Grizzled former NFL scout thinks Colts RB Donald Brown will start over Joseph Addai in 2010
by Brad Wells on Jul 28, 2010 10:30 AM EDT
in Colts Analysis
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PrintIf the name Dave Razzano doesn't conjure up images of NFL greatness, that's because he used to do a job that not many people view as glamorous but that almost all view as essential. Dave Razzano spent 22 years as an NFL scout for the 49ers, Cardinals, and Rams. He was a part of five Super Bowl teams, including three Super Bowl wins. Now, he offers his opinions on college and pro talent to the media.
Yesterday, we received an email from the folks at Playmakermobile.com, informing us of Razzano's unfiltered and unbiased opinion about the Colts heading into 2010. Some of Razzano's comments and observations are very interesting, indeed. Here's a taste:
Q: When you say Donald Brown will eventually take over, do you mean in a year or two, halfway through the season, week one of the season? Where do you see his progression?A: I think it should be this season fro the get-go. He’s a lot more talented than Addai. Addai is a nice serviceable player in the NFL but I think Donald Brown has a lot of the same attributes as Ray Rice. He ran the same way in college and was dominant at Connecticut the same way Rice was dominant at Rutgers. He put up huge numbers and has real solid intangibles: work ethic, maturity. The same kind of size, maybe even a little bigger than Rice. I think Donald Brown needs to be the featured guy and it wouldn’t shock me if it was this season.
The whole interview is worth a read, including Razzano's opinions about the Colts offensive line, their linebackers, and reserve tight end Tom Santi.
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Agree
I think he’s right…..whether Donald’s ready or not, he offers far more upside and speed…..Addai has transformed into a downhill runner, great for short yardage….not long runs…
Fantastic...
great read thanks!!
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Nice read
Very much looking forward to DB’s sophomore season!
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I think he is underestimating Addai.
To call him just “serviceable” seems to describe a back who is “just” doing what he is told to do, as if that was easy.
Addai receives, runs and most importantly, he’s a great blocker (key for a Colts RB). Again, I feel like Razzano is taking for granted everything Addai is doing, or at least that’s how I read it.
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This ^^^^^
I have every confidence that Brown has the talent and work ethic to take over at some point. But, I also think Addai may possibly break out big this year if the Colts OL philosophy change pans out. Additionally, I think Addai has been underused the last year or so as a reciever. I look for 1500 all purpose yards this year from Addai. Let the flames begin.
I agree with Blue
Addai is a GREAT blocker, when he actually has a hole to run through he gets good yardage…not to mention he’s very durable. Oh, and I always have though in a lot of ways his best skill is recieving out of the backfield.
I agree with Blue too...
I think Addai can still shine….
If you see my smilieys, think of E.M.H. - our COLTs King of Smileys!
by Manning4ever on Jul 28, 2010 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
In an ideal world...
If D. Brown is gonna be anything like Ray Rice he needs to be our starter. And especially due to Addai’s run blocking and receiving skills he has all the skills to be a great “3rd down back” in the league for many years. I hope we can retain him after this year, regardless of Brown’s development, for this reason.
Like me some Tom Santi, when he’s healthy, good to see he got some love here. I really don’t want Gijon Robinson on our squad next year, sorry Gijon.
interesting.... I agree with you on both points... (addai and santi)
If you see my smilieys, think of E.M.H. - our COLTs King of Smileys!
by Manning4ever on Jul 28, 2010 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I got it
Choke/Clutch is the fetishization of the small sample size.
"People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do." -Isaac Asimov
by shake n bake on Jul 28, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
True
I guess the Pats did get a good “from behind” view of Rice in that playoff game.
I do remember them being on the ground alot though when the Ravens played us that next weekend.
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GO BUTLER!!
Ohh zing...
…but yeah. Seriously. He’s powerful and I don’t see Brown being as strong of a runner as Rice.
by Richard Hill on Jul 28, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
ew yes - in the ESPN Magazine
I did NOT need to see that picture!!
How can you not love a team that does this?
pic??
If you see my smilieys, think of E.M.H. - our COLTs King of Smileys!
by Manning4ever on Jul 28, 2010 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions
You can find pictures...
…Here. They’re from ESPN Insider so I didn’t want to post them, but yeah. That’s a link.
by Richard Hill on Jul 29, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Hate to see Addai get the back seat..
but I gotta agree. Brown just looks much more dynamic when he runs. Addai is a great #2 for sure, he’s good at getting those tough yards.
by HappyLittleTreez on Jul 28, 2010 12:11 PM EDT reply actions
I can see a duo action..
…because while I don’t think either back is destined to be a stud, I see both of them fitting well in the offense and performing. Brown to get the yards and keep the defense honest, Addai to be flexible and can catch.
by Richard Hill on Jul 28, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Brown strikes me as a guy who needs a road
He’s got moves, he’s a burner, but he needs SOME space to make something happen.
Addai doesn’t need space, he creates it. He’s shifty and punchy, not much of a second gear but a lot of torque in first.
I agree completely with slash196. Joe got the most TDs on the team last year.
3 more than Reggie. He takes some huge hits every game, and bounces right back. Oh, and he gives a few good hits, too. Brown is a great RB, very smooth, but he needs a little spike to his run, a little “mean”. Addai already has the mean.
Don’t forget it’s Addai’s contract year. I expect he’ll come out on fire. The colts didn’t keep Edge and I imagine Addai will want to have a good year to make sure he gets a big contract with his next team. ( I hope not though).
by Jonathan Simmons on Jul 28, 2010 1:27 PM EDT reply actions
I may be mistaken, but...
I believe the regular season is 16 games? Brown needs to prove he can get through more than half a season before I’ll take any talk of him being #1 seriously.
by smonroe on Jul 28, 2010 2:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I think both will have big years
Brown’s sophomore jump should be fun to watch. We’ll see how the new O line looks, but any improvement at all should give Addai AND Brown all they need to make more big plays. The real question is can Brown be taught to pick up a blitz and protect the QB? I think he would’ve gotten more carries last year if he had proven him self reliable in that way. Addai is just so good blocking and catching.
It seemed really natural and seamless when Joe started to take over the starting job from Dom Rhodes. It wasn’t all at once. Why wouldn’t they take the same approach with Brown? Why rush him? Especially if you’re afraid he might be fragile… In any case I predict Addai will start all year until Brown starts to get hot.
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