MJR's BALZER REPORT, July 29Add yourself to The HERD's Official Roster (guestbook), if you think you are man enough!
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2. DV is lightening up considerably on practice. In the 6 days they've been in camp with 12 practices, they only been in full pads 3 times. Keith Lyle said that DV has been "player friendly" in this regard.
3. DV didn't like yesterday's practice. Said their new pass protection scheme was a new version called "horse schmidt". They'll be in full pads five times in Champaign.
4. DV says Ryan Tucker is having some real moments. He is ascending and making significant progress. He's not a starter mind you but he is progressing. Balzer said the coaches would love to see Tucker in there as a starter. Grutadoria is playing well. Flannery may be out of a job.
5. Bernie Miklasz' article on Holt. He took the bus ride to Macomb with the street free agents. He's the real deal. Balzer says that every rookie has an adjustment period to learn what it takes to be a pro. Holt's learned it faster than most. Apparently he is special. Money hasn't changed him a bit.
6. On Faulk: Arceneaux wants a contract where the franchise tag can't be used. Realistically, the franchise tag really only comes into play on a 4-yr deal. The $38M - $42M - $45M numbers are only on the 7-year deal. The 7 year deal can change to a 4-yr deal because it is so heavily backloaded. Some years are voidable. Areceneaux wants a $5M buyback clause. Balzer says Faulk/Arceneaux have a point. The basis sticking point is the Franchise Tag after four years. Balzer's opinion is that it shouldn't keep Marshall out of camp. It should be easy to work out. Ryan McNeil took $220,000 less to keep the franchise tag off of him. (personal note: we see how well that move panned out.) The fans are sick of it just like they were with Pace and Bettis. Here's a guy (just like Bettis when they moved from LA) who could own this town. He can be the #1 marquee guy. People understand this to a degree but are growing tired of it.
7. Corey Sears: Was in the hospital night before last. May be more than heat related ailment. Stomach virus situation. He's unproven but is showing a lot a good hard effort and potential. Harriston loves him a lot.
8. Jay Williams. Not torn MCL. Just bruised and a little strained. Out 2-3 weeks.
9. Offense. DV is impressed thus far. Against the Colts we need to see incremental progress. Seeing some but not many mental mistakes. They really picked it up quickly.
10. Barry Sanders. This could be Brock Olivo's big chance (ha - ha). No way they'd trade Greg Hill for their pro-bowl DE. Besides Grant Wistrom is looking great and will only get better. Only needs playing time to get better. You don't bring in a pro-bowler to be a backup and you don't make a Wistrom second-string.
11. Scrimmages in Champaign. Schedule is from 9:10 a.m. - 11:05 a.m. for today and tomorrow's morning practices. Afternoons on both days are from 3:10 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. Good chance to see Peyton Manning. Ironic that both backs featured in the deal to trade Faulk to St. Louis (i.e. Edgerin James and Marshall Faulk) will not be there. E. James has not signed and wont be in. Scrimmage on Sunday will be at noon and will be broadcast live on KFNS 590 AM.
That's it.
MJR