In Depth 2017: Cleveland Browns

In Depth 2017: Cleveland Browns

by | Jan 16, 2017 | 2016 Season, 2017 Season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The 2016 Cleveland Browns, again, did not win a lot of games. But unlike some recent seasons, it appeared at times that this iteration might at least have a plan.

This team lacked talent and lost a lot of leads throughout the season, but under new coach Hue Jackson – the team’s fourth in five seasons – the team never stopped fighting. And when many had written off its chances of getting a win, the team came through in week 16 with a victory over San Diego.

So just where does this team stand? Thomas Moore, co-editor of Dawg Pound Daily, stopped by to share some thoughts:

Zoneblitz: It didn’t result in a lot of wins, but there was at least periodically some fight from this Browns team. What was your assessment of Hue Jackson’s first season?

Moore: Overall things went well in the first season under Hue Jackson.

This past year was never about wins and losses for the Browns, but rather it was about creating an opportunity for a full evaluation of the roster. The Browns are in the midst of the opening stages of a true, and much overdue, rebuild and a large part of the 2016 roster was made up of first- and second-year players. Getting those players on the field took precedence over winning.

Having said that, there were still enough moments that left Browns fans scratching their heads about Jackson. His offensive play calling was spotty at times as he went pass happy far too often, and made some strange roster decisions, but for now we’ll chalk it up to evaluation mode.

Zoneblitz: What do you think of the Paul DePodesta-led analytics group tasked with turning the team around? Have you gotten enough from a year of observation to get a sense for whether you think they’re headed in the right direction? (more…)

HOF Voters name 2017 modern era candidates

HOF Voters name 2017 modern era candidates

by | Jan 3, 2017 | Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame voters narrowed the list of contenders for 2017 enshrinement to 15 modern-era candidates Tuesday.

They are:

K Morten Andersen
T Tony Boselli
WR Isaac Bruce
Coach Don Coryell
RB Terrell Davis
S Brian Dawkins
G Alan Faneca
T Joe Jacoby
CB Ty Law
C Kevin Mawae
S John Lynch
WR Terrell Owens
DE Jason Taylor
RB LaDainian Tomlinson
QB Kurt Warner

They join Senior candidate Kenny Easley and Contributor candidates Jerry Jones, who owns the Cowboys, and Paul Tagliabue, who succeeded Pete Rozelle as Commissioner in 1989.

The finalist group includes 12 of the 15 we predicted it would in March. Most surprising to me is the continued strength behind the candidacy of Don Coryell, not because I don’t think he’s deserving, but because he’s been out of the game so long. Fervor for his election has seemed to grow just within the last few years.

While I have no issue with Coryell, I am disappointed that it seems as though his momentum has come at the expense of the case of Cowboys Coach Jimmy Johnson, who I thought should have been elected before Tony Dungy. Johnson did not make the final 15.

Other observations:

  • No Edgerrin James – for the time being, it looks like Terrell Davis has more movement for his induction than James does.
  • Isaac Bruce is a finalist and Torry Holt is not. Bruce did have more catches (1,024-920), yards (15,208-13,382) and TDs (91-74) than Holt, but it took Bruce 16 years to accumulate his stats while Holt reached his in 11. Plus, Holt had seven Pro Bowls and one first-team Associated All Pro award, along with one second-team AP honor, while Bruce has just four Pro Bowls and he never was named to the AP’s first team. It’s always seemed to me that Holt had the stronger case.
  • Two safeties are still alive. While I’m disappointed Steve Atwater’s case has slipped another year or more into the future, Brian Dawkins and John Lynch both have strong cases. There is a logjam awaiting, if the voters can’t start getting stars at this position enshrined.

I think the selections this year are a lot more wide open than they have been in recent years. Tomlinson and Owens seem like no brainers. And I’d really like to see one of the safeties – Dawkins would be my first choice – inducted. Otherwise there are probably eight legit candidates you could see voters deciding to support and none would be a bad choice.

Who would you like to see make the final cut?

 

NFC Playoff Prediction: 2016

AFC Playoff Prediction: 2016

by | Dec 26, 2016 | 2016 Season, NFL Playoffs

AFC Playoff Prediction

While seeding is still in question, we know who will represent the AFC in the playoffs. But who is going to emerge as the Super Bowl team?

Quarterback injuries and other deficiencies will play a role. Here is who I suspect has the best shot, in reverse order. (more…)

HOF Voters name 2017 modern era candidates

Hall of Fame Voters Select 26 Finalists for 2017 Class

by | Nov 16, 2016 | Hall of Fame

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Hines Ward, Safety Brian Dawkins and Defensive end Jason Taylor are the four first-time eligible candidates for Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2017.

Chris Hinton, who played tackle and guard, was a first-time semifinalist, though he has been eligible for several years.

Hall of Fame voters named 26 semifinalists Wednesday night. The deepest positions are running back and safety, where four candidates remain from the initial group of 94 total nominees. There also were six offensive linemen, four of whom played most their careers at tackle.

Strong returning semifinalists include Terrell Owens, the controversial wide receiver who bounced around to several teams due to character issues, and Kurt Warner, who was great several years and less so others.

Warner, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt represent the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams that won the Super Bowl after the 1999 season. (more…)