We Have No Depth At Center

[Haiku_Dirtt]

At least Jim Everett is not our QB. If Hartings goes down then the rest of the boys have to pick it up. Ben's ability to operate outside of the pocket is uncanny. But yes it is a concern if Philips can't be there.

[I-Want-Troy's-Hair]

They were interviewing Kendell Simmons and he said he's been taking snaps at center.

[j-dawg]

Originally Posted by section514

is there anywhere the browns aren't in a world of hurt?

.... they've got an excellent place kicker in phil dawson.

yeah... that's right... phil dawson

[MattsMe]

Originally Posted by j-dawg

.... they've got an excellent place kicker in phil dawson.

yeah... that's right... phil dawson

I admire your loyalty.

[AZ_Steeler]

It looks like Simmons is going to be one of the backups for center. A recent article says he was taking snaps as center as a precationary. This wouldn't be a bad fit, I would rather have someone with some NFL experience lining up as center!

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...d=182120&rfi=6

Kendall Simmons has never played center in a game and has practiced at the position only a handful of times.

But with Chukky Okobi's recent neck surgery, Jeff Hartings' ever-aching knees and the rookie status of Marvin Phillip, Steelers coach Bill Cowher had his starting right guard delivering snaps on the sideline before practice.

"It is just precautionary," Cowher said.

[tony hipchest]

hartings and hampton are impressed with the rookie:

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/n...d=468632&rfi=6

In 2004 Philip was All-Pac 10 first-team. In 2005 he was an Associated Press first-team All-American. He was also the team MVP and helped the Bears average 235.3 rushing yards per game, ninth in the nation. In the regular-season finale, Philip handled his cousin, Haloti Ngata, of Oregon, but the massive Ngata was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens. Philip was drafted in the sixth round. Perhaps the chip on his shoulder is understandable.

"Haloti is definitely a big guy, 350 pounds plus," said Philip. "I figure I did well against him, so I can do well against other big players as well."

[AZ_Steeler]

Originally Posted by tony hipchest

hartings and hampton are impressed with the rookie:

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/n...d=468632&rfi=6

In 2004 Philip was All-Pac 10 first-team. In 2005 he was an Associated Press first-team All-American. He was also the team MVP and helped the Bears average 235.3 rushing yards per game, ninth in the nation. In the regular-season finale, Philip handled his cousin, Haloti Ngata, of Oregon, but the massive Ngata was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens. Philip was drafted in the sixth round. Perhaps the chip on his shoulder is understandable.

"Haloti is definitely a big guy, 350 pounds plus," said Philip. "I figure I did well against him, so I can do well against other big players as well."

That's good to hear those comments from both Hartings and Hampton. I find those two to be reliable considering one has been a cetner for ever and the other one has lined up acrossed from several other centers in the league. It's really promising and I hope this rook comes along and can become a valuable backup, especially if Okobi can't return this year.