I'm definitely warming up to this pick. I didn't scout him before hand, but I like that he seems like a very north/south runner. He makes efficient, decisive cuts. He shows nice leg strength and decent balance. He seems to run with a low center of gravity.
I saw what you mean about Madison early in the JI interview. He started to ask a question and kept going on and on about something that made little sense to me. Ireland had to sit there, somewhat uncomfortably I thought, until Sam was finished.
Hah! Damnit!!! I really thought I came out of that piece clean! But i also just realized I mislabeled the route Egnew caught a TD on against K-State.
Jeff handled it very well. I remember that too. Sam sounded like he was totally stoned when he asked what came across as an inane and rambling question, yet Jeff responded smoothly like it was an intelligent eloquent question.
I'd only seen bits and pieces of Lamar until the week before the draft when ESPN replayed the Miami-Va Tech game, and after his performance there, I was positively salivating. I just figured he'd go no later than mid 2nd and never be a consideration for us. Va Tech was a pretty good college defense in 2011, but they sure had trouble containing Lamar.
Twice. He owned Virginia Tech in 2010 as well. I was watching Olivier Vernon in that game and even attempting to fast forward through the offense I couldn't help but notice Lamar Miller tearing them up. Unusual patience to use and set up his blockers. And then of course, he hits the B button and explodes, goes straight from 2nd to 4th.
That play where he reversed his field after trying to sweep right, get bottled in, and then take it all the way back to left and gain about 15 kind of made me think of Marcus Allen in that Super Bowl years ago.
That was a special play but you have to give credit to the blockers there, everything sort of just fell into place. It's more a testament to his pure speed and creativity but those blockers did a great job. What impressed me so much on that Rishard Matthews reverse for a TD against Boise was he didn't have blocking that fell into place like that, he just did it all himself...half of an entire defense has a clean shot at you and you handle it yourself. That's special.
The Hokies defenders had a little trouble getting Miller to go down toward the end of that run too. Seems like 2-3 where trying to just grab him around the waist and he got the last 5 or so with guys hanging on him. As for Rishard, I think some folks would discount his overall stats because of Nevada's opponents, but that reverse was against what was probably the decidedly toughest defense they faced all year. It wasn't like he did it against some bottom rung team. It was a great effort, but since it was Boise St, then even more so.
He OWNED Brandyn Thompson in that game as a receiver. I hope Matthews gave him an autographed glove after the game or something for all his trouble. Rare instance of Boise State coaches just being too damn stubborn, they kept having Thompson follow Rishard around even though it was clear he couldn't handle him at all. Fast forward to this year, if I'm not mistaken Boise State has a great reputation for special teams, but that didn't stop Rishard from having a punt return TD against them. He elevates his game against better opponents. There was another game I forget which one, it actually may have been against Boise in 2011, but the whole team was playing like crap and he just kept getting better and better, was the only guy rising to the occasion.
I remember watching that youtube clip after the draft. I do enjoy watching all I can of Miami's draft picks. I was pretty impressed by him and then that play hit and I was like, "DAMN". My first thought was that play was against a weak opponent, then I noticed it was against Boise State. Almost everything you want in an amazing play.
Really enjoyed your interview on Finsiders and the depth of your draft review on finsnation. As someone who never played organized football, I have a lot to learn. I loved how you kept things in layman's terms so that folks like me can understand it. Glad things are really taking off for you and I look forward to seeing you again on Finsiders! Steve
Mike Mayock suggests there are some off field issues with Rishard Matthews. I'm unaware of them but that explains some things.
I enjoyed listening to you CK! You have alot of knowledge of the game and players! Great speaking skills.
I think he's looking for the UD every play a guy was involved in in game x kind of breakdown. I think.
Well rounded recap and you expressed yourself and conveyed the positives for the players you spoke of very well imo. The interview was informative and not just the standard replies , I think a credit to you and to the panel as well , as you have mentioned. The one negative is that is was truly too short , obviously you have a great insight to the drafted players and free agents but more so the way they fit for Miami . No one else has that as strong as you do and they should have you on as a regular segment , after mini camp , etc . sort of an ongoing how it is going feature. Big cheers , really thought it was well done.
I should have mentioned it to CK my pm I guess. I only mentioned it because I know he is a stickler for details, and would want to correct it if he can, and if I had not, that Stitches would have.
Great interview CK, I love listening to guys speak on the draft that actually know what their talking about and really do their homework. Always loved your breakdowns prior to the draft and it's good to see you getting air time on the Finsiders, great stuff man, keep it up !!
Schein, and that grating voice, has ruined that station for me. I'm not a fan of Tucker or Pappa either. Kirwan can be good. I still like Gil Brandt although I got the sense this year that he is starting to slip a little.
Since I'm fairly new where can I hear some of your older draft breakdowns to judge your success rate? I mean I pretty much fall in line with a lot of what you say on these boards but maybe I'm a moron too? lol
CK, not sure if I just missed this or not, but the official md.com site has it on their home page now. Entitled Post Draft Analysis. Fins Draft Earns Praise From Analyst. If you click on that it takes you to the finsiders interview. I think this was just added today to the home page.
I love the idea of Miller and Gray long term, but short term Bush and Messam could be the beginning to a brand new "Hustle & Muscle" backfield tandem we have been missing since the butch and sundance days of yore! Just thinking back to the Kiick and Csonka, with a sprinkling of Morris tossed in...and knowing "potentially" the modern version of allowing Bush and Messam (and maybe Thomas getting pieces) will transcend into Miller and Gray (and Thomas) is a bright ray of hope. Lets get the Hustle and Muscle tandem working.
Hah, nice. I wonder if it's kind of a bigger deal to them because Agler knows I've hated some of their past draft picks.
