Longtime Reboot reader Berlin-T pretty much sums up what I was feeling last night:
For the first two games I thought, who are these guys?
Last night against the Eagles while they were driving down to the 2 yard line I kept asking this question. However after they got to the 2 yard line I had sudden premonition that the coming play or plays would determine who these guys really are and how their season will turn out. And then – there they were! – my old Brownies of the last 13 years. They hadn’t deserted me after all. Ah the comfort of familiarity!
I’ll take it a step further.
During this same drive, I had the following thoughts:
1) I like how Shurmur is mixing up the formations. 3 Wide Receivers, followed by 2 tight ends. Also, 3 step drops and 5 step drops.
2) Like others mentioned, Josh Gordon looked like a legitimate target. On the first long pass, I never realized just how “big and long” of a target he is.
3) Weeden was showing some serious zip on his passes – particularly on the somewhat ill-advised sideline throw to Massaquoi.
4) The offensive line adjusted to the Eagles’ Wide-End defense by setting up nice slashing run lanes.
5) As the Browns entered the Eagles’ red zone, I was really thinking about how negative I’ve been regarding Shurmur over the past few weeks. Maybe the Browns’ young head coach is capable of more than just basic competency. Who knows – with the right quarterback….and more time….
And then another f–ing Screen Pass after another f–ing Penalty!
And then all those old thoughts crept back in.
1) So far, this offensive line can’t handle pressure. Granted, the Eagles have a quick front four and play a quirky scheme – but both Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz were beaten on the outside. Then, all three interior blockers – Mack, Pinkston and Lauvao – struggled with holding calls and false starts.
Although this was at least funny.
2) This is a huge problem, as so far the Browns have three games on tape in which Weeden has struggled against both basic pass rushes and blitzes. Say what you will about Weeden’s arm (a cannon), but the rookie QB is about as mobile as Derek Anderson.
3) And for the thousandth time, if Shurmur and his 38 assistants eventually realize that the Browns’ wide receivers are not getting open, then the offense needs to become a more quick drop, quick read, quick pass offense. Otherwise, Thaddeus Lewis becomes the Browns’ backup QB.
4) Although I greatly hoped that Schwartz would alleviate the need for constant two-tight end sets, it’s looking like Alex Smith will reprise his 2011 role in 2012. It was nice seeing you on the field, Jordan Cameron.
5) On a similar note, Weeden can make throws that other NFL QB’s cannot – such as the sideline laser to Massaquoi. However, it’s clear that Weeden’s baseline instinct is to gun passes into tight spaces, which will be a problem in the regular season.
6) Be it injury or now a fumbling problem, the Browns cannot count on Montario Hardesty as a feature running back. And with the dubious start to Trent Richardson’s NFL career, this is a huge issue. We’ve seen what happens to Shurmur’s offense when the Browns can’t run the ball (most of 2011). Now throw in a rookie QB, WR and RT into the mix and cover your eyes.
7) And again, all this because of a screen…after a penalty.
8) Although this helps….at least a little.
9) And if you want to call it progress, or some bastard form of evolution, it’s worth noting that Shurmur called a quick flat route to Brandon Jackson later in the first half on a similar 2nd and Long. The play gathered maybe three yards, but at least didn’t completely destroy the game.
Seriously, this is progress. This is what it currently means to be a Browns’ fan:
I hope that our young Head Coach doesn’t yet again call a screen pass that doesn’t work and completely alters the direction of the game, leading to an insurmountable shift of football time and space.
10) Some of you reading this are probably thinking, “this guy just needs to be patient.” Sure, I still have patience – but honestly, the purity of such a thing started to erode during the Bills and Lions games in 2009. Right now, I will just say that if Shurmur calls ANOTHER 2nd and Long screen pass during one of the first few regular season games, then I will know that he is the most overmatched and unimaginative offensive play callers in Browns’ history.
Anyway, one more gripe about Shurmur – the HEAD COACH, not the offensive play caller.
Again, hardly any of us know much about Shurmur from a pure football standpoint. Obviously, he coached quarterbacks for a long time and is now entering his fourth year of calling offensive plays. Certainly along the way, Shurmur picked up some great knowledge regarding football in general – the kind of expertise needed for a coach to see the entirety of a team, including all phases of a given game.
In this respect, Shurmur has to see that penalties, procedural mistakes and missed assignments are crippling both his offense and special teams. Creativity, experience, desire and/or belief in a system means nothing if a team still cannot execute basic blocking assignments.
Yet again, the Browns’ offensive line missed key blocking assignments, which led to fumbles, unnecessary quarterback hits, busted runs and the unfortunate 2nd and Long situations previously lamented. On Special Teams, a punt was blocked – which is something that hardly ever happens in today’s NFL.
Before Shurmur can even begin to comment on a young wide receiver’s work ethic or a cornerback playing rough, he – as a HEAD COACH – needs to either personally correct these issues or ensure that his coaches are doing so. Otherwise, Shurmur’s team will be in a hole all season – and all the precision West Coast passing routes in the world will not do a thing to help.
Finally, let me state this. I am not wholeheartedly a part of the small pro-Mangini contingent of Browns fans. Admittedly, I admired Mangini for being a smart coach who preached discipline when the Browns needed it most. However, I also feel that Mangini achieved many of his team-first goals by stripping the Browns of the kind of athleticism needed to compete in the NFL.
But, this is a story for another time.
The point here is that Mangini did not parade an overly athletic team, but at least presented one that didn’t continually shoot themselves in the feet with repetitive penalties or miss basic assignments that led to crippling, blown plays. Now, as to where a Mangini-led Browns team would be today is a question that likely doesn’t have a positive answer.
However, as for today’s team, last night was a striking indicator of just where Shurmur’s Browns are. Yes, the Head Coach is young and the team is young. There is obviously some exciting talent on the Browns’ roster, but right now it’s really difficult to see it past the dumb penalties, dumb mistakes and dumb play calls.
For anyone who still questions my motives on critiquing Shurmur, last night provided the best evidence. However, this is also a great launching point for Shurmur to show that he’s worthy of being an NFL Head Coach.
Oh, right – I forgot about the positives.
1) Josh Gordon was much improved. If he learns to position his body, he can be a top-20 receiver in the league.
2) Weeden has a gun. But much like Derek Anderson, he needs to learn that he doesn’t always have to use it.
3) When he’s not getting flagged twice on one drive, Jason Pinkston has shown that he is at another physical level this season.
4) We forgot about him, but Jordan Norwood is probably still the Browns’ most sure-handed receiver.
5) Billy Winn and James Michael Johnson are exactly what the Browns needed in terms of changing to athletic norm of the defense. Once JMJ gets better against the run, the Browns projected (mid-season) lineup of Johnson-Jackson-Maiava looks a little better.
6) A few times last night it looked like Sheldon Brown was playing in a Rob Ryan defense. Whatever happened to safety help? Oh, wait – positive stuff. Sorry.
7) When his punts aren’t getting blocked, Reggie Hodges is a huge upgrade over Brad Maynard and the guy who got cut….what’s his name?
8) Brandon Jackson ran like his job was on the line last night. And assuming Richardson is indeed healthy, it’s possible that it was.
9) Colt McCoy is showing that he’s an ideal backup QB. And considering what the O-Line has shown, he’s worth a lot more than a 5th round pick. Or, here’s an idea – why not just keep him? When’s the last time a Browns’ QB started 16 games?
10) If my Eaglization of Cleveland hypothesis has any merit, maybe it’s possible that the Browns’ defense will be as fast as the one the Eagles presented last night.
Much more later and Sunday. Let me know what you think.
I only watched the first half because, quite frankly, I couldn’t take it anymore. Admittedly, I expected Weeden to look like he has. His arm is impressive and he can make all of the throws, when he has time. Which leads me to the biggest concern: the offensive line. Schwartz appears overmatched and his athleticism is a big concern for me. Also, the guard play was abysmal last night, and even Joe Thomas looked subpar. I was under the assumption that the oline would be a “strength” this year, so this is very alarming in my opinion.
Also, I really want to believe in Hardesty, but he really hasn’t showed anything. He has no explosion, strength, or elusiveness. Plus, he can’t catch. It appears like he will be passed up by Jackson, as he probably should.
Gordon made some improvements. His athleticism is very telling. I hope he continues to become comfortable.
Little and Weeden don’t look to be on the same page at all. I’m not really sure what to make of this because I thought Little would be much improved.
I really like what I’m seeing out of Winn, Hughes, JMJ, Wade, Robertson, and Sims. While they aren’t going to be plug-and-play additions, they do show some potential.
The secondary is so hot-and-cold. Joe Haden looked hungry and angry last night, which is good. But Sheldon Brown looked twice his age, which is old to begin with. Ward seems to be regressing, yet Hagg seems to be improving. Ugh.
Shurmur is very annoying to view as I watch the game. He appears clueless and out of touch, which makes watching the game even more frustrating. I can’t even get into this one.
It was nice to see Haslam because he gives me a good vibe for the future; however, this season appears to be a lost cause either way.
That’s all I can think of for now.
Those are excellent comments, Brian. Bring more in the future.
Shurmur is fascinating to watch. He just doesn’t seem capable of adjusting and I really wonder what all the Holmgren/LaMonte assistants do during a game. Shurmur is a weird mixture of overconfident jock and passive aggressive control freak who realizes that he is in over his head.
But yes, the O-Line is an issue. They block so well when they are on the move – A Warhop speciality – but can’t handle pressure. And Thomas is great, but will occasionally struggle against quick ends (Abraham). Schwartz sometimes looks like a Eagle or Manning-era Colts Guard more than a Tackle at times. Not sure what to make of it so far.
Again, adjustments. These next two weeks will be the proving ground for Shurmur as a HEAD COACH.
1. the weeden to gordon perfect throw athletic catch has never been executed in by a browns combo in CBS before. maybe kosar-to-langhorne did this but i cant remember it. i remember our best receivers being not big — warfield rucker slaughter. the gordon play on its own is a demonstrable sign of progress and improvement.
2. billy winn is an impact player; downside– he ain’t gonna be bullrushing any NFL guards this year any way.
3. for all the crap the o-line is taking there was some good. gotta think trent richardson could do more with this hole and this hole than hardesty did.
4. no-huddle offense? sure it didnt work. but still, apparently it’s in the playbook. (lol at shurmur for showing it…)
not gonna get into how utterly screwed the secondary is (imagine haden out first four games?? brown looking old. tj who?). gonna give schwartz some time to figure it out (any one remember alex mack absolutely could not perform a shotgun snap for half of his first season?). will call out greg little for the absurd alligator arms on the route over the middle.. momass or cribbs would have gotten that one.
and the screen pass? that’s all for you dave. but i would say this — pinkston had to release, trent cole is fast, brandon weeden is slow. maybe shotgun screen?
Maybe NO SCREEN, ever! Browns’ screens are stuff for my therapist to unravel.
Another positive is that at least a few downfield passes were thrown. While not completed, at least the offense is trying to become more vertical. However, the blocking is just a mess right now – bad enough to thwart any kind of even modest progress.
You can see why everyone like Weeden, but D@#m he is a rookie with a long way to go. He is not ready for prime time. In five quarters of preseason play, Weeden has three fumbles (two lost) and one interception. Hardesty has not really played well, Sheldon Brown was owned by a rookie, and Rookie QB with no real running game made the Browns defense look really bad. What is more amazing is that Eagles out hustled and out hit the Brown on what 4 days rest after a late Monday night game? That is the most telling of the coaching staff. Is Shurmur the walking dead?
Overall, the team wasn’t prepared for anything. The Eagles are a fast team, but that is not an excuse for preparation. This is troubling. Rookies or not, NFL teams have to at least be prepared.
For the first two games I thought, who are these guys?
Last night against the Eagles while they were driving down to the 2 yard line I kept asking this question. However after they got to the 2 yard line I had sudden premonition that the coming play or plays would determine who these guys really are and how their season will turn out. And then – there they were! – my old Brownies of the last 13 years. They hadn’t deserted me after all. Ah the comfort of familiarity!
Like an old blanket that someone with poison ivy rubbed their body all over.
Actually, as a young boy I was totally immune to poison ivy. I once walked in a wet swimsuit into a poison ivy patch to pull out a boat off a riverbank that had been swallowed up by the stuff. Didn’t have the slightest problem.
Does that perhaps explain my ability to keep rooting for the Browns? (I’ve been doing it since 1952, of course there was nothing poisonous about the Browns in those days).
You’re a glutton.
Yes.
I know the O-line is hit/miss in its effectiveness and that effects the running game but I would like to say I’d rather see Pat Shurmer at running back than Montario Hardesty again. He is just not a good running back. He’s had a lot of opportunities to prove himself and he hasn’t showed anything. At this point I strongly believe the only reason he gets the playing time he does is because he’s Hecker’s second round trade up.
Between injury and fumbling, he’s just not reliable. Entering the league, he was more physical. Now, he’s slimmed down, but doesn’t have the speed for such a build. He would be a decent backup, assuming our starter will play.
I am in full agreement in keeping McCoy – Wallace costs more, he has shown no reason at all why he is worth more now that Colt is in the “System” – and need I mention Wallace’s ego ? Last year demanding he should be the starter. He is a joke that Holmgren should no longer be able to protect and a needless cost and cancer.
McCoy has a good attitude – is a competitor – costs less – and a team player.
I would keep Weeden, McCoy, and Lewis – they’d all get reps and time and from what we saw last night doubtfully can hurt us more than what will already be occurring and they’ll grow more for the future.
Easy decision if Heckert is allowed to make it sans Holmgren.
And if the question is trade value, neither Wallace or McCoy has much. A Browns’ quarterback typically does not start 16 games, which makes the backup pretty important. Why not keep a decent one?
like button.
We share similar sentiments about Mangini, dk. He had some serious flaws as a coach and was a tragically horrible shadow-GM, but he did a fine job of coaching fundamentals. Mangini coached teams executed blocks and tackles well, and rarely made dumb mental mistakes leading to penalties and botched plays. Why? Because Mangini devoted a lot of emphasis and practice time to the fundamentals.
This begs the question – since Shurmer is obviously not devoting strong emphasis or practice time to fundamentals, just what is he doing during practices, walk-throughs, and film break-down sessions? The limited preparation time coaches have with players during the week is so very valuable and precious. What is Shurmer wasting this time doing, because it sure isn’t working very well whatever it is.
That’s the question, really. It seems Shurmur is lost in his playbook. Having all the coordinators and assistants was supposed to free him up from the offense. For his own sake and the team’s, let’s hope he takes the next two weeks to fix the mistakes that keep happening.
Nicely done. I won’t go into a full commentary here as I did so on Frowns, but, I will state a couple of observations:
1) Brandon Weeden has an arm and he trusts it too much. What’s more bothersome though is that both fumbles (and the ones seen previously) are a result of a mechanical issue: he holds the ball too low when he’s dropping. The ball should be up around his shoulder/ear area. It’s down by his waist. Also, I’ve long maintained that Weeden is no more consistently accurate than the next guy and that he’ll be a huge liability under pressure. Obviously not many QBs do well under the rush but Weeden is particularly limited.
2) Adonis Thomas is a guy they’ll have trouble hiding on the practice squad. That could spell trouble for Hardesty.
3) Greg Little needs to hold on to the damned ball. For that matter, he needs to go over the middle. Another play like the alligator arms one and he’ll be labeled “scared”.
4) Schwartz seemed very vulnerable to speed rushes to his inside gap. Something to watch. He looked horrible on a few plays but decidedly better than Pashos or St. Clair at other times.
5) Colt McCoy is quietly having a good preseason despite all of the media’s efforts to downplay it as being against 3rd stringers. The truth is we aren’t evaluating the opposition. The receivers and OL are third stringers too. He’s seemingly making quicker decisions and is really selling out to get first downs and keep drives going. Arm strength will never be confused with Weeden’s but it does look a bit stronger. Holmgren needs to get a new pet and jettison Seneca Wallace.
With respect to Mangini, I would say that for all of the griping about him being a stickler for detail, his teams with the Jets and Cleveland were consistently in the top five as least penalized teams and that’s the only way a less talented team will challenge a more talented one (Pittsburgh in ’09, New Orleans, New England and the Jets in ’10).
Great stuff. I never noticed Weeden holding the ball low, but now I will pay attention. I also think beyond the mobility issue is that Weeden is slow to recognize pressure. At OSU, Weeden hardly ever faced real pressure.
Not sure about Adonis Thomas – he reminds me of every other Browns’ preseason back. But Hardesty certainly is not reliable in any way.
Also not sure about the Alligator Arms and Little. Weeden simply overthrew and then threw behind Little on two passes. I saw that Grossi tweeted that – hopefully it doesn’t catch on.
Now I’m wondering if Schwartz is better suited to play Guard then Tackle. I miss L.J. Shelton.
Like I said before, these next two weeks should be Shurmur’s time to assert himself as Head Coach.
Not a good showing at all, and its very very hard not to point the finger mainly at the HC (and by extension also at Mike Holmgren). Of the 5 HC’s we have had since the expansion, only one (Mangini) was not a rookie HC. Romeo is probably turning out to be OK in KC, but it is now his second stint. Mike Holmgren did a very quick hire of a rookie HC. Not much of his work last year was noteworthy. This year seems to be more of the same.
The best news is we finally have an owner who provides solid leadership. PS better succeed this year or it will definitely be his last.
I’ve thought about a ranking of the 5 Expansion Head Coaches: who would be considered the best?