Gordon would have opened it up for those guys imo, but we will never know. As for your assessment on the line, you can't be any more wrong. According to PFF JT is still the highest rated tackle in the league, and if whitworth can play at a high level at the age of 34, I don't see why JT can't. Bitonio and Greco are playing at an above average start level with bitonio inching toward pro bowl level. Schwartz IS playing at a pro bowl level, and Mack actually is the worst graded lineman (probably due to his slow start) playing at an average starter level. Unfortunately you can have the best line in the world, but it doesn't matter if you don't have any talent at the skill positions, especially QB. The Browns have the 2nd best line to the cowboys, and we all have seen the Cowboys struggling without romo and dez.BR1986FB;1761171 wrote:Makes you wonder if they would've had Gordon this year, along with Benjamin & Barnidge emerging. That would be a nice trio of receiving weapons but they still can't run a lick and the defense couldn't stop a CYO team.
Why I made my comment is that this team is probably going to be hurting, going forward. The O-Line, which we all thought was going to be a strength, will have a one year older JT (and yes, his play will start to slip), Bitonio (who is solid), Mack will be gone, RG is going to be wide open and Schwartz is "so so" and I think a FA.
QB & RB, on offense are still a question.
On defense, there's not a single player I consider an "impact/stud." At one time, I thought that was Haden. Not anymore.
This is likely going to be a total blowup.
Can't disagree about the defense. They are a shit show right now. I don't understand how Haden went from all pro level to pile of shit in that short of time.
Well, no shit. I am just talking about after the season Gordon went off, there was optimism heading into next sesaon. Had good FA signings, Banner was gone, and it just seemed like they were finally turning the corner. ANNND then Gordon gets suspened, thus sucking the wind out of any momentum we felt.Automatik;1761172 wrote:And not hitting on the first rounders.