Sunday Browns Talk From the North Coast Posse, Big Money and K-Dubs the Soldier

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 Browns go into Week 3 at 1-1, Playing Ravens at Home.  Kickoff at 1p.m.

K-Dubs the Soldier:  I could not believe my eyes when Billy Cundiff’s last-second field goal sailed through the uprights last Sunday to give the Browns a win over the Saints, a team many talking heads had picked to play in the Super Bowl this season.  The terrible preseason and even worse first half of the opener against the Steelers now seem like a lifetime ago.  As Hoyer & Co. calmly drove the length of the field in the waning seconds of the game, they did it with a cool tenacity that Browns teams have lacked for years.  No small part of the success on that final drive was the scheming of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.  On the last play to set up the winning field goal, Shanahan drew up a play that left Andrew Hawkins—Hoyer’s top receiving target—so WIDE OPEN it looked like he was catching a punt on the play.  

The team’s toughness was also display on defense, where the tackling has greatly improved since the opener.  I do say that even though the Saints racked up 174 yards on the ground, particularly by running around the ends.  It seems that success on the ground, though, resulted from players being out of position, rather than from an inability to wrap-up.  I think as the personnel continues to adjust to Coach Pettine’s 3-4 scheme, the defense will be clamping down.  For the first time in about forever, this team has given fans a reason to care.  Win or lose, they have finally shown the perseverance worthy of cheers from Northeast Ohio’s stiff-necked faithful.  

Big Money: Not so fast, my friend.  I know as a life-long Browns fan that no victory should be taken for granted. However, I still think there are a few reasons we need to temper our exuberance.  First, anyone who has made $ in a suicide poll (cough) knows that road teams in out-of-conference games are sitting ducks (you’re welcome).  Second, after viewing the Steelers and Falcons (who were victorious over the Saints in Week 1) in Week 2, I'm not overly impressed with the level of competition the Browns have faced.  Third, I am no Ravens fan, but I do think John Harbaugh is one heck of a coach. The Browns left plenty on film last Sunday for a top notch coaching staff to exploit.  Specifically, the Browns are unable to tackle outside of the hash marks, and with their Arena-League-grade receiving corps, I fully expect nine Ravens in the box come Sunday.

Stock Up/Down

Big Money: Stock Up: Paul Kruger: From Andre Rison to Ben Tate, the Browns are batting an Adam Dunn-esque average in relation to their free-agent signings. On Sunday it was awesome to see Kruger look All-World. Let’s hope he keeps it up against his former colleagues.  Special honorable mention goes to the enigmatic Machine Gun Kelly, who was rumored to have killed during his halftime performance.

Stock Down: Joe Haden: Now I'm not sure that Night Train Lane could have contained Jimmy Graham last week, but Haden looked helpless at times. Of whom much is given ($$$), much is expected Mr. Haden.

K-Dubs the Soldier: Stock Up: Andrew Hawkins.  In his first year as Brown, Hawkins has emerged as the Browns top receiving threat despite lacking the size of a typical number one receiver.  With his speed and elusiveness he is also a weapon in the screen game and on jet sweeps.

Stock Down: Justin Gilbert.  The rookie cornerback played about 20 percent fewer snaps in Week 2, and although he has shown the toughness to fill run lanes within the tackle box, his inexperience continues to render him a liability on the outside.  I do expect to see his name in the Stock Up column by years-end, though.

Q & A

Q)  Rumors continue to swirl about an upcoming change to the Browns iconic uniforms, including talk of the possible incorporation of the Brownie Elf or a dog into the gear. Should the team change its uniforms?

Big Money:  There is no possible scenario where I could envision an elf on the side of an NFL helmet.  I also think the "Dawg" thing has been done to death (see new mascot Swagger). I have heard the possibility of a helmet with a wider stripe (a la the Buckeyes’ alternate unis) is being considered. I’m cool with that.

K-Dubs the Soldier:  I am no slave to tradition, but I don’t think the team needs to change their uniforms.  A few years back, they introduced orange jerseys and gun-metal grey pants, mix and matching them with the traditional brown and white gear.  I thought those looked pretty cool, and they were change enough.  I also see no reason to alter the helmet either.  If you want to sell more merch, win more games.

Q)  Looking at the first two weeks of the season, how tough are the teams of the AFC North, which many view as the toughest division in the NFL?

Big Money: As I referenced earlier, I’m not too confident in the 2014 Steelers, and I’ll hold my judgment of the Browns and Ravens until 4 p.m. Sunday. With that said, and it pains me greatly to say this, I think that the Bengals may be the class of the AFC.  Even with A.J. Green sidelined, the passing game continued to excel and their defense is nasty. Dalton and their ever-maligned front office are well on their way to making a lot of people eat their words (myself included). Now excuse me while I go dry heave.

K-Dubs the Soldier:  I know Big Money is selling the AFC North, except for the Bengals, but who is he going to buy?  Outside of the NFC West, I don’t see a division as strong top to bottom, even if the Steelers and Ravens have down years.  Although it’s only the third week of the season, the Browns’ three division rivals all rank in the top 10 for offensive yards per game, and both the Ravens and Bengals rank in the top 10 for scoring defense.  I expect these teams to retain these results throughout the season, as they make hay against opponents from the NFC and AFC South.

Q)  Who would you like to see the Browns start LeBron James in place of this week?

K-Dubs the Soldier:  I would love to see the Browns start LeBron in place of punter/placeholder Spencer Lanning this week.  The sure-handed NBA MVP would not fumble extra-point snaps like Lanning did last week, and I would not be surprised if King James secretly has All-Pro punting skills.

Big Money:  This week I would play LeBron over his buddy Johnny Manziel.  I don't know how much of a change of pace takes place when a 5’ 10” QB with a slightly different skill set enters a game but imagine the curveball a 6’8” athletic freak with a refurbished hairline would present.
 

Q)  What is your prediction for this week’s game?

K-Dubs the Soldier:  The Browns will need to shore up their defense on the outside against the Ravens, who have added to an already explosive passing game with the signing of veteran receiver Steve Smith.  Ravens QB Joe Flacco has missed practice this week because of a sickness, rather than injury, but he is a gamer and I fully expect him to play.  The Browns currently rank last in yards surrendered per game, so Baltimore should be able to move the ball.  The key for them is putting pressure on Flacco the way they did to Drew Brees early in last week’s game.  Linebacker Kiki Mingo has practiced this week, and his return to the field would help Kruger and crew in giving Flacco a rough afternoon. 

On the other side of the ball, the offensive line must continue to open running lanes for the Browns tandem of rookie running backs.  If they don’t, it may be a long day in Cleveland.  Hoyer has a proclivity to hold the ball too long or chuck it down field when under pressure.  These are dangerous tendencies when playing a Ravens defense.  Tight end Jordan Cameron was practicing this week.  His availability Sunday is uncertain, but he would provide greatly needed support to the passing game.  

What I am really looking forward to this week, though, is the continued change in culture of the Browns.  Expect a hard-hitting game and watch the Browns to bring the noise against a team that has all but dominated them since their return to the league.   I know at the outset of the season, I predicted a loss to the Ravens, the tide has turned.  Browns 20 Ravens 17.

Big Money:  I’m the king of tempered exuberance. That 1st win was a big monkey off Pettine's back, but this week we return to Earth, Ravens 24 Browns 13.

Browns Talk w/ The North Coast Posse: Big Money and K-Dubs the Soldier

Click here for previous NCP story.

Browns 0 - 1. Sunday opponent at home vs New Orleans Saints. 1 p.m. kick.

Big Money:  Well, it’s Week Two and I’m confused by this strange feeling circulating through my veins: I think fans of other teams call it “positivity.”  Specifically I’m encouraged by the play of Brian Hoyer, which was aided by Shanahan tempering his fortunate son ego and going no-huddle.  Let’s hope Kyle continues this trend in Week Two.  It was also impressive to see Coach Pettine refuse to crumble at the half and instead spur some worthwhile adjustments. 

Directly underneath this positivity, though, is a firm layer of concern.  Number one on that list is special teams. Now that the dust has settled it’s evident that failure on almost every aspect of special teams contributed to the loss.  The fake punt that flipped field position, Chris Kirksey’s inability to down a punt, lack of confidence in placekicker Billy Cundiff’s leg, and Travis Benjamin’s poor decision making on returns all were instrumental in stifling the comeback and must be addressed. 

Stock up/stock down?

Big Money: Up: Johnny football, not for anything he has done on the field of course, but because Jerry Jones is probably nearing a level of desperation where he may offer a decade of 1st round picks for the Snickers- munching Q.B. Munchkin. 

Down: Billy Cundiff, he was already a penny stock, but you have to drop an NFL kicker who isn’t trustworthy past 50 yards on a mild September day.

K-Dubs the Soldier: Up: Terrance West.  After coming in for the injured Ben Tate, the rookie running back showed good vision and elusiveness on his way to a 100-yard game.  Fellow rookie Isaiah Crowell had a big game, as well, exhibiting a punishing running style on his way to the end zone, twice.

Down: After seeing the Browns’ punter Spencer Lanning get kicked in the face, I have to go with Lanning’s sensei.  You’ve got to block those flying tiger kicks, son.   

BROWNS Q&A

Q)  Did Hoyer’s performance in the second half put the Manziel talk to rest for a while?

Big Money: Short answer: God, I hope so

K-Dubs the Soldier: Had the 2nd half gone as atrociously as the 1st half, I think the amount of clamoring from the Manziel contingent of Browns fans would have been more obnoxious than at any time since the draft.  But the 2nd half was actually exciting and hope-inducing.  Hoyer looked strong in running the no-huddle offense.  He was generally decisive, efficient, and accurate.  He did hold the ball too long on a few snaps and took sacks at critical times, but overall he played well.  I expect him to keep improving and for Johnny to be riding the swan, er, pine for a while.

Q)  What do you think the loss of running back Ben Tate for 2-4 weeks means for the team?

Big Money:  I’m not too concerned.  This running attack is going to be predicated on the ability of Mack, Thomas and company mastering the Shanahan zone-blocking scheme.  If the 2nd half of last week was any indication things are heading in the right direction Tate or no Tate.

K-Dubs the Soldier:  Well, the Browns lost Tate early on Sunday, and didn’t miss a beat.  The team averaged more than 6 yards per carry for the game.  As long as the offensive line continues to wear down opposing front sevens, I think the Browns will be able to move the ball on the ground effectively, even without their number one running back.  Until West shows he can be a reliable receiver out of the backfield, though, I think the team will miss Tate in the passing game.

Q) Who would you like to see LeBron start in place of this week?

Big Money:  This week I’d task LeBron with starting at tight end. No way he loses his balance the way J Cameron did in the 1st quarter against Pittsburgh. 

K-Dubs the Soldier:  I’d love to see LeBron start in place of wideout Miles Austin.  He was all but invisible against the Steelers, with two catches for 20 yards on three targets.  Without suspended receiver Josh Gordon, the Browns need to stretch the field.  Who better to do that than a 6ft. 9in. speedster that can jump out of the stadium? 

Q) Prediction for Saints game?

Big Money:  Although I referenced my positivity, I cringe at the idea of Justin Gilbert attempting to stop a Brees led-passing attack.  Saints 38  Browns 24.

K-Dubs the Soldier:  The Saints defense was porous last week, giving up 37 points and 571 yards of offense to the Falcons.  I expect the Browns to be able to move the ball, both on the ground and through the air, and put up points.  But the offense is going to have to keep pace with Brees and his precision passing attack.  In the first half last week, Ben Roethlisberger had a career high in passing yards for one half, and I’m expecting some big numbers this week for Brees, too.  Watch for a shoot-out, with the Browns coming up just short.  Saints 31  Browns 27.

The North Coast Posse Answers Your Browns Question For Week One.

Attention Cleveland Juggalos, "Are you down with the Brown?"  Big Money and K-Dubs the Soldier are here with their Cleveland sports insight.

Q)  Vegas puts the Browns win total at 6.5.  Would you take the over or the under?  Are the playoffs possible?

Big Money- A more pragmatic individual might use the schedule to answer this question. However, a simple eye test leads to the conclusion that 4 wins would be a realistic goal for this collection of players. First and foremost this is a 4-12 team who wasted not 1 but 2 first round draft picks. Gilberts' success hinges on Prime Minister Goodale mandating the NFL goes to two-hand touch and Johnny is simply not an NFL player (no matter how many Snickers commercials he does). I don't see any reason for optimism and question the sanity of anyone who does.

K-Dubs the Soldier  -- There is a reason why the Vegas Strip is flush with monuments to money: the bookmakers know what they are doing.  When you look at the Browns schedule, an over/under win total of 6.5 is a tough number.  After watching the debacle that was the Browns offseason and enduring the team’s display in the preseason, my gut reaction is that they would be lucky to win one game.  When you get into the slate of games, though, you see the opportunity that the NFL’s balanced-schedule has presented.  I would a lay a (modest) bet on the over.  The Browns have home games against Oakland and Houston, as well as roadies versus the Titans, Bills, and Jaguars.  Those are all winnable games for a team that was generally competitive throughout last year, although it registered a 4-12 record.  I am throwing in a win against Tampa, too.  On top of that, I do not see them going winless in the division.  The Browns picked up wins against the Ravens and Bengals last year with barely any offense and a defense prone to untimely breakdowns.  This year, while the offense is still a question mark, the running game should be vastly improved with the addition of Ben Tate at running back and upgrades on the right side of the O-line.  Also, I expect the defense to be more consistent, particularly on third down because they have a defensive line that should be able to pressure the quarterback up the middle, while Kiki Mingo blitzes from the outside.  Don’t bet the mortgage, but the Browns should win more than 6.5 games.  That said, are the playoffs possible?  Hell naw.

Q) Looking at the Browns schedule, what do you see as sure wins, sure losses and toss ups?

Big Money-  In all honesty, it’s hard to look at this team and say with any confidence that any game they play against NFL competition is a sure win. I think all 3 divisional foes are considerably better than the Browns, as are most other teams on the schedule. I see the Bills game as the most winnable and I expect that this game may cement the Browns having the 1st  and 2nd picks in the 2015 draft. I think Derek Carr and MJD will spur a slight Raider Resurgence thus moving that game into the “push” category. Outside of those 2 games, I think the Browns will be definitive underdogs for the other 14 weeks.

K-Dubs the Soldier – This is a clown question, bro.  There is (currently) no such thing as a sure win as a Browns fan.   While the balanced schedule gives some semblance of hope, all Browns fans know that hope is the foulest four-letter word in the English language.  I’ll give you the sure losses:  Pittsburgh and Baltimore times two; home against the Saints and Colts; and road games against Atlanta and Carolina.  I think all other games are toss-ups, with the best chances of wins coming at home against Oakland, Tampa, Cincinnati, and Houston, and on the road at Tennessee, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, and Buffalo.  

Q) Opening at Pittsburgh certainly gets your attention.  If we can’t get the victory, do we at least have a defensive player capable of inflicting harm on an important Steeler player the way they have done to us on a yearly basis?
 

Big Money- This question confused me, as the only “important” player the Browns have had on their roster since ’99 is Phil Dawson and he survived all Steelers games unscathed. If Mingo finds a way to add on to his Durant-esque frame within the next 6 days, he’ll be my pick.

K-Dubs the Soldier – Jabaal Sheard, Phil Taylor, and Dante [W]hitner can light guys up.  I also think that rookie linebacker Christian Kirksey is going put the hurt on a lot of dudes.  The Steelers are always tough, though, and unless Josh Gordon gets the Pittsburgh backfield so high they forget to show up, I expect the full Steelers roster to endure on Sunday.

Q) Coming out of camp, what areas of the team do you see as a strength?  Who looks good?
 

Big Money- I'm going to show my true colors as a card-carrying member of the “Hoyer’s Warriors,” but I truly think he looked like a competent NFL signal caller as it relates to controlling a huddle, making reads etc. I think the anti-Brian sentiment is media-driven as Johnny represents some sort of meal ticket for the those who make a living covering the Browns.

K-Dubs the Soldier – The defensive front seven has a lot of talent and depth. I still think the Browns have more of a 4-3 as opposed to 3-4 personnel, but that front seven is the strength of the entire team.  The Browns have a consistent rotation of defenders that can plug up the running lanes, rush the passer, and make plays down field.  Watch out for breakout seasons from Armonty Bryant, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, and the rookie Kirksey.  On the offensive end, I think the strength is the offensive line.  They have a starting five that is both big and athletic.  They should be able to protect the passer and open up some lanes for the running backs.   I think their primary advantage is their ability to get out in front of the ball carriers and block downfield.  Look for new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to get the ball to his playmakers out in space and allow guys like Joe Thomas, Mitchell Schwartz, and Joel Bitonio to pave the way for them.

Q) What are your biggest concerns?  How bad does losing Gordon hurt?
 

Big Money- My replies have painted a pretty bleak picture overall, but if I was to pinpoint my biggest concern it would be Pettine’s inexperience. I've been lenient on him regarding offense because he’s defense-oriented, but the defense has looked awful, specifically the secondary. He assured us that Gilbert was the right guy for his system but at this point he is a major liability and the lack of physicality outside of the hash-marks is going to be an ongoing issue. Losing Gordon is huge, but it could have been tempered by the drafting of a Latimer or Kelvin Benjamin. Farmer’s decision not to take a w.r. this May is a true headscratcher.

K-Dubs the Soldier – The loss of Gordon is huge, and the wide receiver position remains as big a question mark as the quarterback.  The Browns have added a number-one running back in Ben Tate, as well as speedy wideout Andre Hawkins, and drafted scat-back Terrence West.  All of these players, coupled with standout tight-end Jordan Cameron, should improve the team’s ability to move the chains.  But none of these options can stretch the defense like Gordon.  Without the threat of Gordon on the outside, teams may be able to crowd the line and force the Browns to play an east-west, rather than downhill, offensive game. 

The defensive backfield also remains suspect.  Despite being a Pro Bowler last season, cornerback Joe Haden was prone to getting beat for big plays last year, at critical times, as was counterpart Buster Skrine.  And both of those guys have been hurt at the beginning of the season.  The Browns first draft pick this year, Justin Gilbert, has looked overmatched all preseason, including against third-team Rams receivers, and free agents Whitner and Karlos Dansby have looked a step slow in coverage.  In light of the NFL Rules Committee’s flag-footballization of the league, a few opposing quarterbacks may have career days this season.

Q) Hoyer v. Manziel.  At this point does it matter?
 

Big Money- I've already outed myself as a staunch Hoyer supporter, but honestly it probably doesn’t matter. This is a very bad football team top to bottom and I fully expect them to be picking in the top 5 next year. So maybe a better question is Winston or Hundley?

K-Dubs the Soldier – No doubt it matters.  I think the ultimate factor in whether the Browns can move the ball is whether they can stretch the D vertically.   You will never confuse Hoyer for Brett Favre or Jeff Blake, but he throws a much better deep ball than Manziel.  This preseason, Manziel has thrown lasers up to 15 yards downfield, but anything further than that is out of his range.  Choosing between the two otherwise would be hard.  One was on the sidelines rocking a cockeyed flatbrimmer, Bieber style.  And that was Hoyer.  Manziel, for his part, made the “making money” gesture after scoring a touchdown against the Rams practice squad to bring the Browns within two scores.  Seriously, how do you root for either of those dudes?
 

Q) And finally, who is our coach again?
 

Big Money – Somehow we were able to procure the  Defensive Coordinator of the heralded 2013 Bills Defense!!!! Honestly, Pettine seems like a good guy but this is a no-win situation. Johnny's Daddy and ole Pilot Flying J have a business history so I'm certain Jimmy's gonna be pulling strings from the owners box (which is always toxic). At this point I just have to consistently remind myself that Lebron is back.

K-Dubs the Soldier – Mike Pettine will be at the helm to start the 2015 season no matter what.  There is no way a professional football team can have four new coaching staffs in four years and expect anything more than a 4-12 record.  This team will have its ups and downs this year, probably more downs, but expect to have some of the H-word heading into next season.