|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160
Hall of Famer
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160 |
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/16850177.htm Browns find some blocks to build line
By Terry Pluto
The first two free agents signed by the Browns were offensive linemen.
The Browns are trying; their priorities seem in order.
Hank Fraley isn't great, but the veteran center played all 16 games and graded as average most of the time, according to the Browns.
He should be a little better this season, simply because he's with the same team -- even if some of the players around him have changed.
Eric Steinbach was the best offensive linemen available, according to most scouting services. ESPN.com's respected Len Pasquarelli ranked the former Cincinnati Bengal as the third-best free agent overall, behind cornerback Nate Clements and linebacker Adalius Thomas.
Scouts Inc. rated him No. 4, the top offensive linemen.
So, the Browns did exactly what they did a year ago. They identified the premier free-agent offensive lineman, and they signed him. Browns fans know center LeCharles Bentley might never play again because of knee problems, but he was healthy and absolutely the right move a year ago.
Just as Steinbach is now.
Some teams, especially some owners, would become nervous after what happened with Bentley. The Browns made him the highest-paid center in NFL history, and he blew out his knee in the first practice.
When they signed him, he was 26, had missed only seven games in four years and was the No. 1 rated free agent by ESPN and other scouting services.
What happened to him was not the fault of Browns General Manager Phil Savage.
Thankfully, Savage and owner Randy Lerner stayed bold, making Steinbach the highest-paid guard in NFL history. He will be 27 in April, missed only two starts in four years and should be in his prime.
Some teams will wince at the $17 million guaranteed in that seven-year, $49 million contract. Better to overpay for quality than try to bargain-hunt, especially for linemen.
The Browns have talked to Sean Mahan, a guard who has started 28 games in the past two seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's only 26 years old, and he's considered solid with a chance to improve.
Sign him.
The idea is to build a line of guys in their mid- to late 20s, guys who have experience but don't have beaten bodies, as was the case with veteran guards Joe Andruzzi and Cosey Coleman.
At the moment, the Browns have three key linemen under contract -- and all are younger than 30. That's tackle Kevin Shaffer, Steinbach and Fraley. If they can add Mahan or another younger veteran, they are starting to assemble a promising line. Let's hope they find a blocker in the upper level of the NFL Draft to add.
Veteran Ryan Tucker believes that he's over the emotional problems that sidelined him last season. The Browns should not count on him, but it is possible he'll return. He has controlled this condition for years and started every game in 2003 and 2005.
As happens every year, the further the Browns are from the season, the hazier the memories of fans become about the problems on both lines. And the hotter the lust for quarterbacks, running backs and receivers.
IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
That's capital letters, because Browns fans need to say it over and over.
Fans are lobbying for quarterback Brady Quinn, assuming he'll be available after the Oakland Raiders pick LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Others want Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, supposedly the most physically gifted player in the draft.
The Browns might be seriously considering Oklahoma University running back Adrian Peterson with the No. 3 pick.
The Browns are acting interested in Quinn, supposedly wanting a private workout with the Notre Dame star. It probably is to create some thought that they might draft him -- and to add possible value to the No. 3 pick for a team that has its heart set on Quinn.
The Browns added a couple of role players on defense through free agency, but the key was Steinbach at guard. It's a good start; now let's hope they finish the job with another starting lineman through free agency or the draft.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864 |
Quote:
As happens every year, the further the Browns are from the season, the hazier the memories of fans become about the problems on both lines. And the hotter the lust for quarterbacks, running backs and receivers.
IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
It happens every single year. We all start out with "We need linemen", and then when those "sexy" picks start showcasing their talent. Everyone jumps off the bandwagon and onto the next "LT" or the next "Peyton Manning".....yaddy yadda
Happens every year, and I wish I could give an answer as to why these people don't realize they are getting sucked into the hype of "sexy" picks.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849 |
I think Peterson is the obvious pick... and i agree with the article that they want the private workout with Quinn to get other teams to want to trade up.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849 |
Quote:
Happens every year, and I wish I could give an answer as to why these people don't realize they are getting sucked into the hype of "sexy" picks.
cuz the sexy picks do help ur team....
1) Winslow
2) Braylon
3) Wimbley
I'm glad we have all three of those players... adding Peterson to the equation will also help.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121 |
And it's happening now... people are falling head over heals for guys like Peterson and Quinn. Every year its the same garbage. The same people will join the chorus of how our OL BLOWS and we can't do anything on offense because of it. Fast forward to March of 08... "Wow, McFadden is the man, Brian Brohm is a can't miss QB you can't pass on" etc... etc..
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,950
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,950 |
Quote:
IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
That's capital letters, because Browns fans need to say it over and over.
buddy many of us have been saying it over and over for years now, 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121 |
That's wonderful... they've helped us all the way to a 4 win season. Meanwhile, I would like to show what a 1st day guard or tackle has done for the team but since we haven't drafted one one the first day in ions I don't have an example.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849 |
Quote:
That's wonderful... they've helped us all the way to a 4 win season. Meanwhile, I would like to show what a 1st day guard or tackle has done for the team but since we haven't drafted one one the first day in ions I don't have an example.
without those 4 guys.. we probably would have the #1 overall pick..
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 880
All Pro
|
|
All Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 880 |
Quote:
Hank Fraley isn't great, but the veteran center played all 16 games and graded as average most of the time, according to the Browns.
He should be a little better this season, simply because he's with the same team -- even if some of the players around him have changed.
He should be better simply because the players around him have changed.
And the next head coach is ......
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,857
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,857 |
Quote:
cuz the sexy picks do help ur team....
1) Winslow
2) Braylon
3) Wimbley
For the record, I'm glad we have them also,,, But Wimbley wasn't the sexy pick last year,, Ngata was,,, Remember!
And yeah, Sexy picks can help you win,,, for sure, but like the article says, it just don't matter if the line ain't right
The quicker people get thier heads out of thier butts and realize drafting a Quinn or Peterson, while sexy, won't mean diddly until that line is fixed, the better we have a CHANCE to become.
Soon, in this very thread, we will hear things like,,,you never pass on a Franchise QB,,, or the ever popular, Peterson is capable of beating another team all by himself... or how about the famous, Johnson can be the receiver that Brayone was supposed to be....
While I find very little untrue about those statements.. they are foolish in that not one of those three guys can make a difference without that Dang line.. NOT ONE OF THEM,,,,,,
Sorry if I sound a little annoyed,,, But geez,,, we need to address the foundation of this team..
Savage did that last year with Bentley and Shaffer (some of us are wondering why shaffer, but frankly, he was the best left out there,,, so what was savage supposed to do differently)
He followed that up with Stienbach this year.. Now if he can land thomas in the first,, we really and truely have the makings of a very very good if not great Oline... It may take a year to gel,, but I believe the foundation will be there,,
My opinion, if he can't get Thomas, and Quinn is still there, Get what you can in a trade,, and get your LT later or live with Shaffer till you find the right one.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,445
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,445 |
The more intelligent savy NFL fans would agree with your Man Love for Peterson IF...
1) We had a Franchise QB...Or even a decent one...
2) We had a Franchise LT...Or even a decent one...
3) If there was no QB worth a 3 pick...
4) If there was no LT worth a 3 pick...
Problem is...There IS a LT and a QB worth a 3 pick...
Throw Quinn and Thomas out the window and Peterson's a No Brainer...
Go Browns!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 292
1st String
|
|
1st String
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 292 |
"Doesn't matter how fancy the car is if the road is full of holes."
When do the Browns say it's time to take a stand and fix the line? Look at E. James in AZ. Pro Bowler at Indy...afterthought with the Cards. Why? Just look at the OL's. How many times did I find myself yelling at the TV about the Cleveland OL in 2006? Just a few more sustained drives at the right times could have netted us a couple more victories...but the OL couldn't get it done. Instead, the Browns are sending a rookie fullback wide on 3rd and 1.
I'd love to see Peterson in brown and orange. But he'll get crushed if he hasn't got a big time line to clear the path in front of him. It's time to fix the "road." Do the right thing, Phil. Sign Mahan and draft Thomas in the first.
I love this time of year!!
[color:"red"]"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
---Leonardo daVinci
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121 |
Yea I'm not sure how you lumped Wimbley into the sexy pick category. The sexy picks are skill positions a la WR, QB and RB. Hey, we can keep picking sexy picks and ignore the line in the draft, that's great I guess... because as long as we keep doing this, we will continue to have high picks every year so some of the Browns faithful can continue to make the draft the most exiting time of the year and clamor for more selections of that nature. I would love for once to be excited near playoff time. And as long as we keep ignoring the portion of the game where it is won or lost, we ain't getting there.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,936
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,936 |
What DnD said.
[color:"white"]"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
-- Mark Twain [/color]
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849 |
The Browns have worked on addressing the o-line... and some of you need to understand that our players have the chance of getting better...
We have an Elite Guard w/ Steinbach...
Shaffer is a good LT, and will appear even better with Steinbach playing next to him..
Fraley is a fighter.. and Bentley will be healthy in 08...
Tucker said he will be back, and that he is ready to go..
ALL WE REALLY NEED IS ANOTHER GUARD!! and THOMAS IS NOT A GUARD!! Guards fall in the draft (ie Max Jean Gilles)... and then we still have guys like Fred Matua on this roster who could blossom.. He has experience blocking for talented RB's...
PETERSON is my choice.. and hopefully it will be the Browns too... Romeo needs immediate help.. and the kid from OU is here to save the day.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160
Hall of Famer
|
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160 |
Of Course Thomas isn't a OG..lol.. And we will be taking a OG..if Phil sticks to his guns this is the year to grab every SOLID O/Dlinemen he can... It would start with Thomas..moving Shaffer to RT... perhaps moving Tucker to RG..well actually that would have to be it since they inked Butler to two more years  But as I think about that..it gets kinda murky when you lay it out that way. Someone's out of a job if they do land Thomas ..and get a OG .. Druzzi/Sowells/Dorsey..
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550 |
Quote:
Let's hope they find a blocker in the upper level of the NFL Draft to add.
I agree and don't think many would disagree.
Upper level doesn't have to mean 1st round.
Quote:
IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
I don't agree with that and IMO only a simpleton would. Of course the other components of the offense matter.
That is just plain stupid.
Offense is a cohesive unit made up of parts.
It is a symbiotic relationship. All have to work.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,849 |
Quote:
I agree and don't think many would disagree.
I disagree..
 check my mocks out 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,936
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,936 |
We NEED a true LT. Thomas is a natural LT. Shaffer is not. Savage has even said as much, hasn't he? It's pretty simple really. By picking Thomas we could shuffle Shaffer and Tuck (if he's ready to go), finish the OL rebuild and begin developing some depth behind the starters. Long term, this is the way to go, IMO. I hate to break it to you, but Peterson isn't going to "save the day" on his own. Ask the Cardinal fans how bringing Edge to town saved the day for Arizona last season.
[color:"white"]"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
-- Mark Twain [/color]
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121 |
It's a very true statement. The running game relies on what? It relies on the offensive line to sustain blocks, keep the defensive linemen out of the backfield and open holes. Edgerrin James found out how important that is when he went to Arizona. Matter fact, James who was a multiple pro bowler behind a good line, rushed for the least amount of yards in a game when given 35+ carries in NFL HISTORY. Did James all of the sudden regress from a multiple pro bowl level to an average or maybe even below average back?
What does the passing game rely on? The QB needs time and throwing lanes to make the throws, the receivers need time to get open. If an offensive line can give good protection throughout a game, the DBs are going to wear down eventually and the passing game will really open up. But when the defensive line is in the QBs face in 2 seconds it doesn't matter if you've got talented receivers or not. If your skill positions don't have the holes or the time then that statement is true, nothing else matters.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,659
Poser
|
|
Poser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,659 |
Then every coach in America from Pee Wee to the NFL must be "simpletons". I have yet to find ANY coach at ANY level that disagrees that the games are won and lost in the trenches. I'd love to see quotes to the contrary, but you won't be able to provide them.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,531
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,531 |
Quote:
"Doesn't matter how fancy the car is if the road is full of holes."
When do the Browns say it's time to take a stand and fix the line? Look at E. James in AZ. Pro Bowler at Indy...afterthought with the Cards. Why? Just look at the OL's. How many times did I find myself yelling at the TV about the Cleveland OL in 2006? Just a few more sustained drives at the right times could have netted us a couple more victories...but the OL couldn't get it done. Instead, the Browns are sending a rookie fullback wide on 3rd and 1.
I'd love to see Peterson in brown and orange. But he'll get crushed if he hasn't got a big time line to clear the path in front of him. It's time to fix the "road." Do the right thing, Phil. Sign Mahan and draft Thomas in the first.
I love this time of year!!
Let's say we sign that guy from Tampa Bay then draft a guard in round 2, then maybe someone else on the 2nd day (we have to fix the defense too ya know).
Is that NOT addressing the O-line? Or are we just gonna keep saying "We ignore the O-line" until we take a draft and spend all 7 picks on offensive linemen?
I'll be more than happy with a guard in round 2 and that guy from the Bucs. That means 3 new quality linemen this year, and if one should go down, we'll be ok. Hell, if 2 go down, the sky won't fall if Andruzzi has to make a spot start in one of the positions. He won't be banged up on the bench.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 147
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 147 |
Quote:
IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
I don't agree with that and IMO only a simpleton would. Of course the other components of the offense matter.
That is just plain stupid.
Offense is a cohesive unit made up of parts.
It is a symbiotic relationship. All have to work.
He understnads that, he is just saying that with out an adequate OL on the other parts will not have an impact. He is for the most part, dead on with this assesment.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,331
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,331 |
My big problem is that there doesn't seem to be much time for our QB to pass the ball as he gets crushed by the other team's D-Line and the other team run blitzes us so that we can't run the ball and there's no holes.
We've screamed over and over again for offensive line. Now we have a shot to get Adrian Peterson or Brady Quinn and we forget about that. I'm gonna stick with my pick Joe Thomas. I've wanted him all last year until he decided he wouldn't come out and now i've wanted him all this year. We're in a position to draft him and as usual we find a reason not to. Signing Steinbach is fine, but i got a hard time beleiving that signing one player is good enough to address our team.
I understand the guys saying Peterson or Quinn then guard in the 2nd or 3rd! but yeah, i'm sticking with Joe Thomas. Let's make the next serious fix of our offensive line. We've wanted a LT forever, now we can get one. I'm just sticking by my guy
UCONN HUSKIES 2014 Champions of Basketball
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160
Hall of Famer
|
|
OP
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,160 |
I don't agree with that and IMO only a simpleton would You won't but does that make U a simpleton?  Dude U fall into place every year..and U still don't get it after 7 years.. Offense is a cohesive unit made up of parts.
And if the Oline WHICH IS A PART doesn't work it doesn't MATTER what U want to believe..
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,445
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,445 |
Quote:
By picking Thomas we could shuffle Shaffer and Tuck (if he's ready to go), finish the OL rebuild and begin developing some depth behind the starters. Long term, this is the way to go, IMO.
Most definately...And I think Savage hears it...
We're gonna end up with one of two scenarios IMHO...
1) Sign Mahan and take Thomas at 3...
2) Sign Mahan and take Peterson with a Guard in 2...
Either way we're getting TOP QUALITY in the draft...
I'm just wondering if these guys have this in mind...Don't let your eyes pop out when u see this....
READY??????????????????
Steinbach
Shaffer
Fraley
Blalock???/Mahan
Tucker
Go Browns!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864 |
steinbach at Tackle is more scary than Shaeffer at guard.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121 |
Are you suggesting Steinbach at the LT and Shaffer the LG? I don't like that scenario at all. Stein isn't a LT, he's a pro bowl caliber LG and we should keep him there IMO. I do like Blalock or Sears in round 2 though.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550 |
Quote:
If your skill positions don't have the holes or the time then that statement is true, nothing else matters.
It is like which came first, the chicken or the egg??
A great line with crappy players at the other positions doesn't do much either.
It takes all working as a unit.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,445
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,445 |
Just a Convo Stirrer...lol...
I'd put Steiner where he belongs and leave it alone...LEFT G...
One doesn't know what Marshall will do tho...
Go Browns!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864 |
For what it's worth I think Shaeffer would do well at Guard.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,857
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42,857 |
Quote:
Shaffer is a good LT, and will appear even better with Steinbach playing next to him..
Not everyone has the same opinoin of Shaffer.. you may be right,,
But what your saying is, Pass on a Franchise LT,,, for a player (peterson) who, when healthy, can be a stud,,, he just hasn't been able to do that.. What makes you think that if we draft him, he's suddenly going to find a way to remain healthy?
I like Peterson as well,, Love to have him,, but that injury thing drives me crazy.... It's one thing to pick a guy like Courtney Brown back then and have him turn into a injury prone player,, it's a whole different thing to pick a guy that is injury prone and expect it to suddenly change,, Rather unrealistic I think.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602
All Pro
|
|
All Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602 |
Quote:
I hate to break it to you, but Peterson isn't going to "save the day" on his own. Ask the Cardinal fans how bringing Edge to town saved the day for Arizona last season.
Man, I am getting SOOO tired of hearing this statement. NO ONE is saying that he can. He needs help and our O-line needs help. Savage has ALREADY begun to address that. Steinbach IMMEDIATLEY upgrades one position on our line. Hopefully Mahan comes to terms with us also, upgrading ANOTHER position on our O-line. MAYBE (hopefully), Savage gets us some more help in the draft.
I am one of the "idiots" in the Peterson camp, but I realize and hope that our O-line is addressed also. Please stop implying that by some of us "wanting" Peterson, that we don't also realize that the O-line MUST improve for Peterson or ANYONE else to succeed.
Last edited by ncdawg; 03/07/07 11:43 AM.
Born and breed with OSU, App. State alumni, but bleed orange and brown.
Go ARMY......Beat Navy!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550 |
I agree. Aces in their places.
Moving a guy from his position of strength to cover for another positions weakness is foolish...especially when you consider the position mentioned isn't that weak.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,447
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,447 |
Quote:
Quote:
IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
That's capital letters, because Browns fans need to say it over and over.
buddy many of us have been saying it over and over for years now,
I'm going to go along with ya on this one from start to finish .. Not about to get between the mud slingers !
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,620
Hall of Famer
|
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,620 |
Quote:
cuz the sexy picks do help ur team....
1) Winslow
2) Braylon
3) Wimbley
As others have said - Wimbley wasn't a "sexy" pick. But he's definitely helped us.
The other two, not so much. Edwards drops as many passes as anyone else we've had, just does it for more money. I don't think he strikes fear in a defense, at least not yet. Needs to get his 'tude on right, too.
Winslow had a lot of catches, but not too mnay yards considering all those catches. And he definitely wasn't the first-down factory and red-zone presence he was advertised to be. Thanks to his boneheaded motorcycle adventure he is not what he was in college, and now may not even make back to the field. I hope he does, and I'd like to see what he can be like when healthy.
But so far, those two really haven't done all that much.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121 |
The chicken or the egg is an unknown... not so with the offense. It all starts up front. Whether it is a running play or a passing play the first ingrediant of a successful play is the blocking by the offensive line, period. You could have a great play designed against the right defensive formation which has all the odds to be a big gainer. The ball is snapped, the lineman whiffs, the DL flushes the QB out of the pocket who is now scrambling for his life and the play is broken, opportuntity waisted. How many times have we seen that kind of scenario the last 7 years?
Even average skill position players can make consistant plays if they have the time and opportunity to do so. This is the NFL, these are guys are professional athletes. Give a QB time to throw a 10 yard out pattern without a guy breathing down his neck every 2 seconds and most times he will make the throw. The receiver most times will make the catch. A RB with a nice hole will most likely gain several yards on a run even if they are average. Superior skill position players can't do squat without time or holes.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121
Practice Squad
|
|
Practice Squad
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 121 |
And I just want to add... I'm not saying here that if we did take a guy like Peterson he will be a failure here. I'm not saying if we do take a guy like Peterson or Quinn in the 1st it is a collosal mistake. What I am saying is IMO the line is the most important thing to "sure up" on the offensive side of the ball. And I think it would be a mistake if we continue to ignore the line on the 1st day of the draft year in and year out.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 39,550 |
Like I said....I can argue as well, but I won't because it always ends up that the same point.
Carry on.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,810
Legend
|
|
Legend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,810 |
Quote:
IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.
In all honesty, the Browns have made "one" change in the offensive line, so far...adding Steinbach.
Fraley was our quick fix at center after Bentley went down last season and the back up signed by Savage decided to retire in the face of starting the entire season.
Shaffer returning at LT would not be whats best for the team, IMO. I still remember his first play for the Browns and one of his last plays in the last game of the season...holding calls that cost the Browns points on the board.
Shaffer was signed to 36 mill. contract and handed a starting job and has no competition for the job. I rank Shaffer near the bottom of LTs in the NFL. He is lazy at times relying more on his holding techniques instead of putting forth the effort to make a legal block.
One move is not enough to improve this offensive line. Adding only Steinbach at guard or any other position you want to put him at, will not change much.
Savage must take a strong look at LT in the draft as two LTs will likely go in the top 10 of this draft. Failure to land a franchise LT with this draft opportunity will set the franchise back another year and likely result in Shaffer being handed the LT job again.
Drafting Joe Thomas or Levi Brown in round 1 would solve the Browns problem at LT and give Shaffer competition for a starting job at RT. Drafting a franchise LT would be like drafting two players, filling the LT and RT spots, plus Shaffer could be the backup at LT.
Drafting Thomas or Brown would also insure that Steinbach would play his natural position at guard too.
By drafting one player, the Browns fill a need that has existed since the team returned in 99, adds depth and competition for the RT spot and insures that Steinbach will be free to play his natural position at Guard.
The second move Savage needs to make is so clear and will have to wait until draft day. 
Just do it Phil....
Last edited by mac; 03/07/07 12:11 PM.
FOOTBALL IS NOT BASEBALL
Home of the Free, Because of the Brave...
|
|
|
DawgTalkers.net
Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns find some blocks to build
line
|
|
![[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]](https://i.ibb.co/6WV79RV/Browns-Coach-Sig.png)
