Cleveland Browns: Review Pt. 3 Defense, ST, and More
Special Teams
While the success of the offense and the defense will ultimately determine whether the Browns win or lose, the reality for these Cleveland Browns is that their success might ultimately lie in the results of their special teams.
Whether it’s the punter nailing a 50-yard punt to keep the defense from a short field disadvantage, the gunner catching a returner before he makes his first move, or the kicker turning converting a much needed field goal to keep the game close or put the team ahead. Special Teams will play an important role in the success of the Browns 2015 season.
Andy Lee (Punter)
The Cleveland Browns haven’t had a punter with this much revere around the league since the days of Chris Gardocki. Acquired for a late round draft pick, punter Andy Lee is the creme de la creme when it comes to the NFL’s elite punters. The Pro Bowler had what some might consider a down year in 2014 for the San Fransisco 49ers, and that led to his being dealt, but there is a lot of game left in the veteran.
While he didn’t have to show anything in camp to make the team, Lee showed his ability off multiple times. His ability to pin teams within back behind their 20-yard line will help the defense and frustrate opponents. He’ll have plenty of work this season if the Browns offense fails to move the chains, but at least Pettine and his staff know that they have a reliable punter who can help get their defense out of potentially rough situations.
He’ll have a strong year. Let’s just hope he doesn’t end up getting posterized like Spencer Lanning last year.
Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs over Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning (5) during the first half at Heinz Field. Brown was flagged on the play. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Coons (Kicker)
While acquiring Lee was a great acquisition, most fans and analysts were surprised that kicker wasn’t the position that the Browns sought to trade for a Pro Bowl caliber player. After letting Phil Dawson walk after the 2012 season, the Cleveland Browns have struggled to find a replacement kicker worthy of the mantle Dawson once had.
Enter rookie Kicker Travis Coons. An undrafted first year player out of Washington. While many thought that the Browns would bring in an experienced veteran kicker to compete in camp.
They let Carey Spear and Coons battle it out. For much of camp and the preseason, it didn’t appear that either kicker had a “leg up” on the other. However, when it came time for cuts, Coach Pettine left it to Special Teams coordinator Chris Tabor to make the decision. He chose to go with Coons.
So now Coons has the spotlight squarely on him. Cleveland Browns fans know what they expect from their kickers. They expect Phil Dawson greatness. They expect 50-yard field goals, clutch kicks in clutch situations, and balls that go straight through the uprights even though they may drift side to side in the swirling winds.
I wouldn’t expect that greatness from Coons in 2015, but I have to hope that he will be solid. If he can improve the position over Billy Cundiff’s rough year last year, and make the kicks in the clutch, that’s all that matters. Make the clutch kick to beat the Ravens or the Steelers, and Coons will earn respect among Browns fans. That’s all he should ask in 2015.
Do you remember Christian Yount? Do you know who he was? No, probably not, as long snapper is often a fairly unheralded position. I’m not sure what to really write here, other than Browns fans have to hope Charley Hughlett remains consistent. Hughlett’s biggest responsibility is to ensure he gets the ball accurately to Lee on both punts and for the holds on kicks. If he does that, then he does his job. If you know his name by the end of the season, that’s probably a bad thing.
(Kick Returners)
Marlon Moore, Justin Gilbert, Duke Johnson Jr.
If there is one way to help the Browns offense succeed in 2015, it could come from the kick return game. Marlon Moore is an experienced returner and will most likely get most of the action, but the wild cards here are Justin Gilbert and Duke Johnson.
Gilbert returned kicks at Oklahoma State, and was regarded as one of the most electric returners with the opportunity to return it for touchdowns. Duke Johnson did the same at Miami. If either of these two guys get a shot and do well, it’ll only help set up the Browns offense with shorter fields and put pressure on opposing defenses.
(Punt Returners)
Travis Benjamin, Tramon Williams, Taylor Gabriel, Jordan Poyer
At one time, Travis Benjamin was a real threat returning punts. Then came a few injuries, a few concussions, and a few muffed punts. That threw the punting game so out of whack last year that Pettine felt safer using S Jim Leonhard as a safeguard who merely waived for a fair catch every time.
So why is Travis Benjamin back here in this role again? Pettine believes in him and believes that Benjamin can return to the form he once had as a feared returner.
The good news for Browns fans? Benjamin rewarded that faith in the preseason. While the pressure might not be as high in the preseason, Benjamin did return a punt for a touchdown against Tampa Bay in the dress rehearsal game. He took a short punt and turned it into an electric play.
If Benjamin can have that kind of impact in the regular season, look for a lot higher scores for the Cleveland Browns offense. His speed and elusiveness should prove to be an asset to the team as long as he is finally past the muffed punt phase of his career.
Next: Summary and Season Predictions