Where the Browns SHOULD go from here–QB

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Note: On NNR today Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports & I analysed the Wildcard playoff games including my picks against the spread. The podcasts are on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/.

First the team needs to set the priorities. In my opinion they should be the following:

1. Quarterback – The one thing that was painfully obvious was the team as 3 backup quarterbacks and no starter quality guy on the roster. While part of that is inexperience, a larger issue is terrible mechanics. The Browns need a new QB coach because all three QB’s showed no progress in fixing their techniques. In fact the starter most of the season Brian Hoyer’s mechanics deteriorated during the season.

I would not be opposed to resigning Hoyer as long as there was someone on the staff that could help him with his mechanics. I doubt that will happen because he thinks he is a starter. He is not a starter given the mechanics issues and lack of arm strength.

My preferred solution would be a trade for Zach Mettenberger if the Titans select a QB with their 2nd overall pick. Mett has a huge arm, was playing in a pro style O at LSU Read more at FryingPanSports

Playoffs? Playoffs?

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Note: On NNR today Tony Williams Giants and Knicks beat reporter for Metro New York and I discussed the NFL and NBA in detail. The podcast is on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/.

With the Browns win over the Bengals Thursday there has been a lot of talk of the Browns being a contender for the playoffs. We got Tony’s answer on the podcast. But for me the answer is “Maybe.”

The reason I am not sure is the loss to the Jaguars. If the Browns had taken care of business they would have a game and a half lead on the rest of the AFC North which at least this season is the best division in the NFL. The history of the Browns since they have come back is they play up to their opponents or down depending on if the team they are facing is better or worse. Playoff teams win those games.

Playoff teams are able to run the ball. The Browns did well against the Bengals D, but in the previous 3 games averaged under 3 yards per carry. That is not what Playoff teams do.

The third area that distinguishes playoff teams from pretenders is their ability to Read more at FryingPanSports

Browns Offense is not ready for prime time.

BrownPrac

Quarterbacks:

Brian Hoyer is still having problems with his plant leg. High throws over the middle usually come from the inability to plant properly. That should improve with time. Hoyer found the open receivers when they were there but that was infrequent. His timing was OK. He got the throw off on time on most of his throws. The one time he was late was the long throw to Austin to start the 2nd quarter. He showed good accuracy but does not have the arm strength you would like. The failure to get the TD when he had 1st and goal from the 8 was not acceptable particularly with the 1st string against the 2nd team of the Lions. To win in the AFC North you need 7 not 3. He also did not covert a single 3rd down.

Johnny Manziel does not make reads and that limits his pocket effectiveness. When his pre-snap choice is available he is effective. When that player is covered, he tends to run rather than make a 2nd or 3rd read. He doesn’t anticipate the receiver coming open. As a result he is often late on passes. Read more at FryingPanSports

AFL Star Abner Haynes is a great roll model.

AHaynes

I have had the great pleasure and honor of having Abner Haynes on News, Notes & Rumors many times over the 5 years that the show has been on. Abner brings a combination of honesty and great sense of history to NNR. But there are a number of things that most fans that did not have the pleasure of watching him play don’t know. Being older than rock myself, I fondly remember watching Abner play.

He signed with the Dallas Texans of the AFL in 1960 having been drafted by the AFL, NFL and CFL. As a black man from a small school, he faced racism and the doubt he could play at the professional level. But from day 1 he proved he was up to the challenge. In 1960 he gained over 800 yards rushing and caught 55 passes for 576 yards. Most important he scored 12 touchdowns as a rookie. He was not only the rookie of the year but also won the player of the year in the AFL after the 1960 season.

But he proved his metal when the AFL scheduled their All Star game in New Orleans. Abner led the revolt of the minority players … Read more at FryingPanSports

Browns should live cam their public practices

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NNR AFC N & S top 3 questions Monday 6PM on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Please join us.

OPEN LETTER TO JIMMY HASLAM

I have been a Browns fan since 1954. Now I am no longer able to go to practices or games due to a major back problem. Since the practices are sold out, the Browns should live cam them on http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/ so that the rest of us can see what is going on. This would be a great service to the fans and the technology is cheap and effective.

That is what I think. Tell us what you think by commenting here or tweeting me @NNRonDSN.

NOTE: Check out the live News, Notes and Rumors show on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6 PM Eastern on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. On Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports, former NFL scout Kelron Sykes and I talk football with just a little Indians and Cavs thrown in. The archive is available on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Please join us.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He edits https://fryingpansports.com. He has also Read more at FryingPanSports

Manziel battling the playbook is not a good thing.

Manziel Drft

Browns head coach Mike Pettine made the comment yesterday that Johnny Manziel biggest challenge is the playbook rather than Brian Hoyer. ESPN and most of the national media took that to mean that as soon as Manziel gets the playbook down, he will be the starter. Not so fast my friend.

What Pettine means is that Manziel is struggling to learn and understand the playbook. That is not a surprise. At Texas A&M the playbook was the size of the US Constitution. To Manziel the Browns playbook looks more like the IRS rules and regulations.

We were told that he was studying even while going to and from Vegas. Maybe the inflatable swan had an I-pad built in. His time enjoying himself could be costing him now. You can’t win the locker room as a QB unless you know the playbook COLD and can communicate it in practice. Until he can do that he will not get a snap in the regular season.

Also in college Manziel never had to make pre-snap reads. His offensive teammates took their position on the field then read the signs on the sideline to determine which play would be executed. Manziel also never had … Read more at FryingPanSports