Browns backers

[Scott]

Aside from our 6 home and away divisional games next year we will also play the AFC West and the NFC South. The two oddball games are with the Jets and Texans.

Home-
Denver, Kansas City,
New Orleans, Tampa Bay,
N.Y. Jets

Away-
Oakland, San Diego,
Atlanta, Carolina,
Houston

Unofficially we are slated to pick 12th in the draft in April. I'm not sure though if we may or may not move up a spot with the Rams beating Dallas last night also moving to 6-10. The best we could hope for is 11th with the worst possible spot being 14th as there are 4 teams at 6-10. I'm not sure if we had a weaker schedule than the other teams. But 12th is the current rumor.

 

[Scott]

Its hard to walk away too excited after yesterdays win against the Ravens. Surely it was nice to win the season finale, win atleast one division game, and beat the Ravens especially for that int/lateral play where they tried to score on defense again. The defensive TD they did score was a gimme and I won't be too hard on Frye for that because I think he realized the stupidity of attempting it in the first place. I'd like to give a lot of props to the defense, but in all honesty the Ravens offense isn't a powerhouse by any means regardless of their attempts to convince everyone otherwise in recent weeks. They are bad team. We are a bad team. It should have been a close game. It was a close game. They had the potential to run away with it in the first half but their poor play (& poor coaching) and a good effort by our D kept us in the game. It was nice to see Northcutt have a punt return TD not called back for once (whether a real penalty or a phantom call). It seemed as though every punt but that one had holding or illegal block in the back called.

Rich Gannon had some contructive criticism of Charlie Frye which is again making me re-question whether we still need to find a QB. Arm strength and accuracy are both a weakness for Frye, we knew that when we drafted him. But this offense needs the longball threat and the ability to throw passes into tight coverage to open up the running game more if we expect to be a playoff caliber team.

Team MVP is definitely Reuben Droughns. He was the workhorse this year. I think Antonio Bryant deserves a shout out for being our best WR. I was impressed with Braylon Edwards minus a few of his easy catch drops and the knee injury. I was also impressed with Josh Cribbs who despite his lapses occasionally with ball security has proven himself to be a real playmaker. I think Frisman Jackson also needs to be on the field more. Though he probably went unnoticed by many, Terrell Smith played very well this season.

Kyle Richardson needs to go. We definitely need a new punter. Matt Stewart didn't show me any reason for being signed in the offseason. Gary Baxter made some good plays, but they were drowned out by getting burned on a number of occasions and his eventual season ending injury. Trent Dilfer who I was not high on bringing in here in the first place really has shown that he is definitely just a b/u. Whether Frye continues to be the starter or not, I think we all know it should not be Dilfer. Lee Suggs, who I was a fan of has finally proven that he is not dependable. With the emergance of Droughns as the clear cut starter, I realize both Suggs and Green are both expendable in order to find a better back to go with Droughns. Although its clear Maurice Carthon is going to be back next year, I have some concerns about his play calling. He seems to be very streaky, brilliant on occassion mixed with long streaks of "why did you call that play there for?". While he's not as bad as Bruce Arians was, he is somewhat of a concern.

 

[Dave...]

Collins fired/resigned. That settles it. Check this out.

Alright, time to make my annual Browns football prediction fool out of myself.

I think that in spite of the lack of overall talent on this team, the new coaching staff will allow some gems to shine, where under Butch, they could not.

I expect the improvements on the offensive line, though not major, to improve our offense immensely. If it works out how I think it will, we will be a top ten rushing team, more because of our commitment to the run, then it being all ability.

Passing will be better because of the run game, but i'm not putting much stock in Dilfer. We won't see a great passing game until Frye is ready.

Special teams should be great.

Defense will be a bend but don't break D. Though they will occasionally break also. I expect much of the same as what we had in "99"-"00". A big play defense that relies heavily on schemes and those schemes will be solved by some of the better coaches in the league.

This is a one step backwards, for a two steps forwards move next year.

I predict we will 4 games, but the play will be better than last year over all. If, by some strange chance Frye moves into the starting role for at least eight games, I think that we can get about 6 wins. But at the same time the losses will be worse because of rookie errors.

0-2 against the Steelers

1-1 against the Ravens. I expect the Ravens to fall apart this year.

1-1 against the Bengals.

4-12 or 6-10 if Frye plays half the season.

Scott wrote:

Well, here is my opinion of the season. I think our defense is going to struggle a lot early this season. By late November and early December we might start getting some of our reward out of the 3-4 system (providing our LBs stay healthy.... most importantly Andra Davis). Offensively we will struggle and but our running game will be a bit better than last year with Suggs and Droughns taking turns with an occasionally burst from Willie. Our passing game will be decent because I really think our WRs are decent when the QB can get them the ball at the right times. However I still think our o-line is going to struggle pass blocking and Dilfer is going to make some mistakes of his own trying to force the ball. This is his chance to re-establish himself as not just a 'clock management/don't turn the ball over' QB and so he will mess up more than what people might think. I think he will be up and down..... mostly down early on. If he avoids injury and getting benched, I really think he will get better as the season goes on. Thats not to say winning games won't be ugly sometimes.

0-2 Steelers (They've pretty much owned us as much as I hate it. They aren't going to be a 15-1 monster this year, Roethlisburger will hit a sophomore slump (maybe not a bad one but teams will have a better answer for him). Their new TE will help though.)

0-2 Ravens (Their season depends on how Boller plays. I think with Fassel as the OC we will get a better look at what he can do. I still think we will struggle against the run... so Jamel Lewis will be tough to stop.

1-1 Bengals (I think its possible we can steal one from the Bengals and I think it might happen in the season opener. The Bengals are notorious for starting slowly and I think our team will be awfully hungry for a win. But come December, watch out for those Bengals. I think they will be a very dangerous team once they catch fire.

5-11 record & another top 5 in April.

It looks like we had this season pretty much nailed. It's still tough to lose.

From NFL draft countdown.

1 Houston 2-14 .535
2 New Orleans 3-13 .523
3 Tennessee 4-12 .512
4 New York Jets 4-12 .527
5 Green Bay 4-12 531
6 Oakland 4-12 .539
7 San Francisco 4-12 539
8 Buffalo 5-11 .500
9 Detroit 5-11 .504
10 Arizona 5-11 .508
11 St. Louis 6-10 .484
12 Cleveland 6-10 .508
13 Baltimore 6-10 523
14 Philadelphia 6-10 .531
15 Atlanta 8-8 .492
16 Miami 9-7 .457
17 Minnesota 9-7 .484
18 Dallas 9-7 .523
19 San Diego 9-7 .559
20 Kansas City 10-6 .504
*21 New England 10-6 .508
*22 Denver (f/WAS) 10-6 .539
*23 Tampa Bay 11-5 .449
*24 Carolina 11-5 .449
*25 Chicago 11-5 .457
*26 Cincinnati 11-5 .477
*27 Pittsburgh 11-5 .492
*27 New York Giants 11-5 .492
*29 Jacksonville 12-4 .465
*30 Denver 13-3 .500
*31 Seattle 13-3 .430
*32 Indianapolis 14-2 .457

* = Still to Be Determined By Playoffs

 

[Dave...]

Rich Gannon had some contructive criticism of Charlie Frye which is again making me re-question whether we still need to find a QB. Arm strength and accuracy are both a weakness for Frye, we knew that when we drafted him. But this offense needs the longball threat and the ability to throw passes into tight coverage to open up the running game more if we expect to be a playoff caliber team.

I've heard a lot of the criticism about Frye. I've had some of my own about him. His arms don't even look like he's ever spent time in the weight room, even for a QB. You'd be surprised how much the mechanics and a little weight room will help. Marty said that he felt that Drew Breese improved his arm strength by twenty five percent in just this last year. I don't think that the difference between a "natural", as far as arm strength goes, and a weak arm should be more than twenty yards when every opportunity for improvement is taken advantage of over the first few years. He's never going to be John Elway, but I think he could match Drew Breeze's arm without a problem. I noticed that he's throwing on the run a lot too. When he does step into his throw, like the one throw to bryant, he can put some zip on it.

As far as the accuracy goes, he seemed to have it in preseason, which tells me that they are already working on his mechanics. It doesn't help when you go from throwing to double A wide receivers to throwing to Edwards, Bryant, and Northcutt.

Carthon is going to be back next year, I have some concerns about his play calling. He seems to be very streaky, brilliant on occassion mixed with long streaks of "why did you call that play there for?". While he's not as bad as Bruce Arians was, he is somewhat of a concern.

I agree. This is the only way we are going to get anyone that is any good though. I'll bet when our O-line gets better, he won't look so bad. Look what he's got to work with now. :o

All things considered, I think we are right were we needed to be this year. Lee Bodden has developed into a good back (makes me wonder about McCutchen). I heard that a lot of teams were interested in Bodden and many of the football forums from teams that needed a CB had threads where Boddens name was coming up a lot.

Most of the people we drafted last year will not even pay off for us until a few years down the road.

I was hoping that Roye had a few more years left in him. Also, I wonder if Sheldon would not be a better fit a guard. He would be a great one, if so. Kill two birds with one stone.

 

[Scott]

Six Days to Sunday on the NFLNetwork this week features the Browns LB core leading up to the Raven game.

 

[Scott]

•"Add difference-making players. The general rule is you need three on each side of the football to be successful in this league."

• "Improve the team through increased competition at each position. In other words, we want to improve our depth."

• "Get our injured pieces back up and running and contributing to our cause, specifically Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards and Gary Baxter."

-Phil Savage

 

[Scott]

A lot of rumors swirling around early in FA. Apparently the true signings are Pro Bowl C LeCharles Bentley from the Saints (said to be able to play G too), and LT Kevin Shaffer from the Falcons. Another unconfirmed rumor to this point is the signing of WR Joe Jurevicious.

The false rumor so far has proven to be the signing of David Givens. The signing rumor has been met with anger from Givens and apparently somebody jumped the gun on it.

I'll leave out the other story, because I think the source is not credible.

 

[Dave...]

A lot of rumors swirling around early in FA. Apparently the true signings are Pro Bowl C LeCharles Bentley from the Saints (said to be able to play G too), and LT Kevin Shaffer from the Falcons. Another unconfirmed rumor to this point is the signing of WR Joe Jurevicious.

I would love to get LeCharles Bentley and send Faine packing. Bentley is in the top five in the league for centers, and he's still in his youth. I was going to ask you about our free agency signings.

About a week ago, they were interested in quite a few players. A D-end from the Ravens, also, Kemoeatu, who would be a NT. Hear anything on these guys?

I wouldn't mind signing Culpepper if he's not damaged goods. I think he's the best QB from the 99 class. He would look good in a Browns uniform. Give Frye a few more years to mature and build his arm strength. What do you think Culpepper will get in the market today? I know the Raiders and Ravens are both interested in him.

 

[Scott]

We signed P Brian Zastudil (former Raven) too. We filled a lot needs so far. Unless we grab a LB or DL it looks like defense will all we'll be going after on draft day.

 

[Scott]

We just signed big Ted Washington to play nose tackle on D. Very pleased to see we've addressed needs quickly and effectively. Phil Savage has done an excellent job.

 

[Dave...]

We just signed big Ted Washington to play nose tackle on D.

That guy is a monster. I love his game. I remember thinking that he might be able to play D-end if he trimmed down about 50 pounds, but I guess he's too old for that now. By signing him, we can develope our future nose tackle instead of using A high draft pick on him.

I have a sneaking suspicion that we are going to trade down and pick up guys like Carpenter, or even Youboty. I ike a trade down now, as there is a lot of talent in the late first, early second round.

 

[Dave...]

That guy is a monster. I love his game. I remember thinking that he might be able to play D-end if he trimmed down about 50 pounds, but I guess he's too old for that now.

When I said that, I was thinking of someone else. He's 6'7" DT and about 340lbs and plays for the raiders or maybe someone else. I don't know much about Washington other than he played for the Patriots in 2003.

 

[Scott]

Willie McGinest signed yesterday will fill the spot left after cutting Kenard Lang. Feel bad for Kenard, he was a solid DE and made the effort to try and play OLB in the 3-4 but our pass rush was just non-existent. Sorry that it worked out the way it did. McGinest will give us experience and hopefully a decent pass rush while we get someone for him to mentor. Not sure whose going to be inside with Andra. Which makes me think we aren't using our number one on a LB (unless Hawk drops to us) because they're all OLBs. Typically 12 is around the point where the first LB's generally get picked. Don't know much about Greenway from Iowa so its hard for me to think he's a top 15 caliber player. If we go BPA which is what most teams do, then we could be looking at DeAngelo Williams or Lendale White. Given the fact that I don't think anyone is comfortable with Willie Green or Lee Suggs (whose rarely healthy) for a team the claims to be run oriented, picking a RB doesn't seem so unlikely.

I'm curious to what our scouts think about CB Hill.. Clemson, OL Winston Justice.. USC, OLB Greenway.. Iowa, and QB Jay Cutler.. Vanderbilt. Factoring in Williams and White we may be looking at BPA which really might be a RB.

 

[Dave...]

I'm not too high on Winston Justice, though i've had many people tell me i'm being too critical of him. In the championship game, on both fourth and short's, he was terrible. On at least one of them, it was his man who not only got through the line, but dove to the left side of the offensive line and made the tackle in the backfield, stopping the runner short of the first down.

Gnati sounds like a good pick if he falls, but with the signing of Washington for two years, I don't know now. Maybe he is fast enough to play end for a year.

Greenway was considered like a fourth rounder last year by Scott Wright in the early draft analysis before he knew who was coming out. Cutler is a top ten. I have a feeling that Vince young is going to fall, maybe even out of the top ten. Just a gut feeling. I'm also thinking that Hawk could fall a little too.

I'll tell you, if we can't get a top lineman, I would give our top pick for two lower picks and go for Bobby Carpenter who in my opinion would make a better 34 linebacker than Hawk.

Willie McGinest will help our young guys learn how to win in the close games. His experience will be very helpful along with Washington's.

I'll tell you, if M. Williams falls to 7, I might trade up for Him.

With Cutler moving up into the top ten, someone is going to fall to us. Maybe we should just sit tight and wait.

 

[Scott]

A.J. Hawk would seemingly be the guy you would expect to drop. I mean its rare LB's go in the top 10 and we heard last year consistently that Johnson (Chiefs LB) was a definite top 10 but didn't end up going until 12 or so. One would think Hawk would fall and the Browns would be all over him if he's there. Bush, Leinart, Young, Williams, Ferguson, Cutler, Ngata and Vernon Davis are all basically locks in my mind going in the top 10. I think the 49ers will take Vernon Davis and the Bills will take Ngata with the loss of Sam Adams. The Raiders have to take Cutler because they've left themselves with no options by not signing any FA (I thought they should have gone after McCown). Hawk could very likely go at 5 but I'm not going to guarantee it because I've seen high prospect LBs fall before. I'm still doubtful he drops to us or even out of the top 10.

On a side note, I don't like the move of trading Chris Crocker away for a 4rth rounder. I think he was just beginning to be the safety we need him to be and neither Jones nor Pool have shown me anything. I don't think we got value either getting a 4rth rounder. I realize there may be a grander scheme as to why so I'll reserve any judgements and being too critical for now. However, my initial reaction is disappointment.

 

[Dave...]

On a side note, I don't like the move of trading Chris Crocker away for a 4rth rounder. I think he was just beginning to be the safety we need him to be and neither Jones nor Pool have shown me anything. I don't think we got value either getting a 4rth rounder. I realize there may be a grander scheme as to why so I'll reserve any judgements and being too critical for now. However, my initial reaction is disappointment.

I like it. He was very fast and athletic, but he may have been a little bit too light for the kind of safety we need in this system. The way we've been giving away players in the past, i'm surprised that we got a fourth round pick for Crocker. I just found out about Crocker. How did you find out so fast?

I think that this is going to be the years that our safety's really show some improvement, especially Pool. Even the Steeler's safety Troy palllalalalalua had a shaky first year. I guess that's the norm for safety's. This should be his year, if he's going to be a playa, this will be the time for him to step up. He showed a few flashes. One more thing to consider, a safety won't look to good when they have to make all the tackles because of poor line play. I think that our safety's were getting beaten up.
This is interesting because it opens the door for the Browns to trade down and take a Whitner, who I think could be a very good pro.

I think you're right about AJ. I don't see the things that you normally like to see out of a linebacker taken so high. He should be off the charts. I really think that the appeal is the lunch bucket attitude which teams are craving for after the Patriots three super bowl wins. But that will only get you so far. Most of the buzz about him is from the fans, but i'll bet he's 8-15 on most draft boards. Unless someone like Butch Davis drafts him. There are a lot of Butch's at the top end of the draft.

 

[Scott]

TheOBR.com had trade info news last night.
I'll have to take Cutler out of my locks now that the Jets traded their 6th rounder away and got Patrick Ramsey from the the 'Skins (a great deal btw). I'm thinking that gives Vince Young to the Raiders and Cutler drops out of the top 10 and that will likely take a potential target out of our reach.

 

[Dave...]

(a great deal btw).

Who do you think got best in this one. I can't belive that Washington is now in the top 6.

 

[Scott]

: ... Jets gave up their 6th rounder for Ramsey. Basically the Redskins got no value at all out of trading Ramsey but it was apparent that Gibbs didn't like him from the moment he took over and just wanted him gone.

I only meant that with Jets getting Ramsey they would be very unlikely to take Vince Young with their #4 overall and would likely just draft D'Brick. That would let Vince Young fall to the Raiders and Cutler would drop out of the top 10. The Cardinals would be a possibility for drafting Cutler with Warner being so old but who knows.

 

[Dave...]

Well, how much do you think we've improved?

Inspite of all of our free agent signings, I still wouldn't mind drafting an offensive lineman in round one or two.