Various Mismash

Sean Taylor firing his agent would certainly seem to bolster Winslow's argument that Taylor signed a bad deal. Of course, whether a bad deal for #5 is still a bad deal for #6 could be another matter, except the Browns are already on record saying they were willing to pay Winslow the same as Taylor. It sure seems like, one way or another, the Browns are going to have to throw in a couple million more in guaranteed money than Taylor got. You'd think both sides would be able to save face on something like that.

Still, Sean Taylor is an idiot. You don't sign early then fire your agent when everyone else uses your deal as a benchmark to be surpassed. You're an adult, and part of being an adult is recognizing that a contract is binding, not something you can suddenly change by firing an agent. He's basically claiming ignorance. Except as an adult, ignorance is just an excuse that no one cares about. If I had to choose, I'd much prefer a punk like Winslow to an idiot like Taylor. Slim pickens I know. Plus, there's a few articles out there about how poorly Taylor has been looking in Redskins camp.

Bravo the Browns extending Daylon McCutcheon's contract. The guy has been solid, and he was the defense's best performer during the first couple years. He never seemed to regain his stellar tackling ability after hurting his arm (shoulder? wrist?) two years back, but I'm hoping that aggressiveness returns. He's certainly been solid in coverage throughout all five years, and I'm happy he'll be around for another five.

The more I read about camp, the more I think the following:

• Garcia is going to be great for this team. We already have had pretty good skill players, and this is the first time we have an aggressive, mobile quarterback. And he sounds like a real leader. If he stays on the field I think he'll really impress. Of course, getting Winslow to also throw to can't hurt either.
  
  
• If rumors of Gerard Warren's dominance at camp are true, that's great. But you also have to be suspicious until that dude can play well for a whole season.
  
  
• While reports are positive, I haven't heard anything that makes me think the offensive line will be much improved. It still sounds like improvement at guard is extremely important, and signing a veteran would be a good move that is, you know, actually possible (as opposed to signing a left tackle).
  
  
• Now that Chaun Thompson is out for at least 1-2 weeks with a busted wrist, can we stop pretending like he is the starter? Really, is there any harm in starting a more experienced LB and letting Thompson elevate himself to the starting lineup after a couple games? The dude hardly ever played defense last season. At least let the guy earn it this year cause if he flops early he's forever going to be labelled accordingly.
  
  
• I like Lee Suggs quite a bit but don't him winning the starting RB position outright over William Green. Green can run with more power and if he can be aggressive you can't keep him on the bench.
  
  
• I have no qualms about the receivers on this team except for maybe Morgan. Andre Davis is, to me, the one sure thing on offense. Northcutt isn't far behind. And Frisman Jackson and CJ Jones make for adequate backups and special team performers.
  
  
• PatMac's mention that Butch still have an "unpainted corner" in his office speaks to Butch's focus on football, his lack of attention to detail, or perhaps his plans for a bigger office. It was nice to read that Butch is losing weight this training camp cause he was looking positively fat last season. I know it sounds stupid but if the Browns come out of the gate strong I guarantee you'll hear commentators talk about how Davis's team is surprising athletic and aggressive, and one of the reasons people will feel that way is because Davis won't look so damn pudgy and slow on the sidelines. [This paragraph may mark the crossing of the Rubicon into overanalysis of the 2004 season.]
  
  
• David Gibson has been cut and DB Tim Wansley. The team still needs a dependable backup safety. Right now it's the rookie Curry and maybe Crocker.
  
  
• I will buy several beers for the first guy who heckles Kellen Winslow Sr. at the Stadium. He makes me thankful for my own father even more than I already am.
  
  
• I can see: Suggs and Green each rushing for 600+ yards. Garcia scrambling for 4-5 TDs. Andre Davis being considered the #1 wide out. Anthony Henry being considered for a backup ProBowl slot. Ekuban being cut. Shea being cut, or at least coming darn close. Derrick Frost putting his condo up for sale in about 5 months.