Written by Dave Kolonich

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In honor of both Romeo Crennel’s return to Cleveland, along with a celebration of the best exhibition of his 3-4 defense in over five years – combined with yet another disappointing Browns’ September loss – let’s have our former leader off his thoughts on the 2010 season. 

“If we don’t do better, we may be going downhill.  We’re going to look at it, try to determine what the problems are and figure out what we need to do to fix the problem.”

While the quote may be a few years ago, its’ meaning is still very much essential to our Browns.

Or in other words, let’s take a look…

Browns-Chiefs Preview

1.  Since we are nothing if not an Olympic-sized torch for tradition, the first question shall be reserved for QB talk.  And this week, the prompt is simple: Delhomme or Wallace?

Wallace.  Next question.

2.  Much more complicated is the following….does Wallace offer a new dynamic to the passing game, or will last week’s performance mark the ceiling for this team?

Wallace was very much Delhomme-like in his handling of the offense, ability to get rid of the ball quickly and general competence.  However, much like Delhomme last week, Wallace threw a crippling first-half interception, looked bad on a few passes and struggled throughout the second half.

3.  If you follow my logic, do the Browns return to their December roots and re-emphasize the running game?

In a sense, yes.  From a numbers standpoint, 26 carries is impressive and points towards an improvement in the overall time of possession.  However, the Browns managed only 73 total rushing yards and never consistently established any real type of threat.

4.  Between Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis, who is deemed least worthy of earning the coaching staff’s trust?

I’m guessing that Harrison is slightly ahead in this particular race.  It appeared that the Browns’ offense had to do more in order to create running room for Harrison, as evidenced by the various traps and elaborate motion used on his carries.  As for Hillis, his rushes were more of the straight ahead variety – which also left a bit to be desired.

 

5.  Can Brian Robiskie top his breakout Week One performance?

Actually, yes.  Still only contributing one catch to the Browns’ passing attack – at least this week, Robiskie increased his yardage total.

6.  No, really.

But really, Robiskie had a step on a Chiefs’ defender in the second half and was overthrown by Wallace.  This potential completion could have single-handedly tripled Robiskie’s 2009 total.

7.  Despite being a complete liability to the offense, does John St. Clair again start at right tackle?

Is Eric Mangini still the head coach?  Does Tony Pashos not actually exist?

8.  Has anyone actually seen Tony Pashos in a Browns’ uniform?  I mean, in person and all?

I haven’t heard from any reliable sources.

9.  How do the Browns’ front seven counter the power and speed of the Chiefs’ rushing attack?

Let’s give credit where it’s due.  The Browns’ interior run defense was solid, at least until they ran out of gas in the fourth quarter.  The play of Ahtyba Rubin, Kenyon Coleman and Matt Roth was fairly impressive – in terms of run stuffing. 

However for the sixth year running, the edge defense was largely ineffective.  Jamal Charles took advantage of his speed to get to the outside on a few runs, while Thomas Jones largely did the same in the third quarter.

10.  What percentage of Browns Nation now realizes how important D’Qwell Jackson is to this defense?

I’m thinking that this percentage is still lower than those who have realized just how slow this overall defense is.

11.  On a related note, is there a correlation between Eric Barton’s playing time and the collective blood pressure of Northeast Ohio citizens?

I think it’s now gone beyond high blood pressure and reached a kind of comatose state.  In related news, I’m pretty sure that Barton actually died two years ago.

12.  Will Sunday mark the beginning of another 0-September run?

Call me idealistic – or hopelessly optimistic, but I still think this team matches up well within the AFC North.

Although the Bucs had far too much speed and the Chiefs were good enough to nibble away at the Browns, this 2010 version is strong up the middle and could be able to play another close, low-scoring game.

The Pick – Part Three

Obviously, The Process continues.  The Browns have now played two very close games – both of which have been decided by two specific plays.  And although statistically (at least based on 2009), the quality of play was not very impressive – it’s worth noting that the Browns now have losses to two 2-0 teams on their record.

However, in terms of The Process, it’s becoming obvious that this year’s version of the Browns have given two distinctly “un-Mangini” performances.  Between an overload of fumbles, penalties, sloppy execution and crippling turnovers, this 2010 team seems far removed from the promise of last December.

Which means that The Process may need its own Process