DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Terry's Talkin' Browns

crazy talking about a must win in game two but I believe it is. Rookie QB, missing quite a few of their best players, we have superior skill position players. They are at the bottom stopping pass and we have the 2 best backs in nfl. I would expect to see heavy run/PA and tight ends wearing out the seams.. But then again I expected that game 1..lol. This game has as much to prove stefanski as it does Baker

My only problem with calling it must win is that more pressure is probably the last thing some of the players need.

But, dealing with pressure is part of the job.

Well,they had no added pressure last week and they stunk up the joint.

Can't argue with #3 and #4 (imo).

Unless they're talking about sending Hooper and the TEs downfield because we were behind and trying to catch up, then I'd say this point has already been addressed.

If we had continued running the ball despite getting further and further behind, then people would be roasting KS for not adapting to the game situation.

Every article is saying we need to give the RBs more touches, and then the TE's more touches, and then we need to get the ball to OBJ & Landry more...... umm, if we're not getting first downs, there aren't enough touches to go around.

We need to stop making mistakes and we need to be more efficient with the touches we're getting.

You forgot Higgins ! ! Hollywood needs more touches too

Most people in CLeveland want to blame anyone else but where the problem lies. #1 - Stefanski has to stick to the set game plan. Run hard to set up the pass with the run. #2 - Baker has to make the proper read and be more accurate. If these two things are fixes, everything else on the offense side gets fixed... aka OB.

The Defense and Mr. Garrett has to come up with some sacks and pressure. That rookie cannot be comfortable in the pocket.

Gamble paying off: How Cleveland Browns are building an offensive line – Terry Pluto

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09...erry-pluto.html

By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio – When Browns General Manager Andrew Berry drafted Jedrick Wills Jr., I had doubts.

Make that real doubts. The Browns were using a top-10 pick on right tackle from Alabama, planning to switch him to left tackle as a rookie in the NFL? And this same right tackle never played the left side in high school?

As Berry told me in a preseason interview, "After quarterback “left tackle is probably the hardest position for any rookie to play in the NFL.”

Especially for one who was making the switch from the less-demanding right tackle position. Furthermore, Wills was making the change without the benefit of any preseason games.

One of Berry’s theories is “tackles are tackles.” On the surface, it sounds superficial and probably inaccurate. But Berry was talking about gifted physical tackles such as the 6-foot-4, 312-pound Wills. The Browns went much deeper than their basic scouting and analytics. They studied his emotional makeup, his willingness to change positions and receive tough coaching.

He showed all of those attributes at Alabama.

A STRONG START

Wills had a solid opening game in the 38-6 loss to Baltimore. He allowed a sack and a QB hit. He was flagged once for holding. We’ve seen a lot worse from those trying to play left tackle since Joe Thomas retired after the 2017 season.

His next game was the 35-30 victory over Cincinnati, a game in which the offensive line was magnificent in both run and pass blocking.

“(Wills) is showing the mentality of what we want our offensive linemen to look like,” said coach Kevin Stefanski. According to Profootballfocus, Wills allowed zero sacks or QB hits on 24 pass-blocking plays.

MAKING IT A PRIORITY

Once Berry became GM in January, he was determined to upgrade the offensive line. Along with using common sense and his eyesight, that priority matched a desire of Stefanski. The new coach wanted a physically punishing line to not only protect Baker Mayfield, but raise the level of the running game.

So Berry targeted free agent Jack Conklin, then paid the right tackle $44 million to leave Tennessee in favor of the Browns. His next move was drafting Wills when other natural and highly-regarded college left tackles were available. This move could have failed, at least early. I expected Wills to struggle far more than he has in the first two games.

A major investment in a free agent for Conklin, a gutsy first-round pick for Wills.

Then Berry quietly re-worked the contract of Chris Hubbard, the veteran tackle taking a pay cut to stay as a backup. Hubbard started for the Browns at right tackle in 2018-19, and he had problems. But coaches and players loved Hubbard’s attitude in accepting a lesser role. That lasted for one game, then he started vs. the Bengals because Conklin had a sore ankle.

Hubbard was also superb, as was the entire line. Mayfield wasn’t sacked and running backs Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb rushed for 210 yards.

“I could not be more proud of Chris Hubbard," said Stefanski. “(I’m) impressed by Chris Hubbard. He is a good person. He is a good football player. I think the world of him.”

Stefanski also praised offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who has implemented the zone blocking scheme. Callahan also has helped Wills learn left tackle.




LOOKING BACK/ LOOKING AHEAD

It took only two games last season for the Browns to realize they had major problems with their offensive line. Mayfield was sacked nine times. Greg Robinson was lost at left tackle, Hubbard had issues at right tackle. The Browns were searching for a right guard to replace Kevin Zeitler.

For the 2019 season, Mayfield was sacked 40 times – seventh most in the NFL.

The line is different this season. Starters JC Tretter (center) and Joel Bitonio (left guard) are back. Wyatt Teller has earned praise at right guard. Many of the best running plays this season have been to the right side, Teller leading the charge.

Several Browns front offices played a part in assembling the line. John Dorsey brought in Hubbard and Teller. Sashi Brown signed Tretter as a free agent. Ray Farmer drafted Bitonio. Berry imported Wills and Conklin. Add in newly acquired fullback Andy Janovich, who also brings blocking power.

Yes, it should be fun to watch the offense this season.

Finally, this tweet came from former running back Peyton Hillis: “I’d come out of retirement to play just one more season with the Browns.”

With this offensive line, he’s not the only one who’d say that.

Holy Chubb! Hey Cleveland Browns fans, wasn’t that fun? – Terry Pluto

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09...erry-pluto.html


By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio – So this is what Browns fans can expect from their team’s new offense.

Run the ball.

In the name of Nick Chubb, give the ball to the running back. He is a remarkable combination of bullish power with a ballet dancer’s knack of making sharp cuts and changing direction. Put 124 yards in 24 carries next to his name.

In the name of Baker Mayfield, watch him play with comfort, confidence and a sense of security thanks to his blockers and his play caller. He had one interception, but otherwise looked so much better than in many of his games in 2019.

In the name of Odell Beckham, how about that 43-yard catch from Mayfield? How about the receiver fitting into this balanced offense, at least on this fun Thursday night?

In the name of Kareem Hunt, did you see how he took over the running game from Chubb and the Willoughby South product wore down the Bengals. He bolted for 86 yards in 10 carries.

Now, the numbers that really count: Final score, Browns 35, Cincinnati 30.

LOVE THOSE BACKS

That sigh of relief you hear is coming from the Browns front office and new head coach Kevin Stefanski. This was the offense they imagined when assembling the team and putting together a playbook. It helped erase some of the embarrassment from Sunday’s loss to Baltimore.

Serving as the play-caller as well as head coach, Stefanski didn’t have the same commitment to the running game in Maryland as he did Thursday. The difference was so obvious. By the time Hunt scored on a 2-yard TD with 3:55 left, the Browns had a 35-23 lead. At that point, Chubb and Hunt each had a pair of touchdowns. They had combined for 210 yards rushing.

Most fans love the running game and running backs. They have the NFL’s best running-back combination is in Cleveland. That dynamic attack helped Mayfield. The defense had to pay attention to the backs, and that helped Mayfield go 4-of-5 for 87 yards on play-action passing.

Those stats indicate the Browns should use those fakes more often to find wide-open receivers.

AS FOR THE DEFENSE

Like most things with the Browns, there were a lot of good things about this victory ... but it wasn’t easy.

The defense has issues and that’s probably going to be the case all season. They have five starters hurt. Other than on the defensive line, there’s not much talent on that side of the ball. Bengals rookie QB Joe Burrow had an eye-popping performance. The LSU product was 37-of-61 for 316 yards. He made life miserable for the defense most of the night.

But there was one key play by the defense that helped avoid a Bengals upset. Early in the third quarter, the Browns had the ball on the Cincinnati 1, first-and-goal. Four plays later, the offense left the field without a point. It resembled flops near the goal line a year ago.

I thought of Kevin Stefanski’s words after last Sunday’s loss to Baltimore: “We did a lot things losing teams do.” They were ready to do it again.

The Bengals took over. Then the defense came through. Myles Garrett, rushing from an inside position slapped the ball out of Burrow’s hands. The Browns recovered on the 1-yard line. This time, Chubb scored the TD.

Garrett’s strip steadied the Browns ship in what was becoming a very stormy situation.

The defense did hold Cincinnati’s Joe Mixon to 46 yards in 16 carries. The running back had 308 yards against the Browns in two games in 2019.

While the night belonged the Stefanski’s offense, the defense at least did a few things to make sure the team didn’t drop to 0-2.

Love reading Pluto, but let's not read too much into this. We gave up 30 points and struggled to get off the field. We were halfway to letting them back in. We won. Love that! But somewhere between these two games is the team.

I see upside with healthier people, and more good options about what works on the O and D from which to draw in game plans. Catch your breath, congrats, but do not overrate this win.

I was impressed with Burrows. Not Aikman.

I have been very impressed w/the OL. Earlier this morning, I looked up the PFF grades for the Browns. I expected the grades to be a bit higher, but they are still impressive.

Tretter is 7th out of 32 centers.

Teller is 1st out of 65 guards.

Bitonio is 6th out of 65 guards.

Hubbard is 17th out of 64 tackles.

Conklin is 18th out of 64 tackles.

Wills is 42nd out of 64 tackles.

I'll keep checking throughout the season. I'll be interested to see where our OL ranks as a unit after a handful of games.

One thing I want to add. I don't like when reporters just mention sack totals. There is a lot more to it than that. Not factoring in how long your qb holds the ball and leaves clean pockets are factors that should never be ignored.

I difference between winning and losing is thin in the NFL. The teams that grind the best usually win.

Pretty impressive and important that Teller is that high. I hope he keeps playing well

Lots of fun to scribble about Cleveland Browns' big win over Bengals – Terry Pluto

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09...erry-pluto.html


By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There was so much going on during the Browns' 35-30 victory over Cincinnati Thursday night. That has led to some fun putting together these scribbles:

1. There were so many great plays in this game, but the biggest could have been the sack and forced fumble by Myles Garrett when he tackled Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow. The Browns recovered the ball on the Cincinnati 1. They scored a TD. This came after the Browns had just been stopped at the goal line on fourth down.

2. Profootballfocus (PFF) credited Garrett with a sack and two QB hits. But he also had nine QB hurries, forcing the QB to throw before he’s ready. This was the Garrett the Browns signed to that 5-year, $125 million extension.

3. The defense did an excellent job stopping Joe Mixon, the Cincinnati back who rushed for 308 yards in two 2019 games against them. This time, he had 46 yards in 16 carries. PFF said Mixon was “hit at/or behind the line of scrimmage on 50 percent of his rush attempts.”

4. Yes, the Browns had some major defensive breakdowns, but they did stop the run. That forced Burrow to throw 61 passes. He was pressured on 21 of those throws. The defense still worries me, but a defensive line led by Garrett and Sheldon Richardson can be effective.

5. With Olivier Vernon hurt and not starting, then Adrian Clayborn injured (after a good sack) in the first half, Richardson played 18 snaps at defensive end and did a good job. His enthusiasm and versatility is a major asset on the line. He had six tackles, a sack and another QB hit.

6. Garrett on Richardson: “He’s 100 percent full tilt all the time on the field. ... You love a guy who is always running to the ball ... he never gives up on a play.”

7. Coach Kevin Stefanski and Garrett both praised end Porter Gustin, who beat out Chad Thomas to make the team. Gustin, filling in after Clayburn’s injury, had a QB hit and tackled Mixon for a loss. He played 68 percent of the snaps. He played at Boise State and wasn’t drafted. Cut by New Orleans, he was signed to the Browns’ practice squad last season. He’s developing into a viable player for the defense.

8. Garrett on Gustin: “He’s always rushing and trying to finish, no matter what – even if he’s double-teamed. He fights through it.”

9. I’ve used some of Garrett’s quotes on other players because he’s talking like a leader on that line, encouraging and praising his teammates.

10. I didn’t like much from the linebackers and safeties. But Nordonia’s Denzel Ward had an outstanding game at cornerback. For most of the day he covered A.J. Green, who caught only two passes for 14 yards vs. Ward. For the game, Green was targeted 13 times, had three catches for 29 yards.

11. I don’t know if Ronnie Harrison (acquired from Jacksonville) is any better than current safeties Karl Joseph or Andrew Sendejo, but it’s time to find out. Sendejo played 100 percent of the snaps, Joseph was on the field for 93 percent. Harrison played six. Sheldrick Redwine was supposed to help at safety, but the only action for him was on special teams.

12. One of the reasons the Browns can have a monster running game is the relationship between Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. These guys are close. Chubb is a good, mature influence on Hunt.



13. PFF had some amazing stats. Chubb rushed for 124 yards, 93 after contact. Hunt had 86, 64 after contact. These guys are strong and fast. Two games into the season, they have combined for 55 carries and 342 yards, a 6.2 average, and three TDs. Hunt also has eight receptions, one for a TD.

14. Stefanski had Chubb pound away at the Cincinnati defense for the first three quarters. Hunt had only two carries in that span. But in the fourth quarter, the coaches turned to Hunt. He had 55 yards in eight carries with a TD. He caught a TD pass in the first half.

15. Chubb on Hunt: “Kareem is a great back. We should get him involved more earlier in the game ... you see what he can do.”

16. Consider this is a running back asking for his fellow running back to receive more carries. That is a true sign of unselfishness.

17. I’ve always liked having a fullback on the roster. So does Stefanski, who encouraged GM Andrew Berry to acquire Andy Janovich.

18. Chubb on Janovich: “He is my second set of eyes. If I don’t see anything, I’m following him. He is always going to lead me to the right spot.”

19. While it’s important for Baker Mayfield to be a leader, the Browns need more than the QB. Chubb is one of those on the offense. Garrett is growing into the role on the defense.

20 Mayfield on the offensive line: “They played unbelievably ... that and our two backs, (rushed for) 200 yards (actually 212) ... and we had no sacks.”

21. I wrote a lot about the offensive line Saturday, but I didn’t give enough credit to Bill Callahan and how the veteran coach quickly taught his zone-blocking scheme that is ideal for this team.

22. PFF said Mayfield was 4-of-4 passing “on designated rollouts.” Those four completions covered 78 yards, including the 43-yard TD to Odell Beckham Jr. Let’s see more of those plays.

23. The Browns have plenty work on, especially defense and coverage on special teams. But it was nice to see kicker Cody Parkey drill all five extra points. That’s progress, as was the entire game for the orange helmets.

Thanks. I think this is a good article.

Pretty sure Gustin played at USC rather than Boise State. Not sure if he confused him with Weaver or what.

I am curious to see if we have any lineup changes in the secondary after the mini-bye week.

OL and Wills are light years ahead of where I was expecting them to be based on TC reports and the CV impacted Pre-season. Even in the loss to Baltimore they played well. Exceptionally encouraging.

I say game ball to the OL for that game. They won after overcoming a lot of issues. I am especially impressed with the strides Wills is making.

I notice Terry didn't mention, and neither have most fans, about how the Mayfield/OBJ connection began to get on the same page.

Maybe they're all just waiting for another poor outing so they can pile on again. I don't know.

I’m not a fan of OBJ, regardless of performance. He’s not a team player and cares only about his touches. He gives up and takes too many plays off. Landry and Higgins can hold things down and OBJ can be dealt to another team with minimal impact on this season.

This is not true. It's a fallacy created by the media and some fans. His teammates at LSU, New York, and Cleveland tell a very different story.

I don't believe I agree either. But! Lets wait and see.. Washington is next.

Washington's D will be a good test for our line and our offense.

Browns -6.5 to start the week!

Like to change that number if we get some people back (or sit some people; that might be more accurate.). This will measure us more than Cincy.

Higgins can't even get on the field ahead of Hodge so you may wish to rethink that. And as was stated, the people on his team, you know, those that work with him every day? They disagree with your misguided opinion.

Where did you come up with this? Not one player that he has played with has ever complained about OBJ the player. As Vers said, the media and fans create that narrative, not the people that actually work with him.

Not sure why people seem so down on Hodge? He has looked pretty good to me.

JMO

I was just basing my comment on the playing time being given. If the coaching staff considered Higgins a better option, he would be playing ahead of Hodge.

He stunk game 1 and messed up stuff Higgins would've done properly.

No complaints about him game 2.

I prefer Hodges over Higgins. Apparently, the coaching staff feels the same way.

Yup. There were times when we were in 22 personnel (two backs, two tight ends) and Hodges was the only receiver on the field. Hodges has been on the field for 55% of the offensive snaps. Higgins for 16%. (For comparison's sake Jarvis Landry has been on the field for 66%). Hodges is our third receiver.

Browns Pregame Scribbles: Is this team for real? Kareem Hunt's moment – Terry Pluto

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/10...-scribbles.html

By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Scribbles in my notebook as the Colts come to Cleveland to face the Browns. Both teams are a surprising 3-1 at the NFL’s quarter-pole.

1. Are the Browns for real? They are asking the same thing about the Colts. Both began the season with underwhelming losses. The Browns were spanked 38-6 in Baltimore. The Colts lost to Jacksonville (27-20), the only win the season for the Jags.

2. Experts can dismiss the Colts' 36-7 victory over the awful Jets much like the Browns' 34-20 win over Washington. The Colts beat the Vikings, 28-11. The best win for the Colts was 19-11 over the Bears, who are 4-1.

3. The bottom line is the Browns have a three victories over teams with a combined 3-8-1 record. But at the quarter pole of most seasons, the Browns are 1-3. They are a bad team off to a bad start. So 3-1 is significant. And yes, a victory over the 3-1 Colts with the NFL’s top defense would be meaningful. Indianapolis has allowed 11-7-11 points in its three victories. I throw out the opening loss to Jacksonville since it’s a season with no preseason games.

4. The last time the Browns started a season 4-1 was 1994 with...Bill Belichick as the coach and Vinnie Testaverde at QB. The Browns ended up 11-5 that season. They made the playoffs and knocked off New England in the first round. How about some good history repeating itself for the Browns?

5. The Browns enter the game averaging 39 points in their three victories. The Colts are allowing an NFL-low 14 points per game. A hot offense vs. a rugged defense. And the Browns are without Nick Chubb. This is the first big challenge for Kevin Stefanski’s offense taking the field without one of its key playmakers.

6. The Browns have 2017 NFL rushing champion Kareem Hunt. He says he’s ready for this moment to carry a big load. Since joining the Browns' active roster in the middle of the 2019 season, Hunt has carried the ball more than 15 times only once. That was two weeks ago against Washington.

7. Combining with Chubb, Hunt was always fresh when called upon. But he played through a groin injury last week in Dallas, carrying the ball 11 times for 71 yards. In his career with the Browns, he’s been averaging 8.5 carries. So it will be interesting to see how Hunt does with a heavy load vs. the Colts, who allow only 77 yards rushing per game. The Browns are running for an NFL-best 204 yards per game.

8. D’Ernest Johnson came out of nowhere to fill in for Chubb in Dallas, rushing for 95 yards in 13 carries. Both were career highs. He caught Dallas by surprise. Then again, almost everything the Browns did on offense made the dismal Dallas defense looking dumbfounded. It will be a different deal vs. the Colts.

9. It will be interesting to see if Stefanski finds more creative ways to put the ball in the hands of Odell Beckham Jr. Twice, they ran a form of sweep with the wide receivers, and those two plays went for 23 and 50 yards. Can they do something like that vs. the Colts, who should be more prepared for it?

10. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt praised Andy Janovich, saying the fullback “covered up a lot of things and made some critical blocks...he has played extremely well.” Wonder if that means a bigger role for him this week?

11. Meanwhile, the Browns defense is allowing 31 points per game, fifth most in the NFL. The Colts come to town with Philip Rivers, one of my favorite QBs. He is 38 years old and had spent his entire career with the Chargers until this season.

12. Rivers can pick apart a defense with his accuracy and quick release. He’s completing 72% of his passes. Stefanski said: “He knows where the bones are buried on those plays and he gets the ball to the right guy almost every time.”

13. Colts coach Frank Reich was the QB coach and later offensive coordinator for Rivers with the Chargers from 2013-15. The coach on Rivers: “He has elite accuracy. He has elite intelligence. He has elite leadership. He has elite play-making ability.”

14. Reich was not supposed to be the Colts head coach in 2018. New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels verbally accepted the job and even began lining up assistants. Then he backed out. They turned to Reich, who had been on the Colts coaching staff from 2008-11. He has a 20-16 record with the team.

15. Nick Sirianni is the Colts offensive coordinator. I remember seeing him play and writing some stories about him and other receivers when they were catching passes for coach Larry Kehres (2000-03) at Mount Union. Sirianni began his coaching career with the Purple Raiders. Mount Union won three national titles when he was there.

16. My prediction: Browns 27, Colts 24. I’m 2-2 picking the Browns this season.