Recent Trends Open Windows to the 2013 Cleveland Browns Offense

May 19th, 2013

A look back at recent seasons from the Chargers and Panthers may indicate where the 2013 Browns offense is headed (Photo: rebuildingsince1964.com)

DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon

Last season, lame duck Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur spent the year trying to fit a square peg named Brandon Weeden into the round hole West Coast Offense.  Coming from an air-raid system in college that was heavy in no huddle and shotgun passing plays, Weeden never seemed comfortable with the WCO’s long-winded terminology and deliberate pace.  He often grew visibly frustrated as his coaches struggled to get the play calls into him on time.  The results were predictably aggravating to anyone associated with the team.  After the season, Shurmur was fired, and Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner were brought in to install an offense tailored to the players on the team, rather than vice versa.  Chudzinski’s offense has evolved through the years, so it’s still too early to tell exactly what this version will look like.  Still, the past offers some clues, and a look back at the last five years of the combined résumés of Chudzinski and Turner should shed some light on what people can expect from the Cleveland passing game this season. Read the rest of this entry »


Browns Film Room: Phil Taylor

May 17th, 2013

Phil Taylor is one of the keys to the Browns’ transition to a new defensive scheme. (photo: mediagallery.usatoday.com)

DraftBrowns.com Editor: Brendan Leister

Many were surprised when the Cleveland Browns (a team transitioning to a 4-3 defense) traded up to select Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor with the 21st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  Most draft pundits had Taylor pegged as a pure 3-4 nose tackle and the team already had a player that played on the nose in the 3-4 in Ahtyba Rubin.  The thinking behind the pick was that the team would build their four-man front around two huge men that are stout against the run, give their all on every play, and possess surprising athletic ability combined with the ability to push the pocket. Read the rest of this entry »


Browns Walk the Line Between 2013 and Beyond

May 14th, 2013

Why should “We Believe” 2013 will be better? (photo: rantsports.com)

By DraftBrowns Staff Writer, Ryan Alton

Since the day they were introduced to the Cleveland fans and media, the new decision-makers in Berea (Joe Banner, Michael Lombardi and Jimmy Haslam) have sent a fairly consistent message about what to expect early on under their guidance of Cleveland’s most-beloved sports franchise.  Read the rest of this entry »


Browns Look to Add Their own Version of Darren Sproles

May 13th, 2013

Darren Sproles began to thrive in San Diego under current Browns Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner (Photo: theepochtimes.com)

DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon

In 2010 while Browns head coach Rob Cudzinski was Norv Turner’s tight ends coach in San Diego, diminutive running back Darren Sproles carried the ball only 50 times, but was a major factor in the passing game.  The Chargers running backs caught 126 total passes as a unit, with Sproles accounting for 59 of those.  Chud and Norv are back together for the first time since that season, and their offseason activity suggests that finding a back to fit the Sproles role is near the top of the post-draft to-do list. Read the rest of this entry »


An In-Depth Look Inside Ray Horton’s Defense

May 8th, 2013

Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense is far from your grandfather’s version of the defense. (photo: ohio.com)

DraftBrowns.com Editor: Brendan Leister

In a Cleveland Browns offseason filled with player acquisition and roster turnover, an unlikely candidate has emerged as the most anticipated addition by many.  That candidate is former Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator Ray Horton.  Horton brings ten years of playing experience and 19 years of coaching experience at the NFL level; dating back to 1994. Read the rest of this entry »


2013 Cleveland Browns State of the Roster: Post Draft Edition – Defense

May 7th, 2013

Jabaal Sheard’s role in the new defense is a situation to keep an eye on heading into the 2013 season (Photo: zimbio.com)

DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon

Since previewing the Browns offense last weekend, news emerged of 2013 draft pick Armonty Bryant’s arrest for DUI.  The promising but troubled rookie is still with the team for now, and has already wrapped up his legal proceedings by pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges.  It does not appear that the Browns’ front office will make a reactionary move, so the roster remains unchanged since draft weekend came to a close.  Here’s an early look at the current defensive personnel on the squad, and what to expect in the near future. Read the rest of this entry »


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