June 18, 2013

2011 Holmgren Report: Running Backs

Browns Roster Upgrade HighLast year we thought we’d introduce ourselves to Mike Holmgren by offering a report of each position group. The reports contained a ‘Roster Upgrade Advisory System’ not unlike that of Homeland Security. This year, even though the big show has been around for a year and has Tom Heckert in house, we thought we’d give the reports another shot.  Previous reports: OL, DB, ST

Continuing Disclaimer: NFL teams looking to add pieces this offseason are in a bit of a quandry due to the pending labor issues that could halt free agency all together.

Evaluating 2010

Much like last year, I’m taking a look at the running backs. And, in re-reading my post from last year (that upgrade need was listed as: Guarded), it’s amazing to look at the 2010 season and realize how the landscape changed almost entirely. In some ways, it was very, very good. In some ways, it was alarming.

The Browns Will Win If…

The Bye Week is on the horizon. The Browns are really banged up. Colt McCoy is getting his second straight start, this week against the Super Bowl Champs. The “new” Browns actually have a winning record against the Saints, including their first win as an expansion team in 1999, and a convincing win in 2002. The Saints won the last matchup on opening day in 2006.

brownssaints

The Saints’ offense has the potential to be destructive to a weak secondary such as the one the Browns have been trotting out. Drew Brees plays QB at a level the Browns haven’t really yet seen this year. The Browns have question marks at WR—moreso—and are giving Colt McCoy his second straight start. Without further ado…

The Browns Will Win If…

While We’re Waiting…Unknown Buckeyes, McCoy Captains the Titanic, Tribe Prospect Awards

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

Buckeyes are the No. 1 team that nobody knows: “So in other words, the race is half over, yet we have no clue about the merits of the horse that’s out in front.  Much more will finally be known Saturday, when Ohio State plays at No. 18 Wisconsin, the Buckeyes’ first major test on the road. But for now, this team’s debatable presence at the top of the rankings—which comes at the expense of the Southeastern Conference, whose members have humbled Ohio State in the 2006 and 2007 national-title games—marks a turning point in college football. Call it chaos’s comeback…To be sure, no team in the country has been more trustworthy than Ohio State in the type of frenzied road setting that Alabama lost in last week. The Buckeyes have won 19 of their last 20 Big Ten road games…But how good are his guys this year? Despite their lofty ranking, we’re only about to find out.” [Darren Everson/Wall Street Journal]

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The Curious Case of Jerome Harrison

I have been stewing on this Jerome Harrison trade for Mike Bell for a little bit now.  There are a few things that are really driving me a bit crazy regarding this trade.  I can justify the trade if I want to do it.  I can say that Jerome Harrison was creating his own problems because he didn’t get his contract in the off-season.  I can say that he was creating his own problems because he couldn’t deal with the pressure of the increasing size of the depth chart upon the arrivals of Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty.  I can even justify the organization trading him because he is an upcoming free agent and at the current rate of return, the Browns were better off getting something rather than nothing for a guy that they certainly wouldn’t place a franchise tag on during the off-season.  Still, none of that lets me wrap this up with a pretty little bow. [Read more...]