So who wants to start talking draft picks? What DBs are out there?

So who wants to start talking draft picks? What DBs are out there?

 

Problem is there's a lot of bad teams out there -- KC, Oakland, Jax, Carolina. The Browns may be the best of the bad. The other bad teams will probably go QB or DL (esp. Carolina) with their first picks. Fortunately this draft is pretty strong on CBs, so we may not need to go with a CB in the first round. That's why I want a killer linebacker with our first pick. Georgia LB Jarvis Jones is my first choice.

 

I hope we trade up to get another first-round pick. But even if we don't, there still should be some good CBs available early in the second round. In my opinion, the top CBs in order are:

 

Dee Milliner of Alabama, Johnthan Banks of Mississippi State, Xavier Rhodes of Florida State, and David Amerson of North Carolina State. Getting a decent safety may not be a bad option either. I'm not sold on TJ Ward. LSU Safety Eric Reid is likely the top pick at safety.

 

EDIT: if OSU's Bradley Roby declares for 2013, he might also be another first rounder. He could last into the second round however.

Another loss.  Anyone want to bet on next weeks loss?

Another loss.  Anyone want to bet on next weeks loss?

 

There are two things you should never do in Cleveland. 

 

Never let a child pick your RTA fare machines.

 

And never ever ever bet on the Browns.

Not to gloat or to say in anyway that Trent Richardson is not a premier draft pick, but I now get to go around asking all the nay-sayers what was so ridiculous about advocating for the Browns to select a CB high in this past draft.....

 

^Actually..... if you used the point spread provided by Vegas, you might have actually turned a profit betting on the Browns this year.  Teams are having trouble covering the spread against them

Thanks.

Glad we won, but I think the point above about a CB is legit - they wanted Patrick Peterson last year, and when he and AJ Green were gone, they traded down. They could have stood pat this year and taken Claiborne instead of Richardson (or just gambled and waited to see if Richardson would fall to 4), saving a couple of late picks in the process. Haden/Claiborne duo would have been ridiculous, though Peterson was the better prospect. Haden, Claiborne, and Ward in the secondary - oof.

 

That said, I'm still alright with Richardson - I just would have taken a guard rather than Weeden to guarantee he has total support. If we reduce the number of guys Richardson has to beat or shake off on his own, he's going to break more big gains.

Has anyone noticed that NBC uses a picture of the Rock Hall with the Miami skyline in the background on Sunday Night Football? Check it out when they show the games from earlier in the day.  :oops:

Has anyone noticed that NBC uses a picture of the Rock Hall with the Miami skyline in the background on Sunday Night Football? Check it out when they show the games from earlier in the day.  :oops:

 

I think it's part of a montage of cityscapes from NFL cities. Apparently NBC production staff think the the rock hall is the only cityscape worth showing from Cleveland.

 

Anyway, great win yesterday. I love all the national coverage of yesterday's game: "The Steelers lost by giving the ball away 20 or 30 times, at least. I don't know who that other team was, but they were there too."

Well a win is a win, I guess. Most unsatisfying though.

 

Weeden does not look comfortable, even with all day to throw.

A friend from Pittsburgh on Facebook in the 4th quarter suggested they should bring back Bettis so he could fumble too.

 

The Browns could be a lot better if they stopped shooting themselves with stupid penalties. Penalties clearly cost them the game in Dallas, and have hurt them in a lot of other close games like this one.

Methinks this no-name linebacker has just made a name, and a big fine, for himself.....

 

http://deadspin.com/5963057/browns-linebacker-tank-carder-follows-awful-comedy-accounts-on-twitter-tells-one-your-a-faggot-when-he-misses-the-joke

^ Ha. If Tank were going to go through with all that he should have made it count and said it to Roethlisberger.

 

Is his maiden name Palin?

Dude issued an apology this evening.

What in the world is going on in the NFL?? Now Jay Glazer is reporting that a Browns employee hanged himself in a storage shed at the Browns facility in Berea!! The Cuyahoga County Coroner reportedly confirmed the news. Wow...

 

EDIT: local news now has the story....

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_cuyahoga/body-found-hanging-at-cleveland-browns-training-facility-storage-shed

Browns just released a statement and identified the employee as Eric Eucker. The team had already left for Oakland when his body was discovered Saturday morning.

Doubly unfortunate that that player had to go murder his girlfriend and kill himself. Eucker's family would have been spared being a national footnote.

Doubly unfortunate that that player had to go murder his girlfriend and kill himself. Eucker's family would have been spared being a national footnote.

 

What?

This story is going to carry further because of the Chiefs player.

Ah, I see.

great game today.  Is there a scenario where Schurmer keeps his job next year?

great game today.  Is there a scenario where Schurmer keeps his job next year?

 

NFL does away with touchdowns and allows only field goals, thus making Phil Dawson the league MVP.  ;)

The reason why the Browns won that road game today? Because they had a 14-play, 94-yard, 6-minute drive in the fourth quarter for a touchdown (not a FG, a TD!) that left only 3 minutes and 26 seconds on the clock for Carson Palmer to score 10 points. That was one of the most impressive drives by the Browns to put away a game since their return in 1999. And it started with a Sheldon Brown INT that stopped the Raiders from tying or taking the lead.

 

Game over.

 

I don't know if it saved Shurmur's job. He still doesn't seem to have the balls to call gutsy, winning plays. Although his fourth-down call today was the kind of call you make when you want to win a game rather that protect yourself. So maybe the stubborn SOB is learning. Will he learn enough in time to save his job?

great game today.  Is there a scenario where Schurmer keeps his job next year?

Yes, but it probably involves winning a few more like today, taking a few risks, and showing that he's improved as much as his team.

 

On a different note, while Weeden still has a lot of growing to do, but the rest of the team seems to be improving much faster than him. I couldn't find much to complain about on offense (other than the picks and batted passes), and the defense needs a little more strength in the secondary, but otherwise looked really good yesterday.

Offense is definitely improving.  RB's & WR's gained a lot of yards yesterday on second efforts, spinning out of the initial hit to get another 5-7 yards.  Those are the things that keep drives alive.  Nice game also by the TE Watson.  Richardson is really emerging as a premier every down back who can run, catch & pass block.

 

The reason I ask about Shurmur is he was brought in by Holmgren.  Obviously Holmgren is gone and new owner Jim Haslam probably has some other guys in mind for the head coach job.  While change may be good, I hate the idea of paying Shurmur another year when he's coaching somewhere else.  Browns have paid 2 coaches, Mangini & Romeo, long after they were gone. 

This team could've given up a few weeks ago....They lost AT LEAST three winnable games to begin the season.  The fact that they are still playing hard is enough to give Shurmer a look for next season.  I'm 50/50 on Shurmer staying, and 95/5 on Heckert sticking around for another season. 

Looks like our much-criticized WR corps is slowly but steadily becoming a strength.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I won't shed one tear when we are passed over in the 2nd round of the draft this year.  Gordon is a can't miss 1st round talent and was well worth the supplemental pick we spent on him.  Little may have played his best overall game as a Brown, with the type of YAC yards H&H imagined when they drafted him, catching the ball with his hands, and an absolutely devastating downfield block which sprung MoMass for another 20-30 yards.  Both of these guys are young and had some interruptions in their playing career which surely slowed down their development.  Give them another year with Weeden and I would expect to see even more impact on the game from our WRs.

 

On defense, having Phil and Haden back in the lineup has been beyond huge.  Our defense is still learning, but it is a truly physical bunch which fits the mold for an AFC North team.

The browns offense must be a "Little" physical too. I just read that three of Oakland's defensive backs were knocked out of the game with concussions.  I know Little caused at least one of em.  Isn't it usually the browns getting lit up?  Times are changing! 

Weeden's footwork still needs...well...work. When defenders get close to him, he doesn't set his feet and his throwing accuracy suffers. When Weeden sets his feet, his accuracy is outstanding for the most part. Weeden's second interception was also affected by a defender hitting his arm during his throw. I didn't get a good look at all the circumstances surrounding his first throw. I'm wondering what the coaches and Weeden are doing to address this. Perhaps he can learn to set his feet in traffic, or learn to throw (or where to throw) when he doesn't have time to set his feet.

 

I know this sounds a little crazy, but I see a little bit of Brett Favre in him. In the two seasons (1992-93) after Favre was named the starter (he played very little in his first year of 1991), he threw 37 TDs and 37 INTs -- and he regressed in that second year (1993) of starting, throwing 19 TDs and 24 INTs! It wasn't until his fourth year (1994) that Favre has his breakout season, throwing for 3,800 yards, 33 TDs, 14 INTs and QB rating of 90.

 

The reason why Favre reminds me of Weeden is that Favre used to make those same wild downfield throws into coverage and he would get picked off. It wasn't until he got more comfortable in the pocket, improved his mechanics, and made better decisions under pressure that he could complete those passes. Or better yet, not attempt them, and instead just dump them off underneath.

 

BTW, that leads me to another question: why isn't Richardson on the field all the time? In obvious passing downs when defenders are likely to blitz, why isn't he used as Weeden's relief valve and sent on underneath patterns? It puts Richardson in the open field. Think of the pressure that puts right back on the defense. Maybe that's just too obvious....

I actually think Weeden has a good feel for the pocket and steps up nicely to help his OL out.  He also is a decent, but far from great, scrambler when the pocket breaks down.  What he doesn't do well at all from a footwork perspective is back-pedal.  He doesn't get into his set quick enough.  I'm not sure that can be fixed as it might be a physical limitation we have to deal with.  However, this is his first year under center because OK St.'s offense was run out of the shotgun, so backpedaling was not really needed. 

 

I can see the 'gunslinger' analogy with Favre.  I would say probably half of Weeden's picks this year have been either because his arm was hit or the ball was tipped.  Then there are also times the casual fan probably can't pick out where the WR ran the wrong route.  It is still a pick, but point is that not all of them have been due to blatant misreads or errors.  I must say though that Weeden's accuracy has been a bit of a letdown.  I thought that was going to be his strength, but he just 'misses' on more throws than I would have expected when we drafted him.

Very true about Weeden being under center. When he runs a no-huddle offense from the shotgun, I've been very impressed with him. It's when he throws off his back foot that the balls sails on him (and just about every other QB). I didn't see his footwork on his first INT, but it was overthrown so I'm wondering if that one went off his back foot. And yes, I'm still waiting for Brandon "Clay Pigeon" Weeden too.

 

BTW, check out these stats just sent by the Browns' PR department....

 

Most passing yards all-time by an NFL rookie through 12 games:

1. Luck (3,596)

2. Newton (3,297)

3. Weeden (2,820)

4. P. Manning (2,810)

 

How 'bout that?

Anyone else notice that they're running WR's into the backfield finally?

 

Just as I suggested on this very thread!! But you can see how the misdirection tactic gets the defense off it's game for a split second or two. It works on pass plays, or allows the RB space for an extra couple of yards.

Anyone else notice that they're running WR's into the backfield finally?

 

Just as I suggested on this very thread!! But you can see how the misdirection tactic gets the defense off it's game for a split second or two. It works on pass plays, or allows the RB space for an extra couple of yards.

 

The Richardson TD was a perfect example of what this can cause.  The T-Rich got the ball, I saw the Oakland DE right there poised to make the tackle.  But Travis Benjamin was racing across the line on a fake reverse that completely froze him.  Once that happened T-Rich just walked right in.  The Absolute right play call at the moment, never something I thought I'd say about Shurmer.

 

Also, Weeden got that first down on that final drive.  Unbelievable spot there.

Anyone else notice that they're running WR's into the backfield finally?

 

Just as I suggested on this very thread!! But you can see how the misdirection tactic gets the defense off it's game for a split second or two. It works on pass plays, or allows the RB space for an extra couple of yards.

 

The Richardson TD was a perfect example of what this can cause.  The T-Rich got the ball, I saw the Oakland DE right there poised to make the tackle.  But Travis Benjamin was racing across the line on a fake reverse that completely froze him.  Once that happened T-Rich just walked right in.  The Absolute right play call at the moment, never something I thought I'd say about Shurmer.

 

Right! That same play never stopped working for Tomlinson. Ya got speed-demon Benjamin (and maybe still Cribbs) so what the heck, keep it going!

The Raidas are the picture-perfect definition of "lowly," but I'm still very satisfied with yesterday's win.  It's not easy on the road in the NFL, and that team showed a lot of perseverance.  I wish they would have put their foot on Oakland's throat late in the second quarter, but I think they'll get there at some point.  Either way, this team is still making great progress and they should be able to build on their streak with KC coming to town next Sunday.

BTW, check out these stats just sent by the Browns' PR department....

 

Most passing yards all-time by an NFL rookie through 12 games:

1. Luck (3,596)

2. Newton (3,297)

3. Weeden (2,820)

4. P. Manning (2,810)

 

How 'bout that?

 

I think that is more 'bout the trend in the NFL towards much more pass-happy offenses considering that 3 of the 4 on the list are from the past two years.  Still impressive, but some perspective is needed.  For example, 3 of the top 5 single season passing yardage records for any QB (rookie or veteran) were from 2011.

True, but RGIII, Tannehill, Wilson or Lindley couldn't crack that list. Sorry, couldn't resist with Lindley -- what an historically horrible game yesterday for the Cards.

http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=17&post_id=9031

 

Strong likelihood of Lombardi replacing Heckert. 

 

Please no football gods.  Ugh.

This is the topic of the day with the talking heads. I don't know anything about Lombardi, so I don't know if this would be an improvement or not. What I do find interesting is that 4 weeks ago, everyone was screaming for Shurmer and, to a lesser extent, Heckert's head. We couldn't change regimes fast enough. Now we've got a couple wins under our belt, and everyone (broadly defined) is horrified that we might be changing the GM and/or coach.

 

I'm seeing players develop, but I don't know if they would have progressed further faster under different leadership. I'm still of a mind that Heckert has earned the opportunity to stay here (presuming he wants to), but Shurmur is a failure as a head coach. He's had 2 wins in a row, but that doesn't forgive some horrific play calling and clock management during the season (and last season).

 

 

I don't think there was ever a consensus on Heckert needing to be fired, but rather that he probably would be a casualty of regime change. Most of the worry about Shurmur is people worrying that the numbers might look good enough from the mid-second half of the season that the front office might feel obligated to keep a coach that appears on the rise results wise. I don't listen to sports radio during the day, so maybe I'm off base from that portion of the pundit/call-in sphere.

I don't want Mike Lombardi as the personnel director. When he was here (1987-95) I saw the Browns' talent drop significantly from a team that consistently challenged for the Super Bowl to one that was slightly less than mediocre. I don't have to look this up because I remember that era VERY well. The Browns records were:

 

1986: 12-4

1987: 10-5 (strike year)

1988: 10-6

1989: 9-6-1

1990: 3-13

1991: 6-10 (not sure about this one)

1992: 7-9

1993: 7-9

1994: 11-5

1995: I don't even remember that nightmare. That season was such a clusterf--- with news of the move leaked right after the Indians lost the World Series.

 

Maybe Lombardi was starting to figure out how to pick talent because of our 1994 record, and many predicted the Browns would be a Super Bowl contender in 1995 until injuries and then the move overwhelmed things. But I'll also always remember that Belichick wanted to draft Warren Sapp in 1995 and Lombardi over-ruled him. I am fine with Heckert staying. I think he's earned it. His last few drafts were very good and I'm so happy he risked a second-round pick on Josh Gordon in the supplemental draft.

 

As for Shurmur, I just don't like him as a head coach. I think he can do the basics of coaching and maybe eke out a .500 season. But I don't think he has the ability to take risks and motivate professional players to get the absolute best out of them to make them achieve at a championship level.

Nice. Not a surprise that they pulled this one off, but they sure seem to be maturing as a team. I'm liking the quality of the run blocking.

not surprisingly the espn recap focused solely on belcher without a peep about the browns groundskeeper. sheesh.

 

 

Heckert picks with big impacts today again.  John Hughes with a sack.  Travis Benjamin with a return TD.  Juqai Parker and Frostee Rucker have been much better than I expected when they picked them up this offseason.  Will be sad to see him go.

I know there are some games to play, but what would a 7-9 record, 3-3 in division, and a steelers sweep buy pat and/or tom?

That's what a decent team is supposed to do an 2-10 team. Heckerts draft are looking even better now with Little, Hardesty and Cameron contributing.

It seems like Heckert is doomed regardless.  Power play by Banner.  Shurmur could save his job, I think.

not surprisingly the espn recap focused solely on belcher without a peep about the browns groundskeeper. sheesh.

 

ESPN doesn't know Cleveland exists. ESPN isn't a sports news organization. It's a popularity showcase of front-running teams and/or individuals. I understand they're out for ratings which is why they aren't due respect.

 

As for the Browns, the reason why we won is because I shut off my DVR after the Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles got his 80-yard TD. I haven't DVR'd the prior two games either. Yes, I am apparently the center of the sports universe....

 

Actually, the real reason why the Browns won is because they are playing with a more level head and that comes only with experience. The 80-yard TD didn't bother them, the defense collected itself and kept up the pressure the rest of the game. Weeden got lucky with a couple of passes that should have been intercepted, but he also was victimized by more drops on good throws today than I've seen in a while. But they made plays when they needed to and got the job done. It was one of those workmanlike wins we haven't seen in a while. I also felt they played with confidence like they haven't had in probably five years.

 

Today, it was like a time warp in which an up-and-coming Browns team was playing the old, pathetic Browns. The fact that the Chiefs have a number of former Browns as coaches and players only underscores this.

I expected the chiefs to play poorly because of the distraction of last weeks event on their psychology while preparing for the game. Combine that with a Browns team that is improving as they gain experience and a little bit of luck on a couple of throws that could have been interceptions and you get a lopsided win like we just saw.

 

 

As for the Browns, the reason why we won is because I shut off my DVR after the Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles got his 80-yard TD. I haven't DVR'd the prior two games either. Yes, I am apparently the center of the sports universe....

 

 

lol! i know that feel bro. i didnt get to watch today, but whenever i do and something like that happens i want to go hide in the goat tower because i think i jinxed it...!