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.
“I am by all means in favor of the Cavs aggressively pursuing Demarcus Cousins. He’s an immensely talented two-way center in the prime of his youth, potentially available on the cheap due to behavioral concerns. Are you kidding me? These are the risks that win teams championships. As for player examples, I’ll do you one better and give you a full team. The 2004 Pistons. Championship winners and chock-full of jerks.” [Pestak/Cavs the Blog]
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Pat Shurmur interviewed on Sirius radio about his firing. [Sirius XM Sports]
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Never too late for a little Michigan hate... “Clowney forced a fumble with a stunning play from his defensive end position, one play after officials blew a call and gave Michigan a first down. That turnover led to a touchdown for the Gamecocks, who were trailing 22-21 with a little more than eight minutes to go at the time of the hit. South Carolina won the game on a 32-yard touchdown from Dylan Thompson to Bruce Ellington in the final seconds, beating Michigan 33-28. But that hit by Clowney … wow, that hit.
Clowney, a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender for 2013 even though he is a defensive end and it seems like defensive players aren’t allowed to win the Heisman, came off the ball fast and got into the backfield with a tremendous burst. He met Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the backfield a split second after Smith got the handoff. He absolutely leveled Smith.” [Schwab/Dr. Saturday]
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“Perhaps this reputation exists solely because the expansion era Browns have experienced so little consistency. Heckert has turned three drafts into more than a dozen quality starters and can easily boast a volume of young players who likely could thrive with better coaching. Unlike his predecessors, Heckert has not missed on a first round pick and his Round One through Round Three picks have produced some quality players.
However, to properly analyze Heckert, it’s worth noting that the Browns’ GM failed to add any true game-changing talent during his Browns’ tenure. The 2011 trade with Atlanta prevented the Browns from adding a dynamic receiver in Julio Jones, but did add an additional first-round pick, which eventually became Brandon Weeden. A similar critique can be found in trading up for lower-valued talent, such as Phil Taylor, Montario Hardesty and Trent Richardson – moves that cost the Browns additional picks over the past few years.” [Kolonich/The OBR]
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Brendan on All Bets are Off. [Stepien Rules]
