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Mike Holmgren will do the right thing when it comes to Cleveland Browns: Hey, Tony!
Published: Sunday, November 14, 2010, 7:00 AM
Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer


Q: Hey, Tony: What do you think of Mike Holmgren's comments about coaching and that possibility. I think Eric Mangini is just getting his system in place and it would be another rebuild to start over with a coach who used a 4-3 defense and likes a different style offense. -- Tom Povsic, Chapel Hill, N.C.

A: Hey, Tom: It certainly is getting interesting. I think win-loss record will be the No. 1 factor in what happens. I think Holmgren will do the right thing.


Q: Hey, Tony: I am surprised how little has been made in the media about the insane amount of power that was given to Mike Holmgren. I think most of us thought Mike was coming in as a "czar" similar to Bill Parcells.

However, this guy has to have more power than any executive in the NFL. He goes to owner meetings in place of [Randy] Lerner, he oversees the GM and coaching staff.

What is your take on his amount of power? -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio

A: Hey, Michael: I wrote about Holmgren's enormous authority at the NFL meetings in March. There is no other club executive under the ownership level with equivalent authority in all of the NFL. Holmgren is qualified to wield such power, however. It's much better than having nobody in charge, as has been the case in the Browns' recent past.

Q: Hey, Tony: The Randy Moss waiver debate brings up an old question. Is Eric Mangini's aversion to knuckleheads an absolute or flexible based on the quality of leaders in the locker room and a stable front office? In your view, has the overall organization progressed to the point where you would waive your 8-foot pole rule for the right talent?

It seems other successful teams (Steelers/Patriots) are willing and able to do this, creating a competitive advantage against the Browns. -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake

A: Hey, Steve: Some of these knucklehead talents are tempting. Maybe when the Browns are "one player away" they will loosen their restrictions. Right now, it's hard to argue against what they're doing. One poison apple . . .

Q: Hey, Tony: When Jake Delhomme was hurt and Seneca Wallace started his role was clearly changed -- less running, less wildcat, not taking as many chances, trying not to get hurt. When Seneca is healthy again, why not use him in his original role with Colt McCoy?

Seneca taking 25 percent or more of the snaps in the wildcat with Colt taking over Jake's role? Seems like a win-win to me. -- Thomas Fratino, Albany, Ga.

A: Hey, Thomas: I'm just not a fan of the wildcat, no matter which players are involved. I'm old-fashioned. I like one quarterback, one running back, one fullback, three receivers, a couple of tight ends. I think offense absolutely requires continuity for rhythm to be established. It's not like defense.

Q: Hey, Tony: While I am excited to see Colt McCoy play to see if we finally found our quarterback of the future, can you please explain why Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace can't play because of ankle injuries, yet 41-year-old Brett Favre plays every week while battling ankle and elbow injuries? -- Bill Russ, Virginia Beach, Va.

A: Hey, Bill: The high ankle sprains suffered by Delhomme and Wallace is a four-to-six week injury. The healing process cannot be accelerated by a cortisone shot or any other "procedure." Any other injury to the lower ankle -- such as the one Favre has suffered -- is, in fact, easier to recover from than the dreaded high ankle sprain.


Q: Hey, Tony: You've written several times that the Browns are hesitant to re-sign their potential free agents because of the uncertainty with the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement]. Help me understand the risks involved in re-signing Matt Roth (for example) right now. What exactly are they afraid of? I'll tell ya what I'm afraid of: losing Roth to free agency. -- Matthew Burgess, Manchester, Tenn.

A: Hey, Matthew: I am of the opinion that the Browns should negotiate immediately to re-sign Phil Dawson, Matt Roth and Lawrence Vickers, and should consider others by the end of the season.

Q: Hey, Tony: You've been ignoring the Phil Dawson questions for years. Now that Dawson is on the verge of leaving the Browns, we have nobody to step in to replace him. (A) What are the Browns going to do? (B) Why did you ignore these questions for so long? -- Mark Irwin, Cleveland

A: Hey, Mark: I'm on record as saying the Browns will not re-sign Dawson. I think it's a mistake. They will sign another kicker to take his place. I'm not sure what you mean about ignoring these questions for so long.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think Phil Dawson would stay on with the Browns as a kicking coach or special teams assistant once he retires after this year? For all the work he's done for us, it would be great to integrate him somehow.-- Meagan Good, Akron

A: Hey, Meagan: Dawson is not ready to retire. He will sign with another team and probably earn a Super Bowl ring.

Q: Hey, Tony: Tony, you are the best! Do you see the Browns using Reggie Hodges in a Josh Cribbs type role on special teams? Possibly as a threat to run, pass, or punt? He showed great speed and elusiveness on that run, and it would be nice to see him return kicks or at least carry the ball more. -- LeSho'n'que Williams, East Cleveland

A: Hey, LeSho'n'que: No disrespect to Hodges, but you could have gained as much on that fake punt in New Orleans. He had a running lane as wide as the hash marks for 50 yards.

Q: Hey, Tony: It seems to me that every game you see players' helmets flying off. With the league so determined to protect against head injuries, do you think we'll see a rule change where it will be a penalty if your helmet comes off during play? I'm sure that if you run the risk of being penalized, your coach will find a way to make sure your helmet stays on your head. -- Chris Blaine, Lorain

A: Hey, Chris: A player who removes his helmet on the field of play can be ejected under current rules. Players whose helmets are pried loose or come off accidentally should not be penalized.

Q: Hey, Tony: Never done this before, but why did the Browns dump Jerome Harrison? Great finish to last season and suddenly he's a disease? Any hints? I'm 60 years old and been watching the Browns since Jimmy Brown, Leroy Kelly, Milt Morin and the like, and this one really confuses me. -- Tim Gase, Anaheim Hills, Calif.

A: Hey, Tim: Mike Holmgren said the Browns traded Harrison because he was unhappy with his reduced role and his attitude was bad. He didn't say it, but the Browns do not want an unhappy player to infect the locker room with negativity.

Q: Hey, Tony: For the life of me, I cannot understand why the Browns would not resign Phil Dawson. He's reliable, a pro at what he does on and off the field and he's the only Brown left from the expansion. He's just so reliable. don't get it. --Dave Peter, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

A: Hey, Dave: Dawson's base salary is $1 million. He could probably command at least $3 million a year on the open market. The Browns do not want to pay a kicker $3 million. I think it's a mistake, but I don't see them re-signing him.

Q: Hey, Tony: Have been a Mangini supporter who has somewhat backed off, like many. If there is a coaching change, what would you think of at least putting John Fox on a short list of candidates? The current problems in Carolina are surely not of his making. I personally have liked his style for many years and feel he may be a great fit for Cleveland in December style football. Plus, he seems to always have his players sold on his viewpoint and ready to [play for] him, no matter the circumstance. -- Jimmy DiDago, Elyria,

A: Hey, Jimmy: If Mangini were to be replaced -- and I don't see that happening at this point -- any client of agent Bob LaMonte would be a candidate to be the next coach. LaMonte is the agent for Holmgren and a long-time friend. As it happens, Fox is represented by LaMonte.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think Colt should start QB the rest of the year ? -- Johnny D'ambrosia, Garfield Heights

A: Hey, Johnny: At this point, yes. But I reserve the right to change my mind.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think they should just work through an injury settlement with Jake Delhomme? In my opinion they wasted their money on him. Seven million for "leadership" and one awful start seems like a lot of money. He can't stay healthy and he stinks when he plays so what's the hold up on this? -- Craig L, Tinley Park, Ill.

A: Hey, Craig: There's no settlement to be negotiated. By being on the active roster in the first week of the season, the Browns are obligated to pay Delhomme his scheduled salary no matter if they release him or not. Delhomme's signing bonus, which is over $6 million, has already been paid.

Q: Hey, Tony: Just wanted to say I like reading this article every week. Here is my question, with Holmgrem talking about always being a coach. Do you think he comes down out of the office to take over the offense? I think Mangini has the team going the right way. But with that being said, I think Holmgrem can get this offense going in the right way. -- Joe Carbaugh, Hanovoer, Pa.

A: Hey, Joe: My interpretation of Holmgren's most recent comments is that he is appalled by the Browns' offensive philosophy. Having said that, I believe Holmgren will assess the situation after the season and anything is possible. Anything.

Q: Hey, Tony: I always enjoy your columns --including Hey Tony! -- and read regularly. You have stated on more than one occasion that your first choice for a new coach would be Bill Cowher. Three questions related to that: 1) Do you prefer Cowher over Holmgren himself taking over? 2) Has Cowher given even a hint of interest? (He did turn down Lerner once before) 3) How realistic do you think it is? I cannot imagine Cowher angering all of Steeler nation by deciding to coach the Browns. His legacy there would be tarnished. -- Erol Altug, Stony Brook, N.Y.

A: Hey, Erol: 1. Tough, tough call. I think a Holmgren-Tom Heckert-Cowher combo would be stronger than Holmgren and Heckert alone, I guess. 2. Cowher would be interested in taking over most any team with a young quarterback on hand and an owner with a net worth over $1 billion. 3. The idea of Cowher worrying about reaction from Steelers Nation is an overblown nonfactor. What, do you think Steelers fans will revoke his Super Bowl championship? This isn't college, folks.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think Mike Holmgren will satisfy his coaching "itch" by having Gil Haskell take over the offense in the offseason? He would install his/their offensive system, with Mike Holmgren helping coach liberally to ensure a successful transition. -- Jeff N, Williamston, Mich.

A: Hey, Jeff: I do not see that happening.

Q: Hey, Tony: I just found out an interesting stat I guess I never realized: The past three years in a row the Browns have beaten the Super Bowl champs and beaten them pretty soundly --the teams being the Giants, Pittsburgh, and New Orleans. Why can't the Browns win games like this all the time, and are there any interesting stats/facts you know about the Browns that you are particularly interested in? -- Eric Myers, Victoria, Minn.

A: Hey, Eric: Yes, there is one interesting fact I have been harboring for years. The Browns have not won the NFL championship since 1964!

Q: Hey, Tony: Two weeks in a row I have submitted a question. And two weeks in a row neither one has made it into your column to be answered. Yet your column this week is a whopping 4 Q&A's???? Really, Four Questions and you can't find a way to squeak in a 5th one? What gives?-- Sean Samuels, Chandler, Ariz.

A: Hey, Sean: I answer tons of questions each week. Hundreds of thousands, it seems. Millions, on occasion. One time, I think I answered 2 million before needing carpal tunnel rehab. I have no control how many are printed or archived.

Q: Hey, Tony: One of the things the coaching staff liked about Delhomme was his ability to run the no-huddle. I like it too. It actually looked early on (before he got hurt) that Delhomme running the no-huddle was indeed a great offensive weapon.

My question is, what stands in the way of Seneca Wallace using it? Yes, I've heard his west coast background doesn't give him much history with it, but how reasonably long does it take a professional quarterback to become proficient with the no-huddle? Will Wallace ever be able to use it? Lastly, will Colt McCoy pick it up before Wallace, in your estimation? --Chris Cappiello, Richmond, Va.

A: Hey, Chris: Delhomme has at least five times the starting experience that Wallace has. That might be one explanation. McCoy is the smartest QB I've seen in Cleveland since Bernie Kosar. I can't recall a rookie QB consistently running the no-huddle offense. I don't think the success of the Browns is tied to the no-huddle. I'd like to see McCoy in a two-minute drill at the end of a half, though.

Q: Hey, Tony: In reading all the reporting and commentary on Mike Holmgrem's "desire" to return to coaching, is it not beyond reason to believe he would bolt the Browns should a coaching vacancy open up with say, Dallas or Minnesota? If so, wouldn't it be better to just take over coaching "us" rather than lose him? -- Mike Dezina, Vernon Hills, Ill.

A: Hey, Mike: I think the teams to watch are Dallas and San Francisco. Holmgren has always harbored a desire to return to San Francisco and run that franchise. Whether the 49ers would give him the keys to the vault, though, is a question.

Q: Hey, Tony:What was the deal with Eric Mangini chewing tobacco on the sidelines at the end of the New England game? First, it was disgusting to watch him spit out a big mouthful of tobacco juice during what should have been a moment of glory.

Second, you'd think the coach would be aware of the image he's projecting as a team leader, especially when he knows national TV cameras are on him and countless young fans are watching at home. What's the deal? Why doesn't the Browns organization have certain standards for sideline behavior in place, especially considering the NFL's emphasis on its own public image? -- David Doepker, Cincinnati

A: Hey, David: Don't be so judgmental. Mangini is trying to kick the habit.

Q: Hey, Tony:Help me understand why Evan Moore doesn't get more playing time. He is at least as good as Ben Watson (if not better) and definitely better than Robert Royal. All he does is makes plays going back to last year when given a chance. Is he in the Mangini dog house for some reason? -- Dave M, Lawrenceville, Ga.

A: Hey, Dave: No doghouse. My feeling is that Moore can be a factor against the Jets safeties on Sunday.

Q: Hey, Tony: Coming full circle. A new Cleveland team now plays in Baltimore. A new Baltimore team now plays in Indianapolis. A new "Peyton/Colt" team now plays in Cleveland. If Jake is now Del (of the) retirement home, Montario now a travesty, then I'm assuming Seneca Wallace must be an Indian Casino somewhere in New York. -- Doug Jones, Chagrin Falls

A: Hey, Doug: I liked the start, but I got lost thereafter.

Q: Hey, Tony: There's no doubt the team as a whole is playing worlds better! But, where was this coaching the first games of the season? The defense under Ryan has been solid all season, but the offensive play calling has been so much more exotic and creative; did Daboll have this in him all season? Also, with the injury to Mike Bell, will we be seeing any of Thomas Clayton? What do we know about Clayton? I think the Jets is a very winnable game, Sanchez is an incredibly overrated quarterback.-- Chris Connors, Shaker Heights

A: Hey, Chris: All I can say about Daboll is that he is still growing into the job. I expect Clayton to take over as the No. 2 running back soon. He is young and the Browns had a high opinion of him when he was on their practice squad. As for Sanchez, his completion percentage is low, but I wouldn't underestimate him. He's got a lot of weapons at his disposal.

-http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/11/mike_holmgren_will_do_the_righ.html

To tell the truth, I didn't get the feeling that Holmgren was heading to the sidelines anytime soon. He said he misses coaching,, Hell he did it for a ton of years. Of course he misses it. But I don't' think he's gonna leave the top job to coach anytime soon.. JMO,,

The annoying thing is that Holmgren isn't the one that keeps starting that talk... it's the friggin reporters.


They've asked it enough, and he's answered it enough, that it is apparently common belief now that he's bolting..... oy!

Hey Tony,.....we can finally say we agree on some thing!

Quote:

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Q: Hey, Tony: You've written several times that the Browns are hesitant to re-sign their potential free agents because of the uncertainty with the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement]. Help me understand the risks involved in re-signing Matt Roth (for example) right now. What exactly are they afraid of? I'll tell ya what I'm afraid of: losing Roth to free agency. -- Matthew Burgess, Manchester, Tenn.

A: Hey, Matthew: I am of the opinion that the Browns should negotiate immediately to re-sign Phil Dawson, Matt Roth and Lawrence Vickers, and should consider others by the end of the season.

---

right along with you, Y.

It's not just the media, either. If you notice, at least 3 or 4 fans writing in to Tony mentioned it this week. They're like Dawgs with a bone... they just won't give it up. Sometimes, it's Holmy going to the sidelines. Sometimes it's John Fox, Bill Cowher, the ghost of Vince Lombardi- ANYBODY but Mangini.

I think it's stupid, shortsighted, and a major risk for a locker room collapse. I trust that Holmy knows football enough to see that, even if some rabidly driven Manginihaterz and myopic mediatypes can't.

Look- it's not just the last two games that have me convinced we have the right chemistry in the FO as is... it's the way this team has played even when they were losing. There is a cohesiveness and unity of purpose now evident that hasn't been seen since the mid-'90's... and that HAS to be worth something. It's where all perennially strong teams get their starts, and it's just taking hold here... for the first time since The Return.

Why would any sane person want to risk that, without at least wanting to see where it could lead? Are they more addicted to the rush of "potential" that a teardown/rebuild provides than they are the rush of having a team like the Stoolz- which does nothing but win consistently?

They remind me of the obsessive-compulsive shade-tree mechanic who gets 4 bolts away from a completed engine rebuild, then tears it all apart to start over again. Meanwhile, the car just sits in the backyard for years.... without ever going anyplace. Insane. Maddening.

They're mistaking my 'last nerve' for a trampoline with this crap. LET IT DIE, ALREADY.

I want to get through this season with a .500 or better record, and want Holmgren to cement Mangini in as the head coach. Then everyone can STFU. I CAN'T WAIT to see what this administration does with the draft and free agency in '11, (assuming there's a contract). IMHO, this is going to be a great year, marking a huge leap forward for us. (I still haven't given up playoff hopes this year.) We need to beat the Jets, then anything is possible. GO BROWNS! Go Pats!