Cleveland Browns

Taking the Browns to the Toilet Bowl...

Really? Really, Cleveland? You came back to the NFL, and you still haven't produced a professional football team! As a Browns' fan, it's embarrassing, truly embarrassing.

Year in and year out, I watch the Browns regress. I watch my beloved Browns get spanked by the Ravens and Steelers. If we actually beat those teams, made the playoffs, and won the Super Bowl, I wouldn't know how to act. I'm so numb to losing that I'm not sure how to react after a win. I just expect to lose-how pessimistic. It's difficult being a Browns' fan, so I feel your pain as a die-hard fan. I can't even accept the Steelers or Ravens as our rivals. You have to win some games against your opponents to consider them rivals.

So, what is the actual problem? Coaching, management, players, a combination of all three? Let's take a look.

Coaching: I like the defense. I think that Dick Jauron is doing a good job. Yes, we probably need another safety, cornerback, linebacker, and defensive end, but we have some solid players on defense. We have something to work with. The recent draft picks and free agent signings panned out for the most part. Unfortunately, our special teams and offense are lacking. Ever since Brad Seely left to for San Francisco, our special teams' unit looks ordinary. During the Eric Mangini era, Seely made us a top tier special teams' unit. Pat Shurmer's offense is also struggling. I don't know if it's the play calling, lack of OC, or lack of playmakers; I just know that our offense is sub par.

Management: It's hard to believe that Mike Holmgren allowed Pat Shurmer, a first year HC, to be the HC and OC. That seems like a lot of responsibility for a first year HC. Some people believe that Holmgren should have kept Mangini to be the HC and focus on the defense. However, Mangini would have little input on the offensive side. An experienced OC would have been brought in to install the WCO. Keep in mind; that plan was never in place. That was just the opinions of some of the fans. 

Players: Fellow blogger, Joe Anello, posted that Colt McCoy is "struggling to impress management," and I agree with his observation. The Browns might need a new playcaller. From what I see every game, McCoy struggles to see over his offensive line. He needs to roll out to create passing lanes. Or, maybe the talent surrounding McCoy is lacking. 

So, what do we, as Browns' fans, have to look forward to? The draft? Maybe so. Andrew Luck is probably out of the question but Matt Barkley is not. Barkley could be available when the Browns pick. Wide receiver, Justin Blackmon, and running back, Trent Richardson, could be available, as well, and the Browns need playmakers. They need players who will scare defenses. Right now, no one on offense scares defenses.

Food for thought: If we surround McCoy with talent, maybe the Browns will succeed. Instead of trading down to get more bodies, let's draft playmakers. If McCoy isn't the guy, let's draft a Matt Barkley or a Robert Griffin. If you don't like either of those QB's, why not sign soon-to-be free agent Matt Flynn from Green Bay. He looks like a star in the making.