Scouting Report--Cleveland Browns

Each week, before the Broncos game, I will do a synopsis of some of five players on the opposing team.  I could choose three offensive players and two defensive or vice-versa.  Once I finish the analysis of the five players, I will give you my take on how I think Denver should handle these players.  I could be wrong with what Denver should do, so if you think I am or if you have a different opinion, please share it.  Now, onto the synopsis: 

            Brady Quinn (QB)-

Brady Quinn is a smart quarterback that is very studious.  He makes very good decisions most of the time and has great touch on his passes.  Not only does Quinn have great touch but if there is nothing down the field, he will check down or find the outlet receiver.  Don’t let this fool you though, when the Browns want to go deep, Quinn has a strong enough arm to get it to the receivers on streak routes.  Obviously Brady does have his flaws.  First of all, he is inexperienced and does make mistakes.  Although he can throw the deep ball, he doesn’t have that zip on the ball when he throws to a receiver that has run a comeback route.  Lastly, he holds on to the ball a little too long which would allow Denver’s rush to get to him frequently.

            My take:  If Denver can get pressure on Quinn, then he will have a long day.  The Denver defense must force him into making mistakes.  A good way to do this is by zone blitzing, which confuses even the best quarterbacks.  Denver did this last week and it worked quite well.  If they don’t get pressure on Quinn, then it will be a long day for them.

            Braylon Edwards (WR)-

Braylon Edwards is a pro-bowl type receiver (or at least he was).  He has great size, speed, and agility, causing defenders to whiff all day.  He can also get great separation from defenders and burn any defender deep.  Because of his size, he uses his body to shield the ball from the defenders, drawing a lot of gang tackles.  Edwards, like all receivers should, goes up to get the ball at its highest point and can make all of the catches.  Yes, Braylon does drop a lot of passes, but all that he needs to do is concentrate.  If he does that, then he will be back to his pro-bowl form and will continue to be a night-mare for defenses everywhere.

            My take:  Braylon does drop a lot of passes, but that is no reason to forget about him.  Denver is going to have to keep a safety back or double him.  This defense cannot allow him to get separation on the deep ball because he could really hurt us there.  As a defender, just wrap him up as much as possible.  Don’t go for the strip or the big hit, just wrap him up; whatever you do, don’t let him get by you.

            Jamaal Lewis (RB)-

If one word describes Jamaal Lewis the best, it would be “bruiser”.  Lewis is a “run-it-up-the-gut” sort of running back.  In goal-line and short yard situations, he can push the pile to pick up the first down or the touchdown, depending on the case.  Although he usually pounds the ball up the middle and runs over defenders, Jamaal can also find his cutback lanes and squeeze through the hole.  Despite the skill-set that he has, he has started to decline.  Lewis has lost some speed and the quickness he had at the beginning of his career.  His receiving skills aren’t as good either and if he gets into the open field, he isn’t a threat to break someone’s ankle with a move; but as a defender, you still have to wrap him up and make sure he doesn’t run you over.

            My take:  When the Browns give Jamaal the ball, he most likely won’t be going to the outside, which might spell trouble for our defense.  The weakness of a 3-4 or a 5-2 is the middle.  Denver’s middle linebackers are going to HAVE to make plays against this guy.  Tackling him one-on-one is going to be tough, so Denver will need to swarm to the ball on all defensive plays but especially when Lewis is handed the ball.

Defense:

            Shaun Rogers (NT)-

Rogers is a thick, massive individual.  Even though he is big, he has great initial quickness and he finds a way to maneuver into the backfield to make plays or take up place.  He sheds his blocks excellently and can take care of double teams with ease.  Shaun Rogers is the real deal.  Not only can he do all of this but he can collapse the pocket and get after the quarterback.  His sacks stats aren’t staggering, but that is to be expected of a nose tackle.  Rogers’ strength is definitely run defense.  He sounds like a perfect player, but there is no such person.  His weight can be an issue, especially with his quickness, but he maintains it very well.  Sometimes when he takes up space, he creates holes for the running-back which puts too much pressure on the linebackers.  These are very small flaws compared to his assets; I would take Shaun Rogers as my nose tackle in a heartbeat.

            My take:  Shaun Rogers is without a doubt, a huge force to be reckoned with.  The middle of Denver’s offensive line is going to have to be great all day.  If not, then the offense will have a really hard time getting anything going.  Rogers is going to be doubled all game long which is exactly what a 3-4 wants.  Denver’s o-line is good enough to handle the rest of Cleveland’s defensive line and linebackers, so the passing game looks like it could be intact this game, but the running attack might be an issue.

            Eric Barton (LILB)-

Eric Barton is a solid starter.  He runs well and rushes the passer very well.  When he hits the ball-carrier, he hits them hard and makes them remember what it feels like to get hit by him.  Barton’s instincts and his decision making have improved greatly since the start of his career.  He has also learned to avoid blockers and shed them as well.  Although he has learned a lot, he still tends to over-pursue sometimes.  The other area that he still has trouble with is coverage.  Overall, Barton is a solid player that has been a key part to the Brown’s defense.

            My take:  Although Eric Barton isn’t the best ILB, he is still a force.  He stops the run and he hits hard.  If Denver wants to get at him and this Brown’s defense, then they are going to have to do it through the air.  When the Broncos run, the outside and the area between the guard and the tackle seem to be the place to do it.  Denver shouldn’t be too intimidated with Barton, but they must remember that he can make big plays.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.  I hope that you enjoyed it and hopefully Denver pulls out a win in the home opener.  Right now we are 1-0 which means that the best we could end the season as is 16-0 and the worst, 1-15.  Go BRONCOS!!!