Let There Be Hope: How To Gauge the Browns Success For 2009

2007’s miraculous run gave way to 2008’s ridiculous disaster and disappointment for Browns fans.

Now with the entire Savage-Crennel era over and done with, the Cleveland Browns hope the fourth time’s the charm with Eric Mangini at the helm.

Free agency gave the organization an opportunity to add depth at important positions such as the OL, LB corps, and the secondary. Players such as Floyd Womack, Eric Barton, and Roderick Hood have come on board to help right the ship that has been wronged almost annually since 1999.

But how are we supposed to measure success for a team that has been the only team in the AFC North not to once win the division since its inception in 2002?

People say that the expectations of a decent season are doomed by a terrible roster and a rebuilding year. But a good portion of the players still here were on that 10-6 team, including the left side of the O-line in Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach.

I personally feel that 8-8 is completely feasible. Often times the roster lacked fire and focus in the game, things Mangini will not tolerate on the sidelines.

However, everyone seems to be torn on what expectations this team should have if any at all exist.

With that said, here are my opinions for what would make 2009 a successful season for the Cleveland Browns:

1. The defense actually looks like a defense.

For years, the Browns have lacked a true defensive aggressiveness and fire that the top defenses in the NFL have.

New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan should fix that by implementing an aggressive scheme and the 46 into this system.

He does have some pieces to build around in DT Shaun Rogers, LB D’Qwell Jackson, and two promising DBs in Eric Wright and Brodney Pool. And if he is able to take advantage of LB Kamerion Wimbley’s pass rushing abilities, the Browns could be fearsome soon.

The Browns defense has alot to live up to, namely matching the Steelers and Ravens in defensive ability and intensity. They won’t do it this year, but hopefully within two years it will be at that caliber.

2. Whoever starts at QB has a great, productive season.

Now I have proclaimed that Brady Quinn has better potential as a franchise QB than Derek Anderson. But as long as they find a way to be productive under center, regardless who it is, Browns fans might be satisfied for the time being.

Mangini has done his best to ensure that training camp would be an open competition between the two and he would test them in pressure situations such as two-minute drills and long drives.

Whoever performs better is expected to be named the starter by Mangini, unlikely to be named until later in the preseason.

But with Braylon Edwards and a very talented offensive line protecting his blindside, and an assortment of receivers fighting for playing time, whoever starts should have a chance to lead a unit with such untapped potential to another good year like 2008.

3. The Browns don’t play for field goals.

Anyone that has watched the Browns in the past four seasons knows exactly what I mean.

It’s time for the offensive to play for the six-pointer instead of settling for three. Sure Phil Dawson is as automatic as most kickers in the NFL, but he probably would rather kick six extra points than six field goals any day.

The difference in 2007 was that the Browns scored TDs. They were able to punch it in or get the amazing catches from Edwards and others.

2008 saw very little of that, as the offense continually stalled and tried field goals in situations where touchdowns would be more beneficial such as in a tie game. Hopefully 2009 is different in that aspect.

4. The Browns finally beat Pittsburgh, just once.

This is the major point of emphasis for most Browns fans. In my opinion, if the Browns beat Pittsburgh, many fans will be satisfied for at least a little while.

The Browns never beat the Steelers in the Romeo Crennel era, and have lost the lead in the head-to-head matchup in recent years. Twice they were blown out at home by the Steelers, and only three were games decided by less than four points.

Eleven straight losses to your archrival would demoralize anyone, let alone a team that had trouble establishing a solid franchise in 10 years.

The problem seemed to be that the previous regime just never grasped the concept of the rivalry, that Browns-Steelers is supposed to be more than just a game. It’s one of the five biggest rivalries in all of football, and it’s been so one-sided over the past five years.

Just one win over the Steelers would reignite the rivalry and maybe give the franchise some life and keep them going forward to 2010 and beyond.

 

However you judge it, 2009 is crucial to the direction of the franchise, and a breakout season would be welcome with open arms.

But since that can’t be counted on, Browns fans will have to at least see signs of a drastically-improved group and at least .500 football in 2009. They are capable, don’t forget it.

They just have to believe again, and bring hope back to Brownstown once again.

 

With Vick Out of Custody, Why Wouldn’t the NFL Still Be in His Future?

Yesterday, former NFL quarterback Michael Vick was released from federal custody after serving a sentence on dogfighting charges.

It’s unclear what kind of penalties, if any, he will incur at the local and state levels, but many are still torn over whether or not Vick will play in the NFL again.

Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Virginia Tech alum indefinitely last summer, and now Vick’s eligibility hinges on Goodell’s impending verdict. No doubt Goodell will want to examine Vick to determine if he has truly changed.

But with training camp looming, Vick has tried to recondition himself for potentially playing again in 2009.

Should Vick get another opportunity to play football in the NFL?

My answer is yes.

This opinion is not so much based on his performances, but on the poor performances of other quarterbacks. If Vick can be at the level he was at early in his pro career, some teams might be calling his number before 2009 is over.

Quarterback is the most important position in all of sports, and usually teams that are lacking in that postion will seek out new quarterbacks to improve their overall game.

Vick might be a player that fits into this category.

But because of his dogfighting case, Vick may forever be as hated a player as Pacman Jones, who may never find another roster to play on.

Regardless, if Vick performs, there is a place for him in football, whether it be as a full-time starter or situational Wildcat quarterback.

If he doesn’t get back into the NFL, some believe he might sign into the UFL this fall and play in its inaugural season.

Goodell has grown a quick reputation for being a no-nonsense commissioner, dealing out huge suspensions and fines to send a message that certain conduct is simply not tolerated.

Many feel that this stance will keep Vick out of the NFL for at least this upcoming season, if not forever.

Should he be banned for life?

If he truly feels remorse for what he’s done and can stay clean, the answer is no.

If he is allowed to play football, certainly there is someone who will give this embattled, ex-superstar a second chance.

I mean, hey, don’t most of us deserve one more chance?

Is Ryan’s 46 Browns’ Defense a Myth? We Will Find Out Soon

In a press conference with Cleveland media, Browns’ defensive coordinator Rob Ryan “guaranteed” that the defense would blitz and hinted that they might use the vaunted 46 defense.

The defense is the brain-child of Ryan’s father, Buddy Ryan, who created the defensive package during his coaching with the Chicago Bears in the mid-1980s.

Football historians recognize the 46 as the trademark of the 1985 Chicago Bears’ Monsters of the Midway championship defense.

Though it is not commonly used, some teams still use variants of it during certain moments of the game. Baltimore’s defense in recent years has also incorporated this defense on certain situations, using SS Ed Reed like a fourth linebacker.

Here is a diagram of the 46 defense named after former Bears S and current AFL coach Doug Plank of the Georgia Force:

Is Ryan’s 46 Browns’ Defense a Myth? We Will Find Out Soon

In a press conference with Cleveland media, Browns’ defensive coordinator Rob Ryan “guaranteed” that the defense would blitz and hinted that they might use the vaunted 46 defense.

The defense is the brain-child of Ryan’s father, Buddy Ryan, who created the defensive package during his coaching with the Chicago Bears in the mid-1980s.

Football historians recognize the 46 as the trademark of the 1985 Chicago Bears’ Monsters of the Midway championship defense.

Though it is not commonly used, some teams still use variants of it during certain moments of the game. Baltimore’s defense in recent years has also incorporated this defense on certain situations, using SS Ed Reed like a fourth linebacker.

Here is a diagram of the 46 defense named after former Bears S and current AFL coach Doug Plank of the Georgia Force:

Flash In The Pan: The Donte Stallworth Saga Must End

Earlier this month, Browns WR Donte Stallworth was suspended indefinitely by commissioner Roger Goodell after the former’s guilty plea of DUI Manslaughter of Mario Reyes while driving above the legal alcohol limit.

Stallworth submitted his guilty plea and was sentenced to only 30 days in a Miami prison. Along with that he received eight years probation, a sentence considered by many to be extremely lenient.

In 2008, he signed a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns hoping to add to their once-potent offense. He disappointed with only 17 receptions and one touchdown on the season.

Stallworth is the second player to be suspended indefinitely along with former QB Michael Vick. Unlike Vick, he will not serve his full suspension in prison.

In the eyes of the new Browns’ regime, there is no room for troublemakers. Therefore, it should be fitting that the Browns cut all ties to Stallworth before he becomes a distraction to the organization.

There is a very good chance that Stallworth will not suit up for the Browns again, as now there is simply no room left on the roster.

Coach Eric Mangini and GM George Kokinis had already prepared for the future by drafting WRs Brian Robiskie and Mohammed Massaquoi in the draft and signing FAs Mike Furrey and David Patten.

Clearly, they had prepared for the departures of Joe Jurevicius and Kellen Winslow II, but also for the eventual suspension of Stallworth.

But regardless of his legal situation or the fact that he was very ineffective for any number of reasons, the Browns have to either now or eventually cut him loose.

Although he will have many years left on his contract, it might very well be the best thing for the franchise.

Stallworth’s crime is on the same level as Vick’s was two years ago, although Vick did have more jail time than Stallworth will.

Vick was recently cut from the Atlanta Falcons despite being on their roster during his suspension.

For the sake of reputation, Cleveland management should consider eliminating all connections with the troubled receiver despite taking on salary cap implications.

Financially it might not be the smartest thing to do, but morally there’s no better option.

It is unfortunate that Stallworth’s career has been injury prone and incapable of living up to full expectations. But, maybe what could’ve saved his reputation was staying clean and being a good samaritan in the community.

Instead, he was in a substance abuse program prior to his tenure with the Browns.

His inability to stay clean was inevitably the downfall of his career with the recent DUI manslaughter of Mario Reyes in Miami just this March.

Therefore, Browns management needs to make a zero-tolerance statement by cutting Stallworth loose. They may not have been the most successful franchise, but at least they have a chance to save face getting rid of a big mistake.

 

Below are some stories detailing the Stallworth incident from conviction to plea bargain to suspension in order:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4033632

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-10/1245186213303040.xml&storylist=national

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/06/nfl_suspends_cleveland_browns.html

Mangini Spearheading Culture Change

Since the return of the Cleveland Browns, the organization has lacked an identity, a fire, a desire to be a champion.

Even though Eric Mangini was named the coach just five months ago and hasn’t coached an actual game, he has brought new intensity to the organization, something seriously lacking in the Romeo Crennel-era.

Another disciple of Bill Belichick, Mangini is a stark contrast of personality against Crennel’s.

Crennel was more of an easygoing, level-headed personality who tried to be a player’s coach. Obviously, his style did not bring too much success, although one could argue talent had something to do with it.

Mangini is more of a fiery coach and a disciplinarian, demanding energy from his players.

In comparison, this is a culture shock for those accustomed to the Crennel era, where practices were more relaxed.

Mangini has reorganized the practice facility and fields in a symbolic gesture to motivate his players to work hard every practice.

If nothing else, Mangini will give it his all for his team to play hard for 60 minutes a game during their 16 games this coming season.

Several players were initially apprehensive about this new approach, including Pro Bowl DT Shaun Rogers, who immediately wanted to be traded or released.

However, he has changed his tone and has said he is ready to come to work for Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

His ideology also affected the way his management staff signed free agents and drafted in the offseason.

Most of Mangini’s signings have been former players who know his coaching well and can fit right in with his system.

During the draft, Mangini and GM George Kokinis dropped down in the first round three separate times in order to acquire multiple picks and several other former Jets in the process.

His draft targets have mostly been players that rely on brains and tremendous football sense, combined with love of the game.

The most exciting part of Mangini to some Browns fans is the fact that he is from the Cleveland area and is very familiar with the Browns’ proud heritage and tradition.

This tradition severely lacked since 1999, when the Browns returned as an expansion franchise. In fact, Cleveland has only produced two winning seasons since their return, and made just one trip to the playoffs.

Only time can tell if the Browns will finally improve. If not, Mangini’s head will be the next to roll and fans will call for the end of the Lerner ownership.

Cleveland fans have high expectations for their team because of their undying loyalty and passion. No one will ever confuse Cleveland for being anything but Brownstown. That’s why Browns fans deserve better than what we’ve had in the past—because football is everything.

When the team does well, the city does well. If Mangini is successful, he will have a large, almost messianic, following in Cleveland.

If he wins a Super Bowl, the fans might just build a statue for him outside Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Romeo Crennel Era in Cleveland: 15 Minutes of Joy, Four Years of Pain

After Romeo Crennel was hired in 2005, many Browns fans were excited that, finally, their team would return to glory. It did, for a few weeks in 2007.

The rest of the four-year era was marked by poor decisions and non-sensical gameplans.

In addition, personnel debacles were a staple of a career in which he finished his four years at 24-40.

One of the most alarming traits of Crennel was that his training camps were more like a country club, and thus his team came out of the gates every year looking unprepared. Crennel never won a week one game in his four years as Browns coach.

In addition, a lack of true conditioning in training camp may have possibly, but not definitely, led to the swarm of injuries the team dealt with.

His system was one of accountability rather than using discipline. His players appeared unfocused and unmotivated as time went on.

By the end of each season, his team lost its focus, and the locker room turned into hailstorms of controversy.

Among the locker room battles was a dispute on the sidelines in 2006 between Braylon Edwards and then-QB Charlie Frye.

More recently, last season DL Shaun Smith reportedly punched QB Brady Quinn in the eye.

Many fans felt that Crennel had lost the respect and motivation of his players, and given his methods, who could blame them?

Although 2007 was somewhat of a success, looking beyond the scope of the record tells some awful truths.

The year began with the infamous coin flip between Frye and Derek Anderson to determine who would start a preseason game.

He believed that both players were even in their production, but after week one, Frye was sent to Seattle, and Anderson became the starter.

Another bump in the road was the rematch against the Steelers, where the Browns raced off to a 21-6 start against their archrivals. Then, the Steelers made a comeback to eventually win the game 31-28.

In the process, during a Browns’ challenge which was lost, Crennel called a second time out, hampering their chances of a successful final drive.

The Browns ended up losing on a missed 53-yard field goal by Phil Dawson.

They went 10-6, but missed the playoffs after a blunder in Cincinnati where the gameplan didn’t take into account tremendous winds, which should’ve promoted the ground game of Jamal Lewis.

Instead, the Browns tried to throw their way to victory, and failed.

Whether it was the schedule or lack of great coaching, Cleveland won back-to-back games only once in 2008.

Now with Crennel gone, Browns fans can (for now) breathe a sigh of relief. Because the new coach, Eric Mangini, seems to get something all Browns fans know:

The Browns are a prestigious franchise with a proud tradition and history. The brown and orange means something special.

And the players need to remember that not only are they playing for their city, a city of blue-collar and loyal fans. They are playing for the players that have worn the jersey before and for the three years when the Browns didn’t exist.

They are playing for Brownstown, because no matter what anyone says, Cleveland will always be Brownstown.

It’s good that Mangini understands, and if he can inject life into the franchise, they might soon return to glory.

Brady Quinn Must Start for Any Hope of Cleveland Browns’ Success

Draft day brought about a lot of rumors swirling around Cleveland and the Browns facility in nearby Berea.

One player that was the subject of a lot of trade rumors was QB Brady Quinn, who had only started three games in his career.

His action was mostly forced due to the bad play of Derek Anderson, but clearly his potential is much higher.

Quinn did go 1-2 as a starter, but one game was lost due to the Browns’ leaky defense, and Quinn’s broken finger against Houston.

The major criticisms of Quinn’s game have been lack of a strong arm, but an arm does you no good if you can’t complete passes.

Anderson seemed to be the opposite, with a rocket arm, but trouble completing most passes, especially short passes (see Browns-Ravens 2008 in Terrell Suggs’ INT for a touchdown off a screen pass).

With an improved offensive line and a surge of new attitude from the Browns’ new coaching staff, whoever starts at QB has a good chance for a better season.

But in honesty, the Browns will not win the Super Bowl. So why not play the kid and find out if he truly is the franchise?

That was one of many criticisms of Romeo Crennel, who seemed to hold some resistance to playing Quinn unless necessary.

Some claimed he didn’t play him early enough.

Some felt he mismanaged the situation when he started him for the Thursday night game vs. Denver coming off the aforementioned Ravens game.

If anyone wanted to understand Crennel’s QB mentality, see 2007 training camp when Crennel flipped a coin to determine who would start the preseason opener between Anderson and Charlie Frye.

Frye eventually started the season opener, and was seemingly on his back every single play in the first half before Anderson relieved him, and Frye was immediately sent packing.

As most Browns fans know, the rest was history. Cleveland went 10-5 the rest of the way, but just missed the playoffs.

Based on the results of 2008, some fans, but not all, felt that the team won in spite of the coach. And such was the case.

Simply put, Quinn at this point give the Browns the best chance to win right now.

Anderson is a solid QB, and in the right system can be a star, but must overcome inconsistency.

Those that claim Quinn is not ready have to understand that he was never given much of a chance under Crennel.

His loss came at a time where the Browns defense played terribly, especially against Denver.

Another case in Quinn’s favor is his leadership and command in the huddle. Quinn takes charge of the huddle and controls the unit moreso than Anderson.

In addition, Anderson has not really been able to operate an effective two-minute drive late in games.

Plus, Anderson’s potential appeared to max out in 2008 after a blowout of the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

The Browns would only win two more games in 2008, one with Quinn.

Then came injuries to not only Quinn, but Anderson, and also third-stringer Ken Dorsey. No team in the NFL can win without a decent, healthy QB, such was the case for the 2008 Browns.

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

But if the Browns want a chance at .500 in 2009, they need Quinn to start and let him develop to be the franchise if indeed that is what he will be.

Not all fans would agree, but for the good of the franchise, let the kid get his chance. If for nothing else, to show that they didn’t trade for him in 2007 just to trade him again and waste two years for some soap opera.

Cleveland Browns’ 2009 Draft: Hopefully There Are No More Rebuilds

Around 5:00 on Saturday, the Browns held the fifth pick in the NFL Draft. By 6:45, they still had not drafted a player, after trading down three times all the way down to pick No. 21.

Outside of the New England Patriots, the Browns were the busiest team of the first round, moving out of three different spots and acquiring a third pick in the second round, along with picking C Alex Mack from Cal.

Cleveland dealt the fifth pick to the New York Jets so that they could select USC’s Mark Sanchez, exciting the New York fanbase at Radio City Music Hall.

In return, Cleveland acquired three players including S Abram Elam, pick No. 17, and the Jets second round pick.

Cleveland, in turn, subsequently traded down twice with Tampa Bay and Philadelphia, sliding down in the first round and acquiring two sixth-rounders in the process.

The pick of Mack seemed to be a surprise to most fans expecting to land a defensive playmaker. However, that plan was thrown out of the window by Seattle’s selection of LB Aaron Curry with the fourth pick.

Mack is a very physical and imposing center prospect, and was reported to have been the top prospect on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft board.

In the second round, GM George Kokinis drafted two consecutive WRs: Ohio State’s Brian Robiskie and Georgia’s Mohamed Massaquoi. Hawaii DE/OLB David Veikune was drafted with pick 52, ending the Browns’ first day of the draft.

If there was one common denominator in the Browns’ acquisitions, it was that they were  smart, solid, and physical football players that could help improve a roster that went 4-12 in 2008.

No, Braylon Edwards did not become a New York Giant. But the regime provided either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson with some decent targets in the open field, and a powerful center to help open the running game.

The drafting of these two receivers might also help soften the blow of Edwards’ potential departure in 2010.

Among the other Cleveland draftees were USC OLB Kaluka Maiava and Clemson RB James Davis.

In addition, the Browns signed several undrafted free agents including Penn State RB/WR Jordan Norwood, while also offering Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell a tryout.

The main emphasis of the draft was, as mentioned, good football players who are smart players and lack character issues.

Time will tell whether or not these guys will produce right away and lead to a Miami-like turnaround, or if the Browns are in for yet another long rebuilding process which may lead to another failure.

Of course, the result could be somewhere in the middle.

Regardless, Cleveland sent a message in the draft by adding extra draft picks; the aim is to acquire as many potentially talented players as possible.

They would rather have a few good players than just one superstar surrounded by average players.

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010