During the 2004 Cleveland off-season, the Browns quarterback position undertook a complete makeover. Gone is Tim Couch, his $7.6 million/per year salary, and career average 75.1 QB rating. Enter Jeff Garcia who brings postseason experience, three Pro Bowls, and an 88.1 career QB rating. Garcia, 34, isn’t the quarterback of the future, but his combination of experience, leadership, and mobility equals a good combination for this young offense.
After being given a golden opportunity to shine as the starter, Kelly Holcomb returns to the back-up position after a mediocre 2003 campaign. 2004 fourth rounder Luke McCown will serve as the third-string quarterback and is the brother of Arizona Cardinal starter Josh McCown. With some experience and maturity, some scouts think this 6’4”, 208 pound prospect with 4.71 speed could one day start in the NFL. Nate Hybl and Todd Husak are also on the roster, but will most likely not contribute.
Running Back
Last year it was the quarterback position that was attracting the controversy in Cleveland, but this year that debate is at running back. Incumbent starter and former first-round pick William Green spent more time in 2003 avoiding the law rather than defenders, while James Jackson and Lee Suggs handled the rushing duties in his absence. In seven games, the 6’0”, 215 pound Green rushed for 559 yards on 142 carries (3.9 avg.), but had only one touchdown. Green showed flashes of talent as he had two 100+ yard games including 145 yards on 26 carries (5.6) and his only TD against the Raiders in a week six Browns win.
Lee Suggs was thought to be a first rounder coming out of Virginia Tech last year, but was sidelined when he tore his rotator cuff. Picked up by the Browns in the fourth round, Suggs was originally thought to be lost for the year, but started returning kickoffs and soon took over for James Jackson as the starting back. Suggs rushed for 289 yards on 56 carries (5.2) including an astounding 186-yard, 26-carry, 2-touchdown performance against the Bengals in Week 17, knocking Cincinnati out of the playoff hunt.
Jackson was given an opportunity to be the feature back, but was less than impressive averaging only 3.7 yards per carry, but led the team in rushing touchdowns with three. Other running backs in the mix include Nick Maddox and rookie, seveth rounder Adimchinobe Echemandu out of Cal.
Fullback
The traditional fullback position was never used effectively in Bruce Arians offensive scheme, but after Arians firing and new offensive coordinator Terry Robeiske hiring, the H-Back formation was long forgotten. To fit the mold of a powerful, push-the-pile type of FB, the Browns brought in Terrelle Smith who blocked for Deuce McCallister for the past few years in New Orleans. Smith didn’t have a single carry out of the backfield and had only six catches, but was an ideal blocker as Deuce had another monster year rushing with 1641 yards. Other fullbacks on the roster include R.J. Bowers and Billy Blanchard.
Wide Receiver
Cleveland’s receiving corps is undersized, but with a consistent passing attack, this group is dangerous against defenses. With the addition of a traditional FB and first-round TE Kellen Winslow, the WR sets will be fewer and unable to accommodate Quincy Morgan, Andre Davis, and Dennis Northcutt, which could lead to feuds within the ranks. Northcutt, who was supposed to be a free agent this past off-season until his agent failed to fill out the necessary paper work, had troubles concerning the Browns front office and vowed never to play for the Browns again. Sides reconciled and an extension was reached bringing Dennis back to Cleveland.
Northcutt led the team in receiving last year with 729 yards on 62 catches, but hauled in only two touchdowns. Although Northcutt wants to be the starting receiver, his quickness and elusiveness is more suited for the slot in a three-receiver set. Davis and Morgan had lackluster seasons, compiling 576 and 516 yards respectively, but did collect eight TDs. The other receivers will be a mix of Frisman Jackson, Andre King, and C.J. Jones. The WR position could be a weak spot in 2004 with a new QB and questionable skills.
