Assistant Mike Vrabel has gone from being the linebackers coach to working with the defensive line, and said he’s had a lot of fun making the switch. However, where Vrabel has earned especially high marks is as a recruiter. Demuring when asked about that, he said, “It’s not like I’m selling ketchup Popsicles to a woman wearing white gloves. Ohio State is special.”
The OHSAA is finally adding that seventh division to high school football, basically splitting up Division I into the smaller Division I schools and the really big schools of Division I.
The OHSAA is finally adding that seventh division to high school football, basically splitting up Division I into the smaller Division I schools and the really big schools of Division I.
....and the value of a state championship just declined a little bit more.
What's with the OHSAA needing to change everything in the last five years? They blow up an enrollment system because of 1 school out of 720, they move the state championship games to pander to Ohio State's recruiting (because 95,000 empty seats makes for a great atmosphere), and want to add an additional lopsided division.
....and the value of a state championship just declined a little bit more.
What's with the OHSAA needing to change everything in the last five years? They blow up an enrollment system because of 1 school out of 720, they move the state championship games to pander to Ohio State's recruiting (because 95,000 empty seats makes for a great atmosphere), and want to add an additional lopsided division.
I don't get it.
I disagree that the value declined or the division is lopsided. There was a clear difference between the upper end of Division I and the lower end. That's the reason there are divisions to begin with, so they can keep schools of the relatively same size competing against each other.
Siebert and Witherspoon bid adieu to the Bucks. Loved Matta's response as to how he was going to get by with fewer than the allowed 13 scholarships- "What's the big deal? I only play 6 anyhow"
NBC Sports Network: "top defender Chad Marshall and the surging Columbus Crew." Surging?!? Seriously?!?
This is even funnier in hindsight.
Right now the local team I'm placing most of my hopes for Good Times on are the Columbus Cranes. Partly because we pulled out a 2OT win over the Indy AlleyCats and their Ultimate's-answer-to-Sidney-Crosby captain Brodie Smith. It was awesome.
(The other part, of course, is that my brother is on the team. )
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Remember - when you're a hockey fan, it's not "reckless driving", it's "good forechecking".
"Viqsi, you are our sweet humanist..." --mt-svk on the CBJ boards
Thanks, Howson, for cleaning up MacLean's toxic waste. Welcome, Kekalainen; let's get good things built!
Fun way to get motivated for a "game" in the off-season. When I played high school football, my team had a drill called "Bull in the Ring". Very similar to this, but instead of lining up against a single player, the coach would point to a guy in the outer ring and then immediately blow his whistle. That player would run in and hit the guy in the middle. Guy in the middle was in there for around 10 or so hits. Definitely taught you to keep your head on a swivel and take/give hits from all directions.
One day after the Browns take Brandon Weeden, looks like the there was never a competition intended as it appears McCoy will soon be on the move. I'm not a browns fan, but I can totally see where they are going with this. Colt has some intangibles and is a winner, but just doesn't have the arm to make the throws. And with the Browns passing first round receivers and no "Stud" number one, I think this is probably the best move for all involved.
I don't think so, The one unoequivical bad move I saw was taking that O-Lineman with Stephen Hill still available. If Richardson is even 75 percent of what he's been bandied about as (I never watched much SEC or Alabama football), Then Cleveland just got its next 6 -8 year feature back. Right now for the Browns, its not about having the Star receiver as it is so much just having different guys to throw to. I like the Weeden pick, I think it was a reach at 22, but If this guy can come in with the a level of built in maturity already and has a better arm than McCoy, I think its a win for the Browns. I like Colt, he's got the attitude and intangibles, but I don't think he's got the arm to be a franchise quarterback, Weeden might not be that guy either, but at 28, he'll be a serviceable bridge until that guy can be developed in the future.
I think the lineman will start on the right side and I like the midget they got from Miami better than Hill. Hill totaled around forty reception for his career in a wishbone offense and his season high, 28, would have looked good only on last year's OSU team. He looks like another Massaquoi or Robiski, to me. I'd rather have The Cube or The Flea out there!
I loved the idea of getting Richardson. I don't love the idea of falling for Minnesota's bluff, particularly when it was so obvious.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pete goegan
I think the lineman will start on the right side and I like the midget they got from Miami better than Hill. Hill totaled around forty reception for his career in a wishbone offense and his season high, 28, would have looked good only on last year's OSU team. He looks like another Massaquoi or Robiski, to me. I'd rather have The Cube or The Flea out there!
In that offense, a guy isn't going to get very many receptions or even looks. The job of the receivers is to block primarily, then to make plays in the rare times that there is a pass called. Georgia Tech very rarely uses a rollout of any type; the passing is 95% play action and 5% dropback. What it requires a receiver to do is come off the line exactly the same way all the time, and show absolute discipline as far as getting into position whether he's blocking or attempting to get open.
Don't forget that Irving Fryar was a first overall pick; in fact, he was the first receiver ever taken that high. His total numbers of plays from scrimmage were 2, 10, 44 (only 24 receptions), and 63 (40 receptions). Now, the offenses are entirely different, but their low numbers in college had nothing to do with being a poor or below-average player. They helped their team as best as they could, and were forced to develop into all-around players in college.
Look at how many receivers come out and are either poor route runners, or poor blockers, or unwilling blockers, or undisciplined coming off the line. Someone in a run-heavy option offense (like Georgia Tech under Paul Johnson, not like Syracuse during the McNabb years) has two options: develop properly and do the little things right, or grab a seat on the bench and stay there. The entire offense is so precisely orchestrated that it can be blown up by a backside receiver not doing what he's supposed to do.
(See? It's not just hockey that I have long posts about)
I loved the idea of getting Richardson. I don't love the idea of falling for Minnesota's bluff, particularly when it was so obvious.
In that offense, a guy isn't going to get very many receptions or even looks. The job of the receivers is to block primarily, then to make plays in the rare times that there is a pass called. Georgia Tech very rarely uses a rollout of any type; the passing is 95% play action and 5% dropback. What it requires a receiver to do is come off the line exactly the same way all the time, and show absolute discipline as far as getting into position whether he's blocking or attempting to get open.
Don't forget that Irving Fryar was a first overall pick; in fact, he was the first receiver ever taken that high. His total numbers of plays from scrimmage were 2, 10, 44 (only 24 receptions), and 63 (40 receptions). Now, the offenses are entirely different, but their low numbers in college had nothing to do with being a poor or below-average player. They helped their team as best as they could, and were forced to develop into all-around players in college.
Look at how many receivers come out and are either poor route runners, or poor blockers, or unwilling blockers, or undisciplined coming off the line. Someone in a run-heavy option offense (like Georgia Tech under Paul Johnson, not like Syracuse during the McNabb years) has two options: develop properly and do the little things right, or grab a seat on the bench and stay there. The entire offense is so precisely orchestrated that it can be blown up by a backside receiver not doing what he's supposed to do.
(See? It's not just hockey that I have long posts about)
I get that, MB, and not just the long post part. Still all that I've read about Benjamin is that he's tough, hard working, and lightning fast. The only knock is that he is the size of a normal human. The Browns have guys who, supposedly, run good routes and can block, but there's no one there who puts the fear of Unitas (a football deity) in the defense by stretching the field. Speed kills (assuming the kid isn't killed first by Paluamalo!).
I don't think so, The one unoequivical bad move I saw was taking that O-Lineman with Stephen Hill still available. If Richardson is even 75 percent of what he's been bandied about as (I never watched much SEC or Alabama football), Then Cleveland just got its next 6 -8 year feature back. Right now for the Browns, its not about having the Star receiver as it is so much just having different guys to throw to. I like the Weeden pick, I think it was a reach at 22, but If this guy can come in with the a level of built in maturity already and has a better arm than McCoy, I think its a win for the Browns. I like Colt, he's got the attitude and intangibles, but I don't think he's got the arm to be a franchise quarterback, Weeden might not be that guy either, but at 28, he'll be a serviceable bridge until that guy can be developed in the future.
I'm tired of Ifs being the way they build a franchise. They made questionable picks on the hopes that "if it works out..." they'll be okay. The last team to draft a running back as high as the browns did, have seen no success [Raiders, McFadden]. Additionally, CJ Spiller in Buffalo hasn't brought any success to that team nor has Adrian Peterson done anything for the Vikings. Taking ANY running back in the top ten is not good value, especially considering the later round running backs finding great success. On top of that the Browns traded up 1 spot to get him. So instead of blowing a 4th overall pick on bad value they in fact blew a fourth overall plus three later round picks on bad value. Also, the only reason they desperately needed a RB was because they let Hillis walk away for NOTHING. Throwing assets down the tubes is not how you build a winning anything.
Sure, IF Weeden turns out to be a great franchise QB for the next 7-8 years it looks like a great pick. When was the last time a QB lasted 7-8 years in Cleveland? Weeden is not going to be the guy to buck that trend. It was a total reach to take him in the first round when he clearly would've been there in the 2nd. Either way, any pick is wasted on him because when they finish at the bottom of the league this season they will then be talking about getting a truly special "franchise" type quarterback. They could've spent this first rounder on Anything else and had it be a better pick. That includes a kicker or a punter.
After that the draft was already blown. Sure they picked up some linemen they desperately needed but they could've picked up much better ones if they didn't muck up the first round. The receiving core has not been adequately addressed and they will struggle this year more than they did last year since they will be leaning on a 30 year old rookie QB. Colt may not have been the guy, but we're just talking about getting to the next draft so you CAN get someone special. Weeden isn't going to take the Browns to the playoffs. He'll maybe win 1 extra game that McCoy wouldn't have. Either way the Browns are in for a terrible season but they could've set themselves up for a great draft this year and a great one next year instead of retreading the same positions repeatedly with inadequate talent.
other than blackmon, i don't see an impact WR in this draft...so I don't think "your" (since i'm not a browns fan) lack of drafting one high is bad...the only bad move i saw was taking weeden at 22 when "you" gave "your" chief rival in Pittsburgh an offensive lineman that will probably start for 7-10 yrs where as the Browns could have drafted him to help block for that franchise RB they just drafted at #3...
other than blackmon, i don't see an impact WR in this draft...so I don't think "your" (since i'm not a browns fan) lack of drafting one high is bad...the only bad move i saw was taking weeden at 22 when "you" gave "your" chief rival in Pittsburgh an offensive lineman that will probably start for 7-10 yrs where as the Browns could have drafted him to help block for that franchise RB they just drafted at #3...
just my .02
Franchise running backs don't mean a thing in today's NFL. If you weren't sold on Blackmon [which I don't blame you for] there were other impact players available at positions that actually matter. You don't see similar production from 3rd-5th round cornerbacks or linemen as you do with running backs. Claiborn or Kalil would each be a fantastic pick for the 3rd/4th overall.
The problem with the Brown's receiver group wasn't addressed in the draft OR in free agency. If you were GM and you knew you were unimpressed by the available wide receivers in the draft, why would you sit on your hands and do NOTHING to address an obviously glaring issue. My issue with their draft is simply exacerbated by my issue with their free agency "plan." They did nothing to address holes in the roster, in fact they allowed more to open up. If we look at the roster from last year to this year I really don't see any significant upgrades. Hillis and Richardson is essentially a wash that cost a 4th overall pick plus 3 late rounders as well instead of just giving him a little bit more money. The 2nd pick in the first round was used to take an over the hill rookie QB, also ignoring glaring needs on the roster. Every subsequent pick that is at a position of need is at a talent level 1-2 rounds lower than it should be due to this poor drafting strategy. That's just piss poor asset management.
I'm tired of Ifs being the way they build a franchise. They made questionable picks on the hopes that "if it works out..." they'll be okay. The last team to draft a running back as high as the browns did, have seen no success [Raiders, McFadden]. Additionally, CJ Spiller in Buffalo hasn't brought any success to that team nor has Adrian Peterson done anything for the Vikings. Taking ANY running back in the top ten is not good value, especially considering the later round running backs finding great success. On top of that the Browns traded up 1 spot to get him. So instead of blowing a 4th overall pick on bad value they in fact blew a fourth overall plus three later round picks on bad value. Also, the only reason they desperately needed a RB was because they let Hillis walk away for NOTHING. Throwing assets down the tubes is not how you build a winning anything.
Look at the organizations you're comparing the Browns to though... The Raiders (Will they finally start doing things right with the old man gone?), The Bills (who's Managements (Nix, Levy, Wilson) collective age dates back longer than the American Revolution), and the Vikings, who will soon be on the road to LA because they can't seem to get a stadium deal done.
Hillis wasn't going to be the guy this season. Too much bad blood that he and his agent created when he didn't get a deal right out of the gate after the lockout. Hillis would be a decent complementary back, but he can't be the main guy he's a straight ahead runner thats not going to give you the home run threat you need. Trent Richardson will be the complete back. If anything, lets go back and look at how terrible the pick wasted on Montario Hardesty was a few seasons ago, that makes Hillis look a heck of a lot better than he actually is if you don't get Richardson. Coming off a serious knee injury, he gets another one in camp and is out all season. Looks hesitant running the ball behind a decent o-line and drops nearly everything thrown his way this past season. All the Browns fans love a guy like Josh Cribbs, but if he's in your top three at receiver, you're in trouble. When a TE like Ben Watson is your top weapon, your in trouble.
The Browns offensive skill positions need a complete overhaul. Building on a shaky foundation isn't going to win you anything. They have a good, strong foundation block now, Richardson. Yes, I will agree that sitting on their hands for a receiver in FA hurt, but build from there.
Look at the organizations you're comparing the Browns to though... The Raiders (Will they finally start doing things right with the old man gone?), The Bills (who's Managements (Nix, Levy, Wilson) collective age dates back longer than the American Revolution), and the Vikings, who will soon be on the road to LA because they can't seem to get a stadium deal done.
Hillis wasn't going to be the guy this season. Too much bad blood that he and his agent created when he didn't get a deal right out of the gate after the lockout. Hillis would be a decent complementary back, but he can't be the main guy he's a straight ahead runner thats not going to give you the home run threat you need. Trent Richardson will be the complete back. If anything, lets go back and look at how terrible the pick wasted on Montario Hardesty was a few seasons ago, that makes Hillis look a heck of a lot better than he actually is if you don't get Richardson. Coming off a serious knee injury, he gets another one in camp and is out all season. Looks hesitant running the ball behind a decent o-line and drops nearly everything thrown his way this past season. All the Browns fans love a guy like Josh Cribbs, but if he's in your top three at receiver, you're in trouble. When a TE like Ben Watson is your top weapon, your in trouble.
The Browns offensive skill positions need a complete overhaul. Building on a shaky foundation isn't going to win you anything. They have a good, strong foundation block now, Richardson. Yes, I will agree that sitting on their hands for a receiver in FA hurt, but build from there.
Richardson is a worthless foundation to build around. He will peak within 3 years of entering the league and his body will start to deteriorate due to the extra wear and tear that running backs suffer, especially in the AFC North. If the Browns are trying to build their offense through the draft they simply put the cart before the horse this time. The right side of the line has been abysmal for years and it will take any rookies several years to adjust to the NFL style of play. The same thing goes for quarterbacks and receivers. So assuming the Browns hit a home run next year in the draft and fill all their holes [highly unlikely, but we'll go with it for the sake of argument], by the time the team comes together as everybody learns their positions [probably 3-4 years] Richardson is already on the decline. Mark my words, Richardson will end the year on IR because the Browns are going to ride him into the ground and the Steelers and Ravens will demolish him. We already saw this with Hillis, but at least he didn't cost a 4th overall plus 3 other draft picks.
A RB like Richardson is a luxury the Browns couldn't afford to take, but they did it anyways. Top ten RB's don't win you Superbowls and recently they haven't even been able to get you into the playoffs. A quick glance will show you that the there has only been one RB to win the Superbowl MVP in the last 15 years and that was back in 1998. It's pretty obvious that top-tier talent at this position is completely unnecessary in order to win.
The reason I'm comparing the Browns to the Raiders, Bills, and the Vikings is because the Browns are following the draft plan those teams already laid out by taking a running back in the top ten. It hasn't worked out once in the past ten years and all the evidence backs it up, but the Browns went ahead and did it anyways. Then they blew another pick on a worthless QB when, if they just sat tight and took their medicine this year with one of the toughest schedules in the league, they could get a real QB next year and they could have used that 1st round pick this year to draft someone who isn't going to be immediately replaced.
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