Seattle Seahawks vs. Cleveland Browns - Positional Breakdown

by Chris Pokorny on Oct 22, 2011 10:04 PM EDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 9: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to get past Deon Grant #34 of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 9, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Seahawks defeated the Giants 36-25. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

This is an important week for the Cleveland Browns to see where they stand. Are they a team that has struggled but is still on the rise, or is it going to be a long rest of the season, especially since the team is already falling behind in the division race? Seattle has the same record as the Browns, but I don't think they have very many favorable matchups against Cleveland, as you will see after the jump.

Position-by-Position Breakdown

Pos	Adv	Reason
QB		Week after week, we've seen Colt McCoy unable to make the [good] type of presnap reads he seemed to be making in the preseason. He has kept his interception rate down, but I think he needs to be more aggressive with a few of his throws. He needs to start challenging the defense on tight passes over the middle, and he needs to deliver on his deep balls thrown down the sideline. If he starts completing those, the lanes for the running game will open up. I don't have faith in Charlie Whitehurst being able to come in and deliver an exceptional performance against the Browns. That doesn't mean it will cost Seattle a victory, but Whitehurst won't be an "X Factor" when it comes to determining the outcome of the game unless it as because he was a detriment.
RB		Marshawn Lynch is a good running back, but Seattle is not the type of team that pounds the ball regularly. In five games this season, Lynch is averaging just under 12 carries per game. I think that is a byproduct of Seattle having too many rushes stopped behind the line of scrimmage, and the fact that they fall behind early. Does all of that sound similar to Cleveland? It kind of does. Since Peyton Hillis has not practiced all week, I'm going to assume that Montario Hardesty will get the start and the bulk of the action. A word of advice for calling routes that involve Hardesty: do not put him in a position where he has to catch the ball over the middle.
WR		It is tough to understand how the Browns can fail to find a solid receiver, while you see a team like the Seahaws pick up Doug Baldwin as an undrafted free agent and produce fairly well. The Seahawks also have Sidney Rice on their team, and he has been a good deep threat. What I like to see here is that the Seahawks don't have a tight end who the Browns' defense should fear. With Greg Little put in a position to start last week, he really came through and I'm looking forward to how he does this week. As much as I would like to see tight end Evan Moore involved in the offense, maybe the focus should just be placed on getting Ben Watson involved over the middle some more. We've seen too many crossing routes with him and it is starting to become too predictable.
OL		The Seahawks' quarterbacks have been sacked 20 times in 5 games, while Colt McCoy has only been brought down 8 times. With the Browns, that number doesn't tell the story of how many big hits he has taken and how often he has been forced to leave the pocket early. Still, on an overall basis, Cleveland's line has had better protection than Seattle's this year. The Seahawks' offensive line gets a slight boost with Robert Gallery set to return after missing four weeks, but their starting center is listed as doubtful. A youngster is expected to make his first career start in his place.
DL		Seattle's best pass rushing threat is Chris Clemons, who will be lined up against Tony Pashos most of the game. The Seahawks' defensive line does a fair job at stuffing the run, but their inability to rush the passer could provide McCoy with some more time to throw this week. Cleveland's defensive line has fallen off just a tad the past two games, but I'm looking for them to have one of their best games of the season from all four linemen, especially Phil Taylor coming up the middle on a new center.
LB		Last year, the loss of Scott Fujita on defense was a big blow. Keep in mind that several things have changed this year though: 1. Fujita has not looked as effective, 2. Kaluka Maiava was on injured reserve last year, and 3. the Browns ran a 3-4 defense a year ago. Maiava looked good in the preseason, and I'd love to see if he can provide a spark. David Hawthorne is the leader up the middle for the Seahawks, but if we're comparing the two, D'Qwell Jackson has continued to make some pretty high-quality plays that helps give Cleveland the edge here in terms of impact.
DB		It would be a big letdown if Joe Haden can't go tomorrow, because that just makes things all-the-more-difficult for Whitehurst. Even without Haden though, I think our secondary could hold their own against Seattle. The Seahawks have been very vulnerable against the pass this year, but safety Earl Thomas remains a standout. Veteran cornerback Marcus Trufant landed on the injured reserve in Week 4 though, forcing Seattle to start a very young group of corners (one fourth-rounder from 2010, and one undrafted player from 2011).
ST		Despite the fact that the Browns gave up two touchdowns on special teams last week, until I start seeing issues regularly, I can't be too concerned. Prior to that, our special teams play had been solid. The Seahawks have a good punt returner in Leon Washington, and while I haven't been high on kicker Steven Hauschka, he drilled a 61-yarder earlier this season.

Seattle's new "thing" is to run a hurry-up offense, but if the Browns' defensive line gets pressure to kill a play or if Haden is targeted and breaks up a pass, that can render that approach as useless. A big key for Cleveland is to not fall behind early. We need to let our defense have the freedom of working with a lead, and so far they've really only been able to do that against the Colts in Week 2 (where they came up with two turnovers). Despite Seattle scoring 30+ points against their past two opponents, Atlanta and the Giants, I have a feeling they will really struggle under Whitehurst and Cleveland's pass-happy approach will actually look good for once due to who they are facing.

FINAL PREDICTION: Cleveland Browns 24, Seattle Seahawks 13
CHRIS' OVERALL NFL PREDICTIONS RECORD: 62-28
CHRIS' RECORD AT PICKING BROWNS GAMES: 3-2

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Comments

Very optimistic.

2010 Official DBN League Fantasy Football Champion

by TheDriveStillHurts on Oct 22, 2011 10:12 PM EDT reply actions

Indeed. Hope I don’t have to eat my words.

Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.

by Chris Pokorny on Oct 22, 2011 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions

If you do, we’ll dine together because I agree with everything you said.

My glass is always half full, b*tch

by The Licensed Optimist on Oct 22, 2011 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I approve.

My glass is always half full, b*tch

by The Licensed Optimist on Oct 22, 2011 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Their Defense is that bad? Well then… Go Browns, Go Lions (AKA boo Falcons)

by macdowellm03 on Oct 22, 2011 10:37 PM EDT reply actions

I didn’t think we’d have that many advantages, but I can’t fault your reasoning. I really wish I could watch this game because I’m pretty optimistic about our chances, but I’ll be at work. I had to turn down free tickets because I’m stuck with an 8 hour shift. Hopefully I can at least listen to it on the radio.

by Legoman0721 on Oct 22, 2011 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

A word of advice for calling routes that involve Hardesty: do not put him in a position where he has to catch the ball over the middle.

This statement really upsets me. Hillis can fumble all day and the fans vote him to the madden cover, but Hardesty has drops in two consecutive games and gets branded stone hands? Seriously, can we give the guy a chance to prove himself (more than two games).

by Brocolis154033 on Oct 22, 2011 11:04 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

That’s not what Chris is saying. He doesn’t want Hardesty to be put in any tough positions where he could be nervous of getting hit over the middle and drop the ball. Hardesty has shown he can catch on screens, they should throw more of those to him and build his confidence.

by C.b.I on Oct 22, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I would hope a running back is not scared of getting hit. I see it as Hardesty getting ahead of himself and not focusing on the catch first. I’m just sick of the double standard in the comparions of the two backs.

by Brocolis154033 on Oct 22, 2011 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, I doubt last year there was a word of advice to have Hillis go down on first contact to avoid fumbling the football.

by Brocolis154033 on Oct 22, 2011 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Because Hillis is huge and isn’t shifty. His “first contact” is going to be very early in a play. Honestly, all people want to see is Hardesty getting used right. And if he can’t prove he can’t catch the ball over the middle without getting scared or ahead of himself or whatever, why throw it to him?

by C.b.I on Oct 22, 2011 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Honestly, I just wanna see Hardesty consistently dropping passes over the course of at least half a season before being labeled as “scared” or “stone hands”. I just feel like game planning around throwing Montario the ball over the middle after two bad showings is a kinda ridiculous.

by Brocolis154033 on Oct 22, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t want to see that at all.

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Oct 22, 2011 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep, I needed that.

by Brocolis154033 on Oct 23, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I still think we should throw to him, but his dropsies are very concerning. I don’t like labels either, but he has some work to do to repair the image he has created in the last few games. His drops are inexcusable and have been drive killers.

by SBP on Oct 23, 2011 6:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Montario?

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Oct 22, 2011 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions

no one is comparing the two backs except you.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Oct 23, 2011 6:49 AM EDT up reply actions

He’s comparing the reaction of the fans, not he backs.

by HenryDawg on Oct 23, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Hardesty has had some point blank drops over the middle the past two games. He was just pulled from a practice for not catching a pass too. I’m not ready to give up on him by any means, but it gets to a point where you play to a guy’s strengths. He has looked more comfortable catching the ball in the flat.

With Peyton Hillis, fans were frustrated when he fumbled the ball, but his overall value as a bruising back and solid receiver stood out more. I don’t think Hardesty has come anywhere close to having enough other redeeming values to be dropping passes when he’s open. It’s pitch and catch, but if it’s not working, I’d rather not experiment while we’re behind during a game. If we get a lead, then let’s care more about building someone’s confidence.

Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.

by Chris Pokorny on Oct 23, 2011 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

This statement really upsets me. Hillis can fumble all day and the fans vote him to the madden cover, but Hardesty has drops in two consecutive games and gets branded stone hands?

If we keep throwing to Hardesty over the middle, he will keep dropping them. Pure and simple.
So, I agree, please

do not put him in a position where he has to catch the ball over the middle

Go, I say go away boy, you bother me.

by burntorangeandbrown on Oct 23, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, the point there is that the same could be said of Hillis’ fumbles, and people don’t seem to want to quit giving him the ball.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Oct 24, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

OL The Seahawks’ quarterbacks have been sacked 20 times in 5 games, while Colt McCoy has only been brought down 8 times. With the Browns, that number doesn’t tell the story of how many big hits he has taken and how often he has been forced to leave the pocket early.

Still, on an overall basis, Cleveland’s line has had better protection than Seattle’s this year. The Seahawks’ offensive line gets a slight boost with Robert Gallery set to return after missing four weeks, but their starting center is listed as doubtful. A youngster is expected to make his first career start in his place. Joe Thomas.

Fixed.

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Oct 22, 2011 11:42 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs

Huge game for Colt. Rumors of Holmgren looking over Barkley and the other 2012 QB crop is not good for Colt(and Barkley is a completely different QB than Colt). He was a outside chance from the start and he isn’t getting the job done.

My advice: Trust your players and throw the ball to the spot. Murmur needs to simplify and speed up the play a bit. Colt does better when on the “run”.

by Johnnypronto on Oct 23, 2011 1:07 AM EDT reply actions

What are these rumors you speak of?

My dog is a badass. His name is Kosar.

by Brownie's Year on Oct 23, 2011 3:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Ignoring the first part until I see some evidence to support these “rumors,” I agree with speeding things up. Some of our run plays take too long to develop and McCoy has the ball for too long, so he gets hit a lot. Also, in the past, McCoy has shown some of his better performances during our 2-minute drills (Jets last year, Dolphins this year). Why don’t we eliminate some plays so we can go with a faster paced offense between the whistle and the snap?

Even Doug Dieken admits Joe Thomas is the real #73

by Doc's Kid on Oct 23, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Anyone else think that “holding the ball too long” and “west coast” don’t go together?

I’m sure one of the drivers in the evolution of the west coast was the development of the 46 type pressure D, which in turn was aimed at the Air Coryell bomb & grind offense.

Hmmm. I’m old aren’t I. :-(

This Space available for Rent!!!

by LondonBrown on Oct 23, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I think Barkley is my least favorite of Luck, RG3, and Landry Jones. I almost think Colt should just be given another year.

by HenryDawg on Oct 23, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Landry Jones looks sick.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Oct 23, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually, first time in a long time I’ve liked all of the options at QB in the first round.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Oct 23, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

He looked damn good last night.

Sammy Watkins for Heisman

by emily522 on Oct 23, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

I’d put most of the categories even with the exceptions of OL and DL. I think they should continue to throw to Hardesty as it will be pretty obvious if they stop that whenever he is in the game it is a sure running play. Plus, in this kind of offense he has to be able to to catch. If he can’t at all in a game he shouldn’t be on the team. I think good coaches do not try and protect a player’s weaknesses but try to develop the player. McCoy has to start making teams pay for putting 8 or 9 players in the box. That means taking some chances down field and being more accurate on long passes. It is not for us to make excuses for Colt. It is his job to make us believers.

Brownsyup

by Brownsyup on Oct 23, 2011 1:12 AM EDT reply actions

I think Hillis plays and Colt fires it up. Neither liked Uncle Mikes presser this week and both come out to prove they can play and stay.

by SBP on Oct 23, 2011 6:51 AM EDT reply actions

I know for many others, the verdict was in for them on Colt long ago, and for some he was never going to be the Browns QBOTF. From my standpoint, the clock starts ticking for Colt in 90 minutes. Time to sink or swim.
From this game forward his prospects as a starting NFL QB go down exponentially with every game that he doesn’t make clear improvements over the past five.

Go, I say go away boy, you bother me.

by burntorangeandbrown on Oct 23, 2011 11:33 AM EDT reply actions