2014 Cleveland Browns

[macbdog]

I thought Pat MacManamon was doing a great job for ESPN. He was also supportive of Hoyer and not afraid to be very critical of Manziel. ESPN might have wanted someone to write from a stronger company line, just guessing...

In the meantime, the Browns defense is ranked 31st in the league despite being the focus of several first day drafts and most of the salary cap...

Wasn't MacManamon the one predcting the Browns would be a top 7 defense? One of the beat writers said something to this effect. Just curious, but how is TJ Ward doing in Denver? Or Dqwell Jackson? I know the Cards haven't missed a beat without Dansby. I definitely do not see this defense remaining this bad, too much talent on that side of the ball. Thought they would be a much tighter unit than this.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

I don't know about Ward, but Jackson has been in the midst of one of the worst run defenses in football.

 

[A Squared]

I don't know about Ward, but Jackson has been in the midst of one of the worst run defenses in football.

There are 15 teams that have allowed more rushing yards per game than Indy including Cleveland who has given up 40+ more yards per game then them. How exactly are the Colts one of the worst run defenses in football?

 

[CosmoKramer]

There are 15 teams that have allowed more rushing yards per game than Indy including Cleveland who has given up 40+ more yards per game then them. How exactly are the Colts one of the worst run defenses in football?

The Colts per game numbers look alright against the run so far, but comparatively speaking they've had closer to a bottom-5 rushing defense than a top-5 this year. The Eagles ran for 2 touchdowns and 127 yards on 28 carries (4.5 YPC) against Indy in Week 2, they followed that up with a paltry 54 yards on 25 carries against Washington.

The Eagles rushing attack is no where near the level it was at last year, they're missing multiple starters on their line (Mathis, Kelce, Johnson) and only have one original starter playing at his regular position (Peters). If this depleted unit is running well against a team I'd be worried when matched up with legitimate rushing attacks like Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Luckily in 5 of their next 6 games the Colts play a top-15 rushing attack by DVOA, let's see where that yards per game number goes in the coming weeks.

 

[elcheato]

Bortles is 13/15 for 144 yards and a TD midway through the 2nd quarter.

Bridgewater 6/6 for 98 after a quarter.

Both looking fairly decent.

 

[AZ_]

Both looked excellent today.

Bortles just has sooo much potential. Easily the highest ceiling of the QBs this season.

 

[Phills14]

Bortles is 13/15 for 144 yards and a TD midway through the 2nd quarter.

Bridgewater 6/6 for 98 after a quarter.

Both looking fairly decent.

 

[Jack Brickman]

Bortles I can live with being great, because we weren't in a position to draft him anyway. Yeah, we could have traded up, but still.

Bridgewater would really sting because I think just about everyone here would have preferred him over Manziel in the twenties. If he turns into a franchise QB, I'm going to be pissed.

 

[Phills14]

Bortles I can live with being great, because we weren't in a position to draft him anyway. Yeah, we could have traded up, but still.

Bridgewater would really sting because I think just about everyone here would have preferred him over Manziel in the twenties. If he turns into a franchise QB, I'm going to be pissed.

I was and still am a Bridgewater guy. We traded a 3rd rounder (83) with 26 to get to 22 for Manziel. We could have had the exact same draft class but instead of Manziel we could have Teddy Bridgewater and Donte Moncrief (who was on the board at 83). I hope that decision doesn't haunt us.

 

[FiveThous]

Teddy is one of those guys I wanted so bad I'll follow his career no matter what. He definitely had a solid day but don't want to label him with anything yet.

 

[Soda]

Teddy so dependable, the Vikings signed Chandler Harnish today.... Bortles 2 picks. Let's relax on the "both looked excellent" when there are still legitimate question marks.

An injured Bridgewater is a bust in this City.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

I love Teddy. He's going to be a good QB in the NFL. It was predictable that he was going to be the most successful QB from this class early on.

I expect Bortles and Manziel to eventually be better than Teddy, though. I think all 3 are going to be great.

 

[Binkster]

Teddy with no TDs to speak of, but looked otherwise good.

To be fair, Atlanta has given up the following point totals thus far this year:

• 34 (NO)
• 24 (Cincy)
• 14 (Tampa)
• 41 (Minnesota)

Not exactly a stellar defensive team, but give credit where it's due. Bridge was solid. I was and continue to be a Teddy proponent as he was a polished prospect spoiled by a meaningless Pro Day.

 

[Shakalu M.D.]

So does New Orleans getting handled by Dallas make us less confident about the Browns' win against them? Could easily be 3-0 but could also easily be 0-3. I'm happy we've been competitve in every game so far, but I'm really concerned about how the defense has looked.

Gilbert has been getting killed by both opposing teams and the fans. I'm willing to give him a pass because you almost never see a rookie CB come in and look good from day one as a starter. Especially when they're opposite a guy like Haden, so they get picked on mercilessly. Haden didn't start as a rookie until week 11. Personally I think we need to see more Skrine until Gilbert starts to get it. I think he will eventually, just not there yet.

Haden hasn't been as good as usual either, but he's faced Antonio Brown (a guy who always gives him fits), Jimmy Graham (6 inches taller and I don't think there is a single person in the NFL who can cover him alone) and Steve Smith. Frankly the only one that concerned me was old man Smith burning him in crunch time.

I am concerned with the amount of big plays being given up. Scheme wise Pettine is supposed to give up the run in order to force pressure, turnovers, and limit big plays. We've seen some pressure and turnovers, but you can't give up that kind of running yardage to nobodies if you're also going to give up 30 yard passing plays.

I'm very happy with the offense so far. The rooks have been great running it and Hoyer has done his job. It's especially impressive when you consider the receiving corp he's working with. If the defense figures it out and the offense maintains the status quo, this team could be really good.

 

[CosmoKramer]

Teddy with no TDs to speak of, but looked otherwise good.

To be fair, Atlanta has given up the following point totals thus far this year:

• 34 (NO)
• 24 (Cincy)
• 14 (Tampa)
• 41 (Minnesota)

Not exactly a stellar defensive team, but give credit where it's due. Bridge was solid. I was and continue to be a Teddy proponent as he was a polished prospect spoiled by a meaningless Pro Day.

He actually ran in a score once yesterday, the Vikings haven't been afraid to run draws with him against soft coverage.