobody is going to move up or down the Depth chart during Mini-camps or OTA's regarding the OL.

Of course its not a total waste of time as could be interpreted by his Cutesy reply.

And again mostly opining and clicking on your response. It was either you or Vers - don't want to give the impression I'm picking on anyone just responding.

"One of the biggest problems that Romeo was seeing was that we were changing Offensive systems every other year if not more often. And he knew that this had to be reaking havoc on the offense and especially the signal callers."

Keep also in mind he was team committed with not many options with a signal caller going into his 2nd season of NFL action and his first as a Starter.

Sure would be nice to be in the same Offense...good point. CF would have been dead in the water...we'd have Jamal Russel as our QB and no Joe Thomas + BQ.

JMHO