Cleveland Browns: State of the Dawg Pound, July 2018

Each month, we address the State of the Dawg Pound. July brings heat, but gives hope to the Cleveland Browns as we see what our rebuild has to offer.

There appears to be a consensus of optimism brewing in the Dawg Pound. Many in the media claim the 2018 will be a year much different than years passed for the Cleveland Browns, whereas others base there hopes upon 2019.

2018 will certainly provide insight, but fans must be cautious in building up extreme hopes. I, myself, have predicted a 10-6 season in 2018 and although I see it as well within reach, several factors must be remedied for that to happen.

Much like an automobile, many moving parts must work together and any one can cause a catastrophic failure if out of place. This theoretical vehicle has been freshly rebuilt and the time and effort involved seems to be paying dividends. And, as with any rebuild, only a test drive will provide insight on the progress.

The Browns’ stable of running backs seem, well, stable. Wide receivers are allowed on the field, which is all we can hope for. The defensive line is explosive and deep, as are the linebackers. Meanwhile, the secondary is much improved over a year ago and its pieces are now in the proper position to succeed.

That leaves us with two areas of focus: the quarterbacks and the offensive line. With both of these positions, stability is within reach. The line is solid on paper, outside of the left tackle position. The quarterbacks provide much more hope than we have seen in Cleveland for some time.

Fans seem all-in on Tyrod Taylor as the starting quarterback, although I am hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. He certainly is capable and the work ethic he brings is very welcomed, but quarterbacks play well in some systems and struggle in others. Having said that, it should not take long to determine how well he will perform under center in Cleveland.

As the aforementioned test drive gets underway, it quite simply boils down to the left tackle spot. Whether Taylor proves elite, capable or otherwise, he will struggle if forced to play while flat on his back. Cleveland’s running backs will struggle if tackled before getting the ball, and the defense can not be expected to outscore opponents if the offense falters. It simply doesn’t matter how much is invested, or who is driving, if a tire is flat.

The Browns no longer have the great Joe Thomas to anchor the line, but what they do have available at left tackle, are options. Shon Coleman may have first dibs, but many others stand in waiting.

Of those, Austin Corbett (second-round pick), Chris Hubbard (pencilled-in-starting-right-tackle), Joel Bitonio (elite starting left-guard), Greg Robinson and Desmond Harrison allow the coaching staff an assortment of parts to try out. Donald Stephenson may be in the mix as well, although he appears to be the part the system shows in-stock, yet was nowhere to be found upon checking the shelf.

Although none of the options will compare to Thomas, I am confident that stability is within grasp. Additionally, fans should be extremely pleased with the recent signing of former second-overall pick Greg Robinson. Even though his high pick labelled him as a draft-bust, he may prove invaluable. As we have learned the hard way, an offensive line is only as good as the depth available, even if a future Hall of Famer anchors it.

Racing Stripes

John Dorsey wiped the slate clean and Coach Hue Jackson has done the same to the helmets. In order for a player to “earn his stripe” he must first prove worthy of it. Jackson has stated that a player who has earned his stripe, has earned his place on the roster, whereas a player without a stripe has not.

It is a simple, harmless concept, also utilized in some form or another by many other organizations, both in college and in the NFL. It may indeed provide positive motivation, given the changeover and youth on the team. These guys must fight for their spot throughout the roster and may also allow a sort of pecking order to be established.

Additionally

I would like to offer a congratulations to Baker Mayfield and Bride-to-be Emily Wilkinson on their recent engagement. May life, and Cleveland, treat you well!

Next: NFL 2018: Most overrated player on each team

In all Jokes and seriousness aside:

Josh Gordon has claimed that the Cleveland Browns have the best wide receivers in the league. I would argue that we have for several years, he just wasn’t allowed on the field. Although I prefer a helmet with its stripes and muscle cars with them as well, a stripe serves no purpose if the car never makes it out of the shop. Priorities, folks, priorities.