I am a Bengals fan, but I like Hue a lot. I think he was an excellent hire, and I hope he gets the time needed to turn the ship around in Cleveland. I wish the Bengals had let Marvin go in favor of Hue, but it wasn't to be.

As for this season, Hue certainly seems to be a great motivator. I think he will get the most out of the players in Cleveland. I don't know what that will look like in terms of wins and losses, but I won't be counting the Browns out of any game this year. It should be a fun rivalry!

I wish the Browns all the luck against any non-Ohio based NFL teams . Though I usually anticipate a split in our series regardless of records.

Good signing imo. I had a feeling Hue might end up in Cleveland, and even suggested it would be a good move during the season. I don't think anyone accurately predicted RGIII signing though lol.

Still, I think he can be coached up and built around like the Bengals did with Dalton. He's certainly more athletic.

I've seen some jabs taken at the Browns for this offseason, but personally I think it's been a good one for you guys. I do expect some sort of rebuilding phase next year, but you didn't overpay for guys that seemingly didn't want to be there. Also, you got a good offensive mind leading the team in Hue Jackson.

Hopefully for the Brown's sake, he gets some input on the draft. I honestly think the Browns should just roll with BPA on offense (maybe a WR?) and forgo the QB pick this year. None of them are really impressive to me, and if RG3 doesn't pan out, you probably have a high pick next year to address the position. If Hue really likes one of the young QBs this year, that's a different story of course, but I would never reach for a QB just to take one. Especially if you have good talent on the board that can help your QB succeed now.

Good luck, and I hope to see some exciting games in the future between the Bengals and Browns.

@the-gipper said:

I don't believe Zeke Elliot will drop to the second round. Derrick Henry may win the Heisman......and he, to me is either boom or bust.....either he is the next Eric Dickerson or the next Trent Richardson.

Elliot is not.......I think he will be a much more sure thing. Perhaps not as spectacular as Henry....if Henry comes out on the 50% good side...not the 50% bad side.

Elliot can block, catch, run, anything....and will be productive as a pro.

You are right, but he may be available to grab at bottom half of first round. I don't like Henry myself. Ezekiel on the other hand should be a good back. Maybe even great.

@clevfan4life said:

yeah we'll be right back here next year if we make offense our priority. We scored a lot this year in case nobody noticed. Not every game but offense certainly wasn't what was make us pull our fucking hair out and want to run out to the woods and say things that would make the devil blush.

That is a fair point, but I still think with the young QBs on the roster, that you need more weapons. Not saying defense should be ignored. However, I was under the impression that the problem is the scheme, more than the players. Not to mention injuries to key components like Haden. Though I wouldn't know as well as Browns fans, so take that as you will.

@browns149 said:

If they are going to hire Hue Jackson, then the need to take a QB. He's an offensive guy, and he has developed QB's before

Not a bad point. But why not develop Davis or Manziel? Assuming the Browns front office doesn't like someone in the draft better. Though, there is no such thing as a sure prospect in the draft...

@tour2ma said:

You realize you have just sealed your team's doom...

Maybe, but I hope that I don't have that kind of influence! Still, I better knock on wood!

Also, I know the Bengals aren't perfect. It's not as if they have had any real success when it matters, but I will take what they have done the last 4-5 years over not making the post season at all.

But I hope no one takes what I said the wrong way. I am not trying to exert any fan superiority over anyone. I personally think the Browns are better than their record. They do seem to have quit on Pettine though.

How do you fans of the Browns want to see this year's draft and off season pan out?

I keep seeing mock drafts with the Browns taking a QB. Is that really the answer though? Is Jared Goff going to be the franchise's savior? I have my doubts personally. Not because of anything Goff beings to the table, but because there are not many QB's in the league who can elevate a team by themselves.

This isn't to say that the Browns do not have some nice pieces, but I'd like to look to my own Cincinnati Bengals for what I consider a superior option for the Browns. Rather than spending another 1st round pick on a QB.

in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected AJ Green 4th overall, and waited until the 2nd round to select Andy Dalton as their plan for QB. Palmer wasn't coming back. We could have panicked and reached for someone like Ponder (like the Vikings), but we stuck to a plan. Get a solid, accurate, smart QB and build an offense around him. Coupled with a good defense that flashes signs of greatness, and the Bengals have been to the playoffs every year since.

The interesting thing for the Browns is that they actually are doing better at QB than the Bengals were prior to selecting Dalton. Palmer was gone, and we had nothing else beyond him. Austin Davis and Johnny Manziel are two young QBs who have shown flashes. Maybe they won't be elite, but I argue they do not have to be.

Next year the Browns get back Josh Gordon. Now, to rely on him would be a stretch, so I would still draft like he isn't there, but, that doesn't mean he won't have an impact in 2016. When on the field, he is an amazing talent.

With all of this said, how do the Browns accomplish what Cincinnati has seemingly done with Dalton and the offense being built around him while he has improved?

Is there a Stud WR worth taking in the early first round? Is there a Giovanni Benard or Jeremy Hill in the 2nd round that the Browns can grab? Personally I think a satellite back like Bernard to dump passes off to would do wonders for the Browns offense. Especially if Gordon can stretch the field,

Here is my admittedly amateur guess at what the Browns should look to do this year in the Draft in the first couple rounds.

Keep both Manziel and Davis. McCown is probably done.

This pains me to say it but... Hire Hue Jackson. Stick with him. Turning around a franchise won't be overnight, but I think he can do it. Especially on offense.

Round 1. Try to trade back and take Laquan Treadwell, WR Ole Miss. He is physical and can make tough catches. His injury in 2014 may be a concern, but he has appeared to make a full recovery. Joey Bosa would be considered, and he is a great talent. However, so is JJ Watt. Look at the Texans. Don't be the Texans. Build your Offense. Not saying to neglect the defense, but Offense should be number 1 priority with young QBs and their development.

Round 2. This is where the Browns have it a little easier than the Bengals. You don't have to find your "Andy Dalton" here. Maybe you can get back in the first to get Ezekiel Elliot, RB Ohio State? Assuming he goes in the bottom half of the 1st round. He won't be the Satellite back I described above, but there isn't anyone available like that without being a massive reach. I normally am reluctant to suggest taking Ohio State guys, they never seem to pan out for the Bengals. Silly reason I know, but it's all I got. Still, the guy flat out dominated, even when he was game-planned for. I wouldn't go to crazy to trade up to get him, but if he drops past 19-20, it probably should be considered.

After that you probably address Defense and Line Depth. You guys would know better than I though what your most pressing needs are. Still a lot of time obviously, and a lot can change between now and then.

Just thought I would throw it out there. It could be a really bad idea, but it's something to discuss. I know it sucks to talk about the draft in December, I lived through the 90s after all...

@bob806 said:

Bengals are legit, I think they get to the AFC Title game at the very least.

I can't stand that Jeremy Hill guy either. Way too cocky.

I'm a fan of the bengals and I also think he is too cocky. He has played like shit most of the year and wants to act like a damn fool when he finally does some good things. He has actually gotten a few flags this year from doing stupid shit. Im glad Giovanni Bernard doesn't act like that.

To be fair, every fan base has asshats.

I wouldn't mind seeing the Browns getting better. It seems like you guys are close though. Took a step back this year but that can change next year with some good moves.Just need the defense to step up and the running game to improve, and of course sticking with one QB. I don't understand Pettine's weird vendetta against Manziel. I know he had a minor incident recently, but even before that..

Obviously I am gonna root for my Bengals, but it'd be fun to have a legitimate Browns and Bengals rivalry for awhile. Tired of the Steelers and Ravens.

Rich Eisen: So, was he improved as a quarterback from the last time you saw him?

Dre Kirkpatrick: I feel like he improved but I feel like they (the Browns' staff) don't let him be Johnny, you know? I feel like they want him to be a pocket quarterback, which I don't think Johnny's a pocket quarterback. He made a completion on me, I think it was like the first play of the game on a slant. I didn't even see him, I just saw the ball. I just feel like, just let him be Johnny and he'll be alright. But, I'm just happy we got the win last night and he wasn't Johnny.

Interesting take from the Bengals CB. Thoughts? I agree with him myself. Johnny needs to mature off the field no doubt, but I also think he showed some flashes on the field.

McCown is better right now, but Manziel isn't going to improve on the bench.

First off, he needs to be paired with a coach who will work with his strengths. Pettine seems to hate Manziel. Bad situation.

Also, Manziel didn't get a lot of help last night. I saw quite a few drops. Sure, Manziel needs to keep improving, but I honestly expected him to look worse than he did. His 92 yard TD drive before halftime was excellent.

@bbedward said:

I feel like you were a big dick last year, but this year you're actually fairly constructive - what happened?

Zombo said:

I was thinking the same thing.

Is this the same Taintsniffer?

Zombo

If I was a dick then I apologize. Maybe I was talking smack in fun and came off as a dick. Or I was drunk and was an actual dick... I honestly don't remember what I posted last year.

I am excited about the game tonight! Browns play my Bengals tough, so I expect a good game.

@bbedward said:

I think it was more of a "Denver's talking so we'll listen" not like we were actively shopping him.

Everybody is expendable for the right price, luckily we're smart enough to value him high (though who wouldn't be)

Makes sense. I guess I assumed he was actively being shopped aggressively. ESPN likes to throw around assumptions lol. Good for Browns fans that the Browns stuck to their asking price.

I didn't understand the rationale behind this idea anyway. Why trade a elite LT that wants to be on your team? Glad you guys got to keep your guy.

@thenew23 said:

I could care less if people smoke weed legally or illegally, but I don't like issue 3 because it basically says:

"These 10 rich people are allowed to create a monopoly and control every aspect of this particular market, from production to distribution to sales, without competition from anybody...... and by the way, you can smoke weed legally"

If you like are willing to give those people that much power and money, just so you can get high and not worry about a slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanor... then you're ____________ (insert favorite synonym for 'crazy'). Issue 2 is a great law that prevents people from ever being able to "write into law" a monopoly on any market. Once issue 2 passes, issue 3 will basically become null-and-void anyway...

If the people actually put an amendment into the constitution that ONLY says "marijuana legalization - for age appropriate (I think 25 and older) people, with strict restrictions about driving while high / smoking in a public place / accepting public assistance while using / accepting unemployment while using / accepting Medicaid while using / etc..." Then I will gladly vote for the hard-working American to be able to come home and light up if that's what they want...

Agreed. That is not how a free market should work. It is bullshit.

@miktoxic said:

yeah if you're a 20-30ish queef.

genesis w/peter gabriel. pink floyd. david bowie. queen. elton john. led zeppellin.

god british music in all it's glory should be expunged from every music library.

lord throw me through the window now.

Genesis has some decent stuff with Collins at the helm.

A Trick of the Tail & Wind & Wuthering are good imo. Granted their best was with Gabriel.. Selling England by the Pound and Foxtrot being their 2 best imo.

Yes is another great English band that I would add to your list.

Personally, if I were the Browns front office, I would Keep McCown and draft a QB to learn from him. Johnny seems like a bust on and off the field tbh. Even if he is decent on the field, the guy keeps doing dumb shit off the field. Not worth relying on someone like that.

I know Johnny has a 1st round pick invested in him, but, sometimes you gotta cut your losses... Just commit to McCown, try and win as much as possible, and take a stab in the draft. Winning might hurt draft position, but I think the team as a whole would benefit from the success more than having a high draft pick. QBs can be found late round 1, or even round 2 or 3. Pick the right guy and match him with the right coach and system imo.

Move on from Pettine. With a young QB learning, you need an offensive HC.

You do not need an Elite QB.Just a level headed one with smarts and good players around him.

Sounds like bullshit. Never even heard of that source.

@gftchris said:

Packers seem to have the AFC sewn up this year. Huge drop off from the seahawks. Bengals look good, but we'll see how the curse of the prime time affects them as the season goes on. Think they drop one to the Bills this weekend. Just a hunch. Patriots are pissed off, just what the rest of the league needed. They're going to be tough to stop.

Agree on Packers. Seahawks seem to do better as the year goes on, but they do seem to have dropped of a bit.

The Bengals look good so far. It is early, but even if they are for real, it seems that it will be tough for anyone to get past New England this year....

Which sucks, as the only team I hate as much as the Patriots, is the Steelers...

It will be interesting to see how the Browns follow up Sunday's win vs the Ravens.

Broncos are beatable. Helps the Browns that it is in Cleveland too.

@ Ravens - Win

Broncos - Loss

@ Rams - Loss

Cardinals - Loss

@ Bengals - Loss

@ Steelers - Loss (Unless Vick is still starting.)

Ravens - Win

Bengals - Win (Browns play the Bengals tough, so I see a split.)

49ers - Win

@ Seahawks - Loss

@ Chiefs - Win

Steelers - Win

7-9 is my guess. Could be better though, stranger things have happened.