Browns Preview 12/8/17: Green Bay Packers @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The 6-6, Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers travel to Cleveland this week to take on the 0-12 Browns. If at the beginning of the season someone told you the Packers would be 6-6, the Browns were winless but still had a chance no one would have believed you. Its also been a fun Thursday as a Browns fan, Sashi Brown was fired and Hue Jackson will remain the Head Coach in 2018. *insert Mike Polk "Fun times in Cleveland Again". But on to actual game...


Browns Offense vs Packers Defense

I know this is crazy to say but the Browns might be able to put up some points against the Packers defense. Their passing defense isn't that good, and DeShone Kizer could actually throw an accurate pass to Josh Gordon we could see Gordon go for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Again, I know it sounds nuts, but what Gordon did last week against Casey Hayward isn't really anything to take lightly. The guy shut down all the other top receivers he's gone up against this year and is ranked as the top cornerback this year. Gordon against a struggling Packers secondary screams Kizer's first 300 yard game.

The running game needs to keep on keeping on. And that means Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, and DeShone Kizer. Last week they had just under 100 yards against a really tough defense in the Chargers. Now the Packers run defense is better than their pass defense because of Mike Daniels and Blake Martinez. If the Browns can get a lead and use the run game to win the time of possession it could be a recipe for success.



Browns Defense vs Packers Offense

The Packers will have to start Brett Hundley for one more week. With the help of two defensive touchdowns last week the Packers beat the Buccaneers 26-20 in overtime. In that game Hundley threw for 84 yards and threw one pick. Its fairly obvious that Green Bay misses Rodgers. The key for the Browns this game is to let Hundley beat you with his arm. He's thrown for only five touchdowns in the eight games he's played. And he's also prone to turnovers, throwing eight picks and fumbling three times.

The Browns should key in on stopping the run this week. The Packers have a running back by committee with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones as their leading rushers. The Browns also can't forget about Hundley scrambling out of the pocket. He has good speed and ran for 66 yards last week in the overtime win.



Five Guys To Watch

1. Josh Gordon: In his first game in almost three seasons Gordon went for four catches for 85 yards. He also went up against the best corner in the league. It should be exciting to see how he plays against a struggling secondary.

2. DeShone Kizer: If it weren't for Kizer the Browns probably would have won last week. Multiple terrible throws to a wide open Josh Gordon and a sack-fumble in the redzone. That's exactly why we lost. But Sunday is another chance to redeem himself.

3. David Njoku: Njoku had a career game last week. Four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully this means we get to see Njoku on the field more.

4. Joe Schobert: In a game where the Browns need to stop the run Schobert seems like an obvious pick for a guy to watch.

5. Hue Jackson: Let's be 100%...Hue Jackson won the power struggle against Sashi Brown. And with that he has security for 2018.  I'm curious if Jackson starts to change up his playcalling knowing his job is safe going forward. I expect him to go into his bag of tricks this week and have a good game overall.

Injury Report:

Weather Report:

Betting Line (As of 12/7/17)
Packers -3


Prediction:
Browns 24 Packers 14

I know, I'm crazy for picking the Browns but with everything that's happened this week it seems like a game the Browns could accidentally win...the stars are lining up. The Packers are struggling on defense, they don't have Aaron Rodgers, and the Browns have Josh Gordon and a head coach who really doesn't have any pressure on him to win a game since 2018 is already guaranteed.

Browns Preview 9/15/17: Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The (0-1) Cleveland Browns travel to Baltimore to take on the (1-0) Ravens. Last week the Browns lost to the Steelers 21-18. The Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-0. In their game against the Bengals the Ravens forced five turnovers, so going into week two the Browns will need to limit the turnovers.


Browns Offense vs Ravens Defense:

The Browns passing game is most likely going to attack Ravens defensive back Brandon Carr. Carr isn't the player he once was. Corey Coleman is someone who has played really well since training camp began. Coleman last week caught all five passes thrown to him and he and quarterback DeShone Kizer already have some chemistry. So look out for the Browns to put Coleman in situations where he is matched up with Brandon Carr. The Ravens also like to use three safeties during passing downs. Moving Lardarious Webb to the nickle and playing veteran Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson at "free/strong safeties". It should be interesting to see how the Browns counter this week. Last week we seen a lot of Duke Johnson in the slot, heck Johnson didn't even get a carry. Its going to be interesting to see if the Browns change Johnson's role week-to-week.

The Browns offensive line has to do a better job run blocking this week. Isaiah Crowell couldn't get separation last week and only rushed for 33 yards on 17 carries. That has to improve going forward. Hue Jackson isn't too worried about it, but with a rookie quarterback, you don't want to throw the ball more than you have too. And with the Ravens' pass rush lead by future hall of famer Terrell Suggs the Browns need to keep the Ravens honest with the run game.

The last thought on the offense is DeShone Kizer. He's going up against another extremely physical defense. It wouldn't be surprising if we see a couple late hits on the quarterback call like we did last week. Kizer has to play smart. Throw the ball away if nothing is open down field, slide while scrambling, and remembering that the check down is your friend.



Browns Defense vs Ravens Offense:

I really like this match up for the Browns. Yes, the Ravens played well last week , but the Browns defense is way better than Cincinnati's.  Last week the Ravens capitalized off of a turnover for one of their touchdowns, and the second was 48 yard pass to Jeremy Maclin on a drag route. The Browns last week did a great job limiting the deep ball. Yes, Antonio Brown got his...and yes it was on fluke plays but that's why AB is the best receiver in the NFL. Outside of the Maclin throw, Joe Flacco was 8/16 for 73 yards and an interception. I don't think passing game is going to kill the Browns this week like it did last week.

And the running game for the Ravens will be their strength. Former Brown Terrance West ran for 80 yards on 19 carries and Javorius Allen rushed for 71 yards on 21 carries. While having success last week against the Bengals, it isn't a for gone conclusion they will have success this week. The Browns limited the Steelers to 35 yards on the ground. Le'Veon Bell ran for 32 of the 35 on 10 rushes. The Browns defense is for real. And the key for them is to limit the running game and force Joe Flacco into turnovers...which is basically the key for the Raven's defense against the Browns offense.



Five Guys to Watch:

Joe Schobert: Schobert was one of a handful of guys to play every snap on defense last week. As the "mike" linebacker, Schobert is the "quarterback" of the defense. The position change during the off-season seems to have jump started his career after being a special teams/pass rushing specialist in his rookie year.

Duke Johnson: As I mentioned above, it's going to be interesting to see how Hue Jackson uses Johnson week-to-week. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him get 10-12 carries this week and a couple of catches, but this time lined up in the backfield where he's more comfortable.

DeShone Kizer: Kizer will be on this list every week. Its that simple. Kizer is potentially the quarterback of the future...so how can he not be one of the five guys to watch each week.

Ricardo Louis: Louis had a pretty good game last week. Yes, he only had two catches. But he was getting open and that's all you can ask for on a team with a lack of playmakers at wide receiver. Louis even came back last week from a nasty hit and caught a pass that put the Browns into scoring position.

Jabrill Peppers: I wasn't sure who my last "guy to watch" would be. So I picked the exciting playmaker Jabrill Peppers. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Peppers in for a couple plays on offense this week. *insert thinking emoji  Peppers playing "center field" with Joe Flacco at quarterback is exciting because we all know Flacco is known to take shots down field and with the ball-hawking skills Peppers has...it seems like the perfect opportunity for Peppers to get his first career interception.

Weather Report

Injury Report

Betting Line (As of 9/14/17): Baltimore -8

Prediction: Browns 24 Ravens 17





Call me crazy but I think the Browns will leave Baltimore with a 1-1 record. Kizer proved in one game that he gives the Browns an opportunity to win and that's all you can ask for with a rookie quarterback. But the Defense for the Browns will win this game. They will force the Ravens into turnovers and give the offense a short field. The running game for the Browns should be improved from last week which is why when they are given the lead they won't blow it like in years before.

Cleveland Browns 2017 Season Preview: The Linebackers

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

**PREVIOUS**
The Coaching Staff
The Running Backs
The Offensive & Defensive Line
The Quarterbacks
The Wide Receivers & Tight Ends


With the switch to the 4-3 defense, the Browns don't have to carry as many linebackers as they did years before. The Linebacker group is pretty solid going into the 2017 season, headlined by Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey. Both of whom signed long-term deals with the Browns in the off-season. Collins and Kirko will see the majority of the snaps on defense. Whether its in a base defense or in nickel and sub-packages because both excel in pass coverage.

Collins was brought over last season in a mid-season trade with New England. In eight games with the Browns last season, Collins recorded 69 tackles (nice), two sacks, and a forced fumble. Collins as a rare linebacker in the league that can play every single down, and can cover the best running backs and tight ends in the league. There is no question Collins is an integral part of the Browns defense going forward.

Kirksey is entering his fourth NFL season. Last year was Kirksey's breakout season, recording 148 tackles, two and a half sacks, and 10 stuffs. He is just like Collins, Kirko can play the pass extremely well and is basically an every down linebacker. The only difference with Kirksey and Collins this year is that they will be playing the "outside linebacker" position in the 4-3 defense.

At the start of camp the middle linebacker spot was up for grabs. The battle was between veteran Tank Carder and last year's fourth round pick Joe Schobert. Unfortunately, Carder suffered a season ending knee injury against the Giants, so Schobert is now the starter for 2017. Schobert came into camp around 20 pounds lighter in order to play middle linebacker and boy has it payed off (so far). Schobert has been flying around the field so far in the preseason. It gives the Browns some versatility in their base defense because of Schobert's natural ability to rush the passer, which we've seen at time during the preseason.

The backup linebacker position(s) are unknown right now. The Browns have a few guys who have shown flashes during camp and the preseason. Guys like Dominique Alexander, James Burgess, and Kenneth Olugode have played themselves into consideration to make the 53-man roster. It wouldn't be surprising though if the Browns added a linebacker after the cut down day, so keep an eye out for that.

Linebacker Overview: As long as the Browns stay healthy, the linebackers/ front 7 should be vastly improved this season. Collins and Kirksey are the key(s) to success for the Browns defense, and quite frankly that a pretty good duo to hang hopes on.

Krunch Time With Katelin: 5 Takeaways From The Browns vs Giants Preseason Game

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Browns pulled off a 10-6 victory against the Giants in the second week of the preseason. The game was hard to watch. Each team had multiple turnovers, dropped passes, and overall sloppy play. But that's how the 2017 Cleveland Browns will win games this season. Sloppy, low-scoring games where the defense forces turnovers and the offense capitalizes on them. But lets get to why we are here. My five takeaways on the game from Monday Night.

1. DeShone Kizer should be the quarterback week one. Is Kizer 100% ready? Probably not. But does he give the Browns the best chance to win? Yes, without a doubt. Brock Osweiler isn't the answer and neither is Cody Kessler. Brock is 6'8 and is still getting passes knocked down at the line of scrimmage. And that's what happened in this game resulting in an interception. If you are counting at home, this is the Browns quarterbacks scoring drives tallies: Kizer (Four) Kessler (One) Brock (Zero) and Hogan (Zero). Yes, Kizer had two of his scoring drives against second-fourth teamers vs the Saints, but he was still playing with the same types of players.

2. Joe Schobert showed why he should be the starting middle linebacker on this team. Schobert a fourth round pick last season was mainly a special teams player last season. And when he did play it was at outside linebacker. But this season he was moved to the inside, he also lost some weight and he is now flying around the field.

3. Briean Boddy-Calhoun. I don't know what more I can say about him. The guy is a football player. He has a nose for the ball. Whether that's jumping a passing route for an interception, blowing up a play in the backfield, or being a hard hitting corner when the receiver catches the ball, the guy is constantly around the ball. I would take 11 Boddy-Calhoun's. The guy has a passion for the game of football and could be a fan favorite by the end of the season.

4. Matt Dayes is pretty good. He could easily become the Browns third down back if the Browns end up using Duke Johnson in the slot during passing downs. Dayes was the second to last pick in the draft and had a leg up in the third running back competition considering he coached by the Browns during the Senior Bowl. I think its a bit early to call the Browns running backs a three headed monster but the way they plan on running the ball the Browns will probably need three guys to keep everyone rested and healthy.

5. The defense showed why the acquisition of Gregg Williams is the best move of the entire off-season. Williams' defense is attacking the ball every single play. We seen Jason McCourty force a fumble, Boddy-Calhoun bait Geno Smith into a red zone interception. Oh and the rookies, Myles Garrett recorded his first sack and Jabrill Peppers...Peppers made veteran receiver Brandon Marshall hear footsteps while he tried to go up for a catch.. Oh and Peppers also made an impact as a punt returner.

On The Clock: NFL Draft 2016: The Real Journey Begins #NFLDraft2016 #Browns

By Alex Hale, @DaSportsGenius7

At long last the NFL Draft is behind us and now NFL teams can get back to developing their teams.  For fans like myself and many other people, we love to analyze what happened throughout the NFL Draft.  One thing was for sure with the 2016 NFL Draft, it was completely unpredictable.  After Jared Goff/Carson Wentz went #1 and #2, the entire 2016 Draft was full of twists and turns that nobody saw coming.  So with that said for our Browns fans, we’re going to go over each of the picks by the Browns with a grade, plus a few stories of the draft that caught my attention.

The Browns and their new regime tied an NFL Draft record with 14 draft selections.  The Browns also set a modern day draft record of selecting 5 WRs.  Hue Jackson, Sashi Brown and Paul DePodesta focused their energy on finding themselves playmakers and efficient defensive players.  What also stands out about the Browns draft class is their character and Football IQ.  It’s very clear that outside of the Analytics the Browns are using, Character and Football IQ will be very highly valued in future drafts.  As I grade the Browns picks, please be aware these are just initial feelings of the picks, I’m not going to just write off anyone as a failed pick like a lot of other Draft writers.  So let’s jump into what the Browns did in the NFL Draft.

1st Round (15th Overall)- WR Corey Coleman, Baylor- The Browns ideally wanted Oregon DE DeForest Buckner to be on the board at #8, but he went to San Francisco and the Browns almost immediately traded down.  At 15, the Browns had their choice of any WR in the draft and choice Coleman.  What Coleman lacks in size at 5'10", 195, he makes up for with his speed and ability to catch the ball.  What surprised me going back and watching him is his ability to attack the ball in the air even though he doesn’t have the size.  The kid is fearless and exactly the kind of playmaker the Browns need to send fear into defenses.  While I personally preferred TCU WR Josh Doctson or Ole Miss WR LaQuon Treadwell, after taking a few days to re-evaluate Coleman, I’d put Coleman right up there on the best WRs in this class.
My Grade: B+

2nd Round (32nd Overall)- DE/OLB Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma St.- With Myles Jack on the board most people not only were surprised but criticized the pick.  My question to them is why?  While Ogbah doesn’t have the motor you look for that can be picked up over time.  Ogbah is perfect to play the OLB in the 3-4 and gives the Browns a big, explosive, and powerful pass rusher going forward.  This was rumored to be Dallas’ pick so the Browns weren’t alone with where they ranked him.  Ogbah to me was a 1st Round talent who slipped due to motor concerns, but in time I think will be an impact pass rusher for Cleveland.  More importantly this sends a message to Barkevious Mingo to either take the next step or he’s gone.
My Grade: B+

3rd Round (65th Overall)- DE Carl Nassib, Penn State- After selecting Ogbah, I sort of question the selection here, but the talent is worth taking here.  Nassib is quite the physical specimen at 6'7", 275 who I had as more of a 4-3 DE.  Nassib plays with a relentless motor and it helped him come from a walk on to a Nagurski Trophy finalist (Nation’s Top Defender).  Nassib is very raw as a player still and really needs to bulk up a bit more.  I think the Browns are viewing him as a 3-4 DE with some OLB ability, much like JJ Watt.  Extremely talented player with big upside, but I question the pick after taking Ogbah with other pressing needs.
My Grade: B-

3rd Round (76th Overall)- OT Shon Coleman, Auburn- Great value for the Browns in Round 3 as they snag their potential starting RT this year.  Coleman has a great story overcoming cancer and developing into a Day 2 NFL prospect.  He is on the older side (25 years old) but the talent is there.  One big thing to remember, he kept Texas A&M and Top 2017 NFL Draft prospect DE Myles Garrett in check when Auburn faced the Aggies.  He knows how to utilize his size and long arms, might need some refining on moving around on the line, but a very strong pick here.
Grade- A-

3rd Round (93rd Overall)- QB Cody Kessler, USC- Guys… let’s not panic.  For the record, I’m not a fan of the pick, but I get the pick.  It’s obvious that Hue Jackson sees a lot of Andy Dalton in Kessler.  First off Kessler gets the Browns and the fan base after going through the disarray at USC over the past few years.  He’s been through multiple coaching regimes and still finished at USC throwing 88 TDs to 31 INTs.  Remember there once was a time he was going to be a 1st Round pick.  While arm strength is a downside, he has everything else you look for in a QB.  Accurate, Poised, ran a Pro style offense in college.  And remember, Cody Kessler probably isn’t your QB of the future, if anything he’s your backup of the future.
My Grade: C+

4th Round (99th Overall)- LB Joe Schobert, Wisconsin- Just a productive LB at Wisconsin that was a Pro Football Focus favorite.  That should tell you why the Browns liked him.  He’s very instinctive and fluid with his movement and ability to get to the ball.  Does have pass rushing ability, but his size will probably limit him in the 3-4 scheme to more of a ILB role.  Overall good pick, adds a solid player to the defense.
My Grade: B

4th Round (114th Overall)- WR Ricardo Louis, Auburn- This is the one pick that confused me the most even after thinking it over.  Louis is the one guy that does have the size/speed combo unlike the other WRs drafted, but his hands are inconsistent.  He did show improvement at Auburn but at Auburn, WRs are very limited in what they do there.  I’m confused by the selection, especially when Pharoh Cooper was right there.
My Grade: D

4th Round (129th Overall)- S Derrick Kindred, TCU- Tough competitive leader that the Browns will need in their secondary.  Broke his collarbone going into his final season at TCU and Doctors recommended surgery, but Kindred played through it.  What stands out on the film is he’s an aggressive player who loves to play the game.  Unfortunately, he lacks a bit in tackling and in coverage.  He could develop into a starter and maybe even a leader for the defense, but he’s going to need time.  Fortunately, Kindred is the kind of guy who will work his butt off to get to that point.
My Grade: B-

4th Round (138th Overall)- WR/TE Seth DeValve, Princeton- Played WR at Princeton, Browns look to be moving him to TE.  Quite an interesting pick as a lot didn’t even have DeValve getting drafted.  What he has going forward is he understands routes and how to run them, which could benefit him at TE.  He’ll need work on blocking and will need to get more consistent catching the ball.  What impresses me the most is he’s great after the catch.  Browns might’ve found themselves a poor man’s Gronk.
My Grade: C+

5th Round (154th Overall)- WR Jordan Payton, UCLA- The Bruins’ all-time receptions leader is a solid get at this point.  He’s got good size at 6'1", 207, and good but not great speed.  What concerns me is his release off the line and his acceleration as it leaves a lot to be desired.  At the very least the Browns are getting a productive WR who knows how to catch the ball which is something you can’t have too many of.
My Grade: B-

5th Round (168th Overall)- OT Spencer Drango, Baylor- The LT for Baylor, the Browns get a solid value pick here.  He’s athletic for the position, but lacks a lot of strength.  Some see him as a potential Guard, but he’ll need to add strength.  Browns have said he’s going to be a RT for now and that makes sense.  He has short arms and as long as he can add some strength he’s great depth to have for the Browns O-Line.
My Grade: B

5th Round (172nd Overall)- WR Rishard Higgins, Colorado St.- How did "Hollywood" slip this far?  Higgins was at least a 4th Round guy to me.  Coming from a Pro-style offense in Colorado St., Higgins thrived as their #1 WR.  While the loss of Garrett Grayson hurt his numbers, it was more of teams adjusting to him.  He doesn’t blow you away with speed but he’s got great ball skills and can easily come into Cleveland and make an impact right away.  Just a consistent player who will catch the ball and makes plays.
My Grade: B+

5th Round (173rd Overall)- CB Trey Caldwell, Louisiana Monroe- I didn’t even have this guy ranked at all.  A shrimpy CB who runs well, but not great.  The best you can hope for is he turns out to be another K’Wuan Williams.  He seems to always have a good eye on where the QB is looking to throw and tends to be right where he needs to be.  Take into effect he didn’t play against the best competition, but Caldwell seems to be a tough, gritty CB who will work to get better.
My Grade: C+

7th Round (250th Overall)- LB Scooby Wright III, Arizona- How did Scooby last here is beyond me.  I would’ve targeted Wright in the 5th Round, but the Browns luck out and get him with their final pick.  Yeah he was banged up last year, but in 2014 you saw an instinctive talent that was the anchor for the Arizona defense.  He comes into a situation where he won’t be thrusted into starting but in time there’s no doubt Wright will start one day for the Browns.  Absolute steal in Round 7.
My Grade: A

Biggest Draft Storylines

Jacksonville Jaguars- Only a few short years ago, you could say the Jaguars were one of the biggest jokes of the league, but the past few years, the Jags ain’t messing around anymore.  David Caldwell did an excellent job, staying patient at #5 and landing FSU CB Jalen Ramsey.  Then in the 2nd Round stealing UCLA LB Myles Jack.  Even on Day 3 landing Notre Dame DT Sheldon Day.  Their other selections were very solid and will continue to build the Jaguars into a big time threat in the AFC.

Reaching for QBs- We all knew the first 3 QBs off the board were going to be Jared Goff, Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch.  The question was who was going next?  The Jets started the craziness by selecting Penn St QB Christian Hackenberg.  The Patriots and Browns followed up by shocking critics everywhere by selecting Jacoby Brissett and Cody Kessler.  That led to a surprising slide for Michigan St QB Connor Cook who would end up a 4th Round pick by the Raiders.  Cardale Jones would go in Round 4 to the Bills as well.  This brings up a future trend of drafting backup/developmental QBs early even if they are reaches to have on longer, cheaper contracts.

Did Mike Mayock get Moritz Boehringer drafted?- During the NFL Network’s Draft coverage, NFL Draft insider Mike Mayock along with Rich Eisen, Charles Davis, and Daniel Jeremiah interviewed the German sensation WR Moritz Boehringer.  During the interview, Boehringer mentioned his favorite team to watch was the Minnesota Vikings because of Adrian Peterson.  This led to Mike Mayock to look into the camera and call out Vikings HC Mike Zimmer to draft Boehringer.  Soon after, Mike Zimmer actually called Mayock himself and while the conversation wasn’t really revealed, soon after the Vikings selected Boehringer.  Coincidence?  I think not.

The Laremy Tunsil Saga- We got to end with the biggest story of them all.  Almost 30 minutes before the NFL Draft started, a video and photo was posted online of Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil wearing a gas mask with obviously fumes coming from it.  This led a whole saga of where the video came from, when was it and more importantly who posted it.  But because of it, Tunsil would slide all the way to the Dolphins at #13.  The Ravens would later admit if it wasn’t for the photo/video, he was their selection at #6.  But you would think it was over after Draft Day…well then Tunsil got to Miami for his introductory press conference and then suddenly come down with an, “allergic reaction”.  While Tunsil did do his press conference later, this whole saga should be its own 30 for 30 one day.


I know people will pick "Winners and Losers", but let’s be honest, unless you had a draft like the Jaguars were you draft 2 of the top 5 players on the board in the first 2 rounds, no Draft Class should be called anything.  We won’t have an idea on who did well in this draft for another 3-4 years.  So to fans for all teams, whatever anyone says about your team’s draft, don’t let it get to you.  You can grade picks off of initial reaction, but you can’t call anyone a winner or a loser.  The 2016 NFL Draft was one of the most exciting ones in recent memory with its unpredictability.  For NFL fans everywhere, we can only hope the 2016 NFL season will be as unpredictable as the draft has been.  It’s been fun to write about the NFL Draft and the next time you’ll see me chime in about the 2017 NFL Draft class will be in the College Preseason to give everyone my Top 10 prospects for next year. 

Hey…it’s never too early to look forward to next year's draft!