Written by Dave Kolonich

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In what’s become a weekly tradition around these parts, I have to first throw out a few disclaimers regarding the overall direction of our Browns:

1.  The Process is a long, lonely, dark road – one that never truly reveals to us just how far we have traveled.

2.  Realizing this, it’s still quite remarkable how tough this Browns’ squad has played so far in 2010.

3.  But toughness, effort and moral victories aside, it’s obvious that these Browns are 2-3 years away from truly competing on a weekly basis.

4.  Which means that any honest evaluation of Colt McCoy is a hopeless venture.

5.  Combined with the omnipresent Cleveland mantra of “Hope Springs Eternal” leaves us in a tricky little bind.

And as futile as such a task may be, still I try…. 

The New Seneca Wallace

I will admit when I’m wrong….meaning that yesterday I was pining for Kaluka Maiava to play in the Browns’ 4-7 defense – before several readers pointed out to me that the second-year linebacker was actually on injured reserve.  My bad.

Regarding Colt McCoy – I along with legions of other Browns’ faithful – didn’t exactly have much faith in the tiny QB out of Texas.  However, after yesterday’s performance, it’s obvious that I underestimated McCoy.  McCoy figuratively stood tall against one of the best defenses in the league and hung around to make some plays.  And in a mea culpa of sorts, I completely admit that a lesser QB would have wilted considering the circumstances….which included making his debut on the road, surrounded by a complete void of offensive talent.

To this end, I am truly relieved that it appears the Browns did not waste a third round “luxury” pick.  Or in other words, perhaps the Browns have something in McCoy.

Something much like Seneca Wallace.

As I noted yesterday, McCoy played a Wallace-esque game.  He distributed the ball to the Browns’ tight ends and running backs, scrambled for some yardage and never appeared completely overwhelmed.  In terms of the horrible cliche of being a “game manager”, McCoy was exactly that – whatever that means.  Of course, I would also point to the idea that McCoy completed four passes that went for over 20 yards, including two that were thrown directly over the middle of the field – something that has become taboo in Brian Daboll’s handicapped offensive scheme.

But of course, most reactionary Browns fans are looking for something more than just a comparison to Wallace.  Most of us would truly like to know whether an investment in a McCoy jersey is a smart financial move going forward….or whether those sad graphics showing just how many starting QB’s the Browns have had since 1999 are going to continue.

To this point, I would have to suggest that no one truly knows.  Because our current offense is so limited in terms of talent and resulting design, the most we can ask for is just basic competence – along with good health.  In this sense, McCoy offers both.  Until we can fully stock the offense with some viable weapons – another process in itself….one that is now eleven years in the making – no one can fully endorse McCoy as anything more than the current starting QB.

Of course, now that we know that McCoy is not going to be running for his life on every down or pinging passes off the backs of his offensive linemen, the next several weeks could prove to be a valuable learning experience for all parties involved.

Ambassadors of the NFL

Longtime readers of this site know that I usually refrain from cheap, homerish reactionary comments regarding our divisional rivals.  Because I value logic, I regularly admit that the Steelers are what the Browns should strive to become in the future.  Simply put, the Steelers are the elite of the AFC.

And being such, I seriously have to question the absolute lack of attention paid by the officials towards James Harrison’s two helmet to helmet blows yesterday.  I fully realize that Dan Rooney is an ambassador of the NFL – among other places – and that the Steelers’ tradition of playing physical football is an incredibly rich part of NFL folklore. 

However, in a league that is trying to be proactive regarding the serious issue of concussions, something must be done to at least acknowledge Harrison’s play yesterday.  On one hand, I would love for the Browns to feature a roster full of James Harrison’s, but on the other – the long-term issues involved with concussions is a frightening issue.

Finally, as student of human psychology, I found it hilarious and a bit sad how the Steeler faithful have literally no short-term memory regarding Ben Roethlisberger.  The sexual pariah of the league – or just one of many – was quickly embraced by the Pittsburgh crowd.  Thus, Roethlisberger’s standing in the Pittsburgh sports community has been restored. 

Regarding Big Ben, it is mind-blowing the incredible run of luck this guy has had throughout his career.  From landing on a star-laden team during his rookie season to surviving a motorcycle crash and then having the fortune to encounter some of the worst police work in the history of Georgia – it’s obvious that Roethlisberger is truly untouchable.

Going Forward

So, the question now – as it always is after another Browns’ loss – is:  what now?

What now is basically the Browns have to travel to New Orleans to take on the defending World Champions.  The Heart of Darkness portion of the schedule continues, as the Browns’ battered roster has to again try to hang around with a team that has an overwhelming amount of talent.

As for what we should expect from next week’s matchup – along with future games against the Patriots and Jets – it will probably be more of the same.

The Browns will be ultra-competitive and will play above their talent level – much in the same manner that they have played all season.  Most likely, the Browns will either keep the game close or take an early lead, but will ultimately slow down late in the third quarter. 

And really, with the talent that is currently assembled, what else can you expect?

At the least, we should be grateful for the following – or if not that – we have some things to entertain our brains moving forward:

1.  With the expected injuries along the defensive line, it’s great to see Ahtyba Rubin continue to emerge as a rock solid nose tackle.  Also, the play of Brian Schaefering and Derrick Robinson was a pleasant surprise for a unit that is incredibly high-mileage.

2.  Although it’s sometimes hard to notice, Matt Roth, Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong are playing at a solid level. 

3.  The same can be said for T.J. Ward and Joe Haden.  Although much in the same way that it is hard to fully evaluate McCoy, it’s difficult to know the full potential of these two rookies until some help arrives in the secondary.

4.  Peyton Hillis is a fascinating player to watch.  Against the Ravens and Bengals, Hillis looked like a 1,000 yard rusher.  Over the past two weeks, he has more resembled the player the Broncos weren’t exactly sure what to do with.  Again – citing the McCoy theory – he’s certainly a player worth investing more playing time in.

5.  I know it’s overly cheap to say this, but Eric Wright has basically become Brandon McDonald.  In saying this, I’m beginning to wonder what role the overall defensive scheme is playing in Wright’s season-long slump.

6.  Having said that, I fully appreciate Rob Ryan’s efforts to get something out of his understaffed defense, but it seems like the blitz calls are beginning to work against the Browns.  At times yesterday, it was like Ryan’s defense was a group of professional wrestlers telegraphing a clothesline. 

7.  I’m still convinced that this team would be dramatically different if they solidified the QB spot, added a young WR to pair with a veteran option, and then drafted an elite free safety.  Think about this idea solely from a third-down, “over the top” perspective.

8.  It could have been worse yesterday.

9.  Like Charlie Frye worse.

10. Or like Brady Quinn worse.