We'd never take a holiday when it comes to emptying out the latest Browns mailbag -- there's just too many interesting questions.
View full sizeThe free-falling Cardinals aren't making Larry Fitzgerald a happy camper in Arizona, so one Browns fans wonders what it would take to garb the All-Pro receiver in orange and brown.Hey, Tony: The Browns really need a big-play WR and there is a certain big-play WR out there that has to be very unhappy with his team's situation. I am talking about Larry Fitzgerald. Would there be any chance of a trade there or am I just dreaming? Let's just say that there is a chance: What would it take to make a deal like that happen? -- Gary B, Philadelphia
Hey, Gary: It would take an enormous investment. The Browns would have to satisfy the Cardinals in a trade and then sign Fitzgerald to a new contract because he is entering his final season. So how does two No. 1s and $13 million a year sound?
Hey, Tony: Any chance that Joe Haden is in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year? -- Greg Barnes, Sharon, Pa.
Hey, Greg: Very little chance. I believe Detroit defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh has the award pretty much sewn up. A big flurry of INTs over last four games might win Haden some votes. Jarius Byrd had nine last year as a rookie.
Hey, Tony: Josh Cribbs got his big contract, yet he hasn't had a single decent return all year. In addition, he drags out injuries worse than Big Ben. Why does the media give him a free pass all year without criticism? -- John Horseset, Avon
Hey, John: Because Cribbs' passion and effort on the field has not changed in the least. He has been hurt and before that teams kicked the ball away. Even though the Browns are last in kickoff return average, they are near the top in average drive start after kickoffs. In other words, teams are sacrificing good field position to prevent Cribbs from taking a return all the way.
Hey, Tony: Each week I watch our rookies very carefully. I'm happy with what I've seen. Even with the Hardesty injury, it appears we have some impact players and a possible quarterback of the future. I was wondering if you could provide a report card for each active rookie thus far. Do we have any "A" players in the 2010 class? -- Rob Houk, Dayton
Hey, Rob: I will reserve final grades for my season review after all games are played. With four games to go, I would rate Joe Haden and T.J. Ward as having exceptional rookie seasons. Colt McCoy would be high up there, too, though he's played in only five games. Shawn Lauvao, whom I speculated as a starter coming out of training camp, was set back by a high ankle sprain and has not regained the time he lost because of the injury.
Hey, Tony: A few weeks ago, you mocked my question about Eric Mangini's excessive tobacco use affecting his game day decisions. Now, I see that he's passed the habit on to his players, specifically Peyton Hillis. When are you going to bring this up to the players about how dangerous this habit is? What's next, Hillis starts chewing tobacco during games? -- Jenna Smith, Shaker Heights
Hey, Jenna: I'm not a fan of chewing tobacco and I would never condone it, but we're dealing with men old enough to make their own decisions.
Hey, Tony: Where do you rate Reggie Hodges in terms of agility, strength, and speed among other punters in the NFL? Also, how is his throwing arm and accuracy? The reason I'm asking is because the team should use him more on fake punts and kicks to utilize his speed. Possibly, we could even have a fourth and short situation with Hodges in at QB, in which he could punt, pass, or run. -- Mark Rosenthal, Chardon
Hey, Mark: Hodges is having a career year. He deserved consideration for the Pro Bowl, though I believe that honor will go to Oakland's Shane Lechler. I'm not sure about his throwing arm. If the opportunity arises, I'm sure the coaches would have confidence in Hodges to run another fake punt.
Hey, Tony: No. 1, What happened to Dave Zastudil? I saw he was taken off IR and released. I think Reggie Hodges has more then won the job, but is Dave gone for good? No. 2, what's the status for Montario Hardesty, pronounced "Hurt-his-KNEE"? Will he be back for spring ball or will it be training camp before we see him again? -- Brett F, Charlotte, N.C.
Hey, Brett: 1. Zastudil was waived by the Browns. Zastudil told me he feels he is still injured. It's possible he will file a grievance to retrieve the salary lost when the Browns cut him. He expects to compete for another team next season. 2. Hardesty -- pronounced Har-des-tee -- is expected to be ready to participate fully in training camp. He probably will not do much in the various off-season minicamps.
With Joe Haden (23) and T.J. Ward dramatically improving the Browns' defensive backfield, should the team look for one more top defensive back in next spring's draft? Hey, Tony: With the emergence of T.J. Ward and Joe Haden, how would you feel if the Browns went after one of the stud corners who would be available in the first round? This could be the missing link between a good Ryan defense and a great Ryan defense. Ryan loves to blitz a lot and that calls for a complete and dominant backfield. With another good to great corner, it could be a scary and young defense. With Ahtyba Rubin, Matt Roth, Brian Schaefering and maybe Sabby Piscitelli, this could be a dominating defense for years to come. -- Jimmy D, Elyria
Hey, Jimmy: I think the No. 1 need on defense is at defensive end. I feel that cornerback is also a high priority, but just not one that needs to be filled in the first round.
Hey, Tony: In our culture, if an untruth is repeated enough times, it becomes the truth, regardless of, oh say, the facts. Why is it that any time Earnest Byner's fumble is brought up, it is said that he fumbled away a "win" when in fact, had he scored it would have been an extra point away from a tie. This untruth was rubbed in Cleveland's face again during the Cavs "Debacle" telecast this past week in amongst a litany of sports failures. The evening was bad enough without a) bringing up all the wounds from the past and b) getting the actual facts incorrect. Argghhhhhhh. -- John Floridis, Missoula, Mont.
Hey, John: You are correct. I have always maintained that if Byner had scored, instead of fumbled, John Elway would have broken our hearts anyway, as he would have had more than one minute to break the tie. Another myth is that Brian Sipe's interception -- The Pass -- in the 1980 season playoff game cost the Browns the Super Bowl. In fact, had they beaten Oakland, they would have had to play in San Diego in the AFC Championship Game. The thought of Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow & Co. facing that shaky Browns defense was a scary one.
Hey, Tony: When do you think that the fans will forget about Art Modell? We have a new team, so let's support them and when we win the Super Bowl it will be our time to laugh. -- Donald Pasqualetti, Reading, Ohio
Hey, Donald: There's that saying, "Forgive and forget." I think it's right to forgive. But it's OK not to forget.
Hey, Tony: The Dolphins recently waived Clifton Geathers. Do the Browns have any interest in bringing him back? -- Mike B, Dover, Ohio
Hey, Mike: Geathers was claimed and awarded off waivers to the Cowboys.
Hey, Tony: With the Jets game only being close by the shankapotamus they had kicking, and the Carolina game won on a missed Carolina field goal, are the Browns still looking at letting Phil Dawson go after this season? He's been behind more wins for this team than all other individual players combined since '99, and should continue to be that for several more years. They made a lot of good moves, but this would be an epic fail. -- Josh Winkler, Hilliard, Ohio
Hey, Josh: I agree. But I don't sense a great urgency on the Browns' part to re-sign Dawson. If he signs with Pittsburgh I will scream.
Hey, Tony: 1) Why on earth would the Browns ever consider letting Dawson go? Is it his age? If so, there have been many kickers who've played well into their 30s. If not age, then what, money? Do they retain a million dollars in exchange for games lost? I am worried if they let him go it will come back to haunt them next year and beyond. I say pay him what he'll likely get somewhere else for a minimum of two years, meanwhile groom his replacement to get accustomed to Cleveland. Who better a teacher than Phil?
2) I write this prior to the Miami game, but assuming Jake Delhomme had a good game, shouldn't Mangini stick with the hot hand until proven otherwise? It was the original plan going in. He's proven to be the most effective at running the no-huddle thus a more balanced pass/run offense. Secondly, I am sick and tired of playing for next year. I want wins regardless if Mary Poppins or Sheppard Smith is in at QB! -- John Woodliff, Canton, Ohio
Hey, John: 1. Age isn't the issue with Dawson. I just don't feel the Browns want to pay a kicker $3 million a year, which is the going rate for someone with Dawson's track record. If they wanted to re-sign him, there's no reason to wait. 2. I feel Mike Holmgren wants to see Colt McCoy play in bad weather. Mangini probably prefers Delhomme's experience. But if Delhomme throws more interceptions, I'm sure Mangini would think otherwise.
Hey, Tony: Why do the Browns need to see Colt McCoy play a regular season game in bad weather to test his arm strength when baseball teams routinely use a radar gun to see if pitchers and catchers can throw a ball from point A to point B in time to be effective? We know McCoy makes quick decisions and has a quick release, so couldn't they test his arm strength in bad weather during practice? -- Daniel Protas, Vernon, Conn.
Hey, Daniel: I don't think you can simulate throwing a football in inclement conditions. His quick decisions and quick release are positives. Mike Holmgren has said that he is not overly concerned with his arm strength because of the factors you cite, in addition to his accuracy.
Hey, Tony: A few weeks ago, the Jags won on a Hail Mary touchdown pass with no time remaining. They then kicked a meaningless extra point. On the same day, the Jets beat the Browns with a touchdown in OT, but there was no PAT. Why does the NFL require teams to try for a meaningless extra point if the TD occurs during regulation? -- J T, San Diego
Hey, JT: The sudden death overtime rules state that the first points scored in overtime ends the game. That is not the case in regulation. The rules state that in regulation all touchdowns must be followed by a PAT attempt. The NFL doesn't acknowledge the enormous amount of money bet on their games, of course. But I believe a single point often changes the outcome of games against the spread.
View full sizeWith four wins in the last six games, Eric Mangini is becoming the people's choice for 2011. Will he be Mike Holmgren's as well?Hey, Tony: No one seems to mention the opponent's reaction after playing the Browns. Their comments seem to reflect that they've been beaten up and demoralized even if they win. For as much crap as most people give Mangini, I've got to give it up to him for building a tough-nosed AFC North team. I know it's not there fully yet, I hope he gets another year. -- Sean Wachsman, Louisville, Ky.
Hey, Sean: Your sentiments seem to be in the majority.
Hey, Tony: It seems like we are seeing less and less of a dual backfield with Lawrence Vickers lined up with Peyton Hillis. Any reason for this and do you think it has something to do with Hillis having a bit of a decline in yardage recently. -- Gary B, Philadelphia
Hey, Gary: The inconsistent use of Vickers is a mystery to me. Lately the Browns have used more two-tight end sets, with Robert Royal in the role of an additional blocker. Coaches flirt with different sets and formations to influence mismatches. But I would line up Vickers and Hillis against anybody and take my chances in short-yardage situations.
Hey, Tony: Sunday night one of the NBC reporters speculated that Cleveland was one of the two teams (I don't remember the second) that would attract Jon Gruden as a coach next year. Personally I think Mangini should be retained. But, what's your take on Gruden? Is he the type of guy that could help build a solid, high character, consistently good team -- like Pittsburgh or Baltimore? -- John Turner, Johns Island, S.C.
Hey, John: I have always considered Gruden an ideal candidate to be Browns coach. My opinion goes back long before Mangini got the job. I said it to a league executive 10 years ago. Gruden's Ohio roots and his deep appreciation for Browns tradition and the hard-nosed, physical play required in the Midwest would make him a worthy candidate. Since then, Gruden's inability to develop a young quarterback has become a concern, but it's not a deal-breaker, in my mind. All of that said, I believe Gruden will not coach until 2012. Gruden will always be mentioned as a possible candidate in Cleveland because he and Mike Holmgren have the same agent and it is assumed by many insiders that the if there is a coaching change, the new coach will be represented by Holmgren's agent.
Hey, Tony: Although I'm only in my 40s, I have a healthy respect for the history of the Browns. My father used to grouse on about Art Modell and how horrible it was he fired Paul Brown, and to this day the issue still pops up once in a while, but it seems to me people are ignoring two key facts: The Browns won the NFL Championship in 1964, only two years after Brown was fired, and Paul Brown never won a championship with the Bengals. I am no fan of Art Modell, but it seems to me looking objectively in this case the right call was made, and I can say that even though I consider Paul Brown the best and most innovative coach in the history of the NFL. In hindsight wasn't hiring Blanton Collier at that time the right call? Do you think Collier might eventually be added to the ring of honor? -- Doug S., Orange, Calif.
Hey, Doug: In my opinion, Collier should be the next addition to the Ring of Honor. Because he followed Brown, Collier, indeed, is underrated as a coach. He was a great coach under Brown and a great coach on his own. Collier's 1964 championship did more for Modell than anything in his career. If Collier had flopped, Modell would have been ridden out of town on a rail. The championship bought Modell 25 years of celebrity in Cleveland.
Hey, Tony: I was never a big fan of hiring Mangini, however I have been very impressed with the way that he has turned around the attitude of this team. You have gone on record believing Holmgren will do the right thing and saying that you think Holmgren and Mangini appear to be moving in opposite directions. If you think that at the end of the year, if one of them has to go it might be Holmgren, especially if Mangini continues to win? -- David Sepe, Youngstown, Ohio
Hey, David: No chance. Holmgren will do the right thing. If that means bringing Mangini back, so be it.
Hey, Tony: I went to the Dolphins game and it seemed to me the WR corps did not have confidence in the play calling or game plan. Like they knew they were not a big part in the offensive scheme. Could that be the reason for the poor showing in most of the games? -- Eliot Clasen, Cape Coral, Fla.
Hey, Eliot: For the umpteenth time I will declare: This is not a receiver-friendly offense.
Hey, Tony: I was wondering if you had any insight about all these minor acquisitions this year? Sabby Piscitelli, Jordan Norwood, Eric Alexander, Demetrius Williams, Jayme Mitchell, etc. What is the likelihood of any of these guys actually contributing (this year or next), and what would one of them actually have to do in practice to get some game reps? If we haven't even seen if Carlton Mitchell can catch, what kind of chance do the rest of them stand? -- Justin McHenry, Stow
Hey, Justin: You've got me. It seems there is a growing number of players on the bottom of the roster who exist but do not contribute, except in practice. The Jayme Mitchell pickup is absolutely mind-boggling. He has no experience in a 3-4 defense and has no idea why he was claimed by the team.
Hey, Tony: What are the chances of Josh McDaniels becoming the offensive coordinator in the off-season if Mangini is still around? -- Patrick McKinney, Cuyahoga Falls
Hey, Patrick: It's an interesting question. First, there is no indication Brian Daboll will be replaced. If Mike Holmgren demands a change, the question is whether he would pick Daboll's replacement or allow Mangini to pick it. If the latter is the case, I would think McDaniels would be a candidate. But if Holmgren wants a West Coast-disciple on board, McDaniels would not be a candidate.
Hey, Tony: Defensive players get flagged for putting a finger on a QB. But, QBs can pump fake. I clearly remember Kamerion Wimbley letting go of Big Ben in 2006 because he didn't want to get flagged for a late hit because he thought Ben threw it already. Also, QBs can take off full speed and then suddenly slide so you can't touch them. How are you supposed to go hard after someone and suddenly stop just because the QB slides or pretends to throw? Since it would be impossible to eliminate pump fakes, can the league just start putting flags on the QBs? -- Brian Weisman, Erie, Pa.
Hey, Brian: The biggest stars in the NFL have been and will forever be the quarterbacks. So the NFL is going to protect them above and beyond any other position. All the rules have been and will forever be slanted to protect the quarterbacks.
Hey, Tony: Do you realize you have become synonomous on blogs, tweets, chat rooms and just general conversation amongst fans as Mr. Anti Mangini in Cleveland? What is it that has rubbed you so wrong about him? You always used to preach defense wins in the AFC North, and running game is key in the cold. You preached beating Pittsburgh was the key to everything in this division and you even admit Mangini does not fear them and gets the rivalry ... and yet you speak of West Coast O and going down the field fast a la Holmgren ball admitting all along Holmgren has zero interest in D as a coach. Why do you long for change so much? Is the lure of Holmgren coaching (and running the entire organization at the same time) that exciting to you? -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio
Hey, Michael: I think I have been tough on Mangini, but not unfair. I have said I think he can coach but I don't know if he can win. By that I mean this: He has well-reasoned answers for everything he does and talks a good game and espouses all the right things in a football team. But can he take the necessary risks in offensive football to win? Can he stomach a quarterback throwing three interceptions and still allow him to throw in the fourth quarter with a game on the line? Can he effectively manage a super-talented player who may have character issues? His first season was an abject disaster until the final four games. His authority was taken away in his second season and he reacted favorably. He has embraced the opportunity to learn under Mike Holmgren and I believe he has become a better coach. The only question that's pertinent is this: Is Mangini the coach that can take the team to the Super Bowl? That's all that matters.
Hey, Tony: I find the constant badgering over Mangini's job being in serious question to be more of a personal grudge than real insight. You see the poll results the other day were greater than 90 percent to keep Mangini. I find your claim that he has to go 8-8 not only ludicrous but purposefully disingenuous as well! It's starting to border on propaganda in my opinion. -- John Colosimo, Cleveland
Hey, John: I don't know what you mean by "the constant badgering over Mangini's job." When the team was 4-7 and I was asked, "How many wins does Mangini need to keep his job?" I answered, "five more." I believe it was true at the time. If you are happy with 6-10 or 5-11 every year, that is your prerogative. But I think the people now in charge demand more than that.
Hey, Tony: Wow! Shaun Rogers now has blocked 14 field goals and three extra points in his career. The NFL seems to have a list of every single conceivable record except blocked punts and blocked kicks. If the NFL does not in fact keep track of this record, how is it we know how many Shaun Rogers has? -- Karl Kononchuk, Sparks, Nev.
Hey, Karl: Rogers' kick-blocking exploits in Detroit were well chronicled. When he was traded to the Browns, those numbers carried over.
Hey, Tony: Shouldn't Mike Adams' strategy have been not to score on his interception against Miami? If he scored, Miami would have time to tie the game and perhaps force overtime. If Adams doesn't score but gets inside the 10 (as he actually did), then the Browns run down the clock to kick an easy field goal on the last play of the game, giving Miami no chance to come back. So isn't this a case in which not scoring is actually the smart play? Is this ever coached? -- Paul Rinzler, Arroyo Grande, Calif.
Hey, Paul: Adams admitted after the game that it was good that he was knocked out of bounds short of the end zone. It amazes me how fans constantly second-guess players for intercepting balls on fourth down, or running into the end zone instead of stopping short and running time off the clock. Can it be coached? I suppose, but the situations are fairly rare and when they come up in the heat of the moment, it's difficult for a player who rarely scores to come to the conclusion while running that it would be best for his team not to score.
Hey, Tony: I really enjoy reading your articles. How do you feel about the Browns signing Marquis Johnson from the St. Louis Rams' practice squad? He's 5-11, a good tackler, and played at Oklahoma where he was a standout athlete. It seems with Eric Wright practically playing himself out of Cleveland after the end of this season, he would be a good compliment with Haden and Brown. -- Frank Jacetty, South Euclid
Hey, Frank: I don't know much about Johnson, but I would be in favor of adding any young cornerback on the if-come.
Hey, Tony: What is the deal with Jayme Mitchell? We gave up a 2012 draft pick to acquire him, but he has not been active for a single game. Also, I think he's a free agent after this year? Any ideas? -- Matt Alsip, Towson, Md.
Hey, Matt: The only theory I can come up with is this: Mitchell is strictly an end in a 4-3 system, so he was acquired on the chance the Browns switch coaching staffs and system next year.
Hey, Tony: If a player is on IR this year and the NFL goes on strike, will these players get a paycheck during the strike? -- Carmen Aquila, Mentor
Hey, Carmen: Forget strike. There will be no players strike. If there is a work stoppage, it will be the owners locking out the players. And, no, if there are no games, there are no paychecks.
Hey, Tony: If the "Tie Breaker" decides that Daboll must go and the current hot seat starts to blister for Cam Cameron, who do you think if a better fit for the Browns/Holmgren offense, Cameron or McDaniels? What is the possibility of either donning the OC headset next year? -- John J. Berezo, Culloden, W.Va.
Hey, John: Really, neither Cameron nor McDaniels come from the West Coast-derivative tree. Both are more compatible to what Mangini believes in offense.
-- Tony