Cleveland Browns: Building Blocks and Baby Steps

So are we all done panicking yet? No? Guess I didn't really think so.

Yes, two weeks into the season, the Browns are 0-2. What's worse, the two losses came at the hands of two teams that almost everyone believed we should have beaten. So now everyone is calling for the head of Mangini and Daboll, and some are even starting to question Mike Holmgren.

I would like to encourage everyone to count to 10. Everyone good? No? Maybe try counting to 20?

Before we light the torches and grab the pitchforks, lets take a big step back and think about this. Were we expecting the Browns to make the playoffs this year? I know I wasn't. I thought before the season that just about everyone agreed that this year would be an evaluating year for Holmgren.

Yes, maybe Mangini and Daboll need to go. Maybe. But I still think there is progress here. Maybe it isn't tangible in the wins vs. losses category, but I think that we are starting to see which players are gonna be able to step up, and which players aren't gonna be here very long.

Even if Mangini does receive his walking papers after or during this season, I think we'll find in the long run that he was the perfect man for the job. Look at the way he cleaned house in New York, and now look at what they've accomplished in a short time. That may very well be his destiny. Maybe he's the guy you bring in to clean house when you rebuild.

Mangini got rid of all the cancers that were destroying the organization, and he's also put together a good, hard-nosed foundation of players to build on. I think it's becoming clear who those players are, so here's a list of the  players that I believe have proven themselves to be part of our building blocks for the future.

Offense

1. Joe Thomas: This is a no-brainer. Thomas was recently listed by Scouts Inc. as the third best player in the league. That's out of all positions. Thomas will be our anchor for the next decade.

2. Alex Mack: Mack has proven himself to be one of the better centers in the league. He along with Thomas and rookie Shaun Lauvao should provide running lanes and protection for our quarterbacks for years to come.

3. Lawrence Vickers: Vickers is, in my opinion, the best blocking fullback in the league. He, combined with our line, should be able to carry even mediocre backs to thousand yard seasons.

4. Evan Moore: Moore has shown brilliant hands and athleticism. With a great quarterback, he could develop into a Dallas Clark-type player. I think he definitely has to be considered part of our future.

5. Mohammed Massaquoi: With a competent quarterback and offensive coordinator, Massaquoi is capable of a 1,000-yard season right now. Give him some time and I think he'll be an Anquan Boldin-type receiver.

6.Peyton Hillis: Hillis is a pure beast. His versatility and toughness are invaluable. In many ways, Hillis embodies the the identity this team is trying to achieve.

Offense Overview

So that's six out of 11 positions, but it's a good foundation. It seems that right now, the other five positions are just being temporarily filled with guys who are "good enough." So it's really not a surprise that this unit is inept.

Defense

1. Ahtyba Rubin: Rubin has done plenty show his worth. He's more than just a space-eater. He's starting to make plays now. He should be the anchor of the defensive line for while.

2. Marcus Benard: Benard is becoming a beast. He seems to always be making plays. His pass rush skills have improved. Right now he's the biggest playmaker on the defense.

3. Eric Wright: Wright is a solid cover corner. He makes plays on the ball, and he's still very young. The secondary is, for the most part, set for the future.

4. Joe Haden: Haden has made some rookie mistakes, but he's been solid in coverage. He has a very bright future. As a rookie, he's still miles ahead of some of the DBs we've started in the past.

5. TJ Ward: Ward has been solid, and has the flashed the ability to be a game-changer. The only concern with him is if he'll stay healthy. So far, so good.

Defense Overview

There are a lot of other solid defenders on this team, especially at linebacker, but these guys are the ones who are gonna be here long term. A lot of the veterans like Sheldon Brown and Scott Fujita are here to fill voids, but will only be here a couple years.

The defense has played remarkably well in the first two games. In two games, we've allowed 33 points, which isn't that great until you consider a pick-six and another pick that was returned to the three-yard-line. The defense has only given up 19 points, really. That's pretty good.

Overall, there's still a lot of work to do, but this is a very solid foundation of players. This team is trying to find it's indentity. This core of players is hard-nosed, tough, smart, versatile, and athletic. Now we just need to fill out the rest of the roster with players like them.

So yes, this season is for all intents and purposes over. The Browns aren't going to make the playoffs and will probably finish last in the division, again. But I still think the future is over. I certainly don't think the sky is falling. This next offseason is going to be very important for the future of the franchise.

Let's just all try to keep perspective and not rush to snap-judgements this season. Yes, the season hasn't started the way I would've liked, but let's not throw out the baby with the bath water.