100 Innings of Danny Salazar: The Chris Devenski Approach
November 6, 2017What a sports mess: While We’re Waiting
November 7, 2017The 2017 Cleveland Browns have yet to win on the football field and have even been able to lose the bye week with reports of organizational turmoil continuing to surface in the aftermath of the trade for A.J. McCarron that wasn’t. Having quarterbacks selected with picks the front office has traded away in successive seasons thrive for other teams has not helped the optics in Berea. With the season now at the midpoint, the questions appear to be more revolving around who might remain with the franchise in 2018 than about the upcoming opponents. Regardless of your stance on the current rebuild, those are not the discussions any team strives to have in the forefront.
As the Browns prepare to attempt to somehow find an actual win that will register in the AFC North standings somewhere in their remaining eight games, here are the individual winners and losers from the Browns first half:
LOSER: Sashi Brown
To be a successful decision maker at the NFL level, not only do you have to extract value from your decisions, you have to execute upon said value, and do so at places of importance in a timely manner. “Winning” trades is something apologists cling to make themselves feel better about the shitstorm taking place on the other side of the wall. Obtaining a fourth defensive back for the cost of a fifth is all well and good, but you still need to find one-through-three. Fleecing teams for draft selections is great if the goal is simply to fleece other teams for draft selections. If it all takes place while those draft picks are not turned into anything that can improve a roster to a level of competitiveness in an era where parity is undeniable, well, you’re not successful.
Carson Wentz may not be the current odds-on favorite to be MVP had he been drafted by the Cleveland Browns, but he is undeniably a young, cost-controlled MVP-caliber quarterback who was passed upon due to: 1) An analysis that claimed he wasn’t going to be a top-20 quarterback in the league coupled with 2) a trade offer that allowed a rebuilding team to amass just what they were looking for in additional draft picks. The same could be said for DeShaun Watson who would have been the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year, potentially earning MVP votes himself. The only issue is, in the NFL, four quarters don’t make a dollar, and if you’re going to pass on selecting a quarterback, you better be damn sure in your analysis of said quarterback. Eric Mangini was dead on in his analysis of Mark Sanchez. His errors occurred in what he did with the picks he obtained in the deal. You can pretend that turning picks into “starters” was the right move—again, it’s simply a safety blanket of fan feelings. But whether it was free agency (i.e. Alex Mack, Mitchell Schwartz) or the draft (i.e. Carson Wentz or DeShaun Watson) The Cleveland Browns, under the guidance of one Sashi Brown, could not have been more wrong. The A.J. McCarron fiasco is simply icing on his horrible tasting cake.
LOSER: Hue Jackson
There’s a weird facet of people who feel they have to pick sides in some Sashi Brown-Hue Jackson debate is if this is some political game within the game, choosing to believe certain stories over others, or claiming some bizarre, binary tinfoil hat narrative that people are out to get one or the other. I’m here to tell you you’re all crazy and this can be both of their faults. Jackson has been provided powerless tools and warped boards and is being told to build a house. Jackson, rather than attempting to straighten out said boards and make the most of his tools, is mishandling the entire project, nailing a few boards together, only to take it all apart midway through and stare at the pile of lumber while his competition successfully builds their respective projects at various speeds. Jackson has every right to be frustrated that his front office has turned a bunch of cap space and draft selections into a receiving corps that would not be on any other NFL roster. Jackson also has to look in the mirror when it comes to abandoning the run and having two of his only playmakers (Duke Johnson Jr. and David Njoku) on the field for an ungodly low percentage of snaps. His house was never going to win an award, but the abovementioned shit is starting to rain down in buckets, and Hue doesn’t even have a roof nailed together. That’s on him.
WINNER: Myles Garrett
When healthy, this kid has been one of the very few highlights of the 2017 season. Already proving to be a force on a per-snap basis, the trick for the Browns will simply be keeping him healthy to ensure that snap count continues to rise.
WINNER: Jason McCourty
Easily the best thing to happen to the Browns this offseason (at least as it pertains to the first eight games), McCourty has come in and immediately provided value at an elite level. He’s already been banged up a bit, so replicating the first half is looking to be a bit of a challenge, but the Browns’ defensive improvements have a lot to do with McCourty patrolling one half of the field.
LOSER: Jabrill Peppers
This one is tough because it’s difficult to know how much is Peppers’ fault. Not only is he playing out of position, he’s playing completely off of the screen. Here’s hoping the second half finds a way to have this kid not just in the box, but attacking in a variety of ways. It’s tough to call a DB blitz for someone who is 35 yards off of the ball.
WINNER: Joe Thomas
What can be said that hasn’t already? Here’s hoping his new contract gets him to return for at least one more year with the orange and brown. I’m not ready for the era to be over.
LOSERS: DeShone Kizer, Kevin Hogan, and Cody Kessler
Holy hell what a mess this has been. And to think that we came into Week 1 (and I guess even Week 2) with some excitement? Life comes at you fast.
LOSER: Gregg Williams
The run defense is improved — this can’t be denied. It’s clear that this scheme is a substantially better fit for the players on the roster than anything Ray Horton attempted to do a season ago. That said, the deep safety thing coupled with playing guys like Peppers out of position and the inability to cover the tight end continue to be maddening. It’s tough to ask for more in a statistical way, but we need more.
LOSER: Zane Gonzalez
Inexcusable. His misses — both from a field goal and extra point standpoint — are nothing but inexcusable.
WINNER: Duke Johnson Jr.
Please, Hue. If you do anything different over these final eight games, find a way to get the ball in this kid’s hands at least 15 times per game.
LOSER: Kenny Britt
How is he still on the roster?
TBD: Corey Coleman
Every time we think we’re seeing flashes of a first-round, game-changing draft pick, an unfortunate injury happens. He’ll be due back soon, and it could be argued that no player has move to prove over the final half of this season than Coleman. Is he worthy of his selection or is he just another guy in this dreadful receiving corps? Only he can decide.
Some other Browns first half thoughts from social media
"Football people" aren't scared of Sashi Brown and the analytics revolution. They're too busy penciling in W's on their schedule.
— Craig Lyndall (@WFNYCraig) November 6, 2017
Analytics are something every team in the NFL uses. How about we blame the worst head coach in the NFL by miles, Hue Jackson?
— Veritas (@BrownsForum) November 6, 2017
many good orgs marry analytics w "football people" like NE and Jacksonville. Not sure why every org has to be 100% tilted to either side
— TA (@ClevTA) November 6, 2017
It’s the Great Pumpkin Sashi Brown
I got a Wentz!
I got a Watson!
What did you get Sashi Brown? pic.twitter.com/JevQZ74VJ9
— Jim Marek (@MarekJim) October 30, 2017
I'm not defending Hue Jackson either. I'm just saying there's no amount of Hue criticism that equals a Sashi Brown defense in my world.
— Craig Lyndall (@WFNYCraig) November 6, 2017
55 Comments
Gregg Williams should be fired out of a cannon into the sun. That being said…
Every time we go through a franchise reboot, everyone says that patience is the big key. Then 2 years later, Berea Torch & Pitchfork company is experiencing record sales numbers. Q.E.D.
Jimmy shouldve sat everyone down together in a room a while ago and said “Its bleak, but youre all coming back next year. After that, I cant make any promises”. He didnt, because he’s not a leader, so now we have 2 factions fighting against one another instead of pulling the rope together. Hooray.
I was still all for everyone coming back next year right up until it became apparent that Hue was deliberately undermining things. Now I think he has to go, unless he’s willing to give a mea culpa and get back on board.
I dont care what other teams think of them. I dont care what the media says. Theyve done more good things than bad. We’re getting the first pick. They need to use it to draft a QB (unless they sign Cousins). If no Cousins or QB at #1, they ALL get fired, I dont care if it is May.
Also, if Grossi and Rizzo are unhappy, theres a non-zero chance they’re doing something right.
At the end of the day, if they get rid of Hue or Sashi (or both) then here’s a handy dandy rule of thumb for whoever they interview: If the interviewee talks about “having to get his guys” or “rebuilding the roster” or something of that nature, their resume immediately gets put into the circular file. Only guys IM interested in are the ones who say they can take what we have, work with it, add here and there, and be competitive sooner rather than later. No more of this defeatist garbage
LOSER: Paul “Wentz is not a top-20 QB” DePodesta. Does anybody know what this guy actually does? Arrange the chairs in the locker room according to placement algorithms? Measure pinkie/forearm ratios at the combine? Replace the training table with pay-per-eat meal cards? What?
LOSER: Gregg Williams. We’re still trying to figure out what the hell an Angelback is? So is Peppers.
LOSER: Jimmah. You’re children are running around the restaurant raising hell. Friggin do something.
Grossi (and now Ruiter) basically focus all of their energy on being unhappy, so I’m not sure it’s an accurate indicator of success or not.
sorry , MG … i should’ve posted it over here : “since when are the Browns using analytics 100% of the time & what exactly does Andrew Berry & his staff do ?”
there’s the perception that the Browns are only using analytics … this obviously isn’t true.
I’d be very curious to know just how and when they use analytics. Their formula picked out both Seth DeValve and Rashard Higgins, two incredibly different players who both played WR in college.
Or if you prefer, Ricardo Louis versus Jordan Payton.
Craig mentions Sashi taking note at being at the forefront of the analytics revolution. Something the org. has fully invested on as a focal point (hiring DePodesta latched that in too). I don’t think he’s said it was 100% though.
They’ve said that publicly too… so many times. Sashi’s entire first year in his current role, he consistently talked about marrying analytics and traditional scouting methods.
Best investment I ever made was opening up that Torch & Pitchfork store at the corner of Bagley & Engle. Worried for a bit about Amazon cutting in on our business w/ deliveries, but the local touch and being able to march on headquarters from our storefront has proven to be the edges we needed to stay open through the lean years. The lean years being our most profitable because torches and pitchforks, after all.
I’ve been putting off buying a new set, but Christmas is coming soon and it seems like the perfect time to ask for them.
Highly suggest upgrading to the Torch Thrower 3000 (torch w/ flamethrower latch-pull system embedded. much like the 2000 version except now uses a hydrogen starter for a more explosive burst). Most popular item among the kids, but you probably want to buy before Thanksgiving because- much like Hue Jackson’s job- I cannot guarantee the supply will last into the closing Christmas weeks.
hi PAT … and to me , WR & QB would be the 2 positions we would definitely question … you also have Bowe & Britt as FA’s as WR questions.
Louis had nice size & nice speed at Auburn , but played on a running team … so there was merely potential there … Higgins & Payton were polished college WR’s on teams that passed the ball more often.
to me , the only serious acquisition at QB or WR has been Corey Coleman … i still think they were waiting for this year to address QB … we’ll see.
other than those 2 positions , i think they have drafted well & showed improvement from year 1 to year 2.
The dog pound logo on the gift wrapping is a nice touch!
Thanks. Having a real dog bone wrapped up in the ribbon was Pat’s idea. Wish I could take credit for that one.
I just want to know the basis for the statement that Wentz was not a top 20 QB. Was it his 6’4″ 230 frame, his rocket arm, his quick release, his intelligence, his athletic ability, his maturity or simply that he was the perfect analytical QB? Just for fun, I would love for the HBT to call the Eagles and ask what they want for Wentz in a trade. So much for asset acquisition.
I would be satisfied to have them answer why in the world they thought it necessary to tell everyone they thought he wasn’t a Top 20 QB when that is so obviously easy to backfire on them.
WINNER: The vengeful wrath of GPODAWUND. He is undefeated. Bye weeks do not assuage his ravenous desire to cause Browns fans lament.
It was probably based the concern that others had: limited games against weak competition.
However, aren’t those the types of things analytics are supposed to be able to see passed?
For those of us who spend our day yelling at clouds, Grossi is right on point.
Here are my votes –
Greg Williams – TBD He may have lost some games this year giving up big points, but he has completely stopped the run at an NFL best 2.9 per carry. It’s a fully .5 better than the next closest team. We haven’t seen that level of performance in 20+ years. Yes, some of his moves are questionable but clearly the players have some issues too. Before he is given the “Loser” title, we need to see another 8 games. At least compared to Hue, he isn’t a train wreck.
Hue Jackson – What’s worse than “Loser”. Unlike Greg Williams, I can’t really see anything that he has done well.
Sashi Brown – LOSER (because caps make it worse). I don’t mind the draft day trades. I don’t mind cutting the vets (our CBs are better without Haden). We signed some good free agents this year. Kenny Britt is a travesty. Draft picks are middle of the road – no home runs to date.
Haslem – Loser for bringing Jackson and Brown together. I wouldn’t call Sashi a dumpster fire, but clearly Jackson can’t compete with the Talent he has been given (specific players, not overall quality). Jackson does not know how to run the ball or pass to a TE/RB. As such, not having a WR looks way worse than it is. Also, Jackson can’t deal with the amount of youth we have. We are getting to many penalties and we haven’t improved. The two don’t know how to support each other. It’s a mess
The only optimistic thing to say is that both our crappy GM and Coach are getting valuable experience.
how much is the optional eyebrow insurance? A savvy shopper knows, thats where the shops make their money
Please direct all WFNY insurance inquiries here:
https://www.lyndallinsurance.com/
I’ll tell you now. I believe it was the FCS-level competition and that idiot who was circulating a video of one incredibly bad throw from Carson Wentz as if it was indicative of his entire catalog of film.
Oh we’re in the same boat. Those are the two positions that have been whiffs. So many other positions have been solid singles to home runs, but whatever, if you can’t find a QB you’re always going to get barbecued.
Calhoun has been quite good.
To pull back the curtain on the Browns’ successful run defense, and don’t get me wrong I’m not saying this is always a negative, but it’s the run blitzing. GW blitzes on running downs and fills up the gaps with rushers, so it’s really hard for other teams to run the football on the Browns (also a healthy Danny Shelton has done some great things here). But since those rushers are (for whatever reason) not reaching the QB on passing downs, GW’s defense (and that stupid angel safety) is getting burned with quicker passes over the middle. Overall, I think his defense is clearly an upgrade over what Ray Horton was doing, but it still has some pretty big flaws.
Not that flaco has been good lately but the guy played for Delaware.
That’s my point, though. They should have been able to know that without the benefit of Wentz playing the cream of the crop.
Also, something that is obnoxious to me is that Hue Jackson apparently feigned interest in doing things the Sashi-DePo way just to land a job. At the time, all he could talk about publicly was how wowed he was meeting with those dudes and how they were going to transform the way NFL teams operate, and end of the day he wasn’t sold on their way of doing things at all.
i do think we would’ve taken Goff , had that worked out … if that even means anything.
thanks … again , i think that’s the perception most folks have.
good point … then Hue & the coaches have nothing to complain about it … they knew it was going to be a tear-down & rebuild that was going to take some … and you’d think they (Haslam , the HBT & Hue) were all in the same room , having the same discussions.
And if the Kessler & Kizer decision was Hue’s , he doesn’t have a leg to stand on … i’m pretty sure Hue had a few requests before taking the job : be able to get rid of Manziel (?) , be able to call his own plays (?) & having say , or final say , on QB decisions (?).
Of course, going back to Kenny Anderson, Jim Zorn and Phil Simms there have been many QB’s from small colleges that made it big in the NFL. As BenRM said this is the exact reason you have experienced professional scouts – they have the ability to project.
I love this so much …
Yep! I’d also add Air McNair, Joe Flacco (He hasn’t been as good as his Superbowl win indicates, but he’s been better than the Browns have seen since Kosar).
No will to jump back into our Groundhog Day Browns convos. But want to mention one unmistakable omen: Sashi now sports a beard. The same instinct as Banner and Farmer to portray some gravitas when events spun a trifle more quickly than their grips could handle. Like Al Gore’s whiskers after his heartbreak election, President LBJ’s uncut hair after stepping aside as the country imploded. Distressed men intuit that the growth will save them, or maybe protect them some, or at least project confidence amid turbulence.
It never matters. But hey, if it makes his eventual departure less painful, go for it Sash. You seem like a good and honorable man, just not a good chief football exec.
Hubris and arrogance?
You rang? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6d18ca72d7027f9f5e9b54c7b2ec1a44571a5c3448b726c536123a5e103df13c.png
Presenting the patron saint of the Browns
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Joseph_Jefferson_as_Ripvanwinkle_by_Napoleon_SArony_%281821-1896%29.jpg/220px-Joseph_Jefferson_as_Ripvanwinkle_by_Napoleon_SArony_%281821-1896%29.jpg
Is he the equipment guy who has single-handedly kept the team from wearing all-orange uni’s?
http://www.arcticblubber.com/gallery/d/1089-1/tyrion.gif
But Sashi and Deposdesta went to Harvard! It’s everyone else who is wrong.
Winner- nobody. They’re 0-8. I would give the defense a slight nod but that’s it.
Loser- Sashi Brown. Whether he sabotaged the trade or not, he’s failing. If he didn’t sabotage the trade then I’m even more concerned.
Loser- Hue Jackson. Penalties and discipline are on coaching.
Loser- the fans. We deserve better.
Bowe was signed by Ray Farmer.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d052f0eedbede49f41df90f64eda94cb64a1eccdd5e3a507eb58a53e821d6d5f.gif
“We deserve better”
We spend all offseason getting excited, even when we know they are tanking, and then spend all season complaining. And by April we’re back to excited like Charlie Brown ready to kick the football.
We don’t.
We don’t deserve a good football team? Well I’m glad we have the Indians at least.
thanks MD … i knew that … *wink*
mmk