The Cleveland Browns haven’t looked good offensively this year and have just traded running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2014 first-round pick.
For some even after just two games it’s a symbol of the franchise looking ahead to the future and not the 2013 season including Trey Wingo who Tweeted this.
We’d like to thank The Browns for their participation in the 2013 season….and wish them all the best in their endeavors
— trey wingo (@wingoz) September 18, 2013
Quarterback Brandon Weeden is out with a sprained thumb and Brian Hoyer will now start after moving ahead of Jason Campbell on the depth chart. So, the reasoning is justifiable or is it? Richardson did set rookie records for the franchise with 950 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. While impressive his yards per carry averaged was at 3.6 and his longest run of the season just 32 yards.
So far in 2013 it has gotten worse as in two games he carried the ball 31 times for 105 yards with a long of 10. Hardly impressive numbers for a running back taken with the third overall selection in the 2012 draft.
According to reports free agent running back Willis McGahee needs to pass his physical and will sign with the Browns. In 10 games during the 2012 season with the Denver Broncos he averaged 4.4 yards per carry, scored four touchdowns and rushed for 731. While most Browns fans won’t see it, the former Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills running back is an upgrade in the backfield at least for the 2013 season.
The Browns will get another boost to their offense with wide receiver Josh Gordon being eligible to play after missing the first two games due to a suspension. Last season he caught 50 passes for 805 yards to go along with five touchdowns, a long of 71 and 40 first downs.
With an upgraded offense and a solid defense Cleveland has a strong chance of defeating the winless Minnesota Vikings.
Even if the worst case scenario happens and the Browns have a miserable season like Wingo seems to believe the franchise will get to grab a franchise quarterback such as Tajh Boyd, Brent Hundley, Kevin Hogan or Derek Carr.
As for Indianapolis their schedule is difficult with games against the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans twice. Meaning that the second pick in the 2014 draft could easily be in the top 20 and giving the Browns an opportunity to draft a wide receiver going after Mike Evans, Brandon Coleman or Jordan Matthews. The second round is where a running back gets taken and options there are Lache Seastrunk, Ka’Deem Carey or Bishop Sankey.
Giving the chance for the Browns to build a solid core offensive players where Richardson translates to a running back used in short yardage and goal line situations, never an every down back. A wise decision for the franchise to trade him now while his value was still high.
McGahee as an upgrade