You have to figure the Browns would prefer playing the Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil, rather than in Philadelphia. Plus, they'd use it as a team-building experience.
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Hey Tony: What would a trip to Brazil look like if the Browns were selected to play there against Philadelphia? Would the coaches favor this schedule over playing a traditional away game?
-- Eric, Columbus, OH
Hey Eric: No NFL game ever has been played in Sao Paulo, so it would truly be a neutral site and would erase the home-field advantage the Eagles would enjoy in Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Browns coaches would have to like that, obviously. Also, I’m sure coach Kevin Stefanski would consider any excursion to unfamiliar ground such as this as a team-building experience.
Hey Tony: I heard you say on RBS that a penetrating DT was a need for the #Browns this offseason. What do you think of Michael Hall from The Ohio State University in the 2nd round? I think him with Hurst and Elliot could be a great combo.
-- Pete, Elyria, OH
Hey Pete: Noted draft guru Dane Brugler of The Athletic rates Hall No. 79 on his Big Board. Thus, taking Hall with the 54th overall pick would seem a bit early l if you respect Brugler’s analysis, which I do. Besides, I prefer to fill the defensive tackle need with one of the top players at the position in free agency. It would be my marquee free agent signing of this season, in fact.
Hey Tony: How will the Browns balance having a dependable backup with avoiding a QB controversy?
-- Ryan, Ashtabula, OH
Hey Ryan: Great question. It’s one reason I believe the Browns secretly are rooting for Joe Flacco to receive a better opportunity and sign with another team. If I’m wrong, why wouldn’t they make an aggressive offer to Flacco to stop him from going elsewhere? GM Andrew Berry said he considers backup QB to be a top 30 spot on the roster. Then sign him, no?
Hey Tony: Is wide receiver really the biggest need with the first pick in round 2 or is this because it is seen as a deep WR class?
-- Paul, Willard, OH
Hey Paul: The Browns need a top-flight receiver on a rookie contract. They thought they were getting that when they traded for Elijah Moore. But they could do better by using the 54th pick on a receiver because, yes, this is a deep receiver class.
Hey Tony: Will BOTH Josh Cribbs and Eric Metcalf make the HOF?
-- Will, Columbus, OH
Hey Will: Both have unique qualifications to at least be discussed as serious candidates. Unfortunately, neither has made it to the finalist round for the full-fledged debate among the 50 selectors. Maybe the induction of Devin Hester in the Class of 2024 will expedite their candidacies, I hope so.
Hey Tony: What is the truth about the Browns salary cap? Can they afford to keep players like JOK?
-- Rob, Strongsville, OH
Hey Rob: Their building is loaded with Ivy Leaguers schooled in economics, mathematics and analytics. If they can’t find their way around the nuances of the NFL salary cap, nobody can. They wouldn’t have made the acquisition of Deshaun Watson without painstakingly careful financial planning. Would they?
Hey Tony: How do we close the gap with the Ravens? Do you think we need to focus more on offense or defense in the draft and free agency?
-- AJ, Avon, OH
Hey AJ: After the defense flamed out in Houston in the wild-card game, I’d say the defense needs more help, particularly at tackle. It needs a 10+ sack interior lineman. There could be a few available in free agency. They have a tough slate of premier quarterbacks on their 2024 schedule.
Hey Tony: You have said on many occasions that wide receiver is the organization’s blind spot. I saw Flacco upset with Tillman about how he ran his route in the end zone. Could that blind spot be coaching? Are our coaches incapable?
-- Sam, Lorain, OH
Hey Sam: I don’t think coaching is the problem. Chad O’Shea is a well-respected receivers coach.
Hey Tony: Is there any truth to the report about cutting Nick Chubb?
-- Beth, Walnut Creek, OH
Hey Beth: There has been no reputable “report” of the Browns cutting Chubb. You’re referring to an author’s opinion. I wouldn’t worry.
Hey Tony: Will Marquise Goodwin be on the roster next season?
-- Mike, Smithville, OH
Hey Mike: Because of illness and injuries, Goodwin’s season never got on track. At 33, he probably is the fastest player on the team. When he was healthy and running past cornerbacks, the QBs couldn’t get him the ball. I’d bring him back.