Can the Colts sign Brandon Browner to play safety?

[chad72]

Would it be feasible to sign Brandon Browner and let him play safety? Will that work? 

 

Or do we trade Toler for a safety and sign Brandon Browner to play opposite Vontae Davis? You can match up him against any big wideout or TE (like Graham or Gronk) when they are split out without changing your D much.

 

I felt that Browner's eventual contract might end up being close to that of Toler, hence the thought. Thoughts?

[csmopar]

Browner sucked for most of the year man...

[chad72]

Browner sucked for most of the year man...

 

He played big when it counted. He started getting into his groove just around the Broncos game at home and was a big part of the Patriots being able to play the kind of D the Patriots wanted.

[BlueCollarColts]

Just draft a safety. 

[COLTS449]

I doubt it, but I absolutely love his style, and how physical he is. The guy plays angry and I just love it. One of my favorite players in the league. ( All of this as long as we're not playing against him obviously). I do want us to have guys like that though.

[21isSuperman]

All Browner does is get holding calls.  I don't want him in Indy

[csmopar]

He played big when it counted. He started getting into his groove just around the Broncos game at home and was a big part of the Patriots being able to play the kind of D the Patriots wanted.

He had maybe 2 or 3 good games. he wasn't making much, there's a reason he's a FA and really, hasn't generated much buzz. Toler is better. plus I wouldn't be surprised to see a trade to address safety.

And if you go read the comments by Pats fans on their board, you'll find many were saying the exact same thing I said above. Really he's their version of Casious Vaughn

[chad72]

All Browner does is get holding calls.  I don't want him in Indy

 

Guess what, the last 2 SB champs have been top 2 in defensive holding penalties the last 2 years, go figure . It is all part of the physical brand of football in the secondary that gets it done in the playoffs.

[BlueShoe]

Would it be feasible to sign Brandon Browner and let him play safety? Will that work? 

 

Or do we trade Toler for a safety and sign Brandon Browner to play opposite Vontae Davis? You can match up him against any big wideout or TE (like Graham or Gronk) when they are split out without changing your D much.

 

I felt that Browner's eventual contract might end up being close to that of Toler, hence the thought. Thoughts?

 

I would not do it.

 

I don't believe it is a good idea to sign a free agent and then completely change the position he is used to playing.

 

I would also not feel comfortable with him playing corner in our defense. I don't think he would hold-up well in one-on-one matchups we often put our corners in.

[chad72]

 

I would also not feel comfortable with him playing corner in our defense. I don't think he would hold-up well in one-on-one matchups we often put our corners in.

 

Even if you have a pass rush of Mathis and Cole as a tandem??? Only about 12 guys in the current NFL have about 85 sacks, and we have 2 of them in Mathis and Cole. A physical guy like Browner takes those first 2-3 seconds away that allows the pass rush to get there, hence the thought.

[BlueShoe]

Even if you have a pass rush of Mathis and Cole as a tandem??? Only about 12 guys in the current NFL have about 85 sacks, and we have 2 of them in Mathis and Cole. A physical guy like Browner takes those first 2-3 seconds away that allows the pass rush to get there, hence the thought.

 

Even the best pass rushers fail to make it to the quarterback more often than they make it.

 

I would be very worried about Browner covering any WR in our defense. I could see him becoming the most burned corner in football.

 

He is just not a good fit for us.

 

Browner belongs in cover 2 and cover 3.

[NewColtsFan]

Browner doesn't want to play safety, he wants to play corner.

 

Why would we try to convert him to safety at this point?

 

Clearly,  we think we can get a B-level safety and coach 'em up the way we did with Adams

[wig]

Even if you have a pass rush of Mathis and Cole as a tandem??? Only about 12 guys in the current NFL have about 85 sacks, and we have 2 of them in Mathis and Cole. A physical guy like Browner takes those first 2-3 seconds away that allows the pass rush to get there, hence the thought.

They also have a combined age that qualifies for social security, with one coming off a very major injury.

[Patagonia Chris]

Even if you have a pass rush of Mathis and Cole as a tandem??? Only about 12 guys in the current NFL have about 85 sacks, and we have 2 of them in Mathis and Cole. A physical guy like Browner takes those first 2-3 seconds away that allows the pass rush to get there, hence the thought.

 

Not trying to be a jerk but I feel that much of your opinion on this is formed from a) homer goggles and b) holding a player in high regard without having watched him play much. If Browner was as good as you think he wouldn't be an FA, especially after the Pats lost Revis.

[Bluefire4]

I'm guessing Brandon Browner would not want to be a safety.. just leave this alone.

[chad72]

Not trying to be a jerk but I feel that much of your opinion on this is formed from a) homer goggles and b) holding a player in high regard without having watched him play much. If Browner was as good as you think he wouldn't be an FA, especially after the Pats lost Revis.

 

Yeah, I am a homer of that guy, I will agree. Safety is a stretch but what about CB???

 

But I did watch him enough to see how he affected plays and played physical at the line of scrimmage. When I see that Chris Mathews guy burn Logan Ryan repeatedly as an unknown in the SB, and Browner asks for that assignment and you never hear Mathews' name again, you know he is a factor at the biggest level. Even on the last play, his jam at the goal line of Baldwin was the biggest reason they had to resort to go to a slant to a #3/4 wideout when they had decided to pass (Seahawks that is). He does make critical game changing plays.

 

Toler is not physical enough at the goal line area vs those big wideouts or big TE. Case in point - Vontae vs Gronk to break up a TD pass before the half to force a FG in the AFCCG. After the half in the AFCCG, Toler vs Gronk on a similar goal line play and TD for Gronk.

[BlueShoe]

Yeah, I am a homer of that guy, I will agree. Safety is a stretch but what about CB???

 

But I did watch him enough to see how he affected plays and played physical at the line of scrimmage. When I see that Chris Mathews guy burn Logan Ryan repeatedly as an unknown in the SB, and Browner asks for that assignment and you never hear Mathews' name again, you know he is a factor at the biggest level. Even on the last play, his jam at the goal line of Baldwin was the biggest reason they had to resort to go to a slant to a #3/4 wideout when they had decided to pass (Seahawks that is). He does make critical game changing plays.

 

Toler is not physical enough at the goal line area vs those big wideouts or big TE. Case in point - Vontae vs Gronk to break up a TD pass before the half to force a FG in the AFCCG. After the half in the AFCCG, Toler vs Gronk on a similar goal line play and TD for Gronk.

 

I would actually like to see us combat that crap by lining up Freeman on Gronk and moving Coles inside.

[HtownColt]

Too old to be changing positions, he's stuck in his ways by now

[Superman]

Too old to be changing positions, he's stuck in his ways by now

 

There are several older guys who have changed from corner to safety. Ever heard of Rod Woodson? Charles Woodson? Aeneas Williams?

[southwest1]

Guess what, the last 2 SB champs have been top 2 in defensive holding penalties the last 2 years, go figure . It is all part of the physical brand of football in the secondary that gets it done in the playoffs.

Yes, but if you have a guy in the secondary whose middle name might as well be "yellow flag" because his bone headed holding calls prevent your club from even making the playoffs it's a moot point IMO. 

 

I get it. You're paying a dude like Browner for the intimidation factor or attitude on the field, but I frown on stupidity that costs my squad vital yardage in games. I'm like a coach in that regard. It infuriates me actually. 

[HtownColt]

There are several older guys who have changed from corner to safety. Ever heard of Rod Woodson? Charles Woodson? Aeneas Williams?

They all had safety qualities, browner doesn't

[Superman]

They all had safety qualities, browner doesn't

 

Well, now, that's a horse of a different color. 

 

To me, the difference is that they were all much better than Browner. But I don't really think it's about his age. Older corners often switch to safety to prolong their careers for a while. 

[southwest1]

There are several older guys who have changed from corner to safety. Ever heard of Rod Woodson? Charles Woodson? Aeneas Williams?

Speaking of Rod Woodson, I'd love to hear his feedback on what the Colts have done in free agency. Yeah I know, it's off topic, but I really respect & admire his NFL analyst skills. 

 

Probably 1 of my most revered former players that I always listen when he talks no matter what I'm doing.  I wanna hear what Solomon Wilcots thinks too. Okay, back on topic. Sorry for the detour there.

[Gavin]

No thank god

[SteelCityColt]

Well, now, that's a horse of a different color. 

 

To me, the difference is that they were all much better than Browner. But I don't really think it's about his age. Older corners often switch to safety to prolong their careers for a while. 

 

Bingo.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong (and if anyone would have the knowledge to do that it's you ) but Browners's strength is jamming at the line of scrimmage and playing physical and his actual coverage skills aren't great, especially against burners. 

 

Moving him to safety would make him a Landry type IMO and we've already ridden that horse.

[amfootball]

Browner is not a natural safety. He is a press man corner so not sure that he would be good out in space ...

[ProblChld32]

Would it be feasible to sign Brandon Browner and let him play safety? Will that work? 

 

Or do we trade Toler for a safety and sign Brandon Browner to play opposite Vontae Davis? You can match up him against any big wideout or TE (like Graham or Gronk) when they are split out without changing your D much.

 

I felt that Browner's eventual contract might end up being close to that of Toler, hence the thought. Thoughts?

 

I highly doubt Browner would switch his position at this point in his career. 

 

id def prefer Toler over Browner, Browner is dirt slow and draws too many penalties. 

 

Lets just draft a Safety or hope someone decent gets cut and wants to sign with us. 

[chrisfarley]

we wouldn't dare go after Browner

[BullsColtsFan1]

I can't stand Brandon Browner, he needs to stay on the Pats or go back to Seattle

[GoPats]

Putting Browner at safety would negate what he does best - pressing guys at the line. Look at the Super Bowl INT. Browner jammed the jammer, letting Butler get a clean bead on that ball. 

 

He's not fast or fluid, and if you put him in the wrong situation, he'll get burned. But if a team uses him correctly as the Seahawks and Pats did, he's extremely effective. People shouldn't overreact to the penalties. As someone's pointed out already, the last two SB champs have been among the league leaders in accepted defensive penalties. He brought attitude and a clear edge to the Patriots' secondary when he played. 

[ztboiler]

Would it be feasible to sign Brandon Browner and let him play safety? Will that work? 

 

Or do we trade Toler for a safety and sign Brandon Browner to play opposite Vontae Davis? You can match up him against any big wideout or TE (like Graham or Gronk) when they are split out without changing your D much.

 

I felt that Browner's eventual contract might end up being close to that of Toler, hence the thought. Thoughts?

Your point here, that most seem to be missing, is signing him to match up against Big WR's and TE's.  I don't care what position you call that, but I don't see how it is a bad idea to at least give him consideration for that specialized role given the quantity of offensive specialists that fit that description.  He is ideal for that role in a way that very few are.

[pgt_rob]

Pass on Browner. Colts should be looking at the draft for a safety.

[21isSuperman]

Guess what, the last 2 SB champs have been top 2 in defensive holding penalties the last 2 years, go figure . It is all part of the physical brand of football in the secondary that gets it done in the playoffs.

That is an interesting stat, and I've noticed that too.  I think the Ravens were the most penalized team in the league the year they won it and the Seahawks are well known for their aggressive play.

[Patagonia Chris]

Yeah, I am a homer of that guy, I will agree. Safety is a stretch but what about CB???

 

But I did watch him enough to see how he affected plays and played physical at the line of scrimmage. When I see that Chris Mathews guy burn Logan Ryan repeatedly as an unknown in the SB, and Browner asks for that assignment and you never hear Mathews' name again, you know he is a factor at the biggest level. Even on the last play, his jam at the goal line of Baldwin was the biggest reason they had to resort to go to a slant to a #3/4 wideout when they had decided to pass (Seahawks that is). He does make critical game changing plays.

 

Toler is not physical enough at the goal line area vs those big wideouts or big TE. Case in point - Vontae vs Gronk to break up a TD pass before the half to force a FG in the AFCCG. After the half in the AFCCG, Toler vs Gronk on a similar goal line play and TD for Gronk.

 

I understand where you're coming from. I might be a little higher on Toler on this board than most. I personally think that no matter who you line up on gronk you're fighting an uphill battle. Back to what you said about Logan Ryan struggling with Chris Matthews...It makes me anxious to watch him try and defend Andre Johnson or Duron Carter this year.

[dgambill]

Putting Browner at safety would negate what he does best - pressing guys at the line. Look at the Super Bowl INT. Browner jammed the jammer, letting Butler get a clean bead on that ball. 

 

He's not fast or fluid, and if you put him in the wrong situation, he'll get burned. But if a team uses him correctly as the Seahawks and Pats did, he's extremely effective. People shouldn't overreact to the penalties. As someone's pointed out already, the last two SB champs have been among the league leaders in accepted defensive penalties. He brought attitude and a clear edge to the Patriots' secondary when he played. 

I agree 100%...he needs to play in a system where he can be physical at the point of attack and have help behind because he is anything but fleet of foot....the guy is a 3-4 sec cover....he can't hang with anyone past that. Safety he would be horrible....I would love to isolate that guy in the open field as a qb....LOVE IT!

 

If I were to convert someone I would take someone young but has had a hard time with NFL coverages at corner but still has the tools and athleticism....someone that isn't a fit like Dee Millner in NY. He just didn't fit the systems in NY and likely out of favor considering who they have all brought in but is big enough 6'0...never had problems coming up at the corner and tackling. That would be the kind of guy I would target to transition.

[HtownColt]

@ProFootballTalk: Saints closing in on a deal with CB Brandon Browner. "Almost finished," source says.

[dgambill]

That is an interesting stat, and I've noticed that too.  I think the Ravens were the most penalized team in the league the year they won it and the Seahawks are well known for their aggressive play.

Its about setting a tone in the NFL....just like foul calls in college basketball....teams like Louisville etc that always play aggressive defense will give up some calls early to set a pace and tone....slowly the Refs back off because they want to let them play and then the game is then played on THEIR terms...not the opposing team...the handchecks etc get left alone etc. That is how I see it in the NFL....you dont want it at crunch time but what usually happens (tripping wrs ne/sea....holding in the endzone on release like sf/bal) refs swallow the whistle. Thats why teams like us and NE give Denver problems....we set the tone...you don't have to have a Browner to do it...just good physical corners.