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January 29, 2014
Browns coaching search, Anthony Bennett and Super Bowl predictions with Dennis Manoloff – WFNY Podcast – 2014-01-29
January 29, 2014
The Cleveland Browns finally found their new head coach, but now the search for Offensive Coordinator is in full swing. We look at the search and how it might impact free agency decisions. Check out the conversation below:
12 Comments
I agree with Rick that most OC’s are pretty interchangeable in blocking schemes and Alex Mack, in particular, should be able to handle most schemes. Heck, hasn’t he played in pretty much every blocking scheme since he’s been here?
and yes, I also want to keep Mack, but likely not at franchise level $$.
unless our FO thinks we won’t use that $$ next year and we get Ward
signed to a multi-year deal ahead of time. then, it’s only a 1year
cap-hit.
but, let’s assume that Mack leaves. how much we feel
the hit will depend on what our FO does next. I think Greco can play
OC. I’m not sure how he’d do calling out protections as he hasn’t had
to do it yet. Steinbach used to call them for the OL, so we just need
to get someone on the OL (preferably the interior) to be able to do it.
Next step, I see others are on the Geoff Schwartz bandwagon as well. I like
him alot. He can play either OG spot and is a power guy, which we need
on our OL. He isn’t the most experienced guy though, so I’m not sure
he’d be our protection caller. I guess we could see who between him and
Greco did the best there. At that point, we could use one of our top4
picks on an OG.
in the draft:
Gabe Jackson – hey, he’d be great, but I think we’d have to spend our #26 on him if he even lasts that long. I much prefer getting QB/WR with our top2 picks, so he’s likely out.
2nd rounder – OG/CB/S/ILB are the positions I would consider here. There are more OG, so we likely wait on OG until the 3rd round (especially since we do have some internal depth there though I’d like to improve on who is starting). If we do wait, then here are the guys to consider:
Martin, ND – just in case he drops, unlikely.
Yankey, Stanford – same. I think both of these guys go early 2nd.
Sua-Filo,
UCLA – I really like him. He played all over the OL for UCLA and was
good at run & pass blocking. He started as a freshman in 2009 (all
pac-10), then went on missions for 2 years and came back to start on the
OL. He’s an impressive player and person and I would absolutely LOVE
for him to be a Brown.
Brandon Linder, U-Miami – Steen & Tre
Jackson get more pub, but Linder is the better overall blocker IMO. He
has good feet and good hands. he is a power-blocker type who once he
gets his hands on someone, they stay there and he drives well. it
seemed like the Canes had Duke run behind him anytime they needed a good
run. He would be a RG in the NFL (though he played both RG & RT
for the Canes). He needs to improve on his initial step, he was a bit
slow with it at times and he relied on his strength too much.
I seriously doubt Joe Banner is going to micromanage personnel OL decisions based on his preferred blocking schemes (or that he has a preferred one)–or that Mack’s fate is altered by the OC.
Generally speaking, the FO hasn’t really tipped their hand one way or another as to offensive or defensive propensities. I know they were heavily Reid-influenced decisions, but the Eagles drafted QBs in McNabb and Kolb in WCO-type offenses, and then acquired Vick and transformed accordingly. But despite that background, Banner gave the keys to Chud & Norv and a more vertical passing game (presumably) and a focus on the run (ha!). Shanahan was schooled in WCO and with RGIII, employed the zone read. Doesn’t sound like much of a pattern to be gleaned.
The Eagles ran a 4-3 defense, and yet last year after getting Horton (and despite being heavy roster-wise as to interior DL) the FO was open to move to a 3-4 hybrid, attack the QB, small DBs, type of defense. Maybe philosophically a 3-4 is more in line with what they believe is effective (and I think Lombardi made a comment to that effect). Pettine’s system seems to be in line with that (which he says is a 3-4, mult front hybrid–much like Horton’s).
Sounds like the FO is pretty open to whoever can be effective in whatever system they employ, so at least we got that going for us, which is nice.
It’s actually one of the things that’s nice about the Pettine hire – our D is very similar in style/player makeup to what he ran in Buffalo, so even if he is switching some stuff it’s not like a completely defensive makeover. (The one difference seems to be that Buffalo gave up a lot more big plays but also ended more possessions faster, so a bit more gambling.)
I can’t imagine that Banner and Co. have specific blocking schemes in mind, though I don’t think it matters – Thomas isn’t going anywhere, the C is least important and should prefer zone-blocking generally, and Greco (and the Browns’ other Gs if they are back) did a decent amount of zone-type blocking anyway last year when you look at film, plus one would imagine they’re getting a new RG regardless. And Schwartz is supposed to be quick, so one would hope he can adjust quickly as well.
Really interesting point about Norv/Chud and the O that was run last year, including Weeden. I doubt that the FO has a preference for an O system; if anything, their interest in Kelly shows they simply wanted an innovative coach who can adjust to circumstances and build around whomever, who could create offenses rather than copy. Shanahan at least seems to try that, though it’s hard to determine how successful he has or hasn’t been; that said, hopefully he’s learned.
Yeah thankfully they’re not married to a set system ala Holmgren with his old WCO (begetting the likes of Shurmur). I think if anything, the FO is just drawn moth-like towards various “young, aggressive, and innovative” offensive minds. Kelly, Chud (playcaller in Norv), Gase, McDaniels, Shanahan, DeFilippo. Callahan doesn’t fit this mold. Now the trick whether their ability to draft playmakers marries with whatever system we get!
I’d be ok with Shanahan–I think he brings name recognition for PR sake, a system that seems fit for some of the top QBs in the draft (Manziel), and a track record of success (although last yr blemishes with RGIII give some pause about his work with young QBs).
Kosokov or however you spell it from the Cavaliers would like to apply!!!
People also remember that Griffin (unwisely) played hurt last year and became RG3-10. Shanahan helped make a 4th round QB (Cousins) look competent to the point that the Redskins would want to maybe dangle him as trade bait for more picks.
i would hope rodger saffold also gets good a look-see in free agency. he can do guard or tackle and always grades high and, of course, LOCAL TIES.
I cannot believe Fisher would let him get away with how he took that job and refused to let go, but I would be very happy with Saffold.
i recall last training camp saffold was peeved at being moved to right tackle after they signed jake long (he knows RTs dont get paid like left tackles and it was his UFA year). so his being moved to guard surely went up his nose too. in any case, the rams’ moves make it look like saffold will readily be available.
hmmm, well I want him (and pay him) at OG too. so, if he doesn’t want to be a RG, then he likely doesn’t come here. I don’t believe Schwartz would benefit from moving inside.
They just hired Kyle Shanahan (as expected):
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/01/report-browns-hire-kyle-shanahan-as-offensive-coordinator/
I’m coo wit it.
Judging tnhe Super Bowl outcome, do you people realize that wasting a pick on a QB in round one will not wil a SB? Get a QB that doesn’t lose and is mature and intelligent. Use those top picks on OL RB and DEFENSE. Wilson 3rd round Brady 6th round. Seriously?!!? Get your act together and realize what wins in the NFL