Browns that need to step up in 2015 (Part 1)

Mark Riley

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas (73) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

On the eve of what promises to be an exciting training camp for the Cleveland Browns, there remain some concerns heading into this season. Will the QB situation be better? Will the rookies have the impact we hope for? Will the Free agents acquired have anything left in the tank, or were they just looking for that last huge payday? Is our depth adequate? Will the price of a hot dog at FirstEnergy go up? Who’s jersey should I invest my hard earned dollars on? Burning questions all.

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One factor above all of these, effects each and every one of the questions (well, maybe not the hot dog query), and that is the actual play on the field. Simply put, these individuals must perform better this season for the Browns to reach any of their stated goals.

Next: Quarterbacks

May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) and quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

1. Quarterbacks

This is the most obvious, glaring and important factors with regard to the success of the team. We all know the Johnny Football saga, and I think that for the most part we are all pulling for the guy to be much better than he showed last season. I also believe it to be a safe bet that most of us hope to see him flash back to his A&M days, and show that Heisman Trophy winning form we all drooled over. Admit it, you drooled just like me! By all accounts, including some insightful quotes from Donte Whitner, who said that “Johnny has been on point, he’s working harder than I’ve ever seen and he’s keeping his head down and focused.” If this is true, Manziel may surprise fans right out of the gate.

Not to be left out, Josh McCown the announced starter going into camp, has taken a profound leadership role already with the Browns, commanding respect and knowledge in the huddle and being a teachng benefit to not only the afore mentioned Johnny Manziel, but to Connor Shaw and Thaddeus Lewis. His 13 years in the league give him a wealth of knowledge, of every situation, read, and circumstance. With all that in his arsenal, Josh still needs to step up his field performance significantly over what we saw last season with the Buccaneers.

Next: Linebackers

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

2.Linebackers

Linebackers will be essential to the success of this team opposing the run, something the Browns have sucked at for ages. Specifically, Barkevious Mingo, Carlos Dansby and Christian Kirksey, must all raise their game play. Both Mingo and Dansby were injured for much of the year, causing a significant drop off in quality play, but healthy bodies places the onus of responsibility on both of them. Dansby is in the twillight of his stellar career, but for Mingo, this year is critical. He must perform at a pace commensurate with his high (6th overall) draft slotting, or he could find himself with out a team. Christian Kirksey was everything he was drafted for and more. The stud out of Iowa, has stated that he worked all offseason on getting stronger and faster, and if this is the case, Kirksey could be looking at a Pro bowl this season this year.

Rookie Nate Orchard is mature beyond his years, and this lightning quick OLB out of Utah might just be the steal of the draft. He is sneaky fast, very strong and a sure tackler. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback, witness his 18.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss last season at Utah. Remember, this isn’t against the Mountain West or other lesser division, this is against Pac 12 teams, like Oregon, USC and Stanford. Orchard is my pick for the Browns Defensive rookie of the year.

Next: Offensive Line

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas (73) guards during a play during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

3.Offensive Line

We are all aware that Joe Thomas still rules the roost at left tackle, but there are others who need to step up for the Browns to regain the impressive thrust they demonstrated the first 5 games of the season last year. Obviously, Alex Mack’s return to the lineup after a broken leg last season, not only buttons up the Center spot, but increases significantly the intelligence of the O line. Mack is masterful at making the line calls, he sees formations and changes to same very quickly, and it helps that he is as strong as a team of oxen. He has the ability to drive a defender anywhere he wants him to go.

I anticipate that Cameron Erving, all 6’5″ and 313 lbs. of him, will have an immediate impact on the Browns Offensive line. He played every position on the line at Florida State, keeping Jameis Winston upright and clean. He should be able to unseat the vulnerable Mitchell Schwartz, and although Schwartz didn’t play badly overall, Erving would be a real upgrade. Erving’s quick feet and lateral ability, place him in a class among the best. Plus, when or if Mack decides to leave for greener pastures, Erving can step right in at Center, a role he knows well.

What more could I say about Joel Bitonio than what we all saw last season? Bitonio is a stud in the making. His game play got better and better all season. If that trend continues, the Browns may have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, bet on it.

Next: Wide Receivers

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (80) funds and Cleveland Browns defensive back Johnson Bademosi (24) defends during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4. Wide Receivers

The additions of Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline must yield immediate impact and results. Bowe must return to his previously excellent self, and vastly improve on his zero TD catches last season with the Chiefs. Hartline, playing in his backyard, will be his usual steady self, but he must be, any drop off in catches, first downs and TD’s spell disaster for this Buckeye.

The Terelle Pryor experiment may be just that, but still, I am intrigued by the possibilities. If he makes this team, His rather large frame (6’4″ 223 lbs.) gives him the strength to break tackles and his fleet of foot speed is very impressive. Now assuming he can catch the ball in traffic, we might actually have something here. Pryor knows full well that this may be his last shot in the NFL, and his training regimen with such stars as Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon (remember him?) tells me he’s serious. If revenge is a motivator, Pryor may have such an incentive: The Browns play Oakland at FirstEnergy stadium the third game of the season.

Look for Part 2 of this article in the next coming days!

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Mark Riley

Native of Berea, Ohio, have been a high school football coach for 10+ years, father of one.