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BROWNS WRAPUP

Monday, January 12, 2015

The Chronicle-Telegram

Taking 5 on the good, bad and really ugly

Browns
veteran
center
Alex Mack
was lost for
the season
after getting
injured
against the
Pittsburgh
Steelers on
Oct. 12.
Some look at
that as the
turning point
to what was,
to that point,
a promising
season for
the Browns.

BY THE NUMBERS
7,917
Consecutive snaps played
by left tackle Joe Thomas.
He hasnt missed one
in eight seasons.

5,279
Consecutive snaps played
by center Alex Mack
to start his career before
breaking his leg.

824
Receiving yards for
wideout Andrew Hawkins,
tops on the team.

333
Rushing yards by Ben Tate
before he was released.
AP FILE

141.6
Rushing yards, per game,
allowed by the Browns,
worst in the league.

63
Catches for Hawkins,
a team high.

42.0
Passer rating
for rookie quarterback
Johnny Manziel.

29.5
Percent of third downs
converted by the Browns,
worst in the league.

24
Catches by receiver
Josh Gordon,
for 303 yards.

21
Interceptions
by the Browns,
second in the league.

17
Rushing touchdowns
for the Browns,
13 more than in 2013.

11
Sacks by
outside linebacker
Paul Kruger, tied for fifth
in a season
in Browns history.

10-6
Record for
quarterback Brian Hoyer
as Browns starter.

8
Pro Bowls
for Thomas.

7
Wins by the Browns,
the most since 2007.

6
Interceptions by free safety
Tashaun Gipson.

3
Centers
to start
after Mack was hurt.

3
Receiving touchdowns
by wideout
Travis Benjamin,
most on the team.

0
Touchdown passes thrown
by Manziel,
to go with two interceptions.

3
Pro Bowlers:
Thomas,
cornerback Joe Haden,
Gipson.

0
Touchdowns for Gordon.

-38
Point differential
for the Browns
for the season, 337-299.

TOP 5 PLAYERS
Joe Thomas, left tackle
An eighth Pro Bowl trip in eight seasons should say it all. But, for whatever reason, there remain critics who live
to jump on the few mistakes Thomas makes.
He wasnt perfect this season the loss to Buffalo is Exhibit A but he was among the best linemen in the
league, and the most consistent member of the Browns. He played every snap for the eighth straight year, helped
the development of rookie left guard Joel Bitonio and did his best to protect whichever quarterback was behind
him. He also improved as a run blocker, which shows how hard he continues to work.
Profootballfocus.com isnt perfect in its detailed analysis of every snap of every NFL player, but its thorough and
a valuable tool for evaluation. It ranked Thomas as the fourth-best lineman this season. The All-Pro voters agreed,
as Thomas earned his fifth first-team selection.
He deserves better than the seven straight losing seasons hes been forced to endure.

Joe Haden, cornerback

After a ragged start that included a deciding completion given up to Ravens receiver Steve Smith in a loss,
Haden found his Pro Bowl form. He made the adjustment to coach Mike Pettines press-man coverage and
earned his second straight trip to the Pro Bowl.
Haden was consistently on the opponents No. 1 receiver, which meant weekly matchups with Pittsburghs Antonio
Brown, Cincinnatis A.J. Green, Atlantas Julio Jones and Buffalos Sammy Watkins. He rose to the challenge more
often than not, then showed his growth as a person and leader by returning for the meaningless finale despite a
bruised rotator cuff. Haden had three interceptions, 20 passes defensed and 73 tackles, and is officially one of the
best at his position in the game. He worked even harder after signing a five-year, $68 million contract.

Joel Bitonio, left guard

His signature play was a special teams tackle, but he was a force on the line throughout his rookie season. First,
the tackle.
When Billy Cundiff was woefully short on a long field-goal attempt to end the first half in Atlanta, returner Devin
Hester was on his way to a game-changing touchdown when Bitonio sprinted downfield and caught up to the
future Hall of Famer. The play not only showed Bitonios hustle, it saved Pettine from great embarrassment and
much second-guessing.
Bitonio, the No. 35 pick, might also have saved Ray Farmers first draft as general manager. With the futures of
first-rounders Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel in serious doubt, Bitonio looks like hell be a Pro Bowl-caliber left
guard for the next decade. Pettine even argued he shouldve been selected to the all-star squad this season.
Bitonio stepped into the starting lineup immediately, never looked out of place and was a perfect fit between Pro
Bowlers Thomas and center Alex Mack.

Tashaun Gipson, free safety

He was so good in the first 11 games, he didnt need to finish the season to be voted to his first Pro Bowl.
Gipson accumulated a team-high six interceptions, eight passes defensed, a forced fumble and 52 tackles before
tearing his medial collateral ligament against Atlanta in Week 12. He isnt the most gifted athlete, but is usually in
the right place and has a nose for the ball.
Gipson has come a long way since being undrafted out of Wyoming in 2012. Hes a restricted free agent, and the
Browns must bring him back. With Haden and strong safety Donte Whitner, he gives the Browns three pivotal
pieces toward a superb secondary.

Paul Kruger, outside linebacker

He was the Browns bounce-back player of the year and provided former CEO Joe Banner a reason to brag.
Kruger was the key free agent acquisition under Banner in 2013 signing a five-year, $40.5 million contract but
had only 4.5 sacks in his first season with the Browns. He rebounded this year with 11 sacks and an overall solid
season.
Kruger isnt the dominant pass-rushing force of a Von Miller, Justin Houston or Terrell Suggs, but he can get to
the quarterback with quickness and power and was by far Clevelands best pass rusher this year.
OTHERS: Receiver Andrew Hawkins, inside linebacker Karlos Dansby.

BOTTOM 5 PLAYERS

5 ISSUES FOR THE OFFSEASON

1. SAME OLD QUESTION
No matter what the Browns do, they cant solve the quarterback
problem. Of course, its the most important position in the game.
For the second time in three years, the Browns used the No. 22
pick in the draft on a quarterback. They still dont have the answer. In
fact, all they have are questions.
Johnny Manziel didnt show much in his six quarters as starter
before injuring his hamstring. He led only one field-goal drive and
looked overmatched. He also hasnt shown a commitment to the job,
which makes it risky to count on him as the starter for 2015.
Brian Hoyer is 10-6 as Browns starter, but was benched for Manziel
and is due to become a free agent in March. General manager Ray
Farmer indicated the Browns would offer him a contract, but its
unlikely to match Hoyers asking price. Hoyer seems fed up with
Farmer, and a change of scenery could be best.
The Browns will need to add at least one quarterback. The free
agent market is underwhelming, so they could turn again to the draft.
Every possibility is on the table.
The coaching staff and front office werent in agreement over how
to handle quarterback during the season. They must resolve their
differences, or another regime is doomed to fail.

2. TIME TO GO?
All-Pro receiver Josh Gordon remains the most talented player on
the roster. He may not be on it for long.
During his wrapup news conference, Farmer
sounded like hes done with Gordon. Not only has
the league suspended him twice in the past two
seasons for a total of 12 games, the Browns
suspended him for the finale for missing the final
walkthrough. Instead of propelling the Browns to
the playoffs, Gordons return in Week 12 coincided
with their demise. He couldnt regain his all-star
form, consistently ran the wrong routes and
pouted. Rather than be excited to be back on the
field, Gordon acted like he wants out of Cleveland. Gordon
Farmer could oblige, if he finds a team willing to
trade for an immense talent thats one more suspension from an
indefinite ban. I believe Farmer would settle for a third-round pick.

3. BIG HOLE TO FILL

Coach Mike Pettine is looking for an offensive coordinator for the
second time in a year. Pettine spends most of his time on the
defensive side, so he needs a play caller he can trust. He had that in
Kyle Shanahan, but Shanahan felt he had better opportunities
elsewhere and resigned last week.
Replacing a coordinator after one season isnt starting over, but its
certainly a step back. Offseason workouts will be devoted to learning
the basics of the playbook rather than mastering the graduate-level
details of a system in its second season. Ideally, Pettine will settle on
someone who runs a zone blocking scheme similar to Shanahans, so
the line doesnt have to go through another wholesale change.

4. WORTH KEEPING
Before filling needs through free agency and the draft, the Browns
must decide which of their free agents-to-be theyd like to keep. The
list isnt too long, but it has some big names. Hoyer is at the top,
followed by Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron, No. 2 cornerback
Buster Skrine, outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard, defensive lineman
Ahtyba Rubin and receiver Miles Austin.
Skrine should be the first priority, because Pettine values
cornerbacks above every position besides quarterback and rookie
Justin Gilbert isnt ready to step in as the starter. The coaches love
Skrine for his toughness, resilience and work ethic, but the front
office will have to agree to sign the big check.
Cameron missed six games with injuries and his production
dropped drastically this season, but Farmer said he fits here and
could return. Cameron will likely test the market before considering
coming back.
Sheard and Rubin are likely gone, while Austin would be worth
bringing back after exceeding expectations. Free safety Tashaun
Gipson and inside linebacker Craig Robertson are restricted free
agents, and Gipson should get a long-term deal to stay put.

5. MAKE A LIST
The Browns have plenty of pieces in place, but are far from a
finished product. Farmer, with the help of Pettine, must prioritize the
roster upgrades necessary to become a playoff team.
Quarterback could be No. 1, depending on what decisions are
made regarding Manziel and Hoyer. Next in line: pass-rushing outside
linebacker, a run-stuffing defensive lineman or two, receiver, tight end
(especially if Cameron leaves) and veteran running back.
The Browns have the resources to fill many holes. They have tons of
room under the salary cap and two first-round draft choices.

5 DEFINING MOMENTS
1. CENTER OF EVERYTHING

Josh Gordon, receiver

Great things are expected of those with great talent. Gordon fell woefully short of expectations for the entire
season.
He spent the first 10 games under a league drug suspension, then was a giant disappointment when he
returned. The Browns were looking for a shot in the arm as they tried to reach the playoffs, instead Gordon
provided a kick in the gut. He ran the wrong routes, didnt give maximum effort and was suspended by the team
for the finale after missing the final walkthrough.
He played five games and caught 24 passes for 303 yards with no touchdowns after leading the league with
1,646 yards in 2013.

Johnny Manziel, quarterback (below left)

If only the production, and the dedication, matched the hype. Manziels rookie season was a bust on
and off the field and raised serious questions about his future with the Browns and in the league.
Manziel wasnt ready to start in Week 1 and opened the season behind Brian Hoyer. Manziel
provided a spark in Buffalo after replacing Hoyer in the fourth quarter, then fell flat as the starter. He
looked unprepared, overwhelmed and unathletic and managed only a field-goal drive in six quarters
before leaving with a strained hamstring. He went 18-for-35 for 175 yards with no touchdown
passes and two interceptions.
Manziel continued to promise to work harder and take his job more seriously, only to come
up short. He was fined after missing treatment when he overslept after partying on the final
Friday night of the season. The partying continued as soon as the offseason began and
hasnt stopped.

Ben Tate, running back

A target in free agency, Tate was gone after 10 games. He had a bad attitude in
the locker room and wasnt good enough on the field to make up for it.
Tate seemed like the perfect fit with his history in the zone blocking scheme,
but a Week 1 knee injury sidelined him for two games and he never got in a
rhythm. He finished with 106 carries for 333 yards
(3.1 average) and four touchdowns, and he could never match the
124-yard outing against Tennessee.
The Browns released him Nov. 18 with only three rookie backs on the
roster. They were simply done with Tate.

Justin Gilbert, cornerback

It seems like a decade ago, but there was a week during training
camp when the rookie Gilbert looked as talented as anyone on the field. That
was before he was late/missed multiple meetings, passed on the depth chart by
undrafted rookie KWaun Williams and fourth-round pick Pierre Desir, ripped by
veteran teammates for a wasted year and deactivated for the finale for being late
to the last team meeting of the season.
The No. 8 pick the Browns traded a fifth-round pick to move up one
spot to ensure getting Gilbert was nearly as big a disappointment as
Manziel. Gilberts physical skills are evident in contrast to Manziels
but his willingness to work is another story. The public criticism
from teammates was a last-ditch effort to get through to him, and
days later he was late again.
Its too early to give up on Gilbert, but he cant be counted on
as a starter for next season.

Ahtyba Rubin,
defensive lineman
Injuries were an issue throughout the year, but they
dont absolve Rubin from the steep drop in production.
He played in 13 games with 11 starts, totaling 28
tackles, a sack and a pass defensed.
Rubin, a sixth-round pick in 2008, made a career for
himself with non-stop effort, but something was
missing this season. He was a weakness on a
defensive line that was the main reason
the Browns ranked last in the league
against the run.
OTHERS: Kicker Billy Cundiff,
center Nick McDonald.
Scott Petrak
AP FILE

Who knew center Alex Mack was underpaid at $8.4 million a year?
The season went down the drain for a number of reasons. No. 1 was
the broken leg of Mack. Yes, the loss of a center sabotaged the Browns
playoff chances.
Mack had never missed a snap in his five-plus seasons until going
down in an ugly heap against Pittsburgh in the fifth game. The offense
managed without him for a while, but eventually faded into black. The run
game quit working, the pass protection suffered and the points
disappeared. John Greco, Nick McDonald and Ryan Seymour were used
in place of Mack, but none was up to the challenge.
Its impossible to name someone who played only 4 games the
teams MVP, but the drop-off without Mack made him worthy of
consideration. And worth the $26 million guaranteed in his contract.

2. DANCE TO THE HISTORY

One of the best comebacks in NFL history deserved one of the best
celebrations. The postgame dancing in the Browns
locker room may not have been Dance Fever-caliber,
but the joy captured on defensive lineman Phil Taylors
cell phone was one of the most memorable moments
of the year.
The Browns trailed 28-3 in Tennessee late in the
second quarter and were staring at a 1-3 start to the
season. Then they staged their version of the Music
City Miracle. Tank Carder blocked a punt for a safety,
and Brian Hoyer threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns
to cap the 29-28 win.
Then they danced. Left tackle Joe Thomas and
Thomas
Hoyer led the way, earning some praise and much
ridicule from teammates and fans.

3. OVER AND OUT

The Browns had lost three of four to slip to 7-6, but were still in the thick
of the playoff race. That didnt stop coach Mike Pettine from benching
Hoyer and giving rookie Johnny Manziel his first start in a must-win game
against the Bengals.
The hype was over the top and the excitement sky-high to see if
Manziel could spark the sputtering offense and a playoff run. It didnt
happen. Manziel was a disaster and the Browns were embarrassed
30-0 at home.
The skid reached five to end the season, and Pettine was
second-guessed for switching quarterbacks at such a critical time.
Hoyers slump had reached four games, but he likely wouldve stayed in
the lineup had the Browns held off the Colts the week before facing
Cincinnati. The defense scored two touchdowns to keep the Browns in
the game, but allowed the Colts to convert a fourth-and-1 in the final
minute to break their hearts.

4. THE GOOD OLD DAYS

The low point of the season was the Dec. 14 loss to the Bengals. The
high point was a 24-3 win in Cincinnati on Nov. 6 in prime time.
The Browns dominated to improve to 6-3, then moved into sole
possession of first place a couple of days later when the Steelers lost.
The Browns hadnt been in first place in the division by themselves since
1994.
Hoyer played a solid game, left the field to chants of his name and
heard NFL Network analyst and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders say pay
the man in a postgame interview. Hoyers stock was never higher.

5. TROUBLING ENDING
As if a five-game skid to end the season wasnt bad enough, the final
loss in Baltimore was preceded by a weekend of missed obligations and
organization-imposed discipline with three of the teams most notable
players. All-Pro receiver Josh Gordon was suspended for missing a
walkthrough, Manziel was fined for missing treatment on his injured
hamstring and rookie cornerback Justin Gilbert was deactivated after
missing a team meeting the night before the game.
More troublesome was that all three players had made previous
mistakes off the field and vowed to not make them again.
Scott Petrak

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