Mike Martz Offensive Guru

June 20th, 2008 — football, NFL, offense, professional

By Gus Ornstein

We recently had the opportunity to visit with San Francisco TE Vernon Davis. One of the topics we discussed with Vernon is the addition of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz and the impact that would have on his season. Mike Martz has been known as an offensive guru and as a mad scientist, but whatever you want to call him the bottom line is the guy flat out knows offensive football; give him a weapon with the size, speed, strength and athletic ability of a Vernon Davis and there is no telling what the 49ers offense will look like in 2008! Vernon is excited to have Martz at the controls because that means Davis will be used in a million different roles which will result in more production for the third year TE out of Maryland. Martz’s system is very complex and intricate and can be difficult to grasp, but Vernon assured us that it is actually easy to learn and that he already feels very comfortable with his new offensive coordinator.

Mike Martz

I was shocked that Vernon said the offense is actually easy, because I have seen that system first hand. I had the opportunity to play for Mike Martz in 1999 when he was the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams and I was a rookie quarterback. I came to St. Louis as an undrafted free agent and joined other quarterbacks Joe Germaine, a 4th round draft choice out of Ohio State, and veterans Trent Green and the unknown Kurt Warner (which of course would soon change!) From day one of mini camp I was completely lost with Martz because in our offensive meetings he would start to draw up a play on the board to explain and then would erase it before I even had the chance to get the cap off my pen. The challenge for Joe and me was that we were  rookies in a room with two veteran QB’s who had a strong grasp of the system and Martz did not feel the need to go into great detail for us first year guys. Trent Green had played in this type of system for basically his entire career first in San Diego and then in Washington with the Redskins, and Kurt had already been with Martz for the entire off season, so he had a huge jump on us. Not only did Martz refuse to explain the offense to Joe and me but I think he got some sort of pleasure out of torturing us rookies with the fact that we were completely lost. Joe and I decided to approach John Ramsdell our QB coach to see if he would meet with us first thing in the morning before the Mike Martz meetings so that we could go over the system with him. Fortunately for us, Ramsdell agreed to meet us at 6AM each morning and we finally began to gain an understanding into the complex mind of the great Mike Martz.

Kurt Warner

For those out there that have never had the pleasure of playing for Mike Martz I want to include some actual play calls from the 1999 Super Bowl Champion St. Louis Rams. Now take a look at these plays and then try saying them in a huddle with 10 other guys looking at you and counting on you to lead them. When Martz would give us the play in practice before we stepped into the huddle he would say it so fast that often I had to ask him to repeat it. Instead of repeating it he would tell me that I had no clue what I was doing and would insert another QB!!

Gus Ornstein

MIKE MARTZ PLAY CALLS:

TWINS RIGHT MOTION SCAT RIGHT 525 F POST SWING

FLANK RIGHT MOTION SCAT RIGHT 095 F POST SWING

QUEEN RIGHT FAKE PRESS RIGHT NAKED LEFT 924 F FLAT

FLANK RIGHT SCAT RIGHT 370 F SHOOT/ PUMP/ SWING

FLEX RIGHT BRONCO LEFT 686 PUMP BACKS CROSS

JACK RIGHT SLOT JAM FAKE TOSS LEFT NAKED RIGHT 124

I know that Vernon is working hard to get all this down and we wish him the best of luck in 2008!

Click here the to hear the entire interview with Vernon Davis:

 
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Scouting the 2008 Middle Linebackers

April 21st, 2008 — football, NFL, NFL Draft

Here is an in depth look at the Middle Linebackers eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft.

1 55 Rivers Keith USC MB 6022v 241v 4.59v I
Has outstanding playing skills, runs extremely well, and has very good playing instincts. Has absolutely great intangibles.  Good first step quickness and the ability find the ball on the inside.  Doesn’t linger on blocks and closes to the ball extremely well. Will fail to secure at times, but overall was a solid tackler. Versatile; could play all three linebacker positions and never has to come off the field in sub packages. 
2 7 Mayo Jerod Tennessee U MB 6012v 242v 4.59v I
Injured knee late in the 07 season. Young and has a ways to go in terms of strength and keeping his pads down (gets high).  I loved his ability to both meet and defeat pressure inside.  Smart player with very good instincts.  Runs well and showed excellent playing range. Highly productive (Cal. / LSU) although needs more tackle strength.  Very good zone drops and awareness (needs some work in man). Not near his full playing potential. 1st rd consideration.
3 40 Lofton Curtis Oklahoma U MB 6000v 246v 4.71v G
A very impressive football player who had a tremendous amount of plays.  Impacts the game.  Great instincts for the football. Liked the way he filled inside (slips blocks, but also showed some explosive hands and good leverage. Sideline to sideline player.  Drive through tackler who finished.  Don’t see him as a match up guy in pass coverage, but his zone drops were good. Going to play quickly and contribute to winning football games.. Round # 1 consideration.
4 2 Bell Beau UNLV MB 6015v 239v 4.89v I
Explosive hitter who plays hard and fast. Can leverage, play off and runs to the ball.  Excellent speed and backside effort (motor runs on high all of the time. A big hitter (people go backwards on contact). Top teams potential at the professional level. Felt he was marginal in pass coverage (tends to play straight legged -limited reaction). Sustained an MCL injury in Senior Bowl.  Late 2nd to top of 3rd draft potential.
5 56 Butler Ezra  Nevada U MB 6014v 245v 4.53v I
Down guy early who can play and space.  Like the way he met pressure, shed and got to the football. Was both explosive on contact and freaky strong.  Real force coming off the edge in nickel. Injured for much of the 07 season and didn’t play to the same level as he did in 06. A tad tight in coverage (needs work in this area). Excellent teams potential. Possible late 2nd and solid 3rd round draft potential.
6 1 Henderson Erin Maryland U MB 6026v 244v 4.79v F
Has missed playing time due to injuries (knee reconstruction on 2005).  Is not a take on guy (struggled to disengage from blocks inside – plays small). on the inside and I would have to question his overall playing instincts. Struggled some in pass coverage (breakdown in the open field). Was a productive in terms of total tackles who made plays outside the tackle box.  Good range and tackling skills. Far from a complete player, but has some upside.  Round 3 – 4. 
7 7 Highsmith Ali LSU MB 5115v 230v 5.01v F
A highly productive college football player who was short in stature, did not run well and was slow to react at times. Not impressive from an athletic standpoint, but you have to give him his due (made big plays at critical times). Not a take on guy, but effectively slipped blocks and got to the ball inside. Secured well as a tackler. Coverage skills marginal (limited depth with questionable route recognition and reactions). Not athletic enough for “Will” backer.
8 51 Larsen Spencer Arizona U MB 6016v 238v 4.90v F
Productive player with good instincts and playing character.  Somewhat disappointed in his take on skills but has a knack slipping blocks and getting to the football. In pass coverage I felt he was more then adequate settling and reacting in the under zones, but has limited man cover potential. Speed and overall range will limit him to the “Mike” backer position, but looks like a solid back up and special teams contributor. Has mid second day draft potential. Round 5 -6.
9 52 McClain Jameel Syracuse U LB 6006v 249v 4.79v G
Inside LB prospect who will also line up at rush end in nickel. Plays with a lot of energy) and was a productive. Runs well and projects as a special team player.  Some initial indecision in his play but when he saw it came hard. Will take on with the wrong shoulder and play entry was inconsistent but effort was good. In coverage (zone) got depth, but again struggled with his COD. A versatile hard working, old school player. Mid to late round potential (5-6).
10 9 Hall Vince Virginia Tech LB 5110v 232v 4.94v G
A durable, experienced, highly productive football player who possesses just adequate athletic ability. Was not especially pretty in a uniform and doesn’t run well, but made a lot of plays. I really liked his playing smarts, but I was disappointed in his ability to take on and play off blocks (got bounced around inside). Struggles in pass coverage.  Lacks range, movement although did read and react to things in the under zones. Good player but has real limitations
11 47 Goff Jonathon Vanderbilt U MB 6020v 245v 4.71v F
Appeared somewhat top heavy. Is an experienced hands with playing smarts and more then adequate range, but I was disappointed with his overall take on skills on the inside.  Got walled off and had a tendency to hang on blocks. Inconsistent to wrap up inside, particularly in space.  A far more effective player in pass coverage. Got depth in his zone drops and sorted it out quickly.  Looks like a “Sam”, but lack of take on ability concerns me. Late draft consideration.
12 41 Williams Thomas USC MB 6011v 227v 4.79v G
Starting primarily as a result of injuries, but showed a solid skill level.. Liked his play instincts and football smarts. Unselfish player with a lot of heart and playing toughness.  See him as a limited area player (not going to get to the boundary) and I don’t believe him to be as a true asset in pass coverage. Not a fast twitch athlete. Didn’t see top play speed or a closing burst. Late round consideration, but is more likely a priority free agent within the league.
13 47 Leman Jeremy Illinois U MB 6016v 245v 4.95e G
Make a lot of plays, but is as limited an athlete as there is in this year’s player draft.  Tough and highly instinctive. Was non explosive on contact and just doesn’t run well. Very limited play range. Took intelligent angles and played very hard, but doessn’t have the speed or closing burst. Tight in his lower body (hips), which seriously limits his participation in coverage. That being said, has to much smarts and heart not to play, but just isn’t the answer. Rd. 7 or PFA
14 48 Lansanah Danny Connecticut U MB 6003v 248v 4.74v G
Has some athletic ability, but I felt he was somewhat of an underachiever. Good first step movement and playing instincts, but again was not explosive on contact (not sure if he’s the nasty thug team’s look for in the middle). Has the talent to play, but somebody need too light a fire under him (always looks to be costing – no urgency). If he mentally ready in camp has a real chance of factoring as a back up special teams performer. Late compensatory or PFA
15 42 Floyd Dante New Mexico St MB 5110e 235e 4.75e G
Unranked, undersized transfer (LaneyJC) inside linebacker who impressed me with his effort, tenacity and production. Good athletic ability. Playing in an unusuall 3-3-5 scheme where he led his team in tackles in 07. Played inside runs well when he was protected and allowed to run to the ball. Good range and a very good wrap-up tackler with some pop. Not a fit for every club, but project high as a special teams and contributing back up. Late round (7th) or PFA. 
16 59 Moffitt Ben South Florida U MB 6007v 224v 4.67v F
Great young man who loves the game. Try hard guy but was very stiff and had a particularly tough time getting off blocks. Got bounced around pretty good on the inside (catcher) Very much a limited area player who wasn’t stout on the inside. Looked more comfortable in coverage. Got depth in his drops and sorted things out quickly.  Can run with the TE or RB on flat and arrow routes. Has a outside chance of being drafted late, but was more likely a priority FA.

 

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Scouting the 2008 Defensive Tackle’s

April 15th, 2008 — football, NFL, NFL Draft

This is a draft analysis of the top defensive tackles coming out for 2008. The information and scouting reports are all written by Tom Marino who has been a scout in the NFL for over 35 years. You can see the defensive tackle, their school, height/weight. 40 time and NFL grade. You then have their full scouting report followed by their projected draft status and NFL potential.

72 Dorsey Glen  LSU DT 6014v 297v 5.12v G 1.100
A top prospect who converts quickness to power.  Can split a double team, range to make plays and when he came and countered on his pass rush was virtually impossible to single block.  Loved his intensity level , quickness, strength and know how. Strong at the point and showed good movement down the line. Took good angles away and has the speed and quicks to factor outside the tackle boxInjured for much of 07 season. A difference maker.
49 Ellis Sedrick USC DT 6004v 299v 5.08v G 1.140
Ellis has outstanding quickness, body control, range and balance.  Plays with good leverage, has extremely quick strong hands and overall explosiveness.  Can stack, but was more effective playing in the gap. Far better at nose then at a 3 technique. Has short arms and does not appear to have long speed. Very disruptive player in a limited area but is not second coming of Tommy Harris.  A top 10 selection in this year’s player draft. Solid starter potential.
90 Balmer Kentwan  No Carolina U DT 6044v 308v 5.31v F 1.201
One dimensional player.  Is strong, plays on his feet and showed the ability to neutralize. A force playing the double team. As a pass rusher, did get inside push on his bull rush, but needs to keep pads down and develop better hand use. Played hard in every contest viewed.  Tackle to tackle range only. showed good effort in pursuit. A two down player, but could become an every down player if he develops as a rusher. Late 1st or top of the 2nd selection
55 Harrison Marcus  Arkansas U DT 6026v 317v 5.07v I 1.235
Very talented run stopper.  Loved his pad level when meeting blocks and overall leverage.  Stout at the point (can dominate).  Could play both spots inside.  Played the entire 07 season with a recently repaired ACL.  Not what I would consider a top pass rusher (power moves only) but does get some inside push.  Some off the field concerns will need to be addressed, but this is a very good football player who has not reached his full potential. Draft consideration 2 – 3
92 Moore Dre  Maryland U DT 6040v 305v 4.91v I 1.350
Short area player who was a strong space eater on the inside. Didn’t make a a lot of plays, but restricted the running lanes inside and freed up the backers to make plays. Plays on his feet and did a good job stacking the double team. Has good but not exceptional quickness but was ineffective as a pass rusher (strictly a bull rusher who didn’t counter or colaspe the pocket. Round 3 potential, but could go sooner due to team needs and the lack of quality at the top
92 Pressley DeMario  No Carolina St DT 6031v 301v 5.13v I 1.365
Had a disappointing 07 season and senior bowl effort  Was injured for much of the season and did not play to near his skill level. Is a strong inside player who played with good pad level.  Elbow injury (early) may well have effected his use of hands. Good ability to sort things out and move to the ball. As a pass rusher, came off the ball, but didn’t shed effectively on the move nor did he finish. Don’t think we have seen near his best. Round 3 – 4 consideration.
93 Guion Letroy Florida St DT 6033v 303v 5.37v F 1.385
Injured much of career. Is athletic, has good feet, quickness and adequate range. Felt he hustled & showed the ability to make plays outside the tackle box. Will get tall inline & needs to shed blocks more consistently. Lacks A-1 closing speed. Is not there yet, but you are going to have to take this player far earlier then his skill & production level would indicate.  No sacks as a college player.  Problems locating ball on misdirections (see Wake Forest) Round 3 – 4..
98 Laws Trevor  Notre Dame DT 6006v 304v 5.13v G 1.396
Works his butt off. Has very good quickness, plays with leverage and has good strength in his hands. Very intense and physical. Play effort was second to none.  Might not be quick or stout enough to play a nose   A physical drive through tackler. Will fight you, but diesn’t always play big inside (got covered up some by big people).  Has limitations, but overall was a very solid football player. Has stong early second day draft potential.
96 Fluellen Andre  Florida St DT 6007v 296v 5.06v G 1.436
Not ideal size although flashed outstanding quicks, plays hard and gave backside effort. Combative & disruptive within the running game. Can dominate, but will also disappear. Vs the pass his main attribute was his quickness into the “A” gap & burst to the QB. Played injuried for virtually the entire 07 season. When healthy this guy is far better player then he showed in 07. Senior bowl effort was impressive. Round 4 – 5.
97 Okam Frank Texas U DT 6044v 347v 5.37v E 1.481
A big wide body who showed body control & quicks. Plays high, but teams still had a difficult time moving him on the inside. Is very smart (both on and off the field) and experienced, but has no heart or playing character. A underachiever in my opinion. Just not a nasty rub your face in the dirt type (no edge). Overall, you just don’t know what you are going to get with this player. Wouldn’t consider in day 1, but recognize his talent and physical tools. Rd 4.
95 Sims Patrick Auburn U DT 6021v 310v 5.11v E 1.485
Has stability issues which need to be addressed. Played much of 07 with a cast on his lt .hand (Fx).  Has size, but needs to redefine his body (very soft middle & butt).  Flashed get off quick, but lacks stamina and his overall competitive effort. When he kept his pads down, got some push (So Florida), but when they were up got knocked around pretty good (LSU).  Has talent, but wouldn’t risk a first day selection based on his history. Round # 4 
85 Bryant Joseph  Texas A&M DT 6041v 318v 5.06v F 1.486
A big, tough, strong inside guy who played hard, but consistently got his pads up working inside. Is stout and difficult to move around, but did not protect his legs or get over trash effectively. Got some inside push as a bull rusher, but lacks counter skills and change of direction.  Gave up far too much blocking surface and has had some lower body injuries which need to be considered. Best suited to play tackle in a 3-4 look.  Makes your team, but has limitations.  
71 Rubin Ahtyba  Iowa State U DT 6026v 315v 5.24v F 1.516
Offensive tackle as a Juco player.  Big man who has improved a great deal over the past 2 seasons. Is very strong, but is in every sense of the word a work in progress.Showed quickness and some playing range. Can stack inside particularly when he kept his pads down. Questionable play instincts and was inconsistent to find the ball on the inside.  Felt his playing effort varried  Draft consideration; rounds 5 to 6.
96 Dykes Keilen West Virginia U DT 6033v 294v 5.10e F 1.518
A very tough, strong, nose who was a very effective run stopper. Plays very hard, is unselfish and was a consistent performer. Could also play a three technioue.  Is a run stopper who had a good feel for blocks and restricted the “A” gap. Has adequate range, but needs to protect his lower half more effectively. Marginal pass rusher who showed limited counter skills. Blue collar player who will contribute to winning football games. Round 4 – 5.
94 Dixon Marcus Hampton U DT 6040v 292v 5.27v F 1.550
Good looking athlete with size & power. Can stack inside effectively. Good 1st step quicks, hand use & the ability to find the ball. For the most part a bull rusher, but has some counter ability & close. Has a long way to come in terms of learning how to play..  Plays on his feet and is highly intelligent. Involved in a highly publicized rape incident down in Georgia and served 15 months, but was later cleared of the charges. Great young man 4th to 5th rd potential. 
95 Robinson Nate  Akron U DT 6037v 324v 5.15e E 1.680
Highest rated prep DT in the country. Signed with Miami and briefly attended Rutgers.  Just don’t know who is going to show up from game to game.  Has a great deal of talent and size.  Flashes initial quickness and some explosiveness in his hips and hands. Very limited  rush skills (very moves rush moves and or counters). Showed a tendency to wear down in games (questionable conditioning and stamina).A lot of talent, but something is missing here. 
56 Foster Eric Rutgers U DT 6011v 271v 5.00e G 1.731
Undersized defender who showed good initial quickness, range (runs well), leverage, and use of hands.  Liked his competitive effort (showed consistent energy) and effort. His physical stature (or lack of) limits play to that of a tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Is going to have to get stronger, but this guy reminds me a great deal of Rams tackle La’ Roi Glover at a similar stage.  Late round (6th to 7th ) draft consideration. 
95 Smith Henry Texas A&M DT 6023v 310v 5.19v F 1.795
A JC guy with play strength who played with good pad level  inside.  Has a good body, played with good leverage and got some pretty good inside push. Was inconsistent to find the football inside and his feel for blocks was just adequate. Needs to finish better and I don’t believe he has top playing range. Not there yet, but has has some of the things you look for in an inside player. Has an outside chance of being drafted, but is more likely a priority free agent.
99 Powell Carlton Virginia Tech DT 6022v 292v 5.14v G 1.796
Just not a very physical player (played with far too much finesse) Didn’t play through blocks (Never saw him fight across the face of a blocks to the ball). Wasn’t stout at the point of attack nor was he heavy handed. Good snap reaction and gap penetration.  Worked well on his stunts and hustled in pursuit.  Is not void of skills, but is going to have to improve in a number of area’s if he is to play at the professional level. Has late round (7th) or priority free agent.
96 Johnston Brian  Gardner Webb DT 6050v 278v 4.97v J 1.800
A 4 year regular who certainly was a good player, but is going to have to improve hand use, and ability to shed, to be a difference maker.  A former linebacker. Showed a marginal ability to get over trash and get to the football.  As a pass rusher, played with power, but doesn’t have a real plan after his initial engagement. Is an effort guy, but I just don’t see any special skills.  Possible late round selection, but is more likely a priority free agent prospect.
97 Shirley Jason Fresno St DT 6052v 329v 5.04v E 1.799
Is a great looking individual, but was not a particularly good football player.  Very much an underachiever.  Was dismissed from the squad furing the 2007 season. Inner city LA background.  Some off field concerns.  Might be worth a look on the offensive side of the football if his off the field issues  are found to be satisfactory. 
93 McClinton James  Kansas U DT 6000v 293v 5.54v F 1.800
Active undersized three technique. Has initial quickness but I didn’t see the long speed and or range.  Has been productive, but didn’t get off blocks especially well.  As a pass rusher, comes hard, but if he doesn’t beat you with his initial movement, the game was over.  Lacks closing burst to the football.  Just don’t see how he could play above 285 lbs.  Good college player, but limited chance to factor.  Priority free agent player

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