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Tag Archives: Terrance West
ROOKIE IMPACT A KEY TO BROWNS SUCCESS
On “Draft Day” 2014 all the hype and talk in Berea, Ohio was about one rookie selected by the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Johnny Manziel. But after 9 games into the 2014 season he is the least productive rookie to play in his class.
Manziel has thrown one incomplete pass, caught another pass that was nullified by a penalty and done nothing else but serve as Brian Hoyer’s back up, and that’s OK. Manziel hasn’t had to play because Brian Hoyer is playing above average football at the quarterback position by not making mistakes, connecting on timely throws and leading the Browns to a (6-3) record and into playoff contention for the first time since 2007 this late in the season.
While Manziel has had no impact on the Browns success this season, six other rookies either drafted or signed as free agents by G.M. Ray Farmer have made major contributions to the Browns best start since 1994.
Here’s what they’ve done:
1st round pick – CB – Justin Gilbert – Has started a number of games – 23 tackles – 5 passes defended
2nd round pick – LG – Joel Bitonio – Has started all 9 games and solidified the left side of the line.
3rd round pick – RB – Terrance West – Leads the team in rushing through 9 games with 396 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus he’s caught 7 passes for 39 yards and another score.
3rd round pick – LB – Christian Kirksey – 41 tackles – 2 sacks – 1 tackle for loss – 2 passes defended
Undrafted rookie – RB – Isaiah Crowell – 297 yards rushing with a 4.6 yards per carry average that leads the team. He also leads the squad with 5 rushing touchdowns.
Undrafted rookie – WR – Taylor Gabriel – 24 catches for 435 yards and 1 touchdown. He’s averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He also has 1 kickoff return for 30 yards.
When you combine all of the offensive numbers from the rookies, they have accounted for 1,192 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. On defense, 64 tackles – 2 sacks – 1 tackle for loss – 7 passes defended. Not bad considering “Johnny Football”, the most celebrated rookie of the bunch has added nothing to this team through 9 games.
FRIDAY FOOTBALL FORECAST
OHIO STATE at MARYLAND – 12pm – SATURDAY
Maryland has a chance to show all the doubters, like myself, why they belong in the Big Ten as they host Ohio State Saturday. The Buckeyes have chance to show that they’ve started to figure out how to play pass defense as they go up against a talented dual threat quarterback C.J. Brown (wrist injury) and his group of talented receivers – Stefon Diggs, Deon Long and Marcus Leak. If Brown can’t go at QB then it’ll be Caleb Rowe slinging the pigskin around against the Buckeyes. Either way, it’s another big test for the back end OSU’s defense.
The Buckeyes special teams better be up to the task as well as they’ll be tested in their coverage units going up against the 11th ranked kickoff return man in the country in Stefon Diggs (29.4avg) and William Likely, the 8th ranked punt return man in the country (22.0avg).
OSU quarterback J.T. Barrett has put up some decent numbers overall so far for Urban Meyer. The redshirt freshman signal caller has thrown for 1,080 yards and 13TD’s in his first 4 games while running for 205 yards and a a score. He will have to continue to play at a high level for the Buckeyes to win this game on the road in what could be another shootout.
I’ll take the Buckeyes in another high scoring affair 34-24.
CLEVELAND BROWNS at TENNESSEE TITANS – 1pm – SUNDAY
The Browns have an opportunity for a road win at Tennessee this Sunday. The Titans are ranked 22nd against the run in the NFL and the Browns strength is their rushing attack, ranked 9th in the NFL. Because of the solid play of the offensive line it shouldn’t matter if it’s Ben Tate, Isaiah Crowell or Terrance West carrying the rock, Kyle Shanahan’s offense should be able to move the ball on the ground.
If the Browns are successful with ground game, this will set up Brian Hoyer for plenty of play action opportunities against a defense that has given up 74 points over their last 2 games.
If Jake Locker plays for the Titans, the Browns pass defense will be tested more than if Charlie Whitehurst is under center. But Locker is coming off a wrist injury and while he practiced this week, he could be a bit rusty and not at 100 percent. That’s good news, because any help the Browns pass defense can get right now is needed as they rank 27th against the pass in the NFL.
I’m taking the Browns 24-17 in this one, as they start a stretch of 5 games where I expect them to go at least (3-2) if not (4-1).
KEYS TO A BROWNS WIN AGAINST THE SAINTS
1) Your offensive strength is your offensive line, use it. Run the football 25 to 30 times splitting carries with Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. This will help set up your passing game with play action and also, if successful, chew up the clock to keep New Orleans offense off the field.
2) Get after Drew Brees. He’s not 100% with that oblique injury. Hit him, knock him down, make him run from the pressure and throw against his body. I wouldn’t put a bounty out on him, as the NFL frowns upon that, but let it be known to every defensive player on your team that if you can hit him legally, do it to make life uncomfortable for him.
3) Don’t get beat deep. If you have to play more zone coverage, then do it. The Saints love to go up top to Marques Colston or Jimmy Graham. Make them earn their yards and points by having to make a number of plays to score.
4) Win the special teams battle for field position. Last week special teams cost the Browns in the Pittsburgh game with Antonio Brown’s big return and not being able to down Spencer Lanning’s punt on the 1 yard line. Travis Benjamin needs to come up large this week with a big return.
5) Tackle better. It is that simple. The tackling last week, especially in the first half against the Steelers was atrocious. Limit yards after contact with the Saints running backs and wide receivers. Don’t let what should have been a 3 yard run or pass by Mark Ingram or Brandin Cooks, turn into a 25 yard gain or touchdown.
6) Win the turnover battle. I guess you could say that each week, but against the Saints who can score a lot of points, it becomes more important. Don’t give them extra opportunities to score, especially on a short field. So value the football and hopefully get a take away or two to put your offense in great field position to score.
7) Play from ahead, or be even on the scoreboard. The Saints are a good football team, but they aren’t as good on the road as they are at home. Make them chase you, outside, on natural grass, in an uncomfortable environment. Use your home field advantage by scoring early and getting the crowd into the game.
POSITION BREAKDOWN – BROWNS AT STEELERS – RUNNING BACKS
Both teams now feel they have a feature back. The Steelers with Le’Veon Bell, last year’s second round pick out of Michigan State and the Browns with free agent signee Ben Tate who comes over from the Texans.
Bell and his back-up Legarrette Blount, are lucky to be playing because both are facing marijuana possession charges, and Bell also has a possible DUI charge to deal with. The Steelers, who could have suspended one or both, have decided to wait for due process to play out, thus allowing both running backs to play in the opener. Another reason the Steelers are probably letting both play is because the only other running back they have on the roster is rookie 3rd round pick Dri Archer from Kent State.
Bell racked up over 1,200 yards rushing and receiving last season in Pittsburgh while Blount accumulated over 700 yard rushing in New England. The two combined for 15 touchdowns last season. So Pittsburgh has its starter and a solid back-up, plus a rookie with 4.2 speed in Archer that offensive coordinator Todd Haley and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can use. That’s a pretty good trio.
The Browns were led in rushing last year by Willis McGahee, but he only gained 377 yards and reached the endzone just twice. The Browns as a team only rushed for a total of 4 TD’s all of last season. So new G.M. Ray Farmer signed Ben Tate to be his feature back and then drafted Terrance West in the third round out of Towson to be his back-up. The third stringer is undrafted rookie Isaiah Crowell. Tate gained almost 800 yards playing for the injured Arian Foster last year in Houston and scored 4 touchdowns in 14 games. Now he gets his chance to be the Browns every down back running behind the better of the two offensive lines in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He must hold on to the football and stay healthy for this free agent signing to be a success, something that Tate has had problems with in his career.
Even with the lessor of the two O-Line’s, I like the Steelers running backs better because they’ve got two healthy starters and a speedster to mix in as a change of pace.
RUNNING BACKS ADVANTAGE – PITTSBURGH
BROWNS WITH PLENTY OF QUESTIONS ENTERING LIONS GAME
The most important thing about Saturday night’s game is obviously the play of the quarterbacks. How does Brian Hoyer’s body hold up for the time he is in there? Is he indeed 100% healthy? Can he put points on the board? How does Johnny Manziel handle the speed of the NFL game even if it is against the second team? Can he command the huddle and call the right plays? How much does Johnny run the football and can he take a hit or two from guys that are bigger, stronger, faster than the ones he played against in college?
These are all questions that hopefully the Browns will get answers to one way or another. It doesn’t seem right to think this way, but you almost hope one of the two guys falls flat on his face or bombs, so it will help make the decision easier and clearer. On the other hand, if both guys do well, then you’ve strengthened the QB position and it’s great in this league to have depth.
Other positions I’ll be watching closely:
WR – Who steps up and makes plays besides Josh Gordon? Will it be the veterans Miles Austin or Nate Burleson? Will Andrew Hawkins show why the Browns paid him a decent amount of money in free agency to come to Cleveland? Does somebody come out of know where and make a name for himself and get the coaches attention? Besides quarterback, the receiver position is my biggest concern with this football team.
RB – Ben Tate was a nice free agent pick up in the off season by Ray Farmer, especially for the price, but how does he handle being the feature back now and can he stay healthy? Also rookie Terrance West has been getting rave reviews for what he’s done in training camp, will that translate to the football field against an opponent that isn’t wearing the same colored jersey you do?
LB – Barkevious Mingo has had a great camp, but can he produce the same results on the field in an actual game? How much of an impact will the self-proclaimed best linebacker in the NFL, Karlos Dansby really make? Can Paul Kruger bounce back from being a big name free agent bust from last season and start earning his money and making plays on the field this year?
CB – Not sure of the injury situation with rookie #1 pick Justin Gilbert and whether or not he’ll play, but from the day he was drafted I expected him to be the starter opposite Joe Harden from day 1. He needs to be able to beat out Buster Skrine for this defense to be a better defense.
HC – How will first time ever head coach Mike Pettine do in his first game? Is the game plan good? How does he handle in game situations from time outs, to challenges to halftime adjustments?
These are all things I will be watching closely in the Browns first and all of their pre-season games, as they get ready for their regular season opener on September 7th at Pittsburgh.
CLEVELAND BROWNS 2014 NFL DRAFT PICKS – 6 PLAYERS
1st – 8th – Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Gilbert fills a need at cornerback opposite Joe Haden. He gives the Browns potentially the best cornerback tandem in the AFC North. A cover corner with long arms, a good vertical jump who always seems to be in good position and around the ball. Not a good tackler and needs some work on his technique and getting closer to receivers at the line of scrimmage for a better jam. BONUS- A great return man who can take it the distance as he did 6 times in college. – Should be a starter from day one.
1st – 22nd – Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Like “Johnny Football”, the Browns maneuvered their way around the first round to come back and get who they hope will be their franchise quarterback of the future. A mobile, accurate QB with big hands, who was highly successful against the toughest competition on a week-in, week-out basis in the country. Has great leadership and plays with a lot of heart, desire, passion and was a playmaker in college. The big question is will his short stature allow him to make those same plays at the NFL level and can his smaller frame withstand the physical punishment of faster, quicker, stronger, more violent defenders in the NFL? It would be best for him to not be thrown to the wolves, especially considering the first game of the regular season is on the road at Pittsburgh. Sitting and learning for AT LEAST a half a season would be extremely beneficial to him. – But I could see if the Browns start the season 0-3 and head into their bye week winless, you might see him start the 4th game of the season at Tennessee.
2nd – 35th – Joel Bitonio, OG, Nevada
Played left tackle in college but is probably better suited as an inside guy at guard, however his versatility is a major plus. When Mike Pettine was talking about getting tougher he had Bitonio in mind. Has a nasty steak in him which the Browns need. – Should be a starter from day one.
3rd – 71st – Christian Kirksey, OLB, Iowa
Not a very powerful linebacker but has good athleticism, is quick, agile and a motor that never stops. Also a good cover backer. Needs to separate from blockers better. – Should start on special teams, but is 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart at linebacker.
3rd – 94th – Terrance West, RB, Towson
A power back that will get you the tough yards in short yardage situations. Prefers to deliver the blow as opposed to taking it, but that was against smaller competition, we’ll see if he’s able to do the same in the NFL. Has a good stiff arm, catches the ball well and has good feet. Ball security must improve again against stronger competition and needs to work on his blocking. – Has a chance to be Ben Tate’s backup right away.
4th – 127th – Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood
Was the small college defensive player of the year at Lindenwood. 25 career interceptions. Has good size at 6’1, plus long arms at 33 inches and enjoys contact. But is raw and didn’t play against elite competition often and when he did in the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl he was very inconsistent. – Should help on special teams and the Browns will try and develop him in to a starter down the road.
SI.Com’s THOUGHTS ON HOW THE BROWNS HAVE DRAFTED THROUGH 3 ROUNDS
1st Round – 8th – Justin Gilbert – CB – 6-0, 200 – Oklahoma State (Trade down with Bills, up with Vikes)
The Browns and new head coach Mike Pettine pick up a major asset in Gilbert, making their defense that much more formidable. They’ll just have to hope the much-needed quarterback they desire is still there later in the first round. – Doug Farrar – SI.com
1st Round – 22nd – Johnny Manziel – QB – 5-11, 210 – Texas A&M (Trade up with the Eagles)
Getting Manziel at this spot is a win for both sides. The Browns get the quarterback they so clearly need, and Manziel gets the pressure taken off a bit. The question is, who mentors him? New head coach Mike Pettine is a tough guy, Kyle Shanahan really isn’t, but the risk has been taken. The upside is enormous, and the potential pitfall is just as deep. – Doug Farrar – SI.com
2nd Round – 35 – Joel Bitonio – OT/OG – 6-4, 315 – Nevada
Bitonio turns a solid spot — the offensive line — into an obvious strength for Cleveland. The versatile Nevada product could handle a starting guard job or bump Mitchell Schwartz inside from his RT tackle position. This draft spot is pretty fair for Bitonio’s talent level. But when are the Browns going to get Johnny Manziel a receiver, now that Josh Gordon may be done for the year? – Chris Burke – SI.com
3rd Round – 71 – Christian Kirksey – OLB – 6-2, 220 – Iowa
A bit higher than Kirksey was projected to go, but he fits the mold of linebacker that the Browns want. He’s physical and can do a lot of different things on defense, including dropping effectively in coverage. Cleveland likely will slot him at an inside LB spot. – Chris Burke – SI.com
3rd Round – 94 – Terrance West – RB – 5-11, 222 – Towson (Trade up with the 49ers)
Strength of opponent questions will undoubtedly dog West, but when you isolate his skillset, it becomes clear that the 5-11, 222-pound back can get to the edge in a big hurry, and has an impressive second burst for his size. West doesn’t have much of a learning curve. – Doug Farrar