SBNation.com User Blog: mooncamping

A Gazillion Opportunities For Player Acquisition In A NFL Year.

mooncamping — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:24:36 -0000

Hi Guys!

Today, I would like to reiterate, all the options we have throughout the season.

1. Designate players you would like to keep.

One way to do this, is to publish a depth chart, even weekly, and even in the off season. Keeping it up to date will give players, their agents, fans and other franchises and indication, regarding the evaluation of talent on the team. The more honest this is, the better everyone can plan for their future.

Another, is to keep contracts up to date. If a player has improved his standing, you might want to update his contract. Once again, the modicum for success is accuracy and a degree of predictability. If players sense, they are victims of strategy, they won´t feel comfortable, and they will stop contributing.

2. Be active in free agency.

The bank never closes. Why should the NFL? We have enough professionals in the front office, that you might expect, a degree of activity, regarding player acquisition, at all times. They should be reading their twitter, their media sources and working the phones. Players are desireables, present in a way, that lets them know they´re wanted.

I think free agency is a great way to make additions to the roster. Don´t act like your cool, when you have a hot item lined up. Be up front and honest, in concurring with others, what status a prospect has in the hierarchy of things. There are no coupon books. Every player will attain his price in time.

3. Develop an annual draft day strategy.

Like this year, we have a very high first rounder. If we determine a clear need and there is a highly rated player, that also suits our profiling, we can go for it. I actually think Shawn Lauvao is a very solid Offensive Guard. So we need another. Warmack rates high enough, and is deemed valuable enough, to go at 6. So, we can tip our hat, that we are considering him. I think it is also valid, to slate a guy, and then replace him with a preference at the same position. In the case of Warmack, I think Warford is actually a bit better, so you develop a strategy to underscore this move. Or another possibility. Kitchen and Rubin have not gotten sufficient support. I think they have very good potential. But this year has two great Nose Guards coming out. Short and Hankins. I´m saying GREAT. So slot 6 for either is adequate. Once again, it should be an internal team decision, to develop a plan, to acquire the guy at that slot. Who else qualifies for slot 6? I think QB Colin Klein will be awesome. If we still have druthers about that position, please don´t act like an idiot. A franchise quarterback possibly? Come on, you have to ask yourself, what the scouts have up their sleeves, in giving this guy no support. Then. Mooncamping at least, is clearly declared, that he will pursue a "cornerback set". Tyrann Matthieu is the best this year. I have to find a way to trade to the bottom of round one. Honesty is rewarded if it is earnest. If it´s not a ploy, karma says, yes! Otherwise. Milliner is exciting. No doubt. Thump! Solid pick at 6...So. What is my draft day strategy this year? At 6, it´s not a need. It´s a want. Be predictable, and don´t set yourself up to be disappointed. It´s the mid rounders, that provoke all the action, not the high picks...What´s the strategy then? Be predictable. This is your gauge. Then maneuver.

I like Warford, Short and Mathieu. What if I determine, that picks or no, these acquisitions will leave us much improved?...Draft Day strategy, based on a precipe for action.

4. Sign free agents the moment the draft ends.

In recent years I´ve been surprised at some of the free agent signees following the draft. And these guys get signed the moment the draft is over. This is a clear sign, that draft preparations are deep and thorough. Some guys slip through the cracks. 7 rounds. 7 players per team, per year. It seems a lot, but it isn´t. Also consider, every Tom, Dick and Harry, trying to place guys in the NFL. You have to ask yourself, if half the fluffered up prospects, aren´t really just spacers, in the end. So, again, you have to have guys on the phones.

5. Camp invites.

I still think, that Jared Zabransky, Boise State and Chis Pizzotti, Harvard, were good quarterbacks. Lets be realistic. If they didn´t go on a Dunkin Donut diet, you can still suspect, they have the fundamental skills. What do I have to lose? So, be a trend setter, not getter. Look for talents, that fell through the cracks. Be a bon vivant with what you have to offer. Give some forgotten aspirants a chance. Camp should be very interesting.

6. Waiver wire.

Same thing. What kind of pride prohibits you from picking up men that rated well with you, but someone swiped them away in front of your eyes? One man´s trash is another man´s treasure. Trust your own evaluations, and don´t be afraid to reevaluate a rival´s off casts.

7. List of inactives.

Develop your own farm system. How many players don´t make it to the highest level. Scan the CFL. Look at World Football. Jot guys down, on a list, that you were dissatisfied, didn´t make it to the NFL. Treat the missing ones, as inactives, until they´re no longer athletic.

8. Discontent list.

Be a realist. Some clubs are friendlier than others. Develop a fine sensitivity towards these fluctuations. If unfair tactics were used to land a player, I had a shot at, don´t act like you´re a saint. Continue to covet these players.

9. Be creative.

Be creative. But the key is, to settle on actual plans, surrounding it. Originality pays off, if you are ultimately successful.

...

If you want, you can discuss prime examples, per point here. I´m sure some will come to mind.

Today, the Couch Cobra is mesmerized by...the switch to the 3-4

mooncamping — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 20:48:23 -0000

Hey ´yall!

Pokorny is going to trust me with a weekly column. I am grateful for the opportunity and will try to put my best foot forward.

5 Things Regarding the Switch to the 3-4

1. I´ve heard rumors, that Chudzinski wants to move Jabaal Sheard to OLB. Jabaal Sheard is a flat-footed, 6 foot 4, 270 lbs, DE, who with that frame, if he added some weight, could succeed as a DT. Even if, like overnight, all internet-player-sourcing-sites report him as a svelte 6 foot 2, 255 lbs.

First of all, regarding what an OLB does. He covers the flats, from the Offensive Tackle to the sideline, and he has to blitz and be able to drop back into coverage zones, he shares with the secondary. Since he´s probably the best athlete on the team, he might be able to blow up lead blockers, occupy Offensive Linemen, shadow receivers on their routes, but usually he´s allowed to flow to tackle the ball carrier. Now, quite simply. Would you ask the shot putter to win the 110 meter hurdles for you?

Secondly. Why would they claim, that guys like Jabaal Sheard are qualified for the job then? Some short history. A few years back, they were praising the merits of the hybrid DE/LB. We got one, in David Veikune. How did that work out? It didn´t, and they refused to give him a shot at MLB. Then we went and got about three more similar proportioned guys, Roth, Fujita and Gocong. All in all, a raving success.

Anyways, what happened to the concept? It evaporated. Some teams are utilizing somewhat larger OLBs. But, the extreme success they predicted, of them shifting back and forth? Not really. That´s how the needle was threaded. Now, they can claim, that those linebackers are big. Pretty simple, huh? Ernie Sims is a great OLB. I still can´t believe, the Lions chose Levy, because Ernie failed to blow up the lead blocker. Ernie can demolish guys in the backfield, taking the best angles. Nope...

2. When we have the 3-4, they want to move our existing Defensive Linemen along the Defensive Front...I disagree. To operate a 3-4, you have to commit a Nose Guard. Do we have one? No. Can Phil Taylor do it? Yeah, but since I saw him run clear across the field to clobber that guy, you know, the incidence, that made Steeler nation sob like a bunch of wussies...He´s moving to DT. We have to get a real Nose Guard, in the draft, or in free agency. Either that, or one of our Defensive Linemen is going on a diet of Ben and Jerry´s.

3. According to what I said an OLB has to be able to do, I determine, that ours will be L.J. Fort and Tank Carder. Period. The end. Leaves what? Two inside linebacker slots to fill. Rey Maualuga and Bart Scott are free agents.

4. Complimentary cornerback to Joe Haden. We don´t have a set. You need a set. All great teams have a set. Who is worthy of playing opposite Joe Haden? Tyrann Mathieu is worthy. I´m not going to mince words. If not, Tashaun Gipson seems at least decent. Why was he moved to safety, when he played corner in college? Furthermore, I discern, that Trevin Wade looks like a FS. T.J. Ward is our FS. Quick deducement: We will use two Free Safeties, Ward and Wade.

5. So. What positions has mooncamping filled? DT Phil Taylor; DT Ishmaaily Kitchen; OLB Tank Carder; OLB L.J. Fort; CB Joe Haden; CB Tashaun Gipson; FS T.J. Ward; SS Trevin Wade;

Consequently, what positions must we draft? NG; ILB; ILB; and Thyrann Matthieu...every great team has a set. That´s where we start...Okay, maybe the Nose Guard first...

Hope I´m not coming on too strong for my first column. But the Sheard-to-OLB statement had me livid. I advise, everybody develop a foundation opinion for how our 3-4 will shape up. You lay the bottom bricks wrong, even a palace will be crooked.

Have a good week everybody!

Follow my page over on Facebook, "Mooncamping´s Erie Dawgs."

Mooncamping´s Browns Frowns on facebook

mooncamping — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:14:09 -0000

Hey Y´All! Check my facebook site about the Cleveland Browns, would ya´?

Either put this in your http: www.facebook.com/MooncampingsBrownsFrowns

Or just enter Mooncamping´s Browns Frowns.

I spent an awful year trying to become a Detroit Lions fan. It has been more anguishing than anything I ever witnessed on the Broncos or Browns forum. Upon proper reflection I had an epiphany, maybe from God. Anyways, all signs pointed to revisiting my old stomping grounds with the Cleveland Browns. I do feel bad. Please forgive me. I regret having left the Browns for more sensible and profitable expanses. Anyways, I´m happy that the addventure leads my enterprising endeavors back to more promising and welcoming quarters. I´m going to call my vantage on the Cleveland Browns, Erie Dawgs, just so we can tell ourselves apart from the other opinionators. You are very welcome to read my meanderings on facebook, it´s a product I´ve been working very hard on. I hope it flies.

Greets, mooncamping

Hey Y´All! Check my facebook site about the Cleveland Browns, would ya´?

Either put this in your http: www.facebook.com/MooncampingsBrownsFrowns

Or just enter Mooncamping´s Browns Frowns.

Greets, mooncamping

Since 1999 16 quarterbacks have started for the Cleveland Browns

mooncamping — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:03:08 -0000

Since 1999 16 quarterbacks have started for the Cleveland Browns. That´s a fact. Factors of facts: real, history, coroboratable, chalengable, publishable...you know the spiel. In other words that´s a historic fact. While some of them may not rate as failures with the Browns faithful, and some of them went on to have meaningful careers, none of them reached the legendary status of someone like Bernie Kosar for instance. It´s coulda, shoulda, woulda, allowed to fail in Cleveland. Now, I´m not a Holmgren acolyte, if you can move in a coordinated manor he´ll find a way for you to win. But as far as I can tell, there were some good ones. The Browns fans are resilient and they take disappointments in stride, but even to them these unrealized potentials must hurt and represent a tarnished team legacy. Bad comentators might even ascertain that it´s a franchise that can´t be trusted to handle the better prospects at the quarterback position, dissent and displeasure being the resulting mind-set, you may not want to dip into this topic emotionally, who knows if you´ll surface. Anyways, here goes. Mooncamping´s suggestion to reach the playoffs this year:

Colt McCoy has shown his meddle, he is a genuine candidate for future franchise quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. While I would like to see his baptism by fire continue, in the current artificial astringents placed on players, I don´t like his chances versus the forced reality that is NFL football at this point. I also don´t feel giddy about Seneca Wallace or Jake Delhomme for the rest of the season.

I suggest this plan of action: Lets hold an ex quarterback invitational during the week following next weekend´s game. Fly those 16 entities in, wine and dine them, and put them through the motions in a loose and friendly atmosphere. Lets see what they have left, and then. Well, extent like five contract offers for the rest of this season.

I applaud you!

mooncamping — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 09:41:03 -0000

Good job guys.

7(7) Joe Haden, CB, Florida

He´s probably the hardest Free Safety in the draft, with a very good mind and game instinct.

6(38) T.J. Ward, FS, Oregon

Good looking square little safety, are we dumping the willing and able Abe Elam? Well, if you do this guy packs a punch at Strong Safety.

21(85) Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

If I had to go to war with a QB, he´s my choice. Slice of football heaven possibly.

27(95) Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee

Wow, respect. He was my choice for a steady eddy tailback. Now hook him up with Hillis in an I-Formation and we´re rocking hard.

28(92) Shawn Lauvao, OT, Arizona State

To me the top flight guard in the draft. Want him at scrappy right tackle? That´ll work.

Why does mooncamping feel compelled to comment on this? Being the true devil´s advocate, and tolerated as your virtual GM for a while, and now as a consultant of sorts, fantasy island or not. I´m quite pleased. Thanks for letting me part of the deliberation processes.

Good job guys.

7(7) Joe Haden, CB, Florida

He´s probably the hardest Free Safety in the draft, with a very good mind and game instinct.

6(38) T.J. Ward, FS, Oregon

Good looking square little safety, are we dumping the willing and able Abe Elam? Well, if you do this guy packs a punch at Strong Safety.

21(85) Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

If I had to go to war with a QB, he´s my choice. Slice of football heaven possibly.

27(95) Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee

Wow, respect. He was my choice for a steady eddy tailback. Now hook him up with Hillis in an I-Formation and we´re rocking hard.

28(92) Shawn Lauvao, OT, Arizona State

To me the top flight guard in the draft. Want him at scrappy right tackle? That´ll work.

Cleveland Browns 12 draft picks, 2010

mooncamping — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:37:30 -0000

Alright, I´ll probably catch some flack for this again. But, I deem it pertinent to reiterate what draft picks we have on April 21st. It´s 12 meanwhile. Maybe someone wants to do the work and put the exact numeral to the draft slots.

To my knowledge, these are the picks we have at this point:

1st round
2nd round
3rd round (Braylon Edwards to the Jets)
3rd round (Kamerion Wimbley to the Raiders)
3rd round
4th round
5th round (Braylon Edwards to the Jets)
5th round (Corey Williams to the Lions)
5th round (Kellen Winslow to the Bucs)
5th round
6th round (Louis Leonard to the Panthers)
6th round

You may want to do a corresponding mock. If you can properly assess who may be available, especially towards the bottom, you deserve some props.

To my knowledge, these are the picks we have at this point:

You may want to do a corresponding mock. If you can properly assess who may be available, especially towards the bottom, you deserve some props.

The world is bad and people are stupid. Poll.

mooncamping — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:47:33 -0000

I think this is a crucial moment.

We have two games to go, we´ve won two that we´re not nearly good enough to win.

We have players on our roster that are in outright opposition to coach Mangini, culminating in astounding commentaries towards the media, and from what I´ve heard mutinous chanting in the locker room.

The DBN is biased against a winning club culture, and almost celebratory in futility. The media is pandering to this indistinct and robust minority, at the cost of everyone´s enjoyment. The articles put forward by the AP, should feature in college journalism classes as an example of bad reporting.

Either we´ve discovered an elixir for super powers, or something is fishy. 8 sacks against the Steelers. 286 yards by a slow scatback. Staying competitive, I think they call it, I´ll stop short of calling foul. Taking pride in at least affecting hard playing teams playoff chances is despicable. Dawg Pound Freedom or not, we are purveying a sorry attitude. And I for one deplore this self alienation against wishing well by other franshises.

There is distrust towards Big O Randy Lerner. There was an obvious attempt to curtail his commentary abilities.

The attitude towards player acquisition is extremely self defeatist.

There is bullying on this site, towards anyone expressing opinions contrary to the established mantra.

In short this site celebrates mass stupidity, thinks statistics are compulsory, and reality is inferior to simple actualization.

I´m sorry if you feel insulted, but we´re affecting next year and wanton stupidity will not fly.

Merry Christmas to those with a clear conscience, and good luck with your new year´s resolutions to those that don´t but think they´re in good company.

I think this is a crucial moment.

We have two games to go, we´ve won two that we´re not nearly good enough to win.

There is distrust towards Big O Randy Lerner. There was an obvious attempt to curtail his commentary abilities.

The attitude towards player acquisition is extremely self defeatist.

There is bullying on this site, towards anyone expressing opinions contrary to the established mantra.

In short this site celebrates mass stupidity, thinks statistics are compulsory, and reality is inferior to simple actualization.

I´m sorry if you feel insulted, but we´re affecting next year and wanton stupidity will not fly.

Merry Christmas to those with a clear conscience, and good luck with your new year´s resolutions to those that don´t but think they´re in good company.

Poll

The world is bad and people are stupid.

Yes.

17 votes

No.

6 votes

Maybe.

6 votes

When can I get off this planet, it´s like spinning?

4 votes

What´s your problem? It´s Christmas!

29 votes

62 votes | Poll has closed

Hire mooncamping!

mooncamping — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:48:49 -0000

Hire mooncamping as GM. Query me here.

I can general manage the Cleveland Browns from this site. I´m willing to involve anyone who makes sense. We´ll put questions regarding the franchise´s future out as fan posts. We´ll have proper discussions, and try to ascertain the public opinion. Any topic is feasible. All we need to do is get finality on our decisions. How about it?

You may apply as aides here. Well, as soon as I´m hired that is. Serious inquiries count as applications.

Hire mooncamping as GM. Query me here.

You may apply as aides here. Well, as soon as I´m hired that is. Serious inquiries count as applications.

Info about 2010 draft

mooncamping — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:42:53 -0000

Just for those who aren´t informed, yet, and I know this is early, but these are the Browns 2010 draft picks, so far.

1st round

2nd round

2nd or 3rd round...from the Jets based on Braylon Edwards achievement in 2009.

3rd round

4th round

5th round...from the Jets for Braylon Edwards.

5th round

EDIT: Thanks Mr. Dorn: 5th round...from the Bucs for Kellen Winslow.

6th round...from the Panthers for Louis Leonard.

6th round

7th round

That´s ten picks (EDIT: 11 picks to include round 5 pick from Bucs for Kellen Winslow), and we haven´t even begun house cleaning. Quinn and Anderson alone, and I suggest we transfer them before not during the draft, are worth a first round pick each at least. That´s more picks than we can get value for.

I say we loose picks and see what we can get now, rather than gain picks, which should be pretty high in each round and thus attractive, because we aren´t expected to do so well this year.

If we draft players expected to start as soon as possible, based on needs because of our current lackluster roster, we can predict another off year, allowing for rookie learning curves. We should stock up now. Another factor is, there will be expansion teams, probably soon. Were also seeing some of the top college teams using what you might term college level talent not necessarily useful in the NFL, for the sake of greater athleticism at that level. I think this trend is discernable. The range of player talent from college might get thin soon. Lets take a good look around the NFL, and see what we can procur to succeed now, improving gradually whence this decision is made.

Just for those who aren´t informed, yet, and I know this is early, but these are the Browns 2010 draft picks, so far.

1st round

2nd round

2nd or 3rd round...from the Jets based on Braylon Edwards achievement in 2009.

3rd round

4th round

5th round...from the Jets for Braylon Edwards.

5th round

EDIT: Thanks Mr. Dorn: 5th round...from the Bucs for Kellen Winslow.

6th round...from the Panthers for Louis Leonard.

6th round

7th round

I say we loose picks and see what we can get now, rather than gain picks, which should be pretty high in each round and thus attractive, because we aren´t expected to do so well this year.

Reality cheques concerning the regular season roster

mooncamping — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:20:21 -0000

Behold: mooncamping´s singular vision cliffhanger ending goodbye post.

Yay list:

1. K Phil Dawson

2. QB Brett Ratliff

3. WR Mohammad Massaquoi

4. P Dave Zastudil

5. FL Josh Cribbs

6. CB Brodney Pool

7. SS Hank Poteat

8. FS Eric Wright

9. FS Coye Francies

10. SS Abram Elam

11. CB Nick Sorensen

12. PR/KR James Davis

13. ST Blake Costanzo

14. ILB Eric Barton

15. G Alex Mack

16. ILB Kaluka Maiava

17. OT Eric Steinbach

18. G Hank Fraley

19. DT C.J. Mosley

20. DT Ahtyba Rubin

21. OT Joe Thomas

22. TE Robert Royal

23. WR Mike Furrey

24. DT Shaun Rogers

25. DT Robaire Smith

Nay list:

1. OT Corey Hilliard

2. C Fred Weary

3. QB Derek Anderson

4. QB Brady Quinn

5. WR Syndric Steptoe

6. WR Braylon Edwards

7. WR Donte Stalworth

8. SS Mike Adams

9. FS Brandon McDonald

10. FS Gerard Lawson

11. HB Jamal Lewis

12. HB Jerome Harrison

13. FB Lawrence Vickers

14. LB Marcus Bernard

15. LB Alex Hall

16. MLB D´Quell Jackson

17. MLB David Veikune

18. LS Ryan Pontbriand

19. G Rex Hadnot

20. OT Ryan Tucker

21. OL Floyd Womack

22. OL John St. Clair

23. WR Brian Robiskie

24. TE Steve Heiden

25. WR Martin Rucker

26. DE Kenyon Coleman

27. LB Leon Williams

28. DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley

29. DE/LB David Bowens

30. DT Corey Williams

Gone but not forgotten:

1. DT Adam Hoppel

2. ILB Philip Hunt

3. TE John Madsen

4. FS Nate Ness

5. WR Joe Jurevicious

6. LB Bo Ruud

7. CB Abdullah Hamza

mooncamping says "Goodbye".

Behold: mooncamping´s singular vision cliffhanger ending goodbye post.

Yay list:

1. K Phil Dawson

2. QB Brett Ratliff

3. WR Mohammad Massaquoi

4. P Dave Zastudil

5. FL Josh Cribbs

6. CB Brodney Pool

7. SS Hank Poteat

8. FS Eric Wright

9. FS Coye Francies

10. SS Abram Elam

11. CB Nick Sorensen

12. PR/KR James Davis

13. ST Blake Costanzo

14. ILB Eric Barton

15. G Alex Mack

16. ILB Kaluka Maiava

17. OT Eric Steinbach

18. G Hank Fraley

19. DT C.J. Mosley

20. DT Ahtyba Rubin

21. OT Joe Thomas

22. TE Robert Royal

23. WR Mike Furrey

24. DT Shaun Rogers

25. DT Robaire Smith

Nay list:

1. OT Corey Hilliard

2. C Fred Weary

3. QB Derek Anderson

4. QB Brady Quinn

5. WR Syndric Steptoe

6. WR Braylon Edwards

7. WR Donte Stalworth

8. SS Mike Adams

9. FS Brandon McDonald

10. FS Gerard Lawson

11. HB Jamal Lewis

12. HB Jerome Harrison

13. FB Lawrence Vickers

14. LB Marcus Bernard

15. LB Alex Hall

16. MLB D´Quell Jackson

17. MLB David Veikune

18. LS Ryan Pontbriand

19. G Rex Hadnot

20. OT Ryan Tucker

21. OL Floyd Womack

22. OL John St. Clair

23. WR Brian Robiskie

24. TE Steve Heiden

25. WR Martin Rucker

26. DE Kenyon Coleman

27. LB Leon Williams

28. DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley

29. DE/LB David Bowens

30. DT Corey Williams

Gone but not forgotten:

1. DT Adam Hoppel

2. ILB Philip Hunt

3. TE John Madsen

4. FS Nate Ness

5. WR Joe Jurevicious

6. LB Bo Ruud

7. CB Abdullah Hamza

mooncamping says "Goodbye".

Barnum and Bailey Browns...taking specialization to a whole new level?

mooncamping — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:29:12 -0000

Let me get this right.

We just aquired another 5foot9 165lbs defensive back, Tra Battle. And another 7foot 290lbs offensive tackle, Corey Hilliard? What is this, Barnum and Bailey?

Are they to form "Master Blaster" from Mad Max "Beyond Thunderdome"? What super innovative game plan and rhetoric will we be insulted with this time, to justify the use of bodies thus proportioned? We had "hybrid", we´ve had 3-technique, 4-technique..., we´ve had all purpose back, all kinds of nifty shifty descriptors.

Am I alone, in just wanting the guys with physiques suited to their positions and obligations on the largest variety of plays...talent, ability, versatility? Not having to alternate players like it´s a carousel?

I´m risking sounding like an athleto-fascist here, but come on, can´t we ask for people that are physically suited towards playing professional football, properly proportioned to endure and succeed at a certain position?

I´m not surprised if an offense has a playbook the size of a telephone book, but the defense? Just play your assignment and area, and at the end of the day, you´ll have done alright. The offense initiates the play, it makes sense that they employ plays, the defense has and always will react. I don´t want guys out of position, because the defensive coordinator used the wrong play, in guessing what the offense might do. Listen defensive players, in the end, you have to be where the action is, no one will have your back if you are out of position, because only you and the defensive coordinator know, that you were where the defensive "play" put you, the fans will simply jeer you.

Let me get this right.

We just aquired another 5foot9 165lbs defensive back, Tra Battle. And another 7foot 290lbs offensive tackle, Corey Hilliard? What is this, Barnum and Bailey?

Just a consideration

mooncamping — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:11:30 -0000

I got to thinking about the roster implications, of entertaining different defensive systems. In simple math, if you have the players for a 3-4 and a 4-3, you´re keeping a set of 7 special skillset players for one system and a set of 7 special skillset palyers for the other system. This is detrimental to establishing quality depth at every position. I would much rather, you commit to a 3-4, designate 7 starters suited to it, and get the 7 best backups you can find. In simple think that would mean you have 14 players who are suited to what´s expected of them as compared to 14 with a divisive, confusing skillset. The way things are, it tells me the powers that be have settled for subpar if not possibly abysmal in trying to find the right combination. This is catastrophe in the making.

NFL conspiracy theory

mooncamping — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:09:06 -0000

Dear friends and colleagues,

from extensive research and analysis I regret to have to inform you that I have gleaned there is a conspiracy afoot in the NFL.

The conspiracy entails a concerted effort to misinform fans about what type of players are required to succeed in the NFL, it entails the stupification of spectators through elaborate schemes strategically employed to have players either in position or out of position to make plays, it entails blackmailing coaches and front offices to play a preselected group of players through positioning them on Fantasy and Madden rosters. In short, some teams are preparing to pounce on and take advantage of these false realities.

Viz:

1. The scouts and online reporters are fudging facts to get the wrong kind of player at each position. The highly hyped defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, will leave teams vulnerable to horizontal plays. He will get dominated on run plays, because he´s too small, so outside containment against either speedy runningbacks, or runningbacks with lead blockers, is nonexistent. And as outside linebackers they are simply too slow to cover the flats or beat speedsters outside. The cornerbacks are too small, they are useless in run support, and physical receivers will dominate them. Linebackers overall are too big and too slow, if they get beaten by big backs the defensive backs will get run over, and if they get beaten by fast backs they will look ridiculous. That´s the defensive foolery.

On offense, we have the very unrealistic single back formation. What will defenses do if they are suddenly confronted with multiple backs, sweeps and reverses, potent lead blocking. To send a halfback without the help of a blocking fullback would have been preposterous in the past. A guy like Barry Sanders, sure. But 260 pound Jamal Lewis as a single back, come on how realistic is that? It´s gotten absolutely ridiculous. 6foot6 offensive guards. The quarterback can barely see over them, they´re not mobile enough in run blocking, they can´t pull, and believe it or not they have a high center of gravity, they are easier to unbalance. Offensive lines lining up at the outset of a play in a V-formation, standing up already, with barely an inch between their feet. It´s a precollapsed line, to try to rush the quarterback on defense is impossible, these guys are already bracing for impact and it´s an impossible angle, you can not get by them. On offense the quarterback is absolutely predictable, he can´t even scramble, he´s caught in the pocket. In the olden days that would have been laughed at, because it´s taking telegraphing a play to a whole new level. They keep that formation even on running plays. What it means is the holes are a lot smaller because the line is slanted, if they get through the hole they haven´t even passed the line of scrimmage yet, the offensive line is so far off. The offensive tackles can´t bear down and get their feet moving, because they are standing up waiting for impact before they can even initiate run blocking. The first team to realign the offensive line, right up on the line of scrimmage, not telegraphing run or pass, with a chance at giving the runningback 5 holes to run through, with a quarterback who is mobile and has split seconds to decide handing off, scrambling or passing, or a mix thereof, the first team to institute some lead blocking, with a shifty halfback with enough patience to follow that blocking and then break free, is going to look like geniuses. Pounding the middle and stretching the field horizontally, through powerfull end around plays and a quick and effective short passing game, will look like it´s never been done before. So I assume there are some teams and interest groups preparing for a Super Bowl run by exploiting all this, they have the neccessary guys on their depth charts.

2. Playcalling. It is assumed that football has become this rocket science, and you have all these evil geniuses, conveniently termed offensive and defensive coordinators, like a real football player needs to be coordinated from outside (are there like walls and traps not visible to them on the field?), that can somehow magically make superior athleticism and sportsmanship irrelevant, through ingenious formations and outscheming the opponent. It is assumed that a defense has a limited set of plays (since when did it become fashionable to even say a defense has plays, like they are inititator and not the reactor) to counter an offenses limited set of plays. It is feasible that a certain player can be out of position on a certain play, because the defensive schematic called for it. How ridiculous is this? If I see a play evolving as a defensive player and I can get there, no force on earth can compell me to run away from it. Defense is defense no matter what the offense can concoct. If the defenders do what they do, and are where they are even the combined Nobel prize winners can not beat it. Let´s stop fooling ourselves. Players enabled to defend an area, and with a maximum of decisionability, will not be out of position, and they will make the play, no matter how elaborate the offense is. On the other side of the ball, you need the same type of adaptability. If I´m a receiver and a certain route is covered, I can alter it, stretch my route, shorten it, cut earlier or later. If I´m the runningback, and the 2 hole is seeled, I hit the 4 hole or race to the sideline. If I´m the quarterback and a pass play breaks down, do I gun it or run it?

3. Maddenized and Fantasized rosters. I play the best available athelete and sportster, whether the kids are cursing because they´re not on Madden, or whether people stupid enough to bet on football in fantasy circles are blacklisting me, because they´re high draft pick is suddenly not even playing. These are outside factors, I do not heed them at any price. My depth chart is not the glee club, and popularity contests will not win you football games. Even a thousand number 16 jerseys in the stands will not give wings to Joshua Cribbs.

All in all, these developments lead me to assume there is an elaborate deepseated plot to fool teams into wanting what will make them vulnerable and beatable, by teams willing to buck the trends.

Are we trendsetters or trendgetters?

Dear friends and colleagues,

from extensive research and analysis I regret to have to inform you that I have gleaned there is a conspiracy afoot in the NFL.

Viz:

All in all, these developments lead me to assume there is an elaborate deepseated plot to fool teams into wanting what will make them vulnerable and beatable, by teams willing to buck the trends.

Are we trendsetters or trendgetters?