The Browns may not have a win yet this season, but that doesn't dim the passion of their fanbase in this week's mailbag.
It won't come as a shock that with an 0-2 record, the sniping is increasing among some fans toward Browns coach Eric Mangini, left, and especially offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.Hey, Tony: The Browns would be best off drafting a defensive lineman in the draft next year. Teams that are successful in this league must be able to do two things -- run the ball and stop the run. Now that our O-Line is built up, who do you project us drafting in April that can come in and start on D-line? Like pitchers, you can never have enough defensive linemen. -- Meghan Larisec, Parma
Hey, Meghan: Here's my September priority list for the Browns' 2011 draft: defensive lineman, wide receiver, quarterback, cornerback.
Hey, Tony: How is it that Romeo Crennel can really seem like he knows what he's doing as a defensive coordinator but as a head coach of a football team he looks clueless? -- Joe Kihm, Tipp City, Ohio
Hey, Joe: There are countless examples of very fine coordinators not cutting it as head coaches. Crennel is one. Cam Cameron is another. Cameron looked hopelessly clueless coaching the Dolphins to a 1-15 record, but is regarded as one of the game's best offensive coordinators now with Baltimore and formerly with San Diego. Other recent examples include Mike Nolan, Dave Wannstedt, Charlie Weis ... I can go on and on. The No. 1 job of an NFL head coach is to win and if you don't win, you look clueless.
Hey, Tony: Saying the Browns have not drafted well since returning to the league is an understatement. How much of the "bad drafting" is due to player selection, versus how much is due to the inability of the coaching staff to develop the players? How do you rate the ability of the current coaching staff to develop players? I thought Romeo Crennel and his staff left something to be desired in the area of player development. Listening to Mangini, I get the feeling he likes to teach. -- Joe Rossin, Columbus
Hey, Joe: I think most of the bad drafting is due to poor selection of players. Evidence is the fact that very few high draft picks discarded by the Browns become Pro Bowl players elsewhere (e.g. Tim Couch, Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Kamerion Wimbley). I think the current coaching staff rates high in developing players such as Ahtyba Rubin, Marcus Benard, Eric Wright, Alex Mack, to name a few.
Hey, Tony: Who does Mangini think he is fooling by not just naming Seneca Wallace the starter? Delhomme hasn't practiced through Friday. Do you think Mike Holmgren endorses these "lame" games with the media? -- Justin, Mariemont, Ohio
Hey, Justin: I've become immune to the weekly "who's the starting quarterback?" charade. As for Holmgren, he's trying to keep a low profile since the season started and has kept his distance from the media.
Hey, Tony: What is up with Joe Thomas? We all saw him get destroyed on the near sack that caused the first pick that totally changed the TB game. But he also had several breakdowns in addition to that. I went back and reviewed what I could from the previous preseason games that I had recorded and was very alarmed at what I saw from our Pro Bowl left tackle. Is Joe playing hurt? Is he sick? Or is he just getting tired of playing on losing teams and has lost his desire to excel? -- Fernando
Hey, Fernando: I don't think Thomas reacts well to sweltering heat, for one thing. He said he lost 26 pounds in one day in training camp and admitted that's not good for his body. I don't think he's been at his best, to be honest. But I do believe he'll return to form soon.
The length of the opening kickoffs? Yep, that's the real problem with the Browns! But don't suggest that Tony Grossi should take criticism of Phil Dawson seriously.Hey, Tony: Tony, you're the best in the business. When do the Browns plan on grooming a replacement for Phil Dawson? His kicking distance has steadily declined to the point that he struggles to reach the end zone on kickoffs? Go Brownies!!! -- Tom Myers, Elyria
Hey, Tom: Trying to get under my skin? Dawson, of course, is the least of the Browns' problems.
Hey, Tony: Can you please explain the decertification of the union that is taking place, team by team and what the implications are? Thanks -- Sean Samuels, Chandler, Ariz.
Hey, Sean: If the union dissolves itself, the owners would not be able to lock the players out next season and the NFL season would continue. Decertification also would give the players the option of bringing an anti-trust lawsuit against the owners and fighting them in court rather than across the negotiating table.
Hey, Tony: A recent Sports Illustrated poll showed that many NFL players believe that Eric Mangini is the worst coach to play for. This makes it difficult for the Browns to attract top talent. Based on this factor and his record, was it wise to maintain Mangini as coach? -- Ed Matkowski, Washington Township, N.J.
Hey, Ed: Can I answer this question at the end of the season? Seriously, there were sound arguments to keep Mangini and sound arguments to make a change. Holmgren chose to bring him back. The Browns' record in 2010 will determine whether it was the right decision.
Hey, Tony: Do you think there's a self-fulfilling prophecy between the fans' desperation for a championship and the constant turnover in coaching and personnel? I remember being at a game where a plane with an ad banner called for the firing of (Bill) Belichick. Do you think the organization as a whole in the past was pressing? -- Joe Stoeger, Midvale, Utah
Hey, Joe: Yes, I do think the Browns feel enormous pressure as an organization. They should be thankful the fans are so passionate. The alternative is that the fans don't care and I don't think the Browns would prefer that.
Hey, Tony: Is there an NFL-imposed limit on assistant coaches and/or back office film, trainer, conditioning guys? I ask because it would seem smart to me to pay a few guys to track each and every play of every NFL game for trends and tendencies of coaches. When they like to blitz, plays run more often on third and 2, etc. This would seem to give the team doing this research an advantage since most people (including NFL coaches and assistants) are creatures of habit. Maybe the Browns are already doing that, but the past decade would disagree. -- Charles Ambrose, Hudson
Hey, Charles: Those trends and tendencies already are being tracked. Usually those things are done by the "quality control" coaches.
Hey, Tony: You said Seneca Wallace will be our Browns' 16th starting QB and that Peyton Manning has started every Colts game during that time. My question is about Romeo Crennel's first season as Browns coach. You might remember that Indianapolis lost the game in Week 17, keeping the Browns out of the playoffs because the Colts didn't play Manning or didn't play him the entire game. Do you recall if Manning started that game? -- Steve M., Dayton
Hey, Steve: Manning has started every Colts game since 1998. The game you question was started by Manning. He was relieved after one series by Jim Sorgi, who proceeded to have a terrible performance that resulted in the Colts losing and Tennessee edging the Browns for the last AFC playoff berth. I did err, however, in stating Wallace was the Browns' 16th starting quarterback since 1999. He is No. 15.
Hey, Tony: I know its only been one game but I believe this will be the same old Browns this year. The coaching staff always gets outcoached and [Brian] Daboll's playcalling stinks. Good teams and good coaches find ways to win, not always lose. I have no confidence in this staff and it won't be long before Holmgren loses confidence too. Your thoughts. -- Ralph Reis, Fort. Mitchell, Ky.
Hey, Ralph: I projected the Browns to go 7-9 this year, but that was based on a 2-0 start. I believe pointing to the turnovers for those losses is too easy an out. Tampa Bay and Kansas City turned the ball over, also. I agree that good teams and good coaches find ways to win close games.
Tony is really keeping his focus on the NFL and the Browns' remaining 14 games. But that doesn't mean he hasn't developed some admiration for Stanford QB Andrew Luck.Hey, Tony: Just finished watching the Chiefs game. I'm not enamored with either Jake Locker or Andrew Luck. How about Mark Ingram? -- Eric Blinn, Canton
Hey, Eric: I am much more enamored with Luck. He is big and strong, mobile, makes all the throws, has a lot of football intelligence and has the charisma of a leader. A redshirt sophomore, he has indicated he intends to remain at Stanford after this year even though he would be eligible for the NFL draft. He could change his mind in January, however.
Hey, Tony: None of remaining games on the schedule look like "gimme" wins. Going winless (again) in the division so far looks to be inevitable. Any guesses (or hopes) as to when the Browns will get that first win? (They really can't be so bad that they'll match Detroit's 0-16 record, can they?) -- Tim, Winter Haven, Fla.
Hey, Tim: This team is so much better than the 0-16 Lions. It is also better than last year's Browns team that was 5-11. I expect them to win at least two division games, perhaps in the second half of the season.
Hey, Tony: Why can't we call Jerome Harrison what he is? A change of pace back, possibly a third-down back who has trouble picking up the blitz. The "fumble" aside (I am implying it was not really a fumble), he did not look like a feature back. He did not look like the type of back to whom you would want to give 20 carries per game. ... Don't you think the offense looks a lot better with Hillis in the backfield? He runs downhill, has a burst, breaks tackles, and picks up the blitz. -- Degen Fain, Warner Robins, Ga.
Hey, Degen: I think Montario Hardesty was drafted to be the feature back. Now, the role is up for grabs. I would like to have more speed at the running back position. As things stand now, James Davis is the fastest back, but ball security and durability are questions with him. We may see him in the Baltimore game.
Hey, Tony: I was more then willing to see what Eric Mangini can do as a full-time head coach, excited even. After losses to basement dwelling Bucs and Chiefs, it's clear Eric rolled the dice on his O Coordinator and crapped out. Rob Ryan has a future in this business, but Eric and Brian Daboll clearly do not have what it takes to be big time coaches on the NFL level. The countdown to the Holmgren era is on and Mangini has no one to blame but himself for letting Daboll run the offense when he clearly is not ready for such a challenge. -- Pat Burma, Denver
Hey, Pat: I've said it many times: Daboll has more pressure on him than any coach in town, including Mangini.
Hey, Tony: Sorry for the conspiracy theory, but you suggested once that the Browns orchestrated the Brady Quinn holdout. Is it possible Holmgren knows that Brian Daboll cannot be an NFL coordinator (hard to believe he doesn't), but is letting the coaching staff hang themselves to get a top of the draft QB, and to make an already planned clean sweep at season's end? -- Shane Byron, Seattle
Hey, Shane: While Holmgren was deliberating the future of Mangini and his staff, he received a glowing review from Brett Favre on both Mangini and Daboll. I think the strong recommendation contributed to his decision to bring them back. I don't believe in your theory.
Hey, Tony: What is the facination by the Browns fans with Jon Gruden? He has had an enormous amount of "inherited" talent at each job ... and a career year by QB Rich Gannon. He has never had to rebuild a team. -- Dave S., Saint Simon Island, Ga.
Hey, Dave: Gruden's credentials are top-notch, and he did put Tony Dungy's Tampa Bay team over the top and win the Super Bowl (against Gannon, by the way). I don't have much bad to say about him. I think he'd be an exceptional candidate for any coaching job. But -- as I've said a hundred times -- he told me last year he won't return to coaching for two more years. He's too good on ESPN to leave the TV booth and he's still being paid by Tampa Bay.
Hey, Tony: Obviously, a dreadful start to the season. Let's assume the worst-case scenario for a moment. Say the Browns lose the next five games [and] enter the bye at 0-7. Is Mangini the coach after the bye? Is Daboll still employed? Do you see a scenario where Holmgren and Heckert have enough and make a move during the season? -- Matt Alsip, Towson, Md.
Hey, Matt: I do not believe Holmgren would change head coaches during the middle of a season. I do believe there is a possibility of making an "adjustment" in the offensive staff if the offense continues to suffer.
Hey, Tony: Why is a team penalized for kicking the ball out of bounds on a kick-off, but not on a punt? If the NFL wants more kick and punt returns because they are among the most exciting parts of the game, why not force teams to punt to the returner by accessing a 15-yard penalty for punting out of bounds? -- Fred Fields, Euclid
Hey, Fred: I have raised this question to members of the league competition committee over the years. Their answer is they believe there is an art to angling punts out of bounds inside the 20 -- the so-called coffin corner punt. They do not consider it a skill to kick the ball out of bounds on kickoffs.
It was just a few weeks ago that the seeming majority of Browns fans believed Jerome Harrison was a star in the making. Now, enthusiasm for Harrison is a bit less enthused. Hey, Tony: Jerome Harrison is having a slow start, but it also seems that they are running him up the middle a lot, not throwing screens to him or having him run plays around the end. In past games he would have some of his biggest runs off screens or around the end. Do you think they are using him the right way and what do you think they need to do to get him going?
Also, it is obvious that the team is fading in the second half, what do you think is the biggest issuse? Are players tired, is it second half game plan, play calling? -- Gary B., Philadelphia
Hey, Gary: I'm not sure what the deal is with Harrison. A lot of people I talk to believe he just is not playing well. As for the team's performance in the second half, it appears to me the team wilts. Is it due to overwork in the off-season and training camp? Or is it a matter of inferior talent just being overcome by better players? I am not sure.
Hey, Tony: When are the Browns gonna realize Jerome Harrison is not a starting RB in this league? Just watching the last two games, Peyton Hillis is a big old-school back. I don't understand, isn't it better to be consistent instead of having maybe one long run a game? -- Mike Fauskey, Parma
Hey, Mike: How the tide has turned on Harrison. When I was talking up Montario Hardesty in the preseason, fans were irate to suggest that Harrison would lose the starting job to an unproven player. Now his bandwagon is losing riders, fast.
Hey, Tony: Would you not agree this team is better than last year? The D has only given up two TDs and one of those was off a pick that Tampa started on our 2. The O is actually scoring TDs, which was unheard of last year. Yes, there are teams who turn things around fast, but most don't. I do not want to start over with a new coaching staff as long as we keep getting better. Hopefully we can get a long-term QB soon and stop the Band-Aid game. -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio
Hey, Michael: I agree this team is better than last year's and I expected a better record, also, despite the tough schedule. A long-term QB is the only hope for long-term success.
Hey, Tony: If T.J. Ward continues this tackling trend, could you see him winning the Defensive ROY Award? -- Erik Marshall, East Canton, Ohio
Hey, Erik: That would be hard to do on a losing team. Also, defensive players need numbers like sacks and interceptions to reap votes from the media. Ward's tackling prowess is only appreciated by those who see him play each week.
Hey, Tony: I'm not a bandwagon fan ... but how realistic is the possibility of an 0-9 start? Could we be on pace for a Stupor Bowl between the Bills and Browns in Week 13 where the only thing to play for is who picks first and second in the draft? -- Matthew, Maine
Hey, Matthew: I can't imagine enduring 0-9 after a 1-11 start last year. I think the owner would just go bonkers over that.
Hey, Tony: I'm really tired of you, other writers, and the fans get on the Browns for not signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh. If you were T.J. and you were going to make $7 million this year, paid by the Seahawks, no matter where you signed, why on earth would you sign with the Browns instead of a team with a some possibility of contending for the playoffs? -- John J. Berezo, Culloden, W.Va.
Hey, John: Excellent point. I haven't gotten on the Browns, however, for not signing him.
Hey, Tony: I've read a couple of articles on ESPN.com that state the Browns are showing interest in going after Vincent Jackson. Is there any truth to this or is it just a list of longshots? -- Rein Pold, Knox, Pa.
Hey, Rein: There is no evidence the Browns are showing interest in Jackson.
Hey, Tony: I respect Coach Mangini as a pretty sharp guy, but it seems to me that he isn't much of an offensive guy. I'd think he lets Daboll run that show, and I don't see enough creativity from either one of them. I am sick of yelling for more Cribbs, our best playmaker who doesn't get enough touches. Is Mangini worried Cribbs will prove everyone else right? -- Joshua Jones, Fullerton, Calif.
Hey, Joshua: Every indication is that Mangini is a big fan of Cribbs. In fact, he has incorporated Cribbs into the offense more than his predecessor did. I would like to see Cribbs get the ball more as a conventional receiver.
Hey, Tony: Given the relatively short shelf life of an effective NFL return man, are you at all concerned with Josh Cribbs so far this season? Granted, it's only two games and teams are keeping the ball from him, but for the past few seasons, he's been a lone bright spot on this team and it's only consistent source of excitement. -- Brett Ormsby, Bay Village
Hey, Brett: I believe Cribbs and the Browns special teams are victims of their own success. They are the best in the league and every opponent views their matchup against the Browns' special teams as their Super Bowl.
Hey, Tony: I am a born and raised California Browns fan. My father grew up in Cleveland going to Browns games and when we were growing up my father would take us to one home game per year. When we came back in '99, we continued the tradition. The behavior from many in the parking lots over the years is mind-boggling. ... I can remember in the parking lot across the street a couple -- minding their own business wearing Colts jerseys -- getting glass bottles thrown at them, spitted at, pushed, and vulgar language. I was appalled and ... for the first time in my life I was embarrassed to be a Browns fan. ... It makes perfect sense to me that the city is cracking down on these people. -- Brian L, Fremont, Calif.
Hey, Brian: It is a goal of Holmgren and the new management regime to make Cleveland Browns Stadium more family-friendly without reducing the passion of the hard-core Browns fans. Winning games tends to be a great sanitizer of any stadium.
Hey, Tony: Is Eric Mangini's current focus on turnovers and penalties a consistent, career-long coaching philosophy, an appropriate response to the first two games or an indication he's concerned about losing his job? Is it likely to help the team perform better or play "tight" and "not to lose"? -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake
Hey, Steve: I do believe there has been too much finger-pointing to the turnovers as the biggest problem so far. No coach tolerates turnovers, of course, but there's something to be said of your point that constant emphasis on avoiding them results in a team too tight playing not to lose rather than to win. In my opinion, the performance of the offense in the second halves of both games is more troubling than the turnovers.
Hey, Tony: Were the police officers that arrested Braylon Edwards Ohio State fans? -- Joe Cepec, Dublin, Ohio
Hey, Joe: Probably.
Hey, Tony: Any chance with Michael Vick's recent play and his free agency at the end of the season, the Browns show any interest in signing him? -- Robert Driscoll, Parma
Hey, Robert: If Vick does what coach Andy Reid expects of him, the Eagles will sign Vick to a long-term contract before the season is over. I do believe reports that the Eagles now will seek to trade Kevin Kolb.
Hey, Tony: I think this team is moving in the right direction! I also believe the entire organization and every player on the team needs to know that most of us are 100 percent behind them as long as they are doing everything within their power they can do to improve this team, which I am certain they are working very hard to do. If the majority of us continue to tear them down, I think the chances of them pulling together and making the most out of what we have this season get significantly reduced. ... This is not a quick fix situation! I hope coach Mangini can continue to stay strong and not let the negativity get to him. Tony, am I crazy? -- Jason McClean, Yellowsprings, Ohio
Hey, Jason: You're not crazy. You want the team to win badly and you probably feel changing coaches and revamping the offense and defense will only set it back another 2-3 years. Understand, however, that fans who have the opposite viewpoint are entitled to it.
Hey, Tony: Is Stanford QB Andrew Luck allowed to enter the NFL Draft after this year? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland
Hey, Angelo: This is his third year enrolled at Stanford, which does make him eligible for the draft. I've read where he said he intends to return for his junior year, but we'll see if he changes his mind.
Hey, Tony: So is Braylon's DWI Vernon Gholston's fault since he was in the car and went to Ohio State? -- Sean Wachsman, Louisville, Ky.
Hey, Sean: Wasn't it Gholston's first sack in three years with the Jets?
Hey, Tony: I know it's only two games but the Mangini watch has started in my book. I heard of the Andy Reid rumors b/c of the Holmgren and Heckert connections. With Gruden rumored to go to Dallas that leaves Cowher as the only other big name I want to see besides Reid. What is most likely to happen in your opinion? -- Mordy W., Baltimore
Hey, Mordy: I think it's premature to speculate. And unfair. If the Browns beat the Ravens, everyone will be back on the bandwagon. Lots of games left to turn it around. The opportunity is there.
Hey, Tony: With Michael Vick now the starting QB in Philly, do you think the Eagles will entertain trade offers for Kevin Kolb? -- Bill Krempasky, Sagamore Hills, Ohio
Hey, Bill: I expect the Eagles to gauge the trade market for Kolb. They received a No. 2 and a conditional future pick for Donovan McNabb. Kolb's trade value has sunk by the Eagles' benching of him.
Hey, Tony: Have the Browns shown any interest in Chargers' receiver Vincent Jackson? What, in your opinion, would take to bring him here if it was possible? -- Rimon Arieli, Herzliya, Israel
Hey, Rimon: There's no indication the Browns made a pitch for Jackson. That's a tough transaction because they not only would have to satisfy the Chargers (who are asking for second- and third-round draft picks), but also negotiate a long-term deal with Jackson. Jackson is suspended for the first six games, too.
Hey, Tony: Did the Browns really inquire into a trade involving Kolb from the Eagles? What were the other terms of the supposed deal? -- Chuck Magut, Boardman, Ohio
Hey, Chuck: Sources say the Browns did call the Eagles. Other sources say no. If there was contact, which wouldn't be unusual, there's no source saying it got to the "deal" stage.
Hey, Tony: To all of the Browns fans out there spitting venom at Mangini, Daboll and Holmgren; I get it, you want a winner and we're not winning -- but hey, compared to last year -- this team might as well be the Colts or the Patriots, well, the Texans anyway. -- Mark Cesarik, Chicago
Hey, Mark: They should be 2-0. Let's see now how good they are after starting 0-2. If they're as good as you and I think they are, there shouldn't be a long, long losing streak. We'll see.
Hey, Tony: [Seneca] Wallace and [Jake] Delhomme are not the future of this team. I think this season is probably a wash, so why not put [Colt] McCoy in the game? We need to find out if he can be the QB of the future, so why not get him six or seven games to see what he can do? If he wins some and looks good, great. If he looks bad, then we can go after Jake Locker or someone else next year. What does the master think? -- Christopher Lewis, Chicago
Hey, Christopher: Because of the urgency to prepare Delhomme and Wallace for the season and expose them to a new system for each, McCoy did not receive enough reps in training camp to adequately prepare him for a game. He said after the Detroit preseason game that he was running plays in the game that he never practiced. Thus, his rookie season should amount to nothing more than a "redshirt" year. That's what Holmgren wanted.
-- Tony