It's been a full week since the Super Bowl as teams are pretty much in full offseason discussion now. In today's Presidents Day Edition of Around the Pound, we primarily take a look at the Dallas Morning News' special teams rankings from the 2009-2010 campaign.
In rankings compiled by the Dallas Morning News, the Cleveland Browns ranked first in the NFL on special teams. The way their system works is that they have a total of 22 different categories, ranging from kickoff returns all the way down to penalties. The best team in the league in each category receives 1 point, while the worst team in the league receives 32 points. Obviously, the goal is to receive the lowest number of points under this system.
That's exactly what the Browns did. In fact, in comparison, the Browns were even a far cry from second-place finishing Tampa Bay.
| Rk. | Team | Points |
| 1. | Cleveland | 215.5 |
| 2. | Tampa Bay | 256.5 |
| 3. | Buffalo | 274 |
| 4. | Cowboys | 288 |
| 5. | NY Jets | 296.5 |
"You always talk about the hidden yardage on special teams," said Brad Seely, special teams coordinator of the Browns. "But this [season] was a case where the yards weren't so hidden. Our special teams were a factor in games, and everybody could see it."
The Browns finished in sole possession of first place in the following categories:
Now, if only we could get our offense and defense together next season...
Over at Mocking the Draft, there is a post that describes some of the team needs of the Cleveland Browns. The three needs listed are in the following order: running back, cornerback, and tight end. I don't think I agree with that list too much, but feel free to head on over there and check it out.
1. Running Back
- Jerome Harrison finished off the season strong but is he really the long term answer at the position? The Browns have some need at the receiver position but they need to let some of their younger players develop so addressing the running back position is a must. Adding a playmaking back will help the quarterback, receivers, and defense. With a strong combine performance CJ Spiller could be their pick in round 1. If not look at maybe Jonathan Dwyer and Ryan Matthews in round 2.
Who wants WR Donte Stallworth? After he was released by the Browns, the initial teams interested were reportedly the Cincinnati Bengals (really? ;)) and the Detroit Lions. Since those initial rumors though, it appears as though the Bengals have pulled out and that the Lions are the only team that might be trying to acquire Stallworth.
0 recs | 38 comments
they’re crazy if they think we’re taking a running back at #7.
notthatnoise - February 15, 2010
I’m thinking of a Penguin or Riddler cameo.
SpecialBrownie - February 15, 2010
that was the rumor a year or two ago, with the possibility of phillip seymour hoffman as the penguin.
notthatnoise - February 15, 2010
I did think last Lost episode was weak. This week’s looks awesome from previews though. I have the patience to wait it out for the answers.
Roger Dorn - February 15, 2010
i addition to this mocking the draft info, i saw something on sportscenter this afternoon that mel kiper listed our top 2 draft needs as WR and OLB. don’t any of the “experts” see the need at DB that we do? i don’t know how people who claim to know NFL football can’t see that as one of our top 2 needs.
Dawg Nuts - February 15, 2010
I don’t know how you can ignore our needs at Safety.
My top needs (from this thread) remain:
1. S
2. ILB
3. RB
4. WR
Drafting a corner or speed rusher or RT or even QB is all possible- but it would just have to be the perfect situation of a guy falling and the FO thinking they are great fits. To the extent you draft on need at all, I’d go with those 4 positions as our top priorities.
Ryan Kelsey - February 15, 2010
In the already evolving future:
1. Abe Elam, plus unnamed prospect from 2009 of the rover variety.
2. Needs filled by two unnamed prospects from 2009.
3. 4 Ground Hounds are on short order.
4. Unless that WR is a Freaky Flanker, Mohamed Massaquoi has a job to lose.
…5. Check Stuart Schweigert and Curtis Taylor as veterans, and Terrell Skinner, Justin Woodall and Dekoda Watson…6. Retain Matt Roth and Jason Trusnik if you must, our base alignment however is the 3-4…7. The only QB´s I deem possible are Jimmy Clausen, Kevin Craft and as a temporary fix Pike…8. We draft wants.
mooncamping - February 16, 2010
Dekoda Watson in a 3-4? How?
Oh wait, its moon.
TheRealSlimShady - February 16, 2010
I was gonna ask why Trusnik and Roth don’t fit… But…
And who are all those guys listed in point 5? I’ve never heard of any of them.
Legoman0721 - February 17, 2010 via mobile
Roth and Trusnik are heavy and to slow to play linebacker. I would utilize them as situational pass rushers (outside) or line busters (inside).
mooncamping - February 17, 2010
Dekoda Watson will convert to corner back.
mooncamping - February 17, 2010
Since they’re experts you think they would, wouldn’t you?
emily522 - February 15, 2010
thats what i mean. i understand that we follow our team more on a daily basis than they do, and we probably watch much more of the browns’ games than they do, but come on; they’re paid good money (probably) to report on ALL of the teams, but sometimes seem not to have a clue about some teams.
Dawg Nuts - February 15, 2010
I assume by “experts”, you’re using the definition of “people from out of town.” Really, that’s about the sum of expertise we’re getting from some of these guys.
drjeo - February 16, 2010
These experts don’t get paid because they are right. They get paid because people listen. They are experts at being heard… And it is a lot easier to be heard when talking about glamour positions like RB & OLB.
On top of all of this, these guys are relying on info from all sources, including agents, who are experts at spinning stories and making it easier for the talking heads to sound purdy.
In the end, I think all of the correct and incorrect stories and all of the information and misinformation are good for the Browns.
Spidey - February 16, 2010 via mobile
It’s great that the Browns ranked first in special teams but I think the fact that the Colts and Saints were ranked 28th and 29th, respectively, shows the importance of special teams to the success of a football team. Obviously it’s better to have great special teams as opposed to bad but until we improve our offense and defense it’s not going to mean very much.
Buckeye Brad - February 15, 2010
Yeah, awhile back I argued that ST were very important and damn near as important as offense and defense.
Whoever that discussion was with, my bad.
Bernie19Kosar - February 15, 2010
I was on this side too. I still think it is damn near as important. But even if it is worth 1/3 of the game, it is easy to see why we sucked. #1 in 1/3 of the game. #30 in 2/3 of the game. #22 overall.
Ryan Kelsey - February 16, 2010
Right. Simply put, you can be great enough on offense and/or defense to overcome ineffectiveness on special teams, but not the other way around.
rolub - February 16, 2010
Save this for the next time the value of ST argument comes up.
JustBob - February 16, 2010
I thought we’d already been using that for a while.
rufio - February 17, 2010
Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve forgotten something that I saw 500 times.
JustBob - February 17, 2010
I take credit for being on the opposing side.
TheRealSlimShady - February 16, 2010
Concession accepted.
kwoog - February 20, 2010
Off-topic, but definitely around the pound, who had the franchise tag on the team last season?
skipkirk - February 15, 2010
I don’t recall the Browns using the franchise tag on anyone in years, if at all.
Chris Pokorny - February 15, 2010
Ah alright. Was just reading the Julius Peppers thing and I couldn’t think of anyone who had the tag on our team.
Didn’t know it wasn’t compulsory.
skipkirk - February 15, 2010
Yea, the BRowns have not ever used the franchise tag.
Roger Dorn - February 15, 2010
$10 says they use it the minute JT’s contract hits free agency.
SpecialBrownie - February 15, 2010
I won’t take that bet. Hopefully it never gets that close even.
Roger Dorn - February 15, 2010
Running back!?
rufio - February 15, 2010
If we draft a RB in the first round I will be slap your mama pissed.
Bernie19Kosar - February 15, 2010
+1
rufio - February 17, 2010
Just as the topic affects nearly every other discussion, what role will the impending lockout play in to the draft choice? What positions would be hurt in the development process if they take a season off in 2011?
Probably not a big deal, but I may not want a RB if we lose out on one of his prime seasons.
Spidey - February 16, 2010 via mobile
On the semi-subject of the facebook connect features, does DBN have a twitter account for story/fanshot/fanpost notifications? Let’s Go Tribe has one that tweets when new articles are posted only, which is a helpful reminder to go check out the site. I looked around for something similar with DBN but don’t see anything.
rolub - February 16, 2010
I will get to work on implementing one. I think I posted a message when SBN first launched the feature and not many people gave it support, but its certainly good to have it if somebody will use it!
Chris Pokorny - February 17, 2010
i say if berry doesnt fall to us, which i dont see happening, if iether one of the QB’s are still there, we find a team to trade down with and maybe take a chance on the youngster E.T.(maybe he will phone home for us!) from texas and pick up some extra players or picks. I would still not count out Hughes either. I also heard Kao Misi from Utah is a sleeper at linbacker in the middle rounds to look at. from what i heard he showed a lot of promise during the senior bowl, i would litterally poop my pants if brandon graham slips into the 2nd, i dont see it happening, but he really showed his stuff at the senior bowl!
findlaybrownslover - February 16, 2010
I agree with everything here besides taking Hughes.
TheRealSlimShady - February 16, 2010
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