It's time to reflect on the first half of the Browns' season

[BernietheKid]

It's time to reflect on the first half of the Browns' season

by Nate Ulrich on October 28, 2010 - 10:57 am
in Cleveland Browns,NFL


The Browns are off Thursday through Sunday because of their bye week, and I am, too. However, this blog will be back in full swing Monday morning when activities resume at the team's training facility in Berea. Until then, follow my lead and take some time to reflect on the first half of the season. Here are some thoughts that might help you get started with your own assessment of the team:

• What do you think of the 2-5 record? Obviously it's not a good record, but it meets my expectations. I actually thought the Browns would be 2-5 at this point, though they earned that record much differently than I anticipated. I thought they would win their first two games and lose five in a row. Instead, they fell to 0-2 after encountering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Their wins, of course, were against the Cincinnati Bengals and the New Orleans Saints. Every team can kick itself and ask, "What if?" But we all know the Browns could have and should have won those first two games. Too bad 4-3 is just a fantasy at this point.
• What will their record be at the end of the season? Well, before the season began, I picked them to finish 7-9. To do that, they must go 5-4 the rest of the way, and I still think they can. Here's a look at Cleveland's remaining opponents (and their records): New England Patriots (5-1), New York Jets (5-1), at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4), Carolina Panthers (1-5), at Miami Dolphins (3-3), at Buffalo Bills (0-6), at Cincinnati Bengals (2-4), Baltimore Ravens (5-2), Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1).
• Who's the offensive MVP?: Running back Peyton Hillis. He leads the team in rushing (104 carries, 460 yards, 4.4 average, five touchdowns) and is second in receiving (27 catches, 193 yards, one touchdown). He has also gained 38 of the team's 113 first downs (34 percent). Runner-up: Tight end Benjamin Watson. He's the leader in receiving (30 catches, 336 yards, two touchdowns) and second to Hillis in first downs with 18.
• Who's the defensive MVP?: Linebacker Scott Fujita. He's second on the team in tackles (44), second in sacks (3.5) and first in forced turnovers (three — two forced fumbles and one interception). Runner-up: Rookie safety T.J. Ward. He leads the team with 54 tackles, and he has also forced a fumble and broken up three passes.
• What was the best play on offense?: Wide receiver Josh Cribbs' 65-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Seneca Wallace in Week 2 against the Chiefs. And the worst?: Left tackle Joe Thomas' failed pass block against Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham, who rolled Wallace's ankle while dragging him down for a sack in Week 5.
• What was the best play on defense?: Linebacker David Bowens' 64-yard interception return for a touchdown, his second of the game, in Week 7 against the Saints. And the worst?: Pick any of cornerback Eric Wright's touchdowns allowed against Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin in Week 3. I'll take the second one during which Wright appeared to be completely turned around.
• What has been the biggest disappointment on offense?: I could say the lowly production from the wide receivers, but my expectations for that group were never high to begin with. Therefore, I'll pick the offensive line's letdowns, especially in pass protection. The team's top two quarterbacks were both sidelined after five games.
• What has been the biggest disappointment on defense?: Wright and fellow cornerback Sheldon Brown have been burned time and again for big passes, many of which have resulted in touchdowns. The entire defensive secondary played well against the Saints, but overall, Wright has regressed this season and Brown has not provided the upgrade the team had hoped for when it traded for him.
• What has been the biggest surprise on offense?: Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy didn't get to spend this season learning from the sideline. As for his performances in his two starts, he has been solid in two extremely hostile environments: Heinz Field and the Superdome.
• What has been the biggest surprise on defense?: Many of my predictions will prove to be wrong, but I was actually right about nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin. His performance late last season was not a fluke. He's tied for fourth on the team with 33 tackles, and he also has an interception. Shaun Rogers has been hindered by injuries all season, but Rubin is not starting because of Rogers' health. Rubin is starting because he deserves to be starting.
  
• Did you forget special teams? No. Punter Reggie Hodges is the MVP for filling in admirably for the injured Dave Zastudil. His 68-yard run on a fake punt in Week 7 against the Saints was Cleveland's best special-teams play of the season. The biggest disappointment on special teams has been Cribbs' inability to return a punt or a kickoff for a touchdown. It would be shocking if it doesn't happen at all this season.
• How have the coaches done? Coach Eric Mangini and Co. can't control turnovers, penalties and injuries. But they can control whether or not their players are in the best positions to succeed. They have not always done that this season, but they did it against the Saints. Their creativity in Week 7 — Brad Seely's tricks on special teams, Rob Ryan's disguise of coverages and Brian Daboll's call for Hillis to throw to McCoy on a crucial third-down — must be commended. If the Browns want to win more games in the second half of the season, that kind of play calling and game planning must continue.
• What has been the best part about watching the Browns this season?: The development of Ward and cornerback Joe Haden, the team's top two picks from this year's draft, gives hope for a bright future. Ward has started every game, and Haden plays in nickel and dime situations. Both have been stellar on defense and also on special teams.
• What has been the worst part about watching the Browns this season?: They blew fourth-quarter leads in each of their first three games. Also, it's been agonizing to wonder how good the running game might have been this season if rookie Montario Hardesty could have stayed healthy and complemented Hillis.

It's time to reflect on the first half of the Browns' season

[Sez.EJ]

We could easily be 4-3 as we gave away games one and two. But I'll not cry about it.. We are not going anywhere.. A higher draft slot won't hurt either. The second half should look better than the first half as I think we will do better than just 2 wins

Nov 7	New England	loss
Nov 14	N.Y. Jets	loss
Nov 21	@Jacksonville	win
Nov 28	Carolina	win
Dec 5	@Miami	loss
Dec 12	@Buffalo	win
Dec 19	@Cincinnati	win
Dec 26	Baltimore	loss
Jan 2	Pittsburgh	WIN BABY

SEVEN WINS SEEM OBTAINABLE (MAYBE NOT EXACTLY AS I PREDICT..BUT POSSIBLE) .. SO LONG AS WE CONTINUE TO IMPROVE UPON THE FIRST HALF AND WE CAN KEEP OUR QB'S FROM GETTING KILLED.

[DawgFan]

What do you think of the 2-5 record? This is actually a little worse than I anticipated, but considering we had our starting QB healthy for only 1/2 of a football game...and had to start a rookie vs Pitt and NO...I am surprised we are even at 2 wins. The fact is, we should be ELATED considering those injuries (and those to our WR's)...I mean, just look at Dallas where they are WORSE than us...and just got written off now that Romo is out. We had 2 QB's go down and seemed to IMPROVE if nothing else.

What will their record be at the end of the season? Cleveland's remaining opponents (and their records): New England Patriots (5-1), New York Jets (5-1), at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4), Carolina Panthers (1-5), at Miami Dolphins (3-3), at Buffalo Bills (0-6), at Cincinnati Bengals (2-4), Baltimore Ravens (5-2), Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1). The next 2 games are key. If the Browns can stay in and even steal one of those...they may surprise a lot of people. However, I think that is a hard sell. Even so, I think Jax/Car/Mia/Buff/Cin are all games we should be in if not win...so 7-9 is not unreasonable...and 8-8 is possible.

Who's the offensive MVP?:

Running back Peyton Hillis. He leads the team in rushing (104 carries, 460 yards, 4.4 average, five touchdowns) and is second in receiving (27 catches, 193 yards, one touchdown). He has also gained 38 of the team's 113 first downs (34 percent). Runner-up: Tight end Benjamin Watson. He's the leader in receiving (30 catches, 336 yards, two touchdowns) and second to Hillis in first downs with 18.

Nothing to add....Hillis is AMAZING considering the total lack of any other offensive weapons at this point.

Who's the defensive MVP?: I would go with Ward as the MVP...maybe a tie with him and Rubin. The fact is, the opponents have been FORCED to pass more often than not due to Rubin tying up the middle of the line...and Ward has made them pay when they do.

What was the best play on offense?: Pick any Hillis run over 10 yards in the 4th quarter. They may not be flashy...but hey, those are killer plays The worst? Pick either INT by Wallace or Delhomme in week 1&2...game losers.
What was the best play on defense?:

Linebacker David Bowens' 64-yard interception return for a touchdown, his second of the game, in Week 7 against the Saints.

AGREED!!! And the worst?:

Pick any of cornerback Eric Wright's touchdowns allowed against Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin in Week 3. I'll take the second one during which Wright appeared to be completely turned around.

AGREED

What has been the biggest disappointment on offense?: I would say the total lack of production by Harrison. I had high hopes for the 1-2 punch of Hillis and Harrison...but only 1 ever landed a blow.

What has been the biggest disappointment on defense?: Wright's regression has been tough to watch. I hope he earns the trust they are putting in him and wakes up the second half of the season.

What has been the biggest surprise on offense?:

Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy didn't get to spend this season learning from the sideline. As for his performances in his two starts, he has been solid in two extremely hostile environments: Heinz Field and the Superdome.

AGREED

What has been the biggest surprise on defense?: Ward. Plain and simple. I thought he would be good...but the kid is already the co-leader with Rubin...whom I EXPECTED big things from.

Did you forget special teams? No.

Punter Reggie Hodges is the MVP for filling in admirably for the injured Dave Zastudil.

I don't care about the 68 yard run...or not nearly as much as his LEAGUE LEADING inside the 10 punting!!!

How have the coaches done? Considering the injuries and fluke turnovers...the one thing I have seen is consistency. The Browns seem always to be prepared and in the game even when against an obviously better opponent. I like the grit and determination of the team.

What has been the best part about watching the Browns this season?: The fact that I can see young guys all over the field growing by leaps and bounds. They are not the NUCLEUS of this team and that bodes well for the future.

What has been the worst part about watching the Browns this season?: Losing games we led in the 4th quarter. We need to learn to FINISH!!!

[Enigmatic Evil]

Here's the EE take;
[*]What do you think of the 2-5 record? I think it's deceptive. 2-5 is the record of a struggling team but we've beaten teams that we should have lost to and lost to teams we should have beaten. This is a bit of a far cry from what we've come to expect in the past. If we're looking at what I've said has been the name of the game, progression, the fact that we're sticking close in tough games and beating good teams shows me this team is moving in the right direction rather than the wrong one.

What will their record be at the end of the season? I also picked a 7-9 finish in the beginning of the season. I think if we can beat the Patriots and Jets or even just one of those teams. We should be able to beat the Jags, Panthers and Bills, that brings us to a hypothetical 5-6 wins. A final win over one of our divisional rivals puts us up to seven. I think we have at least 3 winnable games in that stretch. I would like us to win at least 4 games in this stretch, a 6-10 season may not be flattering but it shows progress all the same.
[*]Who's the offensive MVP?: Peyton Hillis, no questions asked. The guy has taken the ball and ran with it. Not a play on words there, he's exceeded virtually everyone's expectations and become the darling of the fan base. Hillis is on the verge of having a career year for himself and he could establish himself as not just a staple of the Browns offense but the face of it as well. He's pretty much done that for this season but he has a very good chance of being the face of the future as well.
[*]Who's the defensive MVP?: This is a little harder to settle on one player. After last weeks win though it's hard not to side with Fujita. He brings an athletic veteran presence to our defense and he brings experience with victory along with him. I think he's been having a very good year for us and is finding a groove with our offense.
[*]What has been the biggest disappointment on offense?: I would certainly name the WR's as the biggest disappointment, with a flash here from Stuckey or a 3 catch game there from Robiskie, or one lowly TD to date from MoMass we really have to ask where the WR's have been? You can only put the blame on things like "Well Seneca Wallace doesn't like to throw to the left" for so long...
[*]What has been the biggest disappointment on defense?: Eric Wright, hands down. The guy was being hyped as a "top-tier" CB and looking for a pay raise in his contract year. He's been burned ROUTINELY for TD's and he's played like there's something bothering him. I don't want to name Brown but Brown hasn't played the greatest either but the fact is Brown is a stop-gap starter, Wright is somebody who is supposed to be the future of our Defense.
[*]What has been the biggest surprise on offense?: The play of Hillis immediately springs to mind. Heading into the season I think a lot of us expected Jerome Harrison to take the starting role and go with it, of course now he's shipped out of town because he wasn't a "system guy" ditto for James Davis. McCoy gets honorable mention but I'm not going to let ho-hum play in two games without making many mistakes queue me for "biggest surprise" but a "pleasant surprise" for sure.


[*]What has been the biggest surprise on defense?: Ahtyba Rubin and TJ Ward both get my pick for biggest surprise. Heading into the season, Rubin had a good core fan base of his own supporting him thanks to his solid play late last season. This year he's picked up where he left off and played strong. He will be our future at DT, no doubts about it. He's a beast.

Ward has played above expectations and I think is a strong candidate fro RoTY, without the brown and orange glasses clouding my judgement. Ward is a ball hawk and I think we all expected explosiveness from him but it's the kinds of SMART plays he makes and the fact that he seems to always be around the ball that makes me excited to watch Ward play. He's only going to get better too which is the scary thing. I feel confident that T.J. Ward will grow to be a top safety in the NFL.
[*]How have the coaches done? If I had to give them a grade, it would be C+, with last weeks win giving them a upgrade in letter grade. Mangini has been doing a good job up front. He's been more genial and accessable, and more humble. I think it's helped his image but it's the little things our co-ordinators do, or more accurately, DON'T do that has been killing us.

We got LUCKY with trick plays and having Fujita, I think next week versus New England will be a more true test to see where our team has come so far. Ryan's tendencies to send too many pass-rushers leaving an exposed secondary may have helped us dodge some bullets thanks to Fujita's perceptive play analysis of NO. I don't think it will be so easy against New England.

Lets add to it, bizarre time out calls, challenging weird plays while not challenging others, not to mention some head scratchingly poor playcalling on offense before last weeks game (being a rare exception to the rule) leaves me with the feeling that I've seen some glimmers of hope from this coaching staff but overall I am underwhelmed and I want more from the coaches that lead this team.
[*]What has been the best part about watching the Browns this season?: Besides just getting to see the Browns (I don't get to see many Browns games typically, I have watched more this season than in any past season) in general, I have to say seeing Hillis rise, seeing players like Ward, Haden and Rubin assert themselves on defense. The play of our Tight Ends Moore and Watson keep things spicy on the pass attack and our overall play level, high energy and never showing any quit have made this Browns team fun to watch.
[*]What has been the worst part about watching the Browns this season?:
Things that have been mentioned in the previous points, bizarre coaching decisions, bad play calls, poorly executed plays, all things that are squarely par for the course. The worst thing I had to watch this season was EASILY the James Harrison hits on Cribbs and MoMass. Disgusting his that are picture perfect examples of an attitude the league is now forced to change. Losing close games is never easy but it pales in comparison to those hits which are easily a low-mark of the season to date.

[BernietheKid]

Assessing the Cleveland Browns at the midpoint of the 2010 season: Tony Grossi analysis

Published: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 11:53 PM

Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer

John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer
Nothing symbolized the struggles the Browns had at the start of this NFL season than the sight of Jake Delhomme (or later, Seneca Wallace) hobbling off the field with a leg injury.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns are 2-5 at their bye weekend, just one game better than they were a year ago.

But they draw encouragement from these factors:

• They're scoring more points and allowing fewer. Their point differential was an noncompetitive minus-107 at this point in 2009. It's minus-24 today.
• They have shown improvements in every major offensive and defensive category.
• Against a decidedly tougher schedule, they have been in every game in the fourth quarter. Coach Eric Mangini's team is physical and plays to the end.
• They have weeded out players deemed to not fit with Mangini's "core characteristics."
• Because of injuries, they have had to play three quarterbacks. Now they appear to be getting at least one back.
Still, 2-5 is 2-5.

"Turnovers, penalties. I think those two things are big reasons why we haven't won games," Mangini said. "To date, we've had a very challenging schedule and it doesn't get any easier in the weeks to come, but that's just the way it is."

The Browns' turnover differential has recovered to a net of zero. They were minus-7 at this point last year. Penalties this year are up slightly, 43 to 35, an increase of about one per game.

Lost opportunities in losses to Tampa Bay and Kansas City to begin the season dug the hole from which the Browns now reside. The rapid-fire ankle injuries to quarterbacks Jake Delhomme (Games 1 and 5) and Seneca Wallace (Game 5) forced the Browns to scrap plans to redshirt rookie Colt McCoy all season.

All of which sets up two prominent storylines for the remaining nine games:
• How many games does Mangini need to win for his program to continue in 2011?
• At which point do the Browns play McCoy on a regular basis to evaluate him before making off-season plans?

Here's a closer look at the highs and lows of the first half of the 2010 season.

PLEASANT SURPRISES
Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer
Cornerback Joe Haden (left) and safety T.J. Ward have both been productive in the defensive secondary as rookies -- just as the Browns' braintrust had hoped when they were drafted last spring.
Mangini listed them this way:

1. Defensive flexibility. 2. Improvement in passing the ball. 3. Improvement in defending the run. 4. Nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin establishing himself "as a young, emerging, solid player." 5. The acclimation of new linebackers Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong into the defense. 6. Linebacker Matt Roth's continual development as an outside linebacker in Mangini's defense. 7. Incorporating a large pool of players in the defense. 8. The play of rookie defensive backs T.J. Ward and Joe Haden. 9. The play of Colt McCoy in two difficult starting assignments on the road. 10. The late emergence to the active roster of rookie receiver Carlton Mitchell.

DISAPPOINTMENTS
Mangini listed them this way:
1. Tackling needs more improvement, particularly against the run. 2. Too many big pass plays allowed. 3. More consistency from the running game. 4. Pass protection has been below standards, at times.

BEST VETERAN ACQUISITIONS
Offense: Running back Peyton Hillis.
The "throw-in" in the Brady Quinn trade with Denver has become the identity of the offense with his punishing running style. Hillis is on pace for 1,051 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. He iced both wins with pummeling runs in the fourth quarter against Cincinnati and New Orleans.

Defense: Linebacker Scott Fujita.
He impressed his new teammates immediately and was elected a defensive co-captain before he ever recorded a tackle. His versatility to play outside and inside -- from down to down -- has been exploited by coordinator Rob Ryan. Capped by an emotional performance against his former team in New Orleans, Fujita is second in tackles and sacks and leads the defense with two forced fumbles.

BEST ROOKIES
Offense: Quarterback Colt McCoy.
Opportunity knocked in Games 6 and 7 and McCoy answered. He didn't light up the scoreboard, but he didn't crawl into a hole, either, in hostile assignments in Pittsburgh and New Orleans. A season-ending knee injury to running back Montario Hardesty and a high ankle sprain suffered by guard Shawn Lauvao prior to Game 1 knocked them out of the running.

Defense: Safety T.J. Ward.
He leads the defense in tackles (54) and intimidation, and he's third in special teams tackles. His illegal hit on Cincinnati's Jordan Shipley drew a $15,000 fine. Lucky for him it came a week before the league announced a crackdown on dangerous helmet hits to "defenseless" players.
GOOD THINGS YOU DIDN'T SEE COMING
John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer
Reggie Hodges made a name for himself with last Sunday's dash against the Saints, but he's been solid all season with his main responsibility -- punting.

1. Punter Reggie Hodges took over when Dave Zastudil didn't recover from off-season knee surgery and has steadily improved. He has had two monster games in a row -- dropping four of five punts inside the 10 in Pittsburgh and surprising New Orleans with a 68-yard run on a fake punt. Hodges' fifth-ranked net average of 40.2 yards is a tribute to him and the coverage unit.

2. David Bowens' two interception returns for touchdowns against New Orleans were his first touchdowns on defense in 159 career games. He thought he might not survive the final roster cut and was inactive in Game 1.

3. Linebacker Marcus Benard's team-leading 4.5 sacks gives him eight in 12 games played since being promoted from the practice squad in 2009.

BAD THINGS YOU DIDN'T SEE COMING
1. Cornerbacks Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown have been beaten for eight touchdown passes. Whether it's poor blitzing or miscommunication, that's a huge figure for a half-season.
2. Receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie raised hopes of stepping up their games in their second seasons with good showings in the preseason. But with nine and eight receptions, respectively, criticism of GM Tom Heckert for not bringing in a playmaking receiver certainly was warranted.
3. The running back depth chart was turned upside down by the injury to Hardesty, a trade of Jerome Harrison to Philadelphia and the release of James Davis.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. How does Mangini manage the quarterback position over the last nine games?
2. Will the throwback trick play on the punt in New Orleans loosen things up for Josh Cribbs in the return game?
3. Does the upset win in New Orleans carry over through the bye week and result in similar upsets over New England and the Jets in the next two home games?
4. Will Jake Delhomme make it back to the field this year?
5. What impact will Shaun Rogers make at end in the 3-4 alignment?

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

Rookie running back Montario Hardesty missed 27 days of camp and three preseason games when he suffered a bone bruise on his right knee in rookie practices the week before training camp. Then he tore the ACL of his left knee in his only appearance in the fourth preseason game.

So the risky second-round pick who had numerous injuries at Tennessee, including a torn ACL of his right knee, is out for the season.

He had surgery five weeks ago performed by noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala. Hardesty reported this week that his rehab is going well and he intends to be back for the 2011 season.

"I was definitely down at first. Who wouldn't be?" he said of the latest knee injury. "I definitely wanted to come out and make a good impact my rookie year. But it's not the end of things. Right now, I'm going hard to get better. I feel like once I get healthy, things will work themselves out."

Hardesty carried only seven times in the fateful exhibition game for 25 yards. Three times he gained six yards. Another time he burrowed behind blockers for a one-yard TD.

"I wanted to come out and show what I could do on the field," he said. "I still have that same chip on my shoulder. I've got a lot of things I want to prove. I definitely want to show the organization and I want to show the fans they definitely made a good pick.
But I've got to just take it slow and make sure I do everything I need to do to get back healthy."

In Hardesty's absence, Peyton Hillis emerged as the feature running back and gave the offense its identity as a physical running unit.
Nobody knows what might have been.

Assessing the Cleveland Browns at the midpoint of the 2010 season: Tony Grossi analysis | cleveland.com

[Enigmatic Evil]

• They're scoring more points and allowing fewer. Their point differential was an noncompetitive minus-107 at this point in 2009. It's minus-24 today.
• They have shown improvements in every major offensive and defensive category.
• Against a decidedly tougher schedule, they have been in every game in the fourth quarter. Coach Eric Mangini's team is physical and plays to the end.
• They have weeded out players deemed to not fit with Mangini's "core characteristics."
• Because of injuries, they have had to play three quarterbacks. Now they appear to be getting at least one back.
Still, 2-5 is 2-5.

These are all big points, 2-5 or not. That point differential is crazy to be over 80 points difference from this time last season, I think it shows HUGE growth as a team. When you look at how we are compared to last season, it's so difficult to ignore Mangini's influence, no matter how you want to look at it.

PLEASANT SURPRISES
1. Defensive flexibility. 2. Improvement in passing the ball. 3. Improvement in defending the run. 4. Nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin establishing himself "as a young, emerging, solid player." 5. The acclimation of new linebackers Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong into the defense. 6. Linebacker Matt Roth's continual development as an outside linebacker in Mangini's defense. 7. Incorporating a large pool of players in the defense. 8. The play of rookie defensive backs T.J. Ward and Joe Haden. 9. The play of Colt McCoy in two difficult starting assignments on the road. 10. The late emergence to the active roster of rookie receiver Carlton Mitchell.

Sorry for portraying the role of Buzz Killington but did Carlton Mitchell even do anything last week? It's hard to call it an emergence to the active roster when it's primarily due to injuries to the roster rather than anything that Mitchell's done on his own accord. Really, we should be letting Mitchell run wild out there anyway with how spectacular our WR's have played so far...

BEST VETERAN ACQUISITIONS
Offense: Running back Peyton Hillis.
The "throw-in" in the Brady Quinn trade with Denver has become the identity of the offense with his punishing running style. Hillis is on pace for 1,051 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. He iced both wins with pummeling runs in the fourth quarter against Cincinnati and New Orleans.

Defense: Linebacker Scott Fujita.
He impressed his new teammates immediately and was elected a defensive co-captain before he ever recorded a tackle. His versatility to play outside and inside -- from down to down -- has been exploited by coordinator Rob Ryan. Capped by an emotional performance against his former team in New Orleans, Fujita is second in tackles and sacks and leads the defense with two forced fumbles.

I am glad we brought in both of these players. Hillis was a smart move, and we got rid of some dead weight while we were at it. I would love to see Hillis run his way through NFL defenses toward an 1000 yard season.

Fujita gave us another veteran presence and a versatile player. He's played exceptionally well for us when a lot of fans seemed to be on the fense about him. I'm glad he's stepped in and played strong for us at a position that we need it from.

BEST ROOKIES
Offense: Quarterback Colt McCoy.
Opportunity knocked in Games 6 and 7 and McCoy answered. He didn't light up the scoreboard, but he didn't crawl into a hole, either, in hostile assignments in Pittsburgh and New Orleans. A season-ending knee injury to running back Montario Hardesty and a high ankle sprain suffered by guard Shawn Lauvao prior to Game 1 knocked them out of the running.

Defense: Safety T.J. Ward.
He leads the defense in tackles (54) and intimidation, and he's third in special teams tackles. His illegal hit on Cincinnati's Jordan Shipley drew a $15,000 fine. Lucky for him it came a week before the league announced a crackdown on dangerous helmet hits to "defenseless" players.

No queston here... You might be able to make a case for Haden over Ward but that argument would be stretched thin pretty fast. T.J's stepped in and exceeded all expectations with the play he's made so far.

GOOD THINGS YOU DIDN'T SEE COMING
1. Punter Reggie Hodges took over when Dave Zastudil didn't recover from off-season knee surgery and has steadily improved. He has had two monster games in a row -- dropping four of five punts inside the 10 in Pittsburgh and surprising New Orleans with a 68-yard run on a fake punt. Hodges' fifth-ranked net average of 40.2 yards is a tribute to him and the coverage unit.

2. David Bowens' two interception returns for touchdowns against New Orleans were his first touchdowns on defense in 159 career games. He thought he might not survive the final roster cut and was inactive in Game 1.

3. Linebacker Marcus Benard's team-leading 4.5 sacks gives him eight in 12 games played since being promoted from the practice squad in 2009.

Maybe Grossi hasn't been watching Bernard like we have but are any of us surprised by his numbers? Maybe in the sense that you don't expect a guy to come off the practice squad and produce like that but Bernard has seemed like a man on a mission ever since he's made the main squad. I think he has a bright future and I know he will be a force on this offense. He has made Kamerion Wimbley expendable and he's just coming off of the bench!

BAD THINGS YOU DIDN'T SEE COMING
1. Cornerbacks Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown have been beaten for eight touchdown passes. Whether it's poor blitzing or miscommunication, that's a huge figure for a half-season.

2. Receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie raised hopes of stepping up their games in their second seasons with good showings in the preseason. But with nine and eight receptions, respectively, criticism of GM Tom Heckert for not bringing in a playmaking receiver certainly was warranted.

3. The running back depth chart was turned upside down by the injury to Hardesty, a trade of Jerome Harrison to Philadelphia and the release of James Davis.

This is a point for all the WR skeptics to come out and say "I told you so" at least at the mid-way point. There were a LOT of reservations about the WR corps of this team and understandably so. So far to date, they have not done anything to inspire the confidence of the fan base.

I wouldn't say the depth chart was "turned upside down" but with the trades we made, we definately have put a lot of confidence in the the Hardesty camp. With the acquisitions we've made, it doesn't put Hardesty in the crop of such a competitive batch of running backs. We have Hillis, Hardesty and I guess Bell. I expect going into the 2011 season our RB situation will be a bit different with a healthy Hardesty.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. How does Mangini manage the quarterback position over the last nine games?
2. Will the throwback trick play on the punt in New Orleans loosen things up for Josh Cribbs in the return game?
3. Does the upset win in New Orleans carry over through the bye week and result in similar upsets over New England and the Jets in the next two home games?
4. Will Jake Delhomme make it back to the field this year?
5. What impact will Shaun Rogers make at end in the 3-4 alignment?

1. How he handles this will cement my opinion of him as the teams Head Coach. Period
2. I don't know if it will really keep opposing teams on their toes but it will be something they will have sitting in the back of their minds. We can use that to our advantage.
3. I hope we can win at least one of those two games. I'd prefer to beat the Jets, but I'll take a win our of those two games regardless. We need to build on the win before the bye week.
4. Yes. You're hearing it here first. I think he will start at least one more game for us this year once/if his ankle is healthy.
5. He's already made a pretty big impact. Anyone watching the games will notice he seems to be a lot more destructive coming off of the end where-as when he's playing DT he's often drawing double or triple teams in the middle, coming off the end they don't always have that luxury with both Rogers AND Rubin coming at them.

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
Rookie running back Montario Hardesty missed 27 days of camp and three preseason games when he suffered a bone bruise on his right knee in rookie practices the week before training camp. Then he tore the ACL of his left knee in his only appearance in the fourth preseason game.

So the risky second-round pick who had numerous injuries at Tennessee, including a torn ACL of his right knee, is out for the season.

He had surgery five weeks ago performed by noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala. Hardesty reported this week that his rehab is going well and he intends to be back for the 2011 season.

"I was definitely down at first. Who wouldn't be?" he said of the latest knee injury. "I definitely wanted to come out and make a good impact my rookie year. But it's not the end of things. Right now, I'm going hard to get better. I feel like once I get healthy, things will work themselves out."

Hardesty carried only seven times in the fateful exhibition game for 25 yards. Three times he gained six yards. Another time he burrowed behind blockers for a one-yard TD.

"I wanted to come out and show what I could do on the field," he said. "I still have that same chip on my shoulder. I've got a lot of things I want to prove. I definitely want to show the organization and I want to show the fans they definitely made a good pick.
But I've got to just take it slow and make sure I do everything I need to do to get back healthy."

In Hardesty's absence, Peyton Hillis emerged as the feature running back and gave the offense its identity as a physical running unit.
Nobody knows what might have been.

I'm not getting my hopes up with Hardesty, RB is such a timid position, especially with the power running game. A player with Hardesty's injury history is just a big red flag especially with this budding Power Running system we seem to be really embracing. I am just skeptical he is the type of back who will be able to shoulder the load of the running game when push comes to shove.

Regardless... we'll have to wait until next season to find out anyway.

[BernietheKid]

It Could Be Worse...
		By Don Delco OBR Reporter Posted Nov 1, 2010 | More Don Delco takes a look at the somewhat-less-fortunate around the NFL
The bye week is officially over. For the third time in the last four seasons, the Cleveland Browns entered that bye week with a win. Yet this year, that win came over the defending Super Bowl champions. Positive vibes have been flowing since, but the bottom line is the Cleveland Browns are still only 2-5. The Browns were expected to start the season 2-0, not 2-5. Remember those first two opponents who were supposed to be easy victories? Tampa Bay and Kansas City are a combined 10-4. No matter what you encounter in your life, from your career to your favorite sports teams, there will be others who are doing better than you and there will be others doing worse than you.?What better way to put your team's prospects in a positive light than to enjoy the misfortunes of others? This is... It Could Be Worse. Dallas Cowboys The size of this franchise’s arrogance is as big as its new stadium that will host this year’s Super Bowl. The Cowboys expected to play at home for a Super Bowl title. Well, they are 1-6 with non-divisional games remaining against Green Bay, New Orleans and Indianapolis. Their starting quarterback has a broken clavicle and their defense was just torched by Jacksonville. Although the national media continues to talk about the Cowboys ad nauseum, they are a non-factor for the remainder of the season. Buffalo Bills Everything goes in cycles. A little less than two decades ago, the Bills and Cowboys met in consecutive Super Bowls. This season, Buffalo remains as the only winless team in the NFL. In the last two weeks the Bills took their opponent into overtime … only to lose. On Sunday against Kansas City, Bills kicker Rian Lindell made a 53-yard field goal with about seven minutes remaining in overtime, but Chiefs head coach Todd Haley called a timeout just before the snap. Lindell missed his re-try. To make matters worse, Bills fans are glad Trent Edwards is no longer the team’s quarterback and instead glad Ryan Fitzpatrick is their quarterback. Ouch. The Bills have not won more than nine games since 1999. Since the Music City Miracle, the Bills are a combined 66-101. Minnesota Vikings On one hand, the Vikings went all out to try and win this year. Considering they were so close last season, you have to give the team credit for going for it all. Unfortunately for the Vikings, they tempted old-man time one too many seasons. Brett Favre looks every bit the 41-year-old grandfather out on the football field and the Vikings are reeling at 2-5. The relationship between Vikings’ quarterback and head coach dislike each other and after this season, the future for the Vikings, on and off the field, looks dire. Arizona Cardinals Two seasons removed from playing in the Super Bowl, Arizona is playing Derek Anderson at quarterback. ‘Nuff said. Scout.com: It Could Be Worse...

[BernietheKid]

Thoughts on the Cleveland Browns as they head into the second half of their season: Terry's Talkin'

Published: Sunday, November 07, 2010, 4:56 AM

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

As the Browns head into the second half:

Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer
Beating the Super Bowl champion Saints in his second start in the NFL made Colt McCoy a local hero. The Browns should resist the urge to put Jake Delhomme back in the lineup when he's healthy. the Browns need to play McCoy as often as they can to see what the team has in the former Texas standout.

1. I hope quarterback Colt McCoy has a strong game against New England. I hope the Browns realize that it makes little sense to play Jake Delhomme, if he ever gets healthy. I hope that the Browns know McCoy and Seneca Wallace (a solid backup and spot starter) are the only QBs worth discussing.

2. I hope the Browns use some no-huddle with McCoy, who seems suited for that type of quick-strike, short-pass attack.

3. I hope team President Mike Holmgren keeps the same open mind that he had about coach Eric Mangini as he watches the remaining games. Mangini has brought much-needed discipline and toughness to this team. I don't know how they will play in the remaining nine games, but there is no reason for Holmgren or anyone else to come to grand conclusions about the head coach until the end of the season.

4. I hope Holmgren was not serious when he said this group of receivers was "better than OK." They are not, and they will need to be upgraded, regardless of who is the coach next season.

5. I hope Browns fans realize that if Randy Moss could not make it work with Super Bowl contender New England . . . and he could not make it work with Brett Favre in Minnesota . . . he would not make it work for the 2-5 Browns who have quarterback questions. Maybe being bounced by two teams this season will help Moss produce in Tennessee, but it would not happen here.

6. I hope rookie Shawn Lauvao has shown enough to soon start at right guard because the Browns need to find youth on the right side of the offense line.

7. I hope the Browns find someone to help Peyton Hillis in the backfield (Mike Bell?). Hillis can't carry the load by himself because his physical style will lead to injuries. The Eagles say former Brown Jerome Harrison "may" get into a game this week. He has yet to play since being traded for Bell, who has zero yards in seven carries for the Browns.

8. I hope the front office realizes what a jewel it has in kicker Phil Dawson. Few can handle the wind, rain, snow and sometimes slippery turf as well as this man who has kicked the ball for the Browns ever since the return in 1999. He is a free agent at the end of the season.

9. I hope (and believe) Holmgren meant it as a compliment when he said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's defenses drive him crazy with all the wandering around and strange formations. That's exactly the point. No matter who is the coach next season, Ryan and special teams coach Brad Seely must remain because these are veteran coordinators who make an impact.

10. I hope left tackle Joe Thomas and cornerback Eric Wright play much better after the break. Wright has been among the worst cornerbacks this season -- after rating at least average a year ago. Thomas is below his Pro Bowl form.

Thoughts on the Cleveland Browns as they head into the second half of their season: Terry's Talkin' | cleveland.com

[Jax Dawg]

Originally Posted by BernietheKid

BAD THINGS YOU DIDN'T SEE COMING
1. Cornerbacks Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown have been beaten for eight touchdown passes. Whether it's poor blitzing or miscommunication, that's a huge figure for a half-season.
2. Receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie raised hopes of stepping up their games in their second seasons with good showings in the preseason. But with nine and eight receptions, respectively, criticism of GM Tom Heckert for not bringing in a playmaking receiver certainly was warranted.
3. The running back depth chart was turned upside down by the injury to Hardesty, a trade of Jerome Harrison to Philadelphia and the release of James Davis.

Leave it to Grossi to criticize the man responsible for the best Browns draft in the last 20 years. I can't believe he is blaming it all on Heckert! Note to Grossi: Listen to Holmgren's interview again, when your boss says WR is not an area that needs to be addressed then you don't focus on it no matter what some columnist writes. Have the WR's underperformed and disappointed? Absolutely, but you can't blame Heckert for that. You want to blame somebody Grossi? Blame Holmgren or go ahead and blame your favorite one to criticize - Mangini.

[Tobalaz]

Originally Posted by Jax Dawg

Leave it to Grossi to criticize the man responsible for the best Browns draft in the last 20 years. I can't believe he is blaming it all on Heckert! Note to Grossi: Listen to Holmgren's interview again, when your boss says WR is not an area that needs to be addressed then you don't focus on it no matter what some columnist writes. Have the WR's underperformed and disappointed? Absolutely, but you can't blame Heckert for that. You want to blame somebody Grossi? Blame Holmgren or go ahead and blame your favorite one to criticize - Mangini.

Exactly.
When you've got 10 holes and 9 plugs something is going to give somewhere.
We knew it all wasn't going to be fixed in one season, but Heckert did a great job considering the fact he just stepped into this role and had to assemble his scouting staff giving him less time than we'd like to actually scout.
I think Heckert has done an amazing job for us to this point and am looking forward to what he can do for us next season with a full year to scout with his new crew.

[Enigmatic Evil]

Agreed with Heckert, he's helped point this team in the right direction. We still have MANY improvements the team needs to make but I think we're FINALLY, after a DECADE of poor business and on-field decisions, on the right track. Heckert deserves as much credit in his ONE off season of work as Mangini does for his two seasons (or one and a half) of work thus far, I think we've seen a tremendous improvement in the last 14 games.