While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
Browns areas of improvement heading into camp: “It’s hard to consider an area of weakness improved based on the projected contributions of a rookie. Yet, the Browns could see dramatic improvements along their offensive line and at both running back and quarterback. Obviously, the keys to a dormant 2011 offense improving lie with the rapid advances that Weeden and Richardson can make this summer and fall.
However, the area that should clearly improve is the team’s offensive line. The line boasts four returning starters, featuring All-Pro Joe Thomas – who quietly improved in 2011. Center Alex Mack is never spectacular, but is ridiculously consistent and the hope is that both Pinkston and Lauvao progress from last year. Pinkston in particular could have a breakout year – especially after surviving a torturous rookie season.” [The Orange & Brown Report]
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OSU football figures go to the movies: “This fall, the Ohio State football team will be looking to follow up their own Batman & Robin season with a Batman Begins-type of palate cleanser. With Urban Meyer, a new man is at the helm. There are some additions to the cast, but most of the characters are the same, just as better, more fleshed-out players.
Since we have over a month until we can watch the reimagining of Ohio State, it’s time for the sneak previews. So, let’s check out what would happen if members of the football program starred in upcoming, or at least rumored, remakes or sequels.” [Sarah/11W]
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The Browns president on what he built in Green Bay: “Holmgren said his legacy with the Green Bay Packers was turning the franchise back around, starting with the staff he had around him. ‘Our young coaching staff that we had, our scouts, we changed the medical department, the training department. We changed a lot of of the culture in the building. And that’s easy to say – and hard to do. That probably, to me, over the course of time, will mean the most. We were able to turn it, get it going in the right direction, and then ultimately get the main prize, the Super Bowl.
‘I just think, how good are the Packers now. What’s happened since 1992. As opposed to what had happened prior to 1992 for all those years. I just have to look at the stadium and walk through here. I mean it is unbelievable how things have changed.
‘I had a little part of that – a little thing to do with that and I’ll feel good about that.” [Lori Nickel/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]
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OSU’s new football coach on his fondness for the Heat and their coach: “Urban Meyer, who is entering his first season at Ohio State, has become an admirer of the Heat organization, and its coach. Meyer was one of the collegiate coaches — in basketball or football — that Erik Spoelstra consulted last offseason, an offseason that afforded him extra time due to the extended lockout.
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‘Well, I got more out of it than he did,’ Meyer said. ‘He reached out to me, but the ability to deal with a star athlete is much harder than most people think. And at Florida, I had to deal with a bunch. Obviously, with the Heat, he’s dealing with a bunch. And the way he does it, I think is brilliant. And Pat Riley, the confidence he’s shown, I love that organization and how they handled that whole situation.’” [Ethan Skolnick/Palm Beach Post]
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Struggling starters closing the window on Tribe’s season?: “The struggles by the top three starters in the rotation have been a big part of why the Tribe has slipped from second place (1.5 games behind Chicago) in the standings on June 1, to third place (three games) back going into today’s games. In that time span, the Indians have also gone from being tied at the top of the Wild Card standings to 2.5 games back.
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But then we watch the games and have to wonder if the Indians have it in them to actually go on a winning streak as they haven’t won at least three in a row in almost a month (July 3-5).
One thing we do know is this: with the Cleveland Browns ready to open training camp next week, the Indians window of relevancy is in danger of slamming shut. If the Tribe wants to make a move and keep the fans engaged, the time is now.” [Thomas Moore/Red Right 88]
