Bojang0301
Omar4Heisman
Maybe because he was too slow to get past the secondary?
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RB Montario Hardesty (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Faust
- Start date
No Way Jose
Footballguy
This must be it....
Bojang0301
Omar4Heisman
No Way Jose said:
FWIW I took Hardesty in one league where I had recieved about four picks for Harrison. A little bit ironic it ended up that way.
http://www.foxsportsohio.com/05/06/10/Firs...amp;feedID=3659
First impressions at Browns camp
Montario Hardesty - I have been a Jerome Harrison fan for the past two seasons. I was clamoring for him to get the opportunity to show what he can do long before the coaches seemed to realize that Jamal Lewis was over the hill. However, as much as I like Harrison, I think Hardesty is going to be the feature running back.
The Browns traded up to get him in the second-round. A second-round draft choice should play right away on a 5-11team, but when a team trades up in the second-round to get a player, it means they really like him.
I think the Browns will pair Hardesty and Harrison in the backfield. Whether Hardesty starts the season as the feature back or finishes the season in that role, I believe that will be the case. Eric Mangini likes to employ a big, physical back and a speedy, smaller back. He used Thomas Jones and Leon Washington with the Jets.
Hardesty showed good hands in last week’s minicamp and he has a reputation of being able to pick up the blitz. I like a 225-pound back who runs a 40 in the 4.4 range. The big question regarding Hardesty was the ‘I’ word, but Hardesty said he hasn’t been injured since his sophomore season at Tennessee.
Last season, Hardesty carried the ball 282 times. He played against some of the top competition in the nation in the SEC. He also did so without fumbling. He is a big, physical runner that could be exactly what the Browns need in the AFC North.
First impressions at Browns camp
Montario Hardesty - I have been a Jerome Harrison fan for the past two seasons. I was clamoring for him to get the opportunity to show what he can do long before the coaches seemed to realize that Jamal Lewis was over the hill. However, as much as I like Harrison, I think Hardesty is going to be the feature running back.
The Browns traded up to get him in the second-round. A second-round draft choice should play right away on a 5-11team, but when a team trades up in the second-round to get a player, it means they really like him.
I think the Browns will pair Hardesty and Harrison in the backfield. Whether Hardesty starts the season as the feature back or finishes the season in that role, I believe that will be the case. Eric Mangini likes to employ a big, physical back and a speedy, smaller back. He used Thomas Jones and Leon Washington with the Jets.
Hardesty showed good hands in last week’s minicamp and he has a reputation of being able to pick up the blitz. I like a 225-pound back who runs a 40 in the 4.4 range. The big question regarding Hardesty was the ‘I’ word, but Hardesty said he hasn’t been injured since his sophomore season at Tennessee.
Last season, Hardesty carried the ball 282 times. He played against some of the top competition in the nation in the SEC. He also did so without fumbling. He is a big, physical runner that could be exactly what the Browns need in the AFC North.
Wyld Stallyns
Footballguy
FixedD said:
Rotoworld:
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpag...4154&spln=1
Montario Hardesty: Mangini continues to heap praise on Hardesty
Coach Eric Mangini heaped more praise on Montario Hardesty, as the rookie handled the bulk of the first-team reps Thursday.
"He has had a really outstanding camp," Mangini said. "For a young guy, he makes very few mistakes. His level of maturity is one of the highest that I've been around ... And that's going to give him the best chance to not only play, but to play a lot if he continues." We're not trying to over-emphasize the depth-chart switch because this was Jerome Harrison's first offseason practice open to the media. Still, it's obvious that Mangini envisions a significant role for Hardesty. Jun. 3 - 7:29 pm et
Yahoo Sports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-...nd_html-2010516
Aaron Wilson
Jerome Harrison(notes) is boycotting voluntary workouts and minicamps as a restricted free agent.
In the absence of the Cleveland Browns' starting running back, big rookie runner Montario Hardesty(notes) is making a good impression on coach Eric Mangini on and off the field.
“Some guys couldn’t get the answers,” Mangini said. “Whenever they couldn’t get an answer, (Hardesty) had his hand in the air. He knew the answer. And it was on a range of different things. You could tell he was constantly paying attention, constantly taking notes.”
And Mangini likes Hardesty's physical presence, too.
“He’s pretty well slapped together,” Mangini said. “He’s in that 225 to 230 range, I think.”
Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpag...4154&spln=1
Montario Hardesty: Mangini continues to heap praise on Hardesty
Coach Eric Mangini heaped more praise on Montario Hardesty, as the rookie handled the bulk of the first-team reps Thursday.
"He has had a really outstanding camp," Mangini said. "For a young guy, he makes very few mistakes. His level of maturity is one of the highest that I've been around ... And that's going to give him the best chance to not only play, but to play a lot if he continues." We're not trying to over-emphasize the depth-chart switch because this was Jerome Harrison's first offseason practice open to the media. Still, it's obvious that Mangini envisions a significant role for Hardesty. Jun. 3 - 7:29 pm et
Yahoo Sports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-...nd_html-2010516
Aaron Wilson
Jerome Harrison(notes) is boycotting voluntary workouts and minicamps as a restricted free agent.
In the absence of the Cleveland Browns' starting running back, big rookie runner Montario Hardesty(notes) is making a good impression on coach Eric Mangini on and off the field.
“Some guys couldn’t get the answers,” Mangini said. “Whenever they couldn’t get an answer, (Hardesty) had his hand in the air. He knew the answer. And it was on a range of different things. You could tell he was constantly paying attention, constantly taking notes.”
And Mangini likes Hardesty's physical presence, too.
“He’s pretty well slapped together,” Mangini said. “He’s in that 225 to 230 range, I think.”
Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider
www.4for4.com report:
http://www.4for4.com/fantasy-football/news/item/13175
Browns RB Hardesty getting work, praise
Thursday, June 3, 2010 - 8:29pm
Scout.com - [Full Article]
Whether or not there's a reason Jerome Harrison dodged the media after Thursday's Browns OTA practice, it's fair to wonder if there's a reason Harrison changed course last week, signed an injury waiver and returned to work.
The starting job he waited so long to get very well could be at stake.
In late April, the Browns moved up in the draft to select Montario Hardesty . When the team took to the field for practice sessions in late May, James Davis -- whose promising rookie season was cut short by injury last year -- was also back in the mix.
Hardesty was getting the bulk of the reps with the first-team offense in Thursday's practice, the only one this week open to the media. And the head coach who's consistently praised Hardesty since rookie minicamp did so again Thursday.
Fantasy Impact:
This is a situation that should figure itself out by the time your draft rolls around. Harrison or Hardesty could be a nice RB2 or flex player this year, assuming one is eventually named the starter.
http://www.4for4.com/fantasy-football/news/item/13175
Browns RB Hardesty getting work, praise
Thursday, June 3, 2010 - 8:29pm
Scout.com - [Full Article]
Whether or not there's a reason Jerome Harrison dodged the media after Thursday's Browns OTA practice, it's fair to wonder if there's a reason Harrison changed course last week, signed an injury waiver and returned to work.
The starting job he waited so long to get very well could be at stake.
In late April, the Browns moved up in the draft to select Montario Hardesty . When the team took to the field for practice sessions in late May, James Davis -- whose promising rookie season was cut short by injury last year -- was also back in the mix.
Hardesty was getting the bulk of the reps with the first-team offense in Thursday's practice, the only one this week open to the media. And the head coach who's consistently praised Hardesty since rookie minicamp did so again Thursday.
Fantasy Impact:
This is a situation that should figure itself out by the time your draft rolls around. Harrison or Hardesty could be a nice RB2 or flex player this year, assuming one is eventually named the starter.
No Way Jose
Footballguy
This job is gonna be Hardesty's. He is a hard worker and is Mangini's type of player. I have no doubt that Hardesty is the best back on this team right now. Hardesty with a sprinkle of Harrison is a pretty good combo. I expect to hear continued praise towards him and him shaping out to being #1 by the start of the season. I laugh at owners who are drafting Harrison ahead of Hardesty....good luck.
PahtyTom
Footballguy
You have no doubt hardesty is the best back on the team? All Harrison has ever done is excel when given the lead role. Hardesty might end up being the starter, but that doesn't mean he is better than Harrison. It just means Mangini is an idiot.
Bob Magaw
Footballguy
presumably redraft, but hanson (yahoo) has hardesty at #2 among rookies (i personally wouldn't have him ahead of best, and probably not bryant)...
http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/nfl/news?s...kietop20_052610
Montario Hardesty (RB, Cle) – Whenever Jake Delhomme is your signal caller, it’s time to play “Hide Your QB,” and the Round 2 selection of Hardesty speaks to that philosophy, since he’s a bigger back who handled 282 carries at Tennessee last year. We’ve always spoken highly of Jerome Harrison, yet we were still shocked to see Harrison handle such a massive workload and run so well inside in 2009 because we always viewed him as more of a complementary/changeup/3rd-down back due to his lack of ideal size. Well, the new regime in Cleveland, led by team President Mike Holmgren, must feel the same way because the drafting of Hardesty suggests Holmgren doesn’t feel confident Harrison can handle the full workload.
Since it’s clear they want to run the ball a ton, this is a great fit for him, who just looks like an NFL runner with his ability to cut and run it effectively inside in a downhill and sustaining manner, and in Cleveland, where there are weather issues later in the year, the Browns should lean on the punishing Hardesty – possibly from Day 1, with Harrison the changeup. He’s a power guy all the way, but he can make people miss, so he has some wiggle. And while he’s not a natural receiver, he did catch 21 balls last year, which isn’t too bad. The OL here is about average, but it’s the same line that helped Harrison rush for a whopping 562 yards the final three games of the season last year. No matter who the opponents (Oak, KC, and Jac for the record), that’s an impressive total. The receiving corps here is well below average, but at least Delhomme is a veteran with tons of experience. Hardesty, a four-year college player, did have some injury issues in his college career, but he carried a full load for all their games last year, which eased some concerns about his ability to stay on the field. If all goes well, he could carry the ball 250-plus times for Cleveland, so he’s going to be a nice pick in the middle rounds. He projects best for now as a No. 3 fantasy back, but if healthy, he could wind up being a very decent No. 2 fantasy back.
http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/nfl/news?s...kietop20_052610
Montario Hardesty (RB, Cle) – Whenever Jake Delhomme is your signal caller, it’s time to play “Hide Your QB,” and the Round 2 selection of Hardesty speaks to that philosophy, since he’s a bigger back who handled 282 carries at Tennessee last year. We’ve always spoken highly of Jerome Harrison, yet we were still shocked to see Harrison handle such a massive workload and run so well inside in 2009 because we always viewed him as more of a complementary/changeup/3rd-down back due to his lack of ideal size. Well, the new regime in Cleveland, led by team President Mike Holmgren, must feel the same way because the drafting of Hardesty suggests Holmgren doesn’t feel confident Harrison can handle the full workload.
Since it’s clear they want to run the ball a ton, this is a great fit for him, who just looks like an NFL runner with his ability to cut and run it effectively inside in a downhill and sustaining manner, and in Cleveland, where there are weather issues later in the year, the Browns should lean on the punishing Hardesty – possibly from Day 1, with Harrison the changeup. He’s a power guy all the way, but he can make people miss, so he has some wiggle. And while he’s not a natural receiver, he did catch 21 balls last year, which isn’t too bad. The OL here is about average, but it’s the same line that helped Harrison rush for a whopping 562 yards the final three games of the season last year. No matter who the opponents (Oak, KC, and Jac for the record), that’s an impressive total. The receiving corps here is well below average, but at least Delhomme is a veteran with tons of experience. Hardesty, a four-year college player, did have some injury issues in his college career, but he carried a full load for all their games last year, which eased some concerns about his ability to stay on the field. If all goes well, he could carry the ball 250-plus times for Cleveland, so he’s going to be a nice pick in the middle rounds. He projects best for now as a No. 3 fantasy back, but if healthy, he could wind up being a very decent No. 2 fantasy back.
Last edited by a moderator:
No Way Jose
Footballguy
You might think Mangini is an idiot, but that doesn't matter, if Hardesty is the lead back and gets the majority of the carries then that means he is the one to own, it was just a couple years ago people were calling him Mangenius. They obviously thought they needed a better runner, cause they traded up to get him.
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpag...4552&spln=1
Jerome Harrison: Harrison and Hardesty split carries
Jerome Harrison and rookie Montario Hardesty split first-team work during the Browns' mandatory minicamp on Thursday and Friday.
Hardesty has drawn tons of praise from the Browns' brass already, while Harrison still hasn't signed his RFA tender. It's one of the premier position battles we'll be watching once training camp gets here. Still, with both backs possessing different skills, there's a good chance this committee will end up as a pretty even split. Jun. 11 - 1:39 pm et
Source: ESPN.com
http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x14172952...Browns-minicamp
Mangini forbids fighting during Browns minicamp
Rookie running back Montario Hardesty also had a strong morning practice. It’s hard to tell how he will fare as a runner, since there is no tackling in the three-day minicamp that ends Saturday, but he seems quick in his cuts and has caught the ball well.
Mangini raves about Hardesty’s attentiveness. In one post-practice mind game, Hardesty was asked to recite names of defensive players he is practicing against.
“He blew through it like he’s known them all their lives,” Mangini said.
Jerome Harrison: Harrison and Hardesty split carries
Jerome Harrison and rookie Montario Hardesty split first-team work during the Browns' mandatory minicamp on Thursday and Friday.
Hardesty has drawn tons of praise from the Browns' brass already, while Harrison still hasn't signed his RFA tender. It's one of the premier position battles we'll be watching once training camp gets here. Still, with both backs possessing different skills, there's a good chance this committee will end up as a pretty even split. Jun. 11 - 1:39 pm et
Source: ESPN.com
http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x14172952...Browns-minicamp
Mangini forbids fighting during Browns minicamp
Rookie running back Montario Hardesty also had a strong morning practice. It’s hard to tell how he will fare as a runner, since there is no tackling in the three-day minicamp that ends Saturday, but he seems quick in his cuts and has caught the ball well.
Mangini raves about Hardesty’s attentiveness. In one post-practice mind game, Hardesty was asked to recite names of defensive players he is practicing against.
“He blew through it like he’s known them all their lives,” Mangini said.
massraider
Footballguy
Nice. I have a fantasy memory league draft coming up, think I can get him in the 2nd.
PahtyTom
Footballguy
Not the point. You said you have no doubt he is the best back on the team. That statement is what my post was about.
cr8f
Footballguy
The 8th and ninth picks 2 years back were Ray Rice and Chris Johnson. Hopefully this will be another good pick later this year or next year. I think it will take 8 games for him to start.
Your statement says that Jerome Harrison is a better RB than Hardesty (saying Mangini is an idiot if he starts Hardesty over Harrison is about as blatant as it gets). How do you *know* Harrison is superior to Hardesty? Harrison looked very good the end of the year and seems like a good RB but I'm curious how you're so sure that he's simply better, to the point of saying a coach who puts someone else in instead of Harrison is an "idiot".
PlasmaDogPlasma
Footballguy
Doesn't it worry anyone that Hardesty only averaged 4.8 last year and that was the best number he posted in his career? Who was the last fantasy-significant back that couldn't break 5.0 in college? Anthony Dixon played against the same defenses on an even less talented offense and averaged 5.4. Of the top-40 rushing RBs in the NCAA last year, Hardesty's average was second lowest.
No Way Jose
Footballguy
I understand your concerns, I watched Hardesty all through college and his senior year was his most healthy year and was also his first year being "the man". UT's OL had 2 walkons starting and they were banged up all year. 4.8 yards with that line, is nothing short of amazing. He is a bright kid, who REALLY wants to succeed. I have a lot of confidence in him, but I am also a huge fan, who might be biased.
PahtyTom
Footballguy
The original statement was "I have no doubt that Hardesty is the best back on this team right now". That is what I had an issue with because Hardesty is a mediocre talent with an underwhelming college resume, and Harrison when given the chance has done some special and even elite things at the NFL level. I'm not saying Harrison is Jim Brown, but to say an unproven rookie is clearly better at this point is silly imo.
No Way Jose
Footballguy
You are right, I don't know that Hardesty is the best back on the team. Just like you don't know Harrison is the best back on the team. I formed my "opinion" from watching him in college and the early reports out of camp. Everything is pointing to Hardesty being the man in Cleveland, but feel free to put Harrison on your team.
Funny. While RB is one of the easiest positions to transition from college to the pros - it certainly doesn't hurt to have a sharp mind so that you can pick up the playbook quicker and learn your blocking schemes etc.If given the choice between a RB who isn't sharp and doesn't "get it" and a RB who has the cerebral ability to learn quicker, I will take the intelligent guy every time (assuming everything else was equal).
From the Bleacher Report:
Montario Hardesty Makes RBs a Tough Roster Spot for Cleveland Browns
by Brian DiTullio
With Montario Hardesty in camp and competing for a job, Team President Mike Holmgren's "pile" of running backs now is overflowing.
Along with Hardesty, the Browns also have Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Vickers, Peyton Hillis, Chris Jennings, James Davis, and Thomas Brown.
Obviously feeling the pressure, Harrison and Vickers have returned to camp despite not having signed contracts.
The fact is, there only are so many roster spots, and the Browns currently have more running backs than they will be able to carry once the season starts.
You can cross Brown off the list unless he somehow has the best training camp ever, if he even makes it that far.
Brown most likely was brought in to help carry the load in the absence of Harrison and Vickers.
Harrison has proven he can do what head coach Eric Mangini wants, plus the Browns are offering him a contract. Along with Vickers, these two should make the team, provided they sign their contracts and aren't injured in the preseason.
Hillis was acquired in the trade that sent Brady Quinn to Denver, so he'd have to really screw up not to make the roster.
This really only realistically leaves one roster spot left, and that means either Davis or Jennings will be looking for work elsewhere at the end of preseason.
Jennings performed adequately for Mangini last year, but showed nothing to make anyone say, "Wow, we need to keep that guy!"
In nine games in 2009, Jennings carried the ball 63 times for 220 yards and one touchdown. Not exactly irreplaceable numbers.
Davis was impressive during preseason last year, but an injury in Week One, followed by another injury in practice the following week, ended his season.
Davis will have to show he's rebounded from that injury and that keeping him off the roster would be a huge mistake. Davis has to prove to Mangini he's caught up to the speed of the pro game and can take a hit.
With the upgrades to the right side of the Browns offensive line, the Browns running game should be noteworthy in 2010. It's not unreasonable to say at this point in June the Browns will have two 1,000-yard rushers by the end of the season.
No one has put pads on yet, obviously, but on paper, the running game should be nothing to worry about in 2010.
Montario Hardesty Makes RBs a Tough Roster Spot for Cleveland Browns
by Brian DiTullio
With Montario Hardesty in camp and competing for a job, Team President Mike Holmgren's "pile" of running backs now is overflowing.
Along with Hardesty, the Browns also have Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Vickers, Peyton Hillis, Chris Jennings, James Davis, and Thomas Brown.
Obviously feeling the pressure, Harrison and Vickers have returned to camp despite not having signed contracts.
The fact is, there only are so many roster spots, and the Browns currently have more running backs than they will be able to carry once the season starts.
You can cross Brown off the list unless he somehow has the best training camp ever, if he even makes it that far.
Brown most likely was brought in to help carry the load in the absence of Harrison and Vickers.
Harrison has proven he can do what head coach Eric Mangini wants, plus the Browns are offering him a contract. Along with Vickers, these two should make the team, provided they sign their contracts and aren't injured in the preseason.
Hillis was acquired in the trade that sent Brady Quinn to Denver, so he'd have to really screw up not to make the roster.
This really only realistically leaves one roster spot left, and that means either Davis or Jennings will be looking for work elsewhere at the end of preseason.
Jennings performed adequately for Mangini last year, but showed nothing to make anyone say, "Wow, we need to keep that guy!"
In nine games in 2009, Jennings carried the ball 63 times for 220 yards and one touchdown. Not exactly irreplaceable numbers.
Davis was impressive during preseason last year, but an injury in Week One, followed by another injury in practice the following week, ended his season.
Davis will have to show he's rebounded from that injury and that keeping him off the roster would be a huge mistake. Davis has to prove to Mangini he's caught up to the speed of the pro game and can take a hit.
With the upgrades to the right side of the Browns offensive line, the Browns running game should be noteworthy in 2010. It's not unreasonable to say at this point in June the Browns will have two 1,000-yard rushers by the end of the season.
No one has put pads on yet, obviously, but on paper, the running game should be nothing to worry about in 2010.
GreatLakesMike
Footballguy
Vickers is a fullback.
MAC_32
Footballguy
I realize my eyes are selective towards Browns players, but I've been reading a lot more stuff about the Browns that isn't staff infection related here lately than I think I should. Seriously, what's this guy's ceiling? what's the likelihood he attains that ceiling? what's a reasonable expectation? especially with all the mouth's to feed? There are going to be some decent games from the run game (when the defense plays like it did in December) but there will be more bad than good games as the Browns try to play from behind without a passing game. Remember, this is the Browns offense, a unit that gave embarrassing a bad name before Thanksgiving last season.
WisWolvrns
Footballguy
the way I am reading the coach speak is the new rookie is in camp, getting more reps because the end of the year starter isn't there wanting a contract. so... a contract negiotation is going on... as a coach, what will you say about the rookie? you aren't going to say he isn't picking things up slowly or isn't looking good. never would when you are trying to squeeze a contract out with the guy that ended the season strong for you. if harrison wasn't in the plans, why bother with figuring out a contract for him if you are the browns? So I take all this Hardesty talk with a grain of salt, as it seems more a posturing coach speak thing that is being spun out of control. Once training camp has come and gone and some pre-season games happen, things will start to become more clear. Along with the size and length of Harrison's contract...
True but local beat reporters seem to be giving favorable marks to hardesty as well.
Bojang0301
Omar4Heisman
Their OLine still is solid. The morbidness of the offense was the QB and WR positions if I remember correctly (which I do). Unfortunately the morbidness of the offense is still the QB and WR positions.
cr8f
Footballguy
By Steve Doerschuk
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Jun 12, 2010 @ 12:04 AM
Last update Jun 12, 2010 @ 01:08 AM
BEREA —
Joshua Cribbs ran into the end zone unencumbered by a defense. Jake Delhomme reached back and let it fly.
Cribbs tracked the football as he ran into the end zone and raised his arms for the easy catch near the back line. The ball hit the meaty part of his hands — and glanced away.
The moment stood out because it was repeated so infrequently in Friday morning’s minicamp practice.
A day after the offense looked as if it could outdo the awfulness of last October, the passing game hummed.
Neither Jake Delhomme nor Seneca Wallace — intended to be a big upgrade over the Brady Quinn-Derek Anderson tandem — could buy a completion in Thursday morning’s practice.
They began to click in a later practice Thursday, especially Delhomme. Reconvening Friday morning, they lit it up.
Brian Robiskie looked swift, crafty and confident, showing a connection with Delhomme that belied his miserable 2009 rookie numbers.
“Robo is having a great camp,” Head Coach Eric Mangini said.
In Friday practice battles between 23-year-old Mohamed Massaquoi and 31-year-old Sheldon Brown, the young legs ran circles around the crafty vet.
It was almost as if the offensive show was arranged to impress suite holders who joined the media in watching the session, not to mention Owner Randy Lerner, who made an appearance.
Except, the defensive players were flying around and getting upset.
Throughout Friday’s session, during 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s — albeit without tackling — the play calls and pre-snap adjustments were followed by receivers getting open. Delhomme kept hitting them in the hands.
The Cribbs drop was the anomaly.
Early signs point to hope that spending second-round picks on Robiskie and Massaquoi wasn’t the mistake it seemed to be in 2009.
“They’re very smart,” Delhomme says. “They know what they’re doing, and they work hard.”
Possibly, Massaquoi and Robiskie look better as a tandem than they did last year because they are working with a more polished quarterback in Delhomme.
Mangini, though, was quick to say, “A lot of it has to do with them. It’s so important to draft players like that ... hard-working, high-character, intelligent guys who will keep getting better.”
Coming off a rough season, Delhomme is very conscious of cutting down on interceptions. Safety Nick Sorensen, in his 10th NFL season, said it’s obvious Delhomme is a veteran in the way he places balls where it is hard for defensive backs to touch them.
On two of his incompletions Friday, Delhomme was working into the back corner of the end zone to Massaquoi. Both times, only Massaquoi had a chance at the ball. One was nearly a great catch reminiscent in degree of difficulty of Santonio Holmes’ Super Bowl winning catch.
The prettiest pass play of the day might have been a perfectly thrown 25-yard touchdown from Delhomme on which Robiskie got behind Brown.
Another time, Robiskie got himself so wide open in the right corner of the end zone that a Delhomme lob seeming to hang in the air forever still got to Robiskie before the defense did.
Meanwhile, rookie running back Montario Hardesty also had a strong morning practice. It’s hard to tell how he will fare as a runner, since there is no tackling in the three-day minicamp that ends Saturday, but he seems quick in his cuts and has caught the ball well.
Mangini raves about Hardesty’s attentiveness. In one post-practice mind game, Hardesty was asked to recite names of defensive players he is practicing against.
“He blew through it like he’s known them all their lives,” Mangini said.
Copyright 2010 CantonRep.com. Some rights reserved
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Jun 12, 2010 @ 12:04 AM
Last update Jun 12, 2010 @ 01:08 AM
BEREA —
Joshua Cribbs ran into the end zone unencumbered by a defense. Jake Delhomme reached back and let it fly.
Cribbs tracked the football as he ran into the end zone and raised his arms for the easy catch near the back line. The ball hit the meaty part of his hands — and glanced away.
The moment stood out because it was repeated so infrequently in Friday morning’s minicamp practice.
A day after the offense looked as if it could outdo the awfulness of last October, the passing game hummed.
Neither Jake Delhomme nor Seneca Wallace — intended to be a big upgrade over the Brady Quinn-Derek Anderson tandem — could buy a completion in Thursday morning’s practice.
They began to click in a later practice Thursday, especially Delhomme. Reconvening Friday morning, they lit it up.
Brian Robiskie looked swift, crafty and confident, showing a connection with Delhomme that belied his miserable 2009 rookie numbers.
“Robo is having a great camp,” Head Coach Eric Mangini said.
In Friday practice battles between 23-year-old Mohamed Massaquoi and 31-year-old Sheldon Brown, the young legs ran circles around the crafty vet.
It was almost as if the offensive show was arranged to impress suite holders who joined the media in watching the session, not to mention Owner Randy Lerner, who made an appearance.
Except, the defensive players were flying around and getting upset.
Throughout Friday’s session, during 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s — albeit without tackling — the play calls and pre-snap adjustments were followed by receivers getting open. Delhomme kept hitting them in the hands.
The Cribbs drop was the anomaly.
Early signs point to hope that spending second-round picks on Robiskie and Massaquoi wasn’t the mistake it seemed to be in 2009.
“They’re very smart,” Delhomme says. “They know what they’re doing, and they work hard.”
Possibly, Massaquoi and Robiskie look better as a tandem than they did last year because they are working with a more polished quarterback in Delhomme.
Mangini, though, was quick to say, “A lot of it has to do with them. It’s so important to draft players like that ... hard-working, high-character, intelligent guys who will keep getting better.”
Coming off a rough season, Delhomme is very conscious of cutting down on interceptions. Safety Nick Sorensen, in his 10th NFL season, said it’s obvious Delhomme is a veteran in the way he places balls where it is hard for defensive backs to touch them.
On two of his incompletions Friday, Delhomme was working into the back corner of the end zone to Massaquoi. Both times, only Massaquoi had a chance at the ball. One was nearly a great catch reminiscent in degree of difficulty of Santonio Holmes’ Super Bowl winning catch.
The prettiest pass play of the day might have been a perfectly thrown 25-yard touchdown from Delhomme on which Robiskie got behind Brown.
Another time, Robiskie got himself so wide open in the right corner of the end zone that a Delhomme lob seeming to hang in the air forever still got to Robiskie before the defense did.
Meanwhile, rookie running back Montario Hardesty also had a strong morning practice. It’s hard to tell how he will fare as a runner, since there is no tackling in the three-day minicamp that ends Saturday, but he seems quick in his cuts and has caught the ball well.
Mangini raves about Hardesty’s attentiveness. In one post-practice mind game, Hardesty was asked to recite names of defensive players he is practicing against.
“He blew through it like he’s known them all their lives,” Mangini said.
Copyright 2010 CantonRep.com. Some rights reserved
cr8f
Footballguy
MAC_32
Footballguy
Exactly, the ceiling is going to be limited again this season. In games you expect the Browns to win or at least stay close throughout, some RB may be a decent start. In the rest? I doubt it. I'm seeing Hardesty go in the same neighborhood as guys like Harvin, Nicks, Sims-Walker, the top tier TE's, the QB tier after Rivers/Schaub/Brady/Romo and Harrison is not too far behind.Seems like lousy value to me.
baconisgood
Footballguy
Cleveland RBs combined for ~ 2,000 yards and 7 TD last season. Individually they didn't do much as injuries and Jamal Lewis' inexplicable hold on the starting job when available kept one back from racking up good yardage totals but there is plenty of room for one back to emerge and gain 1400+ yards. If their offense as a hole improves, which it should, there could be a 1400 yard 7-8 TD back in that group.
Team ROFLCOPTERS
Footballguy
I won't be targeting any Cleveland player but if circumstances come up and it's necessary I will be doing my utmost to take both RB's and let performance and injuries sort it out.
PahtyTom
Footballguy
massraider
Footballguy
Reciting names doesn't have anything to do with learning offense, or even being smart. He could be the Rain Man for all we know.And he might be a Rhodes Scholar, but if a guy can't run, he can't run, and that remains to be seen.Faust said:
cr8f
Footballguy
signed Jerome Harrison owner?Harrison has started 8 games in 4 years, last year Davis was the sleeper candidate so this is wide open right now.
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No Way Jose
Footballguy
Good posting!PahtyTom said:
massraider
Footballguy
What? I haven't made any proclamations about any of these guys, just not feeling better about any player because he can recite the names of his teammates. Heck, maybe he watches football on TV. It's been known to happen.
treat88
Footballguy
What is sad is that means some folks actually consider naming your teammates an accomplishment.How low is the bar really set that this means anything at all?
BeTheMatch
Footballguy
I think there was more to it than just that. There have been other quotes about how well he's done in the offensive meetings, knowing not just his assignment but others' as well.
leave a whisper
Footballguy
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index....ong_camp_a.html
06-12-10 cleveland plain dealer reporter terry pluto - more on hardesty
06-12-10 cleveland plain dealer reporter terry pluto - more on hardesty
Raiderfan32904
Footballguy
Massraider, I always enjoy your posts (Rain Man...lol)...no, reciting names isn't big in itself - but it shows that he is a quick study. Many rookies come in, and they are overwhelmed and can't master what seems like a very simple task like this on the surface. Rookies are having an enormous amount of detail dropped on them at this time of the year, and while reciting names isn't a big deal in itself -- I will take it as a positive sign, and all things being equal, I prefer a player who shows that he is picking up the fine details. All of the current buzz that is coming out of Browns camp is positive praise, and it isn't just his ability to recite names that he is being observed as being sharp on.I also agree that his ability to run and block are far more critical to his likelihood of achieving success on the field; however, a large part of success in the NFL is also the mental part, and it is sounding like Hardesty isn't struggling in that aspect (albeit it is still a little early).
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http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Browns...o-Hardesty.html
Ever since the Cleveland Browns drafted former University of Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty, they have been giving him more and more responsibility.
He has run with the first-team offense a lot this offseason, especially with the frequent absences of restricted free agent running back Jerome Harrison.
And he has made the most out of those opportunities, on and off the field.
"In the meeting, I just had him name all of the defensive guys and he blew through it like he had known them all their lives," Browns coach Eric Mangini told reporters in remarks distributed by the team. "Pretty impressive for a young guy.”
So, what's next for the downhill power back?
"I like a lot of things about him," Mangini said. "I like the fact that I don’t notice him on tape and he’s been running with the first group and what I mean by that is missing an assignment, lining up in the wrong spot those type of things where often times you look out and some rookie is suppose to be in one spot and he’s just not even in the right galaxy.
"That hasn’t been the case and he’s gotten a lot of reps with the ones and he just seems comfortable there. It doesn’t faze him. He’s got a great approach. All of those things I like and I think are going to serve him well.”
Ever since the Cleveland Browns drafted former University of Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty, they have been giving him more and more responsibility.
He has run with the first-team offense a lot this offseason, especially with the frequent absences of restricted free agent running back Jerome Harrison.
And he has made the most out of those opportunities, on and off the field.
"In the meeting, I just had him name all of the defensive guys and he blew through it like he had known them all their lives," Browns coach Eric Mangini told reporters in remarks distributed by the team. "Pretty impressive for a young guy.”
So, what's next for the downhill power back?
"I like a lot of things about him," Mangini said. "I like the fact that I don’t notice him on tape and he’s been running with the first group and what I mean by that is missing an assignment, lining up in the wrong spot those type of things where often times you look out and some rookie is suppose to be in one spot and he’s just not even in the right galaxy.
"That hasn’t been the case and he’s gotten a lot of reps with the ones and he just seems comfortable there. It doesn’t faze him. He’s got a great approach. All of those things I like and I think are going to serve him well.”
Bleacher Report
Expect the Rookie Class of the 2010 Cleveland Browns to Be Exceptional
by
J Gatskie
Written on June 14, 2010
There is a significant chance that all seven choices of this year's draft not slated for clipboard duty could see valuable time with the Cleveland Browns this season.
With the exception of the prize of this year's draft, Colt McCoy, every rookie has a legitimate chance to work his way into the playing rotation during the season.
First round cornerback Joe Haden will battle with Sheldon Brown and incumbent starter Eric Wright for a starting nod come opening day. The loser of the three way battle will see significant time on the field as the nickelback in three receiver sets, which are a staple in the NFL.
Haden is a physical corner who has respectable speed and a good recovery burst with great ball skills. Haden and rookie safety T.J. Ward have developed a bond during OTAs when they were often paired on the same side.
The 38th selection of the NFL draft, safety T.J. Ward has been battling Mike Adams for reps at free safety and if he continues to develop his pass coverage abilities, may very well be the opening day starter.
Ward is a fierce hitter with respectable speed, who must continue to shed the label of injury prone.
By far the most impressive rookie in camp has been running back Montario Hardesty. A 6'0", 225-lb sculpted rocket of a running back, Hardesty has consistently been in the right place at the right time and has known all of the audibles.
He has looked smooth and showed a nice burst through the hole without any evidence of an injury history. Coach Mangini has been unusually effusive in his praise of Hardesty, who has been running with the first team offense.
Hardesty runs great pass routes and sets up his blockers like a veteran.
(more on other Browns rookie players in the article)
Expect the Rookie Class of the 2010 Cleveland Browns to Be Exceptional
by
J Gatskie
Written on June 14, 2010
There is a significant chance that all seven choices of this year's draft not slated for clipboard duty could see valuable time with the Cleveland Browns this season.
With the exception of the prize of this year's draft, Colt McCoy, every rookie has a legitimate chance to work his way into the playing rotation during the season.
First round cornerback Joe Haden will battle with Sheldon Brown and incumbent starter Eric Wright for a starting nod come opening day. The loser of the three way battle will see significant time on the field as the nickelback in three receiver sets, which are a staple in the NFL.
Haden is a physical corner who has respectable speed and a good recovery burst with great ball skills. Haden and rookie safety T.J. Ward have developed a bond during OTAs when they were often paired on the same side.
The 38th selection of the NFL draft, safety T.J. Ward has been battling Mike Adams for reps at free safety and if he continues to develop his pass coverage abilities, may very well be the opening day starter.
Ward is a fierce hitter with respectable speed, who must continue to shed the label of injury prone.
By far the most impressive rookie in camp has been running back Montario Hardesty. A 6'0", 225-lb sculpted rocket of a running back, Hardesty has consistently been in the right place at the right time and has known all of the audibles.
He has looked smooth and showed a nice burst through the hole without any evidence of an injury history. Coach Mangini has been unusually effusive in his praise of Hardesty, who has been running with the first team offense.
Hardesty runs great pass routes and sets up his blockers like a veteran.
(more on other Browns rookie players in the article)
