Cleveland Browns Reset

Most of us with cerebral cortexes are hoping Mike Pettine can turn this ship around, at least a little, in the second half.  We have to feel that way, because the biggest problem the Browns have had is turnover.  Jimmy Haslam doesn't want to fire anybody again.

Tony Grossi was uncharacteristically caustic as he suggested five changes the Browns should make during the bye week.  

I more or less agree with most of what he said.  I'm not sure a four-man front would do a lot, though.

In another article I can't find again, the writer suggests that Mike Pettine learn one more lesson from Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan.

Ryan simplified his defense during his own bye week, and it improved dramatically.

The Ryan/Pettine system has the defensive linemen reacting to blocks, rather than focusing on gaps.

The writer believes that offensive coordinators are exploiting this, and that the players have to think too much (can't play fast).

I can't dismiss this, as he cites comments to that effect from some of the Bills players.

I heard the assistant coaches explain that Justin Gilbert was a healthy scratch because he practiced poorly.  I respect that.  Tony says the Browns should start Gilbert, but that wouldn't be fair to the guys who out-worked him.  Gilbert shouldn't start until he earns it.

Tony left out modifications to the run-blocking scheme.  Whatever they were doing last year under Shanahan worked, period.  They should return to that, period.

Joe Gilbert picks apart a number of Browns issues in his film room.  The Steelers penetrated the line to blow runs up in the backfield.  As Tony reveals, the Browns coaches were taken by surprise when the Steelers attacked gaps rather than two-gapping, despite the Steelers stated intention to make this exact change.

On the other side of the ball,  Joe talks about the defender's inability to get off blocks.  But is it inability or the scheme?  Remember, they're supposed to "read" blocks.  Are they required to let the offensive linemen lock onto them?

I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that Joe is selling the talent here short.  Try it, Mike: simplify it.  Turn them loose.

Here's another issue with the running game that gets overlooked:  The microbe receivers will never be good blockers.  Blocking is overlooked a lot for wide receivers, but it matters.  Cornerbacks and safeties tackle running backs too.

Tony also thinks the Browns should play Dwayne Bowe more.  Maybe that's the Gilbert thing again, and he's lazy in practice.

Nice job, Ray.  I try to defend you, but when you guarantee guys like this astronomical money, I got nothing.

Wide receiver is a little different though.  Can't you play him a little, Mike?

I hope they fix some of this over the bye.  Johnny is still pretty raw, and could use all the help he can get.

But here we go again: This isn't political.  Pettine isn't starting Johnny as a distraction.  McCown doesn't really give him a better chance to win.

It's a tie.  The first round kid wins the ties.

But they're right about one thing: Johnny Manziel could save Mike's job.