Things we now know about the 2015 Browns:
Travis Benjamin is back, better than ever. Rabbit can run.
Dwayne Bowe so far is perpetuating the absurdly consistent and, frankly, eerie trend befalling the Browns’ wearers of the number 80.
We have a better record than (among others) the supposedly strong Ravens, Seahawks, Saints, Colts and Eagles.
Another year, another QB controversy. It’s good to see Johnny Manziel make some plays and help the team win. But for now, put me in the camp that wants Josh McCown back as the starter when he’s cleared to play. It will be easier and more natural to pull him for Johnny than the other way around.
Andy Lee is a punting beast. Here’s what he’s done so far:
- 60 yarder, returned one yard
- 61 yarder, returned 12 yards
- 35 yarder, fair-caught at the 11
- 61-yard touchback
- 58 yarder, returned five yards
- 62 yarder, returned 16 yards
- 57 yarder, returned six yards.
The defense still has holes. Donte Whitner seems pretty average. Joe Haden is good, but not great. Danny Shelton is not an instant standout at nose tackle.
The outside linebackers are weak against the run, especially with Scott Solomon out. Maybe they’ll consider putting Chris Kirksey on the edge so the four best linebackers can play together (including Karlos Dansby, Craig Robertson and Paul Kruger).
There’s still work to do establishing a power running game. The O-line has been somewhat disappointing so far, and fullback Malcolm Johnson is not a “plus” blocking force just yet.
The Browns are sitting on more cap space than 90% of the league and will be faced with the possible loss of the the following players to unrestricted free agency after this season (in order of importance): S Tashaun Gipson, RT Mitchell Schwartz, WR/PR Travis Benjamin, LB Craig Robertson, TE Gary Barnidge, RB Robert Turbin, QB Austin Davis, DB Johnson Bademosi, TE Rob Housler and LB Tank Carder.
