Colt McCoy should flourish in Cleveland Browns offense, former NFL coach says

A Browns scouting report. . .

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Terry Pluto talked to a former NFL head coach whose job now is to pay special attention to the AFC North. Here's what he said about the Browns:

1. Colt McCoy should do well in the West Coast offense -- McCoy's strengths (accuracy and intelligence) match the scheme.

2. McCoy has to "be careful not to try and be the hero -- just throw the ball away and live to call another play."

3. Jason Pinkston will have a hard time at left guard. Moving from tackle (where Pinkston played at Pitt) to guard as a rookie is a major challenge.

4. He believes it's wise for the Browns to give second-year man Shawn Lauvao the right guard spot to lose, but wonders how the Browns will do with two guards who are basically rookies.

5. The Browns may be right when believing the new offense can improve the receivers. The main thing will be holding on to the ball, and most have good hands. He thinks Mohamed Massaquoi will thrive, the only negative being the receiver has missed most of training camp and all of the preseason games with a foot injury. He is supposed to be healthy for the opener, but has he developed much chemistry with McCoy?

6. Peyton Hillis is the real deal because of his strength, receiving skills and ability to block. The foot injury to Brandon Jackson is a big deal, because he would be an ideal blend with Hillis. Who knows what to expect from Montario Hardesty because he has played so little. The key is not wearing out Hillis.

7. Trading down and drafting Phil Taylor "was the absolute right thing to do." The former coach said if the Browns are now committed to the 4-3 defense, they must act like it. That meant pairing up veteran Ahtyba Rubin with Taylor in the middle of the line.

8. Since the Browns are not a playoff-ready team, adding draft picks and getting younger "just makes sense."

9. He has doubts about Jayme Mitchell over the long haul, and believes Marcus Benard will emerge as the best pass rusher at defensive end. He has not seen enough of rookie Jabaal Sheard to develop a strong opinion.

10. D'Qwell Jackson is a "terrific leader, a tough guy who should do much better in the 4-3 than the 3-4. I just hope he stays healthy."

11. The 4-3 defense with Rubin and Taylor along with Jackson at middle linebacker could improve the run defense -- especially since safety T.J. Ward will play closer to the line. Ward is a "very good tackler."

12. But if Ward is helping against the run, that puts a lot of pressure on cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Joe Haden "to hold up in one-on-one coverage." That could be "a real challenge." That's a concern because whether it's Mike Adams or Usama Young at the safety spot next to Ward, neither is known as a major playmaker. No NFL quarterback worries about those guys picking off passes at safety. Nor is Ward known for his strong pass coverage.

13. Much like the linebacker spot, there is talent in the defensive backfield -- but not enough depth. The Browns need more cornerbacks, more linebackers.

14. If Chris Gocong's pinched nerve lingers, "that can be a real problem, he's very solid and underrated. And who replaces him?"

15. He believes linebacker Kaluka Maiava "will look much better in the 4-3 than the 3-4," but he's not an impact player at linebacker. This also is the second year in a row Titus Brown has dealt with an ankle injury.

Original article:

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/09/colt_mccoy_should_flourish_in.html