Plain Dealer beat writer Tony Grossi answers readers' questions.
View full sizeBrowns draft pick Greg Little, above at North Carolina, might bring some physical qualities to the receiver position.Q: Hey, Tony: Greg Little's best college year does not look as good as Mohamed Massaquoi's. His vital stats of height, weight and speed don't look better either. What is your take on what he can bring to the team that Mo Mass doesn't already offer? Is Little that "dramatically better" on [yards after catch] than Mo Mass? I just get a bad feeling they burned a high draft pick on a player that brings nothing more to the table than someone already on the roster does. Your thoughts? -- Fernando Fernandez, Parma
A: Hey, Fernando: Little comes advertised as a really physical receiver who breaks tackles and runs through defenders after a catch. He also supposedly uses his body well going up for balls. If that is the case, he brings qualities that haven't been evident in Massaquoi's game.
Q: Hey, Tony: John Clayton did an interesting article last week about whether the new collective bargaining agreement mandates a floor for spending cash on players salaries vs. cap numbers and funny money. He said teams like Tampa and Cincy have in excess of $60 million they would be forced to spend to get to the cash floor. With that kind of money, teams are going to be able to lure excellent free agents away from the Jets- and Cowboys-type teams. This could make the league even more competitive than it already is. Assuming [Browns GM Tom] Heckert would be very wise and efficient in spending his boss's money, does this change how he will go about free agency? The rules have changed, and by all reports, there are 500 free agents out there. -- Austin Lindsay, Logan
A: Hey, Austin: Heckert repeatedly has said the Browns will not be aggressive in free agency. One way for them -- and other teams who spent lightly last season -- to get to the cash floor is by using the cap room to extend players already under contract. In other words, they could extend the contracts of some nucleus players who may qualify for free agency in 2012. This would be an example of investing in your own players, rather than in free agents who might not be the best fit for the Browns.
Q: Hey, Tony: I sure miss following the mid/late '80s Browns for a lot of reasons. One of which was the way the opposing division coaches took shots at us ("You're not in Cleveland," the nail in the locker room to hang Glanville's suit, etc.). Which of these were your favorite? How about a top five?
-- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake
A: Hey, Steve: Former Bengals coach Sam Wyche and Oilers coach Jerry Glanville both were fun coaches to write about. Neither held back in interviews. Wyche was one of the most candid coaches I've come across. Glanville was a clown -- fun to cover from afar but disliked by the local Houston scribes. I liked them both and miss their twice-a-year conference calls.
Q: Hey, Tony: You were asked for an example of any college QBs who turned into good WRs. You only named Brad Smith of the Jets. I think you overlooked Antwaan Randle El from Indiana. I think Randle El (previously of the Steelers) is a good reason why Cleveland may want to consider trying out the much (over)hyped Pryor. Randle El helped Pittspuke win a Super Bowl and was an additional threat on the field (he could legitimately throw the ball if required). Pryor is all this, plus he is tall (helpful when jumping for balls over cornerbacks). All that aside, I agree with you -- Pryor's attitude of "I'm such a good Buckeye, I should get paid" says volumes about how much effort he might give an NFL team. If it had to be a Buckeye, I'd rather the Browns bring in undrafted Dane Sanzenbacher. I see him as a valuable third-down and possession receiver -- something we haven't had since Joe Jurevicius. He will come in with experience at the position, decent attitude, and be more kind to the payroll. -- Steve M., Dayton
A: Hey, Steve: Yes, Randle El escaped my memory. He was a full-time quarterback at Indiana. Other readers have brought up Hines Ward. He was mostly a receiver at Georgia and played quarterback only one season. I don't think the dual-threat, quarterback-receiver type is particularly valued by Browns coach Pat Shurmur. He is not a fan of the Wildcat formation.
Q: Hey, Tony: I've been watching the Browns religiously since 1970 and often scoff at my father's belief that it is the Cleveland media who runs off talented players and uses its "bully pulpit" to chase good coaches away. But after seeing players like Earnest Byner and Braylon Edwards, and coaches like Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini ruthlessly criticized, how should I justify the press' reporting? Do you really represent the totality of the fan base?
-- Bruce Hoover, Groveport
A: Hey, Bruce: Did the media run Paul Brown out of town, or did Art Modell fire him? Same with Belichick, who was fired over the phone after Modell moved his club to Baltimore. Marty Schottenheimer? He left after Modell demanded changes in his coaching staff. Earnest Byner? He was traded by GM Ernie Accorsi, who later called it a big mistake. Braylon Edwards? Traded by Mangini. Mangini? Fired by Mike Holmgren after a second successive 5-11 season. The media get the blame for these moves? Amazing.
Q: Hey, Tony: I feel as if I am talking about the same teams when I mention the Cavs, Indians, and Browns. All three have completely different owners, but end up with the same result year after year. . . no championships. I am not sure what can change that trend. It would be nice to get some real quality free agents for all these teams, but even that seems like a dream. That being said, who are some realistic players/positions that the Browns may be able to grab during free agency whenever that happens?
-- Matt Davin, Wildwood, Fla.
A: Hey, Matt: I'm sure the Browns will sign a couple of free agents, but fans have to understand that the current management does not want to build the team through free agency. Don't get your hopes up. GM Tom Heckert is intent on building the team through the draft.
Q: Hey, Tony: Holmgren and Heckert have said they will not be active in free agency. You were correct when you said the team is incomplete going into training camp. With so many holes to fill and expectations somewhat high for the team, I doubt these holes will be filled with undrafted rookies. I envision a quick strike as soon as the lockout is over with the Browns pursuing Ray Edwards, Donte Whitner and Jonathan Joseph. Each of these guys have 3 to 4 more good years in them. These players, combined with the good fortune of finding a gem or two with the undrafted rookies, to fill holes at LB and RT, will allow us to be able to say that we have made significant progress on the roster going into 2011.
-- Doug Furtado, Battle Mountain, Nev.
A: Hey, Doug: I figure the Browns' "quick strikes" in free agency will be used on a defensive lineman and safety. I don't know about Edwards and Whitner, however. As for Joseph, he will command one of the biggest contracts ever given a cornerback. I don't think the Browns want to spend big at cornerback.
Q: Hey, Tony: It will be a shame to see Lawrence Vickers go; it looks like that is going to be the case with the implementation of the West Coast offense. Maybe he's not the best fullback in the league, although he is certainly in the top ten, but he plays with something that very few Browns have displayed since the 1999 return and that's called PASSION. There's something to be said for players like this and right now we need all the Lawrence Vickers-type players we can get.
-- Scott Cordle, Blacklick
A: Hey, Scott: I'm at a loss to explain the Browns' thinking on Vickers. Perhaps they surprise us and bring him back. But it doesn't look that way.
Q: Hey, Tony: One thing that has bothered me about the lockout negotiations is the time spent not in the negotiating room: the owners only meeting, the trip to Florida to talk to the rookies, the full three-day fourth of July weekend, we could also include the lost time waiting for the different judges to make their decisions. Do you have any thoughts, were the times apart helpful for both sides to think over their positions?
-- Greg Dineen, Middletown
A: Hey, Greg: My initial feeling was the lockout would last through October. If they are able to reach an agreement in July, I will be pleasantly surprised. Nobody knows what's going on in those meetings except the persons involved.
Q: Hey, Tony: Seeing as we are in this lockout and due to a lack of player acquisitions and minicamps etc., I am left with nothing else to ask. I read on Wikipedia that the Browns will be wearing their white jerseys at home this year. Is there any truth to this rumor?
-- Pat McNally, Rochester, N.Y.
A: Hey, Pat: Unbeknownst to most, my moratorium on jersey questions was lifted briefly at the onset of the lockout. So I am willing to answer your question. I don't know if the rumor is true, but it makes sense. Traditionally, the Browns wear whites at home.
Q: Hey, Tony: You may see this question or comment several times, but Peyton Hillis not making the top 100 list (as voted by players)? Really? Here's a guy who performed despite no passing attack to counter him, yet no mention at all? Do you have a theory here? If you look that list over objectively there are a lot of players you could easily remove and put Peyton in their place.
-- Doug Shaffer, Orange, Calif.
A: Hey, Doug: Top 100 lists are provocative and fun to argue about. I haven't put much thought in the list put together by the players on NFL Network. Joe Thomas and Josh Cribbs were the only Browns to make it, and both arguably had their worst seasons in 2010. It's just like the Pro Bowl voting. Reputation goes a long way in winning votes. Hillis didn't have a reputation before he burst on the scene last season.
Q: Hey, Tony: Since the return of Browns Football, they have suffered a host of summer camp/early season injuries to high draft picks and key free agent acquisitions, starting with DL Courtney Brown. Fans almost think we are cursed. Reading yours and others' PD OpEds, the most recent ones are RT Tony Pashos and RB Montario Hardesty both with a history of season-ending injuries. In reviewing all of yours, you seem to imply a confidence that RT Pashos can/will come back this season to fix the RT situation that is a source of constant fan notes. Could you, without violating a confidence go into more detail about RT Pashos' progress from his series of injuries to gain your perceived confidence in his comeback?
-- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.
A: Hey, Alan: All I know is every time the right tackle has been brought up to GM Tom Heckert he says the position is in good hands with Pashos and he'll be fine this year.
Q: Hey, Tony: In 2010 the Rams and Browns offenses were essentially the same statistically. In fact, the Rams averaged a paltry 6 yds/comp. (30th), the Browns averaged 6.7 yds/comp (21st). What makes Shurmur's dink and dunk West Coast Offense better than Mangini's dink and dunk "hybrid" offense?
-- Tim Marcus, Des Moines, Iowa
A: Hey, Tim: Yes, there are a number of statistical similarities. All I can say is we'll find out whether Shurmur's offense is more effective in Cleveland, where he is the head coach and not just the play-caller. Offensive coordinators who serve under defensive-minded head coaches often are restricted in what they can do offensively in game situations. I don't know if that was the case in St. Louis. I do know the Rams started rookies at quarterback and left tackle and had a receiving corps that was less than stellar.
Q: Hey, Tony: In your article on Thursday, July 7, you identified the Browns number 5 area of need as "Locate a third down, change of pace back." How do you think Josh Cribbs would fit in that role?
-- Chad Brubeck, Brunswick
A: Hey, Chad: I've long held the opinion -- like many -- that Cribbs' skill-set would be best utilized as a third-down back. I would seek to get the ball in his hands in the quickest way possible, and that is more easily done with him in the backfield.
Q: Hey, Tony: Be objective for a second and look at the Browns as an outsider coming into this season. The coach is beyond a no name coordinator. The GM admits he had no final say at all in Philly; all picks were up to Andy Reid. The O cord. . . oops, forgot, no O cord for this rookie coach. The D cord is the very definition of a journeyman. The team president has never done this job, and decided in year two of his regime to not only change coaches but to change the entire D and O on a year he knew 100% there would be a lock out. As a season ticket holder, tell me why any of this should excite me.
-- Michael Spitale, Galena
A: Hey, Michael: I would counter that: 1. The coach is offensive-minded and has been trained for many years by one of the best head coaches in the NFL (Reid). 2. The GM had an outstanding first draft in Cleveland in 2010 and at least contributed to some outstanding drafts in Philadelphia. 3. The no-offensive coordinator issue is overblown, in my opinion, when the head coach is from the offensive side. 4. The defensive coordinator (Dick Jauron) is highly respected and liked by players he has coached. 5. The president (Mike Holmgren) is a smart man who has coached two teams to the Super Bowl. And I would add 6. the team is constantly monitored and kept on its toes by an excellent and seasoned group of media.
Q: Hey, Tony: So what you're saying is Matt Roth and other players lie publicly for the fans' consumption? Kinda puts into question the believability of what you and others report. If the players are lying publicly why bother reporting? Once again the fan gets banged whether it's $10 beers or lies.
-- Mike B., Dover
A: Hey, Mike: I never said players lie. I said what they say publicly isn't always what they say or feel privately. It depends on the person and the subject. Generally, players try to avoid controversial comments because the grief they receive for them isn't worth it. I didn't think this was such a revelation as you're making it.
-- Tony
Source: http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/07/cash_floor_proposal_wont_neces.html
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