Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 14, 2012 10:47pm
WR/TE: One of the points of contention the Colt McCoy supporters trot out is that the Browns never gave McCoy any legit receiving weapons to work with and help him. It is not that the Browns have not tried, but there is still a decided lack of play-making talent despite using three recent second round picks at the position.
The best of those three is Greg Little, who quickly assumed the mantle of #1 receiver in his rookie year. His 61 receptions for just over 700 yards are decent numbers for a rookie, but far from what a top-notch wideout can produce. Considering the Browns could have had Julio Jones and his 959 yards and eight TDs (Little had just two), the context of his output tells you a great deal about the moribund state of the passing game. Little has decent size and good physical strength, a tough wideout to push off line. He is feisty and confident but lacks elite speed and tends to gear down to change direction. The hope is that Weeden and his stronger arm and better protection will allow him to run deeper routes and improve upon his 11.2 yards per catch average, a reasonable expectation. A full offseason in the system and improvement around him should allow little to hit the 75 catch, 925 yard, 6 TD marks with upside for more if the rest of the offense clicks. But he will need better play from his WR mates to make that happen.
The most likely improvement will come from fourth round rookie Travis Benjamin, who really opened eyes in OTAs with his explosion off the line and ability to catch anything near him. He was neither consistent nor prolific at Miami, though he certainly showed great speed and open field shiftiness despite being slight. At worst he will be the primary slot receiver, and his skills are not that divergent from Randall Cobb or Jordan Shipley, two other recent middle-round draftees that have performed well in the NFL. Learning to keep his focus and mastering the offense, both of which were major problems for Benjamin at The U, are legitimate detriments to early success, but maturity and responsibility could make him an unexpected rookie blossom. He will be given every opportunity to do so.
Mohammad Massaquoi, one of the other second round picks (from 2009) gets one more chance to prove he can stay healthy and contribute. His last two seasons have both been marred with concussions, though his three seasons have produced fairly consistent results: about 35 catches, 450 yards, 2 TDs with the vast majority of the work done between 8 and 12 yards with little threat after the catch. That is simply not good enough for a No. 2 receiver and he will have to show more very quickly if he wishes to stay in that role. Jordan Norwood lacks the size of Massaquoi, but plays much faster and finished last season impressively. If he can build on that finish, the latter's days could be numbered. Josh Cribbs is still far more important on special teams than the base offense, though he did catch 41 passes and his versatility makes him the only Browns receiver that can dictate defensive adjustments. He could easily supplant Massaquoi on the depth chart. Carlton Mitchell has one last shot to prove he is a NFL talent, something he has yet to demonstrate in his two seasons. He has the size and speed to make it, but thus far has not shown it translates. Undrafted rookie Josh Cooper, a teammate of Weeden at Oklahoma State, looked great in early activities and could wind up seeing game action.
*Just before submitting this preview, the Browns used their 2013 second round pick in the supplemental draft on former Baylor wideout Josh Gordon. It is at least two rounds higher than I would have selected him, but Gordon has an intriguing package of size, speed, and strength. It is an extremely raw package, however, and one that has not played since 2010.
The Browns look better than that at tight end, where they have three legit weapons. None of them are premier players but all can be solid contributors as receivers. Evan Moore started strong but quickly tailed off. He is a safety valve type of receiver with great length and strong hands, and he has enough awareness and agility to be a good red zone threat. Moore is not noted for being much of a blocker. Ben Watson is the veteran of the group, and his status is clouded by numerous concussions that he suffered in the last couple of years. Watson can line up in line or flexed out and is the best blocker of the group, but again he must demonstrate he is physically right before being counted on for much production. Jordan Cameron remains a work in progress, a converted basketball player with tremendous athletic ability but little football experience. He did show tangible progress late in the year, and a full offseason and a stronger-armed QB could allow him to blossom. Consider him a deep sleeper, though I suspect he will have his breakout campaign in 2013. Veteran Alex Smith is also still around, giving the Browns four legit NFL tight ends. Smith would be the best blocking specialist of the bunch should they elect to keep four tight ends.
OL: The starting five are set, with three youngsters filling in around two excellent veterans. Left tackle Joe Thomas is the best in the game, a devastating force as both a run blocker and in pass protection. He will occasionally get beat with a good outside-in move, but Thomas is an absolute bedrock performer. Center Alex Mack is one of the best at his position as well, an exceptional athlete with very good awareness. His quickness in going from snapping to power run blocking is rare, and he plays with a menace the Dawg Pound cherishes. Mack is in the final year of his contract, which typically portends a strong outing to try and lure a fat new contract, something the Browns will certainly take care of in time.
The three youngsters are Jason Pinkston at left guard, Shawn Lauvao at right guard, and Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle. Lauvao is entering his third season, Pinkston his second, and Schwartz was the secod round pick this past April. All three projected best as right tackles when coming out of college, but both Lauvao and Pinkston have made the transition with reasonable amounts of success. Lauvao was solid in pass protection but showed little range in run blocking, which is not uncommon for a player converting from tackle; expect him to take a step forward this year, particularly if right tackle is less of an issue than a year ago, when Tony Pashos was overmatched. Lauvao might be one of the strongest players in the league, and when he gets his shoulders squared to the defender, the defender is done. Pinkston steadily improved and was really pushing people around in the run game late in his rookie season. He has suckled at the teat of former stud Lecharles Bentley and with Thomas as well, and it shows, but he must improve his footwork. Schwartz has solid lineage (his brother Geoff plays for the Vikings and is a good Twitter follow) and displayed excellent technique during his days at Cal. He more than held his own against a very strong group of pass rushers during Senior Bowl week, and he exudes a high football IQ. This starting five could be very good, very quickly.
O-Neil Cousins figures to be the third tackle once again, a role he held last year reasonably well. He was better than Pashos at RT when given the chance, but is best used in small doses. John Greco also returns as the top inside depth guy, able to play guard or center. Rookie sixth rounder Ryan Miller is the best bet to be the eighth lineman. The alleged plan is to the college tackle at guard, though he is awfully tall and angular to play inside. Local product Dominic Alford received praise for his early work and factors in the depth mix as well.
Defense:
2011 Ranks
Rushing: 30th
Passing: 2nd
3rd Down: 24th
Scoring: 5th
The best of those three is Greg Little, who quickly assumed the mantle of #1 receiver in his rookie year. His 61 receptions for just over 700 yards are decent numbers for a rookie, but far from what a top-notch wideout can produce. Considering the Browns could have had Julio Jones and his 959 yards and eight TDs (Little had just two), the context of his output tells you a great deal about the moribund state of the passing game. Little has decent size and good physical strength, a tough wideout to push off line. He is feisty and confident but lacks elite speed and tends to gear down to change direction. The hope is that Weeden and his stronger arm and better protection will allow him to run deeper routes and improve upon his 11.2 yards per catch average, a reasonable expectation. A full offseason in the system and improvement around him should allow little to hit the 75 catch, 925 yard, 6 TD marks with upside for more if the rest of the offense clicks. But he will need better play from his WR mates to make that happen.
The most likely improvement will come from fourth round rookie Travis Benjamin, who really opened eyes in OTAs with his explosion off the line and ability to catch anything near him. He was neither consistent nor prolific at Miami, though he certainly showed great speed and open field shiftiness despite being slight. At worst he will be the primary slot receiver, and his skills are not that divergent from Randall Cobb or Jordan Shipley, two other recent middle-round draftees that have performed well in the NFL. Learning to keep his focus and mastering the offense, both of which were major problems for Benjamin at The U, are legitimate detriments to early success, but maturity and responsibility could make him an unexpected rookie blossom. He will be given every opportunity to do so.
Mohammad Massaquoi, one of the other second round picks (from 2009) gets one more chance to prove he can stay healthy and contribute. His last two seasons have both been marred with concussions, though his three seasons have produced fairly consistent results: about 35 catches, 450 yards, 2 TDs with the vast majority of the work done between 8 and 12 yards with little threat after the catch. That is simply not good enough for a No. 2 receiver and he will have to show more very quickly if he wishes to stay in that role. Jordan Norwood lacks the size of Massaquoi, but plays much faster and finished last season impressively. If he can build on that finish, the latter's days could be numbered. Josh Cribbs is still far more important on special teams than the base offense, though he did catch 41 passes and his versatility makes him the only Browns receiver that can dictate defensive adjustments. He could easily supplant Massaquoi on the depth chart. Carlton Mitchell has one last shot to prove he is a NFL talent, something he has yet to demonstrate in his two seasons. He has the size and speed to make it, but thus far has not shown it translates. Undrafted rookie Josh Cooper, a teammate of Weeden at Oklahoma State, looked great in early activities and could wind up seeing game action.
*Just before submitting this preview, the Browns used their 2013 second round pick in the supplemental draft on former Baylor wideout Josh Gordon. It is at least two rounds higher than I would have selected him, but Gordon has an intriguing package of size, speed, and strength. It is an extremely raw package, however, and one that has not played since 2010.
The Browns look better than that at tight end, where they have three legit weapons. None of them are premier players but all can be solid contributors as receivers. Evan Moore started strong but quickly tailed off. He is a safety valve type of receiver with great length and strong hands, and he has enough awareness and agility to be a good red zone threat. Moore is not noted for being much of a blocker. Ben Watson is the veteran of the group, and his status is clouded by numerous concussions that he suffered in the last couple of years. Watson can line up in line or flexed out and is the best blocker of the group, but again he must demonstrate he is physically right before being counted on for much production. Jordan Cameron remains a work in progress, a converted basketball player with tremendous athletic ability but little football experience. He did show tangible progress late in the year, and a full offseason and a stronger-armed QB could allow him to blossom. Consider him a deep sleeper, though I suspect he will have his breakout campaign in 2013. Veteran Alex Smith is also still around, giving the Browns four legit NFL tight ends. Smith would be the best blocking specialist of the bunch should they elect to keep four tight ends.
OL: The starting five are set, with three youngsters filling in around two excellent veterans. Left tackle Joe Thomas is the best in the game, a devastating force as both a run blocker and in pass protection. He will occasionally get beat with a good outside-in move, but Thomas is an absolute bedrock performer. Center Alex Mack is one of the best at his position as well, an exceptional athlete with very good awareness. His quickness in going from snapping to power run blocking is rare, and he plays with a menace the Dawg Pound cherishes. Mack is in the final year of his contract, which typically portends a strong outing to try and lure a fat new contract, something the Browns will certainly take care of in time.
The three youngsters are Jason Pinkston at left guard, Shawn Lauvao at right guard, and Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle. Lauvao is entering his third season, Pinkston his second, and Schwartz was the secod round pick this past April. All three projected best as right tackles when coming out of college, but both Lauvao and Pinkston have made the transition with reasonable amounts of success. Lauvao was solid in pass protection but showed little range in run blocking, which is not uncommon for a player converting from tackle; expect him to take a step forward this year, particularly if right tackle is less of an issue than a year ago, when Tony Pashos was overmatched. Lauvao might be one of the strongest players in the league, and when he gets his shoulders squared to the defender, the defender is done. Pinkston steadily improved and was really pushing people around in the run game late in his rookie season. He has suckled at the teat of former stud Lecharles Bentley and with Thomas as well, and it shows, but he must improve his footwork. Schwartz has solid lineage (his brother Geoff plays for the Vikings and is a good Twitter follow) and displayed excellent technique during his days at Cal. He more than held his own against a very strong group of pass rushers during Senior Bowl week, and he exudes a high football IQ. This starting five could be very good, very quickly.
O-Neil Cousins figures to be the third tackle once again, a role he held last year reasonably well. He was better than Pashos at RT when given the chance, but is best used in small doses. John Greco also returns as the top inside depth guy, able to play guard or center. Rookie sixth rounder Ryan Miller is the best bet to be the eighth lineman. The alleged plan is to the college tackle at guard, though he is awfully tall and angular to play inside. Local product Dominic Alford received praise for his early work and factors in the depth mix as well.
Defense:
2011 Ranks
Rushing: 30th
Passing: 2nd
3rd Down: 24th
Scoring: 5th
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 14, 2012 10:47pm
DL: This unit took a big hit when Phil Taylor went down in the offseason with a torn pec, which will wipe out at least most of his second season after a very promising rookie campaign. Taylor was a dynamic force inside, which helped fellow tackle Athyba Rubin to really blossom into a Pro Bowl caliber player. Now Rubin will handle the inside as the feature performer and have to deal with his higher profile after wreaking havoc for 83 tackles and 5 sacks, both huge numbers for a DT in this scheme. It speaks to his athletic usage of his considerable bulk and strength and his ability to use his hands to keep blockers from getting into his pads cleanly. Without Taylor and his 4 sacks collapsing the pocket from the other gap, look for the numbers of Rubin to decline a little but still be very strong.
Filling the shoes of Taylor will be the outcome of a crowded camp battle between a host of youngsters. Scott Paxton has the early edge because he played some last year as a rookie UDFA and looked strong against the Steelers. The Browns also have a pair of rookies that will factor in the rotation in third rounder John Hughes and sixth rounder Billy Winn. Hughes was a surprise in being drafted that high, as he did not do a lot at Cincinnati. He is more of a run-stuffing gap clogger, though he does have a good sense of finding the ball and knows how to wiggle into a seam from time to time. Winn surprisingly fell after entering the 2011 college season with alleged first round potential. He is more of a pass rusher but is a DT/DE tweener that will have to display better toughness and tenacity to make it inside. He does offer potential as a heavy DE in passing downs if Paxson or holdover Brain Schaefering can show some spark inside. Needless to say, they're going to miss Taylor a lot.
Jabaal Sheard impressed as a rookie pass rushing end. His 8.5 sacks got widely overlooked compared to the great Von Miller and Aldon Smith outputs, but Sheard showed plenty of legit pass rushing juice in his first season. His first step is very good but it is his second step that really gets him to the QB; he is excellent at generating burst off his initial step, which allows him to beat the tackle reaction to that first move. Sheard flattens around the edge quickly and closes with real burst. His five forced fumbles were a welcome addition to a defense that lacked a lot of play-makers. Looking to upgrade the other (right) side, the Browns signed former Bengal Frostee Rucker. What really attracted the Browns to Rucker is that he plays the run on the way to rushing the passer, as teams continually gashed the Browns with big gains on draws and screens right at that spot a year ago. He might not get more than 3.5 sacks but should aid the run defense. Rucker has enough bulk to slide inside on passing downs and allow another free agent acquisition, Juqua Parker, to take over at end. Parker is a more accomplished pass rusher with good speed, though he fell off last year in Philly and at 34 years old he could very well be done. At least the Browns only gave him a reasonable one-year deal to see if he has anything left.
LB: D-Qwell Jackson finally got healthy and showed the world he is one of the best inside backers in the game. Jackson flew all over the field, racking up a league-leading 158 tackles. That figure includes 116 solo tackles, which on its own would rank Jackson in the top 10 overall in total tackles. He chipped in 3.5 sacks despite not blitzing a great deal, and was also solid in coverage within the first 10 yards. That effort saw Jackson rewarded with a new 5 year, $42M contract.
The outside backers do not bring much play-making to the table but are solid veterans. Chris Gocong matched the sack total of Jackson and held his own when asked to cover backs. He is the most natural pass rusher of the group and can play a hybrid DE/LB role, but he can get overwhelmed in run support. Scott Fujita fills the role of consummate professional, though his hold on that title is tenuous thanks to his involvement in the Bountygate scandal during his Saints days. He will sit out the first three games in suspension from that ugliness, and at his age (33) and considering he has missed at least 5 games in each of the last three seasons, expecting another 50 tackle season might be asking too much for Fujita. Kaluka Maiava will likely fill in during the suspension, and there is a dropoff. Maiava is smaller than some safeties. Fourth rounder James Michael Johnson could move outside even though he played in the middle at Nevada. He is bigger and a little quicker laterally than Maiava and impressed in early OTAs with his ability to quickly diagnose and react to the play. Another rookie, Emmanuel Acho, is the only notable other depth at outside backer.
Secondary: Joe Haden is emerging as one of the best cover men in the league, taking a nice step forward in his second year. Critics who only read box scores like to point out that he did not pick off any passes, therefore he had a bad season, but that could not be further from the truth. The team would love for him to make more plays on balls in the air, but his positional coverage and instincts are top shelf quality. Haden did get victimized at times from being overaggressive (see the A.J. Green game-winning TD), but he is a legit #1 corner. Haden is also excellent in run support, a smart wrap tackler. Veteran Sheldon Brown helped tutor him last year and returns as the opposite starter. The best days of Brown are behind him, but he still plays with great savvy and passion. He has lost a step, however, and his role could diminish. That is especially true if Buster Skrine steps up in his second year. The small-school speedster looked in over his head at times during his rookie season, but he should be better acclimated to the level of competition this year. He lacks the physicality and enthusiasm of Brown for run support. Those qualities could actually allow Brown to transition to safety if new secondary coach Tim Hauck thinks it will help his unit.
The top play-making safety from last year, Mike Adams, left as a free agent after the Browns showed little interest in bringing him back. A lot of that has to do with the development of Eric Haag and the return to health of T.J. Ward, which figures to be the starting tandem. Ward was very good as an in-the-box thumper as a rookie in 2010 but lost half of last season to a foot injury which may or may not be fully healed, depending on with whom you talk. His absence was not notable in coverage but the run defense lost a lot of its teeth with Ward gone, and his physical presence also set a tone for receivers coming across the middle. If he can get back to his rookie form, the overall defense gets a lot better. Haag impressed the coaches with his quick play recognition and range and will be given every chance to win a starting job. Usama Young will be the third safety, even though he is ostensibly competing for a starting job with Haag. Young and barely ordinary corner Dmitri Patterson are the extra DBs when opposing teams use pass-heavy sets. The unit as a whole lacks great speed outside of Skrine, who can absolutely fly.
Special Teams: Josh Cribbs remains a special team star, though that star has lost a little luster the past couple of seasons as he is been more integrated into the base offense. Still, there is no better all-around special teams player in the league. He excels on coverage units and remains an above-average punt and kick return man, though he has just one TD return the past two seasons. Kicker Phil Dawson is also quite good, with strong range and good work on kickoffs. The punting spot has been a revolving door since Dave Zastudil got hurt a few years back. Reggie Hodges gets his job back after missing all of last year with a torn Achilles. He was excellent in 2010 but that is a pretty nasty injury for someone who makes a living with his legs. The coverage units outside of Cribbs are also solid. Christian Yount took over at long snapper midway through last season when previous bedrock Ryan Pontbriand suffered an inexplicable slump.
Filling the shoes of Taylor will be the outcome of a crowded camp battle between a host of youngsters. Scott Paxton has the early edge because he played some last year as a rookie UDFA and looked strong against the Steelers. The Browns also have a pair of rookies that will factor in the rotation in third rounder John Hughes and sixth rounder Billy Winn. Hughes was a surprise in being drafted that high, as he did not do a lot at Cincinnati. He is more of a run-stuffing gap clogger, though he does have a good sense of finding the ball and knows how to wiggle into a seam from time to time. Winn surprisingly fell after entering the 2011 college season with alleged first round potential. He is more of a pass rusher but is a DT/DE tweener that will have to display better toughness and tenacity to make it inside. He does offer potential as a heavy DE in passing downs if Paxson or holdover Brain Schaefering can show some spark inside. Needless to say, they're going to miss Taylor a lot.
Jabaal Sheard impressed as a rookie pass rushing end. His 8.5 sacks got widely overlooked compared to the great Von Miller and Aldon Smith outputs, but Sheard showed plenty of legit pass rushing juice in his first season. His first step is very good but it is his second step that really gets him to the QB; he is excellent at generating burst off his initial step, which allows him to beat the tackle reaction to that first move. Sheard flattens around the edge quickly and closes with real burst. His five forced fumbles were a welcome addition to a defense that lacked a lot of play-makers. Looking to upgrade the other (right) side, the Browns signed former Bengal Frostee Rucker. What really attracted the Browns to Rucker is that he plays the run on the way to rushing the passer, as teams continually gashed the Browns with big gains on draws and screens right at that spot a year ago. He might not get more than 3.5 sacks but should aid the run defense. Rucker has enough bulk to slide inside on passing downs and allow another free agent acquisition, Juqua Parker, to take over at end. Parker is a more accomplished pass rusher with good speed, though he fell off last year in Philly and at 34 years old he could very well be done. At least the Browns only gave him a reasonable one-year deal to see if he has anything left.
LB: D-Qwell Jackson finally got healthy and showed the world he is one of the best inside backers in the game. Jackson flew all over the field, racking up a league-leading 158 tackles. That figure includes 116 solo tackles, which on its own would rank Jackson in the top 10 overall in total tackles. He chipped in 3.5 sacks despite not blitzing a great deal, and was also solid in coverage within the first 10 yards. That effort saw Jackson rewarded with a new 5 year, $42M contract.
The outside backers do not bring much play-making to the table but are solid veterans. Chris Gocong matched the sack total of Jackson and held his own when asked to cover backs. He is the most natural pass rusher of the group and can play a hybrid DE/LB role, but he can get overwhelmed in run support. Scott Fujita fills the role of consummate professional, though his hold on that title is tenuous thanks to his involvement in the Bountygate scandal during his Saints days. He will sit out the first three games in suspension from that ugliness, and at his age (33) and considering he has missed at least 5 games in each of the last three seasons, expecting another 50 tackle season might be asking too much for Fujita. Kaluka Maiava will likely fill in during the suspension, and there is a dropoff. Maiava is smaller than some safeties. Fourth rounder James Michael Johnson could move outside even though he played in the middle at Nevada. He is bigger and a little quicker laterally than Maiava and impressed in early OTAs with his ability to quickly diagnose and react to the play. Another rookie, Emmanuel Acho, is the only notable other depth at outside backer.
Secondary: Joe Haden is emerging as one of the best cover men in the league, taking a nice step forward in his second year. Critics who only read box scores like to point out that he did not pick off any passes, therefore he had a bad season, but that could not be further from the truth. The team would love for him to make more plays on balls in the air, but his positional coverage and instincts are top shelf quality. Haden did get victimized at times from being overaggressive (see the A.J. Green game-winning TD), but he is a legit #1 corner. Haden is also excellent in run support, a smart wrap tackler. Veteran Sheldon Brown helped tutor him last year and returns as the opposite starter. The best days of Brown are behind him, but he still plays with great savvy and passion. He has lost a step, however, and his role could diminish. That is especially true if Buster Skrine steps up in his second year. The small-school speedster looked in over his head at times during his rookie season, but he should be better acclimated to the level of competition this year. He lacks the physicality and enthusiasm of Brown for run support. Those qualities could actually allow Brown to transition to safety if new secondary coach Tim Hauck thinks it will help his unit.
The top play-making safety from last year, Mike Adams, left as a free agent after the Browns showed little interest in bringing him back. A lot of that has to do with the development of Eric Haag and the return to health of T.J. Ward, which figures to be the starting tandem. Ward was very good as an in-the-box thumper as a rookie in 2010 but lost half of last season to a foot injury which may or may not be fully healed, depending on with whom you talk. His absence was not notable in coverage but the run defense lost a lot of its teeth with Ward gone, and his physical presence also set a tone for receivers coming across the middle. If he can get back to his rookie form, the overall defense gets a lot better. Haag impressed the coaches with his quick play recognition and range and will be given every chance to win a starting job. Usama Young will be the third safety, even though he is ostensibly competing for a starting job with Haag. Young and barely ordinary corner Dmitri Patterson are the extra DBs when opposing teams use pass-heavy sets. The unit as a whole lacks great speed outside of Skrine, who can absolutely fly.
Special Teams: Josh Cribbs remains a special team star, though that star has lost a little luster the past couple of seasons as he is been more integrated into the base offense. Still, there is no better all-around special teams player in the league. He excels on coverage units and remains an above-average punt and kick return man, though he has just one TD return the past two seasons. Kicker Phil Dawson is also quite good, with strong range and good work on kickoffs. The punting spot has been a revolving door since Dave Zastudil got hurt a few years back. Reggie Hodges gets his job back after missing all of last year with a torn Achilles. He was excellent in 2010 but that is a pretty nasty injury for someone who makes a living with his legs. The coverage units outside of Cribbs are also solid. Christian Yount took over at long snapper midway through last season when previous bedrock Ryan Pontbriand suffered an inexplicable slump.
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 14, 2012 10:48pm
Coaching: Pat Shurmur enters his second season with an imperative to win quickly. Losing nine of their last 10 games and scoring more than two touchdowns just twice in that span has made the seat of Shurmur uncomfortably warm. He realized his mistake of not having a full time Offensive Coordinator and hired former Vikings Coach Brad Childress in the role, a move that should boost the offense while allowing Shurmur to manage the team more efficiently. Both men are acolytes of Team President Mike Holmgren, whose tenure could be ending via retirement or wholesale culture change sooner than later. Another former head coach, Dick Jauron, did a strong job with the defense, which transitioned from a 3-man front to a 4-3 scheme and improved. Jauron has been an interim coach in the past and if the team bombs early -- a distinct possibility -- he could get that role again.
Breakout player: Buster Skrine. The second-year corner will greatly benefit from a full offseason of work and familiarity with the system. Skrine will prove he can run hip to hip with the fastest receivers and will hold his own while seeing loads of action across from Joe Haden.
Forecast: There is part of me that feels bullish about this team. I like Weeden to upgrade the pathetic passing game and Richardson to prove worth trading up to No. 3 overall. The offense will be better, and the defense is strongly underrated. But they are in a division where they will be lucky to win one game against their foes, and with so many young and inexperienced players in so many key roles, it will be difficult to win a lot of games. I do think the Browns will surpass the four wins they accumulated last season, and if the new toys on offense can produce consistently an eight win season is not out of the question. The forecast here is for real progress but an underwhelming 6-10 record, including another winless slog through the AFC North.
Read more: http://football.realgm.com/src_teamarticle/764/20120723/2012_season_preview_cleveland_browns/#ixzz23ZyuXc1H
Breakout player: Buster Skrine. The second-year corner will greatly benefit from a full offseason of work and familiarity with the system. Skrine will prove he can run hip to hip with the fastest receivers and will hold his own while seeing loads of action across from Joe Haden.
Forecast: There is part of me that feels bullish about this team. I like Weeden to upgrade the pathetic passing game and Richardson to prove worth trading up to No. 3 overall. The offense will be better, and the defense is strongly underrated. But they are in a division where they will be lucky to win one game against their foes, and with so many young and inexperienced players in so many key roles, it will be difficult to win a lot of games. I do think the Browns will surpass the four wins they accumulated last season, and if the new toys on offense can produce consistently an eight win season is not out of the question. The forecast here is for real progress but an underwhelming 6-10 record, including another winless slog through the AFC North.
Read more: http://football.realgm.com/src_teamarticle/764/20120723/2012_season_preview_cleveland_browns/#ixzz23ZyuXc1H
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
Aug 14, 2012 10:55pm
Jabaal Sheard growing as a leader on the Cleveland Browns defense
Published: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 4:49 PM Updated: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 5:07 PM
By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJabaal Sheard, the Browns' second-year defensive end, has overcome a brush with the law in college to be a leader on the defense. "It's scary when you get put in that situation and don't know if you will be able to play anymore," he said. "If you are given another opportunity you better make the best of it. As bad as it was, I think it almost helped me in the end."
BEREA, Ohio -- When police arrested Browns defensive lineman Kiante Tripp last month along with two others in connection with a suburban Atlanta burglary, one of the first people to contact Tripp was Jabaal Sheard.
Other teammates pledged their support to Tripp, who maintains his innocence as the legal process unfurls, but it was Sheard's words that offered the most reassurance.
"I just told him to keep your head up and stay focused on football while the other stuff runs its course," the defensive end said.
The 23-year-old Sheard knows what it's like to sit in a jail cell mulling an uncertain future because of a lapse in judgment. He didn't need an NFL Rookie Symposium to understand what could be lost when your ego does the thinking for the rest of your brain.
Two summers ago, the unassuming Sheard drew attention for his role in a late-night fight that saw him charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct prior to his senior season at Pittsburgh. What began, he said, as an attempt to aid a teammate ended with police striking him with a baton as Sheard allegedly hurled a man through a glass door of a Pittsburgh art gallery.
It's a bizarre episode that friends say was out of character for a kid who once ran into a burning building to help save a stranger's life. Sheard has overcome the negative publicity surrounding his arrest to validate the faith the Browns demonstrated by taking him No. 37 in the 2011 NFL Draft.
A season after recording the second-most sacks by a Browns rookie, the dread-locked lineman said the humbling experience has made him a more focused, hungry player. He's also used it as a teaching tool, occasionally speaking to kids about the consequences of their decisions and need to be accountable to those around them.
The Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on Day 13 of training camp in Berea as the Browns prepare for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Watch video
"You learn what's at risk in your life in moments like that," he said. "I'm sitting in there thinking how I've let down my teammates and coaches. It's scary when you get put in that situation and don't know if you will be able to play anymore. If you are given another opportunity you better make the best of it.
"As bad as it was, I think it almost helped me in the end."
Sheard's tale is one of many that general managers like the Browns' Tom Heckert must unravel and examine when deciding whether to select a player with a red flag in his personal file. Such football forensics have taken on added import in the Roger Goodell era. The commissioner has placed an elevated emphasis on good conduct, suspending second-string linebackers and Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks for straying from it.
Heckert's first two picks in the 2011 draft -- defensive tackle Phil Taylor and Sheard -- each had character issues in college. Neither player was a problem last season in becoming the first rookie defensive linemates to start all 16 games in the same year since Tampa Bay's Santana Dotson and Mark Wheeler in 1992.
"We talked to a lot of people and were comfortable with what we found out," Heckert said. "We couldn't find anyone to say anything bad about Jabaal."
The GM knew the charges against Sheard had been reduced to disorderly conduct, a finable offense. He also was aware Sheard had publicly apologized to teammates who weeks later would vote him a captain.
"We did it because of how hard he works," said former Pitt teammate Antwuan Reed, a defensive back trying to make the Browns as an undrafted free agent. "We saw a guy who had learned from his mistake and had become a leader by example."
Heckert worked under then-Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt when they were together with the Miami Dolphins. Wannstedt assured Heckert the fight was an isolated incident -- Sheard was temporarily suspended pending an investigation -- and reminded him the lineman rebounded to win Big East Defensive Player of Year honors despite bone chips in his right elbow.
Wannstedt could not be reached for comment through the Buffalo Bills, where he's now the defensive coordinator.
View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBaltimore QB Joe Flacco can testify to Sheard's effectiveness in 2011. As a rookie, Sheard led the Browns with five forced fumbles and 8.5 sacks.
Sheard spoke to Heckert about the scrap at the 2011 combine. He entered the altercation as a peacemaker, he said, but became enraged after getting punched in the back of the head. Contrary to published reports at the time, Sheard said, both he and man he fought fell through the glass door.
Heckert doesn't condone the action, but admits he liked the fact Sheard got involved to stick up for a teammate. As he combed the lineman's history, he discovered it wasn't the first time Sheard had injected himself into harm's way.
As an 11-year-old, he and three friends broke into a burning house in their Hollywood, Fla., neighborhood to see if anyone was in danger. The kids had called police before entering the home, where fire fighters rescued an elderly woman. Sheard and his buddies were honored for their deeds and later given rides on a fire truck.
A certificate still hangs from a wall in his mother's home.
"You are just a kid and you're trying to help out," Sheard said. "As you get older you realize it's a big thing to save a life."
He knows his two most noteworthy encounters with authority stand oddly juxtaposed. The late-night altercation in Pittsburgh still bothers him because he lost control of his emotions.
"You've got to check your ego," Sheard said. "Sometimes you let your ego get involved. I let it get the best of me in that situation."
Since joining the Browns, the only place where he's been a disruptive force is in the opponent's backfield. He progressively improved last season after switching from right to left end. Sheard led the Browns with five forced fumbles and 8.5 sacks. Kamerion Wimbley owns the franchise rookie record for sacks (11) set in 2006.
The Browns have drafted few effective pass rushers, but the 6-foot-2, 255-pound Sheard is tacking in that direction with a combination of speed and explosiveness. He finished last season with six sacks in his last seven games.
"He has a lot of different moves," Cincinnati Bengals offensive linemen Andre Smith said. "There is some quickness and speed there, but also some real good power for a guy his size."
Sheard is not satisfied. He wants to increase his sack production while also developing into a better run stopper on a team which was 30th against the rush in 2011. Better discipline in gap containment will help, he said.
"I've already seen a big jump from where he was last year to this year," All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Thomas said. "He's definitely got a lot more confidence and he's more stout against the run. It's going to be fun to watch him in his second season. I think he has a lot more potential and the sky is the limit."
Tripp appreciates the intangibles Sheard brings. The two linemen sit next to each other in the locker room and Sheard has proven invaluable as Tripp looks to get burglary and firearm possession charges dropped.
"It's good to have somebody on your side who knows what's you're going through," Tripp said. "We talk all the time and Jabaal keeps me focused on football."
Sheard prefers to save the drama for Sundays.
Published: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 4:49 PM Updated: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 5:07 PM
By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJabaal Sheard, the Browns' second-year defensive end, has overcome a brush with the law in college to be a leader on the defense. "It's scary when you get put in that situation and don't know if you will be able to play anymore," he said. "If you are given another opportunity you better make the best of it. As bad as it was, I think it almost helped me in the end." 
BEREA, Ohio -- When police arrested Browns defensive lineman Kiante Tripp last month along with two others in connection with a suburban Atlanta burglary, one of the first people to contact Tripp was Jabaal Sheard.
Other teammates pledged their support to Tripp, who maintains his innocence as the legal process unfurls, but it was Sheard's words that offered the most reassurance.
"I just told him to keep your head up and stay focused on football while the other stuff runs its course," the defensive end said.
The 23-year-old Sheard knows what it's like to sit in a jail cell mulling an uncertain future because of a lapse in judgment. He didn't need an NFL Rookie Symposium to understand what could be lost when your ego does the thinking for the rest of your brain.
Two summers ago, the unassuming Sheard drew attention for his role in a late-night fight that saw him charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct prior to his senior season at Pittsburgh. What began, he said, as an attempt to aid a teammate ended with police striking him with a baton as Sheard allegedly hurled a man through a glass door of a Pittsburgh art gallery.
It's a bizarre episode that friends say was out of character for a kid who once ran into a burning building to help save a stranger's life. Sheard has overcome the negative publicity surrounding his arrest to validate the faith the Browns demonstrated by taking him No. 37 in the 2011 NFL Draft.
A season after recording the second-most sacks by a Browns rookie, the dread-locked lineman said the humbling experience has made him a more focused, hungry player. He's also used it as a teaching tool, occasionally speaking to kids about the consequences of their decisions and need to be accountable to those around them.
The Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on Day 13 of training camp in Berea as the Browns prepare for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Watch video
"You learn what's at risk in your life in moments like that," he said. "I'm sitting in there thinking how I've let down my teammates and coaches. It's scary when you get put in that situation and don't know if you will be able to play anymore. If you are given another opportunity you better make the best of it.
"As bad as it was, I think it almost helped me in the end."
Sheard's tale is one of many that general managers like the Browns' Tom Heckert must unravel and examine when deciding whether to select a player with a red flag in his personal file. Such football forensics have taken on added import in the Roger Goodell era. The commissioner has placed an elevated emphasis on good conduct, suspending second-string linebackers and Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks for straying from it.
Heckert's first two picks in the 2011 draft -- defensive tackle Phil Taylor and Sheard -- each had character issues in college. Neither player was a problem last season in becoming the first rookie defensive linemates to start all 16 games in the same year since Tampa Bay's Santana Dotson and Mark Wheeler in 1992.
"We talked to a lot of people and were comfortable with what we found out," Heckert said. "We couldn't find anyone to say anything bad about Jabaal."
The GM knew the charges against Sheard had been reduced to disorderly conduct, a finable offense. He also was aware Sheard had publicly apologized to teammates who weeks later would vote him a captain.
"We did it because of how hard he works," said former Pitt teammate Antwuan Reed, a defensive back trying to make the Browns as an undrafted free agent. "We saw a guy who had learned from his mistake and had become a leader by example."
Heckert worked under then-Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt when they were together with the Miami Dolphins. Wannstedt assured Heckert the fight was an isolated incident -- Sheard was temporarily suspended pending an investigation -- and reminded him the lineman rebounded to win Big East Defensive Player of Year honors despite bone chips in his right elbow.
Wannstedt could not be reached for comment through the Buffalo Bills, where he's now the defensive coordinator.
View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBaltimore QB Joe Flacco can testify to Sheard's effectiveness in 2011. As a rookie, Sheard led the Browns with five forced fumbles and 8.5 sacks. 
Sheard spoke to Heckert about the scrap at the 2011 combine. He entered the altercation as a peacemaker, he said, but became enraged after getting punched in the back of the head. Contrary to published reports at the time, Sheard said, both he and man he fought fell through the glass door.
Heckert doesn't condone the action, but admits he liked the fact Sheard got involved to stick up for a teammate. As he combed the lineman's history, he discovered it wasn't the first time Sheard had injected himself into harm's way.
As an 11-year-old, he and three friends broke into a burning house in their Hollywood, Fla., neighborhood to see if anyone was in danger. The kids had called police before entering the home, where fire fighters rescued an elderly woman. Sheard and his buddies were honored for their deeds and later given rides on a fire truck.
A certificate still hangs from a wall in his mother's home.
"You are just a kid and you're trying to help out," Sheard said. "As you get older you realize it's a big thing to save a life."
He knows his two most noteworthy encounters with authority stand oddly juxtaposed. The late-night altercation in Pittsburgh still bothers him because he lost control of his emotions.
"You've got to check your ego," Sheard said. "Sometimes you let your ego get involved. I let it get the best of me in that situation."
Since joining the Browns, the only place where he's been a disruptive force is in the opponent's backfield. He progressively improved last season after switching from right to left end. Sheard led the Browns with five forced fumbles and 8.5 sacks. Kamerion Wimbley owns the franchise rookie record for sacks (11) set in 2006.
The Browns have drafted few effective pass rushers, but the 6-foot-2, 255-pound Sheard is tacking in that direction with a combination of speed and explosiveness. He finished last season with six sacks in his last seven games.
"He has a lot of different moves," Cincinnati Bengals offensive linemen Andre Smith said. "There is some quickness and speed there, but also some real good power for a guy his size."
Sheard is not satisfied. He wants to increase his sack production while also developing into a better run stopper on a team which was 30th against the rush in 2011. Better discipline in gap containment will help, he said.
"I've already seen a big jump from where he was last year to this year," All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Thomas said. "He's definitely got a lot more confidence and he's more stout against the run. It's going to be fun to watch him in his second season. I think he has a lot more potential and the sky is the limit."
Tripp appreciates the intangibles Sheard brings. The two linemen sit next to each other in the locker room and Sheard has proven invaluable as Tripp looks to get burglary and firearm possession charges dropped.
"It's good to have somebody on your side who knows what's you're going through," Tripp said. "We talk all the time and Jabaal keeps me focused on football."
Sheard prefers to save the drama for Sundays.
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BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 15, 2012 7:51am
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Footwedge
Posts: 9,265
Aug 15, 2012 8:34pm
I like reading Browns articles, but that one up above was wayyyyy tl;dr.
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Sonofanump
Aug 15, 2012 10:49pm
No.SportsAndLady;1247071 wrote:Hey can you give us some more info on refereeing? I'm so tuned in when you grace us with your rules knowledge!
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BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 16, 2012 5:19am
Good read on Weeden expectations...
http://www.cleveland.com/budshaw/index.ssf/2012/08/browns_fans_expectations_for_b.html
http://www.cleveland.com/budshaw/index.ssf/2012/08/browns_fans_expectations_for_b.html
shook_17
Posts: 3,023
Aug 16, 2012 6:45am
I'm excited for the game tonight. id like to see weeden look better obviously, I'm looking for the oline to step it up, they are def going to have a good match up against their 3-4 defense. Also looking for a good ground game tonight, are the packers expected to play their starts the whole first half like us or not?
what are you guys looking to see?
EDIT: james harrison had a knee procedure done. hopefully that piece of shit misses some time.
what are you guys looking to see?
EDIT: james harrison had a knee procedure done. hopefully that piece of shit misses some time.
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BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 16, 2012 8:30am
Just want to see improvement in the offense overall. The defense? Meh...until the regulars are back on the field the defense will look like crap, imo.shook_17;1248213 wrote:I'm excited for the game tonight. id like to see weeden look better obviously, I'm looking for the oline to step it up, they are def going to have a good match up against their 3-4 defense. Also looking for a good ground game tonight, are the packers expected to play their starts the whole first half like us or not?
what are you guys looking to see?
EDIT: james harrison had a knee procedure done. hopefully that piece of shit misses some time.
SportsAndLady
Posts: 35,632
Aug 16, 2012 8:35am
This. The defense will be fine--probably not top 10 good, but they'll be okay this season. The offense, they're just a mystery right now. They could be awful (probably this) or pretty good. There's no telling right now how this offense will play.BR1986FB;1248248 wrote:Just want to see improvement in the offense overall. The defense? Meh...until the regulars are back on the field the defense will look like crap, imo.
shook_17
Posts: 3,023
Aug 16, 2012 11:26am
http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/08/16/mularkeys-donations-for-no-td-dance-shot-at-mjd/?module=HP11_headline_stack
i like mularkeys thinking here. nice little read.
i like mularkeys thinking here. nice little read.
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BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 16, 2012 12:01pm
I love who the first player was that they quoted in that article. I doubt he'll be handing too many balls to the ref. :laugh:shook_17;1248385 wrote:http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/08/16/mularkeys-donations-for-no-td-dance-shot-at-mjd/?module=HP11_headline_stack
i like mularkeys thinking here. nice little read.
Crimson streak
Posts: 9,002
Aug 16, 2012 12:09pm
BR1986FB;1248427 wrote:I love who the first player was that they quoted in that article. I doubt he'll be handing too many balls to the ref. :laugh:
I lol'd I don't think he has to worry about that. He can't catch a single pass let alone a td pass
derek bomar
Posts: 3,722
Aug 16, 2012 12:15pm
[URL="http://2.%20Trent%20Richardson%20is%20doomed.%20You%20can%20hear%20the%20desperation%20when%20the%20Browns%20tell%20you%20that%20their%20new%20rookie%20running%20back%20will%20be%20back%20in%20time%20from%20surgery%20to%20start%20the%20season.%20They%20so%20urgently%20want%20you%20to%20believe%20that,%20but%20you%20and%20I%20know%20better.%20You%20and%20I%20know%20that%20the%20Browns%20locker%20room%20is%20a%20haven%20of%20filth%20and%20disease%20matched%20only%20by%20the%20outdoor%20toilets%20of%20central%20Mumbai."][/URL]http://deadspin.com/5934929/why-your-team-sucks-2012-cleveland-browns
I lol'd at this comment:
2. Trent Richardson is doomed. You can hear the desperation when the Browns tell you that their new rookie running back will be back in time from surgery to start the season. They so urgently want you to believe that, but you and I know better. You and I know that the Browns locker room is a haven of filth and disease matched only by the outdoor toilets of central Mumbai.
I lol'd at this comment:
2. Trent Richardson is doomed. You can hear the desperation when the Browns tell you that their new rookie running back will be back in time from surgery to start the season. They so urgently want you to believe that, but you and I know better. You and I know that the Browns locker room is a haven of filth and disease matched only by the outdoor toilets of central Mumbai.
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BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 16, 2012 12:47pm
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BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 16, 2012 1:03pm
"Josh Cribbs bragging that he was the Browns 2nd leading receiver last year is like Moe bragging that he was the smartest of the 3 stooges."- The Plain Dealer, 8/16/12
OneBuckeye
Posts: 5,888
Aug 16, 2012 1:13pm
I always thought Trent was a risk. With his extreme training sessions dating back to his high school powerlifting days his knees will not last forever. I'm sure he will come back and be a stud this year, but there could be constant issues with his knees IMO. I doubt he has more than 5 productive years as a RB. But most RB's rarely have more anyway.
Mulva
Posts: 13,650
Aug 16, 2012 1:27pm
The Benjamin thing isn't a surprise at all. He just doesn't have an nfl body. Going to be banged up a lot I think.
shook_17
Posts: 3,023
Aug 16, 2012 5:27pm
i agree with this thought. he will play a game or two, and miss two or three weeks. he def does concern me. i hope to see cameron play tonightMulva;1248494 wrote:The Benjamin thing isn't a surprise at all. He just doesn't have an nfl body. Going to be banged up a lot I think.
shook_17
Posts: 3,023
Aug 16, 2012 5:31pm
TheBSK ‏ @ TheBSKsays
For those of you wondering about the future of Mike Holmgren, my sources tell me he's packing up his office even as we speak!
take it for what its worth. the guy reporting this is kendall lewis
For those of you wondering about the future of Mike Holmgren, my sources tell me he's packing up his office even as we speak!
take it for what its worth. the guy reporting this is kendall lewis
Mr Miyagi
Posts: 1,211
Aug 16, 2012 5:42pm
For those of you that cannot watch the game at 8; STO and The NFL Network will replay the game at midnight.....Set your alarm to get up and watch the game BR 
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BR1986FB
Posts: 24,104
Aug 16, 2012 7:10pm
Adam Schein has the Browns going 0-16. Says they are the worst team in football.
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Sonofanump
Aug 16, 2012 7:11pm
You are now banned for revealing S&L's real name.BR1986FB;1248696 wrote:Adam Schein has the Browns going 0-16. Says they are the worst team in football.
like_that
Posts: 26,625
Aug 16, 2012 7:18pm
I don't see that happening, but if it does it makes the Weeden pick even worse.
Anyway, does anyone have a link to stream the game?
Anyway, does anyone have a link to stream the game?