Brown Close Out... and plan accordingly

OK, so the Browns beat the Bengals and it was an enjoyable performance, if not an overly impressive one. Well Lee Suggs obviously impressed (more on that in a sec) and the DBs had a very good game. The offensive line played pretty well (which is a huge compliment considering) too. But the game also showed the team's deficiencies at times -- the defensive line was spotty, we're still not wuite there at linebacker, and Couch, while playing a smart ballgame, didn't connect for too many big plays. I also thought the offensive playcalling was somewhat lame, especially considering this was the game to pul out all the stops. What is up with calling a SHOTGUN formation on 4th and short? Don't you AT LEAST want to show the run? Or, god forbid, maybe we might actually want to run?

Bruce Arians has lots of time to ponder such questions as he was jettisoned as soon as Monday began. No surprise, I guess, but it was surprising and refreshing to read Butch's comments after the game and regarding Arian's canning. HE TOOK RESPONSIBILITY, mostly. This is the first time he's ever done that with the Browns and it's either going to be a watershed moment or the beginning of the end. Anyway, I'm down with Arians hitting the road; the lack of a fullback and too many wussy end arounds and trips formations was proof Arians offense wasn't meant to win too many Super Bowls (NOTE: If the Colts win it this year, I take it all back).

Lee Suggs indomitable performance in Cincy is very good, excellent. If his spin move on the way to the endzone didn't stir something deep in your football soul, then I don't know what will. When the was the last time the Browns has a back pull off that move and he wasn't named Metcalf? And this dude is pretty big. I don't know if he'll be starter worthy but he's obviously looking better than William Green at this point. In fact, Green is still rehabbing and, if there's a tv wherever he's at, he had to be worried about his starting job cause, frankly, Suggs looked more explosive and aggressive this past Sunday. James Jackson and Jamel White are #'s 3 & 4 rigth now on a list that will only be 3 come next season. I thought White looked almost back to his old self the last couple weeks; if he loses some of the weight that slowed him down (and quite trying to become a starting back) he'd again be a hugely dangerous weapon. James Jackson has, I think, proven his worth.

The big news now is that the Browns will likely keep Couch as the starter next season. What does this mean? First and foremost I think it means the team is going to be committed to RUNNING THE BALL and it probably means the offensive line and maybe a tight end will be targeted in the draft. Why do I think this? Cause Couch has proven himself to be a decent QB qho'll buy into the system, but not a guy with an explosive arm -- if the Browns committ to Couch they are really committing to finishing off what should be a well-balanced offense. Of course, this all also means Couch is going to re-do his deal and it might mean the exit of Kelly Holcomb from Cleveland (for a draft pick, one hopes). But first things first, and we'll have to wait to see how it plays out. So far, though, I'm all for this as 1) blowing mega bucks on a free agent QB is going to be unfruitful, and 2) I deeply feel that this is the offseason the Browns finally draft the trenches on offense. Jeez, I mean, you think Kosar would have made a Super Bowl is they'd done that? We'll never know, but I'm okay with Couch getting a shot.