Woods blurb in Cleveland Plain Dealer

[captain stone]

http://www.cleveland.com/search/index.ssf?/base/sports/1157531445103760.xml?s1bro&coll=2

LB Woods an early NFL success story
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Roger Brown
Plain Dealer Columnist
While plenty of rookies have taken interesting paths to making NFL season-opening rosters, few have had a more inspirational journey than Pierre Woods, the former Glenville High star and Michigan linebacker.

This time last year, Woods was undergoing a humiliating, humbling season at the hands of Lloyd Carr, Michigan's increasingly clueless head coach. Carr largely relegated Woods to playing special teams and backup linebacker and defensive end - even though the native Clevelander had spent most of three previous seasons as a starting LB.

Now, one year later, Woods has made the New England Patriots' regular-season roster as a rookie linebacker. To do so, Woods beat huge odds as an undrafted free agent and did enough to impress a guy considered the defensive genius in today's NFL: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Not only is Woods' success a testament to his determination and persistence as a player, it's yet another indictment of Carr's ability as a coach. And it may help explain why Carr is on the hot seat this season at UM.

OTLast season, the Browns were physically manhandled during three losses (a loss to Minnesota and both defeats to Pittsburgh) and showed less-than-ideal mental toughness during two others (Detroit and Houston). But, according to Browns head coach Romeo Crennel, the 2006 team is much tougher physically and mentally. Why? Crennel suggested players now have a better idea of what he demands from them than they did in 2005, his first as Browns head coach)

Let's not fit Woods' bust for Canton just yet. For all we know, when or if Chad Brown is re-signed, Woods may be released, then hopefully signed to the practice squad. He can replace Corey Mays, who seems just too small to be even an adequate backup in this defense. Let him try out for the dolts, like Klecko.
Also, the fact that Woods beat out Jeremy Mincey should not be construed as an accomplishment of much significance. Mincey is a 6th-round talent, at best. If forced to select a DE/OLB at that spot, I would have taken Ryan LaCasse or Mike Kudla.

 

[scout]

Just saw in today's Herald, BB was praising Pierre Woods who went to Michigan and overcame a senior year demotion, then compared him to another Michigan alumni who had a reduced role as a senior. The reporter then said, "so Pierre Woods is the Tom Brady of linebackers"? Exactly, bb replied.

 

[mikey]

"So Pierre Woods is the Tom Brady of linebackers"? "Exactly."

Wow ... this is surprising.

I've never heard Belichick compared a rookie to an established star, let alone one who has yet to play a down.

Even after winning 3 SB, Belichick still refused to compare Brady to Montana.


.

 

[BelichickFan]

Wow ... this is surprising.

I've never heard Belichick compared a rookie to an established star, let alone one who has yet to play a down.

Even after winning 3 SB, Belichick still refused to compare Brady to Montana.

I didn't see it but he must have said it sarcastically or with a big grin or something. No way could his intent be as described.