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#gmstrong
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I would say in an easier division 7 wins would be attainable, if not expected ... but our division is probably the most difficult in the AFC (especially defensively).
From my perspective, I think we are better than the Jags, Bills, and Jets. I think we are comparable to the Dolphins, Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, and Lions. That means that we are the inferior team in more than half of the games (and 6 of those are in the division). This ratio usually isn't a model for success.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
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How we win or lose matters more to me than the total count. I think a fluctuation of up to 5 wins can really be a matteÉ of luck. And if someone like Haden or Richardson goes down...man we're looking at a very different team.
If we are playing competitively and seem well coached I won't really mind. We aren't that different from the top teams in the league except the key areas of QB and CB2. Our coaching will be good...I am really just waiting on us getting a good QB or Weeden becoming elite.
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Hall of Famer
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jc tough to predict this season. So many new or unknown variables. A lot will depend on how the new coaches/systems work and on TRich and Weeden. Then there's injuries and matchup (timing) luck. The schedule does seem easier, but you never know there too. On natural roster progression alone this team should be able to win 7 games, as they could have last season if not for some dumb 4th Qtr losses and Haden's suspension, but anywhere from 3 to 11 wins is possible depending on the variables I named, so the safe bet is 7 wins. That said, I don't care much about if we win 5 or 8 games. It's the HOW and WHO that interests me more than anything this season. On paper, we upgraded our coaching staff, but don't think we did enough to upgrade the roster, starters and depth included. We will see, here's to a good and entertaining 2013 Browns season 
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
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Legend
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I pretty much agree w/your entire post.
The schedule does appear to be favorable. The coaching should be better. The young talent has a another year of experience.
There are holes/question marks all over the roster.
+It is imperative that TRich remains healthy. Is anyone really confident that he will?
+The corners look to be weak.
+Is Gipson the answer at FS?
+Can Haden become a shut down cb?
+Can Robertson hold up as an every down LBer?
+The TE's look to be weak.
+Is Obi really a FB?
+Will Gordon stay out of trouble?
+Who is our FG kicker?
+Will our punter be productive?
+Can Cousins hold the fort until either Lava or Pinky return?
A couple of real holes and many, many questions.
And the biggest question of all:
Can Weeden progress into at least a mediocre qb? So much of this season rests on his ability to evolve. Most of you seem confident the change in coaching and offensive system will cure his woes, but while I think it will help, I still have a lot of doubts.
Without a doubt though, Weeden is the key to the success or lack of success of this season.
If he plays like he did last year---we will win 5-6 games.
If he improves to at least be a functional qb, we should win 7 games.
If he plays like a middle of the road qb, we should win 9 games.
If he plays like a top 10 qb..........well, I won't even go there because it's not going to happen.
So, after all of that..........I am predicting we win 7 games this year.
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Quote:
j/c
There are an awful lot of double-digit win predictions for a team that - on paper - is looking more and more like a squad that's punting it to next year.
Do we have a punter yet???
Oh yea, it's the place kicker we're missing. 
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Legend
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Don't speak too soon, there are still 5 more days before the season starts. That's plenty of time to cut Lanning for another OLineman. 
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
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I see no one shares my optimism.  I will say this. It's Monday, and I know no matter how my week goes, thinking of Sunday will get me through. And I'm pretty sure on Monday I'll feel like crap. LOL. By Wednesday, the excitement will be back. I'll justify the loss, convince myself we will beat the Ravens, load up on snacks and beer on Saturday, and get little sleep on Saturday night in anticipation. On Monday, I'll feel like crap again. Wednesday, I'll tell myself that teams have started 0-2 before and made the playoffs. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.  I'm tired of that cycle. I want to catch a break this year. Here's Grossi's prediction article. Wish I hadn't read the Weeden part. http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=21681Quote:
The Morning Kickoff …
Let’s review: Every year I do a Fearless Forecast of predictions for the coming NFL season. Some of them are just zany enough to come true.
Like this one from last year: “The first-ever Super Bowl between coaching brothers will be won by John Harbaugh and his Ravens over Jim Harbaugh and his 49ers.” Final score of Super Bowl 47: Baltimore 34, San Francisco 31.
I wrote that Joe Flacco would win the NFL MVP award. He didn’t. But he was named MVP of the Super Bowl.
What about this one: “Because the Browns will win two games in the division (over Steelers and Bengals), the Ravens will claim the AFC North title by a comfortable margin. A Browns win on Nov. 25 effectively will send the Steelers on a slide out of the playoff field.” On Nov. 25, the Browns beat the Steelers, 20-14, sending the Steelers on a 2-4 finish en route to an 8-8 record and exit out of the playoffs.
I predicted a 6-10 record for the Browns, with this comment: “Frankly, I think I’m overly optimistic to project six wins.” They were 5-11.
On to 2013: Despite an uncommonly poor draft that reeked of “wait ‘til next year,” I maintained a positive vibe on the Browns through the offseason OTAs, minicamps and summer training camp.
The final roster cutdown was a cold towel slap in the face, followed by a second day of random waiver pickups. It’s still not over, but as I write this, the Browns have nine undrafted rookies – plus four picks from their inglorious draft -- and another eight undrafted players entering their second season. That’s 21 of 53 without much experience or pedigree.
The Browns say they are building for sustainable success. It looks more like sustainable mediocrity.
Still, everything rides on Brandon Weeden. If he pulls out a season like that of Derek Anderson, 2007, the points and wins will follow. But the palpable vibe is that not everybody in the building believes in him. There is negative energy there. It may be a self-fulfilling prophecy. I hope not.
I see the Browns going 6-10. If that happens, Weeden will be replaced and the Browns will pat themselves on the back for forsaking this year’s draft for next year’s. And everyone will be starting over again.
The winners: NFC division winners will be Green Bay, the Giants, Atlanta and Seattle. Wild cards will be San Francisco and New Orleans. Atlanta will defeat Seattle in the NFC Championship Game. AFC division winners will be Baltimore, New England, Indianapolis and Denver. Wild cards will be Cincinnati and Kansas City. Baltimore will defeat Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game. The Falcons will survive a New Jersey snowfall in MetLife Stadium to win Super Bowl 48 over the Ravens. The next day, Commissioner Roger Goodell concedes there will be no more Super Bowls outdoors in a northern city unless the city pays a $1 billion “Super Bowl heat adjustment fee.”
And the awards go to: Matt Ryan is named MVP, Marshawn Lynch will be offensive player of the year and J.J. Watt repeats as defensive player of the year. E.J. Manuel is offensive rookie of the year and Bjoern Werner is defensive rookie of the year.
Paying the piper: Browns owner Jimmy Haslam defies the odds and escapes federal indictment in the FBI probe of a fraud scheme at Haslam’s Knoxille, TN-based Pilot Flying J. Freed from that worry, Haslam digs in to football business. At a staff meeting in Berea to review the 2013 draft, he inquires, “Exactly who was responsible for this?”
Foot joy: After completing auditions for their drumline, the Browns sign a kicker.
Lonesome Phil: Phil Dawson leads the NFL with 143 points. At some point, Dawson fesses up that he would have stayed in Cleveland if the Browns had even offered him contract. But he thanks the Browns for not wanting him back.
Tats right: 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick rents space on teammate Colt McCoy’s body for more tattoos.
QB club: Robert Griffin 3, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson announce they will splinter from the NFLPA and re-institute the Quarterback Club to market themselves. They retain Bernie Kosar, originator of the QB Club in the 1980s, as a consultant.
You’re fired and fired again: The Jets fire coach Rex Ryan before October. After interim coach Marty Mornhinweg flubs an overtime coin toss, Jets owner Woody Johnson fires Mornhinweg. Bill Cowher is immediately considered Ryan’s replacement. “I have not talked to anybody with the Jets,” Cowher announces.
Fisher, the .500 king: After the St. Louis Rams finish 8-8, coach Jeff Fisher is hailed as the league’s greatest coach by pundits. He signs a long-term contract that pays him $1 million in bonuses for winning more than seven games.
Rumor city: The Browns are linked to every eligible quarterback in the 2014 draft.
LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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Legend
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Quote:
I will say this. It's Monday, and I know no matter how my week goes, thinking of Sunday will get me through.
And I'm pretty sure on Monday I'll feel like crap. LOL.
By Wednesday, the excitement will be back. I'll justify the loss, convince myself we will beat the Ravens, load up on snacks and beer on Saturday, and get little sleep on Saturday night in anticipation.
On Monday, I'll feel like crap again. Wednesday, I'll tell myself that teams have started 0-2 before and made the playoffs.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
I'm tired of that cycle. I want to catch a break this year.
I am glad someone else shares my same routine as well. As mad as I get on Sunday night/Monday morning, by Wednesday/Thursday I'm ready to go again ... it's masochistic.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
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Legend
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j/c
My prediction is 6-10
Weeden can and probably will improve, but I don't think his ceiling is high enough to really be more than average at best.
Gordon isn't showing a lot of zest for the game this far and I am beginning to question his motivation. I also question the ability of TRich to stay healthy so that to me is a lingering question.
Our secondary was ignored and I also question the ability of our LB'ers to drop into coverage. I can see 8-15 yard strikes beating us on a regular basis this year. Especially over the middle. I know people talk about pressure, but these plays can be executed very quickly.
We have huge holes at S, 2nd CB, TE and RB depth at the very least. Our run blocking lacks consistency and it remains to be seen how well our LB'ers will do in coverage.
There are just too many holes and questions for me to predict a better record than 6-10. And to me? That's being optimistic.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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Quote:
... I'm leaning towards 4-5 wins
If that is all we achieve, I'm predicting a fan revolt. That few number of wins is unacceptable; 7 wins would at least indicate that we are progressing.
I know we're all tired of the same old song and dance, but what is unacceptable about 4-5 wins in the first year of a tear down/rebuild?
Because that's exactly what this season is. I know we all want to believe, but look at our roster. In terms of vast improvement, linebacker is the only position where we haven't either regressed, stayed pat, or are a single injury away from either.
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Legend
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What constitutes a tear down/rebuild in your eyes?
QB - starter is the same; backups have been upgraded.
WR - starters are the same; slot has been upgraded.
RB - starter is the same; backups yet to be determined if upgrade or not
OL - starters all the same if not for injuries
DL - upgraded starters w/Bryant; same backups as last year
LB - upgraded with Kruger, Mingo; question mark at ILB with Robertson, who played a lot last year.
DB - 2 of 4 starters the same
Obviously the bottom third of the roster is being reshaped, but I'm just not seeing rebuild or teardown here.
LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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Quote:
What constitutes a tear down/rebuild in your eyes?
30% of our team being rookie or first year UDFA's would certainly qualify.
Quote:
QB - starter is the same; backups have been upgraded.
Upgraded?
I mean, I wouldn't argue we downgraded, per say, but where's the big upgrade? How much of an improvement is Jason Campbell over Colt McCoy?
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WR - starters are the same; slot has been upgraded.
Qualifying for my statement 'regression, status quo, or an injury away from either'.
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RB - starter is the same; backups yet to be determined if upgrade or not
Qualifying for my statement 'regression, status quo, or an injury away from either'.
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OL - starters all the same if not for injuries
Qualifying for my statement 'regression, status quo, or an injury away from either'.
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DL - upgraded starters w/Bryant; same backups as last year
Qualifying for my statement 'regression, status quo, or an injury away from either'.
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LB - upgraded with Kruger, Mingo; question mark at ILB with Robertson, who played a lot last year.
As I said, the only position of definite improvement.
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DB - 2 of 4 starters the same
Qualifying for my statement 'regression, status quo, or an injury away from either'.
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I think the season hinges on 3 things
1) Weeden - He has to throw for 4,000 yards with more TD's than Int. Be clutch on 3rd down and in the 4th quarter. He doesn't have to be Peyton Manning or Tom Brady but at least equal to the Bears Jay Cutler.
2) Trent Richardson - He MUST stay healthy and look some what like former Norv Turner backs like Emmit Smith and LT. If he produces an all pro season this team has a real chance of competing.
3) Defense must force turnovers. I like the attacking style and hope it causes havoc on the QB's because the secondary looks weak. To be successful the fron 4 has to shut down the run make the oppostion 1 deminsional and then get after the QB's to sack, strip, and force quick throws. If offensive lines give the quality QB's we face this year time to throw our secondary will not hold up. If teams run the ball well it will draw Ward to the line of scrimmage and put even more pressure on the CB's.
If the team is successful in those 3 areas this team can be an 8 or 9 win team. If not they will struggle to win 5 games again.
My prediction is 7-9
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Sorry, I missed the part where you define teardown/rebuild as 'status quo'.
Actually, I didn't miss it. i just wanted to see what you were going to say.
Interesting definition though of teardown/rebuild. I would have chose a different set of words, personally, to make the point you were trying to make.
LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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At the start of the new FO's regime, another poster (Django?) claimed we were in full-on rebuild mode. I argued with him, saying that he could be right, but the evidence to prove it wasn't there yet.
Now I'd have to say the evidence is rolling in.
We've added more question marks than answers, and if pressed I'd have to say that we've regressed in more areas than we've improved.
Personally, I think the FO is waiting to sack Weeden before things really start to take full swing. Unless he's lights out this year, we're looking at a new QB.
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nrtu
4-12, major holes remain.
#gmstrong
A smart person knows what to say.
A wise person knows whether or not to say it.
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Legend
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Quote:
At the start of the new FO's regime, another poster (Django?) claimed we were in full-on rebuild mode. I argued with him, saying that he could be right, but the evidence to prove it wasn't there yet.
Now I'd have to say the evidence is rolling in.
We've added more question marks than answers, and if pressed I'd have to say that we've regressed in more areas than we've improved.
Personally, I think the FO is waiting to sack Weeden before things really start to take full swing. Unless he's lights out this year, we're looking at a new QB.
I guess we will have to debate the definition of rebuild and the evidence that is rolling in. I just don't see it. I see a roster where the starters are pretty much intact and have been upgraded at DL, OLB, and WR (assuming Bess is a starter as the slot guy). I believe our backup QB situation has been upgraded but I'd be willing to give this one a wash.
So largely the same starters with some spots being upgraded. I'm not going to claim any massive upgrades here. I think the FO could have done more, but I just don't see a teardown/rebuild.
If the argument is that changing schemes or turning over the back third of the roster is a tear down/rebuild, I'd disagree. But those are the only two real differences from last year - scheme change, bottom third of roster being revamped.
I could get on board with the argument that our record isn't going to be very good, but I think that's because of Weeden more than anything else. Not due to a reset. I'm just not seeing a reset here in terms of the roster.
Do I think your record prediction may come true? Yes, I do. Just not for the reasons you stated.
And I do also believe the FO believes Weeden will fail. Grossi alluded to it today. It would not surprise me at all if Hoyer is starting before the end of the year. If that's the case, then next year will certainly be closer to a teardown/rebuild than this year because there will be a change at QB coming.
LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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I guess we will have to debate the definition of rebuild
Don't waste your time. It's NOT any type of Rebuild/Teardown. That's ignorant.
With FA and 6 picks within 4 rounds next year I see exactly what these guys are setting up for.
OG/TE/WR?/ILB/CB/S
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Legend
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Quote:
I guess we will have to debate the definition of rebuild and the evidence that is rolling in. I just don't see it. I see a roster where the starters are pretty much intact and have been upgraded at DL, OLB, and WR (assuming Bess is a starter as the slot guy). I believe our backup QB situation has been upgraded but I'd be willing to give this one a wash.
So largely the same starters with some spots being upgraded. I'm not going to claim any massive upgrades here. I think the FO could have done more, but I just don't see a teardown/rebuild.
I agree. To me a rebuild is when you change schemes completely, and dump the majority of your starters because they don't fit. This seems closer to what happened when the Niners changed coaches, and kept most of their players
From 2010 to 2011, on offense, they changed 2 starters, and one of the players who got a new starting position was a previous draft pick of the Niners. On defense they changed a DL, who was also a past Niners draft pick, as well as a LB and a DB who were previous Niners draft picks. They added Carlos Rodgers, and Donte Whitner, but most of their starters in 2011 were on their 2010 roster. The roster wasn't torn down. Players were promoted from within, and they signed a couple of free agents to be starters. However, they ran in 2011 under Harbaugh with a lot of the same players they had in 2010.33 players on the 2011 roster were drafted by the Niners. (at least according to here ) The 6-10 Niners weren't torn down, but rather the roster was finessed and modified in a careful manner. I think that we are closer to this path than to a complete rebuild. Whether or not the results are anywhere similar is yet to be seen.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Legend
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To me a rebuild is when you change schemes completely, and dump the majority of your starters because they don't fit.
Which is pretty close to what we're in the process of doing.
I think Rish and I are pretty close to agreement, there's just a difference in semantics/definitions.
He went on to say that once/if we dump Weeden, we'll be looking at more of a re-build, and I agree with him there.
I'd just call this season phase one.
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Legend
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I think once/if we replace Weeden that will be the completion of the rebuild. Most of our long term starters are already in place.
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Legend
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I think once/if we replace Weeden that will be the completion of the rebuild. Most of our long term starters are already in place.
Off the top of my head, we're going to need at least a starting FS, CB2, ILB.
Rebuild doesn't have to be a scary word. It just is for us because we've been so inept at it.
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Legend
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That's not what we did though. Most of our starters for this year were either starters last year, or at least on the roster and "next in line". (like Cameron) We didn't dump a bunch of players right off the bat and bring in a bunch of new players.
If we'd brought in as starters a new QB, RB, TE, and WR on offense ..... and a DE, pair of LB, and a couple of new starters in the secondary, that, to me, would have been a rebuild. Instead we will have, as starters, new guys at 1 DE spot 1 LB spot, the 3rd CB and the 3rd WR spot who weren't on the team last year. (if I counted right) That's not a rebuild. That's fairly normal turnover for an NFL team.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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AFC is weak this year.
We go 11-5, get home field advantage and win the SB.
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~ Legend
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I think once/if we replace Weeden that will be the completion of the rebuild. Most of our long term starters are already in place.
Off the top of my head, we're going to need at least a starting FS, CB2, ILB.
Rebuild doesn't have to be a scary word. It just is for us because we've been so inept at it.
And a guard, but that's it. Luckily for us the only hard position to find in that group is a free safety.
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Legend
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j/c
The way we stocked up draft picks for next year, I believe a re-build is in order, but didn't happen this year.
As has been mentioned, most everyone starting accept our 2 major FA investments, were starters last year or next in line to start. However, I do see that as a short term thing.
I believe I have seen many who agree that this year is an opportunity for the coaching staff to see who progresses and transitions well into the new schemes on both offense and defense. An evaluation year if you will.
By seasons end, that evaluation process will be concluded and they stock piled draft picks to see that plan through. So I believe if anyone sees this year in and of itself as a rebuild they would be incorrect. However, in the grand scheme of things, I feel a rebuild will be what we see as an end result.
JMHO
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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Legend
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Quote:
That's not what we did though. Most of our starters for this year were either starters last year, or at least on the roster and "next in line". (like Cameron) We didn't dump a bunch of players right off the bat and bring in a bunch of new players.
If we'd brought in as starters a new QB, RB, TE, and WR on offense ..... and a DE, pair of LB, and a couple of new starters in the secondary, that, to me, would have been a rebuild. Instead we will have, as starters, new guys at 1 DE spot 1 LB spot, the 3rd CB and the 3rd WR spot who weren't on the team last year. (if I counted right) That's not a rebuild. That's fairly normal turnover for an NFL team.
All of that assumes that we're going to stand pat where we are, which I don't envision. I see a lot of our starters as stop gaps.
I don't expect Weeden to be our starting QB next year. Nor do I expect to see Gipson at FS, Skrine at CB2, Roberson at ILB, etc.
There's a reason we stocked up for next year's draft. This FO is going to get their QB and fill some holes.
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Legend
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"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
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Legend
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j/c
if we can catch a few breaks... 8-8
realistically 6-10
There is no question we are in a full rebuild. Here are some the key transactions this year.
KEY ADDITIONS: QB Jason Campbell (from Bears), QB Brain Hoyer (from Cardinals), RB Dion Lewis (from Eagles), WR Davone Bess (from Dolphins), WR David Nelson (from Bills), TE Gary Barnidge (from Panthers), TE Kellen Davis (from Bears), OT Rashad Butler (from Texans), DT Desmond Bryant (from Raiders), LB Paul Kruger (from Ravens), LB Quentin Groves (from Cardinals), LB Barkevious Mingo (1st round, LSU), LB Justin Cole (from Rams), CB Leon McFadden (3rd round, San Diego State), CB Christopher Owns (from Falcons), P Spence Lanning (from free agency), K Shayne Graham (from Texans)
KEY DEPARTURES: QB Josh Johnson (to Bengals), QB Colt McCoy (to 49ers), WR Joshua Cribbs (to Raiders), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (to Jaguars), TE Alex Smith (to Bengals), TE Benjamin Watson (to Saints), DE Juqua Parker (free agent), DE Frostee Rucker (released), LB Scott Fujita (retired), LB Kaluka Maiava (to Raiders), LB Chris Gocong (released), LB Emmanuel Acho (to Eagles), CB Sheldon Brown (free agent), S Usama Young (to Raiders), S Ray Ventrone (to 49ers), P Reggie Hodges (free agent), K Phil Dawson (to 49ers)
This doesn't include the whole bottom of the roster.
Hunter + Dart = This is the way.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,620
Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
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Quote:
AFC is weak this year.
We go 11-5, get home field advantage and win the SB.
And if we don't ... our team is a bunch of punks
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Dawg Talker
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Dawg Talker
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Practice Squad
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Practice Squad
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i think they'll be very entertaining to watch, but if they don't come up with a decent kicker, i'll predict 6-10...
acquire a decent kicker, 9-7. Go Browns
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 42,413 |
You're saying a good kicker is worth three wins?
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
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Quote:
You're saying a good kicker is worth three wins?
No ... he said "decent," not "good."
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,530
Dawg Talker
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Dawg Talker
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I don't at all see this year as a throw away which is what I'm seeing posted I personally expect results, maybe not so great to start but by mid season at the latest I expect this team to be playing at a high level, including Weedon.
Yes there are roster concerns but I think we can easily shore some of those things up in the next week, and the positions we need to improve or beef up a bit aren't hard position to acclimate to a new scheme. If we pick up a DB which seems to be the biggest area of concern the acclamation process should be nearly seamless, regardless of whatever defense the DB comes from.
I agree they stock piled picks because they didn't know what they had rather then try to forecast how some of the young guys would fit in they deferred to the next draft and it makes sense on many levels. The draft class this year wasn't that strong of a group, next years draft is suppose to stronger and will have a better handle on where we need to improve so the picks we do make next year will be targeted better.
We don't have this daunting huge holes to fill we have some question areas but there minimal compared to our past where at least fro me I thought man we need to replace the team. We have some real areas of strength, and we have some areas where we have to improve, but I think that's true of every team in the league regardless...
I think as is the defense has a better then average chance to be dominating this season, and that front 7 is as deep and as talented as just about every team in the league, so its not all doom and gloom for the Browns because we may or may not be thin on the backend, a lot of how well the backend looks will be determined by how well the front end plays.. I think the best is yet to come..
Bottom line I expect this team to win and I expect them to be good for a long time.. Patients people we are getting there, and I think we have a very real chance to arrive this year. I think will be the talk of the league this year I really do....
BTTB
AKA Upbeat Dawg
Can't believe I am in a group that is comprised of the best NOT just fans but people on the planet.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,059
Hall of Famer
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Quote:
... I think we have a very real chance to arrive this year....
I don't know about arriving, but I expect us to at least be banging on the door...
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
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Posts: 7,189
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Me too.
I don't expect bad game day coaching decisions or horrendous play calling. That should be worth a game or two or three.
I do expect Horton's Defense to have trouble out of the gate though much improved in the QB pressure aspect. This could be plus or minus a game or two.
I expect Weeden to be better. (But keep in mind, limburger cheese is a better bread spread than doggie doo doo.) How much better will be determined by each coach and fan watching him play. This could be plus or minus a game or two.
I expect TRich to be a beast if he doesn't get injured. That should be worth a game.
Our WR's should be better.
Our OL is already a beast, even with Cousins. He's certainly the weak link but overall I think we'll be alright considering one of Lava/Pinky will be back after game 3. We can sub Gilkey in goal line situations. (Kid's got some beef)
Our defense should be at least slightly better vs the run.
The CB issue is likely to bite us in the ass. This could be worth a minus a game or two.
Our TE situation could hold back the offense if Cameron can't stay healthy. Even if he can I'm not sure he's the guy Norv can dial up like he has with his TE's of the past. After Cameron we got nuthin' for Norv to work with.
I'm so used to our kicker being money that I'm sure this could cost us a game or two. A lot of games come down to the wire across the league. I understand not keeping kickers on the roster who are hurt and cannot kick. Hell, I remember letting Matt Barr go for that very reason and he later went on to win the Superbowl with the Giants that same year.
I suppose that with all the plus and minuses I've added up we could go 8-8. Personally I'd be content with us ending the season 7-9 so long as we win some division games.
That's not what I want and I'd not be happy, but I'd be content not satisfied, but content. Considering our QB, the situation at CB, our recent RB roster moves, a still inexperienced WR corp. (coupled with that QB) and a new defensive scheme in it's first year I expect issues.
But I am encouraged with our guaranteed better play-calling, systems on both sides of the ball designed around our player's strengths and a head coach who seems no nonsense and as determined as any of us Browns fans would be in that position.
#gmstrong
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,864
Hall of Famer
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Miami - Loss - We never win the games I go to, so that trend won't change. @ Bal - Loss - Flacco Picks apart our secondary, Weeden throws INT's we start grumbling and bickering about coaching @ Min - Loss - AP gashes us, Weeden is a road turnover machine Cincy - W: We usually split with Cinci Buffalo - W: Buffalo is horrible, with a rookie QB starting. Detroit - Loss - Stafford just tearing us up, no one can match Megatron, our secondary is suspect. @ GB - L: Blown out on the road @ KC - Win - I think Kansas City will be improved, but people are acting like their a playoff team. I don't see it. Bal - L: Swept again by a team that was "re-tooling" @Cincy - L.: Cincy at home Pitt - L - Big Ben is still their QB, guts them out a close win. Jax - W: The first game all season we look good, should beat Jac soundly @ NE - L: Tom Brady + our secondary Chicago - W - At this point of the year Cutler is hurt and we win a close game. @ NYJ - W: A team very similar to us, they play us a lot tighter than most expect. @ Pit - W: Everyone rejoices us not making the playoffs because we beat the steelers in a meaning less game where neither team has anything on the line. By my count that would make us 7-9 which, honestly is improvement. 
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Posts: 3,643
Hall of Famer
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v. Miami - W... We blow them out. Everyone gets excited, playoff talks start.
@ Bal - L...We get destroyed, Everyone gets welcomed back to reality
@ Min - L...We lose, AP puts up 300
v. Cincy - W...We cant be last in the division this year
v. Buffalo (Thursday) - W...Buffalo is terrible
v. Detroit - L...Megatron gone wild
@ GB - L...Not even close
@ KC - W...
v. Bal - L...Hoping we split with them. This one is close.
@Cincy - L...Split
v. Pitt - L...Ill believe Pitt is losing it when we start to beat them on a regular basis
v. Jax - W...
@ NE - L...Brady picks apart our secondary
v. Chicago - W...Could be close, but we have more weapons
@ NYJ - W...Possibly the worst team in the league
@ Pit - W...we steal a meaningless game.
That gives us 8-8, but Im betting more like 7-9 or 6-10.
Last edited by Arps; 09/03/13 12:58 PM.
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