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By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 06:56 p.m. EDT, Jul 04, 2009
Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan gave a pretty interesting interview when he met the local media at the end of the team's minicamps.
Ryan showed the same flamboyant personality as his twin brother, Rex (the coach of the New York Jets), and he made some promising statements.
He promised some things, which, if they work out, would be promising for the team.
Let's take them in no real order:
-- Ryan said: ''My whole life I've stopped the run, and you can look that up. We'll get it done here.''
If Ryan and the Browns stop the run this season, it will be the first time in this millennium.
No Browns coach or coordinator has been able to do this since the team returned in 1999.
In that time, the Browns' rushing defense has ranked 31st, 29th, 29th, 27th, 23rd, 32nd, 30th, 29th, 27th and 28th — in a 32-team league.
The fewest yards the Browns have given up in a season (per game) is 129.5.
Last season, teams ran for 151.9 yards per game.
The Browns have perhaps been single-handedly responsible for more running back signing bonuses than any team in any 10-year period since the advent of the signing bonus.
It's very difficult to be that bad for that long. Don't believe it? Here are the annual per-year averages for the rushing defense, starting with 2008:
2008 — 151.9.
2007 — 129.5.
2006 — 142.2.
2005 — 137.6.
2004 — 144.6.
2003 — 132.1.
2002 — 129.9.
2001 — 138.0.
2000 — 156.6.
1999 — 171.0.
Those numbers are, in a word, gruesome.
Ryan didn't say how he would stop the run. He just said: ''We'll make sure we get that done.''
If he does, a runway at Hopkins should be named in his honor.
-- Ryan said: ''What we're going to have here in Cleveland is an attacking defense.''
Thank goodness.
The Browns have attacked at times in recent years, but in general, they were so overmatched, they could not attack and succeed. Last season, the corners struggled and the run defense was a sieve.
At least if the Browns attack, they might cause the other team to think a bit.
-- Ryan said: ''We want to be multiple and we want to have multiple players who can play different spots and cause confusion.''
Hallelujah.
Much of this starts with the ''46'' defense invented by Buddy Ryan, the father of the Ryan coaches.
He brought safety Todd Bell near the line, moved linebackers all over and rushed from every angle.
The Browns will use the ''46,'' which might be the most aggressive defensive formation in Cleveland since the ''UFO.''
-- Ryan said of Kamerion Wimbley: ''Last year Kamerion was focused more on the right side. We're playing him all over, at right, left, and also in a buck, which moves around.''
If this helps Wimbley break out of the sack funk he's been in, it's great.
His rookie season, Wimbley had 11 sacks. His next two seasons, he had nine. Critics have carped he has warning-track power, meaning he gets close to sacks but doesn't get them.
Wimbley is probably one of the Browns' most dedicated and professional players. He works hard, he cares and he will do what he's asked. Too, he'll be helped by Bryan Cox, a very good pass-rushing linebacker and one of the team's assistant coaches.
Perhaps moving him around can break the trend of the past two seasons.
What does it all mean?
Without performance, not much. Browns coaches since 1999 have promised the same kind of success.
But few have done it with the bravado of Ryan.
And none have done it with Ryan's tactical approach, or with as large a change in strategy.
Rule changes that favor the offense put the defense in a tough spot, and the best way to counter those advantages would be with defensive aggressiveness.
Make the offense react to the defense.
Attack with aggression.
For the first time since 1999, it sounds like the Browns have a coordinator willing to take that approach.
Which, as Sara Evans might say, is a real good place to start.
Cavs and free agency
This free-agent thing with the Cavs does not seem to be going, shall we say, swimmingly.
Charlie Villanueva agreed with Detroit before the Cavs could shake his hand. Ron Artest went to Los Angeles. Trevor Ariza went to Houston. And Rasheed Wallace has gotten more attention in Boston than the Cheers bar.
When the trade for Shaquille O'Neal was made, it seemed that the combination of O'Neal and LeBron James might help the Cavs lure some players to Cleveland.
This did not happen.
As always happens with free agency, factors come into play that make the local perception seem a tiny bit provincial.
Villanueva followed the money. He got more in Detroit than the Cavs could pay him.
Artest wanted to play in Los Angeles, where he has a home. He even said the Cavs' interest was not that strong.
Ariza is a mystery. He got five years in Houston. The salary is the same the Cavs could have paid him. He chose Houston.
Wallace is the object of Boston's desire.
Teams are never made or broken with free agency, but these were guys who could have helped the Cavs. Especially Ariza, whose youth and defensive abilities seemed to make him a good fit.
At present, the Cavs still want to re-sign Anderson Varejao, but his market might be shrinking, which would make Cleveland his best option.
But Marcin Gortat, who could have provided front-court depth, is going to Dallas, and the Clippers traded Zach Randolph, which effectively takes Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby out of the trade market.
Who's left for the Cavs? Rumors had them interested in Anthony Parker, a 34-year-old, 6-foot-6 guy from Toronto. This would not seem to please the masses.
Then there's Antonio McDyess, though if Cavs assistant John Kuester gets the job in Detroit — he was an assistant there — it's likely he'd lobby to keep McDyess.
So things are not exactly falling into place with free agency.
Not at this point at least.
Why not in February
Several folks have e-mailed to ask why the Cavs didn't make the O'Neal trade at the deadline in February.
One wise reader even suggested that it's like playing cards. If the cards are played in the right order, the hand is stronger.
So if the Cavs had played the Wally Szczerbiak trade card for O'Neal in February, they'd have had the Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic cards to play for something else in June.
Sounds good.
Except it wasn't that simple.
The Cavs inquired about O'Neal, but were told about a week before the trade deadline during the All-Star break that Phoenix was not going to trade him.
The Suns instead decided to change coaches to try to reorganize and make a playoff push.
Too, the Suns at that time wanted four or five players from the Cavs, which presumably would have included Wallace, Pavlovic and Szczerbiak as well as Delonte West.
The Cavs were willing to talk, to the point that the day of the trade deadline, they checked again with the Suns.
Phoenix again said no.
At the time, the Cavs were playing some of their best basketball. After the trade deadline, they won 20 out of 22 games, which pretty much wiped out any second-guessing about not making a trade.
The second-guessing returned after the Cavs were ushered out of the playoffs by Orlando.
One thing might have changed things: Amar'e Stoudamire's eye injury. That happened Feb. 22, three days after the trade deadline, and it pretty much wiped out Phoenix's playoff hopes.
Had that happened Feb. 18, the Suns might have given up O'Neal for less than the four or five players.
Why did the trade finally happen in June?
Because the Suns decided they were ready to cut ties with O'Neal.
So they traded him for less than they wanted in February.
Random thoughts . . .
-- Here's another reason the Cavs missing these early free agents hurts: Their opposition is getting better.
Washington is better.
Detroit will be better.
The Lakers are better.
And Boston, if it gets Wallace, will be better.
The Cavs are better with O'Neal, but they need another piece.
-- The Indians' season has become a lost cause.
Big news there, eh?
-- Here are some numbers on the Indians since 2003, when Eric Wedge was hired as manager:
They have gone 527-525 (heading into Friday's games), which would place them third overall among AL Central teams.
They have one postseason appearance, which ties them with Detroit for third. Chicago has two; Minnesota, three.
Their average payroll (since 2002) is $50 million a year, which places them behind Chicago and Detroit and ahead of Minnesota and Kansas City, according to ESPN.
-- The drop since the playoff season has been caused by one thing: Poor pitching. Last season, it was the bullpen. This season, the starters are worst in the league in ERA (5.25) and the bullpen is 26th.
On that happy note. . . .
Until next time, there you have it.
Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan gave a pretty interesting interview when he met the local media at the end of the team's minicamps.
Ryan showed the same flamboyant personality as his twin brother, Rex (the coach of the New York Jets), and he made some promising statements.
He promised some things, which, if they work out, would be promising for the team.
Let's take them in no real order:
-- Ryan said: ''My whole life I've stopped the run, and you can look that up. We'll get it done here.''
If Ryan and the Browns stop the run this season, it will be the first time in this millennium.
No Browns coach or coordinator has been able to do this since the team returned in 1999.
In that time, the Browns' rushing defense has ranked 31st, 29th, 29th, 27th, 23rd, 32nd, 30th, 29th, 27th and 28th — in a 32-team league.
The fewest yards the Browns have given up in a season (per game) is 129.5.
Last season, teams ran for 151.9 yards per game.
The Browns have perhaps been single-handedly responsible for more running back signing bonuses than any team in any 10-year period since the advent of the signing bonus.
It's very difficult to be that bad for that long. Don't believe it? Here are the annual per-year averages for the rushing defense, starting with 2008:
2008 — 151.9.
2007 — 129.5.
2006 — 142.2.
2005 — 137.6.
2004 — 144.6.
2003 — 132.1.
2002 — 129.9.
2001 — 138.0.
2000 — 156.6.
1999 — 171.0.
Those numbers are, in a word, gruesome.
Ryan didn't say how he would stop the run. He just said: ''We'll make sure we get that done.''
If he does, a runway at Hopkins should be named in his honor.
-- Ryan said: ''What we're going to have here in Cleveland is an attacking defense.''
Thank goodness.
The Browns have attacked at times in recent years, but in general, they were so overmatched, they could not attack and succeed. Last season, the corners struggled and the run defense was a sieve.
At least if the Browns attack, they might cause the other team to think a bit.
-- Ryan said: ''We want to be multiple and we want to have multiple players who can play different spots and cause confusion.''
Hallelujah.
Much of this starts with the ''46'' defense invented by Buddy Ryan, the father of the Ryan coaches.
He brought safety Todd Bell near the line, moved linebackers all over and rushed from every angle.
The Browns will use the ''46,'' which might be the most aggressive defensive formation in Cleveland since the ''UFO.''
-- Ryan said of Kamerion Wimbley: ''Last year Kamerion was focused more on the right side. We're playing him all over, at right, left, and also in a buck, which moves around.''
If this helps Wimbley break out of the sack funk he's been in, it's great.
His rookie season, Wimbley had 11 sacks. His next two seasons, he had nine. Critics have carped he has warning-track power, meaning he gets close to sacks but doesn't get them.
Wimbley is probably one of the Browns' most dedicated and professional players. He works hard, he cares and he will do what he's asked. Too, he'll be helped by Bryan Cox, a very good pass-rushing linebacker and one of the team's assistant coaches.
Perhaps moving him around can break the trend of the past two seasons.
What does it all mean?
Without performance, not much. Browns coaches since 1999 have promised the same kind of success.
But few have done it with the bravado of Ryan.
And none have done it with Ryan's tactical approach, or with as large a change in strategy.
Rule changes that favor the offense put the defense in a tough spot, and the best way to counter those advantages would be with defensive aggressiveness.
Make the offense react to the defense.
Attack with aggression.
For the first time since 1999, it sounds like the Browns have a coordinator willing to take that approach.
Which, as Sara Evans might say, is a real good place to start.
Cavs and free agency
This free-agent thing with the Cavs does not seem to be going, shall we say, swimmingly.
Charlie Villanueva agreed with Detroit before the Cavs could shake his hand. Ron Artest went to Los Angeles. Trevor Ariza went to Houston. And Rasheed Wallace has gotten more attention in Boston than the Cheers bar.
When the trade for Shaquille O'Neal was made, it seemed that the combination of O'Neal and LeBron James might help the Cavs lure some players to Cleveland.
This did not happen.
As always happens with free agency, factors come into play that make the local perception seem a tiny bit provincial.
Villanueva followed the money. He got more in Detroit than the Cavs could pay him.
Artest wanted to play in Los Angeles, where he has a home. He even said the Cavs' interest was not that strong.
Ariza is a mystery. He got five years in Houston. The salary is the same the Cavs could have paid him. He chose Houston.
Wallace is the object of Boston's desire.
Teams are never made or broken with free agency, but these were guys who could have helped the Cavs. Especially Ariza, whose youth and defensive abilities seemed to make him a good fit.
At present, the Cavs still want to re-sign Anderson Varejao, but his market might be shrinking, which would make Cleveland his best option.
But Marcin Gortat, who could have provided front-court depth, is going to Dallas, and the Clippers traded Zach Randolph, which effectively takes Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby out of the trade market.
Who's left for the Cavs? Rumors had them interested in Anthony Parker, a 34-year-old, 6-foot-6 guy from Toronto. This would not seem to please the masses.
Then there's Antonio McDyess, though if Cavs assistant John Kuester gets the job in Detroit — he was an assistant there — it's likely he'd lobby to keep McDyess.
So things are not exactly falling into place with free agency.
Not at this point at least.
Why not in February
Several folks have e-mailed to ask why the Cavs didn't make the O'Neal trade at the deadline in February.
One wise reader even suggested that it's like playing cards. If the cards are played in the right order, the hand is stronger.
So if the Cavs had played the Wally Szczerbiak trade card for O'Neal in February, they'd have had the Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic cards to play for something else in June.
Sounds good.
Except it wasn't that simple.
The Cavs inquired about O'Neal, but were told about a week before the trade deadline during the All-Star break that Phoenix was not going to trade him.
The Suns instead decided to change coaches to try to reorganize and make a playoff push.
Too, the Suns at that time wanted four or five players from the Cavs, which presumably would have included Wallace, Pavlovic and Szczerbiak as well as Delonte West.
The Cavs were willing to talk, to the point that the day of the trade deadline, they checked again with the Suns.
Phoenix again said no.
At the time, the Cavs were playing some of their best basketball. After the trade deadline, they won 20 out of 22 games, which pretty much wiped out any second-guessing about not making a trade.
The second-guessing returned after the Cavs were ushered out of the playoffs by Orlando.
One thing might have changed things: Amar'e Stoudamire's eye injury. That happened Feb. 22, three days after the trade deadline, and it pretty much wiped out Phoenix's playoff hopes.
Had that happened Feb. 18, the Suns might have given up O'Neal for less than the four or five players.
Why did the trade finally happen in June?
Because the Suns decided they were ready to cut ties with O'Neal.
So they traded him for less than they wanted in February.
Random thoughts . . .
-- Here's another reason the Cavs missing these early free agents hurts: Their opposition is getting better.
Washington is better.
Detroit will be better.
The Lakers are better.
And Boston, if it gets Wallace, will be better.
The Cavs are better with O'Neal, but they need another piece.
-- The Indians' season has become a lost cause.
Big news there, eh?
-- Here are some numbers on the Indians since 2003, when Eric Wedge was hired as manager:
They have gone 527-525 (heading into Friday's games), which would place them third overall among AL Central teams.
They have one postseason appearance, which ties them with Detroit for third. Chicago has two; Minnesota, three.
Their average payroll (since 2002) is $50 million a year, which places them behind Chicago and Detroit and ahead of Minnesota and Kansas City, according to ESPN.
-- The drop since the playoff season has been caused by one thing: Poor pitching. Last season, it was the bullpen. This season, the starters are worst in the league in ERA (5.25) and the bullpen is 26th.
On that happy note. . . .
Until next time, there you have it.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Always In Akron, OH
Posted 06:13 AM, 07/05/2009
The rah-rah and promise of the Cleveland Browns football is a time honored tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.
The reality will set in on Sunday, September 13 when the Minnesota Vikings come to Cleveland to crush our hopes and dreams.
I am so worried about 4 of our last 5 games being at home in December and January. Cold weather lousy team = Empty stadium.
I hope I am wrong, but if past performance is any indicator...
Stow, OH
Posted 09:19 AM, 07/05/2009
Anything is an improvement over the Romeo and Savage train wreck that I had to watch last year.Even if they lose ,not having to watch him bungle the time clock or go for a field goal when they are down by 27 points is enough to shut me up .
Not having talent is one thing ,being an idiot with no talent is inexcusable.
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 11:25 AM, 07/05/2009
Doesn't matter who the coach and GM is with the Browns. The STEELERS will still beat them twice a year and winn superbowl championshsips.
Anti-Politically Correct & Anti-GOP, OH
Posted 12:13 PM, 07/05/2009
After Adrian Peterson racks up 250 yards and 3TD's in his first game against Cleveland to start the season, they'll have to constantly play catchup all season long.
Posted 12:55 PM, 07/05/2009
This "Too,______" sentence structure you rely upon is really irritating.
copley, oh
Posted 10:00 PM, 07/05/2009
Dont you live in Ohio Pittsburgh lover ? If ya like them that much move there. Man i cant stand people who live in Ohio and just root for Pittsburgh or Michigan if they are from there fine.But root for Ohio teams they need all the help they can get. So what if we stink or wait till next year thats the beauty of being a Ohio sports fan :).
KOOKville, oh
Posted 06:46 AM, 07/06/2009
This whole team has been a train wreck since coming back. However, this is the season we at least split with sh*ttsburgh. And that's enough to make me happy. And sh*ttsburgh won't be going to the SB this season.
KOOKville, oh
Posted 06:48 AM, 07/06/2009
Oh, but Mr. Ryan, you forget, this is Cleveland. If it was semi difficult to refurbish another team's defense, it will be a bear here. But I'm all for it. Good luck.
Posted 07:44 AM, 07/06/2009
I have never been less excited about an upcoming Browns season since they've been back. Every year, no matter how crappy they were the year before, you had this little flicker of hope that maybe they could crack the playoffs. This year, I think even 7-9 or 8-8 is too optimistic.
The main goal this season if for Mangini to install his system and make decisions on players like Wimbley, Quinn, Wright, McDonald, Pool, and Edwards (although, I suspect he'll be gone regardless of what happens). That's it.
KOOKville, oh
Posted 08:21 AM, 07/06/2009
DougN...I agree. I will watch from a distance. Sooooooo sick of a sh*tty team.
On the other hand, I cannot wait to see Shaq and Lebron play together. And I cannot believe I just said that. Haven't been into Cleveland basketball for quite a while.
Akron, , OH
Posted 09:52 AM, 07/06/2009
Maybe they have hired aggressive coaches to adhere with the aggressive game!!!
Posted 10:07 AM, 07/06/2009
Way to spell "win" and "championships" wrong Grump. Go home to PA.
This team will not be as horrible as most suspect. Romeo had no idea how to control his players. Mangini is a tad bit different (sarcasm).
I've said it before and here it is again....
Discipline and organizational can do wonders on the football field.
Look for them to be close to .500 this year.
Rootstown, Oh
Posted 10:42 AM, 07/06/2009
There are many "displaced persons" here in Ohio who root for enemy teams. It is very possible that "old man grump" is a steelers fan because he came from Pa. That's why he carries the moniker that he does. He is grumpy that he lives in Ohio.
I don't mind people rooting for other teams, that is their privilage in America after all. It does add to the "flavor" of sports. I just don't care for the ones who do it as disrespect for those of us who suffer year in and year out. Those people should be dragged to the border and thrown out!
I understand all about loyalty to "your team", but those who continually disparage local team fans will eventually be dealt with in a violent way. I have seen it happen many times over my years as a fan, and I'm sure many of you have seen it as well, so be careful, be fair and be smart.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:17 PM, 07/06/2009
At a minimum, I want professionals out on that field, regardless of experience level. Eleven at a time that are going to knock some heads.
Akron, OH
Posted 02:20 PM, 07/06/2009
@Godfather-Jumpin on the bandwagon?!
KOOKville, oh
Posted 03:45 PM, 07/06/2009
dds18...Always have been a fan of Cleveland sports, just very hard to watch sometimes. Especially, the last 10 Browns' seasons. I watched the Cavs when Mark Price played and then quit for some time. Actually quit watching any NBA. Nothing to watch in Cleveland and I didn't feel it appealed to white men with no tattoos. Since Lebron arrived, it has been very interesting. I cannot believe we have an owner that will spend some cash to put the right people in place.
, OH
Posted 05:24 PM, 07/06/2009
The problem is that games and seasons are played on the field and not on paper. On paper, the Indians had a very good team coming into this season. Pardon me for being cynical when it comes to the Browns, but I'll believe it when I see it!
Akron, OH
Posted 08:02 PM, 07/06/2009
Sports is about entertainment and the Browns ARE entertaining like a soap opera. Drama after drama after drama.
Sure, New England is awesome but B-O-R-I-N-G!
So, you want to win and be bored -or- get yours hopes crushed, raise your kids as Steelers fans, and drink yourself into a coma every Sunday?
Which is more fun?!
Sagamore Hills, OH
Posted 08:40 AM, 07/08/2009
Pittsburgh is a filthy city and anyone from NE Ohio who roots for them is a spineless FRONTRUNNER. OMG, I am willing to rent a pickup truck and tow your trailer from your lot in Tallmadge to a new one in the filth that is PA.
