The Cleveland Browns are going to have their hands full this offseason.
There will be a number of decisions that need immediate attention, like who will be head coach in 2009? What to do with Anderson? What do we do with the RB position?
Those are just a few issues that need to be dealt with.
We still have issues with WR, LB, CB, and defensive coordinator. Really, that's not it, but I don't want to sound like I'm nitpicking.
If the Browns want to keep Romeo as Head coach for stability, I guess I can understand. They have had four head coaches since they came back in 1999.
Now, if that's what happens, they have to go out and get a top-notch defensive coordinator and really take a long hard look at Rob Chudzinski.
Mel Tucker, their current defensive coordinator, just can't seem to get a solid game plan. Week after week teams consistently pile up 150+ rushing yards on them. Teams pass down the middle of the field with ease. It's the same thing each week, and he doesn't have an answer.
Chudzinski did a great job last season with his play calling, but this year the offense is nothing more than predictable and boring. I still think he should keep his job, based on last season alone, but he needs to do something besides run on first and second down and pass on third.
Which brings me to the next issue: Jamal Lewis. Is it just me, or does Lewis look for the biggest pile of bodies and run right into it? He has lost whatever kind of cutback abilities he had. If you need a yard, he'll get you two, if you need five yards, he'll get you two. That about sums up Lewis this season.
Then there's WR. Edwards continues to drop passes, and big ones at that. Stallworth is never healthy, and Winslow, who is basically a WR, may not even be here next season.
I could go on and on with the problems the Browns are going to have to deal with, but I'm starting to get depressed. I can't do it anymore. It really sucks to be a Browns fan the last 40 years or so.
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about 1 month ago
I voted for Head Coach because I just don't see any other change having the impact that's needed. I have defended RAC for his whole tenure, but he's lost me a bit this year.
I've got a big problem with a coach who does not hold players accountable for their performance. Braylon Edwards should have been benched long ago. Instead, the team continues to "accept" his dropped passes every single freakin week.
I also have a bit of a problem with the defensive schemes, not necessary the talent. Rogers is a beast but besides that, the team is ridiculously thin on the defensive line due to injury. The secondary, although it has had some ups-and-downs, is really not that bad. There's always going to be growing pains with young DBs. But B-Mac, Eric Wright, Sean Jones, and Brodney Pool are, in my opinion, players with huge upside. And that doesn't even include Davin Holly, a starter who has missed the entire season. Likewise, D'Qwell Jackson and Alex Hall are going to be bad dudes in just a few years.
But it seems like RAC and Tucker are not putting their players in the best position to succeed. I do not think that the team is built for the 3-4, and I do not think they are nearly as aggressive as they need to be, especially when the game is on the line.
RAC is a players' coach, so you have to wonder how a change will affect the mood of the lockerroom, but utlimately, if they are professionals, the players will do what it takes to get the job done.
from about 1 month ago
Coop, if you bench Edwards who is gonna play WR? Stallworth who can't get on the field? Inexperienced Steptoe and Sanders? That's why he hasn't been benched. There is no option to replace him with.
If Romeo isn't gone after the year this franchise might never be turned around.
from about 1 month ago
Coop,
By firing Romeo that may solve two of our problems, head coach and D coordinator. It also raises the question, will this team ever be a winning organization without stability?
about 1 month ago
Jeff, who cares who plays WR? Not me! The Browns are losing games with Braylon. So what's the worst that could happen? Lose more?
Benching him sends a message to Braylon and the entire team: A message of accountability, regardless of who you are, no matter what position you play and who backs you up.
The only way to get Steptoe and Sanders experience is to play them! How else would they get it?
from about 1 month ago
I got to agree with Jeff, we can't bench Edwards. If we do it will be very remeniscent of Andre King and D Cutt. Two undersized recievers with speed who can get in and out of cuts, but lack awareness and playmaking ability. Actually, I didn't want to see Northcutt go but I suppose it was a must.
Still though, RAC could be fining BE and it isn't being made public. Regardless I'm pretty sure Edwards contract is incentive based(?) so he realizes he needs to be accountable.
from about 1 month ago
Coop,
Thanks for your comments, and thanks for reading.
I can't see benching Edwards. Steptoe shows that he has the ability to be a NFL Wr, but with Brady just starting his career, we have to have the best supporting cast around him. Unfortunately Edwards is still the best Wr we have, even with the drops. I would suggest not starting him.
about 1 month ago
Ok, this is a matter of semantics. I think everyone is slightly misinterpreting my point. I'm not saying the guy should not play a single down for the Browns for the rest of this year.
I'm saying, sit him for a half, maybe even a full game. Get his attention, and get everyone's attention. Then, put him back in there and see if he's "learned his lesson."
from about 1 month ago
I agree, but I don't think it's going to help his drops. Right now I think it's more mental than anything. He needs to sit to send a message to the rest of the team like you said, but the only thing that will help him at this point will be the offseason. He needs to get his head straight,
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