MHS831

You are acting like I made up this rule. I did not. I am simply informed about the existence of it while you want to discuss the righteousness of it. Here it is, in chart form:

I realize that the players performance will finalize opinions, but they certainly did not bully Morgan. He got the best of the trades he was involved in---and he seems to have done well in free agency. This is a two year process if both years are done correctly---I did not want Morgan. Changing my mind.

Valid points. This article to me explained why they might take the chance with 2 proven veteran Guards and focus limited resources elsewhere. If you sign a free agent, you spend $10m more than you are paying Corbett and Christensen. If you draft a C, you have a rookie QB on the LOS in front of Bryce. Maybe this is their only practical option, since there were many other needs that could not be staffed by currently rostered vets or rookies. For example, they wanted a "type" at RB. I said it before--if you look at RB and say, "Chuba had 900 yards behind a bad line!" that would be a great point. However, he was very weak as a pass catcher and pass blocker when he arrived--he has shown promise as a pass catcher and some growth as a pass blocker. In 2023, one site rated him the 25th best overall RB in the NFL among the top 72 "starters." https://www.nfl.com/news/rb-index-ranking-all-72-starting-running-backs-from-the-2023-nfl-season Brooks is elite at Running, receiving, and is good at blocking. We are better, and the pass catching with his YAC keeps defenses more honest that Chuba did. How many sacks came after Chuba missed his block? I dunno, but I saw it more than a few times. We could not bring in a TE to find a weapon for Bryce. We had to draft one. So we had to draft WR, RB, and TE because we had no real options. So if you look at the big picture, based on the information in the article as foundational knowledge of the C position, the fact that Corbett has never played center is not as important as his ability to play it. But yes, it is not a given and it is risky--but it is one of the few positions we could upgrade (since we signed 2 stud Gs) with players already on the roster. It is not ideal, but rebuilding a team with so many holes is impossible in one offseason. When you laid out the options at every position and looked at the available cap room, this is probably the best option for the Panthers so they can address other needs where there are no options on the roster.

First, thanks for the kind words. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here and the problem is when we get emotional we tend to go overboard--that is passion for the team. However, when we take our meds and post within 48 hours of our sessions with counselors, we tend to make sense. This center will make the PS--without a doubt, where he could push for the backup role eventually. I try to keep it between the ditches, but most people here respect each others' differences of opinions. It is interesting to me to hear others' opinions because they pull me back to reality at times. This center was a good pick. It will be interesting to see how Corbett does after this season and if they extend him (He is only 28, I think).

That blows my mind too. You know your system and the skill sets you covet--you have hours of game tape, you interview, you measure, you test, you weigh, you time--and 25% is the bar? Now, I know some teams only have 2-3 openings some years, but dang.

I look at upside and production--- XL--can he produce at a high level? I see him as boom or bust---so yes, but with cautious optimism. Brooks--the RB position is devalued and the player himself was a bit devalued, but if you consider how his running and catching (and blocking) can make this team better, there is a lot of value in a player that can upgrade your offense. Considering we got a second rounder in addition to Brooks, the return could be incredible. JT Sanders--For a fourth rounder, this guy has a high ceiling. I think the attitude about the TE class after Bowers devalued a lot of good players who could become productive starters--just not on the LaPorta, Kincaid level, but maybe a notch below. For our offense, this is better. Let''s not forget the addition that has us all hopeful--WR Jalen Coker. I think he will make the roster, contribute, and eventually (in 2025 or sooner if there is an injury) become part of the rotation.

That is correct and valid, and I def thought of it--but filling needs and building is one brick at a time. The Panthers cannot afford to miss on 75% of their day 2 and 3 picks as is the norm.

Thanks Frank. I enjoyed the video and agree we have been saying alot of the same thing-- The biggest question mark on the OL is not center--it is left tackle. This has to be Ickey's year. Sanders getting cut does not make sense. If he can look good behind a good OL, and if Brooks is going to be phased in (injury), you keep him because it makes no financial sense to cut him this year. The only reason I could see keeping Ian Thomas on the roster is goal line offense. I personally think his blocking is overrated. This guy said JT Sanders was also a good blocker--I have not seen that. However, I think Tremble and Sanders has the potential to be a good TE combo. He was hard on the CB selection in the draft. 5th round for a depth CB is fine. I am not sure what he was expecting. I think they are going to sign another former Gamecock who used to play CB soon. Finally, he is realistic about Young's year, but he is in "wait and see" mode. That is how you approach it. Cut him before building around the QB position or build around the QB position and give him another year? It is a no brainer. We are probably going to sign a free agent QB to keep on the PS when cuts are made.

We did not have a first rounder and we traded down to acquire a second rounder. That future player is not factored into the equation, so this is bullshite. We gave Bryce weapons and added a LB and CB. That is all we could do. How many draft picks will see the field regularly (beyond special teams)? A: 3. XL, Sanders, and Brooks. There is a chance all will start at some point in 2024. Not many teams WITH first rounders can say that.

I think they will be fine. They will make a mistake or two, and if it were Ryan Kalil everyone would let it go--but when Corbett snaps one low or high---the torches will be lit, the pitchforks will be grabbed, and the mob will ascend onto Mint Street.

Neither was Ryan Kalil when he played G--you have to be where your strengths are valued and your shortcomings are not.

They do. Most of the time, however, they get ahead of themselves, trying to step into the gap before the ball is out of their hands, etc. Some are low and some have fired snaps over heads. I wonder if JJ can work with them and offer some pointers? I know it is a different type of snap, but he is very consistent.

I just woke her up and told her that you said that. She laughed.

I have been watching RGIII on some programs--he is smiling all the time--that could be nerves or narcissism--I get the feeling he thinks it makes him look good--Give me Madden. He was not a looker and he did great.

I mean, as I try to explain to my wife, it is a viable source of heat with unfortunate side effects.

After 30 years, I still get them mixed up. I could not watch it. An older friend of mine used to play at State and he told me stuff about Bill Cowher that turned me against him-- I despised Dan Marino when he was on one of those shows. I think Kelce was a great hire. Not sure about Kalil--still mad at Gettlemen over that deal.

I found an article that does a good job of explaining the position. The position, in terms of athleticism and physicality, is less demanding than G or T. So stepping into that role from G or T should not be a physical challenge, in general. However, a C must know how to snap 2 ways (it is not that difficult, to be honest) and must read defenses and call schemes. They are the vocal leader of the OL--so maybe Corbett and BC have always been out of position. When Bryce talked about Corbett talking a lot and asking questions during film sessions when he was injured, this is what he meant. I will bold the parts of this that apply to Corbett in a positive way. It seems to me that the mental or cerebral challenges are the most important skill a center needs--if a person has played G, they (physically) will not be asked to do more--they will actually be asked to do less--physically. Mentally and vocally, however, they must be leaders, quick decision makers, and students of the game---QUARTERBACKS, in other words. Frankly, after reading this, I see why they feel confident in Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen at Center. Both should be better players there. The Center Position in Football: An In-Depth Guide Posted by Throw Deep Publishing Staff on June 23, 2022 Centers are both the underdog of their offensive line counterparts – and the brains behind the entire operation of the offensive line unit. Centers often find their way to the position being a little less naturally gifted than the guards and tackles positioned to their left and right. Usually a bit undersized, or a step slower, centers make up for this with a combination of high football IQ and gritty style of play that allows them to be the leader up front for the offense. Coaches talk a lot about their great players being extensions of coaches on the field, and centers have to be exactly that. The offensive line’s duty is much less fixated than that of skill players such as the running backs and wide receivers. They have calls in place, but ones that vary completely on the look that the defense shows on each and every play, whether it is a run or pass play. This is where the center comes in – as it falls on him to be the lead communicator and direct traffic for each and every play. The physical demands of the center position are plenty to speak of as well in their own right. Snapping the football, executing blocks in the trenches, and working up to linebackers are all part of the gig for the center position. Below will uncover even further the detailed demands of the position, and the crucial role the position plays in the success of an offense. What does a Center do in Football? As the team gets up to the line of scrimmage, it is the job of the center to direct his offensive line counterparts in the right direction to execute the play. He must be prepared to call out pass protections, identify the middle linebacker, and ensure the OL is on track in the run game to block the correct defenders. He has no choice but to be an extremely vocal leader, taking responsibility to put the offense in successful spots. As offenses go faster and faster in today’s game of football, the center must be a quick decision maker, which comes with intense film work, and deep studies of opposing defenses heading into each game. All of this shows the high-level parts of the job the center possesses before the play even begins. Moving to the physical elements of the job, the center is tasked with snapping the ball every play, getting the ball safely back to the quarterback, and immediately being prepared to go toe to toe against heavy interior defensive lineman. Whether it’s working a combination block up to linebacker level, occasionally pulling as a lead blocker, or picking up blitzes in pass protection, the center must be both athletic and strong enough to battle all game long against opposing defenses. What are some other names for the Center Position? There aren't a lot of other popular nicknames for the center position in football, but they are sometimes referred to as the quarterbacks of the offensive line, since they have to make a lot of calls and "direct traffic" so to speak with the other four men at the line of scrimmage. What are the Skills and Body Type needed to play the Center in Football? Skills Football IQ (Both Christensen and Corbett seem to be very smart--Corbett seems to be a student of the game) Leadership (Based on Young's comments, Corbett is a leader in the film room and that will transfer to the field) Agility (Guards require more agility than centers) Strength (lower body strength is key here, but both have shorter arms--arm length is less of an issue for Centers than T or G) Run-Blocking (Guards are usually better run blockers than centers--it is where they make their money--so I do not expect either to be a liability as a run blocker) Pass-Blocking (Although shorter and more compact, Corbett has the longer arms--33 1/8" vs. Christensen's 32 1/4"--physically, Corbett is best suited to play center considering his physical make up--see below) Shotgun and Under-Center Snapping: (This can be problematic if the mental aspects overshadow the perfunctory execution of tasks, but snapping is something that takes reps. It may involve different hand padding/tape/gloves than usual, but nobody is physically unable to snap a ball to the QB standing five yards behind. Few can get open, throw a 50-yard dime, or kick a field goal--but everyone can snap a football. The issue is, of course, perfecting the timing, accuracy, etc. That can be done with reps. I have no doubt that Corbett and Christensen have been doing it for months now.) Not all offensive lineman can be a center due to the mental demands of the position. Centers possess high-level football knowledge and leadership within the offensive line unit. Body Type (General Estimate) Height: 6’1-6’4 Weight: 310-325 Pounds Build: Thick, Compact Centers tend to be a bit undersized and less athletic compared to the offensive line. They often make up for this with more of a compact build combined with toughness and physicality. MHS Epiphany: A good example: Ryan Kalil. When we drafted him, we tried him (during his rookie year) at guard. He sucked. the reason? If you ever talked to Kalil, you would realize that he is very intelligent. Sarcastic, but intelligent. He was not that big (maybe 285 to 290 when he played) and not tall (listed at 6'2" but he was 6'0"--maybe 6'1". He struggled at guard because, physically, he was inferior. At center, however, he could use his brain and leadership skills, so he became an all pro there. He was a center--full stop. Better athletes owned him as a guard, but as a Center, he was superior because he directed traffic effectively. I hope this makes people understand the decision the Panthers made. It makes theoretical sense, when you think about it. Based on interviews and insights, I think Corbett and Christensen are smart--I hope that translates to football smarts. Not sure about Mays. Pretty sure Zavala does not have it. I bet Bozeman did not have it.

This former college OL played center and when asked if C was difficult to learn, he said this: At the college and pro levels, left tackle is probably the hardest position to play. You are protecting the quarterback’s blind side, and I would argue that NFL edge rushers are the best complete athletes in the world; I can’t think of any other group of people with the size, strength, speed, and overall athleticism. You have to keep them off the quarterback. That’s really hard to do. Center does have to snap the ball, and that means your hands are not available for a second. It also makes it harder to move laterally at the start. You are probably going to be moving straight ahead or a neutral step to start. But that means you don’t get asked to do the things other linemen are asked to do. You pretty much don’t pull, trap, or cover the back side. You are more likely to get help in the form of a double team, especially if the other team has a really good nose tackle. You have to be a very good blocker, of course, and you have to have quick feet and strong legs. Otherwise, I don’t think it’s as demanding physically as the other line positions. The hardest thing about center isn’t physical, though - it’s mental. You are responsible for identifying the defensive line formation and adjustments and calling out blocking schemes and/or scheme changes. You also have to communicate with the quarterback to identify and share any changes in snap count, protection, or play call. It all has to be done instantly - without the defense knowing.

We have a former starter now serving as a backup for the middle three positions, and probably the third string T on both sides (BC). We are still developing Zavala and I hope Mays shows some growth. Zavala started at times in 2023, as did Mays. We added two guards that flipped us from abysmal to elite at G. We added a swing T that could start on many teams. The idea is to work Ekwonu hard on his mechanics. With the two stud guards beside him, Corbett can call blocking schemes (he is smart, working beside the C for some time) to offset stunts and blitzes he sees presnap. Your point? Based on what we know, it makes no sense--based on what they know, it seems to make perfect sense. I mean, you have 2 guards that started in the NFL for extended periods transitioning to center. It is not like you are moving a rookie G to center--and the TB Bucs will do that with Barton, the T they drafted from Duke. Maybe this is NOT the ideal situation, but they feel good enough about it not to address it in the draft. Since OL was a priority, it makes no sense to draft a RB when you don't have a center. It means to me that RB was a bigger need than C--because Frazier was on the board at 46 (He was picked by the Steelers at 51). So back to the OL--Ekwonu will improve under the new coaching--Campen sucked footballs (literally--he really kissed footballs), the guards went from terrible to elite, the C is manned by 2 former starters, and Moton anchors the right side. Depth? BC can play any position, but probably will be left to backup G and C. Nijman is an average OT by NFL standards (61 PFF) and he is a swing T. Behind them, Mays and Zavala are young and could use some development--I see why they are not adding a player, but the C they picked up in UDFA is likely to be signed to the PS and he could compete when ready.

I see what you did there. Too soon?

One of the experts on NFL network made the point that NOT taking an Edge (they were predicted to take one--Dallas Turner was the popular pick)--they are preventing themselves from getting an edge on a rookie deal for 5 years. That (in a roundabout way) increases the cost of having Penix on the Bench. Not only do you have about $60m (the rookie contract is about $9m per) invested in QB, you have to pay a veteran or count on rookie third rounder Bralen Trice to do the job Dallas Turner could do--and I really like that pick----Essentially, at least in the short term, you hurt the team by picking a reserve QB for at least 2 seasons. By signing Cousins, the Falcons announced they are in "Win Now" mode. His window is closing. SO why use a first rounder on a pick that will not help you until 2026 at the earliest? I just watched a video on the Falcons--they have their area scouts and coaches selling the pick to the fans--that gives the appearance that the was consensus--I think they are all pissed.

Yeah, I had the same thought when it happened. I guess you were bringing light from their perspective and there is some rationale for doing what they did-- This does strongly suggest to me that they are viewing Cousins as a 2-year QB unless he balls out. $50m per season for 2 years is not totally out of alignment with the rest of the league.

I would sue.

Not immediately, but I would not be surprised to see a new GM in Atlanta if Blank did not see this coming. Right--a top ten draft pick needs to be on the field making plays, not on the sideline. This is going to be like a baseball team whose pitcher starts getting rocked with Mariano RIvera in the bull pen. What do they think the fans are going to do?

Normally I do not engage with dumbassery, but I played in college and I have friends in the NFL who are scouts. But my main credential is I don't pretend to know the future or more football than anyone else. You are not here to discuss football intelligently--you are here to troll. But yeah, nobody knows for sure how good he will be--except you--and all we really learned, is that you are one of those negative pricks who seeks attention, probably because you were not breastfed as an infant.