Browns Season in Review: Joe’s Thoughts
By Joe Zevchek
As the 2014 NFL season draws to a close, the Cleveland Browns’ chapter of its story is finished. From the moment that Rob Chudzinski was fired following the 2013 finale to the hiring of John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator this past week, the team has seemingly experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows of the expansion era. As we begin Super Bowl week, the Dawg Pound Daily staff is taking the time to share their thoughts on the 2014 Cleveland Browns.
Thoughts when Mike Pettine Was Hired
I was surprisingly optimistic. The Browns have tried so many approaches since 1999- big-name college coaches, former pro head coaches on their second chance, and up-and-coming coordinators, which is the category Pettine fell under. In the end, I felt too jaded to have a preference anymore. All I wanted was someone who could lead and coach, and Pettine won me over with his demeanor immediately.
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Thoughts when Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi Were Fired
Worried about Pettine. When the men responsible for hiring you go, it’s usually only a matter of time until you are gone, too. I thought a 4 or 5-win season would surely lead to another coaching search. However, I also admired Jimmy Haslam for ridding himself of the perceived cause for so much organizational dysfunction.
Feelings About Drafting Johnny Manziel
Too risky; Manziel seemed like too much of a boom or bust prospect, and he remains as such. But after using the first pick on the “safer” pick of Justin Gilbert (and gaining another for next year), Manziel didn’t seem as risky at the 22nd pick, and frankly I was excited to see what he could do.
Thoughts About the Off-Season In General
After starting off with everyone thinking that things were worse than ever, the Browns actually looked to shaping up well. Pettine was seemingly winning most fans over and outside of the Josh Gordon/Wide receiver situation, the roster looked as strong as it had been in years. Before the preseason began, I felt safe predicting that the team would at least remain in contention for almost all season
Before the Season, Favorite Off-Season Acquisition
Ben Tate, hands down, and I’m not too proud to admit it. After watching a running game that was almost laughable in 2013, Tate seemed to be exactly what the doctor ordered, especially when paired up with the young talent of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell to mitigate Tate’s injury history. Yes… I was proven very wrong, although Tate did start the year off doing exactly as we all expected.
Before the Season, Biggest Concern for Team
Wide Receiver. Of course, quarterback was a question mark as always, but my gut told me that Hoyer would prove to be at least serviceable, which he was for roughly a dozen games. But the failure to aggressively address the need for a dependable #1 receiver following the Josh Gordon suspension was troubling. Again, proven wrong, but at least this time in a good way.
Favorite Moment of the Season
Beating Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football. It certainly wasn’t the most exciting game of the season, but it’s probably safe to say that most Browns fans hadn’t been that proud of their team in many years. Dominating your division rival during prime time to take a piece of the division lead is nothing but a reason to be happy.
Worst Moment of the Season
Losing to Buffalo 3 weeks later. Most of us were holding out hope that the loss against Houston after the Cincinnati game meant the team had gotten it’s inevitable let-down out of the way. But the Browns went into Ralph Wilson stadium and played what was probably their worst game of the season, beginning the downward spiral that we’ve unfortunately become all too familiar with as Browns fans.
Team MVP
I would be tempted to say Karlos Dansby, but since he missed a chunk of time with injury I’ll go with Joe Haden. Yes, he had a rough start, but as the season went on he arguably got better as others got hurt or faded off in performance. Even playing on the perimeter, he remains the foundation of the defense.
After the Season, feelings about drafting Johnny Manziel
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Weren’t there more warning signs before the draft, or at least during training camp so the team could aggressively ….well, babysit him? We should know if the work ethic and commitment issues are fixed by the middle of training camp in 2015, no matter his position on the depth chart.
After the Season, Favorite Off-Season Move-
Signing Karlos Dansby. It was a move that paid off and paid off well for the Browns.
Thoughts about the team moving forward after 7 – 9 Season
I should be more optimistic. In terms of talent and, yes, even culture, the team is trending upward. But until the quarterback situation is resolved and the alleged internal issues calm down, I wouldn’t budget for playoff tickets in 2015. If a medium-long term answer at quarterback can be found, I would be willing to change my outlook entirely.