Cleveland Browns Report

Despite being 0-2, the future of the Cleveland Browns appears to be bright. They displayed a “real” offensive performance against the Bengals and quarterback Brandon Weeden showed what he is capable of going 26/37 for 322 yards and tossing 2 TD passes and 0 interceptions. But the real bright spot for me was the 3rd overall pick from Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

During his NFL debut against the Eagles Richardson was lack luster putting up under 40 yards rushing. After that game he recognized that the game at this level is very different then of the NCAA. So he watched game film (realizing he was running too high in his stance), practiced hard, and after another week removed from his minor surgery on his knee Trent (T-Rex) Richardson displayed he can not only play at the NFL level, but he could be a top-tier running back. Richardson’s numbers were very good against the Bengals rushing for 109 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown.

Against the Eagles Richardson did (despite poor numbers) did display his power completely demolishing Eagles safety Curt Coleman announcing to the NFL that he is not afraid of “laying the wood” running over Coleman and popping his helmet off like a PEZ dispenser. In fact, he hit Coleman so hard that his helmet traveled an additional 10 yards down the field. Take a look.


And against the Bengals he displayed some speed going 32 yards for his first career touchdown essentially outrunning everyone. This clip is Richardson’s touchdown run.



But my absolutely favorite highlight of the past two weeks from Richardson was a 24 yard TD reception from Brandon Weeden. In this play Richardson shows he has the vision, agility, and balance to make things happen. Pay attention to this clip. On this play Richardson reminded me a little of the "Barry Sanders" type of style.



For those of you who criticized Tom Heckert for making the moves he did to move up one slot to get Richardson, take a look at these highlights and you can already tell that Richardson will be a special player in the NFL.

Writers note: Only two teams have made it to the playoffs after starting 0-2, however this team appears to be pulling it together and I expect their first win this Sunday against the Bills.

What do you think?

If I were to tell you that the Cleveland Browns rookie QB (Brandon Weeden) threw for 300+ and 2 TD’s. Then in that same game, your featured running back (Trent Richardson) had 100+ yards and 1 touchdown. And as an added bonus, the Browns defense held your opposition to under 100 yards rushing you would probably think that the Cleveland Browns would win right?

 Unfortunately the answer is no as the Browns suffered a tough loss to the Cincinnati Bengals 27-34 on Sunday. Both teams played well against each other blow for blow. The difference maker in the game was on special teams where the Bengals’ Adam Jones took a punt return 81 yards for a touchdown. In addition the loss of shutdown corner Joe Haden on the field was painfully obvious as he has begun to serve his four game suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

 In conjunction with Sheldon Brown being ruled out for the game gave the Bengals (especially A.J. Green) plenty of space to throw the ball. But despite this being a heartbreaker to a league rival, I was able to walk away from this game with a positive feeling. Both QB Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson played outstanding. Those fans “clambering for Colt” got to see today why the Browns are so high on Weeden. They also got to see what kind of a weapon we really have at our disposal with Richardson.

 And despite the poor passing defense and miscue on special teams, the Browns really beat themselves with 100+ yards in penalties. And giving your opponents additional opportunities will kill you every time. Next up the Browns is the 1-1 Buffalo Bills who pounded the Chiefs 35-17. Hopefully CB Sheldon Brown will be back and ready to go. But you can bet that penalties will be a focus in next week’s practices.

After a heart-breaking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cleveland Browns must turn their attention to their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. So even though the Eagles game could have gone either way, there is much to be improved on. Let’s take a look at some of the things that the Browns have worked on this week in anticipation for improvement against the Bengals.

Offense:

Really this is all that needs to be said. The defense had its issues which we will cover but the Browns offense was flat out horrible.

Brandon Weeden MUST take care of the football. Throwing four interceptions in the game is not something you want to be known for, especially in Cleveland where we have run more QB’s out of town than Wal-Mart has killed local businesses. There have already been “Op-Eds” and cries for Weeden to be replaced by backup QB Colt McCoy. Not all of the interceptions should fall at the feet of Weeden but the majority do.

The offensive line needs improvement. Pocket protection was ok for the Browns keeping Weeden upright for the most part, but they struggled in the run game. However, it was exciting to see Trent Richardson pop the helmet off of a defenders head. Richardson’s performance wasn’t outstanding, but as he gets more carries and hits he will improve.

So how did the offense rank in week 1?

Offensive Rankings:

Points/Game             16.0 (25th)

Total Yards/Game   210.0 (32nd)

Rushing Yards/Game       99.0 (16th)

Passing Yards/Game        111.0 (32nd)



Defense:

The defense (despite what the stats say) played extremely well essentially playing the Eagles' tough forcing 5 turnovers including a “pick-six”. Despite that however the defensive run stopping once again allowed 100+ yards. But even with the defense struggling to stop the run the defense did everything they could to keep the offense in the game, they fell just short of winning with an L.J. Fort interception in the endzone, but he just could not hang on to it.

How did the Defense rank?

Defensive rankings:

Points/Game             17.0 (9th)

Total Yards              456.0 (31ST)

Rush Yards/Game   150.0 (27th)

Pass Yards/Game    306.0 (27th)

It is just one game. But despite seeing some very poor play by the Browns, I do see light at the end of the tunnel. At least there is nowhere to go but up.

Next up is the winless Bengals who were embarrassed by the Ravens last week 13-44. Look for the Bengals to try and bounce back in the Battle of Ohio.

The following are my thoughts on week one of the Cleveland Browns season.  For my thoughts on Gluten Free cooking or the effects of lingering separatism on the industrial revolution, go to my blog at
www.guywhoblogsaboutweirdrandomstuffthatnooneisinterestedin.net.  Or just approach me on the street and ask me; for a free coffee I’ll discuss just about anything.  For my column on this particular website, however, I thought it best to remain on the topic of Cleveland Browns football, such as it is.

-Quarterback: Everyone ... Calm ... Down.  It was one game.  Yes, Weeds looked bad.  OK, abysmal.  OK, it was more difficult to watch than a Cloris Leachman-Ed Asner sex scene.  However, it was only one game, it was against what everyone say is a top flight defense, and he received no running game support or WR help whatsoever.  Look, if Little catches that ball in the second quarter instead of turning it into an INT, the Browns get at least three more points out of it, and we may be sitting here talking about how “Weeden struggled but made just enough plays to help pull off the upset.”  That’s the difference between winning and losing in the NFL - one play here or there.  Yes, he looked confused.  Yes, he missed a few wide open receives and missed them badly.  Yes, he failed to deliver the Frankenberries or even the Shredded Wheat, but it was only one game.  If there’s no improvement by halftime or early 3rd quarter next week in Cincy, I’d expect to see Colt; especially if the defense keeps us in the game again and there’s an opportunity to steal one.  Honestly, I never wanted them to draft a QB this year; I wanted them to address all of the other roster holes and give Colt another shot with an actual supporting cast, then go after Barkley next year if things didn’t improve.  I also think it would be Hollywood-style irony if Weeden doesn’t improve at all, and Colt comes in and goes lights-out with the new RB & WR corps.  However, if there is some improvement - and let’s face it, by default there almost has to be - I’d be stunned if Weeds doesn’t get every opportunity, and rightly so.

-Running Back: Have to give this one an incomplete.  TRich was not only coming off knee surgery, a month off, and playing in his first NFL game, but the Eagles (smartly) stacked the box.  Had Weeds been able to make two or three more plays in the passing game, there might have been a crack or two for Richardson to run through.  Can’t really grade him on this one, he’ll need at least one, probably two more weeks to get up to full running speed.  If he never does anything else, that helmet removal hit he put on Kurt Coleman will run on highlight reels for a decade.  If you can’t beat em, beat ‘em up. (Official slogan of the Ampipe High School football team)(The fact that I know that reference means I am really, extra, super middle aged)

-Wide Receivers: Massoquoi played well, you have to admit.  He got open - WIDE open - a few times, and caught the balls that came his way.  Plus, he made it through an entire game without a blow to the head making him talk all Biden-goofy, which is always a plus.  Other than that, there’s not much good to report in this area.  Little dropped that ball at the goal line, Gordon looked like he just woke up from a nap, and although Benajmin had a nice run on the reverse, on both of the INT’s where he was targeted, he looked like he was shocked that there was some guy in a green uniform trying to steal HIS passes.  A thought: If there’s no improvement in week two, it might be time for the Browns to at least consider giving Plaxico a call.  Yes, he’s a headache, but he can catch the damn ball, and maybe he can show these young guys a few things about how to fight for a reception when defenders are close by.  Just a thought.  These guys have a TON of potential as a group, I’m not yet ready to give up on them.  Of course, I’m still convinced that Big Band music is going going to make a huge comeback, so take my musings as you will.

Defense:  I’m still waiting for a single NFL “expert” to say that maybe - just MAYBE - some of the Eagles offensive problems were caused by the Browns D. We found ourselves a few LB’s, I thought that group was outstanding.  Fort is certainly kicking himself for the dropped INT in the end zone, but the Browns wouldn’t have been in that game if it wasn’t for him and his cohorts. (BTW, had he held on, I would have looked like a Sooooooper Genius, as I think I’m the only person on the planet who picked the Browns to win that game outright)  The defensive line actually got QB pressure without blitzing, for the first time since Michael Dean Perry - think how solid they’re going to be when Phil Taylor returns.  Billy Winn is the steal of this draft.  Without Haden, it’s going to be tough on the secondary for four games, there’s no denying it.  The guy shuts down an entire half of the field.  The defense is obviously by far the strength of the team, and they’re going to have to play like it all year.

Those are my thoughts, at least the ones that don’t involve Jennifer Aniston and a rainstorm.  I’m still not buying all of the hype about how horrific this team is; I think they’re very, very close.  As I said, one or two more plays on offense and everyone is talking about how “scrappy” this team is, and how “If Weeden can improve on a dismal performance, they could surprise some people.”  One or two plays per game, that’s the difference - for any and every team - between the playoffs and 3-13.

So it's Saturday afternoon and I happen to see a commercial for the Cleveland Browns. So as I'm getting excited for the season opener I proceed to hit up Stub Hub and snag some tickets to the game. It was the 3rd year in a row I've been to the home opener for the Browns. It's becoming a tradition for my brother and me. Thinking on the way there that there is no way it can get any worse than last year's season opener was our first mistake. So I'll just jump right into it.

 Brandon Weeden, the one I once called BW3 played the worst game as a quarterback I've seen in my young relationship with the Browns. The entire game we just kept putting it behind us how bad he was actually playing. After the 3rd interception the head scratching began. Reminising over the past hour of the game and now all the bad throws and decision making it was starting to sink in. Then we asked ourselves, do you honestly bring in Coly McCoy?

Talk about just an uncomfortable feeling as a Browns Fan. You knew that Colt would probably win you the game because of how bad Weeden was playing, but do you bring up all that drama again? In my opinion, Colt comes in that game, the Browns are 1-0. Now, is Colt McCoy the long term answer for the Browns? No, I do not believe so. But it should be about one thing and one thing only, winning football games. Especially here in Cleveland. But I also understand the point of leaving him in as well.
But don't lie to yourselves, Browns fans, you secretly wanted to see Colt McCoy in the football game. Not gonna get heavy into Richardson. Hadn't played in a month and is coming off surgery. And I don't care if Jim Brown was in the backfield, running straight into a wall is tough for anybody. Now, on to another point.

All the fans feeding me about how the defense played excellent? They gave up 456 yds of offense to a team in which the quarterback threw 4 interceptions. Listen, is the defense is the reason we stayed in the football game? Yes. Did they make big play after big play after big play? Yes. But stats don't lie, and that's a lot of yards to give up. Need I mention the gaping holes Shady McCoy had to run through. I think if they give that guy the ball 56 times instead of Vick, they probably would have rolled right over us. I'm one of the most optimistic Browns fans I know, but yesterday was absolutely brutal. And besides the awesome plays the defense made, I couldn't even find anything to be happy about because of how the game unfolded.

 I thought the atmosphere at that game was one of the best atmospheres I've been to, if not the best, at Browns Stadium. But the walk back to the car after the game shockingly felt worse than last year, and had my brother and I saying "Did that really happen?"

After the Cleveland Browns loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a game which the Eagles tried desperately to hand victory to the Browns, should Colt McCoy start game number two? After the dismal performance of quarterback Brandon Weeden, a performance that included four interceptions, two fumbles along with a passer rating of 5.1, many fans and analysts alike are suggesting that Weeden is simply "not ready". This of course coming on the heels of Browns coach Pat Shurmurs statement that Weeden was "very ready".

Yes, he is a rookie and one can expect troubles for the young man trying to adjust to the NFL. This does not excuse the numerous throws above, behind and at times thrown where there were no receivers--just defenders. Weeden looked "rattled" and oftens times seem to throw passes out of desperation, locked on receivers and made numerous poor decisions. Along with throwing for 118 yards with a miserable 30 percent completions he showed his lack of mobility and at times seem to hurry his throws in anticipation of being hit.

Highly touted for his accuracy this did not appear as he missed numerous receivers. Simply put, Weeden is a work in progress and was rushed into the limelight to quick. With the Browns defense keeping us "in the game" ball control and the need to protect the ball was paramount--a game manager if you will--this was one of the knocks on McCoy who has shown the ability to protect the ball.

Whether one is a fan of Weeden or a supporter of McCoy would it not benefit Weeden to sit and learn for a few games, catch up to the speed of the NFL so that when he gets his shot--he is not overwhelmed? Weeden is a project, and should be treated as such........Fire Away!

Friday is here and Sunday quickly approaches as the Cleveland Browns take their final steps in preparation for their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The game plan is in place, key players are on the practice field, and all that is left to do is to add the final touches to the season opener in what is expected to be a tough schedule. So we will take a look at three of the biggest keys to victory for the Browns in week one against the Eagles.

Offensive Line:
The Eagles wide nine aggressive defense (meaning the defensive ends are lined up much wider than normal) gave the Browns offensive line fits in the preseason. With a rookie right tackle and two guards only in their 2nd year the offensive line will be one of the biggest keys to winning on Sunday.

The offensive line MUST protect rookie QB Brandon Weeden and give him sufficient time to deliver the ball downfield. Constant pressure during the preseason forced some unnecessary turnovers.

In addition the running game must be successful to alleviate the pressure on Weeden. The likely return of #1 RB Trent Richardson is a key to the Browns offensive scheme. It is not likely we will see a great deal of carries from Richardson in his first real NFL game action, but having him in the lineup adds a wrinkle to the Browns offense that Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid must prepare for.

Points came rarely for the Browns last season and success depends on them producing in 2012. A great deal of that potential success relies heavily on this young offense specifically the offensive line.

The Linebackers:
With Fujita likely suspended and Gocong out for the year the linebackers of the Cleveland Browns will be critical. Hopefully veteran middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson will be in the middle to anchor this young corps and provide leadership, but the youth of the linebacker corps will be a blessing or curse and with their first opponent being Michael Vick and the Eagles explosive offense, this will be a big test.
For the Browns to contain a potential explosive Eagle offense the linebacker corps must hold their gap assignments while at the same time anticipate play action into the flats or seams with the Eagle WR’s, RB’s, and TE’s. Add to the mix a mobile QB and they will have their job cut out for them. If the Browns defense is to successfully contain the Eagles offense, it will all start with the linebackers.

Turnovers:
The Browns offense must protect the ball better, specifically Brandon Weeden. And he must not only be cautious of throwing interceptions but be better prepared for pressure. He lost several balls during the preseason and this problem must be corrected immediately.

Another aspect is the Browns turnover issues are related to the defense. Although they finished in the top ten in overall defense they forced very few turnovers. It appears (at least through the preseason) that the Browns defense (specifically the secondary) has focused on being much more aggressive in going after the ball. If the Browns can win the turnover battle against the Eagles, there is a good chance they will win the game.
If the Browns can manage the clock and follow these three simple keys they can pull off what the NFL experts would consider an upset. They will be one step closer and they would be a step closer to a winning culture and on the right path to a winning season. Although a season is not won or lost in the first game, it can certainly set the pace for the rest of the year.