Dr Z

What about Cutler, he is listed before Charlie and has never thrown a pass in the NFL.I always wondered if the Broncos thought the Browns were going to take Cutler and traded one spot above them.

The Broncos decided to keep receiver Domenik Hixon on the nonfootball-injury list for the remainder of the season. By league rules, the Broncos have been able to put him into practice the past three weeks to gauge his recovery and conditioning from a fractured bone in his left foot he suffered during a predraft workout. That window ended Monday, and the Broncos had to keep him on the reserve list or add him to the active roster. To add him, they would have had to release another player

1.Peyton ManningThe run game with Joseph Addai was so good versus the Eagles that Manning threw an uncharacteristically low 20 passes for only 183 yards. But he continues to take what the defense gives him with no concern for personal stats.2.Tom BradyHe did not post great stats in a tough win over a good Chicago defense, but he still knows how to win. He manages the game to perfection and he takes what the defense gives him (a la Peyton Manning). Of his 22 completions versus the Bears' Cover 2 defense, 18 went to backs and TEs.3.Carson PalmerHe had a big day versus a thin Browns' secondary, throwing for 275 yds and three TDs (has thrown three TD passes in each of his last three games). He completed a whopping 19 passes to his big three WRs (Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry); he had plenty of time to throw, and his red-zone accuracy was off the charts.4.Philip RiversHe had the worst game of his young career (14-for-31 for 133 yds and one INT) but he still made enough plays to win. When he realized he was having an off day, he simply got the ball to his TE, Antonio Gates, and rode the legs and arm of LaDainian Tomlinson to beat an underrated Oakland defense.5.Tony RomoHe has only started five games, but he looks like a 10-year veteran. He shredded a proud Bucs defense on Thanksgiving day. He threw a team-record five TD passes (mostly on short passes) and he continues to manage the game well. He is playing almost mistake-free football and he has energized this franchise.6.Drew BreesSaints He has posted five straight 300-plus yard passing games, including his 349-yard effort in win over Atlanta. He was especially effective on the deep ball (10.1 yards per pass) and his touch, poise, and timing continue to be excellent. He is an equal opportunity QB -- he will throw to all of his receivers.7. Steve McNairRavens In a day that featured total domination by the Ravens' defense, shutting out the Steelers, McNair had a quiet, but very solid day with 18-for-24 with one TD and 0 INT. His efficiency and leadership continue to be top notch and he is oblivious to pressure.8.Brett FavreHe saves his best for MNF and at times we saw it in a snowy loss at Seattle. He was 22-for-36 and 266 yards and a beautiful TD pass to WR Donald Driver, but he also threw three costly INTs (including a disaster in the end zone intended for TE Bubba Franks). But note, most of his bad throws were when he was battling to get back in the game. He can still play!9.Matt HasselbeckHe got off to a terrible start versus the Green Bay defense on MNF with four first half turnovers, but he finally got the rust off in the second half and settled down. He wound up with three TD passes and let RB Shaun Alexander to carry the offense.10. Chad PenningtonHe had his most satisfying and consistent day in weeks in a nice home win over Houston. His accuracy was outstanding (24-for-31) and his timing with his receivers (especially Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery) was terrific as he spread the ball around to eight receivers.11.Marc BulgerHead coach Scott Linehan handed off his play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Greg Olson and it led to much better offensive balance and forced the 49ers defense to play honest versus the run. As a result, Bulger had better man-to-man matchups and responded with a very solid and accurate day.12.Trent GreenHe is still not posting great numbers since his return two weeks ago, but he is managing the offense well. With a run-oriented scheme featuring Larry Johnson, Green doesn't have to carry this offense, but he will make enough plays to win.13.Michael VickIf he was an RB, you would love his stats in the Falcons' loss to New Orleans (166 yards rushing and 870 yards for the season), but he's a QB and these stats continue to be awful -- 84 yards passing, a 47.9 QB rating and five dropped passes by his receivers. It's not getting better!14.Jake DelhommeIn a tough loss to Washington, he only threw for 168 yards and one TD, but he had two critical INTs when his arm was hit while he was throwing the ball. He could not take advantage of a Redskins secondary that is susceptible to the pass.15. Rex GrossmanHe threw three critical INTs to Patriots CB Asante Samuel and he also fumbled in the red zone. His erratic play was the difference between winning and losing and his QB rating of 23.7 tells you all you need to know about the Bears' concerns at QB. Time to think about Brian Griese?16. Eli ManningThis loss at Tennessee was a total meltdown. Manning continues to struggle and he looks almost incapable of carrying this team when they are in trouble. He threw two costly INTs and only managed 143 passing yards. His mechanics and decision making seem to be regressing.17. Ben RoethlisbergerHe threw two more INTs (giving him 19 for the season) in shutout loss to the Ravens, but in all fairness he had NO time to throw as Baltimore sacked him nine times and hit him several others. If nothing else right now, Big Ben is at least showing how tough he is.18.Joey HarringtonHe had a day of redemption at his former home, Detroit, on Thanksgiving Day with an excellent win and a solid QB performance. He threw three TD passes and played with excellent composure. He even had a little bit of a swagger.19.Matt LeinartA QB's dream -- Cardinals only ran the ball six times, allowing Leinart to attempt 51 passes and he responded with 405 yards and one TD, but he also had two INTs in a loss at Minnesota. He may put up big numbers the rest of the way, but it won't lead to wins.20. J.P. LosmanHe has pulled out back-to-back wins for the Bills with a combination of good touch and also good pocket mobility. Although his stats were modest, he made plays when he had to against an injury-depleted Jacksonville secondary.21.Alex SmithIn a loss at St. Louis he posted modest numbers (13-for-25 for 148 yards) but he had one TD and two INTs. With a good run game led by Frank Gore, he doesn't have to carry this offense every week.22.David CarrHe posted great numbers (39-for-54 and 321 passing yards and one TD) in pass happy offense (only 14 rushes all day), but it didn't result in enough big plays versus Jets bend-but-don't-break defense.23.Vince YoungHe led biggest comeback in NFL history for a rookie in great late win over Giants. How about these stats -- 24-for-35 for 249 yards and two TDs. He also added 69 rushing yds. This guy is starting to grow up.24.Jason CampbellHe continues to be very cool and calm under pressure, even though he is not producing eye-popping stats. In a win over Carolina he only passed for 118 yards, but he had two key TD tosses. He will get better each week.25.Brad JohnsonHe finally had a solid, mistake free day throwing for three TDs in a win over Arizona. His accuracy was good. For a change, he didn't force the ball when he was under pressure and eight different receivers caught passes.26.David GarrardHe played a fairly clean game in a close loss at Buffalo, throwing two TD passes, but he couldn't make enough key plays or overcome the 10 penalties that the sloppy Jaguars committed.27.Jay CutlerJake Plummer finally played his way out of the starting job in another disappointing loss at Kansas City on Thanksgiving night. The Jay Cutler era has officially started after Plummer posted another ho-hum performance and the Broncos hope that Cutler can add a spark to this offense.28.Jon KitnaHe was outplayed in a Thanksgiving Day loss by former Lions QB Joey Harrington. He was on the run all afternoon (eight sacks) and he never had a chance to attack an improving Dolphins' defense and make plays.29.Bruce GradkowskiHe continues to show up-and-down production and this offense just doesn't show much of a vertical presence. When you only throw for 120 yards versus a vulnerable Dallas secondary, it's not going to lead to many wins.30.Jeff GarciaHis stats were acceptable in loss at Indy -- 19-for-23 with two TDs and no INT -- but had only 140 total passing yards. There was virtually no vertical component or deep threat and most of his completions were to backs and TEs. This is now officially a West Coast offense.31.Aaron BrooksYou still see flushes of arm strength and good potential for a vertical passing game, but bad pass protection, a mediocre run game and lethargic routes by the receivers don't lead to many big plays. This offense continues to be a mess.32.Charlie FryeHe continues to struggle with his decision making and he threw four disastrous INTs versus a struggling Bengals secondary. He hurries throws, his protection breaks down, and his receivers gripe too much! It's hard to tell if he is getting any better. Source

The Broncos must make a decision today about wide receiver Domenik Hixon. Hixon, who suffered a fractured bone in his left foot, has been on the team's non-football injury list because it occurred in a pre-draft workout. But under league rules, the Broncos have been able to put him into practice the past three weeks to gauge his recovery and conditioning. That window ended Monday, and the Broncos must either place him on the reserve list or add him to the active roster. To add him to the 53-man roster, they would have to release another player today . . . After the holiday weekend - players had Friday, Saturday and Sunday off - Shanahan piled on some conditioning work at the end of Monday's practice. Players ran 10 100-yard dashes.source

it's open for me.

Although I was too much of a wuss to predict, it's fun to look back.(Insert NE Ohio battle cry here)

don't forget...

I just fell off my chair

" Pocket awareness might be hard to learn for a quarterback who became a third-round draft pick by running around until somebody got open at Akron."Zip it....(get it?)

Very interesting! If we gave out awards for board members, DrZ would easily win the most underrated poster. Always good stuff. MSU would be making a big mistake though and not because the guy at UC is a bad coach. I think they have an even better candidate right up the Rt. 127 at Central Michigan. I haven't had the chance to look it up, but I believe CMU is in first place in the MAC West. If they win the MAC West and win the MACC and then win a bowl game, what else does the guy have to shoot for at CMU? He would have had a successful career at Grand Valley State outside of Grand Rapids and a successful short career at CMU. He should make a hard run at MSU.I guess I should watch the rumors that I start !?!?

Wow (GoZips), such hostility!?! It's okay, people are allowed to have an opinion that doesn't mirror yours, that's what this board is about. No need for personal attacks.Interesting comparison between Cribbs and Smith. I couldn't think of two quarterbacks that are more opposite. Did somebody in our thread mention replacing Smith with Frye, or was that on a radio station that you always listen to?I think it is great that this board has people like yourself on it, since you were a college linebacker, you can really give some insight. What college did you play for?You should be real asset when it comes to discussing our current defense. Jump in.

Tony Grossi blames Frye for loss !?!?!?"what a contrast in QB's yesterday""sacks are Charlie's fault and he is getting worse""Romeo is losing confidence in Charlie""he waits for last instant to make play, his mind is cluttered""Frye development has hit a snag"

Sure seems like a lot of fans have a hard time evaluating a QB without bringing up excuses that are supposed to have an effect on a QB's talents. I'll never understand why it is so difficult to watch a certain QB make certain throws in certain situations and make an evaluation from that. I see Charlie doing that, but I still hear the same cliche excuses about a bad line, a running game, wide receivers, blah blah blah... as I did when a former top pick was here.After seeing Aaron Rodgers stats yesterday I bet GB wishes they would have held on to that number 1 and taken Frye with their #2.

Other collegiate stops for Cubit include two years (1990-91) as running backs coach at the University of AkronBill Cubit

Cowher's critiqueCowher made a point to talk with Cleveland quarterback Charlie Frye after the game and his words made an impression."He told me, 'You've made great strides since the last time we played,' " Frye said. "He said, 'You look like a totally different quarterback. Keep working hard, you're going to be a great player.'"It means a lot to me coming from him, a Super Bowl coach. He's a defensive-minded coach. To hear him say that, it makes you feel as good as you can after losing to the Steelers."source--------------------I was at the game yesterday. I thought Frye played well. He managed the game well.I noticed he looked down field many times yesterday and decided to hit his check down underneath.Looks like he was throwing a nice ball for the weather conditions. A must in NE Ohio.Edwards does his job at the end of the game and everybody would have been singing the praises of Charlie today.I'm no super bowl coach, but those are my humble opinions.Poor Charlie, will he ever beat Ben

So why not play the 3-4 like GP1 suggests? I thought that was what JD was talking about when he got hired and said "I'm bringing a D the Mac has never seen"I'm starting to realize why.

Superfan David Lee Morgan picks OU to beat the Zips

Gametime weather (according to TWC)

I think coaches in our first 10 games might have thought of that. Its not a secret we don't have much of a passing gameWhen do "we" put 8 in the box? ...and if we did, how do our 180 lb players stop 210 lb McRae?Better have an extra DL tonight. 3 DL will not be enough if OU doesn't turn the ball over 3 times. Hope I'm wrong

1. I am not going, but yes zip fans usually sit together if you get your tickets from the akron ticket office.If you don't buy them there, call and ask what section the tickets are in.2. I can't answer that. I went to OU about 4 or 5 years ago, it was a sunny nice day and you could sit anywhere you wanted.3. Look for Akron flags and colors, there are always Zips fans at away games4. see (1)5. I think they are playing better, but I still think they are underachieving.6. Matter of opinion, I'm hoping JD's MO is late season charges.7. This is the place to do it, welcome

Had to pull this from a previous Can't thread last year. Still makes me laugh.While we are in the spirit of the game Saturday, I present Nick Dials in 10 years (from the OU board). Pretty funny thread

Good analysis. I agree. McRae is a beast. But Groza will outsmart him

I forgot they played Rutgers. The only game I saw was the Can't St game.I believe that OU is beatable. I saw nothing special from them against Can't.09/02 UT-Martin W 29-309/09 at N Illinois W 35-2309/16 at Rutgers L 24-709/23 at Missouri L 31-609/30 BGU L 21-910/07 W Michigan W 27-2010/14 at Illinois W 20-1710/21 Buffalo W 42-710/28 at Can't St W 17-711/04 at E Michigan W 16-1011/16 Akron 7:30 PM11/24 at Miami (OH) 12:00 PM

Word on the street was the coach actually subtracted wrong

Kelly denies interviewing for MSU jobComcast Local announcer wrongly said CMU coach accepted positionBy Nathan MuellerStaff ReporterNovember 13, 2006Central Michigan fans who picked up The Detroit News on Friday morning may have been taken aback.They may have been surprised again that night during the Central/Western football game when a Comcast Local announcer said CMU coach Brian Kelly had accepted the soon-to-be vacant football coaching job at Michigan State.But the person most bewildered Friday night may have been Kelly himself.Kelly made it clear Friday after the game he had not accepted the job, nor had he interviewed for it, unlike what The Detroit News reported Friday morning.“… I want to say categorically that is not true,” Kelly said. “That has not occurred, and I would not put myself ahead of our football team under those circumstances. Even if I was contacted — which I have not been — it would have to come through the proper channels, which would include my athletics director. I am under contract to CMU. Did I make that clear enough?”The Comcast Local announcer later retracted his statement by halftime Friday.Still, the rumors had begun.CMU Athletics Director Dave Heeke issued a statement Friday about the situation.“I have no knowledge of an interview between Michigan State and Brian Kelly, and I have not by contracted by MSU officials regarding the position,” Heeke said. “Brian is under contract with Central Michigan University and is committed to leading our football team.”Kelly has been rumored to be in the mix for John L. Smith’s replacement at MSU since Smith announced on Nov. 1 he would resign at season’s end.The Detroit Free Press reported Sunday no formal interviews with any candidates were believed to have taken place, despite some news outlets, including The Detroit News, reporting some had taken place.Sunday’s Free Press story reported that Kelly “doesn’t currently appear to be on MSU’s short list.”Besides Kelly, other candidates to replace Smith include Bo Pelini, defensive coordinator at Louisiana State University; Todd Grantham, defensive coordinator of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns; Ron English, defensive coordinator at Michigan, and Steve Mariucci, former head coach of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.source