How to Fix ‘em: Cleveland Browns
By: Matt Harmon
Year in Review:
Mike Holmgren really did a number on this franchise. He was a sought after team president/top decision maker type (no idea after Seattle Revoked those powers from him when he was there) when the Browns hired him. However, he clearly never let go of the coaching itch and he set up a ridiculous power structure with Tom Heckert, Pat Shurmer, and Brad Childress all serving as puppets for Holmgren to play with in different roles. Well the Holmgren era is over, and surprisingly the offense actually has some nice young players to build upon and pair with a solid defense. Trent Richardson provides the potential for a top five running back, while Josh Gordon showed major skills, and there is already a solid offensive line in place. The question is whether Brandon Weeden, who is already fast approaching 30 years old, can be the quarterback for the (immediate) future. He may actually be a good fit for the system new head coach Rob Chudsinski will set up. It should also be noted that reports indicate that Chud plans on switching the defense to a 3-4, but more on that later.
Top Five Team Needs:
Offseason Moves:
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Year in Review:
Mike Holmgren really did a number on this franchise. He was a sought after team president/top decision maker type (no idea after Seattle Revoked those powers from him when he was there) when the Browns hired him. However, he clearly never let go of the coaching itch and he set up a ridiculous power structure with Tom Heckert, Pat Shurmer, and Brad Childress all serving as puppets for Holmgren to play with in different roles. Well the Holmgren era is over, and surprisingly the offense actually has some nice young players to build upon and pair with a solid defense. Trent Richardson provides the potential for a top five running back, while Josh Gordon showed major skills, and there is already a solid offensive line in place. The question is whether Brandon Weeden, who is already fast approaching 30 years old, can be the quarterback for the (immediate) future. He may actually be a good fit for the system new head coach Rob Chudsinski will set up. It should also be noted that reports indicate that Chud plans on switching the defense to a 3-4, but more on that later.
Top Five Team Needs:
- Pass Rusher: Whether it is in the form of a 3-4-rush linebacker or a traditional 4-3 defensive end, someone is needed to put heat on opposing quarterbacks. Jabal Sheard is a good starter, but I question whether he can be the team’s top option. With 8.5 sacks in his rookie year followed by seven this year it looks like he would be best suited in a secondary role.
- Wide Receiver: As I discussed, Josh Gordon seems to be on his way to being a top wide receiver. He has the deep speed and size to get down the field. He can be the team’s top option in the passing game. There needs to be some secondary options added. Greg Little drops a ton of passes and no tight end has stepped up, though I wouldn’t count out the ultra talented Jordan Cameron blossoming under tight end expert Rob Chudsinski’s tutelage.
- 3-4 Defensive End: If the defensive scheme switch is indeed planned I don’t see anyone amongst the defensive tackle group who can make the switch to five technique, except Billy Winn. Phil Taylor, Athtyba Rubin, and John Hughes all profile more as nose tackles. So I see this as a top need for Cleveland.
- Cornerback: Joe Haden is a top five corner in this league and Sheldon Brown is also a good player, but he is a 34-year-old free agent. I don’t know if he will be brought back. There are some young players here like Buster Skrine. But he didn’t exactly show enough for the team to not add another starter.
- Quarterback: There are obvious questions about Brandon Weeden as he was the weakest link in an otherwise stellar rookie quarterback class. He is also an elder statesman at 29 years old. I don’t know if it is wise to go into the season with just him as a starting option. As for former starter Colt McCoy, he is a terrible fit in Chud’s deep strike system. He would be best to go try to resurrect his career in another west coast system.
Offseason Moves:
- Rob Chudsinski hired as Head Coach: Of all the head coaching hires we have seen so far, this was by far the most surprising. However, there is upside here. Chudsinski really helped Cam Newton blossom in his rookie year and he is an Ohio native who has worked for before and loves the Cleveland Browns. Fans surely like the idea of one of their own heading up this team. However, Chudsinski’s offense struggled to find an identity last season as he infused too much college stuff and did not take advantage of its best weapons (running backs). Did Chud learn from this experience? We shall see. I don’t like how there are reports that he wants to change up the defense, my biggest coaching pet peeve, but I am not going to kill this hire. Grade: B-
- Norv Turner hired as Offensive Coordinator: This is a coup for the Browns. Many assumed that there would be a ton of suitors for Norv and he would have his pick of jobs. Well, despite plenty of tasty offers, Norv elected to follow Chudsinki, his old assistant in San Diego, to Cleveland. Turner is a poor head coach, but he is an offensive guru and he has had success, particularly with quarterbacks, wherever he has gone. Brandon Weeden looks to actually be a good fit in Turner's system, and he could develop here. Home run hire by the Browns. Grade: A+
- Ray Horton hired as Defensive Coordinator: Wo, this is another great hire by the Browns. Given that Rob Chudsinski was a first time hire, and a surprising one at that, the staff he has assembled is very, very good. Horton was angry he was passed over for the head coaching job in Arizona and was forced out. He assembled a very good unit in Arizona and he will certainly be looking to prove himself worthy of a top job while in Cleveland. Again a knockout hire. Grade A+
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