Written by Dave Kolonich

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Want to know how I know our team’s still years away from consistently winning?

Let’s revisit the first half of yesterday’s loss to the Falcons, where the Browns faced a 3rd and 19.  Normally, such a down would feature some kind of downfield pass, with the intention to do one of the following:

1.  Actually get the yardage required for a first down.

2.  Gain enough yards to make a fourth down punt more comfortable/gain a small edge in field position. 

But in this exact scenario, what do our Browns do?

They run a draw play with their blocking fullback, Lawrence Vickers.

Beyond the fact that somehow Vickers – a player who regularly carries the ball zero a times a game – got the call on third down, the Browns essentially admitted the following with this move:

1.  Seneca Wallace – the QB at the time – is not capable of throwing the ball 19 yards – at least down the middle of the field. 

2.  The Browns’ wide receivers are not capable of getting open beyond 5-7 yards.

3.  The Browns’ coaching staff does not trust either Peyton Hillis and Jerome Harrison to carry the ball on a less than critical third down.

4.  Let’s just admit it now – we’re playing “not to lose.”

At least on offense.

Or in other words, regardless of who is playing QB for the Browns this year, do we truly have any real confidence moving forward at the position?  Or – and perhaps this is more a realization than anything else – have we finally figured out that both Delhomme and Wallace are just placeholders until something better arrives in the future?

Maybe we shouldn’t go here….

1.  And on a related note, does this mean that all progress is halted until that moment occurs…assuming it does?

2.  Or, that defensive efforts such as the one the Browns gave in the first half will continue to be wasted? 

3.  Assuming that the correlation between the defense wearing out and the offense continuing to struggle will continue, what becomes of the veteran defense once the offense “catches up?”

4.  In other words, how many more years do Robaire Smith and Kenyon Coleman have left on their legs?

5.  And for the faint of heart, let’s examine the following…..has the Browns’ defense already “peaked?”

Let’s not go down that road….

But at the least, if it was ever time for an acknowledgement that our franchise needs the following pieces – now would be it.

1.  Quarterback

I know it’s a little obvious, yesterday again reminded us all that the NFL is a QB-driven league.  Or, if you didn’t figure it out yesterday, then the losses to Tampa Bay and Kansas may have already convinced you.  The basic difference between the Browns currently standing at 3-2 instead of 1-4 simply comes down to the QB play.  Or, if you take away Delhomme’s pick against Tampa along with yesterday’s improbable one, combined with Wallace’s errant throw against Kansas City – the entire tone of this season could be very different.

2.  Wide Receiver

Yes, Massaquoi and Chanci Stuckey have had their moments, but in the end – this Browns’ offense features absolutely no one who is a game-breaking threat on offense.  And although most would blame it on the QB, or on Brian Daboll – the evidence on the field is apparent.

3.  Safety

While the secondary needs were addressed somewhat in the offseason with the additions of Joe Haden and T.J. Ward, the lingering presence of Abe Elam continues to hurt this defense.  However, for a lack of any other options, Elam continues to start – and continues to be a non-factor.  Going forward, this defense desperately needs a rangy “center-fielder” type of safety.

Odds and Ends

1.  Speaking of “peaking”, has Peyton Hillis already reached his apex?  Certainly, the lingering thigh injury Hillis suffered last week held him back yesterday.  On a related note, most of us probably set our expectations a bit high to begin with.  However, a troubling issue with Hillis so far this season has been holding onto the ball.  In a “ball control” offense – one with all the above problems listed – turnovers are simply crippling.

Anyway, how about some positives to close with? 

1.  Again, the Browns entered the second half with another lead.

2.  Ryan mixed his defensive personnel around in a mostly effective manner.  Outside of Sheldon Brown trying to keep up with Roddy White, Eric Wright covered Tony Gonzalez multiple times and David Bowens was effective as a physical cover man underneath. 

3.  Speaking of the defense, Ryan mixed up his coverages enough to confuse Matt Ryan in the first quarter.  And for a while, it worked.  However, the presence of a natural interior pass rush and some effective three-man fronts also contributed to the cost.

4.  During some rare moments in the first half, the Browns’ play action passing game was effective.

5.  But of course, play action requires both an effective running and passing attack.

The Pick – Part Three

Much like this time last year, we’re about to enter another dark period of The Process, one that will challenge our fanhood like never before.

You’ve been warned.