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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)
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)