I just meant that someday we could read a nice write up about how we actually maintained some continuity with this team with the coaches and front office and made the playoffs to boot with an up and coming team built for a good 5 year (or more) run at the playoffs. Don't get me wrong. I see some bright spots. They have improved, although our 5 game streak to lose out the season sticks in my craw, injuries aside. It's the JF question mark as well as lack of depth at more than a few positions. I still have a feeling of being only 2-3 years into the league after getting our team back. They're still trying to find starters and don't have the quality backups either. Well, okay, maybe I feel it's better than that. But still.............
You sunnova.......... You know I hate that damn song and fans doing that stupid tomahawk chop. I shake my fist at you, sir!!!!!!!!!!
Really good read Lym. lots of straightforward thoughts without the emotional component, just the straight poop. Nicely done, and thanks for taking the time to share. I agree with you that much has been done foundationally, that we have some troubled assets, that we are flush in the defensive backfield, and better than adequate at RB, competitive at WR but in need of improvement, in need of depth in the trenches, but not lost or years away from being a playoff team (not necessarily a playoff threat). The records of our opponents doesn't shake me much. Today's NFL seperates teams often with a handful of plays, and our own division is half of the issue, as always. The team began to show an ability to make the plays needed to win the fourth quarter, this year, and we need only build on that a little bit to continue to post more Ws than Ls. Go Browns.
A round on me, set em up Joe! I just chatted with a guy named Whiskyisgood over on the Packer thread. He did say that they will try to resign Bulaga and let Cobb walk because of Devante Evans. He said Cobb is the real deal and does many things well. But apparently they are cap strapped. But if I was GB I would try to keep 1 of the best RT's in football too. So Bulaga might not be available, hope he is but we will have to see. GO Browns
The Morning Kickoff ? Flippin? OC?s: John DeFelippo, the Browns? newest offensive coordinator ? their 15th in the 17 seasons of their expansion era ? was known as Flip while quarterbacks coach with the Oakland Raiders His biggest fan was Derek Carr, who just completed the second-best season (behind Minnesota?s Teddy Bridgewater) of the 2014 rookie quarterbacks. ?I promise you, the Browns did a really good thing by getting him,? Carr said in an appearance on ESPN 850 WKNR on Wednesday. ?There shouldn?t be a player that doesn?t like him. If they don?t, it?s their fault. Everyone loves Flip. He is just a people person. ?He never changes. He always pushes you. He?s always energized and juiced at practice. And it doesn?t matter if it?s a loss or win, he was the same guy all the time. I can?t tell you how important that is to a quarterback. Flip is definitely someone you want to surround that quarterback room with.? DeFelippo, a Youngstown native and son of a coach, was named by Mike Pettine on Wednesday to succeed malcontent coordinator Kyle Shanahan. DeFelippo, 36, has not been a coordinator except for the 2011 season at San Jose State. Pettine considered him for the job a year ago, but sided with the experienced Shanahan ? a decision that blew up when the ambitious Shanahan sought, and found, a better job in Atlanta after one season with the Browns. Although Pettine has yet to comment on Shanahan?s defection, you can read his disgust with Shanahan between the lines of his official remarks on DeFelippo. ?The things John brings to the table are exactly what we were looking for. He's the total package,? Pettine said in a statement. ?He's very bright. He has great energy about him, great passion. Loves the game. Works extremely well with other people. ?You could see that when I brought him in and had a chance to meet with not just the offensive staff, but he spent time with the defensive staff. That was a big part of it, making sure we weren't bringing in just a playbook. We were bringing in a good person. That, to me, is one of the biggest reasons why he's here.? Another rookie: Carr credited DeFilippo with progressing him physically and mentally throughout his first season as an NFL quarterback. And although Carr pointed out that DeFilippo helped create gameplans with former Raiders coordinator Greg Olson, the fact is he has never called plays in an NFL game. DeFilippo does not bring a definable offensive system with him, as did Shanahan, who inherited the zone-blocking, bootleg-passing scheme from his dad, Mike. DeFilippo has served under diverse offensive coaches such as Tom Coughlin (Giants), Lane Kifflin (Raiders), Matt Cavanaugh (Jets), and Olson (Raiders). ?This isn't going to be my offense or ?so and so's? offense,? DeFilippo said in a statement. ?This is going to be the Cleveland Browns' offense. Whatever that is to get our best players the football, it's going to be very flexible. ?We're not going to just scrap something just because I'm here. I don't have that type of ego. If something's good that our players do well and they know, we're going to keep doing it. That's going to be my job here the next few weeks. I'm going to really study our last 16 games of this season and see what we're good at, see where it fits and see where it meshes with myself and coach Pettine seeing this offense. ?We're going to make this offense, the transition, as simple as we can for our players. I think they'll really like playing in this offense.? A tradition like none other: The Browns have had coordinators of every shape, age, and experience in their expansion era and only two have had reasonably good seasons ? Bruce Arians in 2002 and Rob Chudzinski in 2007. (Shanahan?s year was really not bad considering the constraints of the roster, the Alex Mack injury and the Josh Gordon suspension.) DeFelippo?s 14 predecessors have averaged 50.1 years of age and 10.8 years NFL experience when taken the job. Like him, four of them never called plays in an NFL game before given that responsibility by the Browns ? Chudzinski (2004), Maurice Carthon (2005), Jeff Davidson (2006) and Brian Daboll (2009). So we feel obliged to offer DeFillipo some suggestions and do?s and don?ts upon taking the job: * Find a fullback who can block. Use him. Embrace him. Celebrate him. * Never hand the ball to the third-string tight end for the first time in the player?s career. * Never ask the fullback to throw a halfback-option pass. * Don?t for a minute think you are auditioning for future head coach interviews. Your only chance of career advancement lies in your team?s won-loss record. Your fancy play-calls by themselves are meaningless if your team does not win. * Always remember that the loudest roars in Cleveland are produced by plays by running backs, not quarterbacks. * Never explain a play-call by saying, ?It is what it is.? * Check the stats at halftime. If your runs v. passes are out of whack in the first half, adjust. * Throw to the backs. * If you can get the Browns to execute a screen pass successfully, you will eat for free in Cleveland for the remainder of your career. * Eliminate all play-calls longer than 10 words. * Do not check your cell phone for texts two hours before or two hours after games. * Straighten out Josh Gordon. * Good luck with Johnny Manziel.
After thinking on this for a few days here is what I have - I would have went with Al Saunders as the OC based on what he was able to get out of Marshall Faulk and Priest Holmes. The Browns will need a sound running attack to compliment the defense that I would put the focus on. On offense, I would sign Matt Moore to a 3 year deal which guarantees you either an average starter or a quality back-up while the search for the franchise QB continues. I would look to add either Henry Hynoski or Will Johnson if the opportunity presents itself. If not, I am looking to draft a hybrid fullback (think Larry Centers) or a true blocking FB. I would look to deal Josh Gordon and make sure that the locker room knows that it is because his behavior, which is detrimental to the team, that the decision was made to part ties. Randall Cobb would be a nice get, but I would go after Eddie Royal on a 4 year deal and save some cash. I would also see where the market sets for Cecil Shorts and look to add him if the price is right. At TE I would let Cameron walk and save some money by adding Niles Paul. It could very well end up being an upgrade for less of a price tag. If the price goes up to high on Paul, then it will more than likely be a bottom of the barrel buy and it might as well be Chase Coffman. The kid hates everybody, including the other teams coaching staff. RT is an intriguing problem. I would consider Ebbon Britton since his price tag should be driven down after last season. He's not the complete answer to the equation but I believe he would be an upgrade and a step in the right direction while looking to draft not 1 but 2 offensive tackles if possible in this draft. On defense, I would overpay to sign Suh and try to make it a lengthy deal that is structured team friendly in the manner of the cap hit. And yes, I would go to the 4-3. I would see where the price tag goes on Dwan Edwards and Da'Quan Bowers and make a decision on signing one or the other, possibly both. I am resigning Jabaal Sheard and both he and Paul Kreuger are moving to DE. I would also take a flyer on Larry English to play DE. The price should be reasonable considering his struggles to make the adjustment to OLB and his difficulties in his first season to play DE for Lovie Smith. It's not a flash signing, but premium pass rushers cost cash and the Browns would need to add them through the draft unless their is a lock in FA that is worth the correct price. I am also taking a flyer on Akeem Ayers to play OLB. Depth will be needed. Mingo will start at OLB along with Kirksey. Dansby mans the middle. I am resigning Skrine and looking to add another CB in the draft. I am also adding Da'Norris Searcy if the price tag is reasonable. Starting offense - QB - Matt Moore RB - Isaih Crowell FB - Will Johnson TE - Niles Paul WR - Eddie Royal WR - Andrew Hawkins or Cecil Shorts LT - Joe Thomas LG - Joel Bitonio C - Alex Mack RG - John Greco RT - Ebbon Britton LDE - Paul Kreuger LDT - Ndamukong Suh RDT - Dwan Edwards or Da'Quan Bowers RDE - Desmond Bryant or Larry English LOLB - Barkevious Mingo MLB - Karlos Dansby ROLB - Christian Kirksey LCB - Joe Haden SS - Da'Norris Searcy FS - Donte Whitner RCB - Buster Skrine I would have a certian focus for the draft, but ultimately take BPA unless it was close enough talent wise to justify taking a need. The only way I consider moving up is if Amari Cooper falls to a striking distance from the 12 pick (around 9-10) that I could package the 12 and a 3rd to move up and take him but I am not packaging both first to move up into the top 5-7 range. I've seen Garrett Grayson mocked to the Browns in the second round. I am not drafting a quarterback that early from this class. I would however take a chance on Shane Carder with the second 4th round pick if he is still available. Possibly not if I had to trade the third round pick to move up for Cooper but Carder could compete with Connor, Johnny and Matt for a potential roster spot and has the potential to be the 3rd or 2nd string QB. I know this is a bit lengthy but Irish got the wheels turning with his post the other day. *WRITE*
Interesting read Bluez. Sounds like Pettine and Shanny weren't drinking buddies. If we read Pettin's comments as a shot at the departing Shanny, then Shanny was into strategy over people, and didn't play well with others. Obviously not Pettine's king of guy. Is he placing some of the blame for Manziel's not being ready on Shanny not working well with him? Does that allow us to consider that Manziel "can be saved"? We'll never know for sure, but let's consider that 3 of the 4 "problem child players" (I include B Tate) were on the offensive side. My point is the handling of players who aren't choir boys, and required something other than the "standard" approach, didn't adjust, which I believe p;oint to a faulure shared by the coaching staff and maybe Shanny's lack of prople skills were a big contributor. So I guess what I read from this is; DeFillippo is going to be better with communication / players & coaches, has played a key role in making rookie D Carr into an NFL QB in a short 16 games while Shanny coudln't even get Manziel to a "competent" level. Sounds like a "team player" to me. Short on OC experience, but if he can unify the O and can reach the malcontents, I'll accept that he will make mistakes, if he can make them with the full support of his players and staff. Welcome to the factory big D, your going to handle the first shift. Go meet your team, and get to work.
Great post, Tim. There's a lot to mull over in there. However, I keep going back to these four little words: "Forty" "Nine" "Million" "Dollars" That's the current approximate cap space owned by the Browns. And - it's a use it or lose it scenario. Offensively, IMO, the Browns need to first determine exactly what they can be using the players currently under contract on the roster. Given the absolute certainty of the next Aaron Rodgers not walking through the door at Berea, it can be safely assumed that the 2015 Browns will not be the next incarnation of "Air Coryell". At best, they will have a "Game Manager" type of QB under center who is there because he doesn't do whatever it takes to lose games. Whoever this turns out to be will only need to pose a threat of going deep just to keep the opposing defense honest. Matt Moore would definitely fit this criteria. How much $ do you think he will demand on the free Agent market? From all accounts I have read, the hiring of DeFelippo tells me that the Browns are no longer going to try and pound a round peg into a square hole. DeFelippo will be tasked to implement an offense that is based on what players he has at his disposal. If you don't have a Rodgers, Brady, Brees or someone similar in an orange helmet, it only makes sense to go old school and implement a three yards and a cloud of dust offense. Again, IMO, this is the offense that the Browns are the closest to implementing at this point in time. Enter those four little words; If you have determined that you have no choice but to run the ball, then go get the VERY BEST players you need to do just that. I personally don't care if they pay a Brian Bulaga LT money. I personally don't care if they overpay for a free agent RG (be it Iupata or whoever). If they don't believe that Ray Agnew can do ALL of the things that a fullback in a ground and pound offense needs to do, then tell him goodbye and good luck and then go out and get the VERY BEST Full Back money can buy. I agree, let Jordan Cameron test the market. Someone will overpay him to play. However, the two tight ends left on the roster are much better at blocking than receiving and both can hold their own in the short passing game. Initially I was in the "let the doper Gordan go" camp. However, if he loses his appeal, he is still under contract for now two years, not one. He still has the ability to stretch a defense. Keeping him would demand that a veteran like Miles Austin be re-signed. Remember, Austin was on IR for the last four games so his interaction with Gordan last year was somewhat limited to non-existent on the practice field. A Randall Cobb or Cecil Shorts would be nice to have but not at the expense of signing other players where there is literally no starter. Defensively, if the Browns don't re-sign Tashawn Gipson, Buster Skrine and Craig Robertson, it would be a travesty. There is no way I would spend HALF of those four little words on one player (Suh) and be handcuffed with his contract for years to come. I would much rather focus my draft on the defensive front seven. I think you would agree that this draft has a lot of front seven talent and can provide a starter or two and definitely quality depth. The secondary (assuming Gipson and Skrine return) is currently the strongest unit on the team so no need to spend a lot of discussion here. Regarding the draft. It is and has been my position that mid to late-round draftees should be drafted to fill holes one to two years down the road. If you get a starter or two out of the gate from these rounds, that's just gravy.
Lyman, If the opportunity does not present itself to go after Hynoski or Johnson at FB I would not overspend this season. There are 3 qualtiy FBs that will be available in 2016 and I would overpay for Mike Tolbert and possibly Darrel Young or David Johnson. There is also the possibility of the Texans cutting ties with Whitney Mercilus after this season and the idea of having him at DE is very intriguing. Basically, I would be willing to make the investment on Suh regardless of this draft class and it's potential because you and I have similar aspirations for the offense and with Ndamukong it's an already established commodity. My focus this off-season would be to solidify the middle of my defensive line for the next 5 to 7 years and build around that piece/pieces. If the offense is going to be designed around ball control and the ground game (and it should) then the defense will need to be a juggernaut. Signing the most disruptive force on the line to be that centerpiece is a step in the right direction. You make a legit point about the money involved but I would be willing to make that investment.
Nice piece, Tim. Very rational approach: an O based on running the ball, a vet QB who won't give games away, and a powerful defense. With the exception of the QB, the rest seems within reach, and I like the outline you laid out. Not that we can't get a vet QB, but until we do, we are rolling snake eyes right now. QB is probably the biggest differencemaker needed, but at the same time, this is not a year where the "franchise QB" is within sight, and targeting competency is probably our best sstrategy. I mention this in support of the idea that while QB may be the most important position of need, it should not be a draft priority. I agree with Lym on Gordon, as much as it pains me. Look at it this way, he's cheap, and he's got huge upside potential, like a rookie WR, but with experience. Yes he could implode, but I believe the Browns are going to build in protection within the WR corps, so losing Gordon, can't destroy the team, if keeping him may. I will conintue to hope he recognizes how close he is to ending his career, and come ready to contribute every play, not the Diva who only plays hard when his number is called. I know it won't be popular, but I would like to have Hoyer back. He has proven two important things to me: #1 he can grasp and help teach a new O to his team mates, and #2 he can play very effectively with a strong ground game. That sounds like what we are looking for, with the exception of the strong arm. Alas, I don't see a path forward with Hoyer and Manziel, so with Johnny under contract, and Brian unhappy with how he was handled, seperation is probably the right move for both parties. Now if we could noly convince mgt to hand you the keys to GM office....... I'm in.
I agree with a lot said here by Tim & Lym. As of right now we run a 3-4 defense I believe. Suh plays in Detroit where I think they play a 4-3. I don't doubt Suh could switch to a 3-4 DT. This team needs his attitude, desperately! That's what I would call a good football attitude. But what would be the cost and are we now going to switch back to the 4-3 defense? We are already switching OC and the offense. We do have the money to sign him though.
Suh's 2014 cap number = $22,412,500. That number is larger than 17 NFL teams' entire 2015 Cap Space. He is already the highest paid player in the NFL. More than Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees and . . . well everyone. Assuming the Browns allocate $11M for drafted rookies and UDFA's; Even if he agreed to the same money for 2015 and beyond (and both you and I know he won't), that means you would giving ONE PLAYER 58% of your available cap space and you haven't even signed any of your own UFA's or RFA's! Sorry, Tim but the Browns have far too many needs to fill to even consider this option. IMO, it would be the same as paying cash for a new Lamborghini and then not having any money left for insurance or gas.
Lym, now brother we are on the same page! I would love to have Suh, trust me. But not for that much money. I agree 1000% with you on that one. I'm leaving flyers on the GB and Broncos threads about what they think about their teams free agency. If Denver wants to sign or can sign guy's like TE- J. Thomas, WR- D. Thomas, G- O. Franklin and DT- Knighton. same with GB WR-Cobb, RT-Bulaga & FB- Kuhn. I heard Manning wants to play next year. He makes 15/16m a year. I also heard they dont have that much money left under the cap. So some players would have to walk in FA. I'm still waiting for Denver's reply. GB said that they will resign Bulaga. Rodgers loves him. But they said Cobb could hit FA. They could replace him with D. Evans. I'm trying to do some investigative work here boy's, lol! But LYM I am with you on this one, man! Why fix 1 problem when with that much money you can fix 2 or even 3. GO BROWNS!
We have a difference of opinions here Tim... In terms of production, Suh and Paul Kruger are almost identical over the past 4 years...take a few seconds to digest that... I will stay in the current system and get Suh's production out of a LB, while shoreing up the middle of the defense with the likes of Danny Shelton out of Washington for a fraction of the cost to sign Suh. Fortunately, Shelton is predicted to go in the mid to high teens on draft day and we are sitting in a prime spot at #12 to snag him up, no worries. He will do more for that defense than bringing in Suh, imho...simply because they wouldn't be changing the scheme AGAIN...they are starting to gel together and that, again imho, is what will help this defense continue to get better as a team. Suh has given his heart and soul for 5 years and he is quite a character up front...but if you really break down his game, he is a disruptive force in only about 40% of the defensive plays. He picks his moments. I would argue he has elevated the play of those around him as well, so I give kudos for that. This team has a basis to grow with Dansby, Kruger, Whitner, Haden and Dezmond Bryant. Re-sign, what I believe is becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL in Tashon Gipson, draft Shelton and another LB and DE to push competition and add depth and this team, at least on the defensive side of the ball, will compete with the best in the NFL. My worries lie on the offensive side of the ball...and quite honestly, and despairingly, I don't see a fix in 2015. We can put band aids on it and keep plugging forward, but short of a miracle at QB, this is at best going to become a high teens ranked offense. We do not have the manpower to drastically improve at the QB position and I'm not as sold on any rookie OT tackle as much as I am Danny Shelton on the defensive side of the ball to make a marked improvement. I will go as far to say, any offensive tackle drafted in the first or second round probably wouldn't unseat Mitchell Schwartz as starter. We cry and moan about Schwartz a lot, but he has 3 years of not missing a snap experience and that will be difficult for a rookie to overcome. If we cannot get Brian Bulaga, then find a guard to improve the right side of the line and let's push forward running the ball. Then defense, defense, defense...
Not a flashy sexy hire by any means. Actually, this is the type of hire I was hoping for. Here is a young coach that is still cutting his teeth (so to speak). Hopefully he?s a hungry up and comer that will help turn things around for the Browns. If it works out he is a guy that could actually bring stability to the OC position for the next several years. He has a decent (not stellar) track record with young QB?s and I guess the hope is that he can help turn JF and his self-entitled attitude around. Good Luck Flip. We?re all pulling for you.
Suh? No. For all the reason's Lym and Irish point out. Suh's ability isn't going to get better with age, costs too much, and doesn't play in the D system we run. Other than that..... Great. Otherwise, I think we all agree that QB is our greatest area of need. Nothing else will make as much difference, but this year the field of options just doesn't offer much, so yeah, we will probably be fortunate to have a good game manager, and I, for one would be ecstatic if we were to reach the middle of the pack in O. Ranking 16 looks like a giant leap, especially paired with what I believe could be a top ten unit. Reaching those rankings would qualify as a success in 2015. Would it translate into more Ws? I wouldn't bet on it, but with a strong running game and a few less TOs, we'd have had more Ws this year,so................
