Published: Saturday, September 24, 2011, 7:30 PM
By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/09/cleveland_browns_wont_give_up.htmlQ: Hey, Tony: I'm pretty frustrated with Tony Pashos. How can an offensive tackle be so fragile? Joe Thomas and Alex Mack have not missed a single game since they were drafted. Knowing this, and I know it's early, but do you think the RT position will be addressed in next year's draft? Also, why do you think Tom Heckert was OK with keeping someone as a starter with such durability issues? -- Joshua Reed, White Oak, Pa.
A: Hey, Joshua: Heckert committed to Pashos when he gave him a big free-agent contract in 2010. A GM can't change his mind after one injury-plagued season. After two? We'll see.
Q: Hey, Tony: Am I missing something or is President Mike Holmgren being unusually quiet after the debacle that was the Cincinnati game? Is it possible that even the Mighty Walrus has given up in the face of unrelenting Browns bumbling? -- PJ Dailey, Dallas
A: Hey, PJ: Holmgren didn't make any public comments after the Browns rebounded with a win in Indianapolis, either. He is trying to stay in the background and allow coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert to be the team spokesmen.
Q: Hey, Tony: From what little we have seen from Colt McCoy, in your professional opinion, when Colt reaches his full potential, do you see him being in the same category as [Drew] Brees, [Philip] Rivers, [Aaron] Rodgers, [Peyton] Manning and [Tom] Brady? Also, sometimes it seems like he holds the ball too long. Is that a byproduct of the receivers not getting open or him not seeing the open receiver in time? -- Dan Desai, Toledo, Ohio
A: Hey, Dan: Your first question is the $100 million question. Can McCoy be in the same category as the quarterbacks you name? I don't know the answer. But I do know McCoy has to be in that same company for the Browns eventually to make it to the Super Bowl.
Q: Hey, Tony: You repeatedly keep bringing up 10-22 for any answer to a question regarding the prior head coach. Simple yes or no question: Is two years long enough to make an assessment? I'm assuming you think it was better to change systems once again rather than start an unprecedented third year in the same system. -- Mike B, Dover, Ohio
A: Hey, Mike: Yes, two years is long enough to make an assessment of a coach's program. Absolutely. Now, that's not to say a coach has to take his team to the Super Bowl in two years. But you can tell whether a program is working or not in two years.
Q: Hey, Tony: With all the change the Browns were facing at the start of this season, expectations should be realistic. I think the front office is doing a fine job building the team, and the players seem to sense it, too. They all seem to want to be in Cleveland, which is more than we can say for past years. Does that seem true from your discussions with the players? -- Dave Jackson, Blacklick, Ohio
A: Hey, Dave: Management has done a good job of weeding out players who were bad influences on younger players. That weeding-out process actually started under coach Eric Mangini. Now the locker room is without any bad influences.
Q: Hey, Tony: In your Sept. 11 column, you stated, "The league is extremely sensitive to not elongate games and further disrupt its pace by excessive replay reviews." With the excessive play stoppage for commercial breaks, isn't this sentiment laughable? -- Ray Novotny, Youngstown
A: Hey, Ray: Touche.
Q: Hey, Tony: Any reason Marcus Benard is not starting over Jayme Mitchell other than Mitchell is a Heckert guy? Bernard looks much better than Mitchell regardless of what weight he came into camp with. -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio
A: Hey, Michael: The other reason is Benard is learning a new position, whereas Mitchell has much more experience playing defensive end in the 4-3 system.
Q: Hey, Tony: What an amazing week. I wrapped a wet towel around my head and produced so much steam that it finally rained here this week. Also, you kept your thoughts to yourself and the Browns won. Hopefully next week we can have similar results! -- Curtis MacDonald, San Antonio
A: Hey, Curtis: Told ya.
Q: Hey, Tony: What do the Browns get out of scapegoating Richmond McGee? A national championship punter with several bowl games under his belt, and time with the Eagles and Bears, it is laughable that butterflies played any part in McGee's performance against the Bengals. McGee's biggest fault was his desire to stay in the game and do his job despite an injury. I don't know how many punters have what it takes to put five good punts in the air with a herniated disc, but I know McGee is that tough. The team sent McGee for an MRI on Monday where the herniated disc below L5 was diagnosed. As to conversations between friends McGee and Brad Maynard, what successful NFL player wouldn't be as positive as possible and want to play despite pain and injury? McGee has the talent and grit we need -- here's hoping he rehabs and gets back in the game. In preseason, McGee punted 22 times for a net average 43.2 yards -- sixth in the NFL. Only two punters had more punts, and only five had a higher net (and none of those five had a high number of punts). -- Martin Holly, Bay Village
A: Hey, Martin: I think the Browns would have been better served by adding a second punter in training camp to compete with and challenge McGee. Then they would have had a better read on his mental makeup. I believe there was a lot of concern about McGee going into that first game.
Q: Hey, Tony: So Tony, let's have it -- does receiver Brian Robiskie have any future here at all? We all watched him a lot for the Buckeyes, and I always thought he would be a decent pro. For some reason though, he just isn't putting up any kind of numbers. What's your take? -- David Mack, South Euclid
A: Hey, David: I am predicting that Robiskie will have a fine NFL career. If not here, then someplace else.
Q: Hey, Tony: Here are a few observations following week two of the season: Joe Haden will become a Pro Bowl corner; Phil Taylor will be a good player but Jabaal Sheard was the best defensive lineman picked in the draft last year; we need to use one of our first-round picks next year on an offensive right tackle; Colt McCoy has intelligence, poise and leadership to go with an accurate arm, with the only question being whether he has the arm strength to battle the late-season wind and cold in Cleveland; Pat Shurmur has the demeanor and presence of a head coach and will become a good one; we are a year away with another good draft, using our extra picks wisely and signing a couple of good free agents; and the No. 1 pick this year will not be traded away because of Andrew Luck. Agree or disagree? -- Paul Naudain, Portland, Ore.
A: Hey, Paul: Agree, undecided, agree, agree, agree, agree, agree.
Q: Hey, Tony: Take a look at the replay of the first penalty flag thrown on Joe Haden in the Colts game. You can see the flag come flying into view before he ever touched the receiver. Do you think that his monster game against the Bengals influenced the calls in this game? Or do you think he interfered with the receiver before the cameras cut to him? -- Kirk Parsons, Medina
A: Hey, Kirk: I don't think Haden's performance in the Bengals game had anything to do with the penalties in the Colts game.
Q: Hey, Tony: What's up with no throws to Robiskie? -- Bill Everman, Wesley Chapel, Fla.
A: Hey, Bill: Must not have been open.
Q: Hey, Tony: I see promise in this team, but one thing keeps me asking "What the heck?" In both games we have had third and short and we go to an empty backfield. Has anyone asked the coach why? I may be old school, but would not having a fullback and running back behind the QB give you options? If both backs hit the three hole, linebackers would pull up, opening the seam route or a slant route if you want to pass, but also, with Hillis, why not run? I am not opposed to passing, but when you have a bulldozer in your backfield that the other team respects, why take that threat out of your play and become one-dimensional? -- Ken Pierson, Pinehurst, N.C.
A: Hey, Ken: I've never been a fan of the empty-backfield look. I understand the concept is that it increases the options of short passes, or extended handoffs. I've just never been comfortable with it.
Q: Hey, Tony: I am not sure if it is a good/bad thing, but all of Colt's big plays so far this year seem to come on broken plays. When he is out of the pocket running around he has hit Mohamed Massaquoi twice on his two longest throws this year. He has also thrown two of his three TDs while scrambling. Is that a bad thing that we are not succeeding on drawn-up plays but rather backyard ball, or a good thing that he can make it happen? -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio
A: Hey, Michael: I have made the same observations and am frankly struggling with the answers. It's good that McCoy can extend plays, but I would like to see more plays made with him in the pocket.
Q: Hey, Tony: In the postgame conference coach Shurmur indicated that receivers Greg Little, Josh Cribbs, and Mohamed Massaquoi were in the game plan. Where is Robiskie? I thought he'd be the No. 1 receiver. In games he hasn't shown any indication that he can't play . . . yet he has the hardest time getting game time as well as targets in consecutive games. I read some rumors about his rookie season, but it all remains a mystery to me. What is the deal with him? How is he doing in practice? Are there personal problems? Talent issues? -- Clint Mayo, Wichita, Kan.
A: Hey, Clint: I can't put my finger on why Robiskie has not blossomed. I thought it would happen by now. I don't see any receiver working any harder than him. I don't see him dropping passes. It just seems on game days, he is not in the flow of the game or game plan. There are no issues or problems, to my knowledge. He is a really good person and dedicated player. A lot of people have been rooting for him and I am one of them.
Q: Hey, Tony: I hate to be critical of decisions after a win but a few things were baffling to me. 1.) First and goal and coach Pat Shurmur elects to hand off twice to an untested back while our workhorse bulldozer of a back watches from the sidelines. You have to have your best players on the field during these opportunities. 2.) On a third-and-1 play you try to get fancy and hand it to a fullback who hadn't run the ball all day. Once again get the ball in the hands of your best players. Hillis moves piles yet he was a glorified spectator. I am starting to wonder if this is a curse of the Browns, but every coach we have had seems to forget rule No. 1: Get the ball to your best players in critical situations! -- Gary Alfrey, Medina
A: Hey, Gary: 1. I can't explain that one. 2. Ditto.
Q: Hey, Tony: After reading previous questions I just figured I'd be a voice of positivity for you. Congrats Brownies for the win in Indy. I don't care if the Colts were without their star QB, there were 21 other positions on the field where the starter was playing. Mistakes were made, but who cares? We beat them! We can still go 15-1! Good luck against Miami! -- Jared Smith, Layton, Utah
A: Hey, Jared: Just one point of fact: They don't need to go 15-1 for a successful season.
Q: Hey, Tony: Are there any unsigned free-agent wide receivers still on the market? Also, why in the world did Holmgren not address this need in the off-season? -- Chris Robbins, Avon
A: Hey, Chris: Terrell Owens comes to mind. The Browns are not going to add a receiver unless they suffer injuries to the position. Holmgren and Heckert wanted to evaluate their receivers in the Shurmur offensive system before making any transactions.
Q: Hey, Tony: How much playing time is tight end Evan Moore getting? If he's not seeing much time, why not and what will it take to get this sure-handed big guy on the field? -- Lynn Langbein, Rockville, Md.
A: Hey, Lynn: I believe Moore's time in Indianapolis was limited because of the fact they wanted to use Alex Smith as a blocking tight end to help in the blocking of the Colts' defensive ends.
Q: Hey, Tony: Realize you have not been a fan of trading down, but Phil Taylor looks like a playmaker so far. I am not sure Julio Jones would have been a breakout star here, and we got a ton of picks. I doubt Atlanta goes 14-2 again, they have a tough schedule, and with both first-round picks, we can continue to build through the draft, which we are committed to. What do you think of the trade now? -- Tom P., Chapel Hill, N.C.
A: Hey, Tom: I think the same of the trade now as I did then. I said I was uneasy with the trade, but understood it and felt the trade would look a lot better in 2012 than right now. Taylor is off to a better start than I envisioned, but nobody can tell me that Jones wouldn't be helping the Browns right now. As for the "ton of picks," keep in mind the Browns had to surrender a third-round pick to trade up when they felt Taylor would not last for them. I know I am in the small minority on this issue. It's not a closed book.
Q: Hey, Tony: What ever happened to Jordan Norwood? Is he going to get some more reps? Also, what do you think is going to happen to Brian Robiskie because of how poorly he has been playing? -- Malek Abumeri, Cleveland
A: Hey, Malek: Norwood has been active in both games but hasn't gotten much action. I think Robiskie is going to have to make something happen soon or he will fade into backup status.
Q: Hey, Tony: When the Browns were looking for a punter after Richmond McGee's injury, did they consider bringing back Scott Player and his single-bar facemask? -- Nick Marek, Woodmere
A: Hey, Nick: They did not.
Q: Hey, Tony: Everyone saw how electric Julio Jones was in the Sunday night game against the Eagles. Looking at what the Browns already have from the trade with the Falcons so far, do you still think the trade should not have been made? -- Mark Monroe, Martinez, Calif.
A: Hey, Mark: At this point, yes.
Q: Hey, Tony: To this untrained eye, it appears to me this is the first time since Marty Schottenheimer we are on the upswing. Do you get the same impression as I? -- Dennis Bartlett, Queensbury, N.Y.
A: Hey, Dennis: I like what I see, but until a coach takes the Browns to the playoffs, Butch Davis will remain the best coach of the expansion era.
Q: Hey, Tony: We obviously could use some veteran help at WR. Why don't we pick up T.J. Houshmandzadeh? He's a solid receiver and he could teach the rookies a thing or two. Plus it wouldn't cost that much to sign him. -- David Brookins, Enon, Ohio
A: Hey, David: What could Houshmandzadeh teach them, how to drop a pass in a crucial moment in a playoff game? Gimme a break.
Q: Hey, Tony: As a career radio person I'm curious about what goes through the headsets that the coaches wear. Who talks to whom? Are there mini-voice networks for, say, the defensive coaches and offensive coaches? How many voices (through the headset, that is) does the head coach hear during a game? How many people can he talk to at once? -- Tom Bartunek, Princeton, N.J.
A: Hey, Tom: The head coach has two lines, one connected to the offensive coaches and one to the defensive coaches. When he talks, all the coaches on that side of ball hear him.
Q: Hey, Tony: Is it possible that your comment about the decline of the Steelers was one year early? -- Ted Belak, Sierra Madre, Calif.
A: Hey, Ted: I'd like to say "I had that story a year ago," but I'm a little gun-shy at this point. The truth is I have the utmost respect for the Steelers organization.
Q: Hey, Tony: Looking at the stats the top three tacklers for Miami are in the secondary with Bell, Jones, Davis, which are, by position safety, safety, CB. For Cleveland it's D'Qwell Jackson, Phil Taylor and then T.J. Ward. What (if anything) does this tell us about each defense for Sunday's game? -- Pat Burma, Denver
A: Hey, Pat: It tells us the Dolphins have given up a ton of yards in the air to Tom Brady and Matt Schaub and that tends to pad the tackling numbers of defensive backs.
Q: Hey, Tony: 1. After the Browns hired Shurmur, one of the many knocks I heard on him from St. Louis fans was his dink-and-dunk play-calling. After two games I'm starting to think the criticism might have some merit. It seemed the Browns had more success when they stretched thefield on the pass plays to Watson and Moore in the first game, but I didn't see hardly any of that in the second game. Are our receivers just not getting open or is it a matter of play calling or both? 2. There were a number of second and shorts that I kept yelling at the TV for themto go long and then they do a 5-yard slant and/or a screen to Hillis on the right. I know some of those converted to first downs but teams are going to continually stack the box to stop Hillis until we start at least attempting to stretch the field. I just don't get why they aren't. -- Ryan Branford, Fort Bragg, N.C.
A: Hey, Ryan: 1. I think you have to consider every variable when comparing Shurmur's offense in St. Louis to the one now. He had a rookie quarterback, a rookie left tackle and no receivers because of rampant injuries. I think this offense is only two games old and will evolve as the season goes along. 2. The Colts' cover-2 defense does not allow an offense to stretch the field with deep throws. They concede short passes and most teams attack them that way.
Q: Hey, Tony: Have the extensions given out this off-season been front-loaded to give the team more flexibility in future seasons, where they have a better chance to contend? -- Chris Zanon, Canton
A: Hey, Chris: I don't know what you mean by "front-loaded." Listen, the salary cap is not going to be a problem for this team moving forward. It is not an impediment to building the team. The smart GMs always overcome salary-cap restrictions by manipulating the cap, restructuring other contracts and using the draft deftly.
Q: Hey, Tony: Is Jeff Maehl a better wide receiver than any on the Browns' roster? -- William McCormick, La Canada, Calif.
A: Hey, William: Jeff Maehl? You got me on that one.
Q: Hey, Tony: Now that the deadline has passed for extending contracts for franchised players, has the team conceded that they will have a new kicker next season? -- Jason Blankenship, Medina
A: Hey, Jason: Well, they can always re-sign Phil Dawson to a new deal after the season. But I believe this is Dawson's last season with the Browns.
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