Gilbride: Mario Could Be Special

By John Fennelly

October 7, 2010

Giants’ Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride met the media today and answered a question regarding the development of WR Mario Manningham…..

“I think that it’s the natural maturation that comes from just growing up. As you get older, experience more of life and some of the good and some of the bad – and he’s had to deal with it all – I think there’s just naturally that growth and development that takes place, but I would also add that I think that his determination to be a special player has also forced him now to maybe bear down more than he had to in college, just because he was probably physically better than everybody. Here he’s still physically very competitive with anybody, but now you have to win with technique and understanding.”

“We ask him to do a lot of different things, which we ask of all of our receivers – I’m not sure that that was always the case when he was in college. The good thing is that he’s very positive. He wants to be very good, he wants to be special, so his work ethic is excellent. There’s a complete commitment by him to be an elite receiver, which is terrific.”

New scheme gives DT Cole bigger impact

San Francisco running back Frank Gore is stood up at the line of scrimmage by Seattle tackle Colin Cole in first half action.

By ERIC D. WILLIAMS

October 3, 2010

Seahawks: 3-4 alignment puts former nose guard in center of run-stopping plans

Renton - Early against San Francisco in the season opener, running back Frank Gore bounced outside and broke free with nothing but daylight between him and the end zone.

Gore was headed for a sure touchdown before Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Colin Cole swooped up the Niners’ running back, holding him to a 6-yard gain instead.

“I know Frank was upset about it, but had (Cole) not been there that was six points,” Seattle middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said. “Those kinds of plays are special. … He’s been playing amazing lately, and I just hope he keeps it up.”

The play was an example of the new freedom Cole has been given in Seattle’s 3-4 hybrid scheme, resulting in higher productivity for the 6-foot-2, 330-pound former nose guard brought in before the 2009 season to help the Seahawks’ run defense.

Cole is tied for sixth on the team with 11 tackles, and has a pass deflection. He said the team has shifted him from a penetrating nose guard playing in the gap to a two-gap player head up on the center, allowing him to read the running plays and move to the ball to make a tackle.

“It’s just the way the scheme is made up,” Cole said. “I’ve always played with the mentality of being able to play sideline to sideline and get out on some of those plays. So it’s just the fact that now kind of being at the line of scrimmage and being able to have one guy on me helps me find the ball better, especially being over the center. The center usually brings you to the ball for the most part.”

Cole’s change in focus was part of Seahawks coach Pete Carroll’s emphasis on getting bigger inside to stop the run and force offenses into third-and-long passing situations.

Seattle was solid against the run last season, finishing 15th overall (98 yards a game). But the Seahawks have raised their level of play in 2010, and are fifth overall against the rush (67.7 yards per game).

“Stopping the run is always going to be an important part of the program,” Seahawks defensive line coach Dan Quinn said. “For me, it’s how good you can play the techniques, which is something we’re going to continue to work hard to do, and to have great pride in that. I think when you have a good run defense, it opens up other opportunities for you.”

Along with Cole, Brandon Mebane has been a force inside. But the Cal product has been limited this week with a calf injury and might not be available today.

So it will be important for the Seahawks to lean on their depth inside.

Yanda deserving of big pay day

October 6, 2010

Another player that the Ravens will need to extend is Marshal Yanda. Yanda is currently playing under the terms of his restricted free agent deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2011 barring any unforeseen terms in a new collective bargaining agreement that might restrict his financial freedom.

Yanda is a Pro Bowl caliber guard now playing at a high level as a right tackle. The former Kirk Ferentz protégé is a perfect example of how a player short on physical tools can be extremely productive through preparedness, effort and attention to technique.

Coaches were extremely impressed with Yanda's effort against Pittsburgh's LaMarr Woodley and with that kind of productivity the team is in no rush to bring back Jared Gaither. It could even persuade the team to IR the enigmatic tackle to free up a roster spot should his back issues continue.