Ground the Hurricane: Ohio State – Tulsa Preview
September 9, 2016Know Your Opponent: Tulsa Golden Hurricane
September 9, 2016Welcome to another season of Cleveland Browns football. Like Sharknado, the premise doesn’t make much sense, but people continue to tune in every year, so they keep churning more out. While it is debateable if the Browns are tanking the 2016 season, they did make a player captain whose name sure sounds like Tank Harder.
So, whether you want to give some unqualified advice to Hue Jackson, fear the history of Week 1 Browns games, or bet on the Browns to win the Superbowl, WFNY will be here to cover every aspect of the Browns just for you.
Here is what the WFNY staff thinks of the upcoming Browns season with a few answers on things that hopefully are funnier than sad. Or maybe even a little informative.
Browns offense versus Eagles defense
What do you expect from Robert Griffin III? Can he help create an offense worth watching?
Craig: I expect RG3 to be the most talented QB the Browns have had since Derek Anderson’s one year. I think it will be somewhat infuriating to watch, however. We will try to define him only by his best moments and we’ll be forced to try and reconcile his worst. Plus, he’ll be tangling with an unstead offensive line.
Joe: I am really excited and confident in Robert Griffin III and believe he will show that he can be the team’s franchise quarterback. He has the talent and so with Hue Jackson as coach, he will return to the form that many thought he would be when drafted. So, yes the offense will be worth watching, especially with all the exciting receivers on the team.
Michael: Griffin is who Griffin is at this point. He’s going to stare down his primary receiver, struggle to read the defense, and be a bit too quick to abandon the pocket. The good news is he has an incredibly accurate deep ball and the Browns have a bunch of good deep-route receivers. Should make for some exciting plays, but I am not expecting continuous sustained drives. So, a more GIF-able offense than a watchable one, but still fun sometimes.
Josh: RG3 and the offense will be an exciting group to watch, as long as the offensive line gives him plenty of time to find his playmakers on the outside. But, even if they do put up a lot of points at times and look like a good bunch of players, they won’t be able to put up as many points as needed to win many games. With a defense that is very young, the defense’s struggles will overshadow whatever positives the offense brings week in and week out. But, Week 1 is one of the lone games that I do give the Browns a chance to win. The offense could showcase plenty of their talent against a bad Philadelphia team in the season opener.
Scott: I’m expecting a mix of a guy who flashes brilliance mixed with one who will feel like he has to do too much in order for this Cleveland Browns offense to succeed. So much will come down to the offensive line, but the success or failure of one or two lineman will flow down stream into Griffin’s box score. Thanks to Griffin, the offense will have a slew of Vine-worthy moments, but just as he can give, Griffin can also take. Expect a handful of Vine-worthy moments that will also make you cringe. (I also expect solid year-end numbers due to the prevent defenses he’ll get to see come every fourth quarter throughout the season.)
Pat: There’s going to be hiccups for sure, but I have confidence that Hue Jackson will be able to minimize the things that Griffin doesn’t do well and highlight the things that he does well. I’m expecting plenty of three-and-outs, particularly early in the season, bolstered by long, flashy TDs. It’s going to be a mess at times, but it’s also going to get my blood pumping. Even with Josh Gordon out, I think the Eagles’ mediocre DBs will have their hands full with our receiving corps. I also think Griffin’s newfound ability to slide should improve his chances to stay healthy (someone get me some wood to knock on).
Dave: I think RG3 will make a lot of plays, some with his arm, some with his feet. The big question is, how many of them will stand and how many will be called back due to holding penalties on our baby offensive line.
https://vine.co/v/5id5qQI5HD2
What is the key to the Browns offense being able to sustain drives rather than rely on the deep ball?
Craig: The Browns will have to develop weapons at all levels of the defense. The deep ball should be there, but they need to establish the underneath game with Duke Johnson and some of the smaller receivers. They need Gary Barnidge to keep the middle linebackers honest as well. I have no idea what to expect from Corey Coleman at this point. I still have no real feel for what his game is after a short pre-season.
Joe: The Browns will need to be able to have a solid run game to complement the passing game. It does not need to feature a 1,000-yard back, but the duo of Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell need to combine for more than 1,400 yards. It needs to keep the defense honest, so the opposing team’s rushers don’t pin their ears back to go after the quarterback.
Michael: The easy answer is the running game needs to do something and there are some positive indicators from both Austin Pasztor and Cameron Erving being capable run-blockers (at least in the preseason). However, the even bigger component is going to be Griffin making quick reads and leading receivers to the sticks on third down timing routes. If he can make this leap, then the offense could take off.
Josh: We already know what the Browns athletic wide receivers will be able to do. But to sustain long drives, the run game must be present, and that includes both the offensive line and the actual running backs running the ball. If given the chance, Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson can make plays with the ball in their hands. The lone question is if the offensive front will be able to create holes and block for the running backs. Obviously, a solid run game will open up the deep ball for RG3, and vice versa.
Scott: I’m not as concerned about “relying on the deep ball” as much as I am limiting turnovers and back-breaking sacks. If Griffin can keep his interceptions down to the level he did as a rookie (1.3 percent of passes) and stay upright, the Browns will be fine. This has much more on the offensive line than it is anyone else. Keep the quarterback safe, give him time to make smart throws, and the offense—short, intermediate, or deep—will be fine.
Pat: It’s the running game. The offensive line needs to make some holes and we need to see both Crow and Duke take that next step forward. I would also like to see some short passes to Duke, Barnidge, and Hollywood Higgins to move the chains. Hue could probably ease up on the screen plays for our RBs because they’ve been cursed since 1999.
Dave: Having a large supply of pizza Lunchables on hand for Isaiah Crowell, and whatever snack food that Duke Johnson likes (goldfish?).
https://vine.co/v/5idiTE3XXF7
What new player are you most looking forward to seeing play Week 1 with the Browns on offense?
Craig: RG3 is the only one, really. I’m mildly interested in Terrelle Pryor, but I feel like I kind of know what he can do already. He can create separation and will always be one of the best pure athletes on any field he’s on. That being the case, I’ll say RG3.
Joe: I am most excited to see Corey Coleman. I want to see him healthy and in the role that Hue Jackson has made for him. I want to watch how the offense uses him and how he looks with his receiving technique. He is a big play waiting to happen, so I want to find out if he can deliver from Week 1.
Michael: Who is this Corey Coleman guy? Oh, just an electric receiver with a great back-story. Really though, there are tons of guys on offense between Coleman, Higgins, DeValve, Payton, Louis, and RG3. But, I’m going to cheat and say Cameron Erving because he better be a new guy from what we saw as a rookie or the Browns offensive line is in trouble.
Josh: Corey Coleman. I’ll be honest, I didn’t watch a single second of any preseason game, so I have yet to see the rookie play in a game, even if it didn’t mean anything. Would love to see Coleman be able to showcase his speed and athletic ability at some point against the Eagles.
Scott: Corey Coleman tops the list only because we didn’t get to see much of him during the preseason, and the Browns will need him to legit haul five-to-seven passes per game if they’re going to score points.
Pat: Corey Coleman is too easy, so let’s go with Seth DeValve. We didn’t get to see much of him in the preseason, but as the third tight end he will definitely see some action on Sunday. He had the highest SPARQ score of all rookie tight ends, and he’s just a ridiculous athlete. I know I’m asking for punishment, but I’d love to see a screen play set up for him.
Dave: Does Terrelle Pryor count as a new player? Because him. Corey Coleman might be great, but I want to see a fade route into the corner of the end zone to a gigantic receiver. Just once. Please.
https://vine.co/v/5hdQndWpraZ
Browns defense versus Eagles offense
Is it possible the Browns are as bad at tackling as it looked in the preseason? What do you make of it and is there any way to fix it?
Craig: It’s very possible. There’s probably no way to fix it because I think it is a function of the players they have. Even the young ones aren’t prepared to lead, so I think the Browns’ defense will be led by experienced guys who might lack the talent and upside that some of the younger guys might possess.
Joe: The team is horrible at tackling and that is evident from last season and the preseason. I think the bad tackling results from bad players. The only way tackling can get better is when the front office upgrades the defense with better players.
Michael: Considering I stole this question from a roundtable last season, I’m suspecting we will continue to be bad at tackling. It is a bit of an epidemic around the NFL, but our beloved Brownies tackle as poorly as anybody. It is almost as assured as not holding the edge on outside runs.
Josh: As I said in my last answer, I didn’t watch a single second of any preseason game so I don’t know how hideous the Browns looked while trying to tackle an opponent. But, if they are actually that bad in the regular season, their defense will look even worse than it already does because tackling is kind of an important part of the game, right?
Scott: They’ve been bad at tackling for what seems like ever. Donte Whitner (who wanted to legally change his name to “Hitner”) suddenly forgot how to tackle when he came to Cleveland. I do think guys like Demario Davis and Chris Kirksey will be fine in the middle, but I do have concerns about the rookies containing the edge. The bitch of it all is that there’s no longer a Whitner or TJ Ward-like player to cheat up into the box as added insurance.
Pat: I can’t imagine how it could be any worse, but no… let’s not tempt fate like that. Some of the main culprits from the preseason are no longer with the team (I’m looking directly at you, Justin Gilbert and Paul Kruger), and it’s tough to tell just how big of a problem it will be. I’m going to say that it is going to be a tiny huge problem.
Dave: Maybe now that we’ve cut Andy Lee (or traded, whatever, he is gone) people will learn that if you dog it out there, you are gone.
https://vine.co/v/5iDzYMbVuKv
There have been about 10 different articles in the past couple weeks about how the Browns front office did not value Carson Wentz as a franchise quarterback. Wentz is starting against the Browns in Week 1 (after the Vikings traded for Sam Bradford). What do you expect from the rookie quarterback?
Craig: I expect that rookie to rookie all over the field. The Browns should have a sincere opportunity to win a game and it’s not to trash Wentz. You look at the Browns beating up on a very green Marcus Mariota in prior years as an example. They have a good chance, especially considering it’s Wentz’ very first NFL game after an injury-shortened pre-season.
Joe: I was not very high on Carson Wentz coming out of college, thinking he has a lot to work on before playing well in the NFL. So starting from Week 1, I think that is a bad move for Philadelphia. He will struggle versus the Browns bad defense because Ray Horton will send everything at him to force mistakes. Wentz will show some glimpses because he is facing the Browns defense, but overall he will struggle.
Michael: The Eagles went from wanting to sit Wentz for the 2016 season to needing to sit him because he missed most of the preseason with a rib injury to starting him. Why? Well, was it their confidence in Wentz or the fact the Minnesota Vikings called up and offered a king’s ransom for Sam Bradford (a first and fourth round pick? really?). That being said, he is a rookie who hasn’t practiced much, so expect a limited gameplan from the Eagles. He could look decent or horrific. Either way, I don’t think it’ll say much about the Browns defense or Wentz himself.
Josh: If Wentz can’t look at least decent against the Browns defense, there’s not much more I will be able to say. I know it will be his NFL debut and he will have plenty of emotions, but if the Browns beat Wentz and the Eagles, that’s not a good look for the rookie whatsoever.
Scott: Philly’s new OC is from San Diego, so I’m expecting a ton of dual-back work—A healthy Ryan Matthews on the ground and Darren Sproles in the flat and curling behind linebackers could be lethal— mismatches with tight ends, and curl routes to target monster Jordan Matthews. If these are the go-to plans, it’s a super efficient way to build the confidence of a kid that everyone seems to want to tear down before he’s even taken the field. It’s totally possible that Wentz isn’t a franchise quarterback and still laces into the Browns woeful defense. Mark me down for 225 combined yards (air plus running), 2 total touchdowns, one interception. A very Alex Smith kind of day.
Pat: I’m on record as being a big fan of Carson Wentz. Oh, here it is. I think he has all of the tangibles, intangibles, and extratangibles (I made up that word) that you’d like to have in a QB. However, he is a rookie and my initial thought was that it would be good for him to sit and learn for a year before taking over as the starting QB. He’s going to get his butt whooped this on Sunday. He’s been nursing a rib injury for the past couple of weeks and his first snaps with the first team offense came just this week. As much as I like him, I can’t see him commanding a successful offense this week with such limited reps.
Dave: Just because an NFL team is dumb enough to start a guy, it doesn’t mean he is actually good. Remember that stupid Browns QB jersey with all the names? They all started for an NFL team. I expect him to play well if he is protected, and throw a ton of picks if he is under pressure, just like every rookie QB ever.
https://vine.co/v/5e560qWHKlL
What new player are you most looking forward to seeing play Week 1 with the Browns on defense?
Craig: Carl Nassib. I don’t know who else to pick, so I’ll pick the guy most likely to possess a Mangini-worthy motor.
Joe: I am most excited to see Emmanuel Ogbah. I want to see his athleticism on display as a pass rusher. But, I also want to watch how he is used on the defense. Will he be strictly an outside linebacker or will he move around to the defensive line?
Michael: I’ve got a Scho-mance on Schobert. Not because I expect him to be the next great NFL player but because I cannot help but love college walk-on players who just out-work everybody else. The Browns front office prioritized players who demonstrated productivity in college and had strong work ethics and Joe Schobert probably had his name highlighted on their draft board.
Josh: Carl Nassib. As an Ohio State fan, I saw him steal accolades from Joey Bosa in the Big Ten over the years, which says a lot about Nassib. With a secondary that is expected to struggle, the rookie and the rest of the front-seven will have to continually put pressure on the Eagles’ backfield if they want any shot of winning their season opener.
Scott: Carl Nassib hands down, but this is mostly because the guy is a freaking giant and I want to see if he can build off of the preseason momentum. Dark horse here is Joe Schobert because he’s starting and I think that’s a bold freaking move.
Pat: My options here are Ogbah, Nassib, and Schobert, so I’ll go with Joe “The Show” Schobert. I’m interested to see how he’s used along with these other rookies. Will the Browns play more 4-man fronts with Nassib and Ogbah lined up as DEs and Schobert as a rangy sideline-to-sideline OLB who will also bliltz? Or will they use more 3-4 looks and ask Nassib to get pressure inside while Schobert rushes the edge? Frankly I think we’re going to see quite a bit of both because that has already been the case in the preseason, but I have no guess as to the percentage of snaps. What I do know is that all three are exciting rookies and I’m bullish on them. Here’s hoping we finally found some playmakers on defense, even if they take their lumps this year.
Dave: SCOOOOOOOBY.
https://vine.co/v/5hdIrHVlWlQ
Browns special teams
Lost a bit in the shuffle of the roster overhaul is that the Browns have basically completely re-vamped their special teams unit. What are your thoughts about the current group?
Craig: I don’t know if they’ll play with enough discipline with so many younger guys and new faces. It feels like this rebuild is especially hitting special teams where they weren’t even able to keep mainstays like Marlon Moore and Barkevious Mingo. But seriously, the Browns do still have Tank Carder, right?
Joe: I think the Browns punting team will decline in performance a little bit without Andy Lee, but Britton Colquitt is a serviceable punter, who will not sink the unit. I believe Patrick Murray will be a better kicker than Travis Coons, improving the field goal team and kickoff team. Murray has a stronger leg, which will give the coaches more confidence to send him out in long field goal attempts, along with improving field position for the defense on kickoffs. Overall the changes to the special teams will make some good and not so good effects.
Michael: I miss Marlon Moore.1
Josh: Obviously, after trading Andy Lee, the punting unit will have a major decline. The kicking unit will continue to have it’s fair share of struggles but should be at least mediocre. Where I am excited is to see guys like Corey Coleman and Duke Johnson have the chance to return kicks and punts. Two of the top playmakers on the team, they need as many chances to have the ball in their hands as possible. And yes, I know Tramon Williams is penciled in as the starting punt returner, but I think they switch to someone else sooner rather than later.
Scott: Tramon Williams returning punts will be interesting because the dude went from veteran starter to “Hey, you’re now going to catch punts.” If it wasn’t for the Browns defense looking God awful, the special teams unit would easily be the most terrifying.
Pat: I think it will be fine. Colquitt is not much worse than Lee. Murray is superior to Coons. No other thoughts.
Dave: Hue Jackson should make it a rule that you should take a knee on every kickoff. There is no reason to risk a dumb holding penalty and start at the 5. Also, I love the Browns and contribute to a Cleveland sports blog, and I don’t know who most of those guys are…
https://vine.co/v/5eiv7qAreej
- Also, count me with Corey Barnes on #TeamNeverPunt. [↩]
17 Comments
You guys are nailing it on these articles. Not much more to say. Nice job.
But because you asked . . . I’m with Pat 100% on Wentz. Also, the noise about the Browns not valuing him is just that: noise. The Browns had RG3 signed and were implementing a clear draft strategy: Get all of the WRs. Value, schmalue. It’s a non-story.
Also, I hope that RG3 proves to be the guy so that we’re not Flotsam for Watson or Smelly for Kelly. Would love to use that #1 pick on the biggest, baddest, meanest, quickest, most athletic ILB in the draft.
You heard it here first, G_O is advocating for Jabril Peppers
I’d rather have Adams (S, LSU) or Allen (DL, Bama) myself though
Well, the long college season has just begun, but sure, I like Peppers a lot. Let’s just see who else might rise to the top. At the end of the day, I just hope the Browns do with the defense what they did with the offense in this draft: Load up on one or two positions, and solve those problems. Peppers and McMillan, for starters (literally).
Thanks for getting this draft discussion going. Long overdue.
All I want for Christmas is a pro bowl middle linebacker. If I ever get that for the Browns, you can cancel my Christmas present for the next decade.
Some Wolverine-love, eh? 😛
Peppers is a stud, but he’s way too small for a LB in the NFL. He’s too small for an LB in college also, in my opinion. He’s only 200ish. Brown has him playing a hybrid.
If you want a straight-up LB, McMillan would be my choice.
I have no problem w/ Peppers in the NFL especially in Horton’s scheme
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WashDa99.htm
Told you I was dropping NFL Draft stuff today
I’m not sure you could put 25 more pounds on him. Seriously.
You might be able to plump him up 10 more pounds to be an NFL safety.
I have liked a few skunk badgers. Leroy Hoard, Steve Everitt, Braylon Ed….. Well, Hoard and Everitt were great. Besides, I can forgive a kid for making a stupid decision out of high school. There’s enough redemption for all of us. As long as their essence is good . . .
I don’t worry too much about size. I care more if they can play the game, and Peppers can play. That said, it’s not an unfair point. I’d be happy with McMillan (just don’t know if he’s the best out there).
Amen.
I would move him around a ton, which is what NFL defenses do anyway. Not really a safety, not really a LBer. There is so much usefulness for a player like him with all the 3-WR sets being played nowadays.
Came out of HS as a CB. But, he’ll make a mean-ass FS, IMO.
I still can’t believe Hoke landed him.
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What about the pass rusher from A&M? He is supposed to be the best in the college game at present. We need a great pass rusher and a great DB with our 2 top ten picks assuming that RG3 can play and we aren’t desperate for a QB.
Von Miller was the last great pass rusher from A&M
Myles Garrett is the guy I was thinking of. He is supposed to be a superior pass rusher.
Yeah, I just wanted to set the impossible comp right away