whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
Possibly after 5 years or so.indianwhite said:Maybe....Leonard will be given the chance when he's already a veteran!ToughJ.Riggins said:
Brian Leonard 23
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White Power
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Larry Johnson is being brought to be the 4th running back according to head coach Marvin Lewis thats it. I take him at his word maybe Bernard Lewis isn't fit to play every down. I don't think Leonard is out of the mix Brian can play and his coach knows this or else why trade for him. I will give Marvin the benefit of the doubt until I see otherwise.
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
I would give Marvin the benefit of the doubt, but he kept feeding that complete Division II thug, Bernard Scott, the ball last week (to the tune of 2.5 YPC). Scott is a loser- who's been arrested at least 5 times. Now they bring in a guy, whose last things he's done of note are beat and spit in women's faces and average 2.9 YPC.
It's sickening that a Division II player like Scott gets a shot- and the athletically and statistically superior Woodhead (whose also a class act) doesn't get one carry last week. This is racism to the extreme!
It's sickening that a Division II player like Scott gets a shot- and the athletically and statistically superior Woodhead (whose also a class act) doesn't get one carry last week. This is racism to the extreme!
from rotoworld.com
Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said that he will give Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard more carries even when Cedric Benson (hip) gets back in the lineup.
"It's obvious the wear and tear had a little effect on him (Benson), so we will spell him with Brian and Bernard," Bratkowski said. Maybe the Bengals should have thought of that before they gave him 24.7 carries per game over the first eight games.
Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said that he will give Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard more carries even when Cedric Benson (hip) gets back in the lineup.
"It's obvious the wear and tear had a little effect on him (Benson), so we will spell him with Brian and Bernard," Bratkowski said. Maybe the Bengals should have thought of that before they gave him 24.7 carries per game over the first eight games.
Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
I hope Brian does get more carries and makes the most of them.
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
Good news for Brian but Leonard should get all the carries after Benson and not split them with a scrub like Scott.
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
We should give up the hope that Brian Leonard will ever get a real chance to carry the ball in the NFL. He'll be lucky if he gets more than a handful of carries the rest of this season, and I doubt he will be anything other than a special teams guy and a part-time blocker for however much longer he plays.
Yeah, Brian does to a lesser degree have to accept his lot in the NFL. He should have never accepted being a blocking back while at Rutgers. Now he has to contend with the Bengals black coach. He will always be the 3rd down back who is always going to be WSTD. But hey he is making great dough doing it. His life is great compared to millions of DWFs awaiting his every mistake to trash him while over eating and gorging themselves with overly salted snacks. The DWFs are in reality just awaiting the massive heart attack in their respective livingrooms or tailgate parties or where ever.
Leonard praised for being aclutch guy with a big heart.
Brian Leonard: The "X' Factor
As Bengals fans are well aware, last year's offensive attack wasn't exactly a harmonious symphony. Clearly, Cedric Benson was the main cog on that side of the ball, but the aerial assault scared no one, and as the season wore on, and injuries developed, the offense gradually grew worse with each passing week.
However, there was one man who was able to rise above it all. When the team needed Brian Leonard, he was there. I would go so far as to say that without his contributions, the Bengals not only would have missed out on a division title, but would have missed the playoffs altogether. He was that clutch.
Lets rewind back to the end of September. The hated Pittsburgh Steelers were in town, and appeared to have yet another victory in the Queen City sealed and delivered. The Bengals were driving into Pittsburgh territory, but were down to their last chance.
On fourth and 10, from the Pittsburgh 15 yard line with 18 seconds left, Palmer hooked up with Leonard. Steelers linebacker James Farrior looked as if he was going to stop Leonard short of the first down marker, but through heart and effort Leonard dove forward and converted the crucial first down. That set up the go ahead touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell with seconds left.
Later in the season, against Kansas City, Leonard stepped up in a big moment once again, grabbing a big third down reception to help set up the game winning drive.
That was just Leonard's M.O. The stats weren't there, but he knew his role and performed it to perfection. In addition to being such a reliable third/fourth down back, he was also a good blocker, and in general, a guy who gave his all.
He is a free agent following this season. Lost in the Benson contract situation is his own, I would hate to lose a guy like Leonard. There may be flashier guys out in the market, but good luck replacing the intangibles.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/412182-brian-leonard-the-x-factor
Brian Leonard: The "X' Factor
As Bengals fans are well aware, last year's offensive attack wasn't exactly a harmonious symphony. Clearly, Cedric Benson was the main cog on that side of the ball, but the aerial assault scared no one, and as the season wore on, and injuries developed, the offense gradually grew worse with each passing week.
However, there was one man who was able to rise above it all. When the team needed Brian Leonard, he was there. I would go so far as to say that without his contributions, the Bengals not only would have missed out on a division title, but would have missed the playoffs altogether. He was that clutch.
Lets rewind back to the end of September. The hated Pittsburgh Steelers were in town, and appeared to have yet another victory in the Queen City sealed and delivered. The Bengals were driving into Pittsburgh territory, but were down to their last chance.
On fourth and 10, from the Pittsburgh 15 yard line with 18 seconds left, Palmer hooked up with Leonard. Steelers linebacker James Farrior looked as if he was going to stop Leonard short of the first down marker, but through heart and effort Leonard dove forward and converted the crucial first down. That set up the go ahead touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell with seconds left.
Later in the season, against Kansas City, Leonard stepped up in a big moment once again, grabbing a big third down reception to help set up the game winning drive.
That was just Leonard's M.O. The stats weren't there, but he knew his role and performed it to perfection. In addition to being such a reliable third/fourth down back, he was also a good blocker, and in general, a guy who gave his all.
He is a free agent following this season. Lost in the Benson contract situation is his own, I would hate to lose a guy like Leonard. There may be flashier guys out in the market, but good luck replacing the intangibles.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/412182-brian-leonard-the-x-factor
Thanks for posting Don...but as you stated above in the past...he's "white" and will not be allowed to start...unless a multiple rash of injuries happens to the "flashier" tailblacks...sure Leonard is dependable all around back...but that's about all for him.
It would be nice to see Gerhart, Leonard, Hillis & Hester all get the chance to be the "feature back with hopes of cracking the 1,000 yard barrier..and stop the streak from back in 85' with Craig James. They need a legit opportunity!
It would be nice to see Gerhart, Leonard, Hillis & Hester all get the chance to be the "feature back with hopes of cracking the 1,000 yard barrier..and stop the streak from back in 85' with Craig James. They need a legit opportunity!
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
Alstott came pretty close to 1,000 yards in 1998 and 1999. Hillis started 6 games two years ago but only got 68 carries that season. He managed a great 5.0 yards per carry but that only averages out to about 13 carries per game. If he started a whole season and was given 20 carries a game he would be a lock for 1,000 yards and possibly even 1,300-1,500 yards.
Leonard started 7 games in 2007 but only because of injuries to affletes. He only averaged 3.5 yards per carry that season.
Edited by: whiteathlete33
Leonard started 7 games in 2007 but only because of injuries to affletes. He only averaged 3.5 yards per carry that season.
Edited by: whiteathlete33
Leonard shows confidence in his abilities here, though as always in the context being the ultimate team player, but then comes the comparison to . . . a white running back from 30 years ago. One wonders if Leonard brought up the subject of Riggins himself or if the reporter did. My guess would be it was the reporter. Maybe next he'll be asked to compare his running style to that of Bronco Nagurski.
Bengals RB Brian Leonard, who could see more playing time if RB Cedric Benson is suspended after his latest arrest last month, quoted in the Journal News showing confidence that he can pick up the slack if Benson is out: "I feel like I can do anything. The coaches believe I can do it and feel comfortable with me at any position. My reps have increased, and I'm expected to be more involved in the offense. I'm a team player and will do whatever is asked of me." Leonard continued, saying he shares some traits with Hall of Famer John Riggins: "I'm my own person but do share some of the same similarities as Riggins. He was a hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield. That's what I feel like I do, make one cut and get up field, break a few arm tackles and make a couple of guys miss. That's me. Hopefully, this is a breakout year for me."
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/07/06/they-said-it-the-week-of-july-6-2
Bengals RB Brian Leonard, who could see more playing time if RB Cedric Benson is suspended after his latest arrest last month, quoted in the Journal News showing confidence that he can pick up the slack if Benson is out: "I feel like I can do anything. The coaches believe I can do it and feel comfortable with me at any position. My reps have increased, and I'm expected to be more involved in the offense. I'm a team player and will do whatever is asked of me." Leonard continued, saying he shares some traits with Hall of Famer John Riggins: "I'm my own person but do share some of the same similarities as Riggins. He was a hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield. That's what I feel like I do, make one cut and get up field, break a few arm tackles and make a couple of guys miss. That's me. Hopefully, this is a breakout year for me."
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/07/06/they-said-it-the-week-of-july-6-2
Here's the source -- the same black reporter who sparked a renewed national hatefest against Matt Jones a couple of weeks ago, Carlos "Big C" Holmes. Holmes must have asked Leonard to compare himself to Riggins, and now Leonard will probably be widely ridiculed for answeringa question. Mike Florio writes below: Then there's the fact that Leonard has rushed for only 394 yards in three seasons; Riggins had more than 2,000 in his first three years, which were played at a time when the regular season had not been "enhanced" from 14 to 16 games. There's a slight difference here, Mikely, it's called "opportunity." Riggins was drafted to be a starting running back; Leonard was pigeonholed as a "tweener" at best and only used as a running back for a few games due to injury to Steven Jackson on a terrible Rams team that had horrible run blocking before being forced to beef up as a "blocking back" in St. Louis.
<H1>Brian Leonard welcomes comparisons to John Riggins</H1>
<DIV ="post-info">Posted by Mike Florio on July 6, 2010 9:26 AM ET
<DIV ="post-">Prior to the 2010 NFL draft, former Stanford Toby Gerhart didn't seem to care for knee-jerk comparisons to other white tailbacks.
Bengals running back Brian Leonard seems to welcome such comparisons, especially when a Hall of Famer is on the other side of the equation.
Carlos "Big C" Holmes of the Dayton Daily News says that Leonard "reminds some of a young John Riggins."
"I'm my own person but do share some of the same similarities as Riggins," Leonard said, per Holmes. (So Leonard has sprouted a Riggins-style 'fro?) "He was a hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield. That's what I feel like I do, make one cut and get up field, break a few arm tackles and make a couple of guys miss. That's me. Hopefully, this is a breakout year for me."
Riggins may have had good hands out of the backfield, but he didn't use them all that often. In 14 NFL seasons, Riggins caught 250 passes against 2,916 rush attempts -- a ratio of run-to-catch of more than 11-to-1.
Leonard, in contrast, caught 30 passes in 2009 and 30 in 2007. (He played in only two games in 2008, due to injury.)
Then there's the fact that Leonard has rushed for only 394 yards in three seasons; Riggins had more than 2,000 in his first three years, which were played at a time when the regular season had not been "enhanced" from 14 to 16 games.
But, hey, if a white running back is going to be compared on a knee-jerk basis to another white running back, the white running back could do a lot worse than Riggins.
Especially when, to date, the white running back in question has done a lot worse than Riggins.
<DIV ="post-">
<DIV ="post-">http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/06/brian-leonard-welcomes-comparisons-to-john-riggins/
Edited by: Don Wassall
<H1>Brian Leonard welcomes comparisons to John Riggins</H1>
<DIV ="post-info">Posted by Mike Florio on July 6, 2010 9:26 AM ET
<DIV ="post-">Prior to the 2010 NFL draft, former Stanford Toby Gerhart didn't seem to care for knee-jerk comparisons to other white tailbacks.
Bengals running back Brian Leonard seems to welcome such comparisons, especially when a Hall of Famer is on the other side of the equation.
Carlos "Big C" Holmes of the Dayton Daily News says that Leonard "reminds some of a young John Riggins."
"I'm my own person but do share some of the same similarities as Riggins," Leonard said, per Holmes. (So Leonard has sprouted a Riggins-style 'fro?) "He was a hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield. That's what I feel like I do, make one cut and get up field, break a few arm tackles and make a couple of guys miss. That's me. Hopefully, this is a breakout year for me."
Riggins may have had good hands out of the backfield, but he didn't use them all that often. In 14 NFL seasons, Riggins caught 250 passes against 2,916 rush attempts -- a ratio of run-to-catch of more than 11-to-1.
Leonard, in contrast, caught 30 passes in 2009 and 30 in 2007. (He played in only two games in 2008, due to injury.)
Then there's the fact that Leonard has rushed for only 394 yards in three seasons; Riggins had more than 2,000 in his first three years, which were played at a time when the regular season had not been "enhanced" from 14 to 16 games.
But, hey, if a white running back is going to be compared on a knee-jerk basis to another white running back, the white running back could do a lot worse than Riggins.
Especially when, to date, the white running back in question has done a lot worse than Riggins.
<DIV ="post-">
<DIV ="post-">http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/06/brian-leonard-welcomes-comparisons-to-john-riggins/
Edited by: Don Wassall
Here's Holmes' article, which is a lot better than what Florio wrote above:
<H1 ="articleline">Could Bengals' Leonard be the next Riggins?</H1>
By Carlos "Big C"Â Holmes, Staff Writer Updated 11:27 AM Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Cincinnati Bengals starting running back Cedric Benson could be suspended for his latest arrest in Texas last week.
If so, the backfield actually would be left in capable hands.
Brian Leonard and Bernard Scott have evolved in the offense and will be counted on more this season to share the workload with or without Benson in the lineup.
"I feel like I can do anything,"Â said Leonard, who reminds some of a young John Riggins, the Hall of Fame back who starred for the Jets and Redskins. "The coaches believe I can do it and feel comfortable with me at any position. My reps have increased, and I'm expected to be more involved in the offense. I'm a team player and will do whatever is asked of me."Â
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Leonard returned to his college alma mater Rutgers after minicamp to prepare for training camp. The running back is doing some speed training to show more quickness out of the backfield, and route running. Leonard shed a few pounds this offseason but still maintains the size to take on larger defenders when lead blocking and protecting the quarterback.
After a 30-catch season in 2009, Leonard is expected to be an integral part of the passing game.
"Brian has a key role in our offense,"Â running backs coach Jim Anderson said. "He's a guy that you don't want to paint into a corner. He did a tremendous job for us on third down. But yet when we called for him to play on first and second downs he can do that as well.
"He has a tremendous amount of versatility and he can add to our offense. We're counting on him to play at an even higher level this season."Â
Leonard is playing in the final year of his rookie contract and is a guy the team obviously holds in high regard. That being said, there has been no dialogue between the Bengals and representatives for Leonard regarding a contract extension. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
The Riggins comparisons have resulted from Leonard's rugged running style. Could he be the second coming of "The Diesel"Â in the Bengals offense?
"I'm my own person but do share some of the same similarities as Riggins,"Â Leonard said. "He was a hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield. That's what I feel like I do, make one cut and get up field, break a few arm tackles and make a couple of guys miss. That's me. Hopefully, this is a breakout year for me."Â
Leonard said he watched a lot of film on Riggins in college and patterned his game after the legendary back. Those are some big shoes to fill for anyone, but the Bengals coaching staff believes in the running back's ability.
"You don't want to compare a guy until it's over and then you write the final chapter,"Â Anderson said. "But right now, if he wants to be John Riggins then that's good with me. Riggins was one tough guy, and Brian Leonard is one tough guy. You put those two together and we have something. I think Brian is a little more versatile than John catching the ball. We're looking for big things out of Brian this season."Â
http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/cincinnati-bengals/could-bengals-leonard-be-the-next-riggins--798051.htmlEdited by: Don Wassall
<H1 ="articleline">Could Bengals' Leonard be the next Riggins?</H1>
By Carlos "Big C"Â Holmes, Staff Writer Updated 11:27 AM Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Cincinnati Bengals starting running back Cedric Benson could be suspended for his latest arrest in Texas last week.
If so, the backfield actually would be left in capable hands.
Brian Leonard and Bernard Scott have evolved in the offense and will be counted on more this season to share the workload with or without Benson in the lineup.
"I feel like I can do anything,"Â said Leonard, who reminds some of a young John Riggins, the Hall of Fame back who starred for the Jets and Redskins. "The coaches believe I can do it and feel comfortable with me at any position. My reps have increased, and I'm expected to be more involved in the offense. I'm a team player and will do whatever is asked of me."Â
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Leonard returned to his college alma mater Rutgers after minicamp to prepare for training camp. The running back is doing some speed training to show more quickness out of the backfield, and route running. Leonard shed a few pounds this offseason but still maintains the size to take on larger defenders when lead blocking and protecting the quarterback.
After a 30-catch season in 2009, Leonard is expected to be an integral part of the passing game.
"Brian has a key role in our offense,"Â running backs coach Jim Anderson said. "He's a guy that you don't want to paint into a corner. He did a tremendous job for us on third down. But yet when we called for him to play on first and second downs he can do that as well.
"He has a tremendous amount of versatility and he can add to our offense. We're counting on him to play at an even higher level this season."Â
Leonard is playing in the final year of his rookie contract and is a guy the team obviously holds in high regard. That being said, there has been no dialogue between the Bengals and representatives for Leonard regarding a contract extension. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
The Riggins comparisons have resulted from Leonard's rugged running style. Could he be the second coming of "The Diesel"Â in the Bengals offense?
"I'm my own person but do share some of the same similarities as Riggins,"Â Leonard said. "He was a hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield. That's what I feel like I do, make one cut and get up field, break a few arm tackles and make a couple of guys miss. That's me. Hopefully, this is a breakout year for me."Â
Leonard said he watched a lot of film on Riggins in college and patterned his game after the legendary back. Those are some big shoes to fill for anyone, but the Bengals coaching staff believes in the running back's ability.
"You don't want to compare a guy until it's over and then you write the final chapter,"Â Anderson said. "But right now, if he wants to be John Riggins then that's good with me. Riggins was one tough guy, and Brian Leonard is one tough guy. You put those two together and we have something. I think Brian is a little more versatile than John catching the ball. We're looking for big things out of Brian this season."Â
http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/cincinnati-bengals/could-bengals-leonard-be-the-next-riggins--798051.htmlEdited by: Don Wassall
SuperSpeed23
Guru
It would be awesome to see brian being the starter and getting 20/25 carries per game. but id still be happy to see him getting 10/15
sport historian
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A funny thing is John Riggins was never described "racially" as far as I can remember. For example, they didn't say "John Riggins could become another Larry Csonka" during his rookie year of 1971.
I have previously mentioned Paul Zimmerman's SI piece after Super Bowl XVII in which Zimmerman wrote that Riggins was a different runner coming out of Kansas than he was in his later career. As a rookie, John Riggins was a 230 pounder with great speed, finesse, and good hands. In other words, Zimmerman wrote, "a white Jimmy Brown."
Riggins had knee injuries that required surgery in 1972 and 1977. Along with holdouts, a poor offensive system under George Allen in 1976-77, and the 1970's culture, Riggins didn't become a superstar until the 1982 playoffs at age 33.
I have previously mentioned Paul Zimmerman's SI piece after Super Bowl XVII in which Zimmerman wrote that Riggins was a different runner coming out of Kansas than he was in his later career. As a rookie, John Riggins was a 230 pounder with great speed, finesse, and good hands. In other words, Zimmerman wrote, "a white Jimmy Brown."
Riggins had knee injuries that required surgery in 1972 and 1977. Along with holdouts, a poor offensive system under George Allen in 1976-77, and the 1970's culture, Riggins didn't become a superstar until the 1982 playoffs at age 33.
white lightning
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I'm excited he might get a chance to start. Man would that be great after all he has went through for the last few years. I've always hated the Bengals but just might have to start rooting for them this year if he plays quality minutes.
devans
Mentor
Let's play guess the ethnicity of the following running back...
reminds some of a young John Riggins
"I'm a team player and will do whatever is asked of me"
maintains the size to take on larger defenders when lead blocking.
a guy that you don't want to paint into a corner
did a tremendous job for us on third down
no dialogue between the Bengals and representatives regarding a contract extension
rugged running style
hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield
no prizes - sorry
reminds some of a young John Riggins
"I'm a team player and will do whatever is asked of me"
maintains the size to take on larger defenders when lead blocking.
a guy that you don't want to paint into a corner
did a tremendous job for us on third down
no dialogue between the Bengals and representatives regarding a contract extension
rugged running style
hard runner and had good hands out of the backfield
no prizes - sorry
Crap!!! Leonard madea reception then got his foot/ankle twisted and landed on...he laid down for a while...and Chad Johnson came to the middle of the field to see about him...two trainers escorted him off the field. Man I hope is not too serious..I'd be suprised if he plays anymore this pre-season. Collinsworth went on and on how valuable he is as a third down reciever... Edited by: TwentyTwo
rotoworld:
Bengals third-down back Brian Leonard left Sunday's exhibition opener in the second quarter with a left foot injury.
Leonard was carried off, and couldn't put any weight on his left foot. Injury prone since entering the league, Leonard's loss would likely result in more playing time for Bernard Scott. The Bengals are pretty thin at tailback.
Bengals third-down back Brian Leonard left Sunday's exhibition opener in the second quarter with a left foot injury.
Leonard was carried off, and couldn't put any weight on his left foot. Injury prone since entering the league, Leonard's loss would likely result in more playing time for Bernard Scott. The Bengals are pretty thin at tailback.
Truthteller
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I know a lot of folks here believe Rotoworld, led by their nerdy editor-in-chief Gregg Rosenthal, is constantly bashing white NFLplayers. Honestly, I haven'tvisited Rotoworld enoughto make a decision. Anyway, I just googled to see if there was an update on Brian's foot injury and a Rotoworld link popped up. After reading it, I'm starting to think they really might have serious biases.
Rotoworld just reported Bengals.com wasinsinuating Brian would be out "at least mid-season".....but when I actually went to Bengals.com to double-check,Marvin Lewisclaimed there was "good news" regarding his injuryand he might only miss a few weeks.
What the heck,are the Marxists over at NBCrunRotoworld now rooting forthe worst casescenorio's for white players --season ending injuries? If that's even close to being true, that's total unabashed bull$hit
Rotoworlds trash: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=4172&line=177639&spln=1
Bengals.com: http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Tuesday-update-Busy-day-for-backfield-with-hope-for-Leonard/006956b7-b2a9-4043-a110-527a7db504f5http://www.bengals.com/news/article...-Leonard/006956b7-b2a9-4043-a110-527a7db504f5
Rotoworld just reported Bengals.com wasinsinuating Brian would be out "at least mid-season".....but when I actually went to Bengals.com to double-check,Marvin Lewisclaimed there was "good news" regarding his injuryand he might only miss a few weeks.
What the heck,are the Marxists over at NBCrunRotoworld now rooting forthe worst casescenorio's for white players --season ending injuries? If that's even close to being true, that's total unabashed bull$hit
Rotoworlds trash: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=4172&line=177639&spln=1
Bengals.com: http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Tuesday-update-Busy-day-for-backfield-with-hope-for-Leonard/006956b7-b2a9-4043-a110-527a7db504f5http://www.bengals.com/news/article...-Leonard/006956b7-b2a9-4043-a110-527a7db504f5