Tag Archives: Olivier Vernon

Za’Darius Smith must succeed where Clowney failed

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Round 2 of the Jadeveon Clowney experiment was always going to be a failure, just nobody wanted to admit it (except a select few including myself). The fact Clowney in year two was a complete disappointment was not a surprise and the fact that he is looking for a new team (again) is not a shocking development. There is a reason why Clowney is bouncing around from team to team at this point in his career and his inconsistency is just a part of that equation. With that being said, the Browns need the recently acquired Za’Darius Smith to succeed where he failed.

Sure, at times Clowney was able to create chaos and disrupt plays. But it was uncontrolled chaos and disruption and that is just as useless as not creating anything at all. Cleveland will need Smith to be more like what they had in Olivier Vernon if this defense is going to rebound from being beyond awful.

Smith is better at getting to the quarterback than Vernon, and Clowney for that matter. With four straight full seasons of 23 or more quarterback hits, three of which produced double-digit sacks, Smith has the potential to be what people thought they were getting in Clowney.

A consistent presence opposite Myles Garrett will do wonders for the defense overall. Garrett has created the most turnovers via pressure since being drafted and adding someone like Smith should only see that number increase. This metric is key to the success or failure of the Browns defense. Cleveland’s tendency to win or lose usually follows Garrett’s ability to force a turnover in a game. If Smith (and others) can make that job easier, more wins should follow. If not, it is going to be another year watching this Browns defense and big picture changes may follow.

Defensive end huge need for Browns

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The Cleveland Browns now must address the defensive line through free agency and the draft.

The defensive line was already going to be an area that the Cleveland Browns addressed this offseason. Add in the recent release of Adrian Clayborn and the level of urgency is just a bit higher.

Cleveland recently tendered Porter Gustin a contract so it is expected he will be on the roster next season. The Browns still have Myles Garrett as one of their starting defensive ends so they are more than set there. It is about finding someone to play on the opposite side of the line to pair with Garrett that they need.

The Browns still have to decide whether or not they want to bring back Olivier Vernon. There has not been anything connecting the two sides so it does not appear a reunion is in the works, although that could change. In a hypothetical world where Cleveland brings back Vernon, they would still need to add a starter since Vernon’s injury is expected to keep him out at the start of the year.

Approaches to fix the line

This is where Andrew Berry and his method he used to fix positions of need on offense comes into play. Last season Berry identified that the Browns needed help at tight end and at tackle. The Browns signed Austin Hooper and Jack Conklin in free agency while drafting Jedrick Wills Jr. and Harrison Bryant. Using that same philosophy could help them out tremendously.

Cleveland will have a little bit of cap room to play with, but they must still be careful when making free agent signings. A repeat of the deal given to Hooper simply cannot happen. The team must make additions that help their defense while being economically smart, something this front office should be capable of. After free agency they must couple their signings with a draft pick in order to attack their positions of need from both angles. This strategy also applies to defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback and safety.

If for some reason the Browns duplicate their plan from last season when it comes to defensive it would be a disaster. Cleveland made a lot of short term signings and whiffed on most. There’s a way to capitalize on short term contention window while securing the future and this front office is more than capable of accomplishing that.

Browns upcoming free agent decisions

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The Cleveland Browns have some tough and not so tough decisions to make in regards to some of their upcoming free agents.

Just like every team in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns will have free agents and they must decide whether or not they want to bring them back on another deal. The decision in regards to some players is pretty clear, while others it is not as easy. Let’s start this off with a group of players that really do not require an explanation, but should not be back next season.

Easy no decision

Kevin Johnson, Karl Joseph, Kendall Lamm, and Andrew Sendejo. That’s the list and it’s a pretty easy one to figure out why. Three of these players were signed on one-year deals on defense and were either unavailable to play, flat out bad, or both. In regards to Lamm, the Browns can look elsewhere for a backup tackle as he was not that impressive when he did see the field.

Olivier Vernon

Olivier Vernon is an interesting case considering he suffered an Achilles injury that ended his season. With the nature of his injury it could be a situation where he is not ready Week 1 and that could have an impact on what his market is this offseason. The Browns should consider bringing him back with the expectation of missed games and also adding another defensive end into the mix either through the draft or a low-cost free agent. If Cleveland goes down that path it would make an interesting dynamic on their defensive line which could prove to beneficial later in the season.

B.J. Goodson

B.J. Goodson was another one-year deal that the Browns made on defense, but unlike those mentioned above, it hit. Goodson was easily the Browns best linebacker this season and was an impact player on a regular basis. Cleveland is going to have add linebackers through the draft and free agency, but bringing back Goodson should be somewhat of a priority.

Hollywood Higgins

There’s something to be said about the chemistry between Rashard Higgins and Baker Mayfield. The two clearly have a connection and just seem to click. That being said, here’s the deal when it comes to Higgins. He is a perfectly fine third or fourth receiver on a team that has already invested in pass catchers. Looking at just receivers he is firmly third behind OBJ and Landry. Add in tight ends he drops down to fourth or fifth on the list depending on the formation. Finally, add in the running backs and his place on the hierarchy drops even further.

The fact of the matter is that Cleveland needs to add on the defensive side of the ball and spending on offense should not be a priority. Unless a return on another bargain contract is in the cards, the Browns should look elsewhere to fill a role that honestly should belong to a much faster receiver. Cleveland lacks speed with their receivers and when looking at who they have invested in versus who they haven’t, it is much easier to find a burner type to compliment their current group rather than to replace them with explosive receivers and retain Higgins.

Larry Ogunjobi

It has been an up and down career for Larry Ogunjobi so far which is why this is a difficult player to properly assess. There have been moments of equally good and bad play from Ogunjobi which is why the Browns need to be careful when evaluating this position. Cleveland currently has Sheldon Richardson under contract for next season, but there is an out available if they decide to choose that path. The Browns did draft Jordan Elliott in the 3rd round of the 2020 draft and Andrew Billings flies under the radar due to his opting out of the season. It really seems like Ogunjobi’s status could be tied to Richardson. Keep Richardson and let Ogunjobi go or move on from Richardson and re-sign Ogunjobi.

Cody Parkey

Cody Parkey was not terrible last season, but considering his track record why gamble on this again? Find a new kicker.

Terrance Mitchell

Terrance Mitchell started all 16 games for the Cleveland Browns this past season and he was fine, but did not play at a level that a starting cornerback should. If Cleveland can sign Mitchell to a similar deal he is coming off of and play him as a sub-corner it could work.

KhaDarel Hodge

A lot of the reasons that apply to why the Browns should not re-sign Rashard Higgins apply to KhaDarel Hodge. Hodge does not give Cleveland what they need for a wide receiver behind their other receivers and the team should look to find another option as a bottom of the depth chart option.

Porter Gustin

If the Browns do decide to bring back Olivier Vernon as mentioned above it might be a good idea to consider also bringing back Porter Gustin. Cleveland might need to put together a combination of players at the start of the season to manufacture the production that will be missed with Vernon being out. Gustin, Adrian Clayborn, and a defensive lineman in the draft would certainly be able to hold down the fort in a rotational scenario.

Stepen Carlson

As of now Cleveland has three other tight ends on the roster and it does not appear that any of them will be going anywhere any time soon. Austin Hooper, Harrison Bryant, and David Njoku are ahead of Stephen Carlson on the depth chart so there might not be an urgency to re-sign him. Carlson did appear in 88 offensive plays (8%) this season and 335 special teams plays (79%). Cleveland could continue to use Carlson in this capacity if they were to bring him back. It’s not a must sign scenario, but having a fourth tight end for a team that seems to be fond of them seems like a wise decision.

Olivier Vernon ruptures Achilles

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The Cleveland Browns defensive end ruptured his Achilles in the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When the Cleveland Browns take the field for their first playoff game in nearly two decades they will be without the services of Olivier Vernon. Vernon ruptured his Achilles in Cleveland’s win over the Steelers Sunday.

This a huge loss for the Cleveland Browns defense. Olivier Vernon was having his best season in quite some time and tallied the second-highest sack total of his career (9). Vernon registered all 9 sacks in the final 9 games of the season. This includes 7 sacks over 6 game span and a sack in each of the final three games of the season. The Browns defense will really miss Olivier Vernon when they face the Steelers in a rematch Sunday night.

Kevin Stefanski stated that Porter Gustin and Adrian Clayborn will see increased playing time.

Olivier Vernon was in the final year of his contract and will be in the recovery process while entering free agency.

Olivier Vernon named AFC DPOW

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The Cleveland Browns defensive end has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 11.

Olivier Vernon stepped up for the Cleveland Browns in Week 11 when they needed him most. Vernon had 3 sacks and a safety in the Browns win over the Eagles, leading to being named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

The Browns needed someone to step up while Myles Garrett was out and Olivier Vernon did that and them some. It was easily Vernon’s best game in a Browns uniform and at least one more similar performance will be needed. Garrett is going to miss Week 12 in Jacksonville and a repeat performance from Vernon would be a welcome sight.

For someone that many people were trying to virtually get rid of all offseason this was quite the performance. There was a reason why the Browns decided to keep Olivier Vernon on the roster and his performance this past Sunday is exactly why.

Observations from Browns 22-17 win

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The Cleveland Browns came away with a 22-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles and there are a few things that stood out.

The weather was Cleveland’s best friend

It was another rainy day in Cleveland and that turned out to be the best case scenario for the Browns. The weather played right into their hands as a combination of running the football and well-timed defensive plays propelled the team to victory. The weather ensured that Kevin Stefanski was not able to be too cute with the offense, ensuring they ran the ball early and often. 39 total rushing attempts (minus the final kneel down) from the Browns by the end the game indicates that the weather conditions led to a positive outcome.

Olivier Vernon’s best game as a Brown

This is statement that cannot be contested. Olivier Vernon had his best game as a member of the Cleveland Browns Sunday and that was without Myles Garrett on the other side of the line. Vernon sacked Carson Wentz three times and finished with 5 total tackles, 3.5 for loss. Vernon has been playing up to his potential recently and could build on this performance moving forward.

Sione Takitaki’s best play of his NFL career so far

Speaking of great defensive efforts, Sione Takitaki made a game defining play early in the 1st quarter. Takitaki intercepted a lobbed pass by Carson Wentz and returned it for a touchdown. It is early in his career, but this was easily the best play of it so far.

Nick Chubb’s clutch run

Early in the 4th quarter the Browns led by only two points and they wisely called upon Nick Chubb. Chubb ripped off a 54-yard run which would set up a touchdown run by Kareem Hunt. This clutch run helped give Cleveland the much needed victory.

The overall yards per carry was not necessarily great for Cleveland as they finished at 3.5 for the game (again, minus the final kneel down). Without this run from Chubb it was only at 2.2. Sometimes it is about a well timed run at a crucial point which can decide a game. That is exactly what this run was for the Cleveland Browns.

Browns benefitted from Eagles Battleship Football game plan

There is a phrase that Mike Lombardi uses quite often on his GM Shuffle podcast when discussing the offense of the Philadelphia Eagles, Battleship Football. The offense has no real rhythm and plays are called without any real reason for doing so. The play calls were just like calling out random letter-number combinations hoping to get a hit. Early on Philly seemed to be avoiding this pitfall as they ran the ball on nine of their first 10 plays. The Eagles would go on to run the ball only 16 more times the rest of the game. Battleship Football came back to haunt them yet again and that is partially why the Eagles lost.

Olivier Vernon is available in trade talks

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A report states that the Cleveland Browns could be looking to move the 30-year old defensive end.

If it was up to Cleveland Browns fans the team would have traded Olivier Vernon a long time ago. According to a report from Albert Breer the Cleveland Browns are making Vernon available in trade talks.

Vernon has appeared in five games for Cleveland this season totaling 11 tackles, 6 of which are solo, not exactly stats that are eye popping. While he does not have any sacks he does have 7 QB pressures, 5 hurries, and 2 knockdowns. Also worth noting is that he is only playing 56% of total defensive snaps, the second-lowest total since becoming a starter. The lowest total was last season with only 48% of total snaps played.

It is important to take into consideration the total collection of players on the defensive line not named Myles Garrett. Adrian Clayborn and Porter Gustin have been contributing, but they have been playing 27% and 41% respectively. It is about all the players playing their role and being a part of the rotation on the defensive line.

Some people look at the contract of Olivier Vernon and view it as a waste money. Vernon’s $11 million cap hit is not cheap, but the reality is the Browns are not hurting money wise. It would be for the best if the Browns held on to Vernon for the rest of the season and continue to utilize what has been a productive defensive line rotation.

Four key Browns players listed as questionable

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The Cleveland Browns have listed Joel Bitonio, Kareem Hunt, Denzel Ward, and Olivier Vernon as questionable for Sunday against Dallas.

Three players have already been listed as out for the Cleveland Browns and there could be up to four more. Joel Bitonio, Kareem Hunt, Denzel Ward, and Olivier Vernon are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.

The there players listed as out are Greedy Williams, Adrian Clayborn, and Tae Davis. Looking at those listed as questionable there are two positions that stick out, cornerback and defensive end. If for some reason Denzel Ward is unable to go that would be a massive problem for the Browns secondary. That would be the two of the most important defensive backs on the team not playing against a very capable Dallas passing attack. Same can be said in regards to Olivier Vernon and Adrian Clayborn. While Myles Garrett is still starting and Porter Gustin appears capable, having the full complement of defensive lineman makes a huge difference, resulting in not only rushing the passer but helping limit Dallas’ run game as well.

The Browns defense is not great with all of these players available. As each player is taken away it just keeps downgrading the overall talent level and performance of the unit.

Browns to be without Vernon, Williams, and Phillips

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The Cleveland Browns are going to be without Olivier Vernon, Greedy Williams, and Jacob Phillips when they take on Washington.

The Browns are going to be without three defenders and possibly a fourth on Sunday when they face the Washington Football Team. Greedy Williams, Olivier Vernon, and Jacob Phillips have been ruled out with Denzel Ward being questionable.

Based off the update from Wednesday this is not entirely surprising in regards to Vernon and Phillips. Williams is yet to play in a game this season so his absence is not necessarily all that shocking. The possibility of the Browns being without Ward would be a catastrophic blow to their pass defense. While they do have some capable backup caliber players, they are not starters. If the Browns are going to avoid being carved up yet again they are going to need Denzel Ward to play.

Browns: Vernon, Adrian Clayborn not practicing

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Cleveland Browns defensive ends Olivier Vernon and Adrian Clayborn will be working on the side, but still not practicing on Thursday.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski provided an injury update in regards to defensive ends Olivier Vernon and Adrian Clayborn. Stefanski stated that they will work on the side, but not practice Thursday.

This is about the same information for the Browns as Wednesday. If for some reason Vernon and Clayborn are unable to play on Sunday, Porter Gustin could get some more playing time to build upon his Week 2 performance. Gustin stepped in for Clayborn after he left with an injury and played admirably, finishing with 4 total tackles. 2 of Gustin’s tackles were solo, 1 was for a loss, and he even registered a QB hit. It’s a small sample size, but Porter Gustin seems like a good fill-in player for the time being. In time this could grow to a larger role.