@mudfly said:

...Desir, Williams and Gilbert will be expected to step in and handle it

Or... Williams, Desir and Gilbert...

Plus I am sure at least one, fresh college face will be added to our DB stable... more if Desir gets Safety work.

@tour2ma said:

Interesting how low they have Skrine rated. would have expected a little better really.....

Even before seeing that, I had justified that he'll probably be gone....Desir, Williams and Gilbert will be expected to step in and handle it

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/01/secondary_was_primary_reason_f.html

@canton-dawg said:

Probably because they both said "don't bother". Both wanted to play for winning teams- could have franchised Ward- not worth it- and Dawson signed with SF for less money than he was getting from the Browns.

The Browns played their worst up to that time, and I just wonder.

Just my dumb opinion. I have those once in a while here...

@calfoxwc said:

exactly. it has nothing to do with anything except his opinion, which i don't agree with BUT this is america.

anyways, he was a great addition to the team, there's no ifs, ands or buts about that.

@mudfly said:

I agree there were problems there and think he wasn't a good teamer when the chips were down....

His last year here, I know there were a couple incidents in the locker room with him after some losses....basically finger pointing, yelling and crying out loud...and not in a good constructive way....and not "like a Brown"

I also noticed that none of his teammates spoke up about him leaving either.....they were all like... "whatever....see ya"

TJ Ward (along with Phil Dawson) were not offered a contract to stay by the Banner/Lombardi regime.

Great thread Mud.

the lockerroom, I don't know.

What does his t shirt have to do with

being on your way out onto the field

for the biggest game of the year, outside

of playing Pittspuke?

Just my opinion. I think they played their worst game of the year to that week.

ward wanted to go to a 'winner' and get closer to home.

mingo gets another year sans injury (because pettine loves the guy) and if he doesn't become what some of think he can.....'el goneo.

and cal what does wearing a tshirt have to do with catching a football? hawkins will always be a #3 because that's what slot guys are.

everything else you guys nailed.

@browns52 said:

Losing Mack was a ball breaker. But, by the 2nd preseason game everyone on this board knew that if we

lost ANYONE on the Oline we were in trouble. It was obvious in preseason that when the first team Oline left

the field we had NOTHING to replace them with. No depth to speak of.

Looking forward to more Farmer/Pettine magic & a healthier 2015!

Mike

@calfoxwc said:

I agree there were problems there and think he wasn't a good teamer when the chips were down....

His last year here, I know there were a couple incidents in the locker room with him after some losses....basically finger pointing, yelling and crying out loud...and not in a good constructive way....and not "like a Brown"

I also noticed that none of his teammates spoke up about him leaving either.....they were all like... "whatever....see ya"

Ya, almost forgot about him.

I remember when we signed him thinking ... "doesn't he suck? what if we have to play him?". He did, we did, and then he injured himself and that was the story of Paul McQuistan.

Most Improved/best Offensive Unit: Running Backs - even a piss poor FB can't derail this choice.

The fullback thing was bizarre. It was like we were having a year-long training-camp tryout at the position, and I think we ended up cutting both guys we put time into, including Agnew who started most of the games ... who we actually cut twice.

We get an F at fullback ... #32 out of #32. Shoulda kept Marques Gray as an H-back, he beat us pretty good up in Buffalo.

Zombo

Rookie of the year: Joe Bitonio - the kid looked and played like a vet much of the season.

Most surprising player: Kirksey - a good collegiate OLB becoming a very good Pro ILB does not happen every year.

Most disappointing player: To disappoint, first you have to have expectations...

Hoyer - I do not know what lead to his PPS (phantom pressure syndrome), but it undid his footwork and our season.

Most Improved player: Skrine - the leap from solid #2 CB to #1b is a long one, and Skrine made it.

Best Administrative move: Haslam's establishing clear lines of responsibility and communication.

Best off-season move: Alex Mack signed.

Worst off-season move: Paul McQuistan - to have hung our O-line back-up hopes on McQ was unforgiveable.

Offensive MVP: Austin Miles - if I try real hard, then I can remember one bad game, but to get to it I have to remember clutch, third-down catch after clutch, third-down catch.

Defensive MVP: Tashaun Gipson - breakout year for a rising star.

Most Improved/best Offensive Unit: Running Backs - even a piss poor FB can't derail this choice.

Most Improved/best Defensive Unit: Secondary by far... a virtual embarrassment of riches.

Buster is terrific, but he is still short, and taller receivers can take

advantage of that in crunch time. With his fewer once in a while

bonehead penalites, he still reminds me so much of Frank Minnifield,

and that makes me smile.

About T J Ward...I think there must have been something going on

with negotiations, or his conduct/work ethic or something.

MVP of the offense, is the whole offensive line. The rb's we have now would

have fared poorly two years ago, and the qb's often have all sorts of time

to run plays. Used to be, a Browns qb had no chance in hell of rolling out to the right

to buy time/make rushers think twice.

I was all about Randall Cobb when he came out in the draft, but "no". I was all about

a few other wr's, like Odell Beckham Jr, but "no"... too bad.

Gilbert may still grow up and take over. But Desir has his head screwed on straight,

and plays smarter already. We'll have to hope for the best.

I do not believe Johnny Broadway will grow up in time to stay with the Browns - I think

he's an alcoholic - his words do not match up with his promises and his actions contradict

his stated intentions. I think he's drawn to partying for a serious reason, maybe.

I would never have drafted him, but then I saw where he can really play, then I was

sorry they drafted him, and he is still a party animal. I think going to Florida to wish

Lebron a happy birthday also says "I need to get to a party for the alcohol"

Just what I think. I'd draft another qb next year. Too bad. Let Johnny not change

somewhere else.

Gordon - I'd keep him long enough for some team to sign him, because he is

a restricted FA. Put a second rounder ? on him, and happily see him go. He's a loser.

Sad, with all that physical talent. He isn't smart, and not giving a damn makes him

dumber.

I was a Hawkins fan, until he went right before a huge game, and made it all about

his false racial/political narrative. Now, my hunch is, he'll be a #3 wr next year, at best.

Played hard for the Browns outside of that, sure.

Losing Mack hurt the offense bigtime, but losing Joe Thomas would have been seriously tramatic.

Hate to say it, but right now, the Browns wiffed on their two first round picks so far... I still wouldn't

have drafted Watkins.... but Farmer and Pettine and co. are excellent, and they won't make those mistakes

but rarely. Who knew ? Nobody.

This team is very, very close - this next draft goes right, and the Browns stay healthy,

watch out. A new sheriff is in the AFC North town.

@mudfly said:

if mack would not have been injured, hoyer would have had even a better yr than he did...macks loss was terrible...i think we could have gone to the playoffs if did not get injured...he is that important and that good...skrine, everyone complains about him..he does get flagged alot, but again you hit it with the tough position to play...i think he is a scrapper and needs to stay...i'd like to see them get rid of johnny feeble..i don't think he has the talent even if he does get serious about his JOB....bad draft pick...should have kept tjward because then we would not have had to draft another bust in gilbert to replace him...instead we could have drafted watkins and got rid of the pothead also...we'd be in so much better shape than we are now...my guess is that hoyer is gone...i would leave to if i were him after being benched for a party animal...

Zombo said:

Damn that's the second time somebody caught me doing that. LOL. 🥷

LOL Mudfly-just caught that. I'll take it as a complement.

Rookie of the year:

1) Terrence West ....3rd round pick....670 yards rushing...4 tds

2) Isaiah Crowell....UDFA .....607 yards rushing.....8 tds

3) Joe Bitonio.......2nd round pick......no stats, just a bad ass player

Most surprising player:

1) K'waun Williams

2) Taylor Gabriel

3) Isaiah Crowell

4) Ray Farmer...my choice, only because he selected the 3 guys listed above....and they ALL were NICE surprises

5) Terrence West

6) TexasAg1969

Most disappointing player:

1) Johnny Football....for obvious reasons

2) Justin Gilbert....for obvious reasons

3) Barkevious Mingo....my choice, over the 2 rookies, because he 'was" those rookies last year and should have shown more improvement. In the end, I had higher expectations for him than I did the 1st year guys. Yes, he had a shoulder issue. BUT, that's just an excuse. He's a terrible tackler with or without the harness. Sorry.

4) Josh Gordon....nominated....for obvious reasons....and my new choice...he was so absent that I guess I forgot about him

Most Improved player:

1) Paul Kruger....a return to form after a down season....

2) Craig Robertson....really stepped up his game this year...(kirksey and Dansby are pushin)

3) Buster Skrine....went from average to very good....for my money, he took the biggest step at a very difficult position....

Best Administrative move:

1) Hiring Mike Pettine...a solid move and one I think will pay off.

2) Firing Banner and Lombardi....what took you so long?

3) Promoting Ray Farmer to GM......brilliant!

4) All of the above...we're heading the right way!

Best off-season move:

1) Carlos Dansby....talent and leadership...a nice pick-up

2) Donte Whitner...talent, leadership and hometown roots....another one I like

3) Andrew Hawkins....much needed talent who ended up leading the team

4) Alex Mack...never would have guessed his value at the time, but CLEARLY it was the smartest one and he is THE MAN!

5) Jim Leonard....nominated

Worst off-season move:

1) TJ Ward....allowing pro-bowl talent to leave?

2) Kyle Shanahan....waiting too long to select our coach & staff?

3) Ben Tate....signing a star back, only to cut him later? Not really a "bad" move, but I have to pick something.

4) Non-move special teamer.....nominated

Offensive MVP:

1) Brian Hoyer......started great and got us some wins...big comebacks, etc.....

2) Baby Backs.....West & Crowell combined to bring our run game back....nice!

3) Alex Mack....no, he wasn't here most of the year, but have to say I still think he may be our offensive MVP

4) Joel Bitonio...nominated

5) Joe Thomas...nominated

Defensive MVP:

1) Tashaun Gipson....played lights out and earned a pro-bowl spot!

2) Paul Kruger....really improved his game....led the team in sacks...a very solid season

3) Carlos Dansby....excellent well rounded player....a real leader

4) Joe Haden....played lights out and earned another pro-bowl spot...started slow, but was spectacular thru most of the season....my pick!

Most Improved/best Offensive Unit:

1) Offensive line....was ranked #1 when healthy....but died with one injury...close, but need depth

2) Wide Receivers....compared to Bess/Little/Massaquo, we are in great shape....lots of room to grow

3) Running Back....my choice by a mile....completely turned around and added depth....I like it!

Most Improved/best Defensive Unit:

1) Defensive line....ok, we didn't really improve it AND it was not out best unit...depth saved the season

2) Linebackers....we certainly improved...added Kirksey & Dansby...Kruger/Robertson stepped up...

3) Defensive backfield....SLAM DUNK WINNER!....Added Whitner, Gilbert, Williams & Desir....watched Skrine, Haden and Gipson get better...in time, this will be the best DB group we've ever had!!!

@mudfly said:

Slow week....lots of time....so I decided to give end of year player awards to this years team. The players are lined up at my door waiting for their trophies.....each has multiple choices with my picks in red...

Rookie of the year:

1) Terrence West ....3rd round pick....670 yards rushing...4 tds

2) Isaiah Crowell....UDFA .....607 yards rushing.....8 tds

3) Joe Bitonio.......2nd round pick......no stats, just a bad ass player

bitonio

Most surprising player:

1) K'waun Williams

2) Taylor Gabriel

3) Isaiah Crowell

4) Ray Farmer...my choice, only because he selected the 3 guys listed above....and they ALL were NICE surprises

Williams. He played well consistently at a tough position

Most disappointing player:

1) Johnny Football....for obvious reasons

2) Justin Gilbert....for obvious reasons

3) Barkevious Mingo....my choice, over the 2 rookies, because he 'was" those rookies last year and should have shown more improvement. In the end, I had higher expectations for him than I did the 1st year guys. Yes, he had a shoulder issue. BUT, that's just an excuse. He's a terrible tackler with or without the harness. Sorry.

Mingo played better down the stretch this year, but does need to work on his tackling. My vote goes to Josh Gordon, sadly.

Most Improved player:

1) Paul Kruger....a return to form after a down season....

2) Craig Robertson....really stepped up his game this year...(kirksey and Dansby are pushin)

3) Buster Skrine....went from average to very good....for my money, he took the biggest step at a very difficult position....

Robertson for sure. He stepped up big

Best Administrative move:

1) Hiring Mike Pettine...a solid move and one I think will pay off.

2) Firing Banner and Lombardi....what took you so long?

3) Promoting Ray Farmer to GM......brilliant!

4) All of the above...we're heading the right way!

Farmer, naturally. Even though we still can't fully evaluate what was set in place I can't imagine we'd ever be satisfied with a long term Lombanner regime

Best off-season move:

1) Carlos Dansby....talent and leadership...a nice pick-up

2) Donte Whitner...talent, leadership and hometown roots....another one I like

3) Andrew Hawkins....much needed talent who ended up leading the team

4) Alex Mack...never would have guessed his value at the time, but CLEARLY it was the smartest one and he is THE MAN!

Agree, keeping Mack was an important one

Worst off-season move:

1) TJ Ward....allowing pro-bowl talent to leave?

2) Kyle Shanahan....waiting too long to select our coach & staff?

3) Ben Tate....signing a star back, only to cut him later? Not really a "bad" move, but I have to pick something.

idk, nothing particularly bad. I'd put manziel over Tate, gilbert still has more hope I think. Of those 3 I'd pick Shanahan. Not a fan

Offensive MVP:

1) Brian Hoyer......started great and got us some wins...big comebacks, etc.....

2) Baby Backs.....West & Crowell combined to bring our run game back....nice!

3) Alex Mack....no, he wasn't here most of the year, but have to say I still think he may be our offensive MVP

Bitonio?

Defensive MVP:

1) Tashaun Gipson....played lights out and earned a pro-bowl spot!

2) Paul Kruger....really improved his game....led the team in sacks...a very solid season

3) Carlos Dansby....excellent well rounded player....a real leader

4) Joe Haden....played lights out and earned another pro-bowl spot...started slow, but was spectacular thru most of the season....my pick!

Agree. Many played well he did play lights out

Most Improved/best Offensive Unit:

1) Offensive line....was ranked #1 when healthy....but died with one injury...close, but need depth

2) Wide Receivers....compared to Bess/Little/Massaquo, we are in great shape....lots of room to grow

3) Running Back....my choice by a mile....completely turned around and added depth....I like it!

Agree, while I don't believe it's hard to find running backs we went from McGahee to 2 starting caliber rookies. Receivers played well early then fell off more drops, etc.

Most Improved/best Defensive Unit:

1) Defensive line....ok, we didn't really improve it AND it was not out best unit...depth saved the season

2) Linebackers....we certainly improved...added Kirksey & Dansby...Kruger/Robertson stepped up...

3) Defensive backfield....SLAM DUNK WINNER!....Added Whitner, Gilbert, Williams & Desir....watched Skrine, Haden and Gipson get better...in time, this will be the best DB group we've ever had!!!

Agree, set to be the best backfield in the NFL. And our guys are young!

OK.....THERE THEY ARE....YOUR 2014 CLEVELAND BROWNS TEAM AWARDS!!!

I am so optimistic that we have a solid core....will get better(fast)....and a SUPER BOWL victory is in our sites!!!!

@texasag1969 said:

Biggest surprise ... one of the Texans really became a Browns fan ... you said "we".

Zombo

Most Surprising: West (he was not on your list, but he is on mine)

Most Disappointing: Tie: JF more for off field immaturity which has shown no evidence of getting better soon enough and Gilbert whom I thought would be better from the first snap

Most Improved: Skrine-we selected Gilbert because of him, so he took the challenge

Best Admin. Move: Hiring Pettine

Best Off-Season Move: Bringing in Leonard

Worst O-S Move: Tate was a wasted effort

O MVP-Mack

D MVP-Haden

Most Improved O Unit: Backs

Most I D Unit: DB's