Perhaps the Browns knew more than we thought they did when they let center Alex Mack walk in free agency in the offseason.
At least that’s the way it appears even though we’ll never get the whole truth because the Browns would never come right out and say it.
Most people here were upset that the Browns let Mack get away. Yes, he was going to get a king’s ransom, but centers are worth it because of the importance of the position in holding down the middle of the line and making all the blocking calls. What were the Browns thinking, especially with only Cam Erving, who struggled mightily last season as a rookie, as the only viable alternative – if indeed he can be called such?
I was right at the head of that line – loudly and clearly.
But then I got to thinking about Mack, and how every time I focused on him when he was here, he seemed to be getting beat.
Hmmm. Was that just a coincidence, or was there really something to it?
Let’s look at the Browns offensive line’s play during Mack’s his 6½ seasons as a starter.
The line was never good as a group for any sustained period during his career here. Sure, there were high points, but there were low points, too. There simply was no consistency.
And if you had to make an assessment as to whether the line was above average or below average overall, you’d pick the latter. The eye test indicates you have no other choice but to do so.
So if Mack was such a good player at such an crucial position, then why were there so many sacks to the point that just about every season, the Browns went through quarterbacks like water due to injury? And why did the running game bog down so much, so often?
Why? Why? Why?
Perhaps the Browns saw that, too, and didn’t think it was wise to spend big bucks on a player they felt didn’t deserve it. They could take that money and spend it elsewhere. Goodness knows there are enough holes on this team that need attention.
Mack, of course, eventually signed with the Atlanta Falcons and became a very rich man. Before the the Falcons’ 24-13 victory over the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium last Thursday night in Mack’s return to Cleveland, the Browns did a nice tribute to him on the scoreboard. After the game, he said the Browns “are really a first-class program.”
It was nice to see both sides acting in such a professional way, especially in a day and age when there seems to be so much talk and so many actions to the contrary.
One reason that Mack wanted to leave ASAP was because he got tired of the losing in Cleveland and didn’t think it was going to change in the near future. And who can blame him? The Browns never had a winning record during his time with them.
My guess is that Browns head coach Hue Jackson will get the team turned around, but it may take a while and Mack didn’t want to wait any longer.
Mack also left because he wanted to cash in on a big payday, and he didn’t think he would ever get that in Cleveland. That’s fair enough. NFL careers are short, and every player should seize upon the opportunity to make as much money as he can while it’s there to be had.
But make no mistake about it, Mack left for the money a whole lot more than he left to be a winner. If he was so intent on going to a contender, why would he have picked the Falcons, who haven’t had a winning season since 2012?
Mack’s a good guy, and for his sake, let’s hope he gets what he wants in Atlanta with some trips to the playoffs. He deserves that.
But with the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers in their division (South), it won’t be easy for the Falcons.
And for the Browns’ sake, let’s hope they get what they want with a center who has an integral role in their offensive line playing well. Their fans deserve that.
