Written by Dave Kolonich

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We’ve reached the figurative mid-point of the 2010 season, which means it’s time to take stock in the current fortunes of our beloved Browns.  Of course, this means that it’s time to hand out some hardware.

But before the ceremonies begin, let’s pause to acknowledge a few “prominent storylines” that have occurred over the first seven games.

1.  The franchise has not been sold to finance a certain English Premiere League soccer club.  As always, it could be far worse in Cleveland….like “Buffalo worse.”

2.  Mike Holmgren has not cured cancer, parted the seas or delivered a Super Bowl championship to Cleveland….despite what his press clippings suggest. 

3.  These Browns are still lacking playmakers, but have proven to be ultra-competitive throughout the early part of the season….much to the credit of the current coaching staff.

4.  It’s quite possible that the damage of a decade worth of terrible drafts is beginning to reverse itself….at least when considering the play of rookies Joe Haden and T.J. Ward.

5.  Dare I say it….these Browns may be forging a true identity.

But enough of all the positive talk….let’s hand out some awards.  We’ll start with the offense first….this shouldn’t take too long.

Best High Ankle Sprain
Jake Delhomme

We’re a long way removed from August, back when a lot of us thought Delhomme could be the efficient, competent veteran QB this offense has needed for over a decade.  And while Delhomme has not been able to practice – with his two ankle sprains – the season opener revealed volumes about how the veteran could have proved to be the second coming of Derek Anderson.

Worst High Ankle Sprain
Seneca Wallace

Just when it appeared that the Browns had found the perfect fit for their current offense – for better or worse – Wallace rolled his ankle.  Two games and a bye week later, it’s quite possible that Wallace – who is the best option for the Browns at the moment – may not regain his hold on the starting QB job.

Best Injury
John St. Clair

Finally, the football Gods aligned against St. Clair – who inexplicably is one of Mangini’s favorite players.  Once St. Clair was out of the lineup, the running game seemed to take off.  However, in future news – look for St. Clair to reclaim his starting role at right tackle.

Worst Regression
Eric Steinbach

For the past two seasons, I’ve been predicting the demise of Steinbach in Cleveland.  Of course, such a move was not to be considering the lack of depth found along the offensive line.  However, heading into 2010, I’m now more than confident that Steinbach’s sloppy play will be rewarded…meaning that Billy Yates will be your 2011 starter at left guard.

Hank Fraley Gap Filler Award 1
Floyd Womack

Speaking of which, is there a more valuable member of the Browns’ line than Womack?  Actually, yes….I’m thinking of Joe Thomas and Alex Mack.  However, Womack is a nice temporary fit at right tackle as the Browns’ running game is dramatically better when he plays on the outside, as opposed to at right guard.

Hank Fraley Gap Filler Award 2
Billy Yates

Yates can play a variety of positions, which endears him to Mangini.  This is a most convenient realization, as already the Browns have dealt with three offensive line injuries.

Ryan Tucker Injured Reserve Honoree
Tony Pashos

So much for this big free agent signing.  Of course, I guess the signs were present, since Pashos hasn’t played a full season since….well, probably never. 

Best Regression
Jerome Harrison

Much like the Delhomme chatter during the summer, remember when some of us (not me) thought that Harrison could be a 1,500 yard back?  Of course, Harrison could never get out of Mangini’s doghouse, despite Peyton Hillis’ early season fumbles and the general lack of a running game. 

Best Revelation
Peyton Hillis

In terms of an offensive identity, Hillis is it.  Combining great power and athleticism, Hillis is a pretty unique weapon…but probably showed his greatest value by sealing the Browns’ wins over Cincinnati and New Orleans.

Worst Evidence of a Mangini Hotseat
Mike Bell

For all of those fans and pundits, or non-fans and sportswriters who are still convinced that Jon Gruden will be coaching this team in 2011, it’s worth taking a look at the current running back depth.  Not exactly a roster ready to be converted to a West Coast attack….

Best Cheap Comparison to Mike Alstott
Peyton Hillis

There are cliches and then there are cliches.  Combining a style that is equal parts Eddie George and William Floyd, somehow a lot of people are completely limited in their description of Hillis.  How about this?  He’s a good running back.

Ghosts of Browns’ Running Back Past – 2010 Inductees
Jerome Harrison and James Davis

And the list grows….Joining the ranks of Madre Hill, Ben Gay, Lee Suggs, James Jackson, William Green and others are two of the biggest teases in the recent history of the Browns.  Welcome home, gentlemen.

Ghosts of Browns’ Running Back Past – 2011 Inductee
Montario Hardesty

And now rehabbing from another serious knee injury….and soon to be joining the esteemed group mentioned above….

Best Revelation 2
Chanci Stuckey

You know it’s been a rough year offensively when Stuckey shines through….especially when he has done nothing more than catch an occasional first down pass.  However, considering the limited talent he plays with, Stuckey is pretty much Reggie Wayne.

Worst Realization
Brian Robiskie

Granted, the Browns’ passing game needs a complete overhaul, but still – is there anything about Robiskie that doesn’t scream “bust?” 

Worst Regression 2
Mohammed Massaquoi

And yet, for all the scorn I attach to Robiskie, it’s not like Massaquoi has exactly delivered this season.  Of course, thanks to James Harrison, Massaquoi has had a bit of a tough road lately.

Best Fake Retirement
James Harrison

It’s laughable how much of a whiner Harrison is.  But then again, I’m deathly afraid of him, so I’ll retract that last statement.

Brodney Pool Syndrome Honoree
Evan Moore

Another Brown who carried some promise into 2010, Moore hasn’t really been heard from since he suffered a concussion early in the season. 

Eye of the Beholder Honoree
Colt McCoy

Has there ever been a player who has had less impact on a game, but generated more debate than McCoy?  Oh right – Brady Quinn.  And Seneca Wallace.  Anyway, McCoy has been a pleasant surprise, but then again it’s not like he’s had to carry this offense – at least considering its current design.

Offensive MVP Through 7 Games
Peyton Hillis

This one’s easy.  Hillis nearly carried the Browns to an upset of Baltimore, then was the reason for the win over Cincinnati.  Against New Orleans, Hillis’ fourth quarter running sealed a victory.  And in between, Hillis has done something most unusual in Cleveland…..meaning he’s consistently scored touchdowns.

Best Completion Percentage
Peyton Hillis

And possibly the most important play of the year.

Offensive MVP Through Less Than 7 Games
Ben Watson

While not an indictment of Watson, but rather of the overall offensive philosophy, the veteran tight end has been solid so far in Cleveland.  Watson is easily the most competent receiver on the roster and is probably the first option for whichever QB gets the start.

Offensive MVP For One Game
Reggie Hodges

I take back my earlier comment – this was clearly the play of the year. 

Future Award – Wishful Thinking 1
Continued Health for Peyton Hillis, Ben Watson, Floyd Womack and Chanci Stuckey

This is either wishful thinking or a sad realization, but these four players are incredibly valuable to the current offense.  And on a related note, when is the next draft?

Future Award – Wishful Thinking 2
Emergence of Carlton Mitchell and Shaun Lauvao

Recently, Mangini has talked up Mitchell and promoted him to the active roster.  Of course, “active” is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to the Browns’ wideouts.  However, now is the time to see what Mitchell has.  The same can be said for Lauvao, assuming he ever completely heals from his ankle injury.

Future Award – Wishful Thinking 3
Rebounds for Joe Thomas and Mohammed Massquoi

I try to avoid blind homerism, but it can be hard with Thomas.  That being said, it’s becoming clear that we have elevated Thomas to an All-Pro status, despite his struggles with quick defensive ends.  As for Massaquoi, his modest rookie campaign is now looking like the stuff of legends.

Future Award – Wishful Thinking 4
No More High Ankle Sprains

Seriously.