Some random notes I saw today

[Guest Masters]

Found some of these reports interesting (especially on Hall gaining in his battle for time, along with the comments on Veikune) and thought I'd share

 

--Kamerion Wimbley has been very active in practice. It showed in the game against the Lions when he led the Browns with six tackles.

 

--The competition for the starting job at right guard appears to have been won by Floyd Womack. Womack started against the Packers and the Lions

 

--CB Corey Ivy has been lining up as the nickel back. He has had some trouble in pass coverage in practice, but is in the nickel because he defends the run well, according to coach Eric Mangini.

 

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS

Alex Hall is gaining in the battle to be the starting right outside linebacker. David Bowens, penciled in as the starter, has missed two games with an undisclosed injury. ... Rookies David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava are fighting for practice time as backups to D'Qwell Jackson and Eric Barton. Veikune has an edge.

 

QUOTE TO NOTE

"You prepare two guys to be able to go in and play. It (a need to change quarterbacks) happens quickly. It happened in New England in the first game (last season). Hopefully it doesn't happen at all, but if it does, you want to be ready." -- Coach Eric Mangini on giving quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn equal time in practice

 

 

[RestinPeace]

Hall isn't gaining anything. Really bad reporting.

[Guest AdaM]

Hall isn't gaining anything. Really bad reporting.

 

 

I've seen Hall make some nice plays in both preseason games so far. Maybe he just doesn't practice well, RIP.

[RestinPeace]

I've seen Hall make some nice plays in both preseason games so far. Maybe he just doesn't practice well, RIP.

 

Hall was terrible in the Packers game and better in the Lions game. Bowens is like Rogers. They are getting the "vet" treatment.

[Guest Masters]

While I certainly don't think Hall is going to end up starting, I think he is working to lock up that back up roll. He certainly drew praise from the coach after the game in DET, and is showing improvement in his run stopping.

[YtownBrownsBacker]

I gree that Wimbley has been more active but he still isn't getting to the QB. He's playing more like a defend the run/contain OLB. Hall still plays like an inexperienced young OLB who is trying to get away from being a "One Trick Pony".

 

These are my observations/views of guy who may be on the outside looking in.

 

First I have to say when they bring in guys in the middle of camp at your position there is a message there. Rucker has looked like a hybrid. Too small to be a TE in this system where they are looking for run blockers and guys who can just settle in the seem as a 2nd or 3rd option. And too big or too slow to be a WR. Could have been a slot guy but we know have a couple of very solid slot guys. Too much talent to let go though. Most likely makes the team as a #3 TE but he has to show he can be solid on special teams.

 

Camp sensations Jordan Norwood and Hubbard have settled in as afterthoughts because we have a solid goup of WRs and guys are stepping up around them. If Norwood had a chance to make the team, Leggett may have taken it away. But, even Leggett may end up as a practice squad player. Hubbard, has fallen off the face of the earth after a good week or two of practice. WR position looks like Edwards, Furrey, Masso, Robo and Cribbs. Should be a 6th one between Patton, Leggett and Hubbard but might depend on how many DBs, LBs and OL they have to keep.

 

Speaking of the OL, it is still in a flux and is a big concern. I posted after the game that I thought Foster was in trouble. I had high hopes for Tucker but I don't know if this staff believes he wants to play. They are making him earn playing time and that got to be hard for a 13 year vet. We still don't have a RT because St Clair has been unimpressive (is that a word). For all the dissing that Steinbach has taken, he has been the second best OL on the team. I look for them to give him a look at RT this week, especially if Hadnot can get healthy. Maybe even Womack at RT and Tucker or Hadnot at RG. Tucker looked slow and not very enthused Saturday night. Could be weary legs. They did give him the day off yesterday. Fraley's fate may just depend on Hadnot gaining a starting job. If Hadnot remains a backup then I think Fraley is history, he hasn't impressed at guard. Anyway, doesn't bode well for a power running game with a rookie center learning on the job.

 

The LB position is another that is scary. This one because of some banged up players which shows you how thin we are there. Bowens will most likely start and has been nicked but could have played if it was a real game. Same with Rogers. Mangini knows what these guys bring, he has to find out about some others. Veikune is in a learning mode but has looked solid, they haven't done him a big favor by trying to get him to learn both the inside and outside positions. With the injuries he has had to move back outside which gave Leon Williams some life. I think he was history also because he is a very solid special teams player. Costanzo is a special teams demon but I don't think he is good enough of a LB to make the team. Titus Brown needs to get back on the field because he is #4 or #5 OLB at this point (Wimbley, Bowens, Hall, Veikune and Brown). Beau Bell might make it to the practice squad but that could be a stretch. He's dropped way down the depth chart. DL is solid through 7 guys with Rogers and Rubin at NT and Coleman, Smith, Mosley and Williams at DE. Leonard is most like the #7 guy because he can play some nose also. Could put Hoppel on the practice squad.

 

Some guys I think that are on the bubble. Bell, Ivy/Poteat (one of them),Hubbard, Leon Williams, Charles Ali (don't know if they can aford to keep two FBs), Sorenson (depends on Pool's injury status) Sowells (they keep bringing in OL, but can't find a fit) and of course Fraley. Can't keep 4 TEs and Walker has looked pretty good, not great news for Rucker.

 

If Heiden can't prove that he is 100% and able to be relied on for the whole season is he in trouble? could Tucker be in trouble? 13 year vets making good money don't hang around to be backups. Same goes for Fraley and Patton. All could be in trouble.

 

Hey, JMO

[YtownBrownsBacker]

Hall was terrible in the Packers game and better in the Lions game. Bowens is like Rogers. They are getting the "vet" treatment.

 

If it was a real game everybody on the bikes except Hadnot could have suited up.

[D'Qwimbley]

If nickel situations are usually pass situations, wouldn't you want your nickel corner pretty good at coverage, not against the run? We have Hood, Adams, and Francies, yet they want Ivy as the nickel so he can stop the run?

[Guest Masters]

If nickel situations are usually pass situations, wouldn't you want your nickel corner pretty good at coverage, not against the run? We have Hood, Adams, and Francies, yet they want Ivy as the nickel so he can stop the run?

 

Have to account for teams that like to set you up 3 wide and run out of that (Indy is an example of a team that does it a lot).

[YtownBrownsBacker]

If nickel situations are usually pass situations, wouldn't you want your nickel corner pretty good at coverage, not against the run? We have Hood, Adams, and Francies, yet they want Ivy as the nickel so he can stop the run?

 

Hood, McDonald and Wright are rotating in and out. I believe the loser of that battle will be the nickle back. Adams is a safety and not a guy who can cover a slot receiver. He couldn't beat out Cousins last year for the nickle back job. Francies is young and very inexperienced. He makes as many mistakes ans he does good plays, but he has some great potential and could manage some playing time by midseason. I could see Adams in some dime packages. He couuld move Elam out when teams are in definate passing situations. Adams is better as a FS then Elam but he struggles at SS and isn't quick enough to play in situations where a corner is needed.

 

I see Ivy as the 4th corner when all is said and done and Francies competing against Poteat for the last spot. It could land Francies on the practice squad to begin the season. Might depend on how well he can play on special teams.

 

BTW, Ivy can also play some FS.

[Guest Aloysius]

Rucker has looked like a hybrid. Too small to be a TE in this system where they are looking for run blockers and guys who can just settle in the seem as a 2nd or 3rd option. And too big or too slow to be a WR. Could have been a slot guy but we know have a couple of very solid slot guys. Too much talent to let go though. Most likely makes the team as a #3 TE but he has to show he can be solid on special teams.

Your buddy Lane Adkins says that Rucker "is wallowing in mediocrity." It sounds like everyone's disappointed in him.

 

He could be on the roster bubble.

[D'Qwimbley]

Your buddy Lane Adkins says that Rucker "is wallowing in mediocrity." It sounds like everyone's disappointed in him.

 

He could be on the roster bubble.

 

I think we could stash him on the roster another year, especially with Madsen getting cut and Heiden's injury proneness. His only competition is Walker, who has looked OK, but doesn't have the potential that Rucker has, which with a #3 TE is a good place to be.

[Sez.EJ]

Wimbley is active.OOOHHH . I did some jumping jacks today..does that count as active?.. I admit.. i didn't sack anyone.. but then neither has wimbley... I don't want active....... I want: "make plays"

[D'Qwimbley]

Wimbley is active.OOOHHH . I did some jumping jacks today..does that count as active?.. I admit.. i didn't sack anyone.. but then neither has wimbley... I don't want active....... I want: "make plays"

 

I agree he needs to get over that last hump, but at least he's become pretty active in the run game.

[Thaak]

Wimbley is active.OOOHHH . I did some jumping jacks today..does that count as active?.. I admit.. i didn't sack anyone.. but then neither has wimbley... I don't want active....... I want: "make plays"

 

I agree with this to a point.

 

1) If you view Wimbley as the sack specialist he was drafted to be, then I agree with you.

 

2) If you view Wimbley as a multi-purpose LB, then I do not.

 

If he's sealing the edge and the cut-back lanes to help stop the run... then he won't get a ton of sacks.

 

If he's dropping back into coverage to cover the tight end or the half back (or even the slot WR) then he won't get a ton of sacks.

 

If he's doing these things very well, then it is likely you won't see a ton of plays from him, because the running backs won't try to cut back, and the QB won't try to throw in his direction.

 

Dynamism is all relative.

 

[ballpeen]

Your buddy Lane Adkins says that Rucker "is wallowing in mediocrity." It sounds like everyone's disappointed in him.

 

He could be on the roster bubble.

 

I agree.

 

I didn't see much of him last game, but I was impressed with Aaron Walker in the GB game.

 

At 6'6", 270, he seems to be more in the mold of Mangini's cookie cutter for tight end. Mangini seems to want at least 51% blocker out of his tight ends.

 

Walker did a nice job of catching the ball, and at his size, he is almost like a small LT.

 

[choco]

i'll take active over non-existent anyday......poor technique that was never corrected by "coach" crennel led to his falling off. he still has the tools, and maybe mangini will beable to get him to finally use them.

 

keep leggett (sorry patten), put norwood to the practice squad. he may replaced furrey in 2 years.

 

i thought walker looked good against GB....made a nice catch on that high pass. not enamored with rucker....

 

 

[Sez.EJ]

I agree with this to a point.

 

1) If you view Wimbley as the sack specialist he was drafted to be, then I agree with you.

 

2) If you view Wimbley as a multi-purpose LB, then I do not.

 

If he's sealing the edge and the cut-back lanes to help stop the run... then he won't get a ton of sacks.

 

If he's dropping back into coverage to cover the tight end or the half back (or even the slot WR) then he won't get a ton of sacks.

 

If he's doing these things very well, then it is likely you won't see a ton of plays from him, because the running backs won't try to cut back, and the QB won't try to throw in his direction.

 

Dynamism is all relative.

 

Look.. If it's a run...stuff it and make the tackle.. if your covering a guy..knock down the pass. if your rushing..get the qb...

I really don't care about how they "label" the guy.. I am just tired of hearing he is "active".. I have an 85 year old nieghbor who people call "active".. If he's not making plays and stopping the offense then how "active" he is makes little impact.. I hope he has a better year this year and makes an impact..that's it.

[choco]

again, so stat lines are all that matter?

 

tackle, deflected pass, sack.....

[NW Ohio Brownie]

Look.. If it's a run...stuff it and make the tackle.. if your covering a guy..knock down the pass. if your rushing..get the qb...

I really don't care about how they "label" the guy.. I am just tired of hearing he is "active".. I have an 85 year old nieghbor who people call "active".. If he's not making plays and stopping the offense then how "active" he is makes little impact.. I hope he has a better year this year and makes an impact..that's it.

 

Brett Favre is your neighbor?