DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Early Camp State of Affairs (Long)

It's time once again for my early and ridiculously optimistic Early Camp State of Affairs, where I sum up my impressions and observations of the team so far, here at the beginning of training camp before any games are played. Expectations and enthusiasm abound throughout the camp and fans, coaches & players are excited about the prospects of this coming season. But history shows that injury, accidents, poor execution, poor play, inferior coaching and losing records can ultimately send it all spiraling to hell. None of that changes the fact that I'm doing this anyway, so take it for what it's worth.

Front Office - Stellar performance this off season, in my humble opinion. The free agency period was handled well, picking up key pieces in Steiner and Jamal, and adding depth in other areas with the additions of the Smiths, Peek, Short, and so on. The Draft was brilliant. We got our LT of the future, as well as a starting QB who has the luxury of sitting for a year or two. Help at Corner by signing a cover guy with the potential to start filled a huge need. Beyond that, we might have some future line help and potentially a punt returner in Steptoe. Overall, this FO has done everything they've said they will, they've removed sup par or disruptive players, they've upgraded every unit, they have turned this organization around, once again gaining respect among the players and within the industry, and they have handled the money and salary negotiations extremely effectively, without blowing the cap all to hell. They have set a plan, put it into motion, and are and have been executing it very effectively. This type of leadership will begin paying dividends by putting wins on the board. That is a fact, and whether it happens this year or not is irrelevant to the point; they're good, and they know what they're doing.

Coaching - This is one area where I believe we are vastly improved. For one thing, RAC is two years the wiser, with two years of experience as a HC, playing within our division. He also has garnered the respect and support of the players. I truly believe they will play in part to help preserve his job. Whether that translates into wins on the field remains to be seen, but I see these things as contributing factors in the overall performance of the team.

However, the biggest contributing factor in the performance of the team, in my estimation, is the addition of Chud. This guy is here to win, and he's here to lead this offense. Words like "attack", "execute", "up tempo", and "consistency" aren't just buzz words to him, they are a way of life. They are his philosophy and his style. And unlike the unfortunate coaches of the past, he has the weapons to execute his style. His philosophy would mean nothing without them, but mean everything with them. I firmly believe we will see a big difference in execution, style of play, points on the board, and (ultimately) wins and I believe Chud will play a big part in that.

I also have to mention the addition of Wes Chandler here. He will turn this receiving corps around, I firmly believe that. I cannot stress how much this addition will help our passing game. Crisp routes, discipline and technique will be things we should get used to seeing, IMO.

Todd is solid and steady as always, and we should be able to see steady improvements in the defense, primarily because of the addition of talent, health issues and maturity of last years rookies, but also because Todd has another year under his belt, has been able to develop his 3-4, and is now more comfortable than ever with his talent roster. He now has the opportunity and the personnel to design more challenging, (both mentally & physically,) defenses.

I have no idea what Ted Daisher brings to the party, I just hope there is no drop off in the quality of our special teams. I have no reason to believe there will be, I simply point it out as a camp question mark. He does, however, seem to be a perfectionist and a stickler for detail. He takes his job seriously and likes and respects his personnel. I believe this special teams unit will be among the best we've seen, especially if we can develop an effective punt returner in camp.

Quarterbacks - This topic has everyone's panties in a bunch and it's hilarious. We were perfectly ready to go to war with Charlie leading the team last year, but now that he's bigger and stronger, has another year under his belt, has had an off season with McNabb, has a completely revamped O-line, a real running back and a couple receivers, a new coordinator, and an aggressive system designed around his style of play, he's not good enough. I'm here to say he'll start and finish the season, barring injury. Derek will be our back-up and Brady will ride the pine, fetching them Gatorade. (At least that's what I hope will happen.) I don't know what'll happen to Dorsey, maybe they'll hire his as an assistant coach if he's such a good film guy. He's obviously not going to play, so don't burn the roster spot.

Brady is our QB of the future, but right now, we are in good shape to run Chud's offense with Charlie at the helm. Savage has done what he said he will do; put the pieces around Charlie so Charlie can be successful. With the addition of Jamal, the revamping of the O-line, and the release of Northcutt, he has done that. Drafting Brady doesn't change that philosophy or diminish our opportunity to grow as a team with Charlie at QB and D. A. as the #2.

Running Backs - Watching Chud's presser today, I couldn't help but notice how impressed he was with Jamal Lewis. He said he looks really good. With a strong emphasis on "really". This is a guy who watched LaDanian Tomlinson run up and down the field. He also likes what he sees in my man Wright and in Harrison. The running game is going to be a big part of this offense and the Jamal will be a big part of that. He's supposedly leaner and stronger and hungry. This is a good Jamal to have. I expect big things from him, and this unit, to the point where we win some unexpected games.

Wide Receivers - This is another area perceived as a weakness that I feel can definitely become a position of strength. I believe Braylon will have a very good year. I believe Joe J. will too. I also think Wilson will step up and Cribbs will be a nice surprise. Everyone seems to be somewhat excited about Carter. If he's found the right system, and if he can improve on his technique and if Wes and whip him into shape, and he can consistently catch, we may have a really nice bonus surprise on our hands. If this guy can be a consistent deep threat, with his speed, he'll be a real weapon that will give defenses nightmares. Braylon also gives us a deep threat, and Joe J & Winslow are great in the short and intermediate ranges. I am personally excited about this squad, in no small part due to the addition of Wes Chandler.

Tight Ends - Winslow is back and looks great. Heiden is the man, and I don't know who will be here at the 3rd spot. I like Dinkins because he scored a TD and plays with attitude, but whoever ends up there will be the best guy for the team so it's all good for me. I expect Winslow to have a pro-bowl type year and maybe even go provided the team continues to help him manage and care for his knee. He is excited and wants to play, that much is apparent. The challenge will be to not over-work him as he continues to heal. I'm also very impressed by his maturity & attitude, his love for the team & his teammates and his work ethic. We have a winner here and hope he stays and plays for a long time. This unit is a good one.

Offensive Line - The big news this year: we finally have an offensive line. Wow. Feels weird. Now, instead of merely hoping for the best we are now insisting on it. The latest news coming from the Chud is that the guys playing OL, regardless of position, have real ability and that their chemistry is very good. They're smart, have great attitudes and are working well together. So rather than break it down position by position, I feel I can pretty much leave it at this: Joe will be our LT, Steiner our LG and Hank our Center. Whoever starts at RT & RG will be the best two guy for the job, and they should be more than adequate to run our offense so look for this unit to be a strength of the team, and a prime reason for the improvement of our offense as a whole.

Defensive Line - Obviously a big question mark here in some minds, mine as well, but performance by this unit may come down to rotation rather than personnel. Big Ted plays well, but he needs to be spelled, Orpheus is once again healthy, but is a year older, and Robaire should be an upgrade, but the position by its nature demands relief. So the success of this unit may come down to the quality of the backups. I think Simon will continue to be a blessing as he grows into the position. He has another year, has added more bulk and can play both sides. Shaun Smith should be a decent back-up to Ted and then we'll see who remains among Harris, Kelly, Parker & Alvin Smith. I think the rookies get relegated to the practice squad because they look to be a little light this year for our scheme.

Linebackers - This too should be a strength of the team and I'm really excited about the group of players. With Wimbley, DQ & Williams all in their second year and with the addition of Peek, I think this will be a great squad. I think Adre Davis will have another good year, and I expect to see more plays by him in the backfield. This is a goal for him: negative stops and shorter yardage tackles. It's a goal for the defense as a whole. It is a good goal to have. I think Willie McG will show he's not done just yet, and I can't wait to see him, Wimbley, Williams and Chaun Thompson line up together during certain passing situations. Yes, Chaun Thompson will play for us this year. He is too versatile, physically talented and valuable at depth and on special teams to get rid of. Same for Mason Unck, so don't be shocked when you see their names still there after the final cut down. One guy I'm excited to see play is Jason Short. Daisher said he's the toughest guy he's ever seen play football, ever. If he can pick up the defense he might get some playing time other than on special teams, at least that seems to be the general hope and thought. This developing LB corps could eventually become downright frightening.

Cornerbacks - If this group can stay healthy, this will be another team strength, and a unit that teams will have to prepare for, especially if we can create a pass rush and start blitzing more. If we can put Bodden & Wright on the field consistently, then this will open up a whole slew of defensive options, primarily allowing us to put 8 in the box, helping to stop the run and daring the other team to throw. This should lead to turnovers, which should lead to more wins. I'm excited about these guys, however, while there is a lot of depth here and a lot of talent, it is all unproven at this point. Can Bodden stay healthy? Can Wright start right away and play one on one? Who will step up as the #3? Holly? Minter? McDonald? Who knows? This position, in my mind, holds the most questions, (in addition to their great potential,) at this point.

Safeties - You gotta love Jones & Pool. I think they are going to be an excellent, excellent tandem. I love Jones' work ethic and the fact that he improves every year. Pool too. And now with Hamilton & Baxter in the mix, I think we have some quality depth here and feel this unit will only get better over time. (Yes, I think Baxter comes back, but at safety.) I also think that the talent we have at DB in general will help Todd design some very exciting blitz packages that should come as nice surprises this season to all us blitz-starved fans.

Special Teams - Another strength of this team, and probably the most polished unit we have. I said it last year and I'll say it again, a good special teams unit is a sign of an improving team. The punt returner is up in the air and we'll need to fill that position with a true talent if we're not going to see major drop off there. I hated Northcutt as a receiver, but he's top 5 in the league when it comes to punt returns. That is a serious hole to fill. Fortunately we have Cribbs, McDonald, Steptoe and even Eric Wright who all have skill at returning punts. Right now Cribbs is the front runner and is showing good stuff according to Daisher, but Steptoe and McDonald are right there competing and both have showed the ability to catch and to find an open seam. This will be an interesting competition to watch over the next few weeks. Beyond that, we have guys like Cribbs, Chaun Thompson & Mason Unck to blow people up and the addition of Jason Short should make that part of watching "Teams" especially exciting. The Zastunator is back and Phil is working on correcting the little things to become more consistent once again, so we should be in solid shape with our kicking game come September.

Schedule - This schedule is rough, there is no doubt about that. Obvious to most is that we play six games against the Steelers, Ravens & Bengals. In addition we have to face New England, the Rams, Seattle and the Jets. Oakland, Miami, Houston, San Francisco and Arizona have all made improvements to their teams and Buffalo, for some reason, always seems tough for us to beat. So it is no wonder that Vegas has us only winning five games and ESPN has us ranked #32. Who are we going to beat? Buffalo? Houston? Oakland? Miami maybe? Houston has beat us twice in two years. Miami has an axe to grind, so does Oakland, and I've already mentioned the whole Buffalo thing. There is only one problem stopping us from going 2-14, 3-13 or 4 4-12. We are not the same team we were last year. If you don't believe me, see above. Last years' team lost 8 games last year by 8 points or less. That team ranked at or near the bottom of the league in just about every stat, yet still managed to stay in most of the games they played. There were plenty of embarrassing moments: the blowouts against Cincy, the loss to the Steelers (after we basically had it won), the loss to Houston (AGAIN), the losses to Pitt & the Rats followed by the loss to Tampa bay at home highlighted by four INTs. But that same team came within two points of beating the Ravens and within five points of beating the Steelers. That team beat the Jets, Atlanta & KC, and now that team is this team, and it is much, much better.

Summary - There is a lot of optimism surrounding this team, and most of it seems to be internal. The press and many of the fans don't seem to hold out too much hope for this season, and maybe those sentiments are warranted, but I think there is reason for hope. Because we are better. As I sit here thinking about the talent and coaching we've had to endure in the recent past, it makes me marvel at how far we have come. This is a good team, and it's getting better. We have yet to prove it on the field, but there is no question about it; we are better than we were last year. And last year we were better than we were the year before. The team is improving every year, and that is all that I as a fan can really ask or hope for at this point.

Thanks for sitting through it. Feel free to add your comments or pick apart mine.

You couldn't be more right on about the Schedule.

It's not the roster, I mean how could you not know it's a winner just by looking at the roster? The schedule this year will be a real test to us in the early stages of our uprising.

Excellent read. This whole season rides on the play of the O-Line.

I totally and completely disagree with everything you've written,,,,

Someone has to

Just kidding you man..

I think that even the most pessimistic of board member will say that at least on Paper, this team is improved...

Maybe this is the year where your optimism will be rewarded...I certainly hope so.

lol... only one way to go, right?

I totally agree. I'm persoanlly not counting on much and am looking more toward Wilson as a viable #3. But we shall see.

Nice read Cal. I can be optimistic and share most of the views that you express. However, I'm not sure I beleive Baxter will return as a Safety, guess it's possible if Wright proves he can start from day 1. He would be good depth and insurance if Pool does not step up. Although I really like Hamilton too.

Rabid, are you saying you don't think Baxter will come back, or you think he'll make it back but return to corner as opposed to safety?

I agree with pretty much everything you've said here. A lot of fans are scared to get their hopes too high because in the past it's been nothing but false hope. But I'm not afraid THIS year. I feel this is the year we finally take that step towards being a contender. The defense is fine. The DL and CB position are both unknown to an extent, but as a whole the defense will be fine. It's the offense's improvement that's really going to catapult this team. We finally have an OL. Just like you said. I don't care if it's on paper. It's better than any OL we've had before. We'll finally be able to run the ball consistently and form some kind of a team identity on offense. And that will be the difference between those close games we always lose.

So while I understand the realist side to it. I am being a realist. This year we've improved exponentially and we ARE going to be A LOT better. Whether that turns into an 8-8 or 12-4 season I don't know. But even 8-8 is a lot better then last year.

I'm honestly a little worried. QB situation kinda bothers me, the OL situation kinda bothers me, and the DB situation kinda bothers me. I hope they find out quick who the starting QB is because there is going to be that chemistry/timing issue that Charlie or whoever will need with the receivers... And the OL... lets face it... there is a big question mark as to who is playing what position, other than say Fraley and Steinbach but even some people think Bentley might play center. Offensive lines typically need time to gel, and people need to get used to whatever position they are playing and work as a team with it... and we seem 1 injury away from a major defensive back problem, which bugs me... because it seems like we always have that 1 injury with our defensive backs. But I am hoping things work out well.

I think you have given a fair assessment. And I don't think it was done with Orange and Brown glasses.

Chud's style of coaching seems to be more sensible and effective than that of power hungry guys like Carthon. I also think Grantham has better tools this year and the difference will be seen early. Crennel gets a bum rap as a coach because of the failures of the team, which IMO had more to do with lack of talent than good coaching from RAC.

As for the QBs, I also agree with the sentiment that Frye will start and finish the season unless hurt. From the accounts from camp so far, he is looking strong, sharp, and in command of the new offense. I know it's only one day, but I think he gets blamed too much for last years downfalls.

Jamal Lewis is, was, and will continue to be a stud RB. I believe him when he says the ankle slowed him last year. Also trying to rehab while in prison had to be a setback. Harrison, IMO is the surprise of the season. He along with Vickers and Jamal could become the best backfield this team has seen in years.

As for the recievers, Edwards is two years past his ACL surgery, I also think he will turn some heads. K2, do I need to say anything? I am optimistic about Wilson, but not real sure. If Carter can run the defense deep with his speed, look for the TEs and JJ to be big. I think the play that will be gold, is the seam route with K2....I can't wait.

The Oline has the pieces, all we can do is

As for the defense, reports from that Lane guy from the OBR, say that Roye looks healthy and like the player he was two years ago. If Robaire is even a little better than McKinley, and Shaun Smith is as big and hard to move as advertised, the speed and athleticism of the young DBs will be a welcome site. I have questions about McGinest, but think his shortcomings last year were due more to injury than age. I can't wait to see Peek and Wimbley both rushing the QB. Sacks, that's what I think the combination of all these parts will produce.That makes me giddy

Our special teams aces are still here, and I can't see a drop-off because of a new coach. Guys like Cribbs, Unck, and and even Pontbriand are quality ST guys who have a lot of pride and heart. For me to believe these guys regress is very hard to do. Only one guy worries me, Dawson. Sure he's been one of the best, but over the past two years he seems, to me anyway, to be losing it. Hopefully I'm wrong on that.

Schedule, smedule......IMO there is no way to predict how hard the schedule is, until you play it. Using it as an excuse is something that eats me up. This is a professional team, they should believe they can beat anybody. Using the tough schedule excuse to me, is akin to seeking pity.

I'm always optimistic this time of year, but for a change, I really believe I have a reason to be.

Well I Was At Camp Today, the 5:30 One, and Honest To God, Schaffer Was Getting Beat So Bad It Wasnt Even Funny

Peace To Wimbley Schooling Joe Thomas, Litteraly Threw Him To The Ground, Coaches Mad Thomas Do It Over, Only Have Him To Stick Wimbley Righ Back

Crowd Loved It

No Im Saying Wimbley Beat Thomas So Bad Around The Corner That Wimbley Barely Touched Him and He Went To The Ground

Everyone Was Yelling at Thomas!!

They Did The Drill Over Right After, and Thomas Stood Wimbley Up

Crowd Then Cheered For Thomas

And WhoEver That Number 50 Is On The Offensive Line, That Dude Was On His Ass Atleast 3 Times

He Got Punished,

Good stuff... I'll only address this

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Schedule, smedule......IMO there is no way to predict how hard the schedule is, until you play it. Using it as an excuse is something that eats me up. This is a professional team, they should believe they can beat anybody. Using the tough schedule excuse to me, is akin to seeking pity.

I'm always optimistic this time of year, but for a change, I really believe I have a reason to be.

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I agree with you on this. Any given Sunday. If you can't beat any team you face, then you can't go all the way. Steelers were great at believing they could beat anyone. That philosphy alone won them some games. They just would not be beat. That may not be the case any more, that may have left with Cowher. Who knows what kind of disarray the Bengal will churn up this year? And the Rats always seem a micron away from imploding in on themselves, and even if they don't, they ain't that great. I personally believe they were the luckiest team in sports last year. Next to the Colts. So anything is possible. It comes down to match ups, execution and who wants it more. We should be able to start matching up with anyone here real soon, they better start executing better, and I'm hoping that what we'll see this year are the results of the guys "wanting it more".

Nice read. I'll be back to chime in later.

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We should be able to start matching up with anyone here real soon, they better start executing better, and I'm hoping that what we'll see this year are the results of the guys "wanting it more".

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Wanting it more says it all. While I hate the Steelers, I do believe that Cowher infused that mantality into his players. RAC comes across as a coach with that same philosphy, I just feel the players here before just didn't have it in them. I believe Guys like Jones,Wimbley,Winslow, and yes even Edwards do posess the attitude to "want it more than the other guys".

I would like to thank the poster above for the report from camp. Sounds like Thomas just might also "have it".

Watching Thomas and Wimbley against each other could be great. If Thomas can figure out how to stop Wimbley, something not many could achieve so far, I believe we hit the jackpot in this years draft.

They Were Just Rotating During These Drills

All This Happened In The Same Drill

How nice is it to have Wimbley on the roster for Thomas's boot camp?

I'd say that is a pretty nice luxury that is only going to make Thomas that much better and make him that much more prepared.

I'm glad Wimbley is sticking it to him early. If Thomas can learn to slow him down by the time the season starts, all the better.

Another Favorite Moment of The Day, The Qb's Were Throwing Patterns To The Sidelines To The Recievers

Joe J. Was Up, Cut To The Sideline and Dropped The Ball

Everyone Got On Him, He Then Took The Ball and Booted It, It Was Seriously Great

I think Lewis is gonna have a good year. Maybe 1300 yds. and about 8 Tds or so. Edwards is gonna break out for a 1000+ yd. season with plenty of big plays. Winslow of course is gonna do great in that offensive scheme. I think the offensive line plays well and is encouraging, that Wimbley and Peek get sacks often, and that Pool and Jones both have huge years. Davis will do what he did last year (mediocre MLB), but Jackson steps up big and plays great, and Williams plays well in his time on the field, and I also think that Bodden rebounds and has a year like he did in 2005. Wright will do good for a rookie CB, but will have a few rookie mistakes.

Basically what I'm saying is that I think the whole team does well, but we give up too many rushing yards due to a questionable d-line, yet our defense is around 15th-20th in the league rankings, and does it's job......and we are gonna get really bad QB play for most of the year, and later in the year Quinn starts games and looks promising, but like any rookie QB. 7-9 on mediocre defense, bad QB play, and a better but good offense.

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LOL... That's great!

#50 is Rob Smith, was he getting time with the first team at RG?

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Not that I saw. He was working at center when he got steam rolled twice. Shaffer did not look that bad to me during those same drills when he was on the right side. He got beat badly only once that I saw.

Just wondering...how did Lewis look in the 5:30 practice? He looked awesome in the morning...just want to see if you thought the same.

How'd Tucker look?

He looked great at 5:30 IMO. They were right in front of me when running pass routes against the backers. He dropped one ball but none of the backers could stay with him, or for that matter any of the RBs. Chaun Thompson was the best LBer in this drill, almost intercepting a pass.

From what I saw he looked just fine. He had the least amount of reps in the line drills against a rusher. I couldn't see well enough during the 11 on 11.

Thanks Pdawg!

Love the personal observations. Good news about Jamal!

I think the Browns need to go ahead and resign Thompson if they haven't already done so... the guy knows the system, and when everyone else is tired.. he can easily be plugged in and do some damage.. I have always liked the guy, regardless of what some say of him on this board...

and has anyone seen Barclay making any good moves?

o yea.. and with a fresh Wimbley coming at a even younger Thomas... you gotta love that...

and b/c of the practice against a beast like Wimbley.. Thomas should start at LT for the Browns this year..