NFL Week 1: Looking Ahead To Clevelands Matchup in Tampa Bay
As of this coming Sunday, 9/12/10, it will have been exactly 252 days since the Browns were on a football field.
Much has changed since then, both on the field and inside the organization.
Those changes will culminate in a tangible product this weekend when Cleveland travels down to Tampa Bay to face the Bucs, in game 1 of the 2010 NFL season.
Cautious optimism is tangible for every team, in every city, and probably none more so than in Cleveland, on the banks of Lake Erie. There's reason to believe that Cleveland could be a much improved team in this, the 2010 NFL season.
To make things better, they have a winnable game right out of the gate. And quite honestly, this is an ideal first opponent for the Browns.
Other BR writers have written about the importance of the Browns having a quick start, so I'll not cover that other than to say that I believe that it is of critical importance.
Looking at this match up, Browns fans have reason to feel confident in a win, and Believe in Now.
Tampa Bay has been a struggling for several years, and under Raheem Morris, the trend looks to continue. Raheem Morris was highly touted as the next great young coach, and the reality is, it's just not true.
The Bucs last season lacked direction, consistency and overall will to win. Probably what's worse in the eyes of Buc fans, is that on a weekly basis, they were outcoached by the opposition.
Alas, that was last year, and a new season is upon us. That could all change in one swoop.
So, let's take a look at the game, and see how it bodes for Cleveland in Tampa Bay!
The Offenses: Buccaneers Breakdown
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Let's breakdown each teams offense, and see what strengths and weaknesses are present.
Tampa Bay:
Looking at Tampa Bay, there's a little to like, and even more to NOT like.
QB:
They have a young QB, who unlike Jason Campbell, is going into his second season in the same system.
That's definitely a positive for the Bucs, as stability in the offensive system is key to production.
Last season, he showed some flashes of brilliance, but overall had a disappointing rookie campaign throwing for 1855 yards, with 10 TD's and 18 INT's. This season, he looks to improve, but is coming off a hand injury in Week 1.
RB:
Looking at the running game, I think they have a solid performer in place in Cadillac Williams.
While caddy has been robbed of some of his speed and dynamic playmaking ability because of various knee injuries, he's still a decent RB, and last season finished with 823 yards rushing and 4 TD's, while averaging 4 ypc.
He's backed up by former #1 RB Earnest Graham, who also has shown the ability to shoulder the load, and may be called upon this season more, in an effort to keep the Cadillac running.
WR:
The WR group is, well, lacking....
Listed on their depth chart is former Eagle, Reggie Brown. Also listed is Maurice Stovall, Mike Williams, Michael Spurlock, Arrelious Benn and Sammie Stroughter.
None of whom had over 370 yards and 1 TD last season. That's a scary proposition for Tampa Bay, especially considering that lack of production from the veterans.
The lone bright spot in the WR corps, is former 'Cuse Orangeman Mike Williams, who has looked very good this preseason and developed a rapport with Freeman.
Fellow rookie WR Arreliuos Benn is currently listed 3rd on the depth chart, behind Sammie Stroughter, after a disappointing preseason.
The Bucs will likely call Mike Williams' number a lot this season, as they'll be playing from behind, so, he'll need to step up and carry this patchwork WR unit.
TE:
The TE position is solid with hated former Brown Kellen Winslow in place, and he's backed up by Jerramy Stevens.
In my opinion, this is the strongest aspect of the offense, as Kellen Winslow is a former Pro-Bowl TE, and as Browns fans know, when he's playing to win, he can be very effective.
I look for him to really attack this game. It's a grudge now. He hates Cleveland, and Cleveland feels the same. Should be good to watch.
OL:
This group is amongst the worst o-line's in the NFL.
Last season, they ranked #31 overall in the rushing attack, and #29 in the passing attack. They finished ranked 25th overall in penalties.
No group underperformed as badly overall as this unit. Former Brown Jeff Faine must get better in the middle, and Donald Penn, Jeremy Trueblood and Davin Joseph have to give Freeman time to operate to have success.
Overall:
Not a very good offensive team. They struggled badly last season both rushing and passing, and Josh Freeman was sacked 20 times, and they lost yards on a whopping 57% of rushing plays.
This unit could surprise some teams this season, but, I just think their deficiencies will overraide their successes, and limit their production.
Frankly, the lack of effectiveness here is what I think will keep them as the bottom dweller this season, and give them the dreaded #1 Overall draft position in the 2011 NFL Draft
Grade: D-
The Offenses: Browns Breakdown
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Cleveland:
The Browns have the makings of a solid, albeit unspectacular offensive team this season, especially considering the O-Line, addition of a Veteran QB and the emergence late last season of Jerome Harrison and the running game.
QB:
Wiley old veteran Jake Delhomme is the opening day starter, and should bring some stability to a position that had much flux surrounding it last season with the now jettisoned Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.
Delhomme should be able to provide them with a consistent passing offense, and allow them to use the running game in compliment to the passing game, instead of in place of it.
Last season, the passing game was terrible, and part of that was Quinn/Anderson, and part was offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's play calling.
The playcalling must get better in this regard, and must be more consistent to allow Delhomme to be effective.
RB:
For this first time in a long time, Cleveland actually looks to have a solid running game, even with the loss of 2nd round reach Montario Hardesty.
Jerome Harrison was highly effective down the stretch last season, and the argument could be made that in the final 4 weeks of the season, he was the best RB in the NFL.
Behind Harrison is bulldozing RB/FB Peyton Hillis and C.J. Spiller's favorite NFL'er, James Davis.
I was critical of Hillis' acquisition, but, he's proven to more valuable to Cleveland than he was to Josh McDaniels in Denver, and appears to have worked on his deficiencies at blitz pickup and blocking assignments. Perhaps the trade was a wake up call, if so, that's good news for the Browns.
Davis is a dynamic playmaking RB, and my feeling is that if given the chance, this guy could be very special. He's bigger than Spiller, and equally as fast, and has ability to run inside and outside.
Bulldozing the way for all the RB's, will be the iron headed, hard nosed FB Lawrence Vickers, who may be the best FB in the NFL.
This is a strong group, and should have a decent amount of success this season.
WR:
Cleveland's WR group is a point of concern for me.
Lacking is the experience and leadership of a veteran wideout who's played that game, and that is sometimes undervalued. But, history doesn't lie. Having a veteran WR helps greatly.
The depth chart lists Mohamed Massaquoi as the #1 and for OSU standout Brian Robiskie as the #2. behind them are Josh Cribbs, Chansi Stuckey and Carlton Mitchell.
The emergence of Robiskie this preseason as Cleveland's possession WR is HUGE. Cleveland was lacking this player to compliment Massaquoi last year, and seeing Robo mature into this spot could be a key for them.
Massaquoi is poised for a breakout season with a reliable veteran at QB. In reality, I think 950-1100 yards and 5-8 TD's is possible for him this season. Especially with Delhomme, who tends to lock onto his #1 WR.
TE:
This is an underrated and undervalued group. The acquisition of Benjamin Watson was a great get for the Browns. His rare combination of smarts, size and speed make him invaluable to Delhomme and Cleveland.
Add to that the emergence of Trent Edwards' favorite target at Stanford, Evan Moore, and you have a dynamic TE duo that could force matchup problems with opposing D's, especially in 2 TE sets.
I think Watson will be the primary TE, but, Moore will be involved too. As long as Watson stays present and doesn't disappear as he did many times in New England, this group should flourish.
OL:
The left side of the Cleveland O-Line is probably one of the Top 5 in all of football.
The Browns line was #9 in rushing and #9 in passing, and the 10th ranked penalized team.
Perhaps this is a surprise in many people’s eyes, but a lot of the quality here, was masked last season by deficiencies at the other key positions.
The right side still looks like it needs work but there is extreme talent in the younger players. The addition of Pashos and Lauvao in place of St. Clair and Womack immediately make them better, not much, but better.
Special mention should be made of Alex Mack, who was unacceptably overlooked as even a nominee for Offensive Rookie of the Year despite being in the top five at his position.
Joe Thomas is the anchor here at the LT spot, and is possibly the best in the NFL right now. Frankly, the only thing more staggering than the lack of appreciation in some quarters for Thomas (only 18 of 50 Associated Press voters thought him in the top two tackles — hang your heads in shame, gentlemen!) is the fact that some still see LG Eric Steinbach as a quality player and not the liability he’s become over the last few years.
If he improves, look out.
Overall:
This is a team on the rise, and a team that should take some opponents by surprise. They have the ability to open holes and pass protect well.
The offenses biggest handicap, in my mind, is still going to be the playcalling and offensive scheme implementation of Brian Daboll.
Last season, he was among the worst in all of the NFL, and if there's any sign of a struggle here, Cleveland should be ready to move to Haskell to replace him.
If Cleveland can be consistent, and balance the passing attack with the rushing attack, then they can be a team that's in the upper half of the league. But, Daboll's success and ability to mix things up is going to be key.
Grade: B-/C+
The Defenses: Buccaneers Breakdown
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DL:
The Buccaneer D-Line is not a very talented group. Gone are the days of Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice causing mass confusion and outright fear in the hearts of opposing O coordinators.
The Bucs are no longer regarded as one of the better D's in the league, in fact, it's just the opposite. the Bucs are one of the worst D's in the NFL.
The addition of Gerald McCoy and Brian Price should help improve the line, and at least make it respectable. I think these guys are great pics, and Tampa Bay obviously identified the need and addressed it early in the draft.
How these two develop in and around the system and other players will be critically important to Tampa's defensive success.
LB:
The LB corps is anchored by perennial peak performer Barrett Ruud, who should be solid again.
In addition to Ruud, the Bucs have solid LB Geno Hayes, who finished with 98 tackles and 3 Sacks, 1 Fumble and 2 INT's. He's a very good LB, on a bad team.
Also there is 4th year man Quincy Black, who finished with 70 tackles and 1.5 Sacks and 1 INT.
All in all, this unit is pretty solid, and among the better LB groups in the league. Depth behind Ruud, Hayes and Black is of concern to the Bucs, which is why they used 2 selections in the draft for LB's.
DB:
Suspended is Aqib Talib and filling in for him is CB E.J. Biggers, who looks to be pretty solid in coverage.
Of course, always aging but never seeming to get older, Rhonde Barber is there, and should have one side somewhat locked down.
The Bucs added former Cleveland Brown Sean Jones and S Tanard Jackson. Both will provide needed depth, and help shore up what was a weak unit last season.
Overall, I think this group is the weakest of the bunch, and could struggle against effective passing teams, and in their division, they'll face some.
Overall:
The defense is improving, and will continue to do so, but this is a growing season.
I think Tampa Bay is going to be vulnerable in several areas this season. Firstly, I think the passing game is somewhat scary. Talib is a good CB, as is Barber, but I have concerns about the scheme more than them.
Secondly, I think that the running game, especially outside, could be a point of concern for Tampa's D. I think inside, they're ok with McCoy and Price there, but, teams getting outside could cause fits for them.
Frankly, this team just isn't very good, and I think another Top 3 selection is imminent.
Grade: C-
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The Defenses: Browns Breakdown
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DL:
Cleveland looks to have a very solid D-Line this season. The emergence last season of NT Ahtyba Rubin opens up the non-suspended Shaun Rogers to move to one of the end spots, probably opposite of Robaire Smith.
Providing depth on the line is Kenyon Coleman, Brian Schaefering and Derreck Robinson.
This unit, in particular, Rubin, should provide Cleveland a wall up front that could be tough for the opposition to get through.
If Shaun Rogers can be productive on the end, which with his speed he should be, the brown could have a Top5-7 D-Line this season.
LB:
Added this off season was Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita, both of whom project as starters, one inside and one out.
The remaining LB corps is strong. Kaluka Miava showed some game last season, and Matt Roth is back for another season after shining through the last half of the season.
Really, this LB corps could be the surprise of this team. The depth is there, the veteran leadership is there, and the playmaking ability is there. This is a solid unit.
The addition of Gocong was as timely as you get, especially with D'Qwell Jackson's pectoral injury, and in the preseason he's looked very good. He should hold that position for a while.
DB:
This is the most improved unit of the entire defense in my mind.
The addition of Sheldon Brown, who plays at a furious pace, was sorely needed and Cleveland basically stole him from Philly, and Eagles fans are a bit ticked about it....check their boards.
Brown now provides Cleveland with a legitimate Pro Bowl caliber CB opposite of young, up and coming CB Eric Wright. He's a solid player, and now teams cannot exploit Brandon McDonald's glaring weaknesses every time they drop back to pass.
Providing CB depth is rookie Joe Haden.
The Safety spot, with the addition of T.J. Ward, who I was quite critical of in the draft, shores up the deep game.
Ward actually has better cover skills that his counterpart Abram Elam, and hits as if his name was Lott.
All in all, this is a very, very solid unit and their improvement is inevitable this season. I expect some good things from these guys moving forward,
Overall:
This is an underrated defensive unit, and by mid season, I expect that they'll be fantasy worthy in many leagues.
The D-Line is as stout as a Guinness and the DB's and LB's all have great speed and pursuit.
I expect Cleveland to improve upon their successful season last year, if for one reason and one reason only, Rob Ryan.
His defensive scheming is just as good as Rex's, and in some regards it's better. And now, with the added weapons, the Browns could evolve this season into a defense that fits their division.
Rob Ryan is a very good coach, and is very good at identifying what his teams do well, and that was proven last year, when he was able to mask some weaknesses with his clever blitzing.
It should be a good 2010 season.
Grade B
The Game: Bucs Offense Vs. Cleveland's Defense
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Bucs Run vs Browns:
The Buccaneers are going to try and establish the run early.
This is usually the plan of attack for any team that has WR issues, as Tampa Bay does. They'll try to get Caddy in space and open up the inside run.
The problem that I think, is that Shaun Rodgers is going to be there this weekend, and coupled with starting NT Ahtyba Rubin in place, the inside run will likely be swallowed at the point of attack.
If this happens, the Bucs will continue to try, but will start to lean more on the outside run, and that doesn't necessarily bode well for them either, as Caddy just doesn't have the speed he once did, and Earnest Graham isn't going to sneak out there either.
Should Tampa Bay be able to make some headway with the Browns D'Line, getting through the second level of that D is going to difficult considering Cleveland's speed at the LB spot.
Browns vs Bucs Run:
Cleveland is going to scheme some odd man blitzes right up the middle and outside.
They'll attack the middle because Jeff Faine, for as solid as he is, does have trouble picking up the blitz sometimes, and with Cleveland's LB speed, they'll be coming from everywhere.
I think there will be a significant amount of D-Line stunts as well, possibly even dropping Rogers, or Smith into the flat while LB's come for a speed attack.
If Tampa can contain the clever blitz schemes that Rob Ryan is going to bring into this game, then they'll have a shot at doing some damage, but, considering the lack of O-Line depth in Tampa, I don't think that can happen.
Browns Pass D:
Cleveland has a decided advantage here. Why?
Simple: Tampa has NO WR THREAT that is going to command the Browns to respect the pass.
Mike Williams is going to be the #1, but, he's unproven, and until Freeman shows he can do it through the air, look for Cleveland to blitz plenty.
With the issues at WR, it will allow Cleveland to probably sneak Ward or Elam into the box for additional run support. This will continue, again, until Tampa Bay can prove they can throw.
Overall:
Cleveland should dominate this matchup with relative ease.
The defensive speed is decidedly in Cleveland's favor, and when looking at the line issues in Tampa, it becomes even more advantageous for Cleveland.
Rob Ryan will thoroughly try and confuse Josh Freeman into making the wrong checks, and modifying the plays at the line. If Cleveland can jam the middle up, this will become a long game for Tampa.
The Game: Browns Offense Vs. Bucs Defense
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Browns Run vs Bucs:
This is going to be a tougher matchup than most believe for Cleveland, mainly because the addition of Brian Price and Gerald McCoy makes Tampa a better team up the middle.
I think the best plan of attack here, is going to be for Cleveland to try and implement the run, but, it'll have to be the power run, out of the I.
Cleveland, with Vickers blocking, is very effective out of the I and on loaded sets, and I expect to offset some of Tampa's middle plugging abilities, the Browns will use heavy and loaded sets, possibly 2 TE's.
Jerome Harrison can get to the second and third levels of the D, but, he'll likley do it on the left side of the line in lieu of the right, that said is just better.
I expect Cleveland to implement Hillis as well, and probably more heavily that many expect. Hillis is a tough runner, and should be able to work heavily in the middle, and make some headway there.
In the end, I think Cleveland will use the run heavily in this game, and try to ease Delhomme and everyone else into the passing game. they'll obviously take shots in this one, but, the emphasis is on the run in this one.
Bucs vs Browns Run:
Tampa is going to try and apply pressure to the left hand side of the Browns O-Line.
The reason for that is simple, and it's because that side of the line is just not as good as the right side. Make no mistake, they'll bring blitzes from everywhere, but, I think they'll focus on the right hand side.
Stopping the run in the second level will be the focus of Ruud, Hayes and Black, and that LB corps is a pretty good unit. If they continually have to contain the run at level 2, the day becomes long for Tampa's LB's.
Bucs Pass D:
Rhonde Barber should provide some solid coverage of Massaquoi, Cleveland's #1, but, I expect him to still break free on crossing routes.
Last season, Tampa Bay struggled with the intermediate passing game, in particular, the crossing routes.
They're vulnerable here, so they likely try and play a safety up top and sink one low to prevent the long play and stop the short to intermediate plays. A lot of zone coverage is what I expect to see here.
I think Tampa realizes in this matchup, that they can't cover Cleveland's versatile array of weapons, and will reply on the zone to stop some of the passing attack.
Browns Pass Attack:
I like Cleveland to use the intermediate pass a lot in this one.
The deep shot could come, but, I think it happens rarely in this one.
They will try and using crossing routes and outs at different levels to create openings for pass completions.
They'll be facing a zone a lot of the day, and I think they can exploit the zone with the shorter passes and draws.
Overall:
I think Cleveland has the advantage here as well. They have a solid O-Line and a pretty good rushing attack.
Tampa's youth could play against them a bit in this game, and being overzealous could cause missed assignments and thus open the door for Cleveland to run heavy.
Browns win this matchup.
Verdict: Cleveland Gets a Big Road Win
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This game should be a good game for Browns fans to watch.
Cleveland should be able to go into Raymond James Stadium, and pretty much dominate this game.
It's akll going to come down to how Cleveland executes offensively and defensively. Because quite honestly, it's their game to lose, and if they play poorly and out of sync, they could lose this one.
Realistically, I think this team is ready to go, and I think they're ready to play. After 252 days they should be.
As I mentioned earlier, starting quick is going to be paramount to Cleveland's success this season, and with this game, they have that chance to carry some momentum into next weeks game against Kansas City at home.
Rob Ryan will try to make the day as difficult and confusing as he can for Josh Freeman, and will blitz from as many angles as he can, and the Browns will be expected to make some plays in the secondary in case the blitz doesn't get there.
Offensively, Cleveland has to implement the run early and make it as tough as they can in the trenches, and with Joe Thomas, Alex Mack and Steinbach, it could happen early.
I can say this for certain, it will certainly be nice to see real football again, and Cleveland should start the year on the right foot.
With a win.
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