Decision coming in next month on Hillis
Most of the attention since the 2011 season ended has been devoted to what the Browns might or might not do at quarterback, but they also must address another critical issue on offense - what to do at running back.
With the start of free agency a little more than a month away, the Browns seem to be thawing a bit on re-signing Peyton Hillis, but so far nothing has changed. The back who followed up rushing for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010 with a disappointing season in 2011 will be an unrestricted free agent without a new deal.
Hillis had a rocky start to last season but finished strong and healthy. He had a good exit meeting with coach Pat Shurmur and admitted to a reporter he could have handled controversies better. He was consumed by stalled contract talks that halted altogether in midseason and relied on the advice of his agent to sit out the Sept. 25 game against the Dolphins because of strep throat.
"Probably, on both sides (mistakes were made) - certainly on my side," Hillis said. "I like this organization and just want them to know I did my best and hopefully they want me to be here."
Hillis does not have the Browns over a barrel. If the two sides cannot come to an agreement the Browns can let Hillis walk and take running back Trent Richardson with the fourth pick in the draft, but they have so many other needs they would be better served by re-signing Hillis and using the fourth pick on quarterback Robert Griffin III or a wide receiver, possibly Justin Blackmon.
The conundrum for general manager Tom Heckert is deciding how much better Colt McCoy would be with a true No. 1 receiver and a viable running attack. He had neither last season while going 4-9 as a starter.
The Browns tied the Rams for the fewest possessions (31) inside the red zone. Not surprisingly, the Browns were 30th in the league in scoring (218 points) and the Rams were 32nd (193). The Chiefs finished 31st in scoring (212).
McCoy ranked 27th passing. He gained an average of 5.90 yards an attempt - the lowest in the league. McCoy is 6-15. Coincidentally, Seneca Wallace has made 21 starts in his nine-year career and is also 6-15.
When the 2010 season ended, team president Mike Holmgren said McCoy would be the starter in 2011. Now Holmgren says he is not ready to "anoint" McCoy and Shurmur says there will be competition in training camp. Part of that competition could involve Matt Flynn, the soon to be free agent of the Green Bay Packers.
McCoy, Flynn or a rookie quarterback would benefit from drafting or signing a starting-quality wide receiver.
Greg Little, the 59th pick in the 2011 draft, led the Browns with 61 catches but also led with a dozen dropped passes.
"Do we think we have a pretty good group of wide receivers? Yeah," Holmgren said. "Did we drop too many passes? Absolutely. But, I think we see some things that you can build on.
"Greg Little hadn't played much football (before 2011). Did he make some mistakes? Yes. Did he catch a lot of passes? Yes. Do you see something in him that you can build on for the future? I believe you do. Do we have to upgrade (wide receiver) and make that stronger? I would say there isn't an offensive area that we won't look hard at and try and do that. Receivers fall into that category as well."
Tight end Evan Moore caught a touchdown pass in the opener and one the next week in Indianapolis. He caught just two after that. He caught 25 passes through the first 14 games and then nine in the last two when Wallace was the quarterback. As he was cleaning out his locker the Monday after the season ended Moore said he has to become a more complete player. That means he has to become a better blocker.
Benjamin Watson caught 37 passes in 2011. He was not as involved in the offense as he was when he caught 68 in 2010. Watson missed the final three games of this past season with a concussion. He says he wants to return, but his playing time, if not his job, could go to 2011 rookie Jordan Cameron. Cameron caught five of his six passes in the last three games.
Left guard Eric Steinbach hopes to return after missing 2011 because of preseason back surgery. Four offensive linemen, all reserves, are targeted for free agency. Oneil Cousins, Artis Hicks, John Greco and Steve Vallos will all be unrestricted. It means the Browns will have to restock their bench.
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