Young defense

[Greythan]

Great read from Terry (as usual):

If offense gets the spotlight, Cleveland Browns' emphasis clearly has been defense: Terry Pluto | cleveland.com

As good an explanation as any for the offense's struggles when compared to the defense is Terry's points on how we've drafted these past two years. Fact of the matter is we were woefully lacking in talent on both sides of the ball when Heckert took over. At least based on his last two years of drafting, I'm feeling pretty damn good about his ability to scout and select.

Its probably a pretty easy bet that we'll see 2 or 3 offensive players selected in next year's draft with our first three picks (2 1'sts and a 2nd, right?). Perhaps a QB if Colt's 2011 campaign doesn't go well. Certainly, a playmaker or two (i.e., skill positions).

Good news? Our defense will be even younger when we turn over Fujita/Brown and will likely be rounding into a nasty AFC North type defense as the offense benefits from a talent infusion.

Stay the course? I say yes. While Shurmur has underwhelmed so far, its hardly a body of work to evaluate. And as I felt so strongly about Mangini, I feel just as strongly now: we need continuity, a plan, and the discipline to execute the plan. Its the only way.

[golfer704u]

Originally Posted by Greythan

Great read from Terry (as usual):

If offense gets the spotlight, Cleveland Browns' emphasis clearly has been defense: Terry Pluto | cleveland.com

As good an explanation as any for the offense's struggles when compared to the defense is Terry's points on how we've drafted these past two years. Fact of the matter is we were woefully lacking in talent on both sides of the ball when Heckert took over. At least based on his last two years of drafting, I'm feeling pretty damn good about his ability to scout and select.

Its probably a pretty easy bet that we'll see 2 or 3 offensive players selected in next year's draft with our first three picks (2 1'sts and a 2nd, right?). Perhaps a QB if Colt's 2011 campaign doesn't go well. Certainly, a playmaker or two (i.e., skill positions).

Good news? Our defense will be even younger when we turn over Fujita/Brown and will likely be rounding into a nasty AFC North type defense as the offense benefits from a talent infusion.

Stay the course? I say yes. While Shurmur has underwhelmed so far, its hardly a body of work to evaluate. And as I felt so strongly about Mangini, I feel just as strongly now: we need continuity, a plan, and the discipline to execute the plan. Its the only way.

Great post 100% agree.

[Thaid_Up]

excellent post. a nice level headed look at the current state of things.

[OconRecon]

Excellent.

The Patriots O line is two 1st rounders, two 2nd rounders, and a 5 time probowl free agent. We'll get there, if Colt doesn't develop permanent short sightedness in the mean time due to lack of playmakers and time to throw.

For now, D is keeping us in the game enough to win, albeit ugly at times.

(What happened to the offense we saw in the first two preseason games?)

[YtownBacker]

Great post....................so the sky isn't falling.

Seriously, I really like what they have done on defense but it isn't a finished product by far. We have been very lucky health wise that we haven't had to expose our lack of depth on defense. Let's hope we stay healthy on that side of the ball and get some solid depth and nice looking prospects in here next year.

That said, this could be a banner year for OTs in this draft. Two of the top WR prospects coming out (Blackmon and Floyd) have scouts questioning their ability to get separation at the next level. Don't we have 3 of those guys already. Alshon Jeffery playing with less then steller QB play seems to be that stud with speed and size. Hell, it's way early for that because what I like about the post is the let's see how it plays out and go from there approach instead of the knee jerk reactions.

Young showing good potential to grow is a good thing. As we have seen this year Colt is right there making mistakes and trying to learn just like the other young QBs in the league. Let it play out and evaluate it after the season.

[Bronx Cheer]

This team needs speed like nothing else. Can you imagine how much better this team would look with a starting quality speedy OSLB and a speedy receiver? Heckert's been doing a good job building the D core, but it is clear that he hasn't focused as much resources on O.

I also agree about us not necessarily needing another physical receiver, but rather somebody with the fear gear.

I know it is early, but I see our offseason wish list (in order of importance) as:

speedy WR > OSLB > RT >>>> DE > OG >> CB

[Brown Warrior]

I like our defense a lot. As Alo put it really simply... there are a lot of good players on that side of the ball.

[golfer704u]

Originally Posted by Bronx Cheer

This team needs speed like nothing else. Can you imagine how much better this team would look with a starting quality speedy OSLB and a speedy receiver? Heckert's been doing a good job building the D core, but it is clear that he hasn't focused as much resources on O.

I also agree about us not necessarily needing another physical receiver, but rather somebody with the fear gear.

I know it is early, but I see our offseason wish list (in order of importance) as:

speedy WR > OSLB > RT >>>> DE > OG >> CB

good wish list! I might even add another WR in there before the CB, and ofcourse can't rule out QB just yet!

[BernietheKid]

Harbaugh's comment on Browns defense:

What do you see out of them?
“Play extremely well on defense, that’s what I’ve watched the most of. Very disciplined. They’re very creative in their schemes. And they play very well—very clean in their assignments, and in their technique. Very aggressive on the backend, just a lot of good, aggressive movement with the corners. They’ll take chances. They’ll break on the ball. They’ll press you. They play very well on the backend. Very athletic at the linebackers, 51 and 52 in particular. The rookie’s playing very well at the defensive tackle position. 71 is extremely good, and they’re good on the edges. Personnel is talented, and they’re very, very well-coached. And they have a great understanding of what they’re doing. It’s a salty, salty defense.”

Coach's Notebook: Oct. 24

[Bronx Cheer]

"Salty" ... one of my favorite adjectives because it can mean about anything depending upon context.

Also @Golf, I was trying not to stir the pot with QB! In any event, I don't see us drafting high enough to get one of the top 2 QBs (maybe not even one of the top three) and I don't see us trading up, either. There is a better chance of Heckert trading the ATL pick down into the mid-late 20s to get an extra second or third, or even a future first.

[Brown Warrior]

QB first round pool will go five deep, I think. There are some very "salty" passers out there!! A lot playing in WCOs, too.

[golfer704u]

Originally Posted by Bronx Cheer

"Salty" ... one of my favorite adjectives because it can mean about anything depending upon context.

Also @Golf, I was trying not to stir the pot with QB! In any event, I don't see us drafting high enough to get one of the top 2 QBs (maybe not even one of the top three) and I don't see us trading up, either. There is a better chance of Heckert trading the ATL pick down into the mid-late 20s to get an extra second or third, or even a future first.

I know but that's the thing. I think you CAN discuss QB as part of the potential wish list for next year with out insulting Colt outright. I don't think more than a handful of posters here think Colt should be given next year no matter what.

I think we could trade up to get a QB. So far I'd say I'd probably be against it though. Unless that QB was Luck. But I admit, I don't follow college QBs at this time of year to make a good judgement. I think there's potential there that both are 1st rounders next year are top 15. Next year will be a fun draft year!