MHS831

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.

Fan base is excited. A black left-handed QB named Michael. Never happened before--I don't think.

I see that perspective, but there are some glaring differences. At that time, the QB in Green Bay was entrenched or proven and Love was the 26th pick of the first round--not the 8th. Picking him at 8 was a reach, and people in Green Bay thought picking love at 26 was a bit of a reach (I recall many wondering if he would be a first or second rounder). Cousins is new--has not even met his teammates. This will impact the locker room differently. Since the fans are not that attached to familiar as the Cheeseheads were to Rodgers, Cousins will have a bad game and the controversy will begin. For that reason, I am not sure they did anything but use a first round pick to weaponize their fan base against the QB they just paid $100m in guaranteed money. That did not happen in Green Bay--it will happen in Atlanta. Popcorn is out.

Seems you are dealing with a Grade 4 self proclaimed football deity. His armor deflects facts, logic, and all forms of probability. He is here to stretch the boundaries of his friendship circle, one that is much like what Locusts do to crops. Good luck with this one, but beware. They make you dumber if you engage with them. Do not breathe his air--he is not contagious, he just needs to get it to his brain before it goes from code red to full shut down.

Looks like we are getting some "post draft" Nostradamus input from people who just started an account to help us understand. I forgot what you call those people on the internet---are they "unselfish informants of fact to help us temper expectations?" There has to be a different name for them--I don't know, but I believe every word and with every unsupported post they change my mind completely!!! Thanks new Huddlers with enhanced football acumen!!

So what are your credentials? This contradicts what Smitty says and I know his.

I agree, but that is the widely held "unspoken rule." Just to give the matter more perspectives than ours--I see it as an investment for next year--part of the current long term plan. When negotiating, however, people want it NOW and it has that value now. But we wanted it for 2025, so it will have second round value to us. If I were making a trade and the Seahawks offered a second right now and the Rams offered a second the following year, of course--all things equal--the Seahawk offer is the better offer because I can use it immediately. It could be that these GMs value now more than next season because their jobs are on the line now--if they do not get results, the second rounder belongs to the next GM--I don't know--but to your point, the player is going to be the same player--the value is not on the talent, it is on the timing of the talent. Just spitballing.

Here is how it breaks down: Rams trade us pick 52 (380 pts) and pick 152 (29.8--- 30 points rounded, totaling 410 points) for pick 39 (510) points. So basically, the 2024 draft trade was Rams give us 410 points for 510 points--a difference of 100 points. Panthers give Rams 510 points. Rams give Panthers 410 points (2nd and 5th) in 2024 If the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2024, they would still give the Panthers the 64th pick, or 270 points. Worst case scenario for the Panthers is the get a total of 680 points of value for the 510 points they gave the Rams. The difference is 170 points. If the Rams finish 2024 like they did 2023, the Panthers will receive 380 points in 2025. That means the Panthers get about 790 points for 510 points, a difference of 280 points. If the Rams have the worst record in the NFL in 2024, they would give the Panthers 580 more points than the 410 already given--990 total points for a 510 point pick value. The difference is 440 points. But you have to remember, future draft picks have a value of one round less than the current draft year. It is like an investment of a 2024 third rounder that will mature into a second rounder in a year. So if you want to see how much we bested the Rams, you have to take that into consideration. If you want to do that, then you have to weigh the trade using a current third rounder and not a second rounder. Panthers: 510 points for pick 39 Rams: 600 points: 380 points for 2024 pick 52 and 30 points for pick 152. Third round value in 2024: 190 points. That is the equivalent of having the Rams throw in an additional early fourth round selection on top of the deal. So it depends on how you look at it--to me, getting the 2025 second rounder was so important, I might have agreed to much less to get it.

This is good stuff. I will add that he was supposedly under the care of the Cowboys' doc and Jerry Jones wanted Brooks--so he must have a glowing endorsement in terms of recovery.

Ah. Dumbshittery.

Excellent. I think BC is also the emergency 3rd string swing T, but maybe he needs to focus on C considering Corbett could be gone by 2025. The only people I have seen concerned about center are the experts and fans--they seem to be content here, but they did sign a C in UDFA. I think they view Corbett as a seasoned veteran who has the ability to function as a C. In fact, his college coach felt that is where he'd play in the NFL...I dunno. I think Willie Drew (UDFA) could surprise you and take a CB spot. Probably has a 30% chance. Jamison almost made the Niner's roster in 2022, and he was decent here. He is only 24-25 years old, so with Drew, we have depth. Jamison should compete with Hill for the Nickel duties, and maybe Drew could play behind Horn and Smith-Wade to be the big nickel. With the way nickel is used, we could carry 6 CBs. Dane will start across from Horn and Hill as the nickel. His spot is not secured. I wonder if we keep Jammie Robinson on the roster--but you went with probabilities here, as you should. Thurman (DT) played surprisingly well last season and he should stay a backup. Tuttle may need to be moved to DE-I don't know. I use PFF not because it is an exact science--it is somewhat subjective and misleading at times--but it is the most accurate attempt to evaluate performance available to us. I think Ray is 26, so he should be performing at a higher level--he is basically in the bottom third, along with Shy Tuttle. At OLB, Barno outperformed DJ Johnson but got fewer snaps. Both should be safe this year, behind Wonnum and Clowney. Leota played in 8 games and was on nearly half of the special teams plays, but he got snaps at Edge as well, earning an impressive rating in limited play. He may be back on the PS at the beginning of the season, but he held the edge better than anyone else, imo. I have no idea what to think about Chaisson, but after 3 seasons, it is time to perform at a high level or get out of football. If he performs, the former first rounder COULD team with Wonnum, Barno, Johnson, and Leota to be a decent edge group. 2023 PFF Grades - Defense POS Player Grade POS Rank Snaps % Snaps DI Derrick Brown 90.1 4th of 130 940 89% DI Nick Thurman 63.4 48th of 130 367 35% DI LaBryan Ray 54.6 84th of 130 355 34% DI Shy Tuttle 52.9 91st of 130 549 52% Edge Amari Barno 64.0 NA 188 20% Edge Eku Leota 65.6 NA 77 15% Edge DJ Johnson 50.4 NA 231 22% CB Dane Jackson 64.5 NA xxx 50% CB Jaycee Horn 84.1 NA 276 26% CB Troy Hill 62.4 73rd of 127 494 47% S Xavier Woods 80.3 12th of 95 796 75% S Sam Franklin 58.0 NA 289 27%