Written by Dave Kolonich

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The 2010 season has officially begun – for the most part – and our Browns delivered something quite precious in a game that was entertaining for about a half….or maybe just a quarter or so.  Beyond the usual “getting to know you” introduction that traditionally marks the Browns’ first preseason game, I think a clearer picture developed of what this 2010 team could become.

Although the melange of rookies mixed with a host of injuries have somewhat clouded the ultimate September vision of this team, it’s obvious that the 2010 Browns’ fortunes may be greatly shaped by the arrival of such veterans as Jake Delhomme, Sheldon Brown, Ben Watson, Scott Fujita and Seneca Wallace….for better or worse.

Having said all that – let’s take a closer look.    

Quarterbacks

Delhomme instantly brought something rare to the Browns’ offense – a pace and sense of rhythm.  Although Delhomme’s lone drive did not feature any passes directed more than 12 yards downfield, the offense looked competent – in a manner we haven’t seen for several years.  Compared to last year’s starters, Delhomme moves well in the pocket and manages to get rid of the ball quickly.

And let the controversy begin….or let’s just assume that the coaching staff wanted to re-wrap their aging starting QB in protective plastic. 

Anyway,  Delhomme was quickly ushered out in favor of Wallace – who clearly is part of the offensive plan for 2010.  As for what Wallace brought, it was pretty much what you would expect from a QB with barely a full season of starting experience.  Wallace was a bit tepid in the pocket and seemed to rely on his natural scrambling instincts. 

As for Wallace’s brilliant first touchdown pass, guess who caused the elusive QB’s scramble?  Yes, he’s still there.  John St. Clair is still a member of the Browns.

However, in another sign of overall team progress, Wallace moved the team and made a terrific throw to a sliding Brian Robiskie in the end zone.  In terms of QB depth, it’s obvious – even after one half of a preseason game – that the 2010 Browns are vastly deeper at the position than this time last year.

Regarding Colt McCoy – let’s just say this….calm down, Browns Nation.  At this point in his career, McCoy more resembles Ty Detmer with some wheels than a starting NFL QB.  However, much like any analysis given after one preseason game, it’s clearly too early to judge what we may actually have in McCoy.

Again…that is Ty Detmer with wheels.

Secondary

Here’s a quick analysis of the Browns’ new moving parts in the secondary:

1.  Joe Haden is lost….which is quite natural for a rookie corner.

2.  T.J. Ward is a very active player and showed some surprising range. 

3.  Sheldon Brown could lead this defense in tackles.  I’m not sure how I feel about this.

With Haden, it’s far too early to offer any genuine assessment.  He was picked on early and often, and the results were fairly typical.  His learning curve will be steep – however exaggerated by Eric Wright’s absence. 

Ward came as advertised, as he is mobile and seemed to constantly be around the ball.  However, in a typical rookie fashion, Ward quickly realized that the knockout blows he delivered in college will not always translate to NFL success.  Clear evidence of this was found when Green Bay’s fullback pinballed off Ward and into the endzone.  Also, it’s probably not the best idea to leave Ward matched up with taller receivers over the top of the field.

In some respects, Brown could become an upgraded secondary version of what Willie McGinest was supposed to deliver to the Browns defense a few seasons ago.  Brown was excellent in run defense, particularly in edge pursuit.  It’s obvious that Brown is still a big hitter – and proved reliable while covering in short areas….emphasis on those short areas. 

Of course, any grades given to the secondary have to reflect the defense’s still non-existent pass rush.

Speaking of which…

Front Seven

These Browns – along with the last five defensive incarnations – just don’t fare well against rhythm passers such as Aaron Rodgers.  Despite a variety of Sam blitzes thrown at them, the Packers’ offense carved up the secondary on two consecutive drives.  Adding to the Browns’ struggles was the reliance on Abe Elam and T.J. Ward covering tight ends and wideouts over the middle.  As much as I applaud Rob Ryan for mixing up his defenses, safety coverage will remain a liability for the foreseeable future.

Elsewhere on the defensive line, I realize that Brian Schaefering is a hustling type of linemen – one who is suited to playing on passing downs.  However, on any other given down, he is simply too small to hold up among bigger offensive linemen.

As for the rest of the front seven, the Browns’ linebackers fared well early against the run, but offered nothing more than a clot in the middle of the Packers’ line on passing downs.  And in the name of John St. Clair, why is Eric Barton still playing?  What exactly does he bring to this defense?  He’s too broken down to stop the run and in pass coverage, his play makes me long for the days of Jason Trusnik.

As for that mythical competition, are we any closer to seeing the likes of Kaluka Maiava, David Veikune or Marcus Benard push for more playing time?  Or, for David Bowens to return to action?

Special Teams

Still special….still very special.  While T.J. Ward’s days covering kicks may soon come to an end, he fit right in alongside special teams ace Ray Ventrone.  Again, as Brad Seely’s unofficial agent – if the Browns sneak into the playoffs, look for Seely to move on to greater heights.

Brian Robiskie

While I mentioned the bumpy road that Joe Haden is currently traveling, I would be remiss to not put Robiskie into the same wagon.  After all, since Robiskie is still more of a rookie than second-year pro, it’s evident that his learning curve is still unfolding.

After a dropped pass and getting mauled by Nick Collins, Robiskie showed some amazing presence and body control in catching Wallace’s first touchdown.  And again – while no one knows Robiskie’s ceiling at the NFL level, it appears that he still needs some major work in creating separation from defenders.

Peyton Hillis

The potential emergence of Hillis is troubling, as soon enough he could be reducing Lawrence Vickers’ playing time.  While I’m not suggesting that Hillis is anywhere near Vickers’ equal in terms of run blocking, it’s obvious that the former Bronco is an intriguing option in the passing game.

Odds and Ends

1.  The familiarity formed in the offseason between Delhomme and Evan Moore, along with Mohammed Massaquoi was evident early on.  Moore was a great underneath target for Delhomme and Massaquoi proved effective on slant routes.

2.  In a similar manner, Wallace showed more of a connection with Robiskie and Ben Watson during his time behind center.

3.  The Browns may have something special in Ahtyba Rubin….not that most of us didn’t already realize that.  Rubin caved in the interior of the Packers’ line on a couple occasions early on, forcing a fumble – which led to the Browns’ second touchdown.

4.  The right side of the offensive line is still a mess.  Floyd Womack is a liability in pass protection at right guard and we already know what the state of affairs will be if St. Clair remains a starter.

5.  I’m intrigued by the tight wide receiver formation used early on.  Call it design by necessity considering the lack of deep speed on the offense, but the overall look gives the Browns some decent versatility.

 

6.  Leave it up to Mangini to unintentionally create some QB drama.  Just wait for the message boards and various local columnists to light up on Sunday, with fans questioning why Delhomme only played one series.  However, you have to applaud our team’s coach for finding time for all three QB’s in the first half.   Regarding McCoy, it was clear that Mangini and Brian Daboll weren’t asking him to do too much.  The third down play selection with McCoy at the helm was beyond conservative – which is probably a good thing at this stage. 

7.  With D’Qwell Jackson out for the next couple months, the competition at middle linebacker should be intriguing.  Again, Eric Barton is not the answer - even in a patchwork situation.  Chris Gocong is interesting, given his size.  However, the future role of Scott Fujita also comes into play.  Is he quick enough to play an outside linebacker role?

8.  It’s easy to forget, given the huge relief that Browns’ football is back again….however, three key defenders did not even play in the form of Shaun Rogers, Jackson and Eric Wright.  Given the lack of a pass rush, Rogers’ influence was probably the most noticeable.  Also, any extended struggles by Haden clearly signals the importance of Wright to the 2010 team.

9.  While this could – and should – be the most competitive version of the Browns since their expansion return, I couldn’t help thinking about 2005.  From the way the defense was carved up by the Packers’ passing game to the Browns’ own miniature pass routes….then again, let’s just not go there.  Now I’m having Trent Dilfer and Charlie Frye flashbacks.

10.  Is it just me, or do both Delhomme and Wallace – and even McCoy – throw a much more catchable ball than either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson?

11.  You have to give James Davis some credit.  Considering how his 2009 season ended, and due to the additions of Hillis and Montario Hardesty, Davis now has to make this roster via special teams.

12.  Speaking of the fringes of the roster – while Gerard Lawson’s recent DUI isn’t going to help his cause, he still is in the running for my D.D. Hoggard Memorial Last Man on the Roster Award.

13.  Through the power of pirated Internet, I switched between the Channel 3 feed and one out of Green Bay.  Listening to Bernie Kosar compared to Rich Gannon, I’ve realized the following….while Kosar is not the most polished of broadcasters, his perspective is more enlightening than that of Rich Gannon – he of the infamous overtime gaffe last year – and pretty much 80% of the other analysts working today.

14.  No Brown pants.  Let’s thank the football Gods for that one.

15.  And compared to this time last year, I’m feeling a little better.