About the Browns ...
1. I've been doing some work on how the Browns want their new West Coast offense to work. As one operative told me, "It's quarterback friendly, but the quarterback must be efficient, accurate and have timing with the receivers." That's why the Browns are thrilled about the various player workouts being run by quarterback Colt McCoy. While you can't install the offense without coaches, linemen, etc., being there -- you can have the quarterbacks and receivers working on the type of patterns that will be used.
2. Based on some research, I've learned that St. Louis had McCoy ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2010 draft, behind Sam Bradford -- their top pick. The Rams coaching staff (and that includes current Browns head coach Pat Shurmur) liked McCoy because they believed he'd be very effective in the offense. That 73 percent completion rate in his last two years at Texas along with McCoy's leadership traits made him attractive.
3. His lack of size -- optimistically listed at 6-1 -- was not a major negative. The Rams' (and now the Browns') form of the West Coast offense will have the quarterback moving around the pocket and delivering quick-strike short and medium passes -- waiting for a chance to surprise the defense with a throw downfield. Shurmur definitely was impressed with McCoy when the Rams researched and interviewed him in 2010.
4. So the West Coast offense requires an accurate, precision passer. That's why it's strange when there is an ESPN story and some suggestions from fans that the Browns grab former OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft. Why? The things this offense requires are the weakest parts of Pryor's game. As for making him a receiver, that is a long-term project -- assuming it works at all.
5. The Browns also have Seneca Wallace, who has been helping McCoy and the receivers at the second Camp Colt. Yes, Wallace is athletic, but what makes him a fit in the West Coast offense is his career 60 percent completion rate. He completed 63 percent last year.
6. Accuracy is key because receivers must be connected with passes in stride. Consider that in 2009-10, Browns QBs completed only 49 percent of their passes. McCoy was at 60 percent last season.
7. Tight end Ben Watson led the Browns with 40 catches for first downs. Then came running back Peyton Hillis (25), receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (24) and slot receiver Chansi Stuckey (21). So no receiver recorded more than 24 first downs. The Rams had three receivers with at least that many: Danny Amendola (35), Brandon Gibson (33) and Daniel Fell (24). Amendola was an undrafted 5-11 receiver from Texas Tech in 2009. He caught 43 passes as a rookie, 85 last season. The Browns believe they can find someone from their current group of receivers -- Brian Robiskie, Massaquoi or rookie Greg Little -- who can surprise and thrive in the offense.
8. In St. Louis, Shurmur's offense threw 590 passes compared to 429 runs last season. In 2009, it was 543 passes to 411 runs with a collection of Marc Bulger, Kyle Boller and Keith Null at quarterback. Steven Jackson carried the ball 330 and 324 times in the last two seasons, but the Rams rarely gave the ball to anyone else.
9. By comparison, the Browns threw 478 passes compared to 413 runs in 2010. It was 443 passes, 498 rushes in 2009. So the play calling will swing more toward passing, but the Browns believe the passes will be more successful because they are shorter. But the real advantage may be the Browns matching their quarterback to the offense.
10. But the Browns believe the West Coast offense will help the running game. In Shurmur's two years calling the plays, Steven Jackson gained 1,241 and 1,416 yards for the Rams, averaging 326 carries. Because Peyton Hillis (270 carries for 1,177 yards) takes such a beating, the Browns need Montario Hardesty to stay healthy -- and it would be wise to sign a veteran running back.
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/06/terry_plutos_talkin_about_pat.html
