No rumor regarding Josh McCown came from the Browns organization. It is logical to suspect that Sashi Brown and company would accept good trade offer for him, but:
It's irrational to assume that they want to get rid of him simply because RGIII is now on board.
Hue Jackson obviously believes he can salvage Griffin's career, but even if he is certain of it, Sashi and Paul are not. Nor am I. Nor are you.
In addition to being a fantastic mentor for a rookie quarterback, Josh is the bird in the hand: A proven starter; a sure thing.
All this talk about analytics, and nobody else seems to understand it. Because McCown is a geezer, they think Paul will decide he has to go.
Well, Josh might not still be around (except maybe as a coach I hope) by the time this team contends again, but his biggest value is his influence on those who will be.
Real analysts consider abstract values such as this. Because they're hard to quantify and assign numbers to doesn't mean they're not real and meaningful---especially in a leader and a quarterback.
Many assume that if Goff or Wentz is the pick, he has to play as soon as possible. Why? Who told you that? And please define that word you use all the time: "Ready".
Ready to overcome point deficits and all-out blitzes? Ready to cope with a disjointed and weak offensive line? Ready as in he only gets smashed to the turf every third or fourth play? Throws almost as many touchdowns as interceptions? Knows what he's seeing more than half the time?
You have a young boxer. You've drilled him to keep his balance, deliver combinations, jab, cover. You have him spar with pillow gloves and headgear, and he's looking pretty good.
He's ready! Match him up with last year's state golden gloves champion! Hurry up!
After he gets out of the hospital, he doesn't come around the gym any more. I wonder why. Just stop it. McCown and RG are ready. The new kid won't be.
If this team had a strong running game and a good defense, he might be ready. If you need him to carry the team, don't even think about it.
This isn't to say that McCown won't be traded for a draft pick. I rather think he will be. But if they take less than a fourth rounder for him, well---that would be dumb.
Now on NFL Radio, speculation is rampant and all over the map. Some think RGIII will come back strong. Others think he'll fail again.
They all pretty much agree that Hue Jackson will tweak the offense to make best use of this guy's unique skills. Wentz has become the odds-on favorite in the draft derby, because he can execute the same plays. I need to mention here: So can McCown.
Others expect the Browns to trade down, now that they've got their quarterback. Some even manage to interpret this signing as a lack of interest in these draftable quarterbacks.
I still hear callers saying they should trade down and just draft some guy named Joe in the fourth or fifth round or so and work on him for four or five years. Yeah, LOTS of franchise guys start that way good grief.
Next year there might be somebody! Doesn't look like it now, but you never know! They just need to keep losing almost every game is all, and they can just draft one then!
Analysts take calculated risks, but don't gamble. They aren't taking RGIII to the bank just yet. As confident as they are in Hue's quarterback-whispering, they can't regard RG3 as more than a 50/50 proposition. They can let him pick a quarterback, but WILL draft one.
Recently, I've wondered what Hue thinks of Paxton Lynch, or even Cardale Jones. You never know, you know?
They don't have the touch or accuracy of the top two. These can be improved, but only so much. It's not as important in the offense Hue ran in Cincinnati as in a West Coast, though.
In Hue's only previous draft, he wanted Kaepernick bad. Kaepernick was kind of like these two guys, though not as huge. All the same warts: Hadnt proven he could make all the reads or sit in a pocket. Great arm, not great anticipation, touch, or accuracy.
He grabbed Carson Palmer because he was simply the best quarterback he could get, but we know who he wanted first.
While like Hawk said, Hue adapts his offenses to his players, it's quite possible that in his heart of hearts, he wants another Cam Newton.
It's even more likely that he believes he can turn just about anybody with the raw traits into one.
Around Cleveland, Cardale gets more love than he's earned. He seemed to actually regress in his final year. Leading his team to a National Championship can't be denied, and yet...and yet...
Lynch is different. He's progressed steadily. Lots if warts, to be sure, but...
Well, I just wonder.
I suspect that Wentz is the main target. Goff could be just as good, but he's not Hue's "type".
What if Dallas or somebody trades up and nabs Wentz? I'm not so sure they'd just take Goff. They could even trade out of that pick, get another second rounder or so, and grab Lynch.
Really, I have no idea. I just know that it's sheer idiocy to ever pass up a quarterback you feel has franchise potential, because if you're good at your job, you'll probably never get that chance again.
Even a trade UP (probably involving Joe Thomas) is possible in order to make sure of Wentz.
As I wrote a couple months ago, the Titans could get a Hall of Fame left tackle and STILL get anybody else they wanted (or trade down again with somebody chasing Goff).
For that, they'd need to pony up their 2017 first round pick too.
At the time I wrote that, I was talking about Goff. And now I can't get Paxton Lynch out of my head. Hue is a real interesting guy. I hope he's as good as he thinks he is.
Josh Gordon and RG3 redux could do some damage in a wild and crazy offense. Hue just might win more than three games next year!
Friday, March 25, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Obtusity and the Browns
Let's see how many hits that title gets. Maybe I can sucker in some permabashers.
Anyway, on NFL Radio, an intelligent Browns fan (yes there are some) called in with his take on the Browns apparent pursuit of RG3:
They think they can sign him to a two year contract, and salvage him. They believe they can pick him up for free, then turn him into a draft pick.
Meanwhile, they still draft Goff or Wentz, but don't play them, and retain Josh McCown.
This co-host, Murray, says "I don't understand how that makes any sense".
Well, I'm here to help Corky Murray out:
1: The Browns starting quarterback will be stepping into a big mess. He will play from behind, and defenses will swamp his blockers (such as they are) on their way into the backfield to stop him OR his running back.
They don't want to use a rookie.
2: Griffin costs zero draft picks and a small salary. If he doesn't pan out, who cares? If he does, he can be cashed in for a draft pick.
"I don't understand why you'd find this starting quarterback and then just get rid of him".
3: Because the number two overall quarterback is under contract for five years, is four or five years younger, was the real target in the first place, and is expected to be better than Griffin in time.
"Oh, so they keep McCown, and he and Griffin compete for the number two spot?"
4: My God this guy's an onion! Layer upon layer of deeper and deeper obtusity! The old guys compete to START because the rookie would get tow up!!
More than before, I now think that one of the reasons Hue Jackson is supporting the geeks in the front office so enthusiastically is that he's already decided to run a new offense intended to minimize a weak and uncoordinated offensive line with a mobile quarterback.
Hue believes he can put up some points with the people he'll have left, if he does it right.
It's a strategy to be at least competitive during a rebuild. You can see it on his face, and hear it in his voice. He thinks he can do that with a Kaepernick or an RG3. Hue is, in fact, probably the driving force behind these recruiting efforts! Not the analytics guys! Do you even know who you're calling an idiot?
Now, if I wanted to get the most I could in a trade for Joe Thomas, I would say we're keeping him, period. And wait for phone calls.
Somebody else beat me to the Seattle rumor. The most likely suitors for Thomas would be teams who feel close to a Superbowl. Generally, that means contenders who draft in the bottom third.
The Seahawks happened to be the most likely team I thought of. Joe Thomas would help them right now a lot more than any player in this draft they could get with their first round pick.
Seattle might offer their 2016 second rounder (56th overall), their first rounder next year (they hope 32nd overall), and maybe a 2017 4th rounder.
They got compensatory picks this year, and have two third rounders and then some.
For the Seahawks, that's a Hall of Fame left tackle, an instant impact first round pick, then two third rounders with interest. It could buy them a Superbowl.
For the Browns, that 2016 second rounder could be a Stringer; a future left tackle, or a Hunter Henry; stud tight end. And two first round picks on deck for next season.
One team on the cusp. The other rebuilding. That's how deals are made.
Now, what if the Browns manage to win 4 games, and lose the rest despite RG3's heroics? What's a rehabbed RG3 worth?
Third round pick, maybe? Second? Ok a fourth. Better than nothing, right?
These guys all talking about analytics mostly don't grok what it really is. That's part of it! When you're not going to have a pocket, play without one! Get the players who can do it! Get them dirt cheap out of the bargain bin!
Then cash them in! Adapt! Maximize! Create value and cash it in!
You can tell it's real complicated, because even the geniuses on NFL Radio can't comprehend it.
Anyway, on NFL Radio, an intelligent Browns fan (yes there are some) called in with his take on the Browns apparent pursuit of RG3:
They think they can sign him to a two year contract, and salvage him. They believe they can pick him up for free, then turn him into a draft pick.
Meanwhile, they still draft Goff or Wentz, but don't play them, and retain Josh McCown.
This co-host, Murray, says "I don't understand how that makes any sense".
Well, I'm here to help Corky Murray out:
1: The Browns starting quarterback will be stepping into a big mess. He will play from behind, and defenses will swamp his blockers (such as they are) on their way into the backfield to stop him OR his running back.
They don't want to use a rookie.
2: Griffin costs zero draft picks and a small salary. If he doesn't pan out, who cares? If he does, he can be cashed in for a draft pick.
"I don't understand why you'd find this starting quarterback and then just get rid of him".
3: Because the number two overall quarterback is under contract for five years, is four or five years younger, was the real target in the first place, and is expected to be better than Griffin in time.
"Oh, so they keep McCown, and he and Griffin compete for the number two spot?"
4: My God this guy's an onion! Layer upon layer of deeper and deeper obtusity! The old guys compete to START because the rookie would get tow up!!
More than before, I now think that one of the reasons Hue Jackson is supporting the geeks in the front office so enthusiastically is that he's already decided to run a new offense intended to minimize a weak and uncoordinated offensive line with a mobile quarterback.
Hue believes he can put up some points with the people he'll have left, if he does it right.
It's a strategy to be at least competitive during a rebuild. You can see it on his face, and hear it in his voice. He thinks he can do that with a Kaepernick or an RG3. Hue is, in fact, probably the driving force behind these recruiting efforts! Not the analytics guys! Do you even know who you're calling an idiot?
Now, if I wanted to get the most I could in a trade for Joe Thomas, I would say we're keeping him, period. And wait for phone calls.
Somebody else beat me to the Seattle rumor. The most likely suitors for Thomas would be teams who feel close to a Superbowl. Generally, that means contenders who draft in the bottom third.
The Seahawks happened to be the most likely team I thought of. Joe Thomas would help them right now a lot more than any player in this draft they could get with their first round pick.
Seattle might offer their 2016 second rounder (56th overall), their first rounder next year (they hope 32nd overall), and maybe a 2017 4th rounder.
They got compensatory picks this year, and have two third rounders and then some.
For the Seahawks, that's a Hall of Fame left tackle, an instant impact first round pick, then two third rounders with interest. It could buy them a Superbowl.
For the Browns, that 2016 second rounder could be a Stringer; a future left tackle, or a Hunter Henry; stud tight end. And two first round picks on deck for next season.
One team on the cusp. The other rebuilding. That's how deals are made.
Now, what if the Browns manage to win 4 games, and lose the rest despite RG3's heroics? What's a rehabbed RG3 worth?
Third round pick, maybe? Second? Ok a fourth. Better than nothing, right?
These guys all talking about analytics mostly don't grok what it really is. That's part of it! When you're not going to have a pocket, play without one! Get the players who can do it! Get them dirt cheap out of the bargain bin!
Then cash them in! Adapt! Maximize! Create value and cash it in!
You can tell it's real complicated, because even the geniuses on NFL Radio can't comprehend it.
Monday, March 21, 2016
RG3, Wentz, Goff, and the Browns
A few things on RG3 that nobody else, anywhere, is talking about:
1: It takes up to two years for an ACL and some other injuries to fully heal. This is why Travis Benjamin had a so-so 2014, and then went nuts in 2015. RG3 wasn't all the way back last season.
2: The Grudens run a West Coast passing game. RG3 likes to go deep. Kirk Cousins is more a West Coast type.
3: Hue Jackson runs a vertical passing scheme better suited to what RG3 likes.
4: Hue Jackson is, by all accounts, flexible and creative. He could well mix in some read-option concepts and rollouts to make best use of an RG3 or a Kaepernick.
Now, with the destruction of the offensive line, Hue will definitely have to use some West Coast to get rid of the ball within the few nanoseconds the quarterback will have, but the aforementioned adaptations can also help by buying time and punishing defenses that overcommit to quarterbackcide.
There are real concerns about both these banged up fallen angels. With RG3, assertions have been made that he was uncooperative and selfish, and may not have worked as hard as he needed to in film study.
I don't know about that, but do know that RG3 is not Johnny Manswell, that Hue Jackson is a quarterback-whisperer, and that people (especially smart people like RG) change as they mature.
Of note here us the fact that Josh Gordon was his go-to guy at Baylor before he got himself kicked off the team.
I still believe that the Browns will draft Goff or Wentz even if they sign RG3. The tweaks that Hue would probably make to the offense for RG would give Wentz a slight edge, because he's growing into a huge guy who can run around and execute this scheme.
As for which is the best pick between Goff and Wentz, former quarterback and coach Rick Newheisel made me undecided again.
He's followed Goff for a long time. He describes Goff's arm as "Montana-esque", meaning superb touch, accuracy, and anticipation (his arm is much stronger than Joe's).
He literally raves about Goff as a can't miss franchise guy. He likes Wentz a lot too, but between the two is all-in with Goff.
The guys on NFL Radio are talking about who might trade up to screw the Browns out of their quarterback, but it's possible that Hue is kind of undecided too, and would take either.
Before Hue took over as the Bengals offensive coordinator, the Red Popgun was being burned in effigy in Cincinnati. As we saw, in 2015 the kid was absolutely lethal, ranking near the top of the NFL in every statistical category.
The talent of RG3, Goff, and Wentz puts Dalton to shame, and I have to wonder what Hue might accomplish here.
If I thought I was a big expert, I'd opine that the pursuit of Kaepernick and RG3 makes no sense, but I know my limitations. It will take some real swings and misses to start me second-guessing Hue and these other guys.
The one thing the ex-quarterbacks I hear from agree on: If anybody can salvage a lost quarterback, or coach up a rookie, it's Hue Jackson.
Let's see what happens.
1: It takes up to two years for an ACL and some other injuries to fully heal. This is why Travis Benjamin had a so-so 2014, and then went nuts in 2015. RG3 wasn't all the way back last season.
2: The Grudens run a West Coast passing game. RG3 likes to go deep. Kirk Cousins is more a West Coast type.
3: Hue Jackson runs a vertical passing scheme better suited to what RG3 likes.
4: Hue Jackson is, by all accounts, flexible and creative. He could well mix in some read-option concepts and rollouts to make best use of an RG3 or a Kaepernick.
Now, with the destruction of the offensive line, Hue will definitely have to use some West Coast to get rid of the ball within the few nanoseconds the quarterback will have, but the aforementioned adaptations can also help by buying time and punishing defenses that overcommit to quarterbackcide.
There are real concerns about both these banged up fallen angels. With RG3, assertions have been made that he was uncooperative and selfish, and may not have worked as hard as he needed to in film study.
I don't know about that, but do know that RG3 is not Johnny Manswell, that Hue Jackson is a quarterback-whisperer, and that people (especially smart people like RG) change as they mature.
Of note here us the fact that Josh Gordon was his go-to guy at Baylor before he got himself kicked off the team.
I still believe that the Browns will draft Goff or Wentz even if they sign RG3. The tweaks that Hue would probably make to the offense for RG would give Wentz a slight edge, because he's growing into a huge guy who can run around and execute this scheme.
As for which is the best pick between Goff and Wentz, former quarterback and coach Rick Newheisel made me undecided again.
He's followed Goff for a long time. He describes Goff's arm as "Montana-esque", meaning superb touch, accuracy, and anticipation (his arm is much stronger than Joe's).
He literally raves about Goff as a can't miss franchise guy. He likes Wentz a lot too, but between the two is all-in with Goff.
The guys on NFL Radio are talking about who might trade up to screw the Browns out of their quarterback, but it's possible that Hue is kind of undecided too, and would take either.
Before Hue took over as the Bengals offensive coordinator, the Red Popgun was being burned in effigy in Cincinnati. As we saw, in 2015 the kid was absolutely lethal, ranking near the top of the NFL in every statistical category.
The talent of RG3, Goff, and Wentz puts Dalton to shame, and I have to wonder what Hue might accomplish here.
If I thought I was a big expert, I'd opine that the pursuit of Kaepernick and RG3 makes no sense, but I know my limitations. It will take some real swings and misses to start me second-guessing Hue and these other guys.
The one thing the ex-quarterbacks I hear from agree on: If anybody can salvage a lost quarterback, or coach up a rookie, it's Hue Jackson.
Let's see what happens.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
The Real Cleveland Browns Offensive Talent
The remaining Browns Offensive talent is probably below average, but if we go unit by unit, it's not the disaster it's being called.
I think a Joe Thomas trade is more likely than merely possible, and will assume that's the case.
The new line will be fine at the guard position. Indeed, above average. Center and tackle is more problematic.
Pasztor has the dimensions to play right tackle, and there are a couple other contenders with starting experience. None of them will be as good as Mitchell Schwartz was.
At left tackle, that's a looming disaster unless Thomas sticks around. The Browns would absolutely have to draft a left tackle, at least in the third round (I'm hoping the Kaepernik thing won't happen.)
That guy will never be as good as Joe Thomas, and will probably be pretty downright bad as a rookie.
It is actually really dumb to disagree with LeCharles Bentley and nearly every NFL scout about Cameron Erving's potential at center after a putrid rookie season.
Nor was the entire season that bad. Late in the season when he had to fill in at right guard, he did a serviceable, if unimpressive, job. I seem to be the only guy in Cleveland to have noticed that.
Erving will have every opportunity to work hard in the off season and return for year two as a decent center.
Still, we can't count on that, and the offensive line overall will be below average. That will mess up everything else.
Most likely, Hue Jackson will go cave man and try to just run everybody over. It could work, sometimes, but they won't be able to avoid obvious passing situations, and then the quarterback will get kitchen sinked.
On that subject, Isaiah Crowell is highly underrated. Duke Johnson is dangerous and versatile; surprisingly hard to take down, as well as quick and fast. This backfield will be above average.
Unfortunately, it might not show. Adrian Peterson can't do anything when he has no where to go. Marshawn Lynch, maybe, but he's rare.
Tight end is above average, except they don't block very well. So I'll call them average.
Quarterback is above average. Josh McCown is above average. Yes he is. Is too.
But see my comments on the running backs. Whoever plays quarterback here will get beat to hell. It doesn't help that McCown's biggest flaw is a tendency to hold the ball too long.
Now quit this wide receiver hysteria. Andrew Hawkins kicked butt both outside and from the slot. Brian Hartline did a lot before he was injured.
Here's the deal on Hartline: An elite man corner or safety help can take him out. He is not a number one receiver. Sometimes, he was covered like one, because the Browns couldn't take that heat off him.
He's a very good number two, when there is a real number one threat opposite him.
Josh Gordon will obviously be reinstated. There's another one you can't take to the bank: He has to be in shape and play with discipline. All the signs are there, though: He's working hard to get ready.
A couple years ago, he was the best wide receiver in the NFL with three different quarterbacks and in fourteen games.
Sorry to bring this up yet again, but Terrelle Pryor is not the joke you think he is. He practices running routes constantly, he got some real game reps to build on, he intellectually understands all the reads and concepts, and this is NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.
This team will feature no more than five active wide receivers. Hawkins, Hartline, Gordon, and yes, Pryor should be four of them.
Drafting another wide receiver would be good, but isn't as urgent as most think. You can doubt Gordon, or doubt Pryor, but you shouldn't doubt both of them.
Pryor is clean. Gordon is proven. One or both will probably come through.
I'll be generous, and call wide receiver average. As in the sky not falling.
Too bad the defense won't be dominant, and the offensive line will be bad. As usual, everybody will blame the quarterback and running backs.
Terry Pluto said that the Browns were a distant fourth in the AFC North. He is wrong. Even after all the recent losses, and assuming Joe Thomas is traded, the Ravens are nearly as bad.
They did pick up a deep threat in Mike Wallace, so they'll have a formidable passing attack, but they have many of the same issues as the Browns have in general.
In 2016, the Browns might even beat them. I kind of hope not, but in the real world, the Ravens lack talent. Yes they do. Do too.
I think a Joe Thomas trade is more likely than merely possible, and will assume that's the case.
The new line will be fine at the guard position. Indeed, above average. Center and tackle is more problematic.
Pasztor has the dimensions to play right tackle, and there are a couple other contenders with starting experience. None of them will be as good as Mitchell Schwartz was.
At left tackle, that's a looming disaster unless Thomas sticks around. The Browns would absolutely have to draft a left tackle, at least in the third round (I'm hoping the Kaepernik thing won't happen.)
That guy will never be as good as Joe Thomas, and will probably be pretty downright bad as a rookie.
It is actually really dumb to disagree with LeCharles Bentley and nearly every NFL scout about Cameron Erving's potential at center after a putrid rookie season.
Nor was the entire season that bad. Late in the season when he had to fill in at right guard, he did a serviceable, if unimpressive, job. I seem to be the only guy in Cleveland to have noticed that.
Erving will have every opportunity to work hard in the off season and return for year two as a decent center.
Still, we can't count on that, and the offensive line overall will be below average. That will mess up everything else.
Most likely, Hue Jackson will go cave man and try to just run everybody over. It could work, sometimes, but they won't be able to avoid obvious passing situations, and then the quarterback will get kitchen sinked.
On that subject, Isaiah Crowell is highly underrated. Duke Johnson is dangerous and versatile; surprisingly hard to take down, as well as quick and fast. This backfield will be above average.
Unfortunately, it might not show. Adrian Peterson can't do anything when he has no where to go. Marshawn Lynch, maybe, but he's rare.
Tight end is above average, except they don't block very well. So I'll call them average.
Quarterback is above average. Josh McCown is above average. Yes he is. Is too.
But see my comments on the running backs. Whoever plays quarterback here will get beat to hell. It doesn't help that McCown's biggest flaw is a tendency to hold the ball too long.
Now quit this wide receiver hysteria. Andrew Hawkins kicked butt both outside and from the slot. Brian Hartline did a lot before he was injured.
Here's the deal on Hartline: An elite man corner or safety help can take him out. He is not a number one receiver. Sometimes, he was covered like one, because the Browns couldn't take that heat off him.
He's a very good number two, when there is a real number one threat opposite him.
Josh Gordon will obviously be reinstated. There's another one you can't take to the bank: He has to be in shape and play with discipline. All the signs are there, though: He's working hard to get ready.
A couple years ago, he was the best wide receiver in the NFL with three different quarterbacks and in fourteen games.
Sorry to bring this up yet again, but Terrelle Pryor is not the joke you think he is. He practices running routes constantly, he got some real game reps to build on, he intellectually understands all the reads and concepts, and this is NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.
This team will feature no more than five active wide receivers. Hawkins, Hartline, Gordon, and yes, Pryor should be four of them.
Drafting another wide receiver would be good, but isn't as urgent as most think. You can doubt Gordon, or doubt Pryor, but you shouldn't doubt both of them.
Pryor is clean. Gordon is proven. One or both will probably come through.
I'll be generous, and call wide receiver average. As in the sky not falling.
Too bad the defense won't be dominant, and the offensive line will be bad. As usual, everybody will blame the quarterback and running backs.
Terry Pluto said that the Browns were a distant fourth in the AFC North. He is wrong. Even after all the recent losses, and assuming Joe Thomas is traded, the Ravens are nearly as bad.
They did pick up a deep threat in Mike Wallace, so they'll have a formidable passing attack, but they have many of the same issues as the Browns have in general.
In 2016, the Browns might even beat them. I kind of hope not, but in the real world, the Ravens lack talent. Yes they do. Do too.
RG III, Chicken Little, and the Browns
I was wondering whether or not Hue Jackson would kick the tires in RG III.
From the outside looking in, both he and Colin Kaepernik look pretty scary. Their talent is undeniable, although injuries may have undermined both for good.
Unlike some people I know, I won't pretend to be on the same level in this area as Hue Jackson.
But as for the rest of it, just about everybody else has really botched up trying to deduce what this means:
They will offer either of these quarterbacks a salary commensurate with Josh McCown's. That's on the highest end of the backup quarterback scale.
Most likely, there would be a lot of incentives, so that if Hue does catch lightening in a bottle, the new quarterback can make some scratch.
This does not mean that the Browns wouldn't draft Goff or Wentz at number two. It could mean that they might trade down and target Paxton Lynch.
Prior to these latest visits by RG, I had kind of ignored Lynch, who has a lot of question marks. By that I mean that he hasn't proven that he can make multiple reads from the pocket, or function as a real pocket passer.
As I've said, some otherwise really smart guys simply don't have the mental hardware to do that, and cannot learn it. Lynch has massive potential, but would be a massive risk.
Wentz and Goff also have him beat on touch and accuracy.
RG III or Kaepernik's signing also would not automatically kick Josh McCown to the curb.
It's possible that Hue Jackson believes he can coach up a young guy and fix a veteran without any help. After all, he's delegating the bulk of his offense to experienced assistants to give himself abundant time for this.
But it's just as likely that Hue will value McCown's presence in the quarterback room just as he values the expertise of his assistants. Josh McCown is a great teacher and mentor.
He is also the incumbent starter, and played as well as any quarterback in the NFL last season. He showed impressive mobility in scrambling, which (in view of the decimation of the offensive line, which might not even be over yet), any Browns quarterback will need.
Mary Kay Cabbot in "Ask Mary Kay" said that interest in the two veterans could mean that the Browns thinkers might not believe that Goff or Wentz would be ready to start.
I don't know where MKC has been. They don't want either of these kids on the field any time soon, period.
If a new veteran is signed, it's quite possible that McCown is retained and Goff or Wentz is drafted. The new veteran and McCown would compete for number one, the loser would be number two, and the kid would stay in the incubator.
The front office is thinking about the future, as well. If Colin or Robert do manage to get back to where they once were, every other team in need of a quarterback will want them, and pay for them.
For that matter, Mary Kay was right about McCown himself having trade value. He's got two years left on a very affordable contract, and NFL GMs saw what he did last season, even if Pat Kirwan and other permabashers didn't.
That's another possibility.
On another subject, the Browns talent situation is being massively overstated. It's a form of hysteria. Today I'll stick with defense:
The overall talent is average. Not below average. Average.
Secondary: Safety is solid with Whitner and Poyer (or whoever). Joe Haden will be back. There's a backlog of really good nickel cornerbacks which also provides depth outside.
Note: Whitner will play in the box instead of center field under Ray Horton.
Inside linebacker: So-so without Dansby. Above average in coverage, maybe a little below vs the run (leaving Solomon out of it).
Outside linebacker: I'm sorry, but Paul Kruger is not below average, except in coverage, where he won't be a whole lot under a sane defensive coordinator. Nate Orchard only scratched the surface late last season.
Really, these two and those behind them are above average when allowed to do what they do best.
Defensive line: Danny Shelton is on a diet. Desmond Bryant was a wrecking crew last season. The rest are massively underrated and are young and improving.
Under Ray Horton, they will attack gaps. They are above average. Yes they are.
Overall they're far from perfect, and there aren't any superstars, but it's a solid group that Ray Horton is happy to have.
True, this defense was horrifyingly bad last season. But that was when Gipson was in the box, Whitner in the deep middle, Kruger and company were in coverage, and none of the new guys could figure out what the hell they were supposed to be doing.
Quit being so lazy. Think with your brain.
I'll do the offense later.
From the outside looking in, both he and Colin Kaepernik look pretty scary. Their talent is undeniable, although injuries may have undermined both for good.
Unlike some people I know, I won't pretend to be on the same level in this area as Hue Jackson.
But as for the rest of it, just about everybody else has really botched up trying to deduce what this means:
They will offer either of these quarterbacks a salary commensurate with Josh McCown's. That's on the highest end of the backup quarterback scale.
Most likely, there would be a lot of incentives, so that if Hue does catch lightening in a bottle, the new quarterback can make some scratch.
This does not mean that the Browns wouldn't draft Goff or Wentz at number two. It could mean that they might trade down and target Paxton Lynch.
Prior to these latest visits by RG, I had kind of ignored Lynch, who has a lot of question marks. By that I mean that he hasn't proven that he can make multiple reads from the pocket, or function as a real pocket passer.
As I've said, some otherwise really smart guys simply don't have the mental hardware to do that, and cannot learn it. Lynch has massive potential, but would be a massive risk.
Wentz and Goff also have him beat on touch and accuracy.
RG III or Kaepernik's signing also would not automatically kick Josh McCown to the curb.
It's possible that Hue Jackson believes he can coach up a young guy and fix a veteran without any help. After all, he's delegating the bulk of his offense to experienced assistants to give himself abundant time for this.
But it's just as likely that Hue will value McCown's presence in the quarterback room just as he values the expertise of his assistants. Josh McCown is a great teacher and mentor.
He is also the incumbent starter, and played as well as any quarterback in the NFL last season. He showed impressive mobility in scrambling, which (in view of the decimation of the offensive line, which might not even be over yet), any Browns quarterback will need.
Mary Kay Cabbot in "Ask Mary Kay" said that interest in the two veterans could mean that the Browns thinkers might not believe that Goff or Wentz would be ready to start.
I don't know where MKC has been. They don't want either of these kids on the field any time soon, period.
If a new veteran is signed, it's quite possible that McCown is retained and Goff or Wentz is drafted. The new veteran and McCown would compete for number one, the loser would be number two, and the kid would stay in the incubator.
The front office is thinking about the future, as well. If Colin or Robert do manage to get back to where they once were, every other team in need of a quarterback will want them, and pay for them.
For that matter, Mary Kay was right about McCown himself having trade value. He's got two years left on a very affordable contract, and NFL GMs saw what he did last season, even if Pat Kirwan and other permabashers didn't.
That's another possibility.
On another subject, the Browns talent situation is being massively overstated. It's a form of hysteria. Today I'll stick with defense:
The overall talent is average. Not below average. Average.
Secondary: Safety is solid with Whitner and Poyer (or whoever). Joe Haden will be back. There's a backlog of really good nickel cornerbacks which also provides depth outside.
Note: Whitner will play in the box instead of center field under Ray Horton.
Inside linebacker: So-so without Dansby. Above average in coverage, maybe a little below vs the run (leaving Solomon out of it).
Outside linebacker: I'm sorry, but Paul Kruger is not below average, except in coverage, where he won't be a whole lot under a sane defensive coordinator. Nate Orchard only scratched the surface late last season.
Really, these two and those behind them are above average when allowed to do what they do best.
Defensive line: Danny Shelton is on a diet. Desmond Bryant was a wrecking crew last season. The rest are massively underrated and are young and improving.
Under Ray Horton, they will attack gaps. They are above average. Yes they are.
Overall they're far from perfect, and there aren't any superstars, but it's a solid group that Ray Horton is happy to have.
True, this defense was horrifyingly bad last season. But that was when Gipson was in the box, Whitner in the deep middle, Kruger and company were in coverage, and none of the new guys could figure out what the hell they were supposed to be doing.
Quit being so lazy. Think with your brain.
I'll do the offense later.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
The Mad Scientist Front Office and Their Social Experiment
On NFL Radio, a Browns fan called in to say he was starting a petition to remove Jimmy Haslam as owner of the Cleveland Browns.
Pat Kirwan happily agreed with everything the guy said about Sashi Brown, DePodesta, and everybody else being too clueless about football to be competent in their roles, etc.
That was predictable, and therefore meaningless.
Later, however, Hall of Fame GM Bill Polian confessed to not having a clue about what they are doing. Bill searched for diplomatic words, but it was clear that he's extremely skeptical.
Unlike Pat, Bill is a neutral observer, and I have to pay attention to him.
Incredibly, I might understand this better than this great General Manager:
Old school says you have to try to win, even as you rebuild. Otherwise your players all want to leave, and no free agent with other options wants to come to the team.
These guys don't agree. Sure, the Coaches try to win every Sunday, and probably badly want to retain seasoned veterans to help them tread water during the transition.
That's the disagreement. This front office figures that the Browns won't contend for three years, and won't be truly elite for four or five years. They place a much lower value on players who will be in their thirties three springs from now.
Or players who get hurt a lot, or will get hurt, or care more about money than football.
Everything is of course being dramatized and overstated in re the team's talent. Josh Gordon (along with Terrelle Pryor) are being utterly ignored. Duke and Crow rate a shrug. Barnidge is an object of pity.
Hell, when the petition clown said if they trade Big Joe, any quarterback they draft will get killed, Pat Kirwan offered some advice:
The Browns should sign a seasoned veteran to take the lumps while the kid stays on the bench.
Dumb and dumber. Nothing Josh McCown did last season even registered with Pat Kirwan. And the quarterback they draft now is not intended to start as a rookie. Kaepernick would be insurance.
The new front office is lowering expectations to buy themselves time for a real rebuild, but they inherit a lot of young and growing talent.
Old school says you play your veterans for the best chance to win. Hue Jackson might wish for that. But he'll have to play young guys, because pretty soon that's all he'll have.
The youngsters will develop much faster, and as an integrated team, this way.
As for Jimmy Haslam, he stuck with the Old School for four years. Until now, he had to hire his fifth or sixth choices of head coaches sans head coaching experience.
I can't fault him for firing a head coach who's team nose dives in the second half, or in his second season.
Kirwan and more objective people keep saying, you need to give a coach several years. Don't you think Haslam knows that?
But he never got the guy he wanted!!! He had to take his chances. He rolled snake eyes. Hue Jackson is a different story. Wait and see, he'll have four or more years. Jimmy knows he's capable.
Thanks to Sashi and company, he also knows that his team is going to take a lot of beatings. He's determined to endure it.
Jimmy is thinking big. He's bucking the old school. He wants redemption. He wants to make his mark. If he can pull this off, everybody who made fun of him and bashed him will look like idiots. He wants that bad.
The clown with the petition has zero confidence in Cam Erving. Said he didn't like that pick when they made it. EVERY scout or expert I heard from disagreed, and regarded him as one of the best players in his draft class.
That's how these nimrods think. A rookie looks bad, move on he sucks. An owner doesn't settle on one of his fourth or sixth option unknown assistant coaches or win the Division in three years, let's get him out of here.
Nothing has worked so far, ergo nothing will.
This clown called back and called Brown and DePodesta idiots, so he's psychotic too!
As I've been telling you, the Browns have a strong defensive line, good safeties, decent but undersized corners, okay inside linebackers, Orchard, Kruger, Solomon, and Mingo.
THAT DOESNT SUCK.
They've got good running backs, Gordon, excellent guards, Barnidge, and yes PRYOR.
Undeniably, Schwartz and Mack won't be replaced with equal talent (at least not this season). Benjamin and Gipson were big losses, as well. Grampsbee was massively underrated and will be missed.
I would trade Joe Thomas for a first and third round pick or so. Sashi and Paul have to consider it.
Think: There are around eight offensive tackles rated high in this draft, including three to five with potential on the left side. For that matter, Michigan State has a four hundred pound TIGHT END.
Starting calibre right tackles will be available into the fourth round.
This draft is even deeper in 3-4 outside linebackers and defensive linemen.
Joe Thomas won't be the same player in four years. A first and third round pick will be in their primes.
Between the damage done on day one of free agency, growing pains, and new offensive and defensive systems, this team could go 3-13 or worse in 2016 (now), and they'll draft high again.
Old School says you don't think about that. Paul and Sashi include it in the equation.
Oh, no! You can't have your players thinking you're not playing to win!
Who said anything about that?
I believe the YOUNG players, on their four and five year contracts, will understand what is being attempted here, and will do what they would do anyway: Bust ass and play as hard as they can. They'll feel like they're in on the ground floor of something big.
They won't believe you when you tell them they suck. They'll band together, and try to stick it in your ear.
I believe Sashi and Paul understand psychology. Adversity can cause finger-pointing and division on some veteran teams. But on a team full of new, young, hungry players will bring on an "us against them" dynamic. It will put a huge chip on their shoulders.
Think about it. All the snickering, jokes, and bashing will insult them.
Free Agents who come to a team on their second contracts (or to retire) have a different mind set than undrafted free agents and draft picks made by a team.
The new guys are insecure. They're fighting for their careers, or to make it big.
They'll look around and see a bunch of other young new guys. One of them will say "Did you hear the radio show? They say we suck."
"That's not what I heard."
"How can you go 0-16 and not suck?"
"Fuck 'em. We got the right coaches. We lose, it's on us. I'm here four years. We'll fix 'em."
"Said it would take five."
"That's idiotic!"
"True that!"
Pat Kirwan happily agreed with everything the guy said about Sashi Brown, DePodesta, and everybody else being too clueless about football to be competent in their roles, etc.
That was predictable, and therefore meaningless.
Later, however, Hall of Fame GM Bill Polian confessed to not having a clue about what they are doing. Bill searched for diplomatic words, but it was clear that he's extremely skeptical.
Unlike Pat, Bill is a neutral observer, and I have to pay attention to him.
Incredibly, I might understand this better than this great General Manager:
Old school says you have to try to win, even as you rebuild. Otherwise your players all want to leave, and no free agent with other options wants to come to the team.
These guys don't agree. Sure, the Coaches try to win every Sunday, and probably badly want to retain seasoned veterans to help them tread water during the transition.
That's the disagreement. This front office figures that the Browns won't contend for three years, and won't be truly elite for four or five years. They place a much lower value on players who will be in their thirties three springs from now.
Or players who get hurt a lot, or will get hurt, or care more about money than football.
Everything is of course being dramatized and overstated in re the team's talent. Josh Gordon (along with Terrelle Pryor) are being utterly ignored. Duke and Crow rate a shrug. Barnidge is an object of pity.
Hell, when the petition clown said if they trade Big Joe, any quarterback they draft will get killed, Pat Kirwan offered some advice:
The Browns should sign a seasoned veteran to take the lumps while the kid stays on the bench.
Dumb and dumber. Nothing Josh McCown did last season even registered with Pat Kirwan. And the quarterback they draft now is not intended to start as a rookie. Kaepernick would be insurance.
The new front office is lowering expectations to buy themselves time for a real rebuild, but they inherit a lot of young and growing talent.
Old school says you play your veterans for the best chance to win. Hue Jackson might wish for that. But he'll have to play young guys, because pretty soon that's all he'll have.
The youngsters will develop much faster, and as an integrated team, this way.
As for Jimmy Haslam, he stuck with the Old School for four years. Until now, he had to hire his fifth or sixth choices of head coaches sans head coaching experience.
I can't fault him for firing a head coach who's team nose dives in the second half, or in his second season.
Kirwan and more objective people keep saying, you need to give a coach several years. Don't you think Haslam knows that?
But he never got the guy he wanted!!! He had to take his chances. He rolled snake eyes. Hue Jackson is a different story. Wait and see, he'll have four or more years. Jimmy knows he's capable.
Thanks to Sashi and company, he also knows that his team is going to take a lot of beatings. He's determined to endure it.
Jimmy is thinking big. He's bucking the old school. He wants redemption. He wants to make his mark. If he can pull this off, everybody who made fun of him and bashed him will look like idiots. He wants that bad.
The clown with the petition has zero confidence in Cam Erving. Said he didn't like that pick when they made it. EVERY scout or expert I heard from disagreed, and regarded him as one of the best players in his draft class.
That's how these nimrods think. A rookie looks bad, move on he sucks. An owner doesn't settle on one of his fourth or sixth option unknown assistant coaches or win the Division in three years, let's get him out of here.
Nothing has worked so far, ergo nothing will.
This clown called back and called Brown and DePodesta idiots, so he's psychotic too!
As I've been telling you, the Browns have a strong defensive line, good safeties, decent but undersized corners, okay inside linebackers, Orchard, Kruger, Solomon, and Mingo.
THAT DOESNT SUCK.
They've got good running backs, Gordon, excellent guards, Barnidge, and yes PRYOR.
Undeniably, Schwartz and Mack won't be replaced with equal talent (at least not this season). Benjamin and Gipson were big losses, as well. Grampsbee was massively underrated and will be missed.
I would trade Joe Thomas for a first and third round pick or so. Sashi and Paul have to consider it.
Think: There are around eight offensive tackles rated high in this draft, including three to five with potential on the left side. For that matter, Michigan State has a four hundred pound TIGHT END.
Starting calibre right tackles will be available into the fourth round.
This draft is even deeper in 3-4 outside linebackers and defensive linemen.
Joe Thomas won't be the same player in four years. A first and third round pick will be in their primes.
Between the damage done on day one of free agency, growing pains, and new offensive and defensive systems, this team could go 3-13 or worse in 2016 (now), and they'll draft high again.
Old School says you don't think about that. Paul and Sashi include it in the equation.
Oh, no! You can't have your players thinking you're not playing to win!
Who said anything about that?
I believe the YOUNG players, on their four and five year contracts, will understand what is being attempted here, and will do what they would do anyway: Bust ass and play as hard as they can. They'll feel like they're in on the ground floor of something big.
They won't believe you when you tell them they suck. They'll band together, and try to stick it in your ear.
I believe Sashi and Paul understand psychology. Adversity can cause finger-pointing and division on some veteran teams. But on a team full of new, young, hungry players will bring on an "us against them" dynamic. It will put a huge chip on their shoulders.
Think about it. All the snickering, jokes, and bashing will insult them.
Free Agents who come to a team on their second contracts (or to retire) have a different mind set than undrafted free agents and draft picks made by a team.
The new guys are insecure. They're fighting for their careers, or to make it big.
They'll look around and see a bunch of other young new guys. One of them will say "Did you hear the radio show? They say we suck."
"That's not what I heard."
"How can you go 0-16 and not suck?"
"Fuck 'em. We got the right coaches. We lose, it's on us. I'm here four years. We'll fix 'em."
"Said it would take five."
"That's idiotic!"
"True that!"
Rahim Moore, Demario Davis and Browns
I held my fire on inside 'backer Demario Davis until I'd confirmed what seemed obvious:
He conceded time on passing downs to a player who was better in coverage. This is very, very, very common. In every nickel (let alone dime) package, one front seven guy is replaced by a coverage guy.
Davis is good in coverage. Somebody else was simply better. In coverage DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
He doesn't need to "return to form". He was always above average and remained above average.
He's not a replacement for Gramps Dansby. Dansby did great against father time, but his fade was inevitable. Davis is a run-and-hit guy, however, and can't defeat blocks like Karlos.
I still say Scott Solomon could play inside here, but so far Ray Horton hasn't got back to me. In Ray Horton's version of the 3-4, the inside linebackers can be more exposed to guards, especially in two tight end sets. Solomon could present himself as their only viable target.
Getting a little deeper in this digression: If the inside down linemen are scary enough, the guards are otherwise occupied. End of digression.
Rahim Moore is actually really good! It was his ball-hawking injury replacement, plus concerns over the medical condition that almost cost him his leg, plus money that made him available to the Browns.
Mary Kay Cabbot sees Moore competing with Poyer at free safety, which is correct. But she doesn't mention Ibraheim Campbell, who she's got in the "box safety" box.
Campbell can play free safety, too. Also, two other defensive backs may be tried at safety.
Both of these new players are above average.
Davis can't replace Dansby, but is an upgrade over Roberts. Moore isn't as good Gipson, but ain't chopped liver.
The Browns didn't really get better, but they got younger and cheaper.
He conceded time on passing downs to a player who was better in coverage. This is very, very, very common. In every nickel (let alone dime) package, one front seven guy is replaced by a coverage guy.
Davis is good in coverage. Somebody else was simply better. In coverage DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
He doesn't need to "return to form". He was always above average and remained above average.
He's not a replacement for Gramps Dansby. Dansby did great against father time, but his fade was inevitable. Davis is a run-and-hit guy, however, and can't defeat blocks like Karlos.
I still say Scott Solomon could play inside here, but so far Ray Horton hasn't got back to me. In Ray Horton's version of the 3-4, the inside linebackers can be more exposed to guards, especially in two tight end sets. Solomon could present himself as their only viable target.
Getting a little deeper in this digression: If the inside down linemen are scary enough, the guards are otherwise occupied. End of digression.
Rahim Moore is actually really good! It was his ball-hawking injury replacement, plus concerns over the medical condition that almost cost him his leg, plus money that made him available to the Browns.
Mary Kay Cabbot sees Moore competing with Poyer at free safety, which is correct. But she doesn't mention Ibraheim Campbell, who she's got in the "box safety" box.
Campbell can play free safety, too. Also, two other defensive backs may be tried at safety.
Both of these new players are above average.
Davis can't replace Dansby, but is an upgrade over Roberts. Moore isn't as good Gipson, but ain't chopped liver.
The Browns didn't really get better, but they got younger and cheaper.
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