Author: OwenSixteen016

With The First Pick of The 2018 NFL Draft, The Cleveland Browns Select: Sam Darnold

Image result for Sam Darnold Browns

Here we go with the second Quarterback on my Rookie QB wish-list.  Sam Darnold from USC.  Darnold is coming off a 4,000 yard Sophomore campaign.  Coming into the year Darnold was seen as a unanimous #1 overall pick.  Both USC, and Darnold himself disappointed in 2017, but not bad enough to ruin his draft stock.  USC finished 11-2, and got waxed in the Cotton Bowl by Ohio State.

History has not been kind to USC Quarterbacks.  They are consistently pumped up as the next great thing, and it never pans out.  They are all seen as the (my favorite word!) prototype NFL signal caller. What is the prototype?  It’s a 6’4 225 pocket passer, who has a rocket arm.   All USC Quarterbacks fit that mold when their slinging the rock against the fucking Oregon State Beavers.

Image result for John David Booty usc

(Look even John David Booty made it to an SI cover)

In the NFL it is a different story.  More often than not, they amount to shit.  Occasionally, guys are able to carve out a decent career (Carson Palmer, Matt Cassel).

Lets take a brief look back at USC Quarterbacks past:

Matt Leinart:

Selected 10th overall in 2006, by Arizona Cardinals. Career record: 8-10.

Image result for matt leinart Cardinals bust

This guy straight sucked.  First of all this is nothing but pure bias on my part, but NEVER EVER take a lefty Quarterback.  He was one of those guys labeled the “prototype” NFL QB.  Problem is he threw like a Sally.  Leinart toiled around with the Texans, Raiders, and Bills before calling it quits.

Image result for Leinart bills

Matt Barkley:

Selected 98th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.  Career Record: 1-5

Image result for matt barkley eagles

Another USC QB, another bust.  Barkley was regarded as a sure fire first round draft pick in 2011.  That didn’t stop him from returning to USC for his Senior season in 2012.  Big mistake.  Going into the year, Barkley was the unanimous number 1 pick with all the draft nerds, and leading Heisman trophy candidate.  His team was ranked #1 in the country to go along with it.  By years end USC had lost five games, Barkley had a shoulder injury that ended his season, and he had fallen out of the first round in draft projections.

Barkley was drafted by Philadelphia 98th overall in 2013,  and he never saw the field.  Philly traded him to Arizona in 2015, who cut him weeks later.  As a backup Matt got a few starts with Chicago in 2016, but still went 1-5.  He was on the Arizona Cardinals roster in 2017, but was inactive for all 16 games.

Image result for Matt Barkley bad

Mark Sanchez: 

Selected 5th overall by the New York Jets in 2009.  Career Record: 37-35

buff fumble

 

Ahhhhhh yes!  The Sanchize.  I remember it well.  Mark Sanchez came on to the scene with slightly less fanfare than the other two hacks.  However, in his draft year he soared up draft boards right behind the consensus #1 overall pick, Matt Stafford.  The Jets took Sanchez 5th overall after trading up with the Cleveland Browns.  Sanchez had an immediate impact.  The Jets went 9-7 and 11-5 his first two seasons as starter.  He even managed to take his team to the AFC Championship twice.  The kicker?  They beat the Patriots in Foxboro, in January.

Image result for Jets Patriots playoff

It all went down hill from here for Marky Mark.  The Jets would miss the playoffs each of the following two seasons, and finally Sanchez was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015.  Since then, he’s been a journeyman backup.  He’s suited up for Denver, Dallas,, and Chicago.  I’m sure he will pop up in some camp this August.

These are the three most recent examples of over-hyped USC stiffs.  Carson Palmer gets an honorable mention, as his career turned out to be mediocre at best once he took that shot to the knee in the 2005 Wild-Card game against Pittsburgh.

Image result for Carson Palmer knee steelers

Just goes to show you there is enough of a trend for me to have MAJOR doubts picking a highly rated USC Signal Caller.  However, there is something about Darnold that leads me to believe he could be the exception to the rule.  Of course, once again he is seen as the “Prototype” NFL QB.  The kid is a fucking Mack Truck standing at 6’4, 225lbs.  That will come in handy at the NFL for sure.  Darnold has a big arm, and he is not afraid to stand in the pocket and sling it.

A few things standout watching these two clips, Sam has some fuckin’ confidence in his arm, eh?  He is willing to stand in there, and fit the ball into tight windows to make plays.  At 2:05 of the second video, Sam is being pressured from the outside on a four man rush.  He is able to use his vision, and footwork to evade pressure, and he fires a missile to his receiver in the back of the endzone.  The throw at 2:05 seriously gave me a chubby for Darnold.

I also noticed that he is surprisingly good using his legs.  Not only can he move around the pocket to create throwing lanes, Darnold can take off and get chunks of yardage.  It also appeared like USC ran some designed QB running plays to get him into space.  He rushed for 332 yards and 7 touchdowns in his two years at USC.  Not bad all.

Image result for Sam Darnold Rushing

What I do definitively like about this kid, is his attitude.  There were reports that he would head back to Southern Cal for his Junior season simply to avoid the Browns.  That’s not the case obviously, as he and Josh Rosen declared for the draft this past January.   Seems like the kid has a good head on his shoulders, and it’s not lodged up his clam like Josh Rosen.  Rosen walks around with the stench of prick following him around.  Darnold is humbled, well spoken, and seen as a true leader by his teammates.  After-all, he does have the “C” on his jersey.

Will Dorsey and the gang find all this enough to grab Sam Darnold with the 1st or 4th pick in the draft?  We’ll see…

Browns Hire Scot McCloughan as Draft Consultant

Interesting move by the Browns here.  I assumed once Eliot Wolf was hired, that would probably be it for Dorsey and company until Free Agency.  I was wrong.  Dorsey went out and made another Front Office hire. Dorsey has brought in ex Redskins General Manager, Scot McCloughan.  So far, it’s been reported that he is only being hired as a 2018 Draft Consultant, and no other duties have been specified.

Image result for scot mccloughan drunk

Kind of a surprising move hiring this guy.  I thought for sure they had their Front Office all lined up, and ready to rock.  It is a nice addition to the Organization, as Scot is highly regarded for his ability to identify talent.  The man is Football Scouting Savant.  Seems to fit the M-O of the front office, a collection of Football Lifers, who are known for identifying talent.  The more the merrier here in Berea, OH.

A few highlights from Scot’s career are as follows:

  1. Identified, scouted, and drafted Russell Wilson with the Seattle Seahawks.  Wilson was picked by Seattle 75th overall in 2012.
  2. Drafted Alex Smith first overall in 2005, when he was with San Francisco.  He took him over Aaron Rodgers, but it is still very difficult to draft a successful Quarterback in the first round.  Even if it is the first round, success rate is 40% league wide.  He found a successful NFL starter.  That earns you a statue in Cleveland.
  3. Along with Wilson, the Seahawks front office with McCloughan found Kam Chancellor, and Richard Sherman with later round picks.  Image result for Sherman Chancellor

Bottom line here is, the Browns are terrified of fucking up what is ahead. The amount of picks, and cap space make this off-season absolutely vital. They have added some big-time names to the executive staff, in hopes they won’t fuck it up (Mainly fucking up selecting a Quarterback).

If the Browns could add a few starters in free agency (you’d play for us on Super Bowl Sunday, Malcolm!), parlay that with a good draft, and look out! We might even win a game?!

Or maybe a reunion with TP11?

Of course our man McCloughan will focus on the Browns draft plans, rather than Free Agency.  The Browns draft plans revolve around Quarterback, and drafting twice in the top 5 he will have a huge role in scouting, and interviewing all the QB prospects.  Early on in there seems to be one rookie QB Scot has the hots for.  He’s already sucked off one of the top Quarterbacks verbally during Senior Bowl week.

In an interview with Pro Football Talk McCloughan drooled, “He reminds me of a shorter version of Brett Favre,” McCloughan said. “Tough guy. He can throw it. And he’s very confident, and he’s not afraid whatsoever, whatsoever. He’s a battler. I know saying Brett Favre’s a big name, and I was around him for a while, but this guy has talent.”

Should be an interesting couple of months. New Year,  new Browns baby!!

Well…We’re Fucked.

In case you have been living under a rock the past couple of days, The Kansas City Chiefs have traded Quarterback, Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins.  In return, Washington received a 3rd round draft pick in 2018, and second year Cornerback Kendall Fuller.  In addition, Alex Smith signed a four year $91 million dollar contract extension with Washington.   The trade cannot be officially completed until March 14th, when the new league year begins.  Theoretically, there could be “take backs” called by one of these two teams between now and then.

This is a massive deal for many reasons, first being Kirk Cousins is officially out in Washington.  I will never understand that organizations’ contempt for him.  From the very second he was named starter over Robert Griffin III, Kirk was never really respected as a true Franchise Quarterback.  All while Kirk was showing them wrong on the field.  After 3 seasons, the Kirk Cousins saga is finally over in Washington, it’s going to very much heat up around the league come March.

Image result for Kirk Cousins Broncos

I initially thought Alex Smith would be the first big move of John Dorsey’s tenure as Cleveland Browns GM.  Like with many acquisitions, the Browns were beaten to the punch by another team.

Oh fucking well.  That’s the way the ball bounces for the Cleveland Browns.  Like the Jimmy Garoppolo deal the Browns were frozen out.  Likely this is a case of the Chiefs doing Smith a solid.

Sounds like Smith would not have been thrilled to play in Cleveland, not that he has any reason to be thrilled.  I am not overly frustrated because, well it’s Alex Smith.  He just got an albatross of a contract extension, and it seems as if the Browns were only willing to commit short-term.  The problem with this deal is that it likely takes 2 quarterbacks off of the “Veteran Bridge Starter” short-list for Dorsey.   With every Quarterback needy team salivating over Kirk Cousins, I thought for sure the Browns would swoop in and silently trade for Smith.  The Browns simply due to cap space are still likely in the conversation for Kirk, but I can’t imagine him not picking Denver.  How could you not?  The more I thought about it, the less I can see the Browns landing captain Kirk.  They should do everything in their power to land him, but I just don’t see it happening with Denver sitting there all QB needy.  John Elway is going to rob the Browns a third time.  You just know it.  The Broncos had offered a 2nd round pick, AND Aqib Talib for Smith, and that was turned down.  You can certainly see Elway pulling out all the stops to land Kirk.

The Jets and Bills feel like viable landing spots for him too.  Both teams are solid on the defensive side of the ball, and have a few quality pieces on offense to intrigue Kirk.  While I desperately want Kirk to dawn turd colored pants, it just doesn’t seem like a good landing spot for him.  They are likely on this list due to the shear amount of money available to spend.

Now that those two are out of the way, lets take a look the remaining Unrestricted Free Agent Quarterbacks this off-season:

  1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints.
  2. Hasn’t re-signed with the Saints yet. Would expect him back in NOLA.**
  4. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers.
  5. **Technically has not re-signed with San Francisco.  He will re-sign there no doubt.**
  6. Image result for jimmy garoppolo 49ers
  7.  Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins.
  8. **Will be a Bronco on 3/14.** 
  9. Image result for kirk Cousins 2018
  10. Case Keenum, Minnesota Vikings.
  11. **This guy blows.  Hard pass.**
  12. Image result for keenum skol
  13. A.J. McArron, Cincinnati Bengals.
  14. **Sashi Brown is rolling in his hypothetical grave**
  16. Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings.
  17. **Will re-sign in Minny. Youngest QB on their roster with positive upside.**
  18. Image result for teddy bridgewater sucks
  19. Sam Bradford, Minnesota Vikings.
  20. **Viable option in the Alex Smith mold.  Can see him being high on the Browns wish-list**
  21. Image result for Sam Bradford 2018

Overall, considering what is normally out there for Free-Agent Quarterbacks, it’s not a bad list.  There are a few other names that could be moved as well.  Tyord Taylor could be released or traded by Buffalo.  Initially, I was all-aboard Team Tyrod.  Then this years playoffs happened.  Boy oh boy did he ever suck in the Wildcard game against Jacksonville. He couldn’t hit check-down routes in the hands.  A brief look at his playoff stat-line:

Tyrod playoff stats

Image result for Tyrod Taylor playoffs

Depending on his contract situation, and how he plays this Sunday, Nick Foles is another prospective bridge guy.  Big Dick Nick would have to put on one hell of a display for me to want the Browns to go after him.  If he is a Free-Agent, by all means give it a go.  If not, don’t sell the farm to bring him in.

Image result for nick foles nfc championship

I seem to be changing this prediction as to which Veteran Quarterback I would like the Browns to bring in.  First I wanted Tyrod, then Kirk, then check down Alex, and back to Kirk.   It’s exhausting really.  I guess with new developments I will make a new prediction:

Based off of prior events, I would think that AJ McCarron will be fumbling snaps next season in Cleveland.  Just remember:

Image result for Hue Jackson AJ MccArron

Welcome to Cleveland, Katherine Webb-McCarron!!!!!!

Image result for Katherine Webb McCarron

With the First Pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns Select: Baker Mayfield.

Image result for Baker Mayfield senior bowl

This is a time of year that is just the worst for sports.  Football will be over this time next week.  That means we’re stuck with silly Draft hype.  We will be getting slammed with Senior Bowl, Combine, and Pro-Day bullshit until our ears bleed.  Figured now is as good a time as ever to break down the top Quarterbacks in this years draft class.  Let’s kick it off with Baker Mayfield, 2018 Heisman Trophy Winner.  Is he qualified to be selected number 1 overall?

There is something about this kid, man.  I’ve said it a few times, but Mayfield is really the only Quarterback that intrigues me to a high degree.  Darnold, Rosen, and Allen just don’t move the needle for me.  Maybe it is because those guys are more of the “Prototype” Pro Quarterback.  Tall pocket passers with good arm-strength.  Mayfield is anything but tall.  Mayfield stands at 6 feet tall, and 216 ponds.  Certainly not built like most Franchise Quarterbacks.

I certainly understand the risks with Mayfield going in.  Much like Johnny Manziel, Mayfield took the College Football world by storm with electrifying play.  Much like Manziel, Baker is considered shorter than the ideal NFL Quarterback, but still electrifies.  They both have had issues with off-the-field issues in the past as well.  With all the similarities, there are differences to point out.

The first major difference is the way in which Johnny and Mayfield ran their offense.  Johnny was running a college based, read-option offense.  It involved a lot of Johnny improvising, and chucking the ball up to Mike Evans.  Evans was a man playing among boys at that time.

Taking a look at the highlights, it is pretty clear how simple Johnny’s offense was at A&M.  He was a one read and run guy.  He hardly ever stood in the pocket, and made his progressions.  At the slightest bit of pressure, or sign the play was breaking down Johnny took off running.  In the This lead to many highlight reel plays in college, as in the open-field Johnny was so hard to stop.  The Texas A&M offense set him up to fail in the NFL.  It was too improvisational, and he had an NFL ready Wide-Out at his disposal in Mike Evans.

Johnny in the NFL was nothing short of a disaster, particularly outside of Football. The second his name was announced, his time in Cleveland was a media circus.  On-field wasn’t great in 2014. Despite what many will tell you, 2015 Johnny was mostly good on the field.  The only real disaster performance came in his first career start in 2014.

After a tough start in 2014, and entering rehab; Johnny came back strong in 2015. Despite having next to no weapons, or belief from his coaches, Johnny put up solid numbers in his first chunk of playing time in the NFL. He finished 2015 with 9 games played.  He threw for 1,500 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.  He added 230 rushing yards on 37 attempts.  Johnny’s off-field issues took off during the middle of the 2015 campaign, and got so bad he was released in March of 2016.

Image result for Johnny Manziel Court

With Baker displaying tamer, albeit similar off-field concerns you would think the Browns would scratch him off their QB Short-list ASAP.  Based off the sound bites from this past Weekend’s Senior Bowl, Browns GM John Dorsey is intrigued with the Oklahoma Signal Caller, and maybe enough to take him with the number 1 overall draft selection this April.

First things first, Baker Mayfield is nearly a spitting image of what Johnny Manziel was in some ways.  He’s a fiery competitor, who isn’t shy with words or actions.  Manziel had his patented “Money Manziel Sign”, and Mayfield stuck his teams flag in the middle of Ohio State’s field, which got a lot of heat for reasons unknown.  Grow up you fucking pussies.  Oh, and he’s grabbed his junk on TV clear as day.

Image result for Money Manziel sign     Image result for Baker Mayfield junk

Image result for Baker Mayfield flag

To the naked eye, Manziel and Mayfield look like one in the same.  Mayfield runs a similar offense to what A&M was running in 2012-2013.  It is a lot of read option, run-pass option type plays.  While the offense is similar, Mayfield plays the game completely different than Manziel did.  He has balls.  By balls, I mean he doesn’t take off at the slightest sign of trouble, or his number 1 read is taken away.

Take a look at his 2018 Rose Bowl Highlights.  Mayfield expresses the pocket presence and poise that Johnny never had.  You can see on multiple big plays, Mayfield is in the pocket moving his eyes downfield, and eventually hitting his 3rd/4th option for a big gain.  He doesn’t rely on scampering through College Linebackers once the play breaks down.  He does run, but it feels like he runs more on design, than improvisation.

Baker has done it these past two years with a group of JAGS at Wide-Receiver.  I think this has actually helped himself.  He hasn’t had the downfield options that Johnny did, so he’s had to develop better deep throw accuracy.  I feel like the placement on his deeper throws is far superior to Manziel.  Manziel had the luxury of turning his head and throwing it as far as possible in the direction of Mike Evans.

Mayfield Stats 2

Manziel stats 2

These are the career college stats for both Johnny, and Baker.  Those who have been saying these two are a cut from the same cloth are just wrong.  Johnny caught fire in 2012, and carried it into 2013.  Baker has consistently performed at a high level.  With each year, you can see Baker’s stats grow.  The most impressive growth I see is, Average Yards per Attempt.  Baker’s grew from 10.4. to 12.3, and finally 12.9.  It shows that he developed into a quality downfield passer as he learned the college game.  Manziel’s Average Yards per Attempt was, 8.8 in 2012, and 10 in 2013.  Not even in the same ballpark as Mayfield.  It goes to show you how different they really are.

Should the Browns take Mayfield with the number 1 overall pick this fall?  I think he is as good an option as anyone to be drafted by the Browns this spring.  There is is something about the kid that makes me so intrigued.  He has the desire, and drive to lead his team to victory.  He isn’t afraid of anyone, and it shows on the field.  Is he cocky?  He absolutely is, but you can see how much he motivates his teammates on the field.  Baker has had an off-field incident, but it hasn’t plagued him nearly as much as Manziel’s issues.  Everything about Mayfield leads me to believe he really has the motivational drive in him, whereas the confidence Manziel displayed was more or less a front.

Mayfield has even expressed desire in being the Qaurterback to turn things around in Cleveland (Hey Josh Rosen, he ain’t scared ya fucking pussy). Whether this is just Pre-Draft bull-shit being spewed is yet to be determined.

Will Baker Mayfield be the Browns Quarterback in the Future when they hit the podium in April?   We’ll see…

Browns Hire Todd Haley as Offensive Coordinator

The Browns made some more news last night, as many insiders began to report that Todd Haley would be named Offensive Coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.  Previously, the Browns had interviewed Ben McAdoo and Mike Mularkey.  Neither name really moves the needle.  This hiring comes just over a week after Haley was fired from the same position with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Haley spent the previous six seasons with Steelers as Offensive Coordinator.  Before Pittsburgh, Haley spent two and a half seasons as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, and a year under Ken Wisenhunt as the Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator.

Image result for Todd Haley Kurt Warner

More recently, Haley has been the Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He is the brains behind the Bell, Brown, Ben, and Bryant.  He was fired this season after the Steelers lost 45-42 at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round.  His team scored 42 fucking points on the 5th ranked defense in terms of points allowed.  In the regular season the Steelers finished third in total yards per game on offense with, 377.9.  In his first full season the Steelers finished 20th in yards per game, and the remaining years they would not finish below 10th in the league in offense.  In the the end, the long-lasting feud between Haley and Roethlisberger was  too much to overcome.

Haley’s most impressive work doesn’t come from Pittsburgh as many believe.  His time with Matt Cassel in Kansas City to me is his finest work.  Haley turned Matt fucking Cassel into a Pro-Bowl Quarterback, and he managed to lead them into the Playoffs.   In 2010 Haley and Cassel finished at 10-6, which was good enough to win the AFC West.  Cassel was named a Pro-Bowl Alternate, as he finished 2010 with 27 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.   Anyone who can make a JAG like Matt Cassel look like a Pro-Bowler can play (coach) for my team any day of the week.

 

I am certainly optimistic about this hiring, because Haley has a track record of offensive success. He has worked with Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger, and Matt Cassel  most recently.  All of them had success.  Hell, even Kurt Warner still holds a close place in his heart for Todd:

At the end of the day this is just a hire.  Just a nice name on paper to droll over for a few months, and then call for his firing.  One positive that can come from this move is Dorsey continues to get his ducks in a row.  He’s got his two Front Office Executives, and now an Offensive Coordinator.    Hopefully a new head coach is not too far off, and he has a plan that will be fully executed.

#Pray4TheSeniorBowl

Albert Breer Gave Me a Browns Boner This Week

WOW.    I need a cigarette after seeing this little bit of gossip from one, Albert Breer.  Now bear with me for a second, I know a few days ago I mentioned that Alex Smith should be the guy the Browns went after.  I still think he will likely be the guy to come here as a bridge starter for 3 or so seasons.  When I say bridge starter, he’d certainly more than a stop gap.  He’d likely be the best Quarterback we’d have since the return in 1999.  But you get the point.  Veteran guy to come in to Cleveland for 3-4 years while we groom in all likelihood, Sam Darnold.

I have been an avid Kirk Cousins fan since he took over for Robert Griffin III, in 2015.  The guy can ball.  2015 was his first full year as the full-time starter, and he lead the Skins’ to a 9-7 record.  That year 9-7 was good enough to qualify for the playoffs.  The Redskins lost in the 2015 Wildcard round at home to the Green Bay Packers, 35-18.

Image result for kirk cousins playoffs

The next two seasons Washington would miss the playoffs with an 8-7-1, and 7-9 records.  Still, Captain Kirk has not earned himself a long-term contract extension with Washington.  He has been Franchise tagged 2 consecutive seasons in a row.  Each year, he proves his worth on the field.  The notoriously putrid, and slimy Redskins refuse to offer him a long term contract.  They could place the Franchise tender on him a third time, which is a whopping $34 million.  No chance the Skins do that.  That number is not trade-able, as 99% of teams cannot afford that cap hit.  The most likely options are a long-term extension, or Unrestricted Free Agency.

In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Jay Gruden even decided to throw his Signal Caller under the bus, “But we like Kirk and his development. He’s played well at times, without a doubt”  Played well at times?  Let’s take a quick peak at Cousins’ shall we, Jay?

Cousins stats

That is a damn good Quarterback.  I don’t know what the fuck you are smoking, Jay? I think three seasons is enough of a sample size to confirm that he can be a franchise guy.  The Redskins seemingly don’t give a shit.  Moving on from RG III was a tough decision. The Skins entered 2015 an unknown, and most experts had them pegged to finish last in the NFC East. They have no idea how lucky they were to have the second guy come in, and  average 4,392 yards a season. Especially after how RG III exploded on the scene during his rookie year.

Would the Browns be interested in Cousins?  I would hope the answer is a resounding, “YES”!!!!!!  It’s not everyday a Quarterback of his quality becomes available.  It is going to take a lot of fucking money.  Like record money.   With $109 million and change in free money, feel free to break records, @JohnDorsey, @JimmyHaslam.

Image result for kirk cousins money

Signing Kirk does NOT mean the Browns will not draft a QB #1 overall.  They simply can’t afford to pass on one. Not after the past whiffs. Ideally, the Browns would sign Cousins to a 3-4 year MASSIVE contract, and draft the guy who will lead the franchise after Cousins. This allows a Darnold, Rosen, or Mayfield develop a la Jimmy G.

After year 4 you move on to your young guy waiting in the wings.  After-all, Darnold is only 20.  Cousins would be 33 at the end of a four year contract.  Perfect time to walkaway via free agency.   If all goes to hell, you trade/cut Cousins prior to the contract expiring.  There is cap space to avoid it being too much of a problem.

I hope Dorsey see’s this and makes a move.  I know Alex Smith is probably the move we’ll make, as it is safer than paying Cousins big big money.  I still want to tap the potential that is Kirk Cousins Franchise Quarterback.  Cousins, and add a few young weapons.  Maybe we have something cookin’?

Image result for you like that!

Edit:

Should leave some Captain Kirk highlights, no?

Browns Hire Eliot Wolf as Assistant General Manager

Image result for Eliot Wolf

John “big dick” Dorsey has made his final off-season addition to the Front Office, before we get into the Combine, Free Agency, and the Draft.  Wolf had been interviewing with both the Browns, and Raiders.

Wolf, like Alonzo Highsmith comes from the Greenbay Packer organization.   He is the son of former Packer General Manager, Ron Wolf.  Ron Wolf is most famous for trading for Brett Favre.  Wolf traded a first round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons for Favre.  Wolf initially wanted to draft Favre, but was was he was taken one pick prior by Atlanta.

Image result for Ron Wolf trade

This has absolutely nothing with Eliot’s hiring, but it shows that Eliot has come from a strong background.   In 2004 Wolf became a Pro Personnel Assistant for Green Bay, and worked his way through the ranks.  He was promoted to Assistant Director of Pro Personnel in 2008, and then finally in Director of Player Personnel.  Wolf comes from the Pro side of things, rather than drafting/scouting.  The idea of over $100 million to spend this off-season has to be intriguing.

Per spotrac.com, the Browns have a whopping $109,696,292 in free money.  It will certainly be interesting to see how Wolf will help spend that.  After all, this is what I want him to bring.  I want him to identify talent at the pro level, and bring them in.  Whether it be a guy who is on waivers, or an eight figure signing when free agency opens.

Seems as if the overall reaction is that this is a great hire.  The trio of Highsmith, Dorsey, and Wolf give me something to feel somewhat decent about.  I will certainly give these guys some time to figure it out.  These are three EXTREMELY well respected executives, who know what it takes to build a sustainable winning program.  First order of business, Quarterback.

Image result for Alex Smith browns

Swallowing my pride here.  I think Alex Smith is a must get this off-season.  With it being pretty clear he is on the market, The Browns have been mentioned as a potential landing spot.  Dorsey was the man who brought Smith to Kansas City for a 2013 conditional third round pick.  Now, with Smith coming off arguably his best season the price might be higher.  This where my man Sashi Brown deserves some credit.  Bill Belichick won’t call The Browns to have them overpay for Jimmy G, but I bet Andy Reid calls the Browns first if trading him is the option they go with, rather than cutting him out-right. Sashi built up draft capital for a reason.  Let’s use it.  I’m ok with a bit of an overpay, as Smith is coming off a damn good year, as reflected in the stats below.  While Smith isn’t going to get you a Super Bowl, he could bring major stability to the Quarterback position, while we groom either Darnold, or Rosen.

Hopefully the organization is starting to stabilize.  See if we can attract a few free agents (hello Terrlle Pryor), trade for Smith, and pick your future Franchise Quarterback.  Use the ass-tone of picks to continue to build roster.  Let’s get this ball rollin’.  The off-season is our season baby!

Image result for Terrelle Pryor browns

P.S. But seriously, bring back TP12…Or

Any of these guys…

Absolutely Nothing Goes the Browns Way

I came across this article today, and threw up immediately after reading a few paragraphs.  It was written by Cleveland Plain Dealer’s, Terry Pluto. Pluto is not Adam Schefter, but I’d go to him over Mary Kay Cabot, or Tony Grossi.

Background information on the failed Jimmy Garoppolo trade, for those who don’t want to read it:

  1. The Browns had interest in Jimmy Garoppolo for quite some time. I’d say speculation started by October of 2016.
  2. The Browns and Patriots had been common trade partners the past few seasons (Jamie Collins, Barkevious Mingo).
  3. It was made clear that the Browns were negotiating hard for the single caller towards last years draft.  Nothing materialized.
  4. THIS SEASON: Pluto reports the Browns first round pick previously owned by Houston was on the table.  That pick turned out to be 4th overall.  (At the time it was not clear)
  5. The last contact the Browns had with the Patriots  was on the 28th of October.  The Browns had Houston’s pick on the table, along with, “other goodies” per Pluto. Hell, the Browns offered to find the Patriots a backup QB. They’d sign him, and offer them up in the trade to go along with picks.
  6. It was made clear he was not for sale. Two days later, Jimmy was on his way to San Francisco.

This story has really crawled up my tail-pipe.  Nothing, and I mean nothing the Browns try, works out. Nothing will go their way.  Make it 18 years and counting.

This trade, the Browns were made to look like complete fools.  Hell, Browns coaches cited how upset they were Sashi couldn’t pull off a deal for the young signal caller.  They were upset he was “At home playing with his kids”.  He did everything in his goddamn power.  Bill ego-maniac Belichick stuck his middle fingers in the air directed at the Browns. Not sure if he is directing them at the Patriots as well.  With multiple sources reporting fishy Jimmy G trade details, it sounds like there could be SOME tension in, Foxboro.  The extent of which, will forever be unknown.

I’m still not completely sold on Jimmy, after-all he’s played only 7 and a half NFL games.  He’s looked damn good with dog shit skill players around him.  The most frustrating aspect of the situation is that this is just another missed opportunity at a Quarterback.  I mean, how would Jimmy look with David Njoku?  How about Josh Gordon?  It’s extremely frustrating, when every single door the Browns open is not correct. The missed draft choices are inexusable, but the failed Jimmy G trade was cited as a main reason Sashi Brown was fired.  So fuck you, Bill Belichick (Unless you come home to finish the job 😉 )

Hopefully, one of these days the Browns will catch a break.

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Jimmy Garoppolo highlights to make me want to kill myself:

The Kansas City Chiefs Put on a Choking Clinic on Saturday

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Once again the Kansas City Chiefs failed to win a home playoff game.  Shocking, I know.  This time, the perennial losers gagged away a 21-3 halftime lead to Marcus Mariota, and the Tennessee Titans.  Even the Chiefs made themselves blush at the choke job that would ensue.

The game started out like a typical Wild-Card playoff game.  The home team had gotten out in front of the playoff newbie, Tennessee Titans.  Kareem Hunt capped off a 6 play 81 yard drive with a 1 yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Chiefs.  After multiple three-and-outs from Tennessee, Alex Smith found Travis Kelce for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 14-0.  Smith was on fire, leading a 5 play 76 yard drive in just 3:24.

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The Titans managed to cut into the lead before the half, making 14-3 with a Ryan Succop field goal.  Smith was having none of it, and lead a 9 play 79 yard drive for six.  Smith hit Demarcus Robinson for a 14 yard score.  21-3 Chiefs right before the half.  It looked as if the Chiefs home playoff curse would finally be erased.  21-3 was the score heading into half-time.

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The second half started, and the tide would turn completely.  As the third quarter started, the feeling was that the Titans were on life support.  Marcus Mariota took over.  Prior to the game it had widely been mentioned that Mariota had regressed this season.  He turned the ball over frequently, while not making the kind of plays you would think a dual threat Quarterback can make.  Mariota stepped up BIG in this one.  To start the second half he lead a 15 play, 91 yard march towards pay-dirt.  Mariota would cap off the drive by throwing a six yard touchdown pass to……Marcus Mariota.

In all honesty, it was one of the coolest plays I have ever seen.  Mariota scrambled around the pocket like he was Fran Tarkenton re-incarnated.  As he rolled to his left he zipped a pass towards his receiver, Corey Davis.  The ball bounced off Chiefs Cornerback, Darrelle Revis directly back into the hands of Mariota.  Mariota corralled it, and took it to the pylon for 6.  The Titans took a whopping 8:29 off the clock, and cut the lead to 21-10.

In typical Kansas City Chief fashion, they proceeded to go three and out the following possession.   On 3rd and 1 from the KC 28, the Chiefs were stuffed on the most Chiefs play of all time.  They motioned about 7 guys pre-snap, and ran a Quarterback bootleg option which got fucking STUFFED for no gain.  3 and out, and the ball going back to the Titans.

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The Titans would strike back on the ensuing possession.  Derek Henry rumbled his way 35 yards to cut the lead to 21-16.  The two point conversion attempt failed.

Take a look at #24 in red.  Darrelle Revis.  That’s a man, who doesn’t give a flying fuck.  It’s a goddamn shame that he is still a NFL player.  Wasted talent in a fucking mercenary, who won’t make play due to “business decisions”.  He’s a fucking sally.

The Chiefs would pick up one first down on their next possession, but stalled shortly after.  Another punt.  Mariota would take the rains, and lead another long march into Chief territory.  Finally, on the 11th play of their drive, Mariota hit Eric Decker for a 22 yard touchdown.  The score was 22-21 Titans, after they missed a second straight two point conversion attempt.

After stopping the Chiefs yet again, Titans put the game away with this final run by Derek Henry.

Man, just a master-piece from the Kansas City Chiefs.  I cannot believe I picked them to win?!  How stupid?!  The Kansas City Chiefs, are the Kansas City Chiefs.  Next year with Pat Mahomes don’t get sucked in.  Whether the QB is Trent Green, Alex Smith,  or Pat Mahomes they will always be the same.  Count on them to choke when it matters most.  Andy Reid is their coach after-all.  Count on Andy Reid to inexplicably not give the ball to key offensive weapons in playoff games.  This past game the NFL’s leading rusher, Kareem Hunt touched the ball only 11 times.  Andy Reid, man. So, next year in October when you get your rocks off to the Kansas City chiefs running over teams, just remember, they’ll limp dick in the playoffs.

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Mediocrity Super Bowl: Jaguars vs. Bills

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NFL Wild Card Weekend will bring a match-up with two teams who haven’t had a ticket to the dance in quite some time.  We have the Buffalo Bills, who last made the Playoffs in 1999, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Jaguars last Playoff appearance was in 2007-2008 in New England.  They lost 31-20 to the then undefeated Patriots.

The Bills last lost to the Tennessee Titans in the Music City Miracle game.  An event that doesn’t need much explaining:

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This game is the game I am look forward to most this weekend.   It is mediocrity at it’s absolute finest.  Two middling teams duking it out, to see who has the right to get their ass kicked in New England, or Pittsburgh.   I’m sure these two fanbases will make sure there will be plenty of debauchery in the stands as well.  Couldn’t be more excited.

Buffalo Bills:

What a year it has been up in Buffalo.  The longest Professional Sports playoff drought in America finally comes to a close.  The Bills exceeded expectations in general in 2017.  A year after cleaning house from the Rex Ryan regime, it looked as if the Bills were orchestrating a tank job.  They traded away key starters in Ronald Darby, and Sammy Watkins for lesser options in Jordan Matthews and E.J. Gaines.  This was an attempt to give young coach, Sean Mcdermott a fresh clean slate.

The Bills responded by being a playoff contender for much of the year.  They picked up key wins against the Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, and Colts.  Needing a win in week 17, Buffalo took down Miami 22-16, and Cincinnati knocked out Baltimore with a last second Andy Dalton touchdown to  Tyler Boyd.

The Bills most explosive offensive weapon is Lesean McCoy.  Shady can beat you in every single facet of the game.  He is quick enough to beat you to the outside, he’s tough enough to run inside the tackles, and is a major weapon is the passing game.  He’s pretty much the entire Buffalo Bills offense.   Look for heavy dose of shady on Sunday, if he is healthy enough to go.  It is sounding like he should be ok to play.

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Not much else for the Bills on offense.  It’s been a rough year on that side of the ball. Tyord Taylor is currently their starting Quarterback, but Sean McDermott famously switched to Nathan Peterman against the San Diego Chargers.  Peterman threw 5 interceptions on the day, and the Bills got throttled.

Tyrod stats

Tyrod Taylor hasn’t exactly set the world on fire as the full-time starter for Buffalo.  He did however, throw less interceptions over the course of the entire season, than Peterman did against the Chargers alone. He just doesn’t have many weapons to work with.  His three biggest weapons are Charles Clay, Kelvin Benjamin, and Jordan Matthews.  Even with those names, Shady is still the Bills best weapon in the passing game.

Defensively is where the Bills earn their stripes.  They rank 16th in points, and 19th in yards allowed.  The ’85 bears they aren’t, but they can keep themselves in games with solid defensive play.

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Jacksonville Jaguars:

The Jags finished 2017 with a 10-6 record, and a playoff birth for the first time since 2008.  They do so after entering the season amid a QB controversy.  Jags head coach, Doug Marrone had considered turning the keys of the offense over to Chad Henne in training camp.  Marrone wisely stuck with Blake Bortles.

Bortles stats

Bortles went on to have a solid year at the helm.  The Jags had signature wins against the Steelers, Ravens, Seattle, and Houston twice.  Most of it was lead by rookie Running Back, Leanord Fournette.

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Fournette rushed for 1,040 yards, and 9 touchdowns.  He added 302 yards, and 1 touchdown receiving.

Their calling card is their defense.  Jacksonville finished 5th in points allowed, and 4th in yards allowed.  Calais Campbell leads a very strong defensive line.  He finished the season with 14.5 sacks, and was an all-pro as both a Defensive End, and Defensive tackle.  Jalen Ramsey leads a young strong secondary.  Ramsey finished 2017 with 4 interceptions, and 14 passes defended.  There are many other strong pieces including Dante Fowler, Tashaun Gipson, Malik Jackson, and A.J. Bouye.  The Jaguars are very young, and very good on defense.  Don’t be surprised if Jacksonville goes on a little playoff run, as long as Bortles doesn’t revert back to his old self.

Final Verdict: 

Jacksonville 17- Buffalo 3

Buffalo is just not good enough offensively to compete with this Jags team. Tyrod Taylor likely won’t pick apart the Jags,  they are too strong on defense for the lowly Bills offense.  Whoever controls the line of scrimmage, and turns it over fewest will win. Going to be a snoozer, but it is Mediocrity’s Super Bowl after all!