Around the Pound (3/22): Shurmur to Have Live Tackling Drills in Training Camp

by Chris Pokorny on Mar 22, 2011 10:58 PM EDT in Around the Pound

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur answers questions from the media during the NFL Annual Meetings at the Roosevelt Hotel on March 22, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a NFL owners imposed lockout in effect since March 12 the league is conducting it's annual owners meeting in New Orleans. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

In today's long-overdue edition of Around the Pound, we take a look at some of Pat Shurmur's comments from the NFL owner's meetings, how Julio Jones is closing the gap as the top-rated wideout in the draft class, whether the Browns were one of five teams fined by the league, and more.

Shurmur Calls for Live Tackling Drills in Training Camp

The past couple of years, the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams have represented the few teams that implement live tackling during training camp. According to Tony Grossi via Shurmur, the Browns will likely be doing the same thing if and when training camp takes place:

"It may have to be adjusted this year, but we always did that in Philadelphia. There was always through training camp a live (tackling) period during practice," Shurmur said.

Julio Jones Overtaking A.J. Green?

In his Tuesday mailbag, Peter King writes that wide receiver Julio Jones may be overtaking A.J. Green pretty soon.

It's now a race. Jones has narrowed the gap between himself and Green to the point where I'm told by two teams with receiver needs that they favor Jones. Draft czar Gil Brandt says, "The gap has closed. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jones picked ahead of Green at this point.''

King goes on to state that the Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly one of the teams who favor Jones. Neither Shurmur nor Tom Heckert were able to attend Green's Pro Day today at Georgia, but Shurmur said that he intends to meet with the receiver prior to the draft.

Browns Could Have Been Fined by NFL

According to the National Football Post, five teams were fined for having contact with players during a "dead" period. The Browns are rumored to be one of those teams after players were trying to get acquainted with their new head coach. We probably shouldn't make a huge deal over it; I'd take the stupid fine if it meant having contact before the lockout began.

King Projects How Many Touchbacks There Will Be

Last season in the NFL, 20.5 percent of kickoffs (418 of 2,033) went for touchbacks. That's twice the percentage of kickoffs that weren't returned as in 2004. If the new rule making kickers kick from the 35-yard-line instead of the 30 passes at the NFL meetings this week, what will the percentage be? I wouldn't be surprised if half the kickoffs in the NFL were not returned in 2011.

Off-Beat Notes

The Avengers is going to be filmed in Cleveland now. How awesome is that? When the notice comes out that they are looking for extras, I think I'm going to apply. After all, you have to start your Hollywood career somewhere, eh?
I enjoy the cast on the Celebrity Apprentice again, particularly seeing the likes of Gary Busey and Jose Canseco. I'm surprised at how well the ratings seem to be doing thus far for the show. I can't get into Dancing With the Stars still, even if the show debuted to ratings that make it seem like it could overtake American Idol finally.
Fringe's ratings hit a series low last week, but the feedback that the remaining fans are providing on the show says that they still love it. It's not the same as when Heroes ended, where loyal fans still watched but admitted the show was getting pretty stupid.
Coming to a theater near you: the start of rufio's annual Big Board's!
We haven't had an ATP for awhile, so feel free to pump out some other off-beat notes of your own...

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Comments

Live tackling at practice? Shurmur obviously cares nothing for player safety.

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.
In practice there is. -- Yogi Berra

by JustPlainBrowns on Mar 22, 2011 11:04 PM EDT reply actions

< /sarc>?

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Mar 23, 2011 2:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Exactly.

We could be looking at the second coming of Vince Lombardi here, folks.

Indeed, this idea of tackling at practice is far better than my call for players to sit in oxygenated, climate-controled sound chambers, listening to classical music and having grapes fed to them by training staff fanning them with palm branches. We would do this twice a day for a couple of weeks at least until players worked their way into proper game condition.

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.
In practice there is. -- Yogi Berra

by JustPlainBrowns on Mar 23, 2011 5:52 AM EDT up reply actions

players to sit in oxygenated, climate-controled sound chambers, listening to classical music and having grapes fed to them by training staff fanning them with palm branches

I think that was done during the Crennel era. Browns tackling has already improved since then.

I am effing hurdling you and you can't stop me.

by JustBob on Mar 23, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I doubt it was training staff feeding them grapes; far too rough on the players. I expect it was virgins flown in from exotic islands.

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by LondonBrown on Mar 23, 2011 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions

What a dumb rule change. So we would rather watch a touchback than a return? I really think Roger Goodell is bad for the quality of the game. I understand player safety, but you cannot take the violence out of football and maintain the integrity of the game. It is at its core a violent activity. I watched a football game last year where a guy received a 15 yard penalty for literally an inadvertent slap to the QB’s helmeted head. Then I watched Manny Pacquio land 135 head shots to that poor Mexican guy. What is wrong with that picture?

Note to Bill Byrne "Because you aren´t Texas and you´ll never be Texas"

by realmccoy on Mar 23, 2011 12:13 AM EDT reply actions

Players are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. They got rid of the wedge rule to reduce injuries, and why it helped some we got Ellis Hobbs this past season. I am in favor of the change if it helps the quality of football all around. While kick returns are exciting, I would hate to what happened to Ellis Hobbs happen to someone else.

by mmorgan184 on Mar 23, 2011 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s a dumb rule change. This sort of thing won’t stop concussions, it just fundamentally changes the game. It’s football, it’s a violent sport, there will always be injuries.

This rule won’t help the quality of football, it will do considerable damage to it.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Mar 23, 2011 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions

no, I am pretty sure they still kept the 2 man wedge.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Mar 23, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

they did

by sleepy042 on Mar 23, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he was referring to the earlier three man wedge abolition.

Anyways, as a Browns fan I hate the new rule. It is going to take away a lot of special teams opportunities, and that is about the only area where the Browns have consistently given opponents something to worry about.

Question: Even though the punting aspect of the game is the same, could this new rule influence rosters through teams devoting more attention to developing depth than special teams?

I am effing hurdling you and you can't stop me.

by JustBob on Mar 23, 2011 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Pretty soon we will just be watching the pro bowl over and over and over again… Except with less talent.

Thanks, Roger.

by shep615 on Mar 23, 2011 12:19 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Yep.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Mar 23, 2011 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe it will cut down on the broken tackles.

Evil wins again, but Truth prevails where Good fails.

by North Coast Flea on Mar 23, 2011 12:52 AM EDT reply actions

In other awesome TV news, Community was renewed for a third season. And there was much rejoicing in Adrockania.

"Quote goes here."

by Adrock2099 on Mar 23, 2011 1:43 AM EDT reply actions

Jones is legit, but I’d still take Green first unless there are major character/injury things out there that no one knows about.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Mar 23, 2011 2:38 AM EDT reply actions

This.

I’d still rather have Peterson or a top 3 DL if they dropped to us. But if the QBs don’t end up drafted early, I’m not at all opposed to taken Jones.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Mar 23, 2011 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Green or Jones

This is my feelings on which WR to take…I believe both will be good wr’s but Green makes those tough crazy catches that most would not, plus Jones had those occasional drops and Green is not a dropsy receiver. That being said…My heart says If Peterson is on the board I don’t know how you pass him up, nothing is a sure bet in the draft, but he is considered a can’t miss prospect. I just see his abilities helping the Browns win more games than a WR. I miss those days of Dixon and Minnifield and the original Dawg defense that was a feared defense. Peterson and Haden could be those types of corners that wreck havok on a passing attack. But my brain says we have the most glaring need at DL.. I guess what we need to come to terms with is that we are still a couple of good drafts and FA signing periods away from legitimately contending.

Sometimes nothin is real cool hand.

by rdy on Mar 23, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Agree wholeheartedly. The thing that just amazed me about Julio was how that much physical talent could just “disappear” for games. It just seems with the backs that Bama had in Ingram and Richardson that Jones should have been unstoppable. AJ Green basically was the Georgia Offense, only real threat.

Note to Bill Byrne "Because you aren´t Texas and you´ll never be Texas"

by realmccoy on Mar 23, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Everything I read says Peterson is awesome, but the idea of huge offensive potential is so irresistible. The Browns were close in a lot of games last year and a bit more offense would have made a world of difference. Okay, so would a bit more defense, but defense only gets you so far. At some point you have to be able to move the ball and you can’t do it consistently with just one offensive stud – we tested that theory last year. But like I said in another thread, I think the Browns will walk out of the first round with a difference maker either way. I think our first pick should be balanced against what we think we can get in the 2nd-4th rounds.

I am effing hurdling you and you can't stop me.

by JustBob on Mar 23, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

YES. Teach them all to tackle like Antoine Winfield.

I live for Christ the KING.

by jlsclarity on Mar 23, 2011 5:34 AM EDT reply actions

Wasn’t it reported that Holmgren was unhappy with the intensity of our practices during camp? That he felt that the players were worn down by the opener? So what’s this going to be, camp cupcake with contact.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Mike Holmgren, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Mar 23, 2011 9:01 AM EDT reply actions

Actually, now that I think about it, the likelihood that anyone other than Grossi reported on this is near zero, so it’s probably safe to assume that it’s entirely made up.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Mike Holmgren, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Mar 23, 2011 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions

How long until Grossi makes stuff up about Shurmur in an effort to get him canned?

by Roger Dorn on Mar 23, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

He hasn’t already?

by SBP on Mar 23, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

sad that Grossi is the Cleveland area Hall of Fame voter….

by sleepy042 on Mar 23, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes.

by Bernie19Kosar on Mar 23, 2011 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Ha. This is hilarious. Grossi called out

by SBP on Mar 23, 2011 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

If we pick a WR, which I don’t think we will, but if it is between Green and Jones I say we pick the one least like Braylon Edwards (dropping passes) and Dez Bryant (dropping pants). So which one is least like the two of them?

by SBP on Mar 23, 2011 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

That would be AJ Green. But that Dez Bryant is some kind of afolete. I would take that SOB if he played naked – even though it would prolly embarass the hell out me.

Note to Bill Byrne "Because you aren´t Texas and you´ll never be Texas"

by realmccoy on Mar 23, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Heckert was quoted in Grossi’s column today saying that Jones is just as good and a lot of teams have him higher than Green.

by Roger Dorn on Mar 23, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Smokescreen!!!!

2010 Official DBN League Fantasy Football Champion

by TheDriveStillHurts on Mar 23, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

If Heckert (actually) thinks he’s better than Green, than Jones is better.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Mar 23, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I tend to agree, I am curious how the fans would react if we took Jones over Green

by Roger Dorn on Mar 23, 2011 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ll be giddy if we end up with either one. I’ve been on both of their bandwagons for the last three months.

Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. -- Vince Lombardi

by burntorangeandbrown on Mar 23, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I prefer Jones to Green. Jones is the safe bet and the better all around player. Green has the higher ceiling, but is far and away the more likely of the two to bust.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Mike Holmgren, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Mar 23, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree w/ you here.

by DontCallMeJoey on Mar 24, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Jones may be an all around better player, but IMO Green is an all around better wide receiver.
Either way – give me Green or give me Jones. Two great receivers and by far the two best in the draft.

Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. -- Vince Lombardi

by burntorangeandbrown on Mar 24, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Peterson or bust.

Evil wins again, but Truth prevails where Good fails.

by North Coast Flea on Mar 24, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I call shenanigans on that. I’d rather have clothed men that know how to use a belt on my team, and especially not the naked type. :)

by shep615 on Mar 24, 2011 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Didnt Holmgren say in last weeks press conference that McCoy has a playbook & that he fully expects him to learn it? i’m pretty sure it was also posted here as well…..if not then i blame Grossi

by sleepy042 on Mar 23, 2011 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

Geez, you mean with contact?

by mooncamping on Mar 23, 2011 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

Players being at the NFL Draft

Ok, so they are making a big deal about whether or not the top draft prospects will be at the draft or not. Is anyone like me in the fact that when a player is picked you want it to just come out of the commissioners mouth and then you find out who it is. I hate it when the espn guys give away who it is by seeing these players answer their phones and start smileing,crying, hugging, high fiveing or how ever they show their happiness.

Sometimes nothin is real cool hand.

by rdy on Mar 23, 2011 5:59 PM EDT reply actions

Not to mention, Chris Berman always seems to give hints as to who is about to get picked.

It really pisses me off. I want the excitement of finding out from the commish, not that a-hole Berman.

by Bernie19Kosar on Mar 23, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

i totally agree with this, it takes away the suspense factor.

by BrutalMovement on Mar 23, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Has anyone here ever quit smoking? How did you do it? I feel like complete sh*t after two days.

It’s not a lie if you believe it.

by Brownie's Year on Mar 24, 2011 7:37 AM EDT reply actions

I’ve been trying for two weeks now. I’ve yet to make it two days though.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Mike Holmgren, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Mar 24, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

One word…Chantix

"They kept throwing it at me. I don’t know why. They just kept trying, and I just kept knocking it down." -- Joe Haden

by Kimble_79 on Mar 24, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I’ve heard bad things.

It’s not a lie if you believe it.

by Brownie's Year on Mar 24, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I quit about 16 years ago. My method was basically just cold turkey and try to keep busy, also started running regularly and I think that helped.

Do you work out regularly (cardio workouts in particular – running / cycling / walking / etc.)?
If not, that might be the best bet. Staves off the craving and also keeps you busy doing something else.

Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. -- Vince Lombardi

by burntorangeandbrown on Mar 24, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

I quit last May. The patch blows, the gum is a whole lot stronger. I also didn’t follow the instructions they came with, you can chew a piece of gum for a lot longer than they say. I still get cravings but I can deal with them now. Every once in a while I get weak though and buy a cigar.

Evil wins again, but Truth prevails where Good fails.

by North Coast Flea on Mar 24, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I never started. BOOYAH.

If you haven't watched Inception, do it now. Right now.

by SpecialBrownie on Mar 24, 2011 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s definitely the easiest route.

Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. -- Vince Lombardi

by burntorangeandbrown on Mar 24, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Same.

by emily522 on Mar 24, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks guys.
I cheated at work today. Got through half a smoke. Head started spinning and almost threw up. Which is good. So I stopped to get some of those lozenges on the way home. And I will definitely take your advice, burnt.

It’s not a lie if you believe it.

by Brownie's Year on Mar 24, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Good luck, BY. I think there are new studies that a cigarette addiction can be just as bad as a heroine addiction, but hang in there.

by emily522 on Mar 24, 2011 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Listen to your body. Sounds like you’ve almost got it licked.

I slowed down a lot and soon stopped after we started having kids a couple of years ago — (20). I got to the point where I couldn’t stand smoking in front of them and got tired of hiding from them just to maintain a stupid habit that I was ashamed of.

If you have kids, take a look at them the next time you think about lighting up. Imagine them in another 10 years or so. Do you want them to become smokers like you? Cause chances are very good that they will.

That’s about the best motivation I can think of. Although, I would also encourage a lot of exercise like others have said.

Plus, think of all the money you can start saving for their college fund.

Hang in there, buddy. And good luck.

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.
In practice there is. -- Yogi Berra

by JustPlainBrowns on Mar 24, 2011 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Plus, think of all the money you can start saving for their college fund.

Well, you can pack your own smokes for pennys compared to buying Marlboros and crap. But quitting is best for health.

If you haven't watched Inception, do it now. Right now.

by SpecialBrownie on Mar 24, 2011 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Even that is getting taxed the hell out of lately

Evil wins again, but Truth prevails where Good fails.

by North Coast Flea on Mar 25, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Pipe tobacco is still wicked cheap. Nine Dollars for a half pound of long-cut cavendish at CVS. Really good pipe tobacco (Dunhill, McClelland) costs quite a bit more, but not due to taxes.

If you have to smoke, smoke a pipe. Not only is it cheaper than cigarettes, but the health effects are negligible.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Mike Holmgren, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Mar 25, 2011 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

It also looks x10 more badass.

Evil wins again, but Truth prevails where Good fails.

by North Coast Flea on Mar 25, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

You also get a 20% increase in mystery solving.

"Quote goes here."

by Adrock2099 on Mar 25, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

This is true.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Mike Holmgren, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Mar 25, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Has anyone here ever quit smoking?

Yes.

How did you do it?

Nicotine Gum. Then I chewed that for a couple years, but that is way better for you than smoking. Off of that now too.

2010 Official DBN League Fantasy Football Champion

by TheDriveStillHurts on Mar 24, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

A 2-year piece of gum?! Incredible yet somewhat revolting.

I am effing hurdling you and you can't stop me.

by JustBob on Mar 24, 2011 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Then I chewed that for a couple years, but that is way better for you than smoking.

That’s not true.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Mar 25, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Chewing tobacco is nasty.

by emily522 on Mar 25, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Nicotine Gum.

It’s a smoke substitute, not chew, snuff, or bandits. I used that right after I quit, then weened myself off the gum (which was just as hard) on to the patch.

Evil wins again, but Truth prevails where Good fails.

by North Coast Flea on Mar 25, 2011 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions