May 22, 2013

Grossi: Browns should “spread out” on offense

October 1, 2012 by 51 Comments

Tony Grossi has been a different guy since jumping over to WKNR. I’ve said it a few times. I also said Pat Shurmur looked like a different guy before he shrunk back into the ugly cocoon of negativity and churlishness once the Browns sale was announced. I digress.

Grossi seems to be enjoying his freedom from the Plain Dealer. Even if you still don’t like the Browns’ most tenured beat reporter, I think he nailed his post today about what he would do if he was Browns coach.

The plodding, 1980s-era fullback-tailback run game is not working here. It’s not only not working, it is deflating everybody. Richardson spends too much time running up the ankles of fullback Owen Marecic or guards Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao. He needs room. They get in his way.

The Browns have to spread out defenses with their formation. The NFL likes to think it invents every new trend in the game. Sorry. The college game is far ahead on the offensive side. That’s why Bill Belichick visited Urban Meyer at Florida for so many years – to get a leg up on his NFL rivals.

I recommend the whole post. It seems spot on to me. The Browns have some weapons now, and a few scheme adjustments would seemingly benefit the team greatly. Not to pile on Owen Marecic, but his presence on the field usually indicates an obvious run. His inability to punish anyone by catching the ball out of the backfield makes him even more one-dimensional.

It kind of reminds me of all those running plays last year where Alex Smith went in motion the exact same way probably 10 times per game. At least he caught the ball some.

[Related: Cleveland Browns Game 4: Winners and Losers]

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Browns Banking on Shawn Lauvao to Help Make Weeden and Richardson a Success

August 22, 2012 by 12 Comments

Shawn Lauvao and Mitchell Schwartz block for Brandon Weeden

“Bran-don Wee-den” clap, clap, clap clap clap “Bran-don Wee-den”.

Practice has just ended, and a group of school students are doing their best to encourage their favorite players to come over and sign autographs.

“Gr-eg Lit-tle” clap, clap, clap clap clap “Gr-eg Lit-tle”.

A few players are getting some extra work in. Alex Smith catches passes off the juggs gun. After one hits the ground, he is ribbed by James Dockery for failing to look the ball into his hands, the very thing he is supposed to be working on.

“Colt Mc-Co-oy” clap, clap, clap clap clap “Colt Mc-Co-oy”

In a small huddle off to the side of a practice field, the offensive line finishes up together and make their way back. Joe Thomas is assigned a spot to sign autographs on this day. Shawn Lauvao makes it back to the building without hearing a group of youngsters chant his name. His name isn’t easy to chant in four syllables, but doubtful that’s the real reason he wasn’t targeted by the boys. [Read more...]

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Offensive Line gives Cleveland reason for optimism in 2012

May 1, 2012 by 47 Comments

If the Browns are to turn things around next season- and that’s a big if- a number of improvements have to be made on the offensive side of the ball and it starts on the line.

The good news, if you are a Browns fan, is that there appears to be reason for optimism.

We have a few known variables- such as Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas. Even if you don’t think Thomas played at a Pro Bowl level last year, he is still in the top five in the league. He has been very durable throughout his career, starting and finishing all 80 games the Browns have played since drafting him. There may even be reason to believe the Browns have some depth in case the unthinkable happens and Thomas goes down.

The Browns decided to cut Eric Steinbach in what really amounted to a cost-efficiency move. They feel Jason Pinkston can do the job there for a lot less money. There was talk that the Browns may decide to bring Steinbach back at a reduced salary. As of now, Steinbach has not signed with any other team. Given what the Browns did in the draft to improve the line, and the improvement they are expecting from Jason Pinkston, I’m fairly certain Steinbach won’t be returning.

The center position will again be manned by Alex Mack, who is an above average center. Yes, he had a Pro Bowl appearance as an injury replacement. The AFC North has a few excellent centers. Mack might not be the best center in our own division, but what difference does that make anyway. He is a plug ‘em in and forget ‘em type of player.

Now we move to the right side of the line. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… NFL Draft First Round Reactions

April 27, 2012 by 62 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

This post makes a lot of solid points. While Morris Claiborne might have been favored by some, Trent Richardson clearly fills a big need for the Browns: “Richardson is considered an all-around back, and has been pegged by many as the best running back coming out of college since Adrian Peterson. Many people here at Dawgs By Nature had made it clear that we preferred that Richardson not be the pick, but it is what it is. I’m not disappointed that Richardson is a member of the Browns, as he definitely improves a position that previously featured Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson, and Chris Ogbonnaya. Were any of those guys going to get it done against the Steelers’ or Ravens’ defense? A concern about Richardson is whether he can live up to the hype at the NFL level. We shall see.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs By Nature]

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Some noteworthy facts and figures about Richardson being the Browns’ pick: “Richardson is the first running back taken by the Browns in the first round since William Green in 2002. He is the eleventh running back selected by the Browns in the first round in franchise history, joining Ken Carpenter (1950), Preston Carpenter (1956), Jim Brown (1957), Leroy Jackson (1962), Ron Johnson (1969), Mike Pruitt (1976), Charles White (1980), Eric Metcalf (1989), Tommy Vardell (1992) and William Green (2002).” [Matt Loede/Browns Gab]

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Then, of course, the real shocker took place at No. 22 where the Browns took Brandon Weeden: “It was interesting that Shurmur pointed out that the owner had input on this decision. The pressure is on, and the clock is ticking. At his age, Weeden has to start immediately. There’s no time to let him sit and learn. And, because of his age, the expectation is to win immediately. Browns officials shrugged off Weeden’s age as being an issue. The number they concentrated on is 22, which is Weeden’s wins in 25 starts in college.” [Jamison Hensley/ESPN NFL Nation Blog]

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As this states, many fans were wondering why the team decided to gamble on Weeden so early: “The biggest question about Weeden is his age. He’s 28, only coming to play football after washing out as a minor league baseball player. Some teams were put off by spending a high pick on a player six years further along than his peers. The Browns think that Weeden will be worth the gamble. There was a thought that they could wait until the 37th pick to draft Weeden, but that gamble obviously wasn’t too their liking.” [Josh Alper/Pro Football Talk]

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Some interesting Weeden tidbits in here. Yes, this is exactly how the long-tweet began: “Cleveland selected Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden. He will turn 29 on Oct. 14. For his 28th birthday, teammates at Oklahoma State presented Weeden with a cane and some adult diapers. Evaluators talked about his live NFL arm throwing into tight windows. Generates zip on the ball. Needs to work on foot work.” [Chris Mortensen/WhoSay]

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On the topic of Weeden one more time, here’s another look with a scouting/fantasy edge: “At 6-3½ and 221 pounds with a big arm, Weeden is built for a vertical offense more than a timing offense. The Browns will have to work with him on his game — especially since he ran a half-field simplified offense. His mechanics also need work as he relies on his arm too much with bad footwork.” [William Del Pilar/Pro Football weekly]

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Of local interest, Akron Garfield High School product Whitney Mercilus was taken No. 25 by the Houston Texas. The Cleveland Plain Dealer had a nice profile on the defensive end earlier this week: “The former Akron Garfield standout and Plain Dealer All-Star had started just two games with one sack as a sophomore, and recorded just one sack as a redshirt freshman. It wasn’t a cornfield. It was a weight room, and the football classroom, and intense training to improve his speed and pass-rushing technique.” [Bill Lubinger/Cleveland Plain Dealer]

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And, finally, for those unable to make it to Middleburg Heights for last night’s WFNY draft party, here’s a sneak peek at what you missed. Spoiler: Shawn Lauvao must have an awesome T-shirt collection. [WFNY/Facebook]

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The Best Browns Since 1999 – Right Guard

February 14, 2012 by 5 Comments

Shaun O’Hara got all his notoriety with the Giants.  The Browns found a diamond in the rough as they signed O’Hara as an undrafted free agent in 2000.  O’Hara started his final 34 games with the Browns before signing a big free agent deal with the Giants.  O’Hara thought he was going to play center for the Giants, which might explain his eagerness to leave as the Browns had him playing guard.  O’Hara is probably one of the biggest mistakes that the Browns let get away. [Read more...]

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The Bright Side For Jason Pinkston and Browns Fans

August 31, 2011 by 17 Comments

When it comes to the NFL and health issues, you just have to look at the bright side sometimes.  Guys get hurt in the NFL. We all know this.  Yesterday on the radio Andy Baskin was talking about how he doesn’t buy into the Madden curse with Peyton Hillis.  I couldn’t agree with him more.  NFL players – especially running backs – get hurt.  Even if Peyton Hillis gets hurt this year it doesn’t prove out some magic dust theories.  I digress.

This is about Jason Pinkston taking over for Eric Steinbach.  As was discussed yesterday, Pinkston will get the first (and every) opportunity to fill the massive hole left by Steinbach’s back surgery.  The Browns certainly didn’t want to thrust their fifth round rookie draft choice into a starting role this year any more than they wanted to thrust their third rounder, Shawn Lauvao into action a year ago.  Big difference being that Lauvao had to play on the inside of noted turnstile John St. Clair.  If the Browns have to push a rookie, whom they feel very good about into a starting role, it is a luxury to be able to put him between Alex Mack and Joe Thomas. [Read more...]

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Eric Steinbach Expected to Miss Season for Browns

August 30, 2011 by 13 Comments

The Browns have been dealing with some injury issues, but today was the first official domino to fall as the Browns reported that giant left guard Eric Steinbach had back surgery.  Granted, I have major concerns about Brandon Jackson when the Browns say “turf toe” because that is one of those injuries that has a tendency to linger for a very long time.  Josh Cribbs didn’t have turf toe a year ago, but you saw how he was bothered by his toe injury all year long last year.  Even those two things pale in comparison to the Browns trying to replace Eric Steinbach.

The Browns pretty well tipped their hand yesterday to the Eric Steinbach situation when they claimed Oniel Cousins off of waivers yesterday.  It also makes their trade for John Greco to look that much more prudent.  The Browns also have fifth round draft choice Jason Pinkston available, and it appears that he will get the first crack at the job.   [Read more...]

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2011 Holmgren Report: Offensive Line

February 14, 2011 by 6 Comments

Last year we thought we’d introduce ourselves to Mike Holmgren by offering a report of each position group. The reports contained a ‘Roster Upgrade Advisory System’ not unlike that of homeland security. This year, even though the big show has been around for a year, and has Tom Heckert in house, we thought we’d give the reports another shot. First up- the Offensive Line.

Right out of the gate these reports are difficult because of the great uncertainty surrounding the league. Add to that the extremely high number of players that are free agents, and you have a red hot mess.

Evaluating 2010.

If you had to list a team strength, offensive line might be near the top of that list. It may just be by default, or because of Thomas and Mack’s inclusion on the Pro Bowl roster. Whatever the case, an offensive line is only as good as it’s weakest link, and wow do the Browns have a weakness on the right side of the line.

The Browns finished the season with a 4.0 yards per carry average on the ground, which placed them 21st in the league in that category. That stat may be a bit deceiving. Over the last third of the season it could be argued that Cleveland’s opponents dared the Browns to try and pass by stacking the box in an effort to shut down a very banged up Peyton Hillis. [Read more...]

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Revisting the Browns 2010 Draft

November 16, 2010 by 32 Comments

On Sunday the Browns will play the Jaguars in Florida. There could be as many as four rookies starting the game for Cleveland. Even if they don’t all start, they will all play a big role in the game.

T.J. Ward (2nd round) has started since the season began. All the young safety from Oregon has done is lead the team in tackles with 75. First round pick Joe Haden could see his first start this week, depending on the health of Sheldon Brown, and the status of Eric Wright. Haden has seen plenty of action, recording 34 tackles of his own while defending seven passes and intercepting another two. Rookie corners tend to struggle. Haden is playing his way onto the field more and more. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Right Side Reps, Blitzing Woes and Cavs Starting Five

September 1, 2010 by 8 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

Needing more reps on the right side: “Last Saturday, the latest lineup on the Browns right side was rookie Shawn Lauavo at guard and offseason acquisition Tony Pashos at tackle. Both players missed the Aug. 21 game against the Rams. Lauavo played in the preseason opener against Green Bay with John St. Clair at right tackle. Meanwhile, it was the first game action for Pashos who has battled food poising and a shoulder injury during training camp. [...]

On Monday, Browns coach Eric Mangini was asked if Pashos and Lauvao would see more time in Thursday’s preseason finale because of the amount time already missed. Typically, first-team players like Pashos and Lauavo only play one series in the final preseason, but coach Eric Mangini said it is possible those two will play more against Chicago.” [Don Delco/The OBR]

[Read more...]

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Browns’ Lauvao Bests Lions’ Suh: Mangini Asks League For Discipline

August 30, 2010 by 8 Comments

I went back and watched with great interest the match-up between Browns rookie right guard Shawn Lauvao and Detroit rookie Ndamukong Suh. Suh was the second pick in the draft, but widely considered to be the top player available. Lauvao was making his second preseason start, and looked pretty decent in his first effort against the Rams, but wasn’t tested the way Suh would certainly do. What I saw made me smile. Lauvao certainly held his own against the Nebraska uber-pick.

Before you go crazy remembering the face-twisting body slam Suh laid on Jake Delhomme, make sure you check the tape. Suh lined up across from Lauvao, and despite a wicked inside spin move Shawn kept his feet in the proper position and walled Suh. He then had to engage a stunting LB from the opposite side of the line, passing Suh to the inside. Originally I thought Mack should have picked up Suh, but Mack was also engaged. With the stunt the Lions had brought more rushers on the right side than the Browns had blockers. Lauvao, having stopped Suh’s forward momentum reacts and picks up the hard charging stunt keeping him from Delhomme. The line holds for at least 3 seconds, at which time Hillis disengages and becomes the outlet receiver. Jake is forced to step forward in the pocket because of an outside rusher who gets by Joe Thomas as he stumbles. Delhomme steps up right into Suh. [Read more...]

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Cleveland Browns Depth Chart News: The Turnstile Still a Starter

August 10, 2010 by 10 Comments

It’s not too late. Before pushing the big Orange and Brown panic button, fans should remember of course that this is merely the first preseason game. A lot can still happen. But as of right now, John “The Turnstile” St. Clair is still your starting right tackle.

Last year I sat down to watch the season opener and became instantly concerned with the man the Browns had chosen to replace Kevin Shaffer-

I am concerned about St. Clair. It doesn’t appear to me that we have solved the right tackle problem at all. I hope that I am wrong, but it seems like our new tackle is a lot like the old one (Shaffer) in that he will struggle against the speed rush from the edge.

The rest of the season did little to change that point of view. St. Clair earned the dubious nickname of “The Turnstile” from me, which in case you are wondering is not good for an offensive lineman. In our “Holmgren reports” during the winter I implored the Browns to make a move at the RT spot- [Read more...]

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Browns Sign Draft Picks Lauvao and McCoy

July 23, 2010 by 3 Comments

The Browns have inked their pair of 3rd round draft picks. Quarterback Colt McCoy’s deal is for  four years and  reported to be worth up to $5 million dollars. It is slightly higher than a normal 3rd round pick at that spot would receive, but includes a “QB premium”. For those that keep track of these sort of things, $1.07 million of that is guaranteed.

Also inking a deal was offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao. His deal is for four years and will pay him $2.487 million. Lauvao will receive a signing bonus of nearly $700,000.

As previously hinted by Mike Holmgren, McCoy will likely spend the season on the sidelines learning from Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. He could realistically compete for the starting job next season, unless Delhomme or Wallace prove to be effective in Cleveland’s offense. [Read more...]

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WFNY 2010 Cleveland Browns Draft Summary

April 25, 2010 by 5 Comments

We decided to consolidate our draft coverage this year.  This post will stand as the final summary of the 2010 NFL draft for the Browns.

Browns draft picks as of 4/18/2010

ROUND PK(OVR) NOTES
1 7 (7) Joe Haden Post 1 – Post 2 – Joe Haden Analysis
2 6 (38) T.J. Ward
3 27 (59) Montario Hardesty
3 21 (85) Colt McCoy
3 28 (92) Shawn Lauvao
5 29 (160) Larry Asante – (combine tape)
6 8 (177) Carlton Mitchell – (highlights – H/T Ammo)
6 17 (186) Clifton Geathers – (highlights)


[Read more...]

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NFL Draft: Browns Select Shawn Lauvao

April 23, 2010 by 6 Comments

Just a few picks after the Browns rescued Colt McCoy, they took an offensive lineman to help protect him. Arizona State’s Shawn Lauvao became a Cleveland Brown with the 92nd overall pick. Lauvao was not projected to be selected this high (a disturbing trend in 2010 with the Browns) but has played both guard and tackle for Arizona State.

The Browns have had tremendous success picking lineman latley, as Joe Thomas and Alex Mack have both become solid starters or better. Lauvao will be more of a project than a step in and start guy. That is the conventional wisdom on him. Perhaps the Browns have other plans. There had been whispers last season of switching Eric Steinbach to the right tackle spot, but with the addition of Tony Pashos perhaps Steinbach will stay put and Lauvao will learn behind Floyd Womack. Even if Lauvao doesn’t start the Browns needed some depth on the line. The question remains whether he would have been available later, or if there would have been a better OT (Bruce Campbell) on the board?

From Arizona State’s player bio- [Read more...]

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