There's another full mailbag of questions for beat writer Tony Grossi.
Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerBrowns president Mike Holmgren may have been the force behind the drafting of Colt McCoy, but it's getting close to the time when Holmgren needs to make a franchise decision on the second-year QB. Hey, Tony: Mike Holmgren made a decision on Brady Quinn after watching him in about 12 games. In '09, hobbled Jamal Lewis, Robert Royal (no adjective needed) and rookie Mohamed Massaquoi were his top options. Do you believe it is unfair or impossible for him to evaluate McCoy after 24 games with the current cast of characters? -- Tim Marcus, Des Moines, Iowa
Hey, Tim: Holmgren looks at video and sees him at practice every day. Twenty-four NFL games are a lot of games. Would he do better with a better cast around him? Of course he would.
Hey, Tony: If it's December, it must be time to think draft. Based on the current standings, the Browns would be picking right around No. 7 and No. 21 (Atlanta). What would you think about a draft that netted Justin Blackmon and David DeCastro? Scouts, Inc. has them as the best WR and interior lineman in the draft -- seems like that would be a good day for Cleveland. -- Mike Cady, Fairfax, Vt.
Hey, Mike: An interior lineman? I don't think so. Right tackle, maybe. But I still would concentrate on playmakers early.
Hey, Tony: In the NFL draft, when teams finish with the same record, what team drafts first -- the team with the weaker strength of schedule or the team with the stronger one? -- Ted Belak, Sierra Madre, Calif.
Hey, Ted: The team with the weaker strength of schedule would draft first.
Hey, Tony: Seems to me that the Browns are wearing down mentally with all the losing and injuries and ineffectiveness. Am I reading too much into the statements by Josh Cribbs and others? This will be the real test of Shurmur's coaching abilities if he has to motivate them to play out the string. -- David King, Joelton, Tenn.
Hey, David: Excellent point. Managing emotions and fighting the culture of losing is an essential task of every head coach. It's the task that often weighs down the Browns coach, no matter who holds the title. They played pretty hard in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
Hey, Tony: If Colt McCoy is not the starting quarterback in 2012, do you expect the Browns to start a rookie, Seneca Wallace, make a huge splash in free agency, or sign a journeyman? -- Matt, Lakewood
Hey, Matt: I expect them to research all avenues. If they can't do better, McCoy will be the starter. I wouldn't expect a training camp competition. Holmgren has said he is against that.
Hey, Tony: Isn't it sad that the only direct move that Pat Shurmur can make is getting rid of the long snapper? The Browns are so lacking in every category that it defies description. So, Tony, what is next for the team? We fans are almost out of patience. -- Nancy Whitmire, Jacksonville, Fla.
Hey, Nancy: As much as I liked Ryan Pontbriand, I felt that move was fairly justified. You must also consider that General Manager Tom Heckert has authority on all player moves. As team spokesman during the season, the head coach has to sit up there and explain the moves to the media and fans. But the GM is the one responsible for making them, or not making them.
Hey, Tony: I know I asked a few months ago about Jared Gaither as RT. He was just released ... any chances now as out right side is a mess? What about Everette Brown, DE formerly of Carolina, with Jayme Mitchell up and down and his former replacement out for the season? -- Chris Zanon, Canton
Hey, Chris: Gaither has been released by two teams. He's no help. Brown, like Mitchell, can't help with the run. However, your overall point on taking stabs on veteran players at no risk is noted. The Browns don't seem interested in doing that.
Hey, Tony: While listening to Colin Cowherd, he mentioned how NFL teams often find the possibility of going undefeated burdensome late in the season because the team can lose focus on their "goals." He played an audio clip of Mike McCarthy stating how the Packers have goals in place and they are concentrating on just that. They'll worry about the rest after they meet these goals -- win the division, get home field advantage, etc. This makes me wonder, what were/are the Browns' goals? I'm positive Shurmer, Holmgren, and Heckert didn't realistically plan to win the division, so what goals were in place? Did the team meet them, or not? -- Justin Mitchell, Rio Rancho, N.M.
Hey, Justin: I think their goal was to make the team young overnight, set in place a foundation of players and then let them grow and develop together. The idea was to grow and win, not to grow and lose.
Hey, Tony: With the recent firing of Mike Sherman at Texas A&M, would the Browns have any interest in looking at him to fill the vacancy at offensive coordinator? -- Alan Stock, Orchard Park, N.Y.
Hey, Alan: Sherman obviously has ties to Holmgren and is part of the Bob LaMonte family of clients. Those two things alone make him a possibility. How strong, I don't know. You can put Brad Childress in the same category.
Amy Sancetta, Associated PressThe goal posts need to be narrower to make field goals more challenging? Seems doubtful that will get a thumb's up from Phil Dawson. Hey, Tony: What do you think about moving the goal posts closer together, making long field goals much more challenging? It would cause teams to go for it on fourth down more. It would also make extra points more exciting while putting the game back in the hands of the other players. How do you think it would affect scoring? -- Mike Aiello, San Diego
Hey, Mike: I posed this idea to a member of the league competition committee several weeks ago. He said at the time it has never been discussed and he doubted it would fly because the league does not want to tinker with dimensions of the playing field or goalposts.
Hey, Tony: Anytime a released or pending free agent becomes available on the offensive side of the ball you say they are not a good fit. Besides Jacksonville I do not think there is another team with less offensive firepower than the Browns. Give us somebody (not currently on team) with experience at the WR/TE/RB position that would be a good fit next year? -- Mark Snyder, Lansing, Mich.
Hey, Mark: I have not yet seen a comprehensive list of prospective free agents, so I will hold off until then. I can tell you that players with a history of pouting or quitting are not a good fit in my mind. So don't expect me to endorse the likes of Randy Moss, Terrell Owens or DeSean Jackson.
Hey, Tony: What do you think about Ndamakung Suh's two-game suspension? Albert Haynesworth got five games for his face stomp and Suh has a history of dirty play as evidenced by his attempt to twist off Jake Delhomme's head. Goodell is playing favorites because of Detroit's revival, putting ratings before integrity. -- Hoa, Los Angeles
Hey, Hoa: I don't know of anyone who thought Suh's suspension was too light. I believe Haynesworth's actions a few years ago were much worse.
Hey, Tony: Why do many readers, mostly males, write to you about how 45 other men are dressed on Sunday afternoons? Are these readers more concerned about what our Browns are wearing, over the draft, free agency, contract negotiations and extensions, holdouts, trade requests, injuries, etc.? By the way, does Colt McCoy exfoliate? Don't answer that. -- Paul Keiver, Pepper Pike
Hey, Paul: On a serious note, I understand the fans' passion is so feverish that they care about uniform style and color. I get that. When I first started answering uniform questions, I heard from so many people that disagreed with my opinions, or my answers, that it became a waste of time to field them anymore. When I'd point out the all-white look was the traditional style preferred by Paul Brown, they would quibble with the width of the stripes, the color of the facemask, etc. Thus, my moratorium on all uniform questions, with very few exceptions.
Hey, Tony: Despite Clay Matthews making the initial cut in Hall of Fame balloting, you have expressed your doubts as to his chances at this time. Which Browns alum, if any, are Hall-worthy in your opinion? -- Ashley Elder, Columbus
Hey, Ashley: All the serious candidates have been reviewed over the years and rejected during the nomination and voting process, so it would be difficult to resurrect any candidates. The most-mentioned Browns are coach Blanton Collier, receivers Gary Collins and Mac Speedie, and left tackle Dick Schafrath.
Hey, Tony: I'm trying not to be negative this year with the Browns having a new coach and a young quarterback, but that's over. Maybe it is the years of constant losing that have made us fans very impatient or the fact that teams like the Lions and Bungles have turned it around so fast. Is this franchise destined to be losers the rest of our lives? -- Matt Maurer, Troy, Ohio
Hey, Matt: I am asked the same questions by my soon-to-be 7-year-old son. The question that hits home is: "Daddy, are we going to have to move to see a Super Bowl?" I laugh and say no. Do I believe it? Sometimes. Sometimes not.
Hey, Tony: Since this seems like a cleanup year for the Hall, do you see Cris Carter, Clay Matthews or Paul Tagliabue making the final cut? To me this year Carter is almost a shoe-in, Matthews has an outside chance, and the former Commish might get in now that the labor issues are settled. What do you think? -- Doug Shaffer, Orange, Calif.
Hey, Doug: You've sized it up fairly well. Just about every year, though, I enter the meeting room with expectations and then leave it surprised by the discussions and results. It's truly a fascinating experience.
Hey, Tony: Not sure why, but a lot of people ask you about HOF-worthiness of Devin Hester. I don't feel returners are HOF worthy and it's a premature discussion anyway. But if he's worthy, shouldn't Eric Metcalf be, too? -- Jason Brunner, Elyria
Hey, Jason: Exactly. Which is why I don't think specialists should be elected solely on their specialty. They have to be complete players, in my opinion, to merit Hall of Fame induction. (I was not on the board when Jan Stenerud was elected.) The argument for returners is they score touchdowns and impact games. So Hester has 17 career return touchdowns. That's great for a returner. Not so great for a full-time offensive player under consideration.
Hey, Tony: I see Broderick Bunkley started his 11th consecutive game on the defensive line for the Broncos. What exactly was this injury he had that supposedly kept the Browns from signing him as reported by Mary Kay Cabot? He must be a fast healer! -- Randy Russell, Pepper Pike
Hey, Randy: Just know that he failed the Browns physical and that's why he wasn't signed. It is not uncommon for a player to fail one team's physical and pass another team's. Some teams also don't always require them before signing a player.
PD file photoSure, he's now nice and comfortable in Bristol in front of TV cameras, but a certain devoted follower in Dover will be smiling as he gazes longingly at this photo. Hey, Tony: You wrote several articles banging the drum for Steve Spagnoulo and Leslie Frazier. Classic Grossi revisionist history. -- Mike B, Dover, Ohio
Hey, Mike: Provide the proof and I will admit I was wrong. Otherwise, you will remain known as an unabashed fan of the previous coach -- perhaps a distant relative, for all I know -- impervious to rational thought. I have no idea why you consistently make false accusations.
Hey, Tony: How could you pick the Bengals over the Steelers and I'm taking the Dolphins over the Raiders, come on Tony. -- Mark Zarefoss, Cleveland
Hey, Mike: With an 18-game cushion over the .500 mark against the spread, I feel I can take a couple of stabs each week. Steelers fans also know I have been picking against them for several years now and have been saying -- famously incorrectly -- that their run of elite teams is over.
Hey, Tony: To call Jim Brown as the Browns' "greatest player"? While it is undeniable he was a great player and great athlete, shouldn't he be the greatest living player? Otto Graham played the most important position in football, arguably the most important in all of team sports. During his career he lead his team to 10 consecutive championship games, winning seven. To top it off, prior to the Browns he served his country during World War II. During his first year of retirement (1956) the Browns finished below .500, so the Browns' success wasn't all due to Paul Brown's genius. No football player, before or since, will ever approach Graham's record. -- Chris Zantopulos, North Royalton
Hey, Chris: I'm certainly not going to disagree with anything you wrote about Graham. You might have added that he was President John F. Kennedy's favorite player, also, and the reason Kennedy counted himself as a big fan of the Browns (according to biographers). Paul Brown himself named Graham the greatest player he ever had and named Marion Motley his greatest back. Elsewhere, however, Brown is almost unanimously regarded as the Browns' greatest player and frequently is regarded as the greatest player in NFL history, although he finished second to Jerry Rice in a top 100 ranking by NFL Network last year.
Hey, Tony: After reading the article on Colt McCoy's hazing, I have to ask "What the hell are the coaches thinking?" Rookie hazing by players (carrying pads, buying meals, etc.) seems fairly common across the league and somewhat innocuous. But coming from a coach? If I were anywhere in the management or ownership structure above [Brian] Daboll and learned about this, I'd fire him. Is this type of treatment by coaches common in the NFL? If this is isolated to Cleveland, is there any wonder the Browns have been consistently bad? -- Andy H, Chagrin Falls
Hey, Andy: Some form of hazing is not uncommon in the NFL. Just about every coach from the Bill Parcells-Bill Belichick coaching tree does the same thing, the extent of which varies. Mike Holmgren certainly had to be aware of the hazing McCoy has talked about -- and written about in his book -- and apparently did nothing about it.
Hey, Tony: I predicted that the Browns will go 4-12. If things continue as they have, we will have two major issues to address -- dropped passes and run defense. Everyone thinks we will draft a receiver with the first pick. Elite receivers aren't there as they were last year. If the Browns do go 4-12 they will have a top five pick and if Atlanta loses a couple more we will have their pick in the top 15 or 20 at worst. Do you think that the Browns would target RB Trent Richardson and LB Vontaze Bufict with the second pick in the first round? Next to Andrew Luck, Richardson is considered the safest pick and Burfict would finally give us Ray Lewis' attitude and allow D'Qwell Jackson to move to the strong side. -- Doug Furtado, Vermilion
Hey, Doug: First, congratulations on your season prediction. You may nail it. I was much more optimistic (7-9). Of course, I picked them to go 8-8 the year before this and watched them stumble to 5-11. On your draft scenarios, I suppose Richardson and Bufict are strong candidates. But I would say there are more issues to address than just dropped passes and run defense (quarterback, running game, right tackle, cornerback, safety, defensive end).
Hey, Tony: As I write this, Ladarius Webb is dancing in the end zone after returning a Brad Maynard punt for a score. Even after 12 years I still can't help but think that the Ravens should be my team. Ozzie Newsome should be my GM. Ray Rice should be my running back. Ray Lewis should be my future Hall of Fame linebacker, etc. That's the toughest part about supporting the Browns these days. I have no idea the point of my writing this. Just venting, I guess. -- Roy Lexnard, Cleveland
Hey, Roy: Bartender, give this guy a double -- on me.
Hey, Tony: My wife's Denver Broncos are 6-1 since Tim Tebow was installed at QB. The comparison between the successful Broncos to the disappointing, disturbing, disgusting, disheartening Browns is inescapable. Something is fundamentally wrong with Cleveland and its sports teams. Fundamentally wrong, beyond "not good-enough players," coaches who don't get it, cheap or reclusive ownership. Give us your candid and honest opinion and let the chips fall where they may. -- Wayne Hopewell, Colorado City, Colo.
Hey, Wayne: I'm not hiding anything. As far as free agents go, you have to realize that Cleveland is not the modern pro athlete's idea of paradise. So it's difficult to attract elite players. As for the Broncos, I maintain that coach John Fox hasn't gotten nearly the credit he deserves for adjusting his offense to fit Tebow. That situation will be fascinating to watch in the off-season because I just feel that Fox and team president John Elway are not entirely on board with Tebow over the long haul.
Hey, Tony: I am a former Clevelander now living in North Carolina. For the past two years, I have been driving down to a nearby bar to watch the Browns play every week. It seem like every week, win or loss, I feel so disappointed about our performance and effort. The worst part about living in N.C. is seeing and hearing how excited fans are about the Panthers. They are excited about Cam Newton. He brings excitement and hope that none of the Browns do for their fans. When does Cleveland draft the player that has that wow factor and brings back hope and excitement? -- Douglas Curran, Fayetteville, N.C
Hey, Douglas: I hear you. Newton has a phenomenal wow factor.
Hey, Tony: Looks to me like we need a stud safety, someone with some size, to help stop the run. Maybe try to get Taylor Mays and draft another. Your thoughts. -- SL Smith, North Canton Hey, SL: Although T.J. Ward doesn't have the size you desire, the Browns thought he was the stud safety to stop the run. I agree with you, though, that the void still exists.
Hey, Tony: First, I am not the ex-QB. Can you please tell me what the heck the Browns are doing? We have no fire, no drive, no passion. We run the West Coast Offense but all we seem to do is coast. There is a disconnect between fans and the Browns, all brought on by the front office. So what the heck is going on? -- Jim Plunkett, Tamarac, Fla.
Hey, Jim: First, tell us, what was it like to play for the Raiders and Al Davis? OK, now to your question. What the heck is going on? Not a whole lot of good, that's for sure. The disconnect between fans and the Browns, which was created by the move of the old franchise to Baltimore, seemingly is wider than ever.
Hey, Tony: Are there any legal obstacles to Randy Lerner moving the Browns to another city? If not, then I really do hope that he moves the team outta here ASAP. -- Ted Fawdington, Cleveland
Hey, Ted: When the expansion Browns were created in 1999, they signed an ironclad lease to keep the team playing in Cleveland Browns Stadium for 30 years. As for moving them after that, we didn't suffer three years without football and finance a new stadium to go through it again a generation later.
-- Tony