Written by Dave Kolonich

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What would a humid day in late June be without a little roundup?  Although the topics appear tame, and are still bordering on warmed over post OTA idealism – maybe we can start a little controversy.  Or, how about I bring the snacks and you bring the controversy?

Or, let’s just check in with Marla Ridenour.  She’s always good for a little drama.

Ridenour – Risky Restraint

Please tell me that the Derek Anderson-Brady Quinn soap opera wasn’t canceled for a Delhomme-Seneca Wallace sequel.  

One could imagine Browns president Mike Holmgren listening in his office upstairs and slapping himself in the forehead, saying, ”What is he doing?” It seemed as if Mangini had learned nothing from the Anderson-Quinn debacle that sent the two quarterbacks packing for warmer pastures.

Sorry, Marla – not this year.  In case some people haven’t been paying attention, the veteran QB who signed for seven million dollars is pretty much going to be the starter.  This was the case during OTA’s and mini-camp and will no doubt be evidenced all through training camp and during preseason.

Mangini’s recent comments suggesting that Seneca Wallace will get some reps with the first team starters was more of an endorsement of his backup’s versatility than anything else.  Yes, as foreign as this statement may be, Wallace will actually see some playing time in 2010 – likely in some Wildcat and situational type settings.  Unless, that is whenever Wallace enters the game, the coaching staff decides to bring in John St. Clair and a backup offensive line.

As for the Holmgren line, it’s amazing how some local media members have decided to portray the new team President as the defacto coach of the Browns, despite the inconvenient fact that Mangini was retained for the coming season.  Look for this storyline to repeat itself throughout 2010 – every time the Browns’ offense struggles, or loses to a divisional rival or whenever Mangini basically speaks at a press conference.

Just imagine if Mangini remains in Cleveland for the next few years.  Or, if the Browns improve?  Whatever will we talk about?

As for some more rational thought, here’s this…

Terry Pluto’s Talkin’

If Mangini had to do his most recent news conference over again, he would be clearer about the fact that — no surprise — Delhomme is the No. 1 quarterback. During the minicamps, he worked with the starters and the Browns were very pleased with the 35 year old.

Exactly.  Let’s move on.  Sorry, Marla.  Not this year.

The Browns believe Robiskie will continue to be effective once real football begins with blocking and tackling.

Some “track guys” look good in the summer, then fade once they are physically challenged in the fall. That should not be the case with the Ohio State product.

Speaking of lovefests of the non-Mike Holmgren variety, let’s hope all the positive buzz surrounding Robiskie actually does carry over into the regular season.  For lack of a better sentiment, the Browns’ offense is desperately relying on a player who played in parts of five games last season.

For the team’s offense – particularly in the passing game – Robiskie needs to make an Olympic-sized jump in order for the Browns to reach even some basic compentency.  Otherwise, Mohammed Massaquoi will be double-teamed on every third down, following a series of eight-man fronts on every other play.

In terms of pinning our hopes on something beyond tenuous, Robiskie’s hopeful progression is a far greater leap than even thinking that Jake Delhomme snaps out of his two-year slump.

Or, in other words – let’s hope that running game is as good as we all think it is.

Or, how about that defense?

6. The Browns love to play five, even six linebackers at times. That’s why it matters if Veikune can contribute. New inside linebacker Chris Gocong has been impressive and the Browns believe he’ll be a factor against the run.

7. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and coach Eric Mangini are having fun sorting through all the linebackers, the key players being Scott Fujita, David Bowens, Jason Trusnik, Matt Roth, Marcus Benard, Kaluka Maiava, Gocong, Jackson and Veikune. Veteran Eric Barton is in camp, but still recovering from a neck injury.

As I’ve stated a thousand times before, one can view the Browns’ dense volume of linebackers as either a wonderful example of strength in numbers, or simply a staggering set of undefined roles. 

In terms of the versatility that Mangini and Ryan crave, it appears that Fujita, Trusnik, Bowens, Gocong and Veikune could eventually play multiple positions, leaving Roth and Benard as pass rushers, and Maiava and Jackson as the primary inside backers. 

Of course, this “versatility” also means that perhaps ten roster positions are going to be devoted to linebackers – if you include special teams ace Blake Costanza.  While I’ve been hyper critical of the team’s linebacking weaknesses over the past few years, on one hand this depth is comforting – while still kind of confusing.

For example, if we can point towards a “base package”, who exactly would be the starters? 

Perhaps the ideal scenario could see Jackson and Maiava in the middle, with Roth and Fujita on the outside.  But such a base excludes Bowens, who was clearly the team’s best defender in 2010.  In the case of Gocong, it appears he could prove the pass rushing equal of Roth – which also suggests that Benard will not see much action.  As for Trusnik, his best role is in run defense, which also means that another player ahead of him will become more of a situational player.

All the while, the player who should be getting a long look – based on his draft position, David Veikune - will again be sitting on the sidelines. 

Let’s just go with “strength in numbers.”  This is confusing.

Not as confusing is the coach with the most to lose…or gain in 2010….

Doerschuk’s Blog – Canton Rep

A FEW OBSERVATIONS about one coach who will have plenty to do with how well Eric Mangini makes it float.

Jerome Henderson, defensive backs.

While watching him work in spring practice, I don’t know that I sensed he is nervous, but a sense of urgency was evident. The team needs two and maybe all three of its DB draft picks (Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Larry Asante) to be on the field at Tampa the day it gets real. Henderson wasn’t shy about riding the rookies if they repeated a mistake. 

One of them, Ward, laughed when I told him Mangini said the rookies could be in an episode of “Lost.” The tone of his laugh said, “That’s no joke.”

Haden is having a hard time getting used to the fact he’ll get flagged if he keeps bumping receivers more than five yards downfield.

Henderson is new at this. He was a first-year assistant DBs coach for Mangini’s 2007 Jets, then the regular DBs coach in ‘08. The Jets had only 14 interceptions under Henderson in ‘08 and gave up 3,752 passing yards. Romeo Crennel’s Browns, by way of comparison, allowed 3,273 passing yards and had 23 picks.

Talk about a tough assignment.

Not only does Henderson face the monumental task of preparing three rookies for eventual 2010 action, he also is looking at some still thin safety depth, along with trying to figure out the best roles for veterans Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright.

Ideally, Joe Haden will emerge as a starting corner, which would help to alleviate Wright’s burden as a starter, as well as provide some insurance against Brown hitting a veteran wall.  However, the problem at safety could become an epidemic, considering that Abe Elam and Mike Adams are probably the team’s two best options to start in 2010. 

While the recent draft could prove instrumental in finally addressing the long-time plague at safety, it’s hard to imagine even one rookie starter in 2010, let alone two. 

Unlike the situation at corner, where Brown and Wright have some real NFL experience, there is no true veteran leader at safety in 2010.  Elam is the closest option – but he has always struggled in coverage, and Adams – while being a great gap filler – is not your typical starter.

If Henderson can get one of these rookie safeties ready to play in 2010, his job will be mostly successful.  Throw in Haden as a rookie contributor, and we could be onto something.  Then, let’s just say that Brandon McDonald gets stabbed in the leg – and Henderson should see his coaching value skyrocket.

Finally, speaking of rocketing – or at least idlying – here’s this…

Don Best – Browns’ Season Preview

It will be tough if not impossible for the Browns to improve on their 5-11 record from a year ago. The team has too many holes to fill in every area and it will take a draft or two and some quality free-agent signings in order for Holmgren to build up his roster Then there’s the ongoing storyline/distraction of when, not if, Mangini will get canned.

Without trying to sound patronizing it must be tough being a Cleveland fan. The Indians, the Browns, Lebron….you get the picture. Each year Browns backers, the most loyal of all sports fans, are full of optimism but that hope gives way quickly to the harsh reality that the franchise is still a wreck. Perhaps this is the year that the Browns under Holmgren’s guidance can begin the transition from perennial loser to NFL contender. If Holmgren can get things turned around and headed in the right direction the “Dawg Pound” figures to be a happier place in 2010. If not, then it will be business as usual along the banks of Lake Erie.

You can bet on it! How many games will the Browns win this year? I’m guessing not many but if you had to pick…..The Brownies win total opened and remains at 5.5 for the upcoming campaign and upon first glance appears to be a bit generous. Cleveland is the longest shot on the board to win the AFC North at +1200 and opened as at 30/1 to win the AFC but that number has jumped to 40/1. The Browns are 80/1 long shots to win the NFL title.

From the world of Vegas oddsmakers comes this. 

1.  Holmgren is wonderful.  The Browns are not.

2.  Mangini will get fired.

3.  Cleveland is horrible and its fans are pathetic losers.

I guess Vegas is as ill-informed as the rest of the national media.  Seriously, I was waiting for a Brady/DA reference.

Which is probably a good thing if you’re of the gambling persuasion.  A 5.5 win betting line?  I would take that.  I can easily envision a 6 or 7 win team in 2010. 

I wonder what the odds are regarding Mangini’s firing – you know, not “if, but when?”  Or, how about the odds of Holmgren receiving complete credit if the Browns can somehow reach .500 or above?

Or, how about these pathetic storylines being rehashed over and over again?

I think that’s a safe bet.