cHaD711Johnson Posted May 18, 2005 Report Share Posted May 18, 2005 http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3616918gning veteran C Rich Braham to a two-year contract is an important move for the success of the offense. It keeps the offensive line intact (with LT Levi Jones, LG Eric Steinbach, RG Bobbie Williams and RT Willie Anderson) and is especially good news for QB Carson Palmer, who relies on Braham to recognize defensive fronts and make the proper line calls for pass protection. The two communicate well together. Braham automatically goes to No. 1 on the depth chart, giving rookies Eric Ghiaciuc and Ben Wilkerson time to be groomed behind him. . . .TB Chris Perry's opportunity to make an impact hinges on his ability to stay healthy. Slowed by a hamstring pull, then grounded by a sports hernia that required offseason surgery, Perry's rookie 2004 season was ruined by injuries. Now that his health has improved, the club needs Perry to step forward so that Rudi Johnson doesn't have to endure the pounding of 361 carries he absorbed last year en route to a club-record 1,454 yards. Perry has the talent to make a difference -- especially as a receiver out of the backfield on third down -- because he can make defenders miss with his quickness. Any more physical setbacks will solidify his status as a first-round draft bust and cause the team to lean harder on Kenny Watson and Quincy Wilson for answers. Watson has more experience, but needs to improve his ball security so he can be relied upon in crucial situations. ...Kori Dickerson has joined the growing list of tight ends who will battle for three roster spots this fall. Acquired off waivers from the Redskins, Dickerson gets reunited with QB Carson Palmer, his former teammate at Southern Cal. Dickerson is a developing receiver who needs to become a more physical blocker in order to win a roster spot in competition with Reggie Kelly, Matt Schobel, Tony Stewart and Ronnie Ghent. The starting job is wide open. ...No. 3 QB Casey Bramlet is closing the gap on veteran backup Jon Kitna because of his swift development in NFL Europe. Bramlet stands nearly as tall as Palmer in the pocket and shows good leadership and arm strength. The offense won't have to suffer if he's forced to enter a game.SCOUTING REPORT: RG Bobbi Williams is a physical specimen and bruising run blocker who uses his massive size and strength to push the pile at the point of attack, helping create running room for TB Johnson. But he isn't very comfortable in space and lacks instincts at the second level, causing him to lunge at moving targets. He has worked hard to improve his pass protection and can now hold his ground against bull rushers. Entering his second year in the system, the ex-Eagle should blossom because he fits in well with the players around him. Williams now has a good feel for the combination blocks that are so vital to the run-pass scheme.HONING THEIR GAMES: FB Jeremi Johnson, who becomes a restricted free agent in 2006, is working to control his weight and improve his ball security so he can become more of a rushing and receiving threat. Johnson is an excellent blocker who has learned to sift through the line of scrimmage and not leave his feet when he blocks linebackers. He gets instant leverage because of his strength and low center of gravity. Thanks to a strict diet and more discipline in the weight room, Johnson has trimmed some weight off his 265-pound frame. He's showing better quickness and concentration. Now he's a more reliable runner in a one-back set and a better receiver coming out of the backfield.LINEBACKER ANALYSIS: GRADE C-plus Youth will be served with LLB David Pollack and MLB Landon Johnson complementing veteran RLB Brian Simmons. Rookie MLB Odell Thurman provides solid depth, but the unit needs time to jell.TOP STORIES Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted May 18, 2005 Report Share Posted May 18, 2005 These updates are done by Ludwig out of the DDN. He's usually got a good handle on the team. And yeah, C+ sounds about right for the LB corps. Pollack and Thurman have a lot of potential, but they're rooks. It'll take time. Said Thurman today, per Hobson...The 6-0, 230-pound Thurman did get a wake-up call on the first snap of 11-on-11. “Those offensive linemen came off the line hard,” Thurman said. “You’ve got to keep your guard up.”Welcome to the big leagues, Odell. You think they're coming hard now, wait until September... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted May 18, 2005 Report Share Posted May 18, 2005 Welcome to the big leagues, Odell. You think they're coming hard now, wait until September... Screw dat. Wait until January. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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