Written by Dave Kolonich

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We’re getting closer, but in terms of the gap between our Browns and the ultimate measuring stick of The Process, one distiction is worth noting:

We don’t have a player even remotely close to the level of James Harrison.

And before this quick recap turns into another 10,000 word manifesto on the ills of the 3-4 defense in Cleveland, let’s just call like it is. 

With two hits, Harrison dismantled our top two receiving threats and essentially ruined the Browns’ offensive gameplan.  Regarding those hits, it’s worth noting that each involved Harrison’s helmet making contact with both Josh Cribbs and Mohammed Massaquoi.  But then again, if you were an official at today’s game, would you want to get under Harrison’s skin?

Simply put, Harrison was nothing short of devastating today.  And after another hard-fought loss, if this season is ultimately to be judged based on the lack of talent available to the Browns, then it’s obvious that we’re at least 2-3 seasons behind the Steelers.

Or, how about this for a comparison?

Our punter had a great day.

Anyway, regarding that most inconvenient talent gap, it’s truly hard to evaluate Colt McCoy’s NFL coming out party.  There was nothing revelatory about McCoy’s debut, or anything that suggested he had no business playing on an NFL field.

In fact, it’s quite possible that even after today’s loss, we still know very little about his NFL prospects. 

After all, did you see what he had to work with?

After Cribbs and Massaquoi left, the Browns were reduced to Chanci Stuckey and Peyton Hillis as the remaining top offensive threats, mixed in with the remains of Ben Watson and a newcomer in Mike Bell.  Not exactly the type of talent that can win many games….but in the end, McCoy hung in and survived, making a few plays in the process.

Kind of like Seneca Wallace.

In fact, McCoy basically played a Wallace-esque game.  He threw on some early downs, was successful with quick reads, made some plays when he had time to throw and left the pocket when his receivers couldn’t get open. 

In terms of a real comparison, the dropoff from Wallace to McCoy wasn’t as dramatic as most of us – especially me - first predicted earlier in the week.  And although this may sound like a backhanded compliment to McCoy – which it isn’t – this offense as it’s currently constructed can’t do much more than it did today….especially against a top defense.

For those expecting some type of final assessment regarding what we actually have in McCoy – you may have to wait a few weeks.  Or how about a few years – until the Browns can actually add some offensive talent to the roster.

Or until James Harrison retires.

Odds and Ends

1.  In a tradition that we don’t actually want to recognize, it looks the Browns have yet again unearthed another top-notch punter in Reggie Hodges.  Hodges was excellent throughout the game, pinning the Steelers against their own goalline. 

2.  Unfortunately, some of those punts occurred in the second half – which is the time of game when the Browns don’t play defense.

3.  But let’s stick to positives.  How about that youth movement occurring along the defensive line?  My favorite whipping boy, Brian Schaefering got the start and played well, while Derrick Robinson made some plays.  Of course, Ahtyba Rubin was a rock inside.

4.  Speaking of the D-Line, is this the end of the road for Shaun Rogers in Cleveland?  With the trading deadline fast approaching, I’m sensing that a fifth-round pick may be heading our way.

5.  How about some respect for our best receiver?  You know, our 250-lb. power running back?

6.  And back to the youth movement….let’s hope Joe Haden’s first quarter interception is a sign of things to come.

7.  Along with the 4-7 defense.  Any scheme that minimizes our linebackers in coverage is a positive.

8.  But then again, was anyone else curious as to why Blake Costanzo was playing linebacker today?  Is Kaluka Maiava still on the roster?

9.  I’ve decided to readjust my 2011 Draft Watch priority rankings.  QB has been officially replaced by FS in Round One. 

10. Colt McCoy is much tougher than I gave him credit for.