A day after a second consecutive lopsided loss, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said his club is "much improved" from a season ago and better positioned to "make the next jump." Acknowledging "looming change," Shurmur believes the team is relevant again, an important step toward reaching the playoffs. The coach made the remarks Monday when entertaining questions about whether he's witnessed progress in a season that's included five victories, one more than last year. "I think . . . as a team, and I'm talking about the way we function and the young players we added, we are much improved from a year ago," Shurmur said. Speculation is rampant that new owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner plan to replace Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert. The Browns close the season Sunday in Pittsburgh and Banner has promised a quick decision on those positions. "I do think we are building a team that is relevant, and you have to be relevant before you become a playoff team," Shurmur said. "Once you're in the playoffs, anything can happen. We've seen that. So, it's somewhat of a journey . . . and we've had to make this journey this year with change, right, and looming change and so that's what you push through. . . . As we push through this, we've got to keep making decisions based on making this team better and unfortunately that involves change, too." Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
eh, he's obviously selling himself to keep his job. however, their defense regressed a bit this season and they still have a big question mark at QB. They drafted a guy because they thought he would be the most 'nfl ready' and he still has a LONG way to go if he's ever going to be a good starting nfl qb. and one of the reasons shurmur got the job is because he's supposed to be good with qb's.
