Cleveland Browns: How To Rebuild Correctly

This year has obviously been a complete failure for Cleveland. 

Alex Mack and Mohamed Massaquoi have been the only draft choices that have shown promise for Cleveland, and Eric Mangini has made a bad Cleveland team into a completely putrid one. 

So, moving on to this offseason, what would I do if I were in charge?

1. Sign Mike Holmgren to the Bill Parcells role

Success starts at the top, and Holmgren could bring in a great coach and choose the right players to rebuild the Browns with. Holmgren has expressed interest in Cleveland and is attracted by the project of remaking the Browns.

I wouldn’t worry about the coach because Holmgren will bring somebody respectable or someone with a bright future up ahead.

2. Draft Eric Berry in the first round

The bad teams that have had recent success have built their team before inserting a quarterback. This way they’ll be able to see if Quinn is the man and not throw a first-round quarterback out to the lions, defenseless. 

Berry will be a Pro Bowler for years to come and is getting compared to Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed. 

3. Draft Golden Tate in the second round

I love Tate, and I would love to see him line up across from Massaquoi next fall. Tate is electric and is a lot like Percy Harvin of Florida was coming out of college.

4. Draft Montario Hardesty or Evan Royster in the third round

Gerhart and Dwyer will be gone in the second round, but Hardesty and Royster will remain in the pool in the third round. Hardesty has shown a lot of promise this year, and Royster is very hard to bring down. I would prefer Hardesty because of his ability to catch out of the backfield, but Royster would be a nice consolation prize.

5. Draft Sam Young or Chris Scott in the third round

The Browns have a solid left side of the line as well as a future center, but their right side is in shambles. Obviously Sam Young is the choice if he is available. If he isn’t though, Scott can play any spot on the line and has a lot of promise.

6. Take a flier on Mark Herzlich

Why not land a tremendous linebacker and feel good story in the fourth round? 

Herzlich’s stock has dropped because of his cancer. However, now that he’s cancer free there’s no reason to think that with a lot of hard work, he can’t return to the player he was in his junior year.

 

Check back for a more detailed story on what I hope happens when the season is over. But until then, this is what I sincerely desire for Cleveland.  

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Braylon Edwards Trade Analysis

Upon hearing news of the Braylon Edwards trade, I gave a sigh of relief.

After the 2007-2008 season, Cleveland fans believed no receiver was better than Edwards, who had recorded a tremendous season.

The 2008-2009 season, however, was a different story, as Edwards led the league in drops, and posted a horrible season compared to the previous year’s stats.  Edwards had become argumentative and troubled, and Cleveland fans were now split in their views of Edwards. 

Was the big play threat worth keeping?  Would he become more motivated, and drop less passes?  Would his attitude problems cease?

The draft came and went, and the Browns walked away with two receivers they had drafted in the second round: Brian Robiskie, the possession receiver out of Ohio State, and Mohamed Massaquoi, the deep threat out of Georgia. The Browns were clearly preparing for a future without Edwards. 

A trade seemed imminent, and sure enough, four games into the 2009-2010 season, he was traded to the Jets for wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik, and two undisclosed draft picks. 

Trusnik won’t make too large of an impact, but Stuckey and the draft picks intrigue me.  Stuckey should win the number two or three receiver spot immediately, and will make an impact in the passing game right away. 

Stuckey didn’t wasn’t thrown at too often last year, but when he was, he delivered, with 32 receptions going for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He already has 11 receptions for 120 yards, and should get more looks in the Browns offense.

This cements Massaquoi’s status as a number one receiver for the Browns, and he should continue to develop as a big play threat. 

This also jump starts the need for Brian Robiskie to develop, and I would like to see him get on the field next to Massaquoi and Stuckey.  The sooner we can get the future of the Browns passing game all on the field together, the faster they will develop, and the sooner the Browns can be a contender.

I would say the Browns received good value with Edwards if they got a first or a second rounder with one of the two draft picks they received.  Cleveland won’t need a receiver in the draft if Massaquoi continues to play like he did last week, so they can focus on offensive line, and defense in the draft. 

Edwards could take the Jets offense to the next level if this trade motivates him enough.  Sanchez will be that much better now that he has Cotchery, Keller, and Edwards at his disposal. 

I wish Edwards all the best, but I am very relieved to have gotten rid of him.  This trade could very well be addition by subtraction.

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What Derek Anderson Under Center Means for the Browns

With reports of Derek Anderson being named the starting quarterback for Cleveland, a lot of talk and debate surfaced in Cleveland.

After a mediocre first game from Brady Quinn (21-of-35, 205 yards, a touchdown, and a pick), the Brady Quinn Checkdown began, as he proceeded to go 24-of-39, with an astounding 195 yards, no touchdowns, and two picks. 

What went wrong with Quinn?

When Quinn was drafted, the move was thought to be genius by everyone. Cleveland now had its offensive line vastly improved and had added the face of its franchise in Quinn. In a couple years, the Browns were supposed to contend.

In stepped Anderson, leading the Browns to a magical 10-6 record. Talk of “Quinn Who?” dominated Browns town as the gunslinging Anderson was now cemented in the starting job.

Then disaster struck, as Anderson barely passed for over 50 percent, throwing for 161.5 yards a game, nine touchdowns, and eight picks. He had seemingly lost his touch.

Browns fans now got to see Quinn, and he played alright for a rookie, passing a little over 50 percent, 172.7 yards a game, two touchdowns, and two picks. Yes, those numbers were similar to Anderson’s, but Quinn was the future of the franchise, and he was supposed to develop into a Pro Bowler.

Quinn got injured, and Anderson stepped in for two games, playing very poorly. Anderson was then injured, as if the season weren’t enough of a catastrophe.

With a change in regime, we thought we might see improvements at the quarterback position, as Quinn won the job out of camp. He played well in the Minnesota game, but then was awful the next two weeks.

Mangini then announced that Anderson would start for the Browns against Cincinnati, Week Four. Anderson had won the job with his performance of going 11-of-19 passing for 92 yards and three picks. 

Is this the end of Quinn in Cleveland? We all wanted to see him succeed so badly, yet sometimes you have to move on. 

Quinn certainly has more upside than Anderson, but Anderson stretches the field, moves the chains, and takes more chances. Yes, he throws more picks, but he throws the picks when taking chances, something Quinn didn’t do very often. 

Anderson will probably win a game or two more than Quinn would have at this stage in Quinn’s career simply because of his arm. Quinn still can develop into a good quarterback, but I can’t answer what will happen to Quinn the rest of the season. Only time will tell with Quinn.

Anderson, however, poses a big question: Which side of him will we see more often? The 2007-08 Pro Bowl version, or the 2008-09 backup? It’s his job to lose now, and he needs to make the most of it.

You have to think that Braylon Edwards will benefit from the change under center. In Quinn’s six starts, Edwards has 24 catches for 343 yards and no touchdowns. That’s an average of four catches for 51 yards per game.

In Anderson’s 24 starts dating back to the 2007-08 season, Edwards has amassed 105 receptions for 1733 yards and 19 touchdowns. That’s an average of four catches for 72 yards. Not a huge change, but Edwards did have that amazing 2007-08 season of 1,240 yards and 16 touchdowns when Anderson started. Just saying…is all.

After an emotional game for the Bengals, the Browns are in a prime position to surprise some people. No, I don’t think the Browns will win more than four games the rest of the way, but they’ll be in more, and will be easier to watch, regardless of how many interceptions Anderson throws. If he plays poorly enough, Quinn will get one more shot to protect the job for the draft. 

Forecast for Anderson, Week Four: 250 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions.

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Panthers-Eagles: Carolina’s Secondary a Bright Spot

My assignment was to take an aspect of the Panthers, whether it be the passing game, running game, offensive line, rushing defense, secondary, or special teams, and analyze it after the Eagles-Panthers game. 

I really didn’t want to write an article criticizing the Panthers, so I tried to look for something the Panthers did well.  I really don’t want to be the type of writer who just goes out and criticizes teams, article after article.

So I looked at the box score after the game ended.

The quarterbacks had a touchdown-interception ratio of 0:5.  The running game averaged a whopping 2.9 yards per carry. The leading receiver reeled in four balls for 42 yards. The defense allowed 38 points.

Oh snap.

However, the Panthers only allowed 82 yards through the air. Against a team featuring Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Desean Jackson, and Brent Celek—who I believe is one of the most underrated tight ends in the league—this is a pretty significant statistic.

Only mustering three passes greater than 10 yards, the Eagles averaged six yards per reception. The Panthers were very good in deep coverage Sunday.

Yes, I know that the Eagles didn’t have to throw much, but they did throw only three times less than they ran. 

I believe Desean Jackson to be, although not an elite receiver, a very good receiver that has the potential to become elite. I would have thought he would have gotten deep on the Panthers, maybe for a 30-yard touchdown reception. 

The Panthers, however, shut him down and held him to two receptions for nine yards. He was targeted seven times. 

Brian Westbrook only had three receptions for eight yards. Brent Celek, the team’s leading receiver, only had six receptions for 37 yards. Kevin Curtis had two receptions for 26 yards.

Chris Gamble and Charles Godfrey each collected four tackles and deflected a pass.  Richard Marshall—the corner opposite Gamble—racked up three tackles, and Quinton Teal put up five tackles filling in at the other safety position. Needless to say, the secondaries were making some plays.

Chris Gamble is turning into a very good corner and will be able to limit a lot of top-tier receivers. If he and Godfrey can start making some interceptions, this could turn into one of the best secondaries in the league.

I understand the circumstances of the measly 82 yards the Eagles put up passing, so don’t go grilling me there. I just feel the Panthers’ secondary is very good and can match up well with the better pass offenses in the league.

The next test for the secondary will be Atlanta’s Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez. We’ll see what Carolina can do against a divisional foe with a very good passing attack.

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Why the Cleveland Browns Should Get Rid of Braylon Edwards

Before and during the draft, I was against Braylon Edwards being traded and was pretty clear about my opinion.  I thought his potential was too great to be given away, despite last season. 

In retrospect, I have changed my views about Edwards. 

What changed my opinion? 

It actually had nothing to do with Edwards’s skills set at the time.  I was listening to a podcast, and heard that a new detail came out about the Stallworth incident.  It turns out Edwards was drinking and possibly smoking marijuana with Stallworth the night of the incident. 

As soon as I heard this, I took Edwards off my favorite players list, and lost most of my respect for the guy. 

When I viewed him as a superstar, I blamed all the drops on his lack of motivation.  That could certainly account for some of his drops, but maybe he just doesn’t have very good hands!  He cost us many a scoring opportunity, and is one of the disappointments that hurt the Browns so deeply last year.

Now, I’m kind of disappointed he didn’t get traded during the NFL Draft.  Cleveland should’ve taken a first rounder and maybe a third or fourth rounder for him and not be so greedy.  I would’ve even taken the Giants’ offer of Mathias Kiwanuka for him now.

If Braylon was traded for a first rounder, Cleveland could’ve gone Crabtree, Mack, and Robiskie in the first two rounds.  That would’ve been my favorite scenario. 

If Cleveland ended up trading down, they still could’ve gone Mack, either Nicks or Britt, Robiskie, Veikune, and Massaquoi; essentially trading Edwards for Nicks or Britt and a third or fourth rounder, maybe getting a Ramses Barden or someone similar.

Even the Kiwanuka trade might’ve included Domenik Hixon, and I would’ve even preferred Hixon and Kiwanuka to Edwards now.

So, since that didn’t happen, what can the Browns do with Edwards this year?

I would propose letting him play a few weeks, to show the football world he still has it, then trade him to a team in need of a wide receiver for the best price they can get.  I’m not sure Cleveland will have the funds to pay Edwards anymore, so trading him for a couple draft picks might be the best way to go.

Who would take him?

He might even stay in the AFC North.  Yes, Baltimore might be the best team to take him, with Derrick Mason retiring, and having no true ball hawk on their wide out corps.

If Baltimore failed, the Jets, Chargers, Raiders (Al Davis does like speed…), and Giants would all seem possible, although they probably aren’t as big of a possibility after drafting Nicks.

I think it would be fun to see Robiskie and Massaquoi get as much experience this year as possible, to shape the Browns for the future.

Let me know what you think the most likely scenario for Braylon is!

The Cleveland Browns Outlook for 2009

Before we get started, I want you to know that this is not a delusional article explaining why the Browns will make the playoffs. 

Between the Steelers and the Ravens, they won’t have a prayer at the division, and between the Ravens, Titans, and Texans (yes, I said Texans), they will have a hard time with the wild card.

On the other hand, it’s definitely not one trashing them, listing every reason they will finish last in the division, taking away all hope from fellow Cleveland fans. 

I believe they have a strong core and not only hope for the future, but hope for respectability this very season.

Here’s why.

Eric Mangini and his staff have brought discipline to the Browns that was never there before.  When players respect their coaches, they play better.

Brady Quinn will bring consistency to the quarterback position, playing behind an improved offensive line.  He is a smart quarterback with great accuracy and few turnovers.  He is in a great position to get comfortable behind center, with three capable running backs and a Pro Bowl-caliber full back in his backfield. He is more of a conservative quarterback, but he has the ability to throw the deep ball to Braylon Edwards when needed.

Jamal Lewis, James Davis, and Jerome Harrison will have an easier time running this year.  I believe Lewis still has a couple years left in the tank, and he will have more breathers this year. James Davis will benefit from having a mentor in Lewis, and Harrison will be better utilized.

Believe it or not, I like the receiving core. Braylon Edwards has a “no nonsense” coach to keep him accountable, Brian Robiskie is very polished and reliable, and Mike Furrey might be one of the best slot receivers out there. 

The defensive line will have three very capable starters in Corey Williams, Shaun Rogers, and Kenyon Coleman. C.J. Mosley, Ashtyba Rubin, Robaire Smith, and Shaun Smith will rotate out with the starters.  We haven’t seen this kind of depth in the defensive line in a while. 

The linebacker core excites me. D’Qwell Jackson and Kamerion Wimbley are stars, Eric Barton brings a highly respected leadership to the field, Alex Hall is a very exciting pass rusher. We haven’t even seen David Veikune yet, and David Bowens is an efficient run stopper. 

The secondary could use improvement, but Rod Hood, Eric Wright, and Brandon McDonald are good enough corners to keep quarterbacks from lighting up the scoreboard. 

Brodney Pool is a good, versatile safety that will be a starter in the Browns’ system for years. Abram Elam is a wild card here, but from what I’ve heard, he could have a good year. 

With an easier schedule, and the luxury of getting to play Cincinnati twice every year, I think the Browns could be in for a seven-win season. 

To build for the future, they should probably draft Eric Berry, Taylor Mays, or Brandon Spikes next year, but it’s too early to tell when Cleveland will be drafting.

There is a very low floor for Cleveland, but fortunately there is a very high ceiling.  There is no telling what they’ll do this year, but there is hope for years to come.

 

 

Dear Eric Mangini, Please Take a Chance on Chris McAlister

Dear Eric Mangini,

As an avid, die-hard Cleveland Browns fan, I am constantly looking for ways to improve the Browns; whether it be the starting roster, usage of certain players, or transactions that could make a positive impact to our usually very lousy record.

Heading into the draft, we had many holes to fill, one of which was our secondary. We partially addressed this need in trading for Abram Elam and the drafting of two cornerbacks that could help in special teams. While these players help somewhat, there is still much room for improvement. 

There are a few moves that can be made next year (i.e. the drafting of Taylor Mays or Eric Berry), there is one move that can be made this year that could help our secondary tremendously: the signing of cornerback Chris McAlister.

Yes, Chris McAlister is getting older (32 by the time the season begins), and has appeared in 14 games in the past two years, but keep an open mind as I make my point.

If McAlister can get both knees healthy, the fact he has been off the field so much the past two years will have proven key in keeping the aging corner fresh. It was only 2006 the last time he played in a Pro Bowl. 

If he can’t stay healthy, he will remain an asset to developing Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald. He was a leader in the Ravens’ defense for years, and would bring that swagger over to a Cleveland secondary in need of an identity.  McAlister isn’t a very fast corner, but he is one of the smartest corners in the league.

Being injured the past couple years, and turning 32 will drive McAlister’s price down dramatically. No one seems to be requesting his services either, so he’s all yours if you give him the chance.

I look at signing Chris McAlister as a win-win situation, and I hope you do too.

Sincerely,

Gavin Andrews, Die-hard Browns Fan

Draft Day Trades: Cleveland Browns

How many times have I seen trade rumors swirling around Braylon Edwards?  

I was mildly excited to get Eric Mangini as our new coach. When he traded Kellen Winslow I was a little upset, but I understood the move.  

After the trade, I settled down, and started getting used to not having Winslow, but when I saw rumors of trading Braylon Edwards and Brady Quinn, I was almost sick to my stomach.  I hate the idea of Mangini coming in and putting on a fire sale with all of out young players who we happen to have built the team around.

So, with that in mind, what are the possible trades Cleveland could make?

First off, the obvious, and most likely trade is Braylon Edwards.  The most possible trade partners are the Eagles, the Giants, and the Jets.

The Giants trade chips are their draft picks: their first rounder, their two second rounders, and their two third rounders.  They could also deal Domenik Hixon.  

I think that Cleveland’s best interest would be to take the Giants’ first rounder, and a second rounder.  If I’m the Browns’ GM, I don’t take the trade unless I get that.  

The Browns could go Michael Crabtree with the fifth pick, and then take another receiver with one of the next three picks.  I don’t think the Giants would take that trade though, as they would want to trade a first and a third rounder, and maybe Hixon, for Edwards.

The Eagles would have the same scenario as the Giants.  

The Jets are a little more interesting.  They could go with the same scenario as the Giants, or they could deal Cotchery and a second or third rounder.  

Next up is Brady Quinn.  Possible trade partners could be the Jets, Broncos, Lions (should they pass on Stafford), Vikings, or Dolphins.  I think Quinn has the potential to be a higher draft pick, but I’m not sure the higher drafting teams would want to take a chance on Quinn.

The scenario for all of these teams is to deal their first rounder and a possible other pick, probably a third rounder at the highest.  The only way I’d be anywhere close to fine with a trade of Quinn is if the Browns took Mark Sanchez, but I think both quarterbacks are almost the same player, and same type of guy.  

Both are leaders with strong, but not amazing arms, great accuracy, and good mobility. Doing this would almost be pointless.  However, the Browns have expressed interest in Sanchez, so it’s not out of reach to say they’ll do just that. 

I do think the Browns should trade Derek Anderson to a team like the Dolphins, Rams, Seahawks, Jaguars, 49ers, Jets, or Broncos, if they don’t pick a quarterback.  

I think the ceiling for Anderson is a third rounder, but a fourth rounder is almost too low. One of these teams will either want a backup or someone who could compete for the job.  

To make it clear, I don’t think the Browns should trade Quinn or Edwards unless they get an outstanding offer, which I don’t see happening. I do think the Browns should trade Anderson, and get a third or fourth rounder.  

As I said in my Browns Draft Analysis, I think Cleveland’s best bet is to go with their team straight up, draft Crabtree, Matthews/English/Barwin, and McCoy.  

 

 

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