On the draft, Weeden and offensive pace

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

You’ve got questions and comments that you submit to the Browns’ official Facebook and Twitter pages, and Daily@ClevelandBrowns.com. Here’s what I have to say about what you have to say:

Marty says: “I’ve got to tell you, I was pretty impressed with the Browns’ draft. I had a lot of doubt about Chud & Company, but apparently this guy knows what he’s doing. Looking forward to the next few years.”

I say: We’ll see how things pan out with the draft, Marty, but I do think the Browns took a pretty sound, methodical approach. There don’t appear to be any reaches, at least on paper. Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo was widely regarded as a top-10 choice, and the Browns grabbed him as a targeted player at No. 6. Some draft analysts had a second-round grade on cornerback Leon McFadden, the Browns’ third-round pick. The biggest complaints from fans and media have been about trading away the fourth- and fifth-round choices for third- and fourth-rounders next year, but the explanation of the Browns’ hierarchy that those decisions are part of the team’s blueprint for building “sustainable” success are plausible. We’ll also have to see how things pan out for Rob Chudzinski as a first-year head coach. He certainly brings impressive credentials to the job for his offensive prowess, and has hired what could very well be one of the strongest coaching staffs in the league. But the proof is in the doing.

LHGuin says: “I think that Brandon Weeden will have the best year of all the second-year QBs in the league. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.”

I say: Your optimism is commendable, LHGuin, but you’re asking a whole lot of Weeden to outperform three fellow 2012 rookies who helped lead their respective teams to the postseason – the Colts’ Andrew Luck, the Redskins’ Robert Griffin III, and the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson. I’m not calling it impossible for even unlikely. But it is a pretty tall task. One reason to think it could happen is the coaching Weeden is getting from Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner. Besides giving him the necessary guidance to improve his mechanics and other big-picture aspects of his game, they’re also putting him in an offense that is far better suited to his skills. Weeden is being asked to throw deeper passes and frequently work from shotgun formation. That approach takes him back to the comfort zone he established as a standout at Oklahoma State. He is clearly seeing this as a far better fit for him than the West Coast-style offense he ran under Pat Shurmur last season.

CoryinCLE says: “It’s going to be nice having a coach that can turn up the pace instead of having one that can’t get a play in on time.”

I say: The more urgent pace of the Browns’ offense is one of the first things that caught the collective eye of everyone watching practices during organized team activity workouts this week, CoryinCLE. And the overwhelmingly positive response of the players is an indication that they are fully buying into what Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner are selling.

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5 biggest takeaways from OTAs

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

Here are my five biggest takeaways from the Browns’ first week of organized team activity practices:

>Davone Bess is a tone-setter. The wide receiver the Browns acquired in a trade with the Dolphins during last month’s draft is making a huge impact with his ability to consistently get open from the slot and to catch everything thrown his way. But Bess’ off-the-field contributions are equally impressive. He has established an immediate veteran leadership role at a position that sorely needed it. His work ethic and professionalism are great examples for Josh Gordon, Greg Little, and Travis Benjamin to follow. Bess also is imparting his considerable football knowledge on quarterback Brandon Weeden, who has frequently talked Xs-and-Os with the wide receiver since his arrival in Cleveland. And it seems the younger receivers are feeling a sense of urgency to step up their respective games because of the way Bess performs.

>Josh Gordon looks like a beast. He is much bigger and stronger than he was as a rookie last year, especially in his arms. He also seems more explosive athletically. While tightly covered on one pass route near the sideline Wednesday, he managed to leap high in the air, grab the ball with his outstretched arms, and come down in bounds. He also made a one-handed grab of a low throw by extending his arm for what seemed like several feet. A couple of scouts looked at each other and said, “Did you see that?”

>Barkevious Mingo appears to be every bit with exceptional athlete that the Browns and many other NFL teams thought he was before the draft. The outside linebacker the Browns selected with the sixth overall pick of the draft moves with tremendous speed and fluidity while rushing the quarterback and dropping into coverage. Although there is plenty for him to learn, Mingo seems to do things without hesitation. He showed off his man-to-man coverage skills in impressive fashion Thursday.

>Fullback Owen Marecic has added considerable upper-body strength. He is one of many examples of players clearly benefitting from the intensive work they’ve done during the offseason with new Browns strength-and-conditioning coach Brad Roll.

>It’s great to see offensive guard Jason Pinkston back on the field after his harrowing ordeal when he developed a blood clot in his lung that shortened his 2012 season. Since being medically cleared to participate in workouts last month, Pinkston has been easing his way back into action. And he looks as if he is on a strong path back to competing to win back his starting job from John Greco, who has held the No. 1 spot at left guard since Pinkston’s illness. Pinkston told a moving story about learning he was medically cleared on the same day that he became a father for the first time. His baby girl, Martha Jane, is named after his late mother.

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Talking outside linebacker, offensive line

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

You’ve got questions and comments that you submit to the Browns’ official Facebook and Twitter pages, and Daily@ClevelandBrowns.com. Here’s what I have to say about what you have to say:

Dennis says: “In the 3-4 defense, when the offense’s strong side lines up to the left, do the outside linebackers flip, so the strong-side linebacker is on the strong side of the formation?  Or do they always stay on the same side, and, thus, could be a Sam or Will depending on the formation? If they flip, is there a major adjustment playing right and left side?”

I say: From what I understand of the scheme that Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton ran when he held the same position with the Arizona Cardinals, Dennis, the outside linebackers won’t flip regardless of the offensive alignment. That means, given the way the starting lineup stands right now, Paul Kruger would always work from the left side and Jabaal Sheard would always work from the right. There are teams that do switch their outside linebackers according to which side the offense designates as the strong side based on the location of the tight end. But the thinking of Horton and the Browns is that it’s better to have each outside linebacker consistently work against the same offensive tackle he has studied all week on videotape and is facing throughout the game rather than trying to adjust to a different side and different tendencies of the blocker. The Browns’ approach puts supreme trust in the abilities of the outside linebackers and basically says, “You know where we’re going to be on each snap … try and beat us!”

James says: “Like many fans living outside the Cleveland area, I cannot begin to tell you how valuable your show is. Thank you! I have three questions on the offensive line. Is Jason Pinkston healthy? I really thought the line improved last year when John Greco was installed. Is he still No. 1 on the depth chart? Will we get to see anything of Ryan Miller, last year’s fifth-round pick, at guard or is he still developing as tackle? I am very optimistic about Browns this year. As they always say, you win in the trenches I believe Browns have the best offensive and defensive lines in AFC North.”

I say: Thank you so much for the very kind words, James. My sense is that the Browns are optimistic about Pinkston’s recovery from the blood clot he developed last season and envision him returning to the starting lineup. I think they’re still looking to Greco to provide solid veteran depth, and want to see their other guard, Shawn Lauvao, take significant strides. Miller’s size (6-foot-7 and 320 pounds) pretty much dictates that he continues to be more of a tackle prospect than a guard. Garrett Gilkey, one of this year’s seventh-round picks, is also in the mix at guard and could end up providing depth. I don’t know if the Browns do, in fact, have the best offensive and defensive lines in the AFC North, but I think they have some good players in each unit. And I love your optimism.

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Weeden: ‘Can’t look over your shoulder’

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

You look for changes, and they aren’t there. Not in terms of attitude. Not in terms of demeanor.

Brandon Weeden pretty much carries himself the way he did as a rookie last year. He was the Browns’ starting quarterback then. He fully intends to be the Browns’ starting quarterback this season. And, for the record, he was the one taking first-team snaps Tuesday during the first of the team’s organized team activity practices.

All of the recent discussion that Weeden will face stern competition from the much more experienced Jason Campbell doesn’t seem to faze him in the least.

“It hasn’t changed my approach,” Weeden told me during an appearance Tuesday on “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford.” “My mindset going into this whole thing was do my part to get better and, ultimately, make this be my football team and be the guy. That’s the way you’ve got to go about it.

“I mean, at this position – which, to me, is the hardest position in sports – you can’t be looking over your shoulder all the time. You’ve got to worry about what’s most important, and that’s me getting better, building on what I did last year, and continue to grow as a player. And, if I can do that, and not really worry about what’s going on around me, and kind of have that tunnel vision, that’s going to make me a better player and that’s going to make this team better.

“And that was kind of my mindset this offseason when I was able to kind of reflect on what happened last year and the negative spots. There were some bright spots (too), and really take those and run with them and build on them coming into this year.”

Sound like a guy who feels threatened by the possibility of losing his starting job?

Hardly.

Weeden appears to be fully confident and comfortable with his place on the new-look Browns. The fact there is a whole different set of decision-makers in Berea that he must impress seems to be an afterthought. He conveys the sense that he has more important things to think about.

And what Weeden cares about the most is what he needs to do to make major strides in the offense of coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

Step one involves, well, his steps.

“Your feet make you an accurate thrower,” Weeden said. “They allow you to have better timing. So whether it’s drills, working out with (strength and conditioning coach Brad) Roll, jumping rope on my own, whatever it might be, I have to get my feet right and get my feet underneath me. That allows me to throw the ball more accurately.”

Step two is drinking in all of the knowledge he can from veteran teammates. And that includes as Campbell, who Weeden clearly views as far more of a mentor than a competitor.

“He’s been in the league for nine years,” Weeden said. “He’s a very savvied guy that’s beneficial to me. He helps me. We’ll talk through things. He’s a nice guy to have for me to bounce ideas off of or talk through things. As a young guy in this league, I think that’s nice for myself to be able to have a guy like that. That’s extremely helpful.”

So is hanging out with Davone Bess, the veteran wide receiver the Browns acquired in a trade with the Dolphins during last month’s draft.

Weeden said that he and Bess are usually the first two players to arrive at the Browns’ training facility. After easing themselves in the hot tub, they start talking football. And Bess is usually the one that begins the conversation.

“Not many guys are like that,” Weeden said. “He wants to talk Xs and Os and he wants to talk (about) what he can do to help me and stuff like that. That’s just his veteran leadership and that’s his veteran understanding of what it takes to be good. As a quarterback, you’ve got to love it.”

You also love having a reliable target. Weeden got his first chance to work with Bess on Tuesday. He liked what he saw.

“He’s a stud,” Weeden said of Bess. “He’s one of those guys that runs extremely good routes. He’s very savvied, understands defenses, where to find the holes, and understands how to run routes. He’s one of those guys that you kind of rely on. You know he’s going to be in the right spot. He works extremely hard.”

Step three in the process of Weeden’s improvement as a quarterback is thriving within the more accelerated pace of the Browns’ offense.

“I love it,” he said. “Coming from what I did (Oklahoma State), we played extremely fast, so I’m used to playing in an up-tempo (offense). You hear Chud over there, saying, ‘Let’s go, pick up tempo, you’ve got to get moving.’ And that’s kind of the mindset we have to take.

“If we can keep playing that fast and still think and react and make the plays that we need to make, and be lined up in the right spots, that’s tough on defenses. And I think, if we can practice that way, that’ll just help us on Sundays. They preach that and they harp on it for basically however long we’re out there. That’s the main focus, just getting lined up and playing fast, and I thought, overall, we did that (Tuesday).”

Weeden isn’t the only one who is thrilled with the more aggressive approach to the offense and the additional opportunities to throw deep.

As he walked on the field Tuesday with wide receiver Greg Little, Weeden said, “Man, what do you think?”

“This is fun,” Little replied.

What’s the definition of fun?

“Usually, as a receiver and a quarterback, that’s dropping back and slinging it around a little bit,” Weeden said. “And that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to throw the football down the field. We’ve got guys that can go get it, guys that are making a ton of plays on the outside, so as a quarterback, yeah, it’s fun to come to work every day.”

Sound like a guy worried about losing his starting job?

Didn’t think so.

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>>Have a question for “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford”? Ask me at Twitter.com/viccarucci or by e-mail at daily@clevelandbrowns.com or by calling 855-363-2459.

Plenty of possibilities for front seven

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

You’ve got questions and comments that you submit to the Browns’ official Facebook and Twitter pages, and Daily@ClevelandBrowns.com. Here’s what I have to say about what you have to say:

David says: “Is it possible to see Jabaal Sheard, Barkevious Mingo, and Paul Kruger on the field at the same time in the multi-front defense?”

I say: Absolutely, David. I’d be surprised if defensive coordinator Ray Horton didn’t have such a personnel grouping for the three outside linebackers among his variety of front-seven combinations. It would seem to make good sense given their diverse physiques and skill sets. At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Kruger is the largest and most versatile of the trio. He can be highly effective rushing the passer off the edge, but also has enough size and strength to be able to be stout against the run. The 6-2, 255-pound Sheard also is capable of making an impact as a pass-rusher, but the fact he has spent his first two seasons in the NFL as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme has conditioned him to also be a physical presence at the line of scrimmage. Mingo’s relatively small, 6-4, 240-pound frame figures to limit the majority of his early contribution to rushing the passer, so the Browns would be able to incorporate that dimension with the confidence that Kruger and Sheard could also handle themselves if an expected pass should turn into a run.

Steve says: “Why don’t the Browns sign Charles Woodson? Their D would be scary.”

I say: There’s no question that Woodson has been one of the top safeties in the NFL, Steve. There’s no doubt that his experience and highly professional approach to the game would be beneficial to any team that has him on its roster. However, I don’t see the Browns as the right landing spot for him because of their clearly established mission statement of building sustainable success. By definition, that approach would not include an aging veteran such as the 36-year-old Woodson, who is entering his 16^th NFL season. It’s fair to wonder just how much Woodson would be able to contribute because his health and concerns over whether he has (or soon would) hit the proverbial wall could very well limit his availability. That’s a large part of the reason he’s not still with the Packers and why he remains unsigned. Another part is Woodson’s salary expectation. At this stage of his career, he is going to need the financial incentive, both in terms of total dollars and guarantees, to put his body through another offseason, training camp, and preseason of preparation. Ultimately, that is what tends to drive players of his stature into what could be inevitable retirement.

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>>Have a question for “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford”? Ask me at Twitter.com/viccarucci or by e-mail at daily@clevelandbrowns.com or by calling 855-363-2459.

Final five takeaways from rookie minicamp

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

Here are my five biggest takeaways from the Browns’ three-day rookie minicamp:

>Among the more interesting new elements of practice introduced by the Browns’ new coaching staff was the use of tennis balls in a drill designed to enhance hand-eye coordination for defensive backs. New secondary coach Louie Cioffi would hold three tennis balls behind his back, each bearing a different colored spot. Cioffi then would toss the balls, one at a time, in rapid-fire succession to a player standing about 10 feet away. The player had to identify the color as he made the catch, tossing the ball to the ground after every reception.

>One of the more impressive players during the workouts was wide receiver Cordell Roberson, an undrafted free agent from Stephen F. Austin. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, he has the necessary physique to fit the Browns’ ideal profile for a perimeter receiver. Roberson showed good explosiveness off the line and consistency in catching the ball. It will be interesting to see how he performs in offseason workouts with veteran players and during training camp.

>Speaking of undrafted free agents from Stephen F. Austin, another one who caught my attention was defensive back Josh Aubrey. He seemed to grasp the coverage concepts quickly and often put himself in good position to make plays.

>Another undrafted free agent who seemed to perform well was Lakewood, Ohio, native Justin Staples, a defensive lineman/outside linebacker from Illinois. At 6-4 and 245 pounds, he seems to have the physical makeup to provide some versatility within the front seven. I could also envision him making an impact on special teams.

>Among the two fastest receivers were undrafted free agent Mike Edwards, from Texas-El Paso, and Andrew Helmick, a tryout player from Lindenwood University.

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>>Have a question for “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford”? Ask me at Twitter.com/viccarucci or by e-mail at daily@clevelandbrowns.com or by calling 855-363-2459.

5 takeaways from rookie minicamp

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

Here are my five biggest takeaways from the first day of the Browns’ three-day rookie minicamp:

>Speed is the clear emphasis with the rookies the Browns drafted, signed as undrafted free agents, and brought in on a tryout basis. This is an extremely fast and athletic group of players, who seamlessly handled the fact that what began as an outdoor practice moved inside the Browns’ indoor facility because of thunderstorms. How many of them can make it in the NFL? That remains to be seen, but they run well and generally show superb body control. One of the fastest players was wide receiver Andrew Helmick, a tryout player from tiny Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.

>For someone who is 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Garrett Gilkey, the second of the Browns’ two seventh-round draft picks, looks remarkably lean and moves with great fluidity. The former standout at little Chadron (Neb.) State surprised the Browns by checking in with exceptionally low body fat. Gilkey could be a real hidden gem by providing solid depth at offensive tackle.

>Armonty Bryant, the Browns’ other seventh-round choice, drew as much attention as any of the rookies in minicamp – and for all of the wrong reasons. Bryant was arrested before the draft for selling drugs to an undercover officer and then was arrested after the draft on a DUI charge. He seemed contrite and remorseful in answering numerous pointed questions from reporters. His primary theme: let his actions speak for themselves. Bryant seemed to understand that no one would believe him if he said he “learned his lesson,” because that was what he told Cleveland reporters soon after he was drafted. By all accounts, Bryant is an exceptionally talented athlete. The question is, can he stay out of trouble and allow that talent to help his new team?

>One of the more impressive parts of the first day of practice was that players mostly remained on their feet through drills. You’d be surprised at how difficult that can be with players working together and with a new coaching staff and new offensive and defensive systems for the first time – all while dealing with the inherent jitters that go with trying to make a favorable first impression.

>It was fun to see Browns cornerback Joe Haden and outside linebacker Paul Kruger watch practice while focused on their respective younger brothers: Josh Haden, a running back from Boston College who was brought in for a try out, and Dave Kruger, a defensive lineman from Utah signed as an undrafted free agent. Joe and Paul were focused on every move their brothers made on the field, and offered them encouragement and words of advice after Friday’s workout. Paul told me that he had never been much for lifting weights, and only got into it because of the influence of Dave.

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>>Have a question for “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford”? Ask me at Twitter.com/viccarucci or by e-mail at daily@clevelandbrowns.com or by calling 855-363-2459.

Any rookie minicamp longshots to watch?

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

You’ve got questions and comments that you submit to the Browns’ official Facebook and Twitter pages, and Daily@ClevelandBrowns.com. Here’s what I have to say about what you have to say:

Steven says: “I thought the Browns picked up Ryan Aplin, a quarterback from Arkansas State, as an undrafted free agent. But I don’t see him mentioned anywhere. Are they going to have a wide-open quarterback competition and  whoever wins it, starts? Like Seattle did with Russell Wilson? Could Ryan Aplin be this year’s Russell Wilson?”

I say: The Browns did pick up Aplin, Steven, but on a tryout basis. He’ll actually be one of two undrafted quarterbacks throwing during rookie minicamp Friday through Sunday. The other is Kyle Frazier, from Monmouth University. He, too, has been brought in on a tryout basis. I would never say never regarding the chance of any so-called longshot to make the team and make a big splash. But I would say that it’s a bit of a stretch to compare Aplin to Wilson. The Seahawks made Wilson a third-round draft pick, and despite lacking ideal height, they clearly saw his potential to compete for the starting job and concluded that he gave them a better chance to win than free agent Matt Flynn, who now plays for the Raiders. In general, I do think there will be a legitimate competition for the Browns’ quarterback job. However, I think the competitors with the most realistic opportunity will be Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell. As for longshots from among the undrafted free agents who could make the team, I’m going to keep a particularly close eye on Mike Edwards, a wide receiver from Texas-El Paso; Paipai Falemalu, an outside linebacker from Hawaii, and Chris Faulk, an offensive tackle from LSU who is recovering from a knee injury he suffered last season. Before the injury, some draft analysts saw Faulk as a high-round draft pick.

Tyholmes33 says: “Are we going to run the ball more this year? We don’t have a quarterback that can throw the ball 40 times.”

I say: I would expect the Browns’ offense to be balanced, Tyholmes33. Coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner believe in having a strong running game, so Trent Richardson will get his share of carries and should be significantly involved in every game plan. However, I disagree with the premise that the Browns don’t have a quarterback capable of throwing as many as 40 times per game. Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell are more than capable of handling that sort of passing load. I don’t think that’s what the coaches would want to see on a regular basis, because it likely means they would be involved in a back-and-forth, shootout type of game with little or no defensive presence. Given the heavy investment the Browns have made in trying to build as dominant a defense as they can, that isn’t the brand of football they’re looking to play.

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>>Have a question for “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford”? Ask me at Twitter.com/viccarucci or by e-mail at daily@clevelandbrowns.com or by calling 855-363-2459.

Turnover doesn’t have to equal failure

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

You’ve got questions and comments that you submit to the Browns’ official Facebook and Twitter pages, and Daily@ClevelandBrowns.com. Here’s what I have to say about what you have to say:

Mary says: “How can we have a great season when, once again, we’re starting new players, new coaches, new management, etc., etc., etc.?”

I say: I hear you loud and clear, Mary. Constant turnover is hardly an ideal formula for success in the NFL. I would not sit here and promise you, with a straight face, a “great season.” But I also would not tell you the Browns have no chance to do something special simply because they have made so many changes in leadership and on the roster. Change actually can be good, and I think the Browns have a definite opportunity to improve with what new coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner are bringing to the offense in the way of scheming and technical guidance, and the same on the defensive side with new coordinator Ray Horton. The team has added some key pieces through free agency and the draft, and I wouldn’t rule out some or all of them making a strong impact this year. However, the Browns’ hierarchy, led by chief executive officer Joe Banner, has been consistent with its message that the effort is to build a squad that will be good for the long haul, not just this year. To get there, you need to give the changes that you make a chance to pay dividends.

Brian says: “Leon McFadden, the Browns’ third-round draft pick, played on the left side at San Diego State. Since shutdown Joe Haden usually plays the left side for the Browns, do you think McFadden will struggle moving over to the right side of the ball?”

I say: I don’t think that will be an issue, Brian. For the most part, cornerbacks are used to playing on both sides. And in the NFL, where defensive and offensive schemes are so matchup-driven, the best cover corner will usually be assigned by the opponent’s best receiver, wherever he lines up. The book on McFadden is that he has a great deal of intelligence and strong instincts, both of which should serve him well when it comes to handling the transition from college to the NFL and all that it entails.

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Coaching, system agree with Weeden

By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor

You’ve got questions and comments that you submit to the Browns’ official Facebook and Twitter pages, and Daily@ClevelandBrowns.com. Here’s what I have to say about what you have to say:

Ryan says: “I’ve actually got faith in Brandon Weeden. Rob Chudzinski likes the shotgun formation, and Weeden plays good out of it. Pat Shurmur was way too conservative and set in his way of doing things. He should have played to Weeden’s strengths and not his weakness, which is away from the center. Personally, I think he did a pretty good job under center, being he never really did that before. He had timing issues, which can be fixed. When his timing was right, Weeden was very accurate. In my opinion, not to embrace him this year and give him the support would be crazy.”

I say: I agree that Weeden should feel more comfortable in the scheme of coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner, Ryan. He showed immediate signs of that during the recent voluntary minicamp. Weeden prefers being able to do what shotgun formation allows him to do – stand up, away from the line, and scan the defense as it goes through its pre-snap shifting, etc. He also likes the additional separation from the pass rush. That, combined with the technical teaching he’ll receive from Chud and Turner, should do plenty to allow Weeden to perform better, especially in the area of timing. If Weeden’s seeing the defense better and feeling a greater sense of anticipation of the pass rush, it stands to reason that he should be able to establish greater timing with his receivers.

Salvalo says: “You might to confirm the facts but, it’s my understanding that Roger Staubach didn’t start for ‘America’s Team’ until he was either 30 or 31. The rest is history. I’m not saying there’s any connection to Brandon Weeden but, give the dude a break. With a good O-line, he can have eight-10 good/excellent years. Might be an epiphany for Browns fans.”

I say: You’re correct, Salvalo, Staubach was in his 30s at the height of the Cowboys’ dominance in the 1970s. Because of a military commitment, he didn’t begin his Hall-of-Fame quarterbacking career until he was 27. And, no, there isn’t another obvious connection with Weeden. Staubach was a very different kind of athlete who used his mobility to make many plays on the run, as opposed to Weeden who is far more of a stationary, pocket passer. But I agree that – with consistently solid protection and the presumed improvement that should come from the combination of a year of experience, coaching and a system better suited to his skills – he could very well thrive for several years to come. Of course, along the way, we’ll no doubt hear complaints that he’s too old. To that I say, so what? If he’s good enough to keep the starting job for multiple seasons, the Browns would consider that a good problem to have.

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