Tag: Cleveland Browns

Let the Madness Begin (Continue).

Schefty LOL 2

What a fucking weekend it has been throughout the NFL.  The NFL league year starts tomorrow, when free agent signings/trades can be finalized.  Yesterday saw the legal tampering period open.  That means we have plenty of contract agreements, trades, and players getting cut.  It is truly fantastic, and this year the Browns were in the forefront.

The Cleveland Browns fired three trades in succession.  They traded a 4th round pick in 2018, and a 7th in 2019.  Absolute peanuts compared to Unrestricted-Free Agents who are signing mega deals.

Not a bad deal at all!  Shows the Browns are serious about adding some play makers.  Landry will play one season on the $16 million dollar franchise tag.  I really liked this trade even more once the following broke:

Tyrod!  Welcome aboard, guy.  Love this trade, because it enhances the Jarvis Landry deal.  Landry is a 5-8 yard pass catcher, who lead the league in catches this past season with 112.  These two seem like they were born to play together, and I am hoping this may help Taylor expand his game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqS8TKACWpg

Still not done, the Browns made a THIRD trade right after the Tyrod Taylor trade was announced:

This one came at a complete shock.  The Browns shipped off second year Quarterback, DeShone Kizer for Green Bay Corner, Damarious Randall.  Sad to give up on Kizer, but he will be given a better chance to win out in Green Bay.  He won’t have to deal with Hue Jackson on a daily basis.  The Packers are getting an athletic specimen of a Quarterback.  The dude is a cardboard cutout of what you want in a Franchise Quarterback.   Kizer is a freaking oak tree standing at 6’4, 233 lbs.  He’s got the body to with stand NFL punishment, and can run with the best of Quarterbacks.  DeShone will need time and coaching to fix his footwork, and woeful accuracy.

Kizer bomb.gif

To the Browns end of the deal we go.  Damarious Randall was drafted in the first round, 30th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.  Randall came out of college as a Free-Safety, but had been playing corner with Green Bay.  He has nabbed 10 interceptions through two seasons, regular season, and playoffs.

As was reported by numerous outlets over the weekend, the Browns will be moving Randall back to his natural position.  This allows Jabrill Peppers to play in a more natural spot, which is strong safety closer to the line of scrimmage.  Last season Peppers was hardly able to make plays, because he was lined up a million fucking miles away from the line of scrimmage.  It was one of few decisions Williams made that I hated.  Glad to see they may have learned from that.

https://twitter.com/Cianaf/status/964557159378726912

The Browns were still NOT done.  On Saturday morning they fired off their fourth and final trade of the Weekend:

Danny Shelton was shipped off to New England, and the two teams swapped mid-round draft picks.  Not a bad trade for either team here.  Danny Shelton isn’t a star lineman by any means, but he is a valuable piece to your defensive line rotation.  His role is limited to clogging A gap during the run game.  Don’t expect Shelton to improve your pass rush, as he’s only been able to record 1.5 sacks in his three seasons.

Image result for Danny Shelton

This all before any of the other teams made real significant moves.  This past evening saw free agents agree to terms with new teams.  There have been a shitload, so I am just going to highlight a few:

Interesting move from the Bears here.  They are starting to add outside skill players to compliment the running attack.  Robinson is coming off a year in which he was out for the whole year with a torn ACL.  The Penn State product has had success in the past (1400 yards in 2016), but down years and injuries have plagued him.  If he and Cam Meredith can return to form, that forms a nice duo on the outside for Mitch Trubisky.

Robinson stats

Another Wide Receiver choose his destination fairly quickly:

Sammy Watkins sucks.  This guy is a fucking joke.  Hyped up heavily his draft year, he’s never fulfilled expectations.   Guess that makes him a perfect fit for the Kansas City Chiefs?  The writing is on the wall for this guy.  The Buffalo Bills decided to get rid of their only outside receiving threat for pennies on the dollar this off-season.  Watkins was a solid option in Los Angeles, but had the franchise tag rescinded.  Have fun with Andy Reid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nBTFOVb_w4

Finally to the big boys.  The Quarterbacks.  We had a slew of shitty Quarterbacks sign some atrocious contracts today.  First and foremost our man, Kirk Cousins.

This deal right here will be applauded by many players.  Kirk gambled on himself the previous two seasons in Washington.  That gambled played off as he now has a fully guaranteed contract worth $84 million dollars with the Minnesota Vikings.  Congrats Kirk Cousins, and god speed to the Vikings.  If it don’t work out, well that really sucks. Have fun!

(I can easily see this not working out)

The funny part is, Kirk wasn’t even the first QB to pick a landing spot:

Case Keenum agreed to a 2 year, $36 million dollar contract with the Denver Broncos. $18 million?!? You’re going to give Case Keemun $18 million dollars?! This is a brutal move by Elway and the Broncos. Case Keenum played WAY over his head in 2017-18. Even if this contract is only two years, that is still a shitload of money to pay a Quarterback. That’s a shitload to pay a Quarterback who you will be replacing in draft night. John Elway has to be one of the most overrated executives in professional football.

Last but not least we have Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater. Teddy signed with the J-E-Ts. He is coming off a brutal knee injury which saw him miss the past two seasons. If we’re being honest, Teddy Bridgewater sucked before the injury.

https://youtu.be/2rHIXkVv5Y0

Many other domino’s fell on Tuesday, and we’re STILL not at the league new year. The Browns are poised to make some moves to bolster their roster. Get er done, John.

Go Browns!

Not Done Yet….Browns Trade For Packers CB Damarious Randall.

Anyone got a pack of smokes? Still sweating from the Tyrod Taylor trade. John Dorsey pulled off a third Trade in the span of an hour and a half. This time he sent DeShone Kizer and a late round draft choice to Green Bay. In exchange, the Browns received Cornerback, Damarious Randall.

Excellent work by Dorsey on this one. Randall was Green Bay’s top corner this past season. Randall was drafted in the first round of the 2015 draft by the Packers. With the Green Bay roots in Cleveland’s front office, this one comes as a little less surprising. Randall has 10 interceptions through 2 full seasons.

Shame to have to give up on DeShone Kizer less than a year removed from drafting him. I still believe he will succeed in the NFL. Despite his accuracy issues, anti-clutch gene, and 0-16 record, Kizer handled a truly horrible season in a professional manner. He never complained, called any of his teammates out, and always shouldered responsibility. For that, I will always respect the shit out of DeShone Kizer. Hue Jackson did his best to destroy the kid, but he kept his head up. Some games he really looked like he could be something. The Packers will coach him up well.

Go fucking Browns.

Browns Trade for QB Tyrod Taylor.

Holy shit! Big Dick John Dorsey made another move Friday, just minutes after the Jarvis Landry trade. This time the Browns acquired Quarterback, Tyrod Taylor from the Bills. In exchange, the Bills received a third round draft selection.

This one is stunning. I fully expected AJ McArron to be the Browns starting Quarterback in 2018. Instead, Dorsey shelled out a mid-round draft pick for Tyrod. No issue with the trade, as Sashi Brown STILL shits out mid-round draft picks each morning. Not bad adding Jarvis Landry and Tyrod Taylor in the span of 45 minutes!

https://youtu.be/KlN_9UnHv8Q

I don’t know what to say. I was high on Tyrod for the longest time, and then he couldn’t hit a three yard check down in his playoff game. Hey it’s a competent Quarterback under center. I’ll take it.

Go Browns…more to come

Browns Trade for WR Jarvis Landry.

Hey now! Bit of a surprising move here on a casual Friday afternoon! The Browns have traded a pick in both the 2018 and 2019 drafts for ex Dolphins Wide Receiver, Jarvis Landry.

Nice way to kick off the off-season for big dick Dorsey. They’ll pick up Landry and his $16 million franchise tag for 1 season. If it works out, than an extension could be in the works. If not, they’ll move on. It’s a low risk move for the Browns. I would prefer that they wait to see who will be under center, and how well Landry fits before an extension is discussed. I am sure he would be receptive to an extension, or else the Browns wouldn’t have made the trade.

I’m not going to get too excited. I’m more curious to see if free-agents are willing to sign here than Landry who was traded. Hopefully this acquisition will show others the Browns mean business, and this leads to a few more acquisitions (Trumaine Johnson, Malcolm Butler).

It’s nice to add a pro-bowl player to the mix for sure, but Landry is coming off a down-ish year. Jay Cutler factor? Down year or not, the prospect of Gordon on the outside and Landry underneath….well that gets blood flowing.

Nice first move by Dorsey and company, but let’s not get carried away. 0-16 is 0-16 no matter how you slice it. Jarvis Landry doesn’t suddenly make this team .500, Daniel Jeremiah. This team has a long way to go. Let’s go Browns!

^Easy guy^

With The First Pick of The 2018 NFL Draft, The Cleveland Browns Select: Josh Allen.

Image result for Josh Allen

Silly season continues, as this past weekend has been the NFL Combine.  Prospects from all over this great land assembled in Indianapolis to do a bunch of meaningless drills, and interviews.  That brings us to our fourth Quarterback will most certainly be discussing as an option at first overall, or even fourth.

Out of all the options at Quarterback in the 2018 Draft Class, Josh Allen is down towards the bottom.  Why you ask?  Easy, there have been about 100 Josh Allen’s in past NFL Drafts.  First off, he’s a fucking monster standing at 6’4, 240 lbs.  Just a fucking linebacker playing QB.  These are obviously seen as positive traits. He is a guy who will be able to withstand NFL punishment.   Another talking point is his hands, big people have large hands, and Josh Allen’s hands are pretty big.  These are all contributing factors to this guys cannon of an arm.

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josh allen stats 2

The career stats for Allen are as posted above.  The biggest takeaway: What the fuck happened this year?  I see a significant statistical drop-off in almost every major category in 2017.  He threw 12 less TD’s in 2017. He also declined in interceptions, which is obviously a good thing.  Just head scratching statistics.  This guy can throw it 90 fucking yards, but he averaged only 6.7 yards per attempt in 2017?  He is a surprisingly decent runner.  In 2016 he ran for 523 yards and 7 TD’s.  Again, those numbers plummeted in 2017, where he only rushed for 204 yards, and 5 TD’s.  For such a big body.

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So, the kid has a good arm.  He can move around in the pocket ala Big Ben, should the Browns draft him to be the Quarterback of the future? ABSOLUTELY NOT.  First off, I hadn’t watched ANY of this kids games, because well I am not a Wyoming fan.  He is coming from that typical two-bit, punching Judy College offense.  The QB is hardly under center, and almost every fucking play is a run-pass option.  He hasn’t displayed the ability to take snaps under center consistently, at least from what I am seeing.  I watched that highlight tape (the first time I’ve watched Josh Allen) and I saw less than 10 snaps come from under center.  I saw a few bootlegs, but that’s about it.

Basically what I see when I watch this tape, is a big dude who relies on his natural arm strength.  He’s got accuracy issues that may not ever be fixed.  Doesn’t matter how far you throw it when you can’t hit the target.  But, Danny! What if the Browns develop him properly?!   We have a Josh Allen on the Roster already, and his name is DeShone Kizer.  Kizer is a a guy who is massive, has a rocket arm, can run, and has insane accuracy issues.   Kizer may never be fixed, which leads me to believe we wouldn’t be able to develop Allen in the first place.

kizer gif.gif

(^Looks sexy doesn’t it^)

For that reason, I am OUT on Josh Allen.  The question is, are the Browns out on him too?  I sure hope so…

With The First Pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, The Cleveland Browns Select: Lamar Jackson.

Image result for lamar jackson

Lamar Jackson seems to be the least talked about high-end prospect the 2018 NFL Draft has to offer.  Make no mistake about it, Lamar Jackson deserves consideration to be picked first overall, or just the first round in general.  The fact he isn’t getting much attention is very weird.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWeAd4T3Gog

Now, the easy comparison here is obviously Michael Vick.  They are both run-heavy Quarterback’s, with athleticism through the freaking roof.  At any second Jackson could take off, and run the ball 90 yards to the house.  In college, Mike Vick had one huge knock to his game.  His ability to throw the ball down the field.  Vick lacked the down field accuracy, and power if he were to stand in the pocket.

 

Now, based on what I have been watching of Jackson it seems as if he is ahead of where Vick was just throwing the ball down the field.  His passes have more zip, and accuracy than anything Vick threw at Virginia Tech.

lamar jackson stats 1

lamar jackson stats 3

Looking at Jackson’s’ stats here I am pleasantly surprised.   Obviously his best year came in 2016, where he threw for 30 TD’s, and rushed for another 21.  That’s your Quarterback accounting for 51 total touchdowns.  That is insanity right there.  In 2017 his stats dropped………barely.  In a season where he was hyped less than the year before, Lamar came out and balled.  Interestingly enough, he ran for 3 less TD’s, AND threw for 3 less TD’s than 2016.  However, his total yardage increased for both rushing and passing.  In 2017 he threw for 3,660 yards.  That is up from 3,543 in 2016.  2017 saw Lamar rush for 1,601 yards, which is an improvement from the 1,571 in 2016.

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All of those stats, and insane highlights bring us to the main Question: Should the Browns take Lamar Jackson at number 1?  Short answer: No.  I would have no problem with the Browns if they decided they wanted to pick Lamar Jackson.  First overall would be a bit of a reach despite the Heisman Season, highlights, and numbers.  Drafting Lamar Jackson so high would require the Browns to tailor the entire offense to him.  This is fine and all, but the gimmicky read-option/pistol offense seems to only work in spurts in the NFL.  Defenses are just too fast for it.  If you draft Lamar Jackson that high you don’t force him to become a pure pocket passer.  That would ruin the kid, and is just not doing his talent justice.  I feel like it’s easier to ask a Pro-Style quarterback to run more, than it is to ask a running quarterback to stay in the pocket.

If Dorsey decides Lamar is the guy, by all means draft Lamar Jackson.  I would prefer they tried to trade back into round 1 in the 15-32 area.  They have the draft capital to do so (Thanks Sashi, love you mean it).  But, Browns fans should not sleep on Lamar Jackson.  This dude is fucking electric, and I was shocked to see he virtually matched his Heisman winning season.  Hell, 2017 was probably the better year.  Fewer TD’s, but total yardage increased.  Will John Dorsey show some serious balls, and draft Lamar Jackson to be the Browns Quarterback of the future?

Lamar Jackson marry me.gif

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?

Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Sam Darnold/Josh Rosen Declares for NFL Draft.

Kudos to Sashi Brown. Really, what an absolute masterpiece of a tank job. Last night, USC’s Sam Darnold, and UCLA’s Josh Rosen both declared for the NFL draft. Cleveland’s offseason will come down to which one they’ll choose. Personally, I’m not too thrilled with either one. I really feel like Rosen, and Darnold will go 1 and 2, a la Mariota and Winston, or Goff and Wentz. In that regard, we’re stuck with one of them, so let’s pick one and roll with it. Build the fucking team around him.

Right now if you put a switchblade to my balls, and asked me who the better Quarterback was, I’d say Rosen. He’s got a more rounded game than Darnold. He’s obviously very smart, makes the right reads, and doesn’t force it too much. I see Rosen having a Alex Smith type career. Not great, but not bad in any way.

Now, for Darnold. Based on chatter surrounding these two, Darnold seems like he’ll be the pick. He’s not the better of the two quarterbacks right now, but he has the tools to have a higher ceiling than Rosen. Sam is big, 6’4 225 lbs, a frame which will come in handy in the AFC North. His highlight clips indicate that he has more willingness to take risks with the Football. I’m more than ok with it, so long as he can be coached properly on when to take them.

https://youtu.be/q7TRrfWO3uU

I like the fact that Darnold is willing to make some risks to make plays. Based off the highlight clip he can do it with his legs as well. He’s certainly not Michael Vick, but he can improvise with his legs when needed.

As mentioned in previous posts it’s going to come down to which one isn’t a Nancy boy. Who’s willing to accept the challenge of joining the Cleveland Browns. So far, Darnold is the leader in that regard:

So I sit here on January 4th and am telling you that Sam Darnold will likely be picked 1st overall in April. I’m not exactly thrilled, but I still have some hope. Unfortunately, the only quarterback that’s really intrigues me is Baker Mayfield.

He presents the most upside out of any quarterback out there. He’s got the swagger, drive, and ability to lead a team on Sunday’s. There are obviously off the field concerns, but I generally feel like he wants it more on the field than the QB he’s most compared to, Johnny Manziel.

The Rose Bowl was telling in a negative way for Mayfield. He had his Sooners up 31-17 at the half. They ended up losing the game 54-48. I thought it would be a game where Mayfield would go out, and take a win from Georgia. It never happened. Suspect play-calling was an issue, but Mayfield seemed to wilt. It was a concerning game for him.

Still a long way to go, but again it just seems inevitable Darnold will be the guy. The Browns have some options, as they pick 4th overall as well.

Oh I can certainly fuck with that.