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Cleveland Browns LB D'Qwell Jackson eager to give Ravens, Steelers a dose of their defensive medicine Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer Follow on Twitter on April 17, 2013 at 10:15 PM, updated April 17, 2013 at 10:16 PM BEREA, Ohio -- D'Qwell Jackson has watched the Ravens and Steelers strut around with their fearsome, top-ranked defenses over the past seven years and pummel the Browns into submission. Now, he's champing at the bit to give it right back in defensive coordinator Ray Horton's new attack-minded scheme. "It's going to be good to finally get after the Baltimores and the Pittsburghs and actually give them a little dose of their own medicine,'' Jackson said Tuesday on the second day of voluntary minicamp. "They play aggressive. I watch all the top defenses and Baltimore and Pittsburgh, they get after people, and that's what Ray brings here.'' Many observers thought a return to the 3-4 -- which the Browns played under Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini from 2005-10 -- would be grim news for Jackson, who excelled in Dick Jauron's 4-3 the past two seasons. But Jackson is as excited as anyone about the new multi-front defense. That's because Horton's 3-4 -- honed in his seven years in Blitzburgh under coordinator Dick LeBeau -- is a get-up-in-your-grill mentality that features the relentless blitzing that everyone kept expecting from Rob Ryan's 3-4 defenses in 2009 and 2010. "Thus far, I haven't been in a defense where it's an aggressive, attack-style defense,'' said Jackson. "I’m excited to see how I react to it, let alone the guys around me. It gives everyone a chance to be a playmaker from the strong safety to the outside linebackers. In this defense he gives everyone an opportunity to either rush, cover or make big-play opportunities.” As for the notion that Jackson will be neutralized by guards, he's not buying. "I'm going to have a lot more opportunities to blitz,'' he said. "I won't be stationary. ... We have a lot of different fronts, so it won't be one look all the time. "We've got a lot of movement and it's harder for an offense to hit a moving target, (unlike) in years past, where you just stand there all day and feel like you don't make plays and get blocked all the way down the field.'' As of now, Jackson is paired inside with second-year linebacker Craig Robertson, a undrafted free agent out of North Texas who played in all 16 games with three starts last season. Robertson finished second on the team with 83 tackles and tied for fourth with two interceptions. "We're cycling guys through,'' Jackson said. "Right now it's Craig Robertson because he can cover, so they're giving him an opportunity, but now everything is up for grabs and may the best man win it. I think Craig and James-Michael Johnson, all the guys we have are solid guys, smart guys. It's just early right now.'' Jackson's adjustment to the 3-4 is nothing compared to Jabaal Sheard, who's transitioning from a 4-3 left end to a 3-4 right outside linebacker. "If anybody can do it, Jabaal can,'' said Jackson. "He’s a bright D end. D ends don’t get a good reputation in this league, but he’s one of the few that can pick things up easily. He's strong, he can run, it's just a matter of he's always played with his hand in the dirt, getting after the passer. Now he has to stand up, make some calls. "I've had to change systems quite a few times. It's part of the business, but I think he'll be fine.'' Jackson is also watching Ahtyba Rubin switch from 4-3 tackle to 3-4 right end. “You can play Rube at any position as a D-lineman,'' said Jackson. "There’s one thing Rube has had since he walked in this building is effort. Something you can’t coach is effort. ... He’s a savvy football player. You can play him at any of the three down lineman positions.” For his part, Rubin isn't balking at the switch. "I'm not scared of it,'' he said. "I'm going to embrace it. Right now we're all playing everywhere -- right left, nose. It's really kind of a free-for-all.'' Jackson is pleased by the addition of former Ravens pass-rusher Paul Kruger, who will start at left OLB. "Just from the standpoint he has a ring, he knows what it takes,'' said Jackson. "He’s been around Hall of Famers, guys that have been one of the best at their positions with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. "I’m happy he’s on our side of the ball now. I’m sure when we get to Baltimore we’ll pick his brain about what they do. I want to learn as much information as I can. He’s been a great asset.” When Jackson needs a little insight into the new scheme, he need only turn to his new teammate Quentin Groves, who played for Horton in Arizona. “He’s a solid guy who knows the system,'' said Jackson. "All the guys go to him. If I have a question about anything, his locker is near mine, I just go and pick his brain about what Ray is thinking.” But more than anything, Jackson is thrilled to play defense like the big boys in the AFC North. "You can’t help but be excited playing on the defensive side of the ball, knowing you’re going to be aggressive and get after people,'' he said. "It’s going to be fun.” web page __________________________________ I am most excited about Robertson getting the shot beside DQ in the middle. I think he can be a freak in this scheme with his short burst and ability to cover. BTW I am no fan of the 3-4 but I agree with DQ, it is about damn time the Browns ran an aggressive defense and you can add offense as well. This playing not to lose stuff has only resulted in years of loses.
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Jabaal Sheard looks to impress in new LB role Print Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer Follow on Twitter on April 16, 2013 at 10:59 PM, updated April 16, 2013 at 11:36 PM Email BEREA, Ohio -- If Jabaal Sheard had spent any more time this off-season practicing his footwork and learning new moves, he could have auditioned for Dancing With the Stars. But the Browns' converted defensive end isn't training to become the next Emmitt Smith or Hines Ward. As he makes the switch to outside linebacker, Sheard's livelihood is at stake and he plans to be as prepared as possible. "I'm up for the challenge," Sheard said Tuesday as a voluntary three-day minicamp opened. "It's still football and it's about competing and challenging." Sheard, who recorded a club-best 15.5 sacks the past two seasons, is being asked to make the biggest sacrifice of all returning starters. He's not only changing positions, but sides of the field -- transferring to right outside linebacker after playing left defensive end last year. The third-year pro is transforming his game with no assurance the club won't draft another pass rusher such as Dion Jordan or Ziggy Ansah in the first round. Sheard was asked about the scenario, one that could make him expendable and set up a draft-day trade. "I'm just going to keep working and do my job and see how it works out," he answered. He was told weeks ago, Sheard said, that he would play the right side for a team that acquired big-ticket outside linebacker Paul Kruger via free agency. In his rookie season, Sheard's production rose after switching from the right to left side of the line. "He's picked it up and well and I've been impressed with him from a mental standpoint and what he's been able to bring out to the field," Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said. Sheard has focused on the footwork required for his new position, especially dropping into pass coverage. He trained at a Miami-based facility run by Cleveland native and former NFL receiver Chris Chambers. Sheard admits the adjustment is significant even as he opted not to speak to other former ends who have made the transition. "As long as I'm rushing [the passer] I'm good," he said smiling. "The drops are different. It's all new. I got to get my eyes used to looking at a receiver, look back at the quarterback while I'm moving backward. Coaches are doing a good job of slowly taking me through it and not rushing me. ... Right now, I'm a step behind, but the coaches are being patient with me." Sheard didn't wait to speak to defensive coordinator Ray Horton or outside linebackers coach Brian Baker to be advised of proper drills. He took the initiative and downloaded some from the Internet. "You can find anything online," the 23-year-old said. One thing that hasn't changed about Sheard is his size. While some thought he might cut weight in hopes of gaining quickness he remains 6-2, 255 pounds. Chudzinski believes he can play the new position as is. The coach likes Sheard's skills and what he sees of him on video. Chudzinski was asked if his new outside linebacker can become an elite pass rusher? "We'll see," the coach said. Getting his Phil: Kicker Shayne Graham participated in minicamp a day after signing a free-agent deal. He was quick to praise former Browns kicker and local hero Phil Dawson, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers, and acknowledged the best way to win over fans is to make kicks. "I knew he was very popular and I knew the fans loved him," said Graham, who's converted 85.4 percent of his career field-goal attempts, fifth-best in NFL history. "He's been here since '99. I know Phil's history ... I would like to say the fans will like me as much as Phil, but that comes down to putting the ball through the goal posts. "The pressure is already there. I'm not going to do anything different because I want to live up to anyone's expectations of who was here before. The only way fans are going to like and follow me is if I make kicks. That pressure is there no matter what. You make kicks and everything is great. You miss kicks you get fired." Graham, 35, also is drawing comparisons with a player who remains on the team. His strawberry red hair has teammates likening him to a sawed-off Brandon Weeden. "Everyone has been saying it to both of us," Graham said. "It's like 'Get together, let's take a picture of them.'" Injury update: Wide receiver David Nelson, rehabbing his surgically repaired knee, and guard Jason Pinkston, who sat out most of last season with a blood clot in his lung, did not participate Tuesday. Pinkston has been medically cleared, but Chudzinski said the lineman will be eased into practices "incrementally." Nelson, who played three season for Buffalo, is expected to be fit for training camp, Chudzinski said, after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament last season. Reunited: Halfback Trent Richardson said he'd like to see the Browns draft former Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner. "Man, I'd love Dee to be here, especially on the other side of Joe [Haden]," Richardson said. "Those two on opposite sides ... that's a powerful thing." Brownies: The club announced defensive back Chris Rucker and wide receivers Seyi Ajirotutu and Legedu Naanee will participate in the minicamp on a tryout basis. ... The NFL will release the regular-season schedule on Thursday. ... Browns CEO Joe Banner and general manager Mike Lombardi are expected to address the media Thursday . . . Richardson declined to speak about a civil suit by two women who claim they were assaulted outside his Columbia Station home. "I wish I could say stuff about that, but as far as legal rights, I really can’t say nothing about it," he said. web page
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Brownies: The club announced defensive back Chris Rucker and wide receivers Seyi Ajirotutu and Legedu Naanee will participate in the minicamp on a tryout basis. ... The NFL will release the regular-season schedule on Thursday. ... Browns CEO Joe Banner and general manager Mike Lombardi are expected to address the media Thursday . . . Richardson declined to speak about a civil suit by two women who claim they were assaulted outside his Columbia Station home. "I wish I could say stuff about that, but as far as legal rights, I really can’t say nothing about it," he said. web page
This guy can't run routes to save his life, but I've seen him make a number of great catches with Chargers.
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Although I think DQ is better suited to be a 4-3 MLB, one thing I will say is that he is very underrated as a blitzer. Whenever they sent him on a blitz he got good pressure.
Hopefully he can thrive in this new defense.
Proud fan of the Pulaski Academy football strategy.
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Browns minicamp: Ray Horton’s vision for defense begins to take shape By Nate Ulrich Beacon Journal sports writer Published: April 17, 2013 - 11:27 PM browns18cut Cleveland Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson runs drills during mini-camp at the team's training facility Wednesday in Berea. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) BEREA: Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson has played in a 3-4 scheme before, but not one quite like the system new defensive coordinator Ray Horton is installing this week during the team’s three-day voluntary minicamp. Horton is hell-bent on harassing quarterbacks, and he’s not shy about dialing up blitz after blitz after blitz. “I watch all the top defenses,” Jackson said Wednesday after practice. “Baltimore, Pittsburgh, they get after people, and that’s what Ray brings here. Baltimore has been highly successful with their cross-dog, sending the two inside linebackers on stunts, and we run a ton of it. It’s going to be good to finally get after Baltimore and Pittsburgh and actually give them a little dose of their own medicine.” The Browns are only in the initial stages of converting from former defensive coordinator Dick Jauron’s 4-3 system to Horton’s multi-front, attacking-style scheme, which features a 3-4 base package. At the end of last season, many of the defense’s prominent players, including Jackson, lamented the thought of switching systems with another coaching change on the horizon. The transition will be a long, sometimes painful process, but there’s no looking back now, and the players know it. It’s only April, so starting lineups are far from set in stone, especially with the NFL Draft around the corner. For example, Jackson said he would welcome the addition of another rush linebacker. “I will welcome any pass rusher they bring in,” Jackson said. “Trust me.” But even though the roster will morph, minicamp has provided the media with clues about how Horton is experimenting with some key players. On Wednesday, Phil Taylor lined up at nose tackle with Ahtyba Rubin at right end and Desmond Bryant at left end. Jabaal Sheard was the right outside linebacker, and Paul Kruger was stationed on the left side while Jackson and Craig Robertson filled the left and right inside linebacker spots, respectively. Joe Haden was at left cornerback, Buster Skrine at right corner, T.J. Ward at strong safety and Tashaun Gipson at free safety. Everyone must adjust, some more than others. In 2010, Rubin had his breakout season as a nose tackle in the 3-4 system employed by former coach Eric Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. He also excelled in 2011 as a 4-3 defensive tackle under Jauron’s guidance before being plagued by a calf injury last season. Aware Horton could ask him to switch to end in a three-man front, Rubin has been watching his diet this offseason and training at 4th and Inches Sports Performance in Carrollton, Texas. The 6-foot-2 Rubin said he weighs 306 pounds after playing between 315-320 last season, and he’s determined to conquer yet another change. “I’m not scared of it,” Rubin said of playing end. “I’m going to embrace it. I’m going to stay on my playbook and listen to my coaches, who will show me how to play the technique and be successful.” Jackson has no doubt Rubin will continue to succeed. “Anywhere you put Rube, he’ll work his tail off,” Jackson said. “That’s one guy you don’t worry about.” The 6-3, 335-pound Taylor said switching to nose tackle wouldn’t faze him because he had experience playing it at Baylor University and sometimes lined up across from the opposing center last season in the “shade” technique. Taylor also believes he and Rubin are versatile enough to play nose or end for Horton. Sheard, on the other hand, is being asked to make a significant change. Sheard has played defensive end his entire life. Now he must learn how to rush from a standing position and how to drop into coverage. He’s also playing on the right side of the field after switching to the left side of the line one game into his rookie season because he was more comfortable there. Sheard has a team-high 15½ sacks the past two seasons. His production and playing time could decrease, though he insists he doesn’t consider changing positions a sacrifice. “You got to understand, I think I’m athletic, so I always wanted to be a linebacker,” said Sheard, adding some 3-4 teams viewed him as an outside linebacker heading into the 2011 draft. “Nonetheless, I wanted to be back there and be able to drop and also rush. The more I can do, the more athletic I feel. I’m happy for it, honestly.” The 6-2, 255-pound Sheard said losing weight isn’t part of his plan. However, he has spent time working on his footwork this offseason while training with former NFL receiver Chris Chambers in Miami. “Sheard is just an athletic guy,” Kruger said. “So I think he’s going to be just fine. From what I saw, he didn’t skip a beat. He’s just taking everything we’ve learned in the classroom and applying it here on the field.” With some players transferring to new positions and all of them learning Horton’s playbook and its verbiage, backup outside linebacker Quentin Groves is proving to be an invaluable tutor. Groves spent last season playing for Horton as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. “In talking with D’Qwell, I know they ran the 3-4 here before, but they sat back a lot,” Groves said. “This is going to be a year we get after the quarterback.” web page
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I get excited when I read about the potential of Horton's defense. Particularly when players give you the sense they are embracing the change. Some additional thoughts...
I didn't see it in either article that was posted so I probably saw it in a PD video interview with Jackson; he says he can thrive in this defense because he will not be lining up in a predictable position play after play. He says he'll be on the move and could be anywhere along the front at the snap of the ball. Turning what might be a liability into an advantage for the Browns.
He also mentioned that this defense features an ILB cross-dog, stunting the two inside LBs. That got me to thinking that adding another aggressive ILB to the rotation would be a good move. You could do that in the draft but it could also be done through a veteran free agent signing. If the Browns go the latter route I like a guy like Larry Grant, a young veteran, who is available from SF.
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Thanks Mourg. Three good articles, especially the first one. Lot's of good information in those articles. I have a few thoughts:
--Sheard: Surprised he didn't lose 5-10 lbs. Surprised he didn't talk to other guys who converted. Surprised that they are asking him to drop into coverage. Noticed that Chud wasn't very forthcoming w/praise for Sheard. I was hoping for a smooth transition. Not so sure about that now.
--Robertson: I see him manning one of the ILBer spots on passing downs. I still think the ILBers will be more responsible for pass coverage rather than the OLBers. Robertson should excel in that position. I would like to see us draft an ILBer to help w/the running game.
--Reubin: He should be fine at DE. I do see most of the defensive linemen moving around on the line, though. Especially Reubs and Taylor.
DQ: He is a very good at blitzing. He is good in open space. I think the attacking style suits him. He'll be fine.
Gipson: This guy is interesting. He looked okay last year in limited opportunities. Jauron said he couldn't understand how the kid went undrafted. The new regime let Young walk. They didn't bring in Rhodes, who was w/Horton last year in Arizona. I wonder if they think highly of Gipson?
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Quote:
I get excited when I read about the potential of Horton's defense. Particularly when players give you the sense they are embracing the change. Some additional thoughts...
I didn't see it in either article that was posted so I probably saw it in a PD video interview with Jackson; he says he can thrive in this defense because he will not be lining up in a predictable position play after play. He says he'll be on the move and could be anywhere along the front at the snap of the ball. Turning what might be a liability into an advantage for the Browns.
He also mentioned that this defense features an ILB cross-dog, stunting the two inside LBs. That got me to thinking that adding another aggressive ILB to the rotation would be a good move. You could do that in the draft but it could also be done through a veteran free agent signing. If the Browns go the latter route I like a guy like Larry Grant, a young veteran, who is available from SF.
We've seen it in action,, Certainly with him as DC in Arizona, That was a pretty tough D. And of course as an assistant to Dick LaBeau in Pittsburgh.
All we need is the players that can and will do what they are taught.
#GMSTRONG
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Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Quote:
--Sheard: Surprised he didn't lose 5-10 lbs. Surprised he didn't talk to other guys who converted. Surprised that they are asking him to drop into coverage. Noticed that Chud wasn't very forthcoming w/praise for Sheard. I was hoping for a smooth transition. Not so sure about that now.
I hear you on this one, but I don't really think Chud not being forthcoming is really indicative of too much. From what I've noticed so far, and from what I remember of him being our offensive coordinator, he's a very cryptic speaker. He never likes to reveal anything significant. I'm not faulting him for it. It's just his style.
I am starting to get more of an underlying feeling though that we're going to trade Sheard.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
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“This is going to be a year we get after the quarterback.”
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Not sure how anyone thought the Sheard transition was going to be smooth. Even last year he wasn't exactly lighting it up, he wasn't great against the run and he was all but invisible for the meat of the season in pass rush. I said it before, I'll say it again, I am extremely concnerned. As much as I like Millner I think the organization has to be hoping Jordan falls to us.
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I'd still go after Milliner. Honestly, what situation do you feel more comfortable with: Sheard starting at OLB or Skrine starting at CB?
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
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I think that having two solid CB's will help a struggling OLB more than a solid OLB will help a struggling CB.
Just my $0.02.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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I'd still go after Milliner. Honestly, what situation do you feel more comfortable with: Sheard starting at OLB or Skrine starting at CB?
I would not feel comfortable with taking a guy top 10 and "converting" him to anything, such as 3-4 OLB. We've been down that road before and it did not end well. Honestly I think Star Lotulelei should be taken under consideration as well because he is the best player in this draft.
Not gonna happen since we painted ourselves in sort of a corner there but at top 6 we need not be concerned with what we spent on Sheard and more concerned with impact. I don't see Sheard being in the league much longer if he can't make this transition and I have a hard time seeing him make it. I hope I'm wrong. JMO
Makes me think of what a waste of talent Marcus Benard was, he would have fit nicely into 3rd down packages. 
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Not wanting to bash DQ, but it would be a very good surprise to see him succeed in an attacking D.
So far what I've seen from DQ, he is more a reactive player then proactive, he has never showed us that he can attack an O, IMHO he's similar to Andra Davis type of ILB, who is competent in a bend but don't break style of O.
Three things leads me to believe he will struggle in an attacking D, first and although controversial, I still remember him playing behind Shaun Rogers and struggling with the penetration of SR, showing no instinct.
Second the problems with the no huddle Offense we have, and how DQ struggles to have the D in position, who leads me to believe he lacks football smarts to play has an attacking ILB,
Third after 6 seasons DQ only has 19 stuffs for 45 yds and 10 sacks, this in over 455 tackles....
I just don't see it, but will gladly proved wrong on this
Last edited by rastanplan; 04/18/13 09:56 AM.
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I don't see Sheard being in the league much longer...
I believe he still presents significant value to a 4-3 team as a DE...
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
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Quote:
Quote:
--Sheard: Surprised he didn't lose 5-10 lbs. Surprised he didn't talk to other guys who converted. Surprised that they are asking him to drop into coverage. Noticed that Chud wasn't very forthcoming w/praise for Sheard. I was hoping for a smooth transition. Not so sure about that now.
I hear you on this one, but I don't really think Chud not being forthcoming is really indicative of too much. From what I've noticed so far, and from what I remember of him being our offensive coordinator, he's a very cryptic speaker. He never likes to reveal anything significant. I'm not faulting him for it. It's just his style.
I am starting to get more of an underlying feeling though that we're going to trade Sheard.
All we keep hearing the last two days from guys like Kruger and Jackson is that Sheard is going to be fine in that role? What is making you think we'll trade him?
#GMSTRONG
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Damanshot
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Quote:
--Sheard: Surprised he didn't lose 5-10 lbs. Surprised he didn't talk to other guys who converted. Surprised that they are asking him to drop into coverage. Noticed that Chud wasn't very forthcoming w/praise for Sheard. I was hoping for a smooth transition. Not so sure about that now.
Why would he? He's 6'2" 255, right?
Clay Matthews: 6'3" 255#
Brooks Reed: 6'3" 257#
Ahmad Brooks: 6'3" 259#
Aldon Smith: 6'4" 258#
Connor Barwin: 6'4" 268#
Lamarr Woodley: 6'2" 265#
Paul Kruger: 6'4" 270#
You want him to go 245?
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Honestly, it's just a gut feeling...  I can't offer anything credible other than the fact he did well in a 4-3 and there's a possibility our FO might want to sell "high." Other than that, I'm just getting that vibe. Not saying I'm right or that I can argue it to no end.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
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I don't see Sheard being in the league much longer...
I believe he still presents significant value to a 4-3 team as a DE...
That is a national news media style quote of me....
anyway, 7 or 8 sacks in 16 games and being below average against the run won't hold down a starting job for anything but bad teams like us. JMO
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Quote:
Quote:
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I don't see Sheard being in the league much longer...
I believe he still presents significant value to a 4-3 team as a DE...
That is a national news media style quote of me....
anyway, 7 or 8 sacks in 16 games and being below average against the run won't hold down a starting job for anything but bad teams like us. JMO
So his forced fumbles and the fact that he had 15 sacks in his first 2 seasons on a bad team presents no value to you.
Right.
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j/c
I know seeing is believing but in evaluating DQ we cannot compare him with the Read n React 3-4 Defenses we were in 05-2010. Very very different. One the ILB had strict gap discipline which required to not commit (attack) n react having to fend off the OL blocks. Requiring Size to combat the pounding from the OL. Ray Lewis played this D for a season or two n cried like anything about it. They converted back to the 4-3 for him...n then came back to the Attack 3-4 they have been in of late.
The mentality of the entire D but especially the 8...4LB 3DL n SS - If you can envision the Difference between Blackbeard n his Pirates attacking showing no mercy how that can incite Havoc n Mayhem...as compared to an Ivy League Four Corners Defense. Precision n patience. Don't make big mistakes stay discipline n the BEND but DON'T BREAK mentality...geesh the Browns were in since forever!
Put it simply its the difference from playing football back on your HEELS or on the balls of feet! These kids want to be aggressive.
Surprise for me was the loss of weight by Rubin who I had 100% pegged at NT but now at 305 is looking perfect for that 3-4 DE n Taylor I thought was a DE looks to be playing NT again.
Sheard - Smart quick learn...we go with a stud OLB I'd love to see him move inside next to DQ If we do not trade him. Again if we attack...he can be a stud as well from ILB as well as that OLB spot. I'd love to see us go with Ansah, Sheard, DQ n Kruger attacking blitzing all over the place both OLB can put their hands down - even Sheard can jump in there with his hands down on the DL... Big strong speed with those 3 (Sheard, Ansah n Kruger) I cannot wait.
Ghengis Khan use to have his Hoard 100,000's strong come against an opponent with Noise breast to breast covering a vast area driving every living thing from Insects to animals into a mass exodus towards the Resisting Armies sitting on their heels. Dialing up a fervor within his Army of moving forward n anticipation of the slaughter...by the time they all reached...fleeing animals followed by the Hoard of thousands an thousands...the Armies were defeated before the battle started - So that the Monguls would be in such a fervor they killed all viciously - including animals and the armies before them! I cannot wait for the Browns Hoard!!! Woof Woof Wooof!!!!
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off!
Go Browns!
CHRIST HAS RISEN!
GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
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Good articles Mourg.
I like Robertson too, but I think he's a copy of DQ....maybe having 2 smaller ILBs are ok with Horton's scheme, we will see, but I think adding a "thumper" would complete the unit. Not sure JMJ is that thumper and I don't see many prospects being much more than him in the draft, so drafting a Bostic or Nico Johnson would be wasting resources imho
Overall, there's a lot to like on paper with the switch to an attacking hybrid scheme, but there's a transition price to pay too and that's being sold to us with all this "attacking" talk. Fine....we'll find out how good our DBs are when the blitzing gets blocked.
The Sheard comments either way are starting to make me nervous as it could signal him being on the trade block. If we draft a pass rusher at 6 and sell out Sheard for a 2nd, then I'll be fuming. That'd be a backwards fumble in value management
I do like the outlook for our DL players....Taylor, Bryant, Rubin, Winn and Hughes is a very strong DL rotation imho and they're all good fits in a hybrid scheme
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
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The Sheard comments either way are starting to make me nervous as it could signal him being on the trade block. If we draft a pass rusher at 6 and sell out Sheard for a 2nd, then I'll be fuming. That'd be a backwards fumble in value management
i agree, but it happens all the time. The Chiefs are reportedly looking at trading Albert for a second-round pick to the Dolphins only to use the first overall pick on his replacement. That's what happens when there's a new sheriff in town.
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I don't see Sheard being in the league much longer...
I believe he still presents significant value to a 4-3 team as a DE...
That is a national news media style quote of me....
anyway, 7 or 8 sacks in 16 games and being below average against the run won't hold down a starting job for anything but bad teams like us. JMO
So his forced fumbles and the fact that he had 15 sacks in his first 2 seasons on a bad team presents no value to you.
Right.
This is exactly the reason I don't post on this stupid board. Did I say he "present no value"? You guys are seriously worse than the national news media in creating spin and telling people what they meant. 
Also 15 sacks in two seasons? Are you serious? This isn't 1985, there were 4 players who had more sacks LAST YEAR than he had in two seasons. There were at least two pure defensive tackles last year with more sacks, Geno Atkins had 12.5!!! You don't get 5 years to develop anymore, you get 2 years to show some promise. Jabal Sheard was invisible last season, there were times if the camera didn't show him in the huddle I wouldn’t have even known he was playing.
You can drink the Kool Aid all you want, Jabal Sheard is entering his 3rd year with less sacks than JJ Watt , Aldon Smith, Von Miller, heck Cameron wake had last season. He is entering flat out bust territory when you consider he has been a liability against the run and oh yeah aside from that he is switching to a position he's never played.
Yeah, sure, nothing to be concerned with. Smooth transition for certain, you can bank on 10 sacks… 
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The Sheard comments either way are starting to make me nervous as it could signal him being on the trade block. If we draft a pass rusher at 6 and sell out Sheard for a 2nd, then I'll be fuming. That'd be a backwards fumble in value management
i agree, but it happens all the time. The Chiefs are reportedly looking at trading Albert for a second-round pick to the Dolphins only to use the first overall pick on his replacement. That's what happens when there's a new sheriff in town.
Sure, and it's stupid either way and probably the reason teams like the Chiefs and Browns pick in the top 10 year after year. I think it's beyond stupid what the Chiefs are doing...I'm not even sure Joeckel is a safe bet, I don't see an elite LT when I watch him....and at least Albert played 5 seasons for the Chiefs and he's 28yo...we groomed Sheard for 2 seasons and when he is to hit his prime as a 23/24yo we trade him and take a "boom/bust" project with a much higher pick? How stupid would that be? No GM will find a better DE in this year's draft in the 2nd round...if I was a 3-4 GM with a DE need I would happily throw a 2nd at our consensus.
If they're stupid enough to make this kind of trade, they better don't take a pass rusher at 6 and plan with Groves + mid rounder as the ROLB
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
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I think that having two solid CB's will help a struggling OLB more than a solid OLB will help a struggling CB.
Just my $0.02.
I absolutely disagree.
If we have a great pass rush, and knock the QB off his spot, make him have to throw the ball off balance and from an uncomfortable position ..... if he is under pressure from the word go, then our DBs will be far, far improved.
Last year we had far too many occasions where the QB could hang in the pocket and wait, wait, wait, wait, and wait for a receiver to come open. No DB can cover a receiver well for 5, 6, 7, or 8 seconds. They were required to do so far too often last year.
It became unfashionable to use the term "kill the head" ...... but really, that's what you want to do. Make the QB ineffective by sacking him, hitting him, and making him extremely uncomfortable is the best way to make a DB effective.
This is also Horton's philosophy. He wants a pass rush to stop the passing game more than tremendous coverage. (though I am sure that he won't complain about it if we wind up with a pair of great CB following the draft)
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Which is more likely....
Your OLB getting the QB off his spot play after play after play.
A CB covering a receiver play after play after play.
I understand that we're an attacking scheme, but if we trot out the crap we have behind Haden as our #2 CB, NOBODY will be able to rush fast enough to matter.
The better the QB, the more this will bear true.
To counter your OLB, the offense just needs to start doing one of two things: run plays to his side, or put a TE or RB there to chip him.
Suddenly, he isn't going to be getting pressure consistently, and now the corners are going to be exposed.
Put a solid CB out there, and the QB has to start looking deeper into his reads on most every play... which buys the OLB's more time to get to the QB.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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This is exactly the reason I don't post on this stupid board.
While I don't want to see you leave, I should remind you,, nobody is holding a gun to your head to stay here. Just thought I'd let you know so you don't have to feel bad about this stupid board and how evil it is for not agreeing with you.
Stay in touch..
#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
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I don't see Sheard being in the league much longer...
I believe he still presents significant value to a 4-3 team as a DE...
That is a national news media style quote of me....
anyway, 7 or 8 sacks in 16 games and being below average against the run won't hold down a starting job for anything but bad teams like us. JMO
So his forced fumbles and the fact that he had 15 sacks in his first 2 seasons on a bad team presents no value to you.
Right.
This is exactly the reason I don't post on this stupid board. Did I say he "present no value"? You guys are seriously worse than the national news media in creating spin and telling people what they meant.
Also 15 sacks in two seasons? Are you serious? This isn't 1985, there were 4 players who had more sacks LAST YEAR than he had in two seasons. There were at least two pure defensive tackles last year with more sacks, Geno Atkins had 12.5!!! You don't get 5 years to develop anymore, you get 2 years to show some promise. Jabal Sheard was invisible last season, there were times if the camera didn't show him in the huddle I wouldn’t have even known he was playing.
You can drink the Kool Aid all you want, Jabal Sheard is entering his 3rd year with less sacks than JJ Watt , Aldon Smith, Von Miller, heck Cameron wake had last season. He is entering flat out bust territory when you consider he has been a liability against the run and oh yeah aside from that he is switching to a position he's never played.
Yeah, sure, nothing to be concerned with. Smooth transition for certain, you can bank on 10 sacks…
My response was to "I don't see Sheard being in the league much longer..."
That would = presents no value to me, my problem was I didn't see who made the original post which is my fault.
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[ That is a national news media style quote of me....
True, but it was not taken out of context. I'm not trying to be arguementative here, but it does not change what you were implying.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
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Which is more likely....
Your OLB getting the QB off his spot play after play after play.
A CB covering a receiver play after play after play.
I understand that we're an attacking scheme, but if we trot out the crap we have behind Haden as our #2 CB, NOBODY will be able to rush fast enough to matter.
The better the QB, the more this will bear true.
To counter your OLB, the offense just needs to start doing one of two things: run plays to his side, or put a TE or RB there to chip him.
Suddenly, he isn't going to be getting pressure consistently, and now the corners are going to be exposed.
Put a solid CB out there, and the QB has to start looking deeper into his reads on most every play... which buys the OLB's more time to get to the QB.
It's not just the OLB though, It is a coordinated pass rush that makes the QB uncomfortable. It makes him less effective. It makes him get rid of the ball far faster than he wants to.
If a QB is in a 4 or 5 receiver set, and you have 2 All World CB, you still have 3 other receivers out there who can hurt you badly. A brutal, aggressive pass rush is the key.
It will be interesting to see how Keenan Lewis does this season without the ferocious Steelers pass rush in front of him. One other thing to remember ..... the Steelers had the #1 defense in yards last year, and 6th in points allowed, while starting a 4th year, former 3rd round CB who had done almost nothing prior to this year, and a 32 year old former 4th round CB. They pressured their way to success.
That's the style of defense we're going to play. Pass rush is more important than the CB spot.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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This is also Horton's philosophy.
It's so much his philosophy that Arizona drafted Patrick Peterson...
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
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[ That is a national news media style quote of me....
True, but it was not taken out of context. I'm not trying to be arguementative here, but it does not change what you were implying.
and I stand by what I was implying. If this transition doesn't go well, we could very well see him being a career backup at best.
I personally do not think he is as good as Kam Wimbley, so we'll have to wait and see.
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Quote:
Which is more likely....
Your OLB getting the QB off his spot play after play after play.
A CB covering a receiver play after play after play.
I understand that we're an attacking scheme, but if we trot out the crap we have behind Haden as our #2 CB, NOBODY will be able to rush fast enough to matter.
The better the QB, the more this will bear true.
To counter your OLB, the offense just needs to start doing one of two things: run plays to his side, or put a TE or RB there to chip him.
Suddenly, he isn't going to be getting pressure consistently, and now the corners are going to be exposed.
Put a solid CB out there, and the QB has to start looking deeper into his reads on most every play... which buys the OLB's more time to get to the QB.
 I don't even think it's worthy of debate.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
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I can't wait to see this product of Ray Horton on the field and how our players will respond. I just simply CANNOT wait!
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I can't wait to see this product of Ray Horton on the field and how our players will respond. I just simply CANNOT wait!
I would temper the excitement until we know whether or not he has the parts to actually make it work. Right now, it's just a lot of guessing and projection, especially at the all-important linebacker spots.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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I would temper the excitement...
And that's the key to the defense this year. Sure, Horton's bringing the Blitzburgh defense to Cleveland. But that doesn't mean we'll be ranked in the top five in this first year. There's a lot of learning to do and likely some new additions next season once we see from this season who doesn't fit.
It'll take a few seasons to be the defense we're so excited so see. Still, with the enthusiasm tempered a bit we can watch it all develop and hope for some quick progress.
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I am excited and I dont even like the 3-4 but it is as close as you will ever get to Buddy Ball and man I love that. Horton's D is far more aggressive than Lebeau and that is saying something.
Last edited by Mourgrym; 04/18/13 06:45 PM.
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It will be a joy to watch develop. I'm excited enough to learn more about what's happening on the field. Regardless how great we do out of the gate it will be fun to watch. Last season I was impressed with the speed of the defense. Sounds like this season I'll spend a lot of my time trying to figure out what just happened. 
#gmstrong
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