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Terry's Talkin' about Cleveland Browns sticking with plan of building on defense, running game - Terry Pluto By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
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on January 31, 2015 at 9:29 AM, updated January 31, 2015 at 9:42 AM
LInky DinkyDoo

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In their postseason meetings, the Browns talked a lot about how they reached that 6-3 record. Then things fell apart and the team ended up 7-9 after a 20-10 defeat at Baltimore to conclude the season on a five-game losing streak.

As you read this, remember that I'm telling you how the Browns view things right now. This is not an opinion story, it's informational.

The Browns believe the following:

1. The offense was built on a rugged running game, solid quarterback play and receivers who caught the ball and ran the right patterns. It has to stay that way. They'd love to have an elite quarterback, but that doesn't seem possible. In the AFC North, with cold weather and physical teams, it makes sense for the Browns to keep the run first/defend well philosophy in place.

2. The defense started slowly and was improving. It began to force turnovers and was effective against the passing game. Run defense was a weakness all season.

3. The Browns opened the season with the plan of developing an offense built on the run and play-action passing. And they were going to rely on their defense to make big plays.

That basic plan remains in place. The Browns believe the defense can really improve because they will have Coach Mike Pettine's system in place for a second season. They also believe that defending the pass takes priority over stopping the run because most teams rely on the pass.

Here are some key defensive stats from last season:

1. They ranked No. 9 in points allowed -- 19.6. In 2013, it was 25.4, ranking 23rd.

2. The Browns ranked No. 5 in red zone defense. It was No. 30 in 2013.

3. The Browns ranked No. 12 in third down defense. It was 31st in 2013.

4. The Browns ranked No. 2 in interceptions. It was No. 20 in 2013.

5. The Browns ranked first in opposing passer percentage (.571). It was 16th in 2013.

6. They dropped to No. 27 in sacks after being No. 16 in 2013.

7. Rushing defense was a disaster, ranking dead last at No. 32. It was No. 18 in 2013.

8. But overall, the key stat was the Browns allowing nearly six fewer points than a year ago. They were at 19.6, and holding an opponent under 20 points should give a team a chance to win most games. Improving the defense in the red zone and on third downs were a big part of the cutting the point total.

The Browns know they have to address the run defense, and that starts with the defensive line. But overall, they believe they are building a defense that can compete in the AFC North.

The offense remains a problem. I was not able to get a sense of what they plan to do about the quarterback -- other than they have do something. Maybe they aren't clear themselves because the options are so limited. That's part of the reason they have re-opened communications with Brian Hoyer's agent.

Here are some other things I'm hearing:

1. They want to add another good offensive lineman, either in the draft or free agency. They want to avoid another huge drop-off as happened when Pro Bowl center Alex Mack broke his leg and the Browns went through three other players unable to find a decent replacement.

2. I doubt they will use a first-round pick on a receiver. They may return to free agency for this season's version of Andrew Hawkins, their free agent pick from 2014. If he's healthy, Miles Austin (lacerated kidney) is likely to be offered a chance to return.

3. They like their young running backs: Terrance West, Isaiah Crowell and Glenn Winston. They believe Winston can be a good back, which is why they kept him on the roster all season. But they may sign a veteran running back.

General Manager Ray Farmer believes there are only three basic ways to assemble a team:

1. Buying: Investing heavily in free agents. You make a relatively long term commitment to them.

2. Borrowing: Signing a lot of veterans to short contracts, often players at the end of their careers. You hope to squeeze a year out of them.

3. Building: The draft, finding undrafted free agents and claiming young players off waivers from other teams. This is where the Browns want to find the majority of their players.

ABOUT BUYING PLAYERS

But you can BUY WISELY: The Browns believe they have done so in the last two years with free agents Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant, Donte Whitner, Andrew Hawkins and Karlos Dansby. They all were expensive, but they also have produced.

Cleveland Browns
Paul Kruger revived his career with 11 sacks in 2014.
Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

1. Kruger rebounded from a disappointing 2013 season (4.5 sacks) to lead the Browns with 11 sacks. He also was solid against the run.

2. Bryant had a minor heart problem in 2013 and missed the final four games. He had surgery to fix an irregular heartbeat on December 6, 2013. Bryant suffered a wrist injury in training camp, and missed the first game of 2014. But he played the next 15 and was the Browns best defensive lineman. He had 5.0 sacks.

3. Danbsy had an excellent season. He missed four games with a knee injury that appeared to end his season. But Dansby came back and played the final two games, even though the Browns were out of playoff contention. He had 20 tackles in those two games. Profootballfocus rated him the No. 8 inside linebacker in the league.

4. Whitner was solid as a safety, made the Pro Bowl as an alternate selection. He has missed only one game in the last five years.

5. Hawkins led the Browns with 63 catches. He played 15 games, the most in his career. He stayed away from injuries that have plagued him in the past. He played only eight games the previous season with the Bengals. The coaches loved the professionalism that he brought to the team.

So what does this mean for the Browns in 2015?

I expect them to make two significant free agent acquisitions. It's possible that's where the Browns will try to add a receiver. They have to do something for a quarterback. Tight end also is an issue, even if they re-sign Jordan Cameron. His concussion history is scary.

While the Browns will keep talking about building through the draft, they also know they have to shop for a few more good veterans. I'd like to see them look hard at receiver Cecil Shorts, the Cleveland native and Mount Union graduate who is now a free agent after having played in Jacksonville.

ABOUT BORROWING PLAYERS

These are free agents, such as Miles Austin, Ben Tate, Nate Burleson, Jim Dray, Isaiah Trufant, Paul McQuistan, Gary Barnidge and John Greco.

Greco came to the Browns in 2011 from the Rams in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. He proved to be so valuable on the offensive line, he signed a long-term deal and is now a core player.

Once a productive player with Detroit, Burleson was cut late in training camp. Austin came back from hamstring injuries to catch 47 passes and become the Browns best target on third down for Brian Hoyer.

The Browns know they have to address the run defense, and that starts with the defensive line.
Tate was a relatively big name who signed for a very modest contract ($2.5 million guaranteed). He was cut during the season.

McQuistan was given a chance to start at guard, but couldn't produce. Dray became a useful tight end in blocking situations. A defensive back and special teams player, Trufant could not stay healthy.

The Browns will keep looking in the bargain bins to see if they can borrow a player who becomes another Greco and Austin.

As for the draft, you know how that works. They just have to get it right.

ABOUT THE NEW COACHES

Head coach Mike Pettine nearly hired John DeFilippo as his offensive coordinator last season. He was the runner-up to Kyle Shanahan, who was given the job because of his experience. DeFilippo had only called plays at San Jose State in 2011.

From what I can tell, DeFilippo quietly was the leader when the search began after Shanahan left. Mike Pettine had a sense a year ago that the Oakland quarterback coach was ready for the job.

But the Browns coaching staff was so inexperienced. Pettine was a rookie head coach. Jim O'Neil a rookie defensive coordinator. The offense was going to be built around the run, and they knew Shanahan and his zone blocking scheme would be good for the Browns.

They have added Joker Collins, who is 51 and has a career that began as an NFL receiver in Washington. He spent most of his coaching career working with receivers at the college level, and was Kentucky's head coach from 2010-12.

The Browns wanted to add an experienced receivers coach to help DeFilippo. The two men have known each other for decades, as DeFilippo's father (Gene) worked in the athletic department when Collins was at Kentucky. They also were on the same coaching staff at Notre Dame.

The Browns wanted to add an experienced receivers coach to help DeFilippo. The two men have known each other for decades, as DeFilippo's father (Gene) worked in the athletic department when Collins was at Kentucky. They also were on the same coaching staff at Notre Dame.

i stopped reading right there.

Good reading! Serves to update us to a certian extent and reinforces what we here have been speculating since the season ended...thanks, Mourg.

Then you read the entire article...

you're sharp.

No sarcasim intended, merely an observation. I couldn't resist however...

So you read the whole article.

i just hope Joker can help lure Cobb to the Browns. He is the best in the league when the play breaks down.

Its good to know that the team is coming to terms with where they are. I've been saying there is no magic QB solution. The best way to improve incrementally is by addressing the run defense, pass rush and running game. Not so much the runners as the OL depth.

There is one particular guy out there (and others have also brought his name up previously) who likely could provide significant reinforcement to our Oline - Cameron Erving.

reminds me of the ravens with trent dilfer as QB. we can be in the hunt year after year by doing just that. we don't need an elite QB to do this.

Sorry Terry, but this doesn't sound like "a plan" to me. An idea is not a plan. This sounds like Steve Martin's plan to be a millionaire - well, first you get your million dollars ...

Dude, I was one of those guys. You know how Farmer says that Bitonio was the must have in last years draft. You might be able to make that case for Erving. Here's why.

Erving was a highly rated LT prospect. Moved to Center and was probably better there than LT. So he gets drafted by Cleveland; I think he upgrades the RT position immediately. Guess who becomes the #2 Center on the depth chart? With playing time could be ultimately develop into a LT? This one player could be a big part of addressing the OL depth.

I'd take him at 19. That's my estimation of his value to this football team.

You're correct, it isn't. However, before you can have a plan, you first must have an idea. So we are at the first step; now on to the second step (whatever that may be)...

If we're able to make these incremental improvements this season. We will also know much more about the long term viability of Manziel by years end. 2016? If there is a QB they want; be as aggressive as necessary to draft him.

Why not? With the 2015 FA and draft, as well as the 2016 FA period, our team should have the required talent, missing only the needed QB.

Is the OL really so bad? To me, Greco and Bitonio are more than adequate. I suppose you can upgrade Schwartz, and make him a backup tackle and guard, and Greco could be your backup center. But I feel like people are freaking out because Mack got hurt. Well, he's probably not going to get hurt next year. So we are going to burn a first-rounder to upgrade Schwartz, who is at least a competent starter.
I say DL, WR and QB are the areas we need to look at. And even our DL is okay, barring injuries.

That 2016 QB might just be Cardale Jones.

Is the OL really so bad?

not in the scheme were last year. we were very good. the problem we had was no depth at all. everything we built went out the window with one injury. that's why i'm leaning more and more towards the erving pick. he can cover three different positions at a high level when a man goes down.
that right there opens up more room for other positions.

I dont understand why people keep wanting to replace schwartz. The guy had a fantastic year. He is a huge reason as to why our run game was so effective. I think the guy is top 10 RT in the league.

I wouldnt mind a more powerful RG but Grecco was damn good as well. Think about it this was a top 10 offensive line without our pro bowl center. We need some depth but man this OL rocks. I wouldnt mind spending some of those mind level p

if we were to draft let's say erving in the 1st. would you start him? if so where? who would you replace to put him in the lineup?

That's a good question. I imagine it would depend on his degree of competence at any position, whether he is good enough to unseat one of the current starters. He can play OC, OG, and RT, perhaps even LT (Joe's successor) after a period of "seasoning"...

Knox, good point! Depth isn't built as suitable replacements in a ZBS. There is no one challenging starters. You hear it all the time next man up. In case of the Browns, next man up is an emergency player not a potential player for the future.

We would be using a first for insurance behind the most durable players on the team, all because Mack got hurt for the first time in his career. Best case for the opening game lineup, is he is a starter and a slight upgrade over Schwartz. I don't think that makes us much better. Seems like you can find a center later (Packers got Linsley late and he starts) and find other OL depth later, too.
I want those first two picks to be starters from day one, and difference makers. Danny Shelton would be a good pick, and maybe a pass rusher.

What are you saying here, bugs? That you don't want to invest a high draft pick for the Oline? What happens if Mack walks or Thomas retires in a few seasons, or unforseen injury?

man i like this erving dude more and more. it wouldn't be difficult to find his position on the team either. i really think the left side is set in stone LT LG C. you simply have a competition on the right side. whoever loses out wins the backup job. and we would have an OL we have only dreamed of since 99.

Would you consider Shelton at #12 and Erving at #19?

When Mack go hurt and we started moving guys around on the OL the run game stalled, Hoyer's mechanics were effected by his loss of confidence in the pocket integrity. Opposing teams ignored our play action. Hoyer was forced to more drop-back passing which hasn't been his strength. We were unable to sustain drives. Opposing offenses received incrementally better field position. Right now I can't point to stats to prove that our defense was on the field longer but I'm confident in saying so.

Without question those are my round 1 targets.

Negative! Question was is the OL really that bad? I'm saying, yes. Browns have no depth after the starters. There is talent just not "next man up" talent. It is simply a product of constant change. Browns stated they laid the foundation in 2014. That means ZBS is the preferred choice. Now they need to add pieces who fit.

As for drafting, I have always been "draft best player available" that fits believer. There maybe other guys ranked hire on other peoples list. I don't care if he is a receiver, QB, or long snapper draft the best. Farmer must continue building what he started last year.

I love Shelton at 12, but I just feel like we need that WR at 19, and we can improve our OL a bit later, or maybe even through free agency (Lupati?). We waited all year for Gordon to come back, and when he did, he didn't help and now of course he's out. We can't really go out there will Austin and Hawkins as our starters. And we will NEVER land a WR through free agency when he wouldn't even know who his QB is.
This is probably insane, and no way Farmer would do it, but what if you went WR for both first round picks? Like last year, adding say Mike Evans and Odell Beckham, or Kelvim Benjamin. I mean, what an infusion that would be! But we would probably end up with Robiskie-Massaquoi II.

Last year the Jets signed Eric Decker (who was among the best free agent wide receivers).

Ok, cfrs15, that's a fair point. But there are big differences. One, Decker's wife is some sort of hottie who probably wanted to live in NY to promote her TV show. Two, no matter how much we appreciate the city of Cleveland, it is a harder sell than NYC to most people (not to mention their wives). And finally, the Jets at this point last year had a top QB in the draft going into his second year as the entrenched starter. He may suck, but that's more clarity than we have at the moment.

I am a believer in BPA and the best players in this draft are the receivers. We could draft 2 and it wouldnt bother me, if not just trade out of the first for nextyears firsts. It isnt as bad as the Mingo draft but this draft sucks. Parker and White would be a good start to the draft.

I'm not suggesting this FA would solve the, so-called, wide receiver problem but I could definitely see the Browns signing Andre Holmes from the Raiders. He has talent and of course, there is the DeFilippo connection.

Now I am going to have to go research this?

Mike Wallace signed with the Dolphins (this was before Tannehill was any good).

Vincent Jackson went to the Buccaneers.

My main conclusion after looking into this for a total of five minutes is that their just aren't that many good free agent wide receivers historically.

Also, never argue Geno Smith as a positive reason why someone would sign with a team.

Ok, cfrs15, I know when I'm beat!

It was a draw.

I would be ecstatic