Just how bad was Brock Osweiler last season - on a Super Bowl championship roster, with a great running game and at least one elite receiving option? 97 out of 98 - bottom 2%. Pro Football Reference Query I want him gone by the third week of the preseason. [twitter=https://twitter.com/RuiterWrongFAN/status/867441846246666241][/twitter]
One of the biggest draft busts in recent NFL history has seen his career dealt another blow. Former Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert, the eighth overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, has been suspended four games, according to Courtney Fallon of NFL Network. There has been no word on the reason for the suspension. Of course, a suspension only matters if the player has a team to play for, and Gilbert doesn?t. The Browns got rid of Gilbert after only two seasons, and the Steelers cut him this offseason. He?s been unemployed since. It remains to be seen whether any team will want to pick Gilbert up now, or in the future. It?s possible that this player with Top 10 talent could be done at age 25. two first rd picks in 2014 and both are out of the league .I still want to throat punch Farmer repeatedly *ROSE*
Osweiller was in a fairly ideal QB situation last year. It's not just that he had difficulty trying to manage games, but rather, Brock was the reason for the majority of Houston's losses, including that nightmare performance in the playoffs, where Belichick absolutely embarrassed him...He played so poorly during the regular season that he lost his starting job to a QB that had never taken an NFL snap. I'm with ya all the way on this one SAS....I don't want to see the Browns waste time and valuable reps on this guy. It seemed clear from the beginning that Cleveland wasn't really interested in Osweiller. I have my doubts that things have changed opinion-wise on him. I simply think we've been unsuccessful in trade attempts...Nobody wants to even take on a fraction of his ridiculous salary.
I must admit that everything I've read about the offseason of Cody Kessler is very encouraging. I was wondering how hard he was working, and by all accounts, Cody was actually going above and beyond what might normally be expected. From his health craze diet to his diligent work on his biggest weakness (getting the ball down field), I really hope it all comes together for Kessler....There is no doubt that he is going to fight tooth and nail to hold onto the starting job in Cleveland. The work he has put in, says it all. He's gained the confidence necessary to be more aggressive. We already know he's smart and accurate. The future could be bright for Kessler if he can prove to Jackson that he can run the offense the way Hue wants it run. It will be a battle though, because the coach has made it clear that he prefers bigger stronger QB's...
I think I've mentioned this elsewhere a few times, but if you take Cody's eight starts as a rookie and extrapolate his metrics over Cleveland's 2016 season, here's his 16-game season: Assuming no improvements to the team and no improvements from Cody personally and the only thing we're counting on is for him to stay healthy and produce at the same level as last year, that's what we can expect in terms of his season. So outside of touchdowns and touchdown efficiency, he's a Top 10 quarterback. In fact, his projected stats would be the second-best season by a QB in franchise history (Sipe, 1980) and his projected QB rating would be 94.0, best in franchise history over a 16-game season, and second-best in modern era behind Kozar (95.4, 1987). Without getting carried away, that was last season, when he was a distant third-string and pressed into action due to injuries. By almost all accounts, not only has the team improved - in some ways dramatically (interior offensive line) - which will improve Kessler's confidence and therefore, ability. But he himself has improved, adding muscle (durability), improving the velocity of his throws (arm strength), taking a more direct leadership role in the organization (confidence), and being given the starting reps with the offense (exposure). With even incremental improvements and a healthy 16 games, it's not a stretch to project him as a Top 7 QB and possibly second-best AFC QB behind only Tom Brady and Derek Carr. Speaking off... Kessler's 92.3 rating (projected 94.0) was a mark Tom Brady didn't beat until fourth season as a starter. For Carr, his third. Ditto for Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers. #TeamCody
Here's a piece by Grossi on the QBs thus far through OTAs: link. While he definitely seems to be selling Osweiler (hopefully, in order to drive up the asking price), there's an interesting note about the mobility of the QBs. That's interesting for a number of reasons, mostly because Osweiler has always been praised for his athleticism despite being such a big person. The fact that Kessler - even if he ranks third - stands up well against dual-threat QBs like Hogan and Kizer says something.
Cody has certain "Brian Sipe-like" qualities that Browns fans can really engage with. Of all our QB's, he's certainly the one that I have the most faith in right now. Kizer is intriguing, but he needs to sit, unless things unravel for Kessler, which quite honestly, I do not expect... Cody is going to play well for us...Two main reason's for my confidence in Kessler are, the dramatically improved O-line personnel, and the fact Crowell is on a contract year. Crow is gonna soar this year, and that'll be Cody's best friend.
The ONLY thing that worries me about Kessler is the concussion issues. If he stays healthy, I expect him to exceed the numbers that SAS was describing above. I could easily see an increase in his TDs to the range of 25-30. With red zone threat Njoku, the numbers should increase...If Josh Gordon comes back and in shape, I could see Cody flirt with the 30 TD mark. #TeamCody
Agreed. I think the subtraction of Cam Erving alone should help that. The addition of Kevin Zeitler and return of Joel Bitonio should be an even greater benefit. Kessler's first missed time was after a rib injury knocked him out of the Patriot's game. Unsurprisingly, the pressure came up the middle where Greco flat-out misses a blitzing Donta Hightower who crushes Kessler within an instant of the snap. His first concussion was against Cincinnati on a broken play that he tried to make something happen (completed a shovel pass). Cam Erving can be seen standing around not blocking anyone when Kessler takes his shot. His second concussion came against Pittsburgh on a flagrantly cheap play by Lawrence Timmons who goes completely vertical head first into Kessler. While he was thankfully flagged on the play, it was more of the same garbage head-hunting we see coached into that team and Kessler paid the price for a completely unprofessionally cheap shot. In both instances, pressure up the middle forces Kessler to scramble and try to make something happen. In his time with Kansas City, Alex Smith has gone 41-20 while only throwing for 19 touchdowns a season, on average. His TD-ratio is 3.9, a few points higher than Kessler's 3.1 with his INT-ratio close to Kessler's at 1.5 (1.0 for Cody). Smith's average season is: 312 of 483 (64.6 percent) for 3,392 yards (7.0 YPA), 19 TDs, 7 INTs, and a 92.2 QB rating He was selected to two Pro Bowls out of his four seasons there. A healthy Kessler should have no problem beating those numbers. I've got no problem with Kessler posting those numbers when the emphasis appears to be on building an elite defense. The reason he was a third-round pick is because he wasn't expected (or believed to be capable) of generating offense himself. I'll take elite QB efficiency with a complimentary running game and strong defense over a QB who posts god-like fantasy numbers but who's team routinely lets him down, al la Drew Brees who's below .500 the last four seasons, despite throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 37 TDs per season. #TeamCody EDIT: Clean lines.
Kessler starting 16 games and continuing to show elite efficiency gives the Browns two things: We can build a championship caliber defense while Kessler keeps us in games.[/*] We can develop DeShone Kizer and/or any additional number of QBs behind him.[/*] With Cody, both the ceiling and floor are very close - that of a .500 quarterback. While that may not sound impressive, it'd be a 61.1% improvement over the past 18 years of play (0.306 winning percentage). That translates to an average improvement of +3 wins per season. Overshadowed by the magnitude of (and importance placed upon) the QB position is the fact that the Browns have had complete garbage defenses for nearly ever. Only twice since 1999 have the Browns had a positive point differential (2002, 2007) and not surprisingly, those were our only two winning seasons. Our defense allowed 320 points in 2002 and 382 in 2007. Our average is 367 and our last two seasons, we've averaged 442. In 2002, Tim Couch threw for 2,842 yards, 18 TDs, 18 INTs, and Kelly Holcomb added 790 yards, 8 TDs, and 4 INTs. Combined, their numbers are below a 16-game projected season from Kessler: 337 of 549 (61.4 percent), 3,632 yards, 26 TDs (4.7 rate), 22 INTs (4.0 rate), 6.6 YPA, 79.9 QB rating In 2007, Derek Anderson temporarily shocked the NFL world by going 10-5 while posting: 298 of 557 (57.1 percent), 3,603 yards, 28 TDs (5.6 rate), 18 INTs (3.6 rate), 7.2 YPA, 83.4 QB rating Anderson played like garbage the final eight games, posting a 73.7 QB rating and turning the ball over 10 times while the team still went 5-3 because the offensive line allowed only six sacks in eight games, the running game went for an average of 126 per game, and the defense kept the differential at +26 (3.25 per game). I believe Kessler has the ability to play up to both of those levels - Anderson had two shoot-outs that year in which he posted 8-1 TD/INT and 573 yards. Normalizing his 2007, he would have finished with 25 TDs to 21 INTs and his QB rating would still be lower than Kessler's by a full 10 points. Cody may not get to 25 TDs (20 would be a solid projection) but he's also never getting anywhere near 21 INTs on the season, either.
Kessler's work appears to be paying off #TeamCody And the other QB who'll continue to be linked to Cleveland? He did the same thing. It went relatively un-talked about in the lead up to the 2016 draft, but Wentz has an extremely irregular hitch in his motion that no successful NFL QB has displayed. Nevertheless, the Eagles still took him #2 overall - and a third of Browns' fans had coronaries. They acknowledged Wentz unusual mechanics and pointed to them as the issue for him last season and are now put off by his seeking a third-party to help with them. Looking forward to 2017 when Kessler can silence the haters and Wentz can dig himself an even deeper NFL-grave.
Projections are great in all, but he never faced a division opponent twice, never started a game in Dec when the weather can play a huge factor and this yr 4 of the last 6 games could be awful weather...not good for a So Cal kid
All true - which is why no one - included me, President of the Cody Kessler Fanclub - is saying we ought to sign him to a multi-year extension just yet. All I (we're) saying is that there is very real reason for optimism around his future and if he can display the ability to stay healthy and improve his game, there's no reason he can't be a very capable starter in the League. Unfortunately, Kessler's two concussions came against divisional opponents (Cincinnati, Pittsburgh) and he was yanked against Baltimore, despite only falling behind by seven points. Against Cincinnati, he posted a 97.7 rating (their defense allowed 81.8 on the season). Against Baltimore, he posted a 92.6 rating (their defense allowed 85.3 on the season). Against Pittsburgh, he was not so good, posting 52.1 (defense allowed 85.4). Overall, Kessler's rating against AFC North rivals was 81.6 (collectively, they allowed an 84.1 passer rating). That's not half bad as a starting point.
Facebook Messenger Pinterest Email print comment One year ago on the first day of free agency the Cleveland Browns watched as four starters departed via free agency. A year later, the team has done an about face. The tear-down has officially ended, and the building, which Paul DePodesta said started with the acquisition of Jamie Collins via trade, is underway. The Browns are adding players via the draft -- 14 a year ago, 10 this year, including three in the first round -- and free agency and by retaining their own, most recently linebacker Chris Kirksey to a four-year contract extension. It's significant. It wasn't too long ago that Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas was lamenting that the Browns gutting what he called their "middle class" by allowing players like Mitch Schwartz and Alex Mack to leave. Last week Thomas quipped at the team's charity golf tournament that the the team must realize those kinds of players matter. The list of players added, retained or extended this offseason is lengthy. The number of players who could have returned but didn't is short. Take a look: Brock Osweiler and his $16 million guaranteed was acquired via trade. He now is among those competing to play quarterback. Kenny Britt signed a four-year, $32.5 million deal in March and immediately became the No. 1 receiver. Britt in essence replaces Terrelle Pryor, who did not take the deal Britt did. Offensve guard Joel Bitonio signed a $47.5 million contract extension in March. Bitonio has played well for the Browns, but the extension was a major statement given he was still recovering from Lisfranc surgery. J.C. Tretter signed a three-year, $16.75 million deal and steps in as the starting center. Kevin Eitler because the highest paid guard in the league when the Browns gave him a five-year, $60 million deal. That's 40 percent of the offensive line acquired in two free-agent deals worth $76.75 million. Linebacker Jamie Collins bypassed free agency to stay in Cleveland on a four-year, $50 million deal. Kirksey was the latest to stay. He chose not to look at free agency after the season and signed a four-year deal worth $38 million, according to the NFL Network. Jason McCourty was added to bolster cornerback depth at two years and $6 million. Punter Britton Colquitt was rewarded with a four-year, $11.2 million deal. Spotrac.com reports that the deal allows the Browns an out after two years, so some may say it's actually two years and $5.7 million. The Browns also drafted 10 players, including three in the first round in Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers and David Njoku. They claimed offensive lineman Marcus Martin on waivers and signed offensive lineman Matt McCants to a low-cost, one-year deal for further offensive line depth. They even added former Colts general manager Ryan Grigson to the front office and a new defensive coordinator in Gregg Williams. It's been a busy offseason. Via free agency, trade or contract extension, the Browns have committed to nine new contracts with a total value of $272.45 million.
Browns quarterback Brock Osweiler is making a good showing for himself in the team?s quarterback competition. Cleveland coach Hue Jackson said Osweiler has been better than expected since arriving in a trade with the Texans, who were desperate to unload his contract. ?Brock?s been a pleasant surprise,? Jackson said. ?He?s done a good job. He works hard at it every day. He?s into it. I think he really enjoys being here. I think he?s really meshed with the other quarterbacks. He has a good feel to him.? Zac Jackson of TheAthletic.com says Osweiler has been the best quarterback at the Browns? Organized Team Activities ?by a bunch? and Hue Jackson says all he can judge Osweiler on is what he?s done on Cleveland?s practice field. ?Since he?s been here he?s been outstanding,? he said. ?I don?t judge people by what everybody else says, I judge them by what I see. . . . The guy?s been outstanding in our building and that?s what?s most important.? Although he was acquired as a throw-in to a trade that allowed the Browns to get a draft pick and the Texans to get some space under the salary cap, Osweiler may just beat out Cody Kessler and DeShone Kizer and become the Browns? Week One starter.
I would expect 6'7" 230 pound athletes with huge arms to look other-worldly in shorts and without a pass rush. Keep propping him up - get that early third round asking price to a late first rounder.
Apparently the ?little nick? was at least medium-sized. According to the Associated Press, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett remains out of practice because of the unspecified injury which cropped up during Organized Team Activities last week. He said last week he expected to be ?full tilt? this week but clearly is not, as he worked on the side with trainers and other injured players today. A team spokesman said he was working with the team Tuesday, when the session wasn?t open to the media. It?s probably far too soon to start panicking about the No. 1 overall pick (Or is it?), considering it?s still May. Then again, he plays for the Browns, so it?s probably too late for some to stop from expecting the worst.
