Training Camp
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Stan, your training camp observations are far and away the best in the city. Keep up the great work. You see and accurately comment on more than WKNR, the PD, and all the news networks combined. Good stuff.
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These two boys (Joe Thomas & Eric Steinbach) are Huge.
Check out Joe T's Calfs ... the freaking guy is a monster!
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Zombo said:
I think you've found your niche.
What excited you more, Joe Thomas' calves or Carlton Mitchell's lean physique?
Zombo
Neither, Colt McCoys hair is what keeps me coming back.
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I attended camp again today, got there early, stayed there late, and came away with not nearly as much as yesterday to report on.
I didn't feel the players were giving much more than 75%, it was kind of a walk/run through type of practice. Anyone beating anyone in drills may just have very much been given 78% over his partners 75%.
With that said, I'll do some reporting how fit players look, and a lot about coaching.
Arriving early and looking around the Berea facility, I noticed something that I hadn't seen yesterday. The field has very large words or verses' painted on it. Such as, "Communication' right across the 50-yardline, or 'Focus' down around the twenty. I couldn't see what some of the other words were, but wonder who's idea (Mangini or Holmgren) this was.
Carltn Mitchell was one of the first out of the locker room and he worked with three young assistants catching short fire passes, while one assistant tried to interrupt his concentration by sticking out his hands as if to be intercepting the passes, but allowing the ball through where Carlton snatched it from the air just beyond him.
#94 Rookie Kwaku Danso was the very first out onto the field. He went out to some very open space and seemed to be taking it all in. Not really doing a whole lot of stretching, but maybe pacing around psyching himself up. I love that shit, good for him.
#86 WR Johnathan Haggerty was also out early. He seemed to be having fun, 'throwing' the ball around. Fading back and throwing balls to one of the many young assistants helping out. He was later joined by Brett Ratliff, as the two players and the assistant looked like kids on the play ground, taking turns halfass covering one another and trying to disrupt passes, although Haggerty was the one rolling out, fading back and hitting Ratliff on pass patterns. Or Ratliff was fooling around covering the young assistant as Haggerty was trying to hone his passing skills and lead the assistant away from the lunging Ratliff. Again, good stuff. Good to see them nice and loose.
It appeared that Evan Moore, Harrison, Robiskie, Massaquoi, Delhomme, James Davis, Steinbach, Mack, Joe T, St. Clair, Ben Watson, Shawn Lauvao and Stuckey broke out together in the first reps with the offense. Interesting, that Davis was among them (as well as Lauvao).
The Browns seem to be carrying a very large staff of position coaches and assistants. There was plenty of coaching going on and the players seemed very attentive to the instructional sessions.
One coach in particular that I was really impressed with was Gary Brown, the Running backs coach. Coach Brown was everywhere. Standing over Harrison with diagrams in his hand discussing formations while Harrison stretched (pictured). He was right there on the sideline during head-to-head scrimmages, meeting each string of running backs as they came off the field, to give praise, encouragement, or direction. He reeled in Cribbs a time or two and obviously handles Cribbs on WildDawg formations. I like what I seen in Coach Brown and predict a good future for the guy, especially if the Browns begin to start having the success at that position that we all expect under Mangini. I looked up Browns Bio, and he basically came out of nowhere after an 8 yr NFL career out of Penn State. He coached at the college level and bounced around to a few different NFL camps such as Green Bay's and the NY Giants, as part of the NFL's Minority Coaching Fellowship program. Look for this guy to start rising, he is a very sound instructional teacher and takes the hands-on approach of preparing his players.
Back receiving punts with the initial group was Cribbs, Stuckey, Steptoe, Engram, and Gerard Lawson. Cribbs muffed one punt later on in a drill, which reminded me of how shaky he was coming into fielding punts originally on. I've always like Gerard Lawson back there if we ever need to fill in for Cribbs.
Delhomme was probably the best out of all the players today. He looked good, and there was no question he has an NFL arm still and had great accuracy and nice touch on throws. I have a little video on some of his good throws, but I had such good seats today that I was practically on the offensive sides sideline and the towering linemen in front of me prohibited many good shots.
Robiskie did well today and found the seams in his coverage and Delhomme seemed to be on the same page I'm not a big Robiskie fan, so this is a huge compliment.
I didn't see a whole lot from Joe Haden. He was last in reps and they were much too far in-between to see much of him. I will jump to a conclusion and say this, he seemed to hold a lot, as in he grabbed a lot of jersey and hung on. I focused in on him on Punt defense. He was lined up on the gunner and did a nice job. Actually a great job, although I thought he should have been called for holding. I'll put up some video of this in a bit. The referees are in the house, an abundance of them. I personally have never seen a training camp with so many referees working out and monitoring the practice. I didn't ever see where they actually flagged anyone, but I heard a guy behind me talking that they record infractions and turn them in afterwards of what they saw.
Impressed with the size and look of a few players;
Eric Steinbach is a beast. Man, the guy looks great, and very fit.
Joe Thomas has some of the most bulging calfs I've ever seen. He is looking pretty fit himself. The two of them stood directly in front of me several times and you can't help feeling secure that they are protecting our QB. On the hand, Alex Mack who is listed as being only 2" shorter than Thomas and Steinbach, looks like a short little fireplug compared to the men.
I am still enamored by Carlton Mitchells size. Compared to Massaquoi, Mitchell looks much more the NFL receiver, as Momass looks like a twig. Mitchell at 6'-3" & 215, looks to be able to add even more bulk to his frame. Massaquoi just doesn't do it for me … he is thin as hell.
Joe Haden is tiny, but looks fast. As I stated, I didn't see a lot of him, but the kid looks like a burner.
Vickers is a beast. That guy is thick and solid as hell. I'm expecting huge things from him and I think we need to quit screwing around and sign this guy for life.
D'Qwell Jackson is small at only 6'0" … no wonder he can't fill a hole.
If I think of more, I'll add to the thread … as well as some supportive pictures and video a bit later. It was hot out there, kicking back and enjoying a frozen Margarita now and reflecting back.
Joe Haden is tiny, but looks fast. As I stated, I didn't see a lot of him, but the kid looks like a burner.
Something to keep in mind: Haden isn't the tallest corner (5'10 3/4"), but he's got very long arms (32 3/4"). That's a big help when matching up with bigger receivers, which he was exceptionally good at doing in college.
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I'm excited to be able to attend today's afternoon session, I drove 1,367 miles to get here
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Zombo said:
You are admiring his hair and saying he'll be starting soon .... I feel like I'm in a time machine to 2009 and your name is Shep.
Zombo
Well, Colt McCoy did score a 25 on his Wonderlic Test, compared to only 12 for Seneca Wallace ....
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Joe Haden is tiny, but looks fast. As I stated, I didn't see a lot of him, but the kid looks like a burner.
Something to keep in mind: Haden isn't the tallest corner (5'10 3/4"), but he's got very long arms (32 3/4"). That's a big help when matching up with bigger receivers, which he was exceptionally good at doing in college.
Something to keep in mind: Haden isn't the tallest corner (5'10 3/4"), but he's got very long arms (32 3/4"). That's a big help when matching up with bigger receivers, which he was exceptionally good at doing in college.
Alo, does Joe Haden use his hands a lot and do a lot of grabbing? He seemed to have that characteristic in everything he did at camp, whether it was in coverage or punt blocking. Much bordered on holding.
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I'm excited to be able to attend today's afternoon session, I drove 1,367 miles to get here
I'm excited to be able to attend today's afternoon session, I drove 1,367 miles to get here
Awesome ... hope you enjoy. When you enter through the Beech Street gate, stay to the left and go as far down as you can. There is no telling which field they will practice on, but that always seems to be my best viewing area.
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I'm excited to be able to attend today's afternoon session, I drove 1,367 miles to get here
I'm excited to be able to attend today's afternoon session, I drove 1,367 miles to get here
One of the media guys tweeted this, it might help to get a good spot
"Training Camp tip 4 fans: look 4 the camera towers around 1 of the 4 fields. That's the field team 7 on 7 or 11 on 11 drills 2 be on"
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Something to keep in mind: Haden isn't the tallest corner (5'10 3/4"), but he's got very long arms (32 3/4"). That's a big help when matching up with bigger receivers, which he was exceptionally good at doing in college.
Alo, does Joe Haden use his hands a lot and do a lot of grabbing? He seemed to have that characteristic in everything he did at camp, whether it was in coverage or punt blocking. Much bordered on holding.
Alo, does Joe Haden use his hands a lot and do a lot of grabbing? He seemed to have that characteristic in everything he did at camp, whether it was in coverage or punt blocking. Much bordered on holding.
He's definitely an aggressive, physical dude. He pushes guys around and uses the sideline as another defender. Plus, he could get away with more contact playing on the college level.
One of the few negatives I noticed in the '09 tape was that Haden was less effective when covering the slot. He appeared to be more tentative and didn't resort to his normal physical style. Sheldon Brown's know to be a very good at covering the slot, so I wouldn't be surprised if Haden lines up outside against three-wide sets.
Maybe Haden will need to tone down the contact and grabbing, but I like that he matches up well against bigger, physical guys. He absolutely shut down Bama WR Julio Jones (6'4", 210) in the SEC Championship Game.
Eric Wright's a very good corner, but he's repeatedly struggled to match up with the Hines Wards of the world. Hopefully, Haden will have more success.
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Thanks for the tips
Personally I'm no expert but some of the highlights in my books were when:
-Abe Elam leveled Eric wright when he was taunting him in a drill.
-Colt McCoy seemed to complete every pass in the drills.
-Joe Haden got beat by josh cribbs on a comeback route but otherwise looked like the most athletic corner.
-James Davis had great speed and his cuts are very on point.
-Marcus Bernard was a force, making a few plays in the backfield.
I would post more but my brain is fogged a bit, I'll be back in a few days.
Oh, does anyone know any more info on a scrimmage this Saturday?
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Thanks for the tips
Personally I'm no expert but some of the highlights in my books were when:
-Abe Elam leveled Eric wright when he was taunting him in a drill.
-Colt McCoy seemed to complete every pass in the drills.
-Joe Haden got beat by josh cribbs on a comeback route but otherwise looked like the most athletic corner.
-James Davis had great speed and his cuts are very on point.
-Marcus Bernard was a force, making a few plays in the backfield.
I would post more but my brain is fogged a bit, I'll be back in a few days.
Oh, does anyone know any more info on a scrimmage this Saturday?
Thanks for the tips
Personally I'm no expert but some of the highlights in my books were when:
-Abe Elam leveled Eric wright when he was taunting him in a drill.
-Colt McCoy seemed to complete every pass in the drills.
-Joe Haden got beat by josh cribbs on a comeback route but otherwise looked like the most athletic corner.
-James Davis had great speed and his cuts are very on point.
-Marcus Bernard was a force, making a few plays in the backfield.
I would post more but my brain is fogged a bit, I'll be back in a few days.
Oh, does anyone know any more info on a scrimmage this Saturday?
Yeah, it's 1PM at the stadium- free admission.
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Thanks for the tips
Personally I'm no expert but some of the highlights in my books were when:
-Abe Elam leveled Eric wright when he was taunting him in a drill.
-Colt McCoy seemed to complete every pass in the drills.
-Joe Haden got beat by josh cribbs on a comeback route but otherwise looked like the most athletic corner.
-James Davis had great speed and his cuts are very on point.
-Marcus Bernard was a force, making a few plays in the backfield.
I would post more but my brain is fogged a bit, I'll be back in a few days.
Oh, does anyone know any more info on a scrimmage this Saturday?
Thanks for the tips
Personally I'm no expert but some of the highlights in my books were when:
-Abe Elam leveled Eric wright when he was taunting him in a drill.
-Colt McCoy seemed to complete every pass in the drills.
-Joe Haden got beat by josh cribbs on a comeback route but otherwise looked like the most athletic corner.
-James Davis had great speed and his cuts are very on point.
-Marcus Bernard was a force, making a few plays in the backfield.
I would post more but my brain is fogged a bit, I'll be back in a few days.
Oh, does anyone know any more info on a scrimmage this Saturday?
James Davis does look good. For those of you old enough, he reminds me of Greg Pruitt.
I like Bernard a lot. He never gets driven back, everything is forward momentum.
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Alo, does Joe Haden use his hands a lot and do a lot of grabbing? He seemed to have that characteristic in everything he did at camp, whether it was in coverage or punt blocking. Much bordered on holding.
He's definitely an aggressive, physical dude. He pushes guys around and uses the sideline as another defender. Plus, he could get away with more contact playing on the college level.
One of the few negatives I noticed in the '09 tape was that Haden was less effective when covering the slot. He appeared to be more tentative and didn't resort to his normal physical style. Sheldon Brown's know to be a very good at covering the slot, so I wouldn't be surprised if Haden lines up outside against three-wide sets.
Maybe Haden will need to tone down the contact and grabbing, but I like that he matches up well against bigger, physical guys. He absolutely shut down Bama WR Julio Jones (6'4", 210) in the SEC Championship Game.
Eric Wright's a very good corner, but he's repeatedly struggled to match up with the Hines Wards of the world. Hopefully, Haden will have more success.
He's definitely an aggressive, physical dude. He pushes guys around and uses the sideline as another defender. Plus, he could get away with more contact playing on the college level.
One of the few negatives I noticed in the '09 tape was that Haden was less effective when covering the slot. He appeared to be more tentative and didn't resort to his normal physical style. Sheldon Brown's know to be a very good at covering the slot, so I wouldn't be surprised if Haden lines up outside against three-wide sets.
Maybe Haden will need to tone down the contact and grabbing, but I like that he matches up well against bigger, physical guys. He absolutely shut down Bama WR Julio Jones (6'4", 210) in the SEC Championship Game.
Eric Wright's a very good corner, but he's repeatedly struggled to match up with the Hines Wards of the world. Hopefully, Haden will have more success.
Thanks Alo, good stuff and something to focus on through this month and into the early part of the season.
I think I have some more video of him around here, but its more of the same touchy feelly stuff. I hope these Refs in camp will curb the use of the hands if it is in violation, prior to it being a problem on Sundays.
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i'm interested in seeing if this guy turns into something good for the browns. let's see what ryan can get out of him.
this could be the next Blind Side movie waiting to happen! Sandra Bullock can play the role of Rob Ryan?
this could be the next Blind Side movie waiting to happen! Sandra Bullock can play the role of Rob Ryan?
i don't think sandra could pull that off. maybe rosie o'donnell or rosanne barr.
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Zombo said:
You are admiring his hair and saying he'll be starting soon .... I feel like I'm in a time machine to 2009 and your name is Shep.
Zombo
Got to admit, that was funny!!! can't wait to see you two at it come November.
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Joe Haden is tiny, but looks fast. As I stated, I didn't see a lot of him, but the kid looks like a burner.
Something to keep in mind: Haden isn't the tallest corner (5'10 3/4"), but he's got very long arms (32 3/4"). That's a big help when matching up with bigger receivers, which he was exceptionally good at doing in college.
Something to keep in mind: Haden isn't the tallest corner (5'10 3/4"), but he's got very long arms (32 3/4"). That's a big help when matching up with bigger receivers, which he was exceptionally good at doing in college.
Haden's freakishly admirable talents were highlighted in a thread just after Draft day - he did some TV programme showing what his effective cover radius and interception tipping range was and it was incredible. He could be 4 inches taller and not be any better if he didn;t have the reach and instinct that he seems to play with.
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