It was expected that the Browns would lose handily on Sunday. What we were looking for were signs up life, particularly from players who my stick around next season. Did we get that? Er, I'm not sure.
It was obviously a big game for Luke McCown. It was not an encouraging sight to see him with poor footwork, particularly in the first half. He mad many throws off his back foot and generally looked like he was expecting to get hit even when there wasn't a defender closing in. But I guess some of that is to be expected, and to his credit it looked like McCown settled down the more he played. He showed off a pretty strong arm too, even if his arm strength was often reduced by not being in a good position to always throw the ball. My verdict -- he's earned another start this season for certain, but he's not ready to be anointed the QB of the future. In fact, I would like nothing more than to get him a few starts and have him be 2nd string next year, and become a starter in another year or two after that.
I can't say anyone on the defense looked good. A couple guys on the d-line had some good plays, but they probably has more bad plays. I feel pretty strong that the Browns ought to deal Warren for a draft pick; the team would be fine with a d-line of Lang, Roye, McKinley and Ekuban. Griffith should go -- he muffs as many plays as he makes. I'd like to see Gardener stick around and start with Davis and Thompson. I wonder if Taylor and Bentley will be here next season.
William Green ran tentative and didn't do anything. He can be a starter in this league, but probably not a very good one cause he just doesn't seem to play hungry very often. Next season I think it has to be Suggs, T. Smith, and a couple young guys. Antonio Bryant looks pretty good as a Brown. He's still sort of a punk, but he seems to hustle when the whistle blows and I can appreciate that. I'm still very pleased to have him over Morgan. Northcutt is still a fine 3rd receiver and nothing more. Frisman Jackson is still an interesting player, but he's got to be one of those special teams/5th receiver types. I'd like to see him continue to grow and be that sort of guy. Heiden and Shea have, I think, easily earned roster spots next season, but probably not Heinrich. On the o-line, I'm at a loss. Verba hasn't seemed to be very good this year. Faine hasn't looked good either, especially in pass blocking. The team still needs a big infusion of talent here, and since turnover on the o-line is rarely a good thing I'd say we are looking at this continuing to be a team weakness in 2005.
Robiskie -- I don't think this guy is a very good offensive coordinator. And while I don't think he'd make the best head coach, I do actually like what I've seen from him this past week. He seems to have his head screwed on straight and is pretty impressive when talking to the media. He seems like a straight-shooter. Still, I'm very suspicious that "players love him" -- players have to learn to love a coach, and to hear this now from a bad team is a little like inmates running the asylum. But on the whole I think Robiskie may be earning consideration by the new GM. Despite the team getting crushed against the Patriots, it's possible Robiskie is one of those guys who would make a better head coach than assistant. Don't get me wrong -- I am not bullish on his prospects, just willing to let things play out and have an open mind about it.
So this week in Buffalo -- watch McCown, see if he can play with a bit more poise. Pay attention to who seems to be bustng their but on defense. Pay attention to what players are blocking with enthusiasm and which ones are giving up on plays. Yes, it would be very nice if the Browns can compete with a surging Buffalo team. But this game is about evaluating players and coaches for next year.
