OBR: A Two-Part review of the team.

[Enigmatic Evil]

Here's the review of our Offense and Defense, I'll post my comments after as it's quite a bit to read. A good read none the less. They can be read independently here and here.

Joe's Personnel Evaluation: Offense
By Joe Brownlee
Fan Commentator
Posted Jan 10, 2011

With the season complete, Joe Brownlee examines of Browns' personnel. Today, the offense. Coming up, the defense.

11 Comments

Note: This is the first of a two-part series by fan commentator Joe Brownlee. The defense is coming up.

Quarterback

The best laid plans…

The plan for 2010 was for the Browns to use veteran Jake Delhomme as the quarterback, with Seneca Wallace as the backup and a specialty player. Third-round draft pick Colt McCoy would sit and watch. In the preseason, both Delhomme and Wallace looked sharp, while McCoy looked like he needed a lot of work. But Delhomme was injured less than halfway through the opener, and that changed everything.

Delhomme started four games and played the second half of the Atlanta game. In that stretch, he really played two just good halves, but in the opener at Tampa, he made an ill-advised throw while falling backwards that was returned inside the 5-yard-line. That play was telling, and it showed that Delhomme simply can’t avoid the crucial mistake. The only game where he did was at Miami, but that mistake was avoided because the opposing player dropped a sure pick-six. Delhomme’s inability to move really hurt when he played. I don’t see Delhomme taking another snap for the Browns, but he is a class individual and an excellent mentor. If he would accept a position on the coaching staff, that would be a tremendous asset.

Seneca Wallace was still learning this offense, but in his time under center, he improved each game. Wallace started four games but played just one half against Atlanta and left with a lead. Wallace is a solid backup. His flaw is not seeing the whole field, and he left some plays by missing wide open receivers. My biggest disappointment with Wallace was not seeing more of him in wildcat situations. In my opinion, his remarks while he was recovering saying that he had earned a chance to play put him deep in Eric Mangini’s doghouse. I still believe the Browns would have had better success against Buffalo and at Cincinnati with Wallace playing.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year was the play of Colt McCoy. Pressed into service because of injuries, McCoy ended up playing eight games. McCoy impressed me with his grasp of the mental aspects of the game, his ability to avoid mistakes (the notable exception being versus Baltimore), and his command over a veteran team. McCoy showed the ability to extend plays and improvise, and his ability to roll out or run when a play wasn’t there to be had really helped him. The big concern about McCoy is whether he can play effectively in bad weather. To me, the jury is still out on that. He had trouble with tough defenses late, but that was without any semblance of a running game and suspect receivers.

Keepers: McCoy, Wallace

One More Shot:

Stay, Go, Whatever:

Let’s Move On: Delhomme

Hard To Tell:

Needs: A developmental quarterback

Running Back

At the end of 2009, many were convinced the Browns had found a star languishing on the bench in Jerome Harrison. He certainly made the most of his chance at the end of last year. But in 2010, he evidently did not relish the thought of splitting time in the backfield. He fumbled and sulked his way off the team to a backup role in Philadelphia. Harrison really had just one impact play and that was in the opener. In other games, when he did get chances, he was a shadow of what he had done in 2009. The Browns could have used Harrison down the stretch in 2010 if he had been willing to be a team player.

The Browns found a potential start in Peyton Hillis. His tough, hard-nosed running style made him an immediate fan favorite. He seemed able to get yards when others could not. But that style combined with the fact that the Browns had no other credible running threat caused Hillis to wear down physically as the season wore on. Opposing teams soon realized that if they took away Hillis as a threat, they could significantly hamper the offense. Hillis made many plays, though, and was a threat in the passing game as well. He scored more rushing touchdowns than any player since Kevin Mack. Hillis showed a propensity for fumbling that really hurt in games like Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Hillis threw two passes, completing one to Colt McCoy on a critical third down in New Orleans. While I like Hillis, I have some real questions about his ability to stay healthy for an entire season even with another player to share the load.

The Browns picked up Mike Bell in the Harrison trade. Bell is a veteran journeyman who has been effective in the past with the Broncos and Saints. In Cleveland, though, Bell did not do much of anything, other than a few good runs against the Ravens. Bell might be OK as a third running back going forward, but the Browns could look elsewhere for a younger player.

James Davis had fans in Cleveland because of some plays he made in the preseason. He made some big plays in the Family Day scrimmage. But in both of years in Cleveland, he faded in real games. The Browns ultimately released Davis.

Second-round pick Montarrio Hardesty was injured in his only action of the year, the final preseason game. Drafting him was a gamble because of a history of knee problems. Last I heard, he is doing well but will likely miss training camp. While Hardesty looks like he has talent, the Browns would be foolish to count on him.

Fullback Lawrence Vickers is a great blocker. If he could just be a decent receiver, it would really help. His inability to catch the ball hurt the offense in some games. The coaching staff eventually went more toward two tight end sets, and Vickers saw less playing time. Was it because of his inability to catch? Keeping Vickers off the field hurt in short yardage situations late in the season. Vickers is a free agent.

Keepers: Hillis, Vickers

One More Shot:

Stay, Go, Whatever: Bell

Let’s Move On:

Hard To Tell: Hardesty

Needs: A back to pair with Hillis, depth

Wide Receiver

This position was a mess in 2009 and the Browns stood pat in 2010 hoping that the young receivers would step up. For the most part, that did not happen.

Mohammed Massaquoi was the leading receiver in 2009, but with just 34 catches. Massaquoi remained the #1 receiver in 2010, but he was invisible at times. A head injury at Pittsburgh did not help. Massaquoi did make some big plays along the way, including a long touchdown at Tampa, two big catches on the lone touchdown drive at Miami, and he even threw a touchdown pass against the Ravens. But Massaquoi also fumbled, had bad position way too many times, and failed to break up passes that were thrown his direction that ended up being intercepted. I’m of the opinion that Massaquoi would benefit from having a credible threat on the other side of the field as well as better coaching.

Brian Robiske took a step up over 2009, but given just seven receptions and being inactive half the year, that doesn’t set a high bar. While Robiske did contribute, including a seven catch game against Carolina and touchdowns in the last four games, I am not sold on his ability to be a consistent contributor at this level. I’d give him one more offseason and see what happens, but I think the Browns have to plan as if Robiske is not going to be a key component going forward.

Chansi Stuckey has made some important catches for the Browns in 2010. But saying that, he runs bad routes, could not break a tackle to save his life, and has had trouble hanging onto the ball. While I acknowledge some important drive-extending receptions, how many times did Stuckey run a six-yard route on third and eight? Stuckey seems to me like a guy that could be easily replaced.

Josh Cribbs started the year strong at receiver. He had some big catches including a 65-yard touchdown and the biggest reception in the final game against Pittsburgh. But despite the improvement, it’s tough to assess where Cribbs is at this point due to injuries. I like his hands and his routes are better. Cribbs would be best utilized as a fourth receiver and to continue to use him in the wildcat, something the Browns did sparingly all year.

Carlton Mitchell saw very little action this year. As a sixth round pick who came out early, it’s difficult to say what potential he has. When he played, Mitchell was generally used in end around situations, so it’s safe to say the coaching staff did not have a lot of confidence in his ability to get open and/or catch. Let’s see how Mitchell looks in camp.

The Browns picked up Demetrius Williams from Baltimore. Along with Sam Aikens and Jake Allen, he was one of the guys who came through the revolving door to help at a thin position. If you can’t contribute at your position on a team that has little or no talent there, it’s unlikely you are going to be a contributor. Still, Williams might be worth carrying into camp next year just to see if anything will develop.

The Browns brought back Jordan Norwood late in the year. He is a developmental guy who could perhaps contribute in the return game. On the other hand, he’s had some chances and has not been able to get on the field yet. Jonathan Haggerty showed promise in the preseason before being injured, but it’s hard to say if he will develop into anything.

The Browns cannot go into 2011 without meaningfully addressing this position.

Keepers: Massaquoi, Cribbs

One More Shot: Robiske

Stay, Go, Whatever: Williams

Let’s Move On: Stuckey

Hard To Tell: Mitchell, Haggerty, Norwood

Needs: At least two receivers, probably an impact veteran and a draft choice

Tight End

After trading Kellen Winslow, tight end was a vast wasteland of a position in 2009. The Browns ended up using Robert Royal, more of a blocker, as their primary tight end, and that did not work out at all. They discovered Evan Moore late in the year and also used Greg Estandia. The Browns addressed the position in the offseason by adding veteran Benjamin Watson from New England. This turned out to be a huge acquisition.

Watson became the team’s leading receiver and contributed all year long. He had a ten catch game at Miami and was a threat in all kinds of situations. Early in the year, Watson made a lot of mistakes like jumping offside, deflecting passes that turned into interceptions, and a dumb celebration penalty. But as the year went on, those things faded. Watson not only caught the ball, often in traffic, but he blocked as well. Watson’s numbers were comparable to those of Winslow in Tampa, a team that won a lot more games and had a better all-around offense.

Evan Moore showed flashes of promise again, but he was not used a lot. He made some key catches, but was often not even on the field. Once he was on the field, he could not seem to stay there and ended the year on injured reserve. Moore has talent, but the Browns could not seem to find ways to use it, which is puzzling for a team where receiver is a problem position. Moore has to show he can stay healthy if he is going to develop into more of a threat.

Robert Royal went from primary tight end to largely a blocking tight end and occasional receiver. In that role, he flourished. He made a spectacular catch for a touchdown in Cincinnati. If Royal can continue to be used in his areas of strength, he can be a valuable asset to the offense.

Veteran Alex Smith was the fourth tight end. The Browns carried him on the roster all year, yet he did not get chance to play until the final weeks of the season. He has never lived up to his expectations in his career so far. The Browns could give him another shot next year, keeping him as a hedge against injuries.

Greg Estandia was placed on injured reserve, but could challenge for a roster spot next year. Estandia is not a great blocker, though, so he would have to improve there to gain a spot over the other players on the roster. To me, he is a similar player to Moore and Moore is better.

Keepers: Watson, Royal

One More Shot: Moore

Stay, Go, Whatever: Smith, Estandia

Let’s Move On:

Hard To Tell:

Needs: None, unless an upgrade is available

Offensive Line

At the end of 2009, the offensive line was a key strength. Teams knew the Browns were going to run and they were successful at it anyway. Who could forget running the ball 20 straight plays in the season finale against Jacksonville? In 2010, it wasn’t quite the same. The offensive line was inconsistent, and the efforts to shore up the right side of the line were scuttled by injuries. At times, the line dominated, but teams with quick, active fronts like Atlanta and Miami gave the Browns fits.

Joe Thomas is an excellent player, but 2010 was still the worst year of his young career. Losing his man led to Delhomme’s injury in the opener. That’s not to say Thomas did not make great plays at times. On balance, he is still far better than most. But we have come to have such lofty expectations for Thomas, seeing him play at an average level at times was surprising.

Eric Steinbach has taken a lot criticism this year, and at times, it was deserved. This is another veteran player who normally plays at a high level. There were, times, though, when Steinbach struggled. Yet, he also had times when he pulled or got out into space where his block opened up a play. It’s no secret that Steinbach was not a favorite of the coaching staff. The Browns need to decide if Steinbach fits their mold for the type of guard play they want to see. I personally think there are enough other holes to fill that Steinbach’s position could wait another year, but if a better fit were to come available, it might be worth a look.

Alex Mack has been a solid pickup. He also had an up and down year, but he looks like the kind of player who could man the center position for some time to come.

Veteran Floyd Womack was a key contributor again. Despite injury, he gave the Browns their best option at right tackle and played decently at right guard as well. If he has another year, I like the idea of Womack returning. His versatility is an asset. He wore down some in the final games of the year.

Billy Yates didn’t even make the team coming out of camp and only returned because of Womack’s injury. Yet, Yates became an important contributor at left guard. When Yates was injured about halfway through the year, it led to shuffling the right side of the line in ways that really hurt the running and passing games both. I’d like to see Yates return, even if he ends up as a backup.

Tony Pashos played some and lived up to expectations. He’s an OK player, but he is injury prone. I’d give Pashos another shot, but I’d look at him as more of a bench player.

John St. Clair was injured for much of the first half of the year. When he played, it created big problems in the passing game. His play really hurt in some of the games down the stretch. I could not understand how the coaching staff could view St. Clair as a starter. I would not bring him back.

Shawn Luavao looked like the starter at left guard in camp. He was injured, then saw some limited playing time when he was healthy. It does not speak well of Luavao if the staff felt St. Clair was a better option. In the little playing time he got, he seemed overwhelmed and made mistakes. Still, he missed a good chunk of his rookie year and another offseason could really help.

Steve Vallos is one of several players who came through the revolving door at the bottom of the roster on the offensive line. We didn’t get to see enough of them to tell much.

Keepers: Thomas, Mack, Womack, Yates

One More Shot: Steinbach, Pashos

Stay, Go, Whatever:

Let’s Move On: St. Clair

Hard To Tell: Luavao, Vallos

Needs: At least one player to shore up the right side of the line, depth, perhaps an upgrade a left guard

Joe's Personnel Evaluation: Defense
By Joe Brownlee
Fan Commentator
Posted Jan 11, 2011

With the season complete, Joe Brownlee examines the Browns' personnel. Today, the defense.

0 Comments

Note: This is the second of a two-part series by fan commentator Joe Brownlee. Part one: The offense.

Defensive Line

The Browns have not run well or stopped the run since The Return. Finally, at the start of this season, we saw a Browns team that could stop the run. It didn’t last, though, due to injuries and lack of depth. Once the Browns could no longer stop the run, the games became much harder and teams ran and ate the clock, especially in December. On top of this, the Browns got less pressure on the quarterback than last year. To get pressure often meant all out blitzes and the defense was burned numerous times because of it. Too many times, the Browns got to the quarterback but could not get them down.

Ahtyba Rubin took his play to another level for most of the year before wearing down. He is the one player in this group I don’t have many reservations about. Rubin hustles and makes plays downfield if necessary. He got pressure on passing plays, which isn’t easy from the nose, and also was good against the run. The Browns can’t let him play 80% of the snaps, though, and expect him to stay effective.

Robaire Smith has been a valuable veteran presence since he came to the Browns. He was having another solid year when he got injured. This is Smith’s second major injury since becoming a Brown. He had an excellent recovery from Achilles surgery and has played at a high level, but one has to wonder if Smith is willing to rehab through this and come back. Once Smith was out, a lot of the load had to be picked up by other players, and it was part of the reason Rubin wore down. Smith will be hard to replace should he retire.

Shaun Rogers is a very talented fellow, but he is older and went through a season where he missed camp, practiced rarely, and moved slowly. Rogers did make some plays, such as the blocked field goal in Miami in a game the Browns won by three. But Rogers didn’t always seem to be giving a lot of effort. I’ll grant that Rogers was not healthy. Inconsistent might be the best word to describe his year. If Rogers is to return, the Browns need to decide if they can live with someone with these limitations. To me, Rogers just isn’t contributing at a high enough level to overlook the inability to practice, and I’m not convinced he is giving it his all.

Kenyon Coleman had a solid season despite battling injuries. Coleman is older and not a top-level talent, but he plays hard. He was a valuable contributor and was missed when he did not play. Coleman could continue to play a role, but it might be time to look at someone younger.

Brian Schaefering is an interesting project player. For an undrafted player, he has done well. He gives effort and I love his attitude. The question going forward is he had anymore upside and if the skill deficits he has can be worked around. Schaefering played a lot of snaps, which he would not have done if players like Smith and Coleman had been healthier. I think he deserves at least another chance and he could develop into a valuable rotation player.

Derreck Robinson was a veteran signing during camp. He did an OK job as a rotation player, but he could be shoved around at times. I’d give him another shot assuming the Browns don’t draft someone at the position that would be an upgrade.

Travis Ivey was signed off a practice squad late in the year. His fresh legs and wide body were helpful in the Ravens game when many of the line players had worn down. I saw enough that I’d like to see more. Perhaps Ivey and Rubin could become a nice rotation in the middle of the line. The only question is why the Browns did not even activate him for the season finale?

The Browns traded for Jayme Mitchell during the season, but he never saw the field. One can only assume he is not ready for prime time yet. With a lot of worn down players, it does not inspire me with confidence that he could not get on the field.

The Browns had some other developmental players that did play. Brian Sanford made some nice plays in the preseason and might have potential. I liked Titus Adams in limited action in 2009 and he had a few good moments in the preseason before getting injured. He is another wide body, but he and Ivey might be fighting for the same roster spot. Kwaku Danso is a purely a project.

Keepers: Rubin, Ivey

One More Shot: Schaefering, Robinson, Adams

Stay, Go, Whatever: Rogers, Coleman

Let’s Move On:

Hard To Tell: Smith, Mitchell, Sanford, Danso

Needs: Youth and depth, this position is the biggest need on the team

Linebacker

The Browns have now played the 3-4 for six years. They still don’t have the personnel for it. One of the reasons the Browns went to the 3-4 in the 1980’s was to take advantage of the talent they had at linebacker at that time. For six years, the Browns have not had the players you need at linebacker to make the 3-4 work, though 2010 was the closest the Browns have come. Considering the state of the front seven, perhaps a change in scheme is in order?

Let’s start with the player who never got on the field: D’Qwell Jackson. Jackson was a Mangini favorite in the 2009 training camp. Then he injured a pectoral muscle halfway through the season and went on injured reserve. By that time, the talk out of Berea was more negative regarding Jackson. During the offseason, the Browns did not offer Jackson a long-term contract. He once again injured a pectoral muscle and missed all of 2010. I do not expect Jackson to return, but stranger things have happened.

Perhaps the best offseason free agent pickup was Scott Fujita. He started slowly, but by the middle of the season, it was apparent that Fujita was the key to the defense. Once he was hurt, it was even more apparent. Suddenly, the Browns struggled against the run and the defense didn’t seem to be in the right places as often. Fujita was sorely missed.

Matt Roth did not make the flashy plays we saw in 2009, but he still had a solid season. Teams schemed to neutralize him more often. The biggest knock on Roth has to be getting to the quarterback several times, but not getting him down. This was a pattern throughout the year. Roth says he wants to test the free agent market. I don’t see it as a disaster if he departs, but all things being equal, I would like to see him return.

Chris Gocong played his best at the end of the season. I wondered if he was still learning the scheme early on. Gocong is a veteran, but he is still young. I think he has the potential to continue to improve.

Marcus Benard has been a nice find. He is mostly just a pass rusher, and has been effective in that role, but I think he was noticeably improved against the run as well. That’s not to say that there is not room for improvement. In just over one full season of games in his career thus far, Benard has double digit sacks. The Browns need to continue to work with Benard and find ways to use him more effectively.

David Bowens openly questioned whether he would make the 2010 team. He did not play much early in the year. But after a career game in New Orleans with two interceptions for touchdowns, Bowens played more. He has lost a step and isn’t the most athletic guy any more. But he makes up for it in veteran smarts. His deflection led to the game winning kick at Miami.

Titus Brown has played well in limited chances, but he just can’t stay healthy. It’s easy to forget that early in 2009, it was Brown who was starting at outside linebacker in front of Benard. If he could stay healthy, it would be interesting to see what he could do.

Eric Barton is one of the veterans brought over from New York by Eric Mangini. Despite his experience, I just don’t see Barton as a player to carry forward. He did make more plays than I expected this year, but it still wasn’t many as one would expect for the number of downs played. Barton was out of position many times, and some of those turned into big plays.

Blake Costanzo rarely plays defense, but he is a valuable contributor on special teams. The Browns felt his loss when he was injured and out for the year. The Browns replaced him with Eric Alexander who made a play or two on special teams. Steve Octavien was another special teams linebacker.

Jason Trusnick came over as a special teams player in the Braylon Edwards trade. He made some impact plays late in 2009 on defense. In 2010, Trusnick did not contribute as much on defense and was even a liability at times. I like his effort, but if I am keeping a linebacker purely for special teams, I’d go with Costanzo.

Kaluka Maiava missed the year with an injury. I have serious doubts that he will ever develop into anything more than a special teams player.

Keepers: Fujita, Gocong, Benard, Costanzo

One More Shot: Bowens, Brown, Maiava

Stay, Go, Whatever: Roth, Trusnick, Alexander, Octavien

Let’s Move On: Barton

Hard To Tell: Jackson

Needs: An impact player, depth

Secondary

The secondary was a big need at the end of 2009. The Browns addressed it by drafting three players, two of which made significant contributions, and by bringing in a veteran as well. Cornerback Brandon McDonald was released and ended up playing with both Arizona and Detroit.

First-round draft pick Joe Haden had a solid rookie year. He played a role early and eventually started when Eric Wright was injured. Haden improved consistently throughout the year and had a huge game at Miami. People criticized the pick, but it is looking like a great move so far.

Second-round draft pick T. J. Ward showed he was a hitter from the first game of the preseason. Ward faded a bit down the stretch, but he still had a very good rookie campaign. Early on, he got his hands on passes but could not come up with the interception. As the year went on, that changed. Ward was out of position at times, but improved as the year went on. Still, Ward has to improve at recognizing who to cover, as he seemed late coming over on several occasions.

Veteran corner Eric Wright had his worst year in 2010. He was picked on a lot early on, and the Browns were blitz-happy and left him on an island. Once teams saw his struggles, they started to pick on him. I was distressed by Wright bailing out on some tackles as time went on. Still, I think Wright can bounce back. The bigger question is if he will choose to return.

Abram Elam struggled early, but had some better games in the middle part of the year. He ran away from tackles at times and struggled in coverage. I’d say that Elam grew during the year, but I’m not convinced that he should start.

Veteran Sheldon Brown came over from the Eagles. He had problems from time to time, such as with Terrell Owens of the Bengals. But Brown was a needed veteran presence, and showed a lot of toughness. He played with an injured shoulder throughout the second half of the season. Brown made a lot of plays. The Browns could look at moving him from corner to safety.

Mike Adams has been a valuable backup player for the Browns for several years. He has largely played safety in the past, but the Browns used him at corner this year. Adams always gives a lot of effort. He was burned at times, but he also made the interception that allowed the Browns to win in Miami and he played hard right up to the end of the season. Adams is a valuable contributor.

Ray Ventrone played much more on defense this year than last year when he was a purely a special teamer. Ventrone got burned at times. I give him credit for playing hard, but he is not someone you want to see on defense. As a special teams player, it would be OK to have him back.

Nick Sorenson had a scary injury in the preseason, but was once again a valuable player on special teams. He played less on defense than in the past.

Sabby Piscatelli came over from Tampa Bay during the season and made some special teams plays. He saw some action at the end of the year on defense due to injuries.

2009 draft pick Coye Francies returned late in the year and played in the finale. It’s hard to know if he might develop into a player.

Keepers: Haden, Ward, Wright, Brown, Adams

One More Shot: Elam

Stay, Go, Whatever: Ventrone, Sorenson, Piscatelli

Let’s Move On:

Hard To Tell: Francies

Needs: A safety, depth

Special Teams

Veteran Phil Dawson has been around since 1999 and has had a great career. Dawson had a year that wasn’t as good as some in the past. He missed more field goals than we have seen in the past (Kansas City, at Miami), and his failed onside kick against the Ravens was costly. Still, I think Dawson is a good veteran kicker who still plays at a high level. Dawson’s contract is up and rumor has it he will not return. I think that would be a mistake. Dawson has meant a lot to this team and if the Browns are better next year, they will need a reliable kicker.

Reggie Hodges started the year much as he was last year: inconsistent. But starting in Pittsburgh, Hodges became the master of placing the ball inside the 10. From that point on, he was consistent and reliable. Enough so that the Browns released Dave Zastudil. Hodges also had an amazing 68-yard run off a fake punt in New Orleans. What a great year for Hodges!

Ryan Pointbriand had another solid year as the long snapper. There were a few snaps that were a bit off here and there, but Hodges generally corrected those.

After getting tons of mileage on kick returns in previous years, the Browns got little in 2010. Teams kicked away from Josh Cribbs, and then once Cribbs was injured, he was not able to do much. The Browns tried a series of replacements, but had little success. Joe Haden did a nice job on kickoffs, but with injuries in the devensive backfield, the Browns did not use him as a return man in the later part of the year. Chansi Stuckey had a disastrous turn as the punt return man in Pittsburgh. The Browns had a very memorable play off a Cribbs lateral to Eric Wright in New Orleans.

The kick coverage units had another great year, though they had a rough day in Cincinnati. When special teams ace Blake Costanzo was injured, it hurt the Browns.

Keepers: Dawson, Hodges, Pointbriand, Cribbs

One More Shot:

Stay, Go, Whatever:

Let’s Move On:

Hard To Tell:

Needs: A credible backup to Cribbs on punt returns