Written by Dave Kolonich

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Unlike all of the previous segments in this series, there is little debate that the Browns’s special teams units – in all their various forms – are among the league’s best.  From spectacular kick coverage units to Josh Cribbs’ heroic returns to a solid kicking game, the Browns’ special teams excelled under the direction of uber-coach Brad Seely in 2009. 

Although like many things 2009, it was easy to overlook the impact of the Browns’ special teams, it’s worth noting that without the directional punting of Dave Zastudil and tremendous kick coverage led by Blake Costanzo and Ray Ventrone, the Browns could have easily been facing an 0-11 start.  Also, take away Josh Cribbs’ performance against Kansas City and we’re looking at a three-win season.

From a basic point of competition, the special teams units were the one thing keeping the Browns from completely unraveling for most of last season.  Considering the stalled nature of the offense and at times porous defense, the Browns were able to mostly control a field position advantage – again based on the tremendous kick coverage and return games.

So what can we expect from the 2010 units? 

I would assume more of the same.  In many ways, Eric Mangini’s first and only season as Team Czar showed the oft-beleagured coach’s penchant for discovering hidden gems in the deep earth of NFL rubble.  Besides Costanzo and Ventrone, Mangini brought in Jason Trusnik – who along with Mike Adams, Nick Sorensen and others formed a truly effective core of “glue guys.”  While volumes could be written debating the overall merits of such unheralded players, let’s just take it for what it is….

 

In other words, if there’s one player that Mangini knows how to scout – it’s a special teamer.

Which means that a line by line canvassing of each Browns’ special teamer is a bit counterproductive….if only because under Mangini’s watch, there could likely be a new cast of faces covering 2010 kicks….

…With similar results.

Ideally

Cribbs doesn’t completely combust from complete overuse in 2010, and/or is not wasted at a strictly defined position, but rather given the freedom to make plays all over the field….particularly on special teams.  The scrapheap trio of Costanzo, Trusnik and Ventrone continue to wreak havoc in the return game, while some new faces are unearthed by Mangini – who has become the ultimate NFL “picker.”

Finally, Ryan Pontbriand continues to serve as the shining example of Butch Davis’ Cleveland drafts, while Dave Zastudil’s left leg does not separate from his body.  And somewhere in a tiny corner of Berea, no one hears Phil Dawson’s soft moaning.

But Really

I’m not even going here.  Unless some catastrophic injuries strike Berea, the Browns’ various special teams units should remain the pinnacle of NFL success.  But then again…..

The Pick

Taking the long-view approach to overall team improvement, it’s worth noting that the Browns are one-third of the way towards returning to NFL prominence.  The special teams units are more than solid, and at times – spectacular. 

Now, about those other areas….

 

Check out Part One – Quarterbacks here, Part Two – Running Backs – here, Part Three – Wide Receivers here, Part Four – Tight Ends here and Part Five – Offensive Line here