The Cleveland Browns need an enforcer

The Cleveland Browns lack the killer instinct to survive in the AFC North Division, which is why they need a player like Pacman Jones.

The Cleveland Browns should have signed Adam “Pacman” Jones this off-season.

There is no legitimate reason for the Browns to sign an aging veteran to a mid-level contract during a rebuilding year. Jones will be 33 years old next season, and while his play has been good thus far, a drop off should be expected soon.

His behavior on the field has been less than stellar. Last season alone he ripped the helmet off of Oakland Raiders’ wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper had previously throat punched Jones, so Jones proceeded to slam Cooper’s head onto his own helmet before being pulled off by his teammates. But that is not the worst of it.

The Cincinnati Bengals have not won a playoff game in 25 seasons. That streak almost came to an end last season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A major reason the Bengals lost that game was the actions of Pacman Jones. Jones pushed Steelers’ coach Joey Porter. Porter had no legitimate business on the field and was provoking the Bengals, and Jones took the bait. He cost his team 15 yards, which put the Steelers in position for the game winning field goal.

The Browns are not a team with the killer mentality needed to fight for wins in the AFC North, but have been content to be dominated by more physical and opponents.

Further, his off-the-field antics are on par with and often surpass those of Johnny Manziel. Enough said.

Yet, the Browns could desperately use Pacman Jones.

Why?

Because Jones is an enforcer and the Browns desperately need an enforcer.

An enforcer is someone who deters and responds to any dirty or nasty play by the opponent. More than that, the enforcer brings an attitude to the team that is infectious. The enforcer gives a team a “we are the best” and “we are not going to take your crap” edge. It is the enforcer that plays with a chip on his shoulder that causes a team to play with attitude.

Last season saw a lot of lows for the Browns. Lows are a part of the game, but the Browns seemed to lack the “give a damn” attitude about what was going on around them.

For instance, Nov. 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker Arthur Moats almost ripped Manziel’s head clean off. Normally a team would defend their quarterback. The Browns? They seemed to not even notice. Or if they noticed, they didn’t seem to care. (Editor’s note: Maybe they didn’t care because it was Manziel? Just a theory.)

Later that very game, Antonio Brown sprinted for a 56-yard touchdown reception. He capped the run by flipping into the end zone. One would think that the Browns would surely get into a scuffle after being embarrassed and having it rubbed into their face like that. The Browns’ reaction? Nothing.

No, the Browns are not a team with the killer mentality needed to fight for wins in the AFC North Division. The Browns have been content to be dominated by more physical and intimidating opponents.

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That is why the Browns need a a player like Jones. Not for his on the field play or for his off-the-field antics. They needed Jones because of his on-field demeanor and his ability to bring an attitude to the team that is sorely lacking.

The Browns need to become the team that defends their quarterback. They need to be the ones offended by the flip into the end zone. The Browns need to shed their complacency with losing. Disown their acceptance of “only in Cleveland.”

For all the use of analytics, traditional scouting, scheme analysis, etc., the game of football ultimately comes down to players making plays. To make those plays, a team must believe they are the best and be willing to do what is necessary to prove it.

The Browns are rebuilding. But what are they rebuilding? More of the same? Or will things be truly different so they can shed their loser mentality?

Next: Time to re-embrace Earnest Byner

Although it may not be popular or politically correct, it is nonetheless true. If the Browns want to compete in the AFC North they need an enforcer. They need their own Pacman Jones.

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