Cheaters Never Win.....Right?

Charlie Casserly of the NFL Network recently shared some interesting perspective on the upcoming off season.  He recounts when he worked for the Redskins during the labor shortened seasons of 1987 and 1982.  Those two years the Redskins won the Superbowl.  Casserly basically implies that the players and coaches cheated.  Before the players and coaches departed for the season, the coaches gave certain players very detailed offseason workouts, drills, and practice routines to follow....you know, if they felt so inclined. 

I highly recommend reading the above-linked article.  Interesting stuff.  This off season is going to produce some whacky outcomes for next year.  Unfortunately, I don't see any of this adding up to a good season, by any measure, for the Cleveland Browns.  The cheating will surely happen (as described in the article - go read it already!) but only more established teams - i.e., teams that didn't fire the whole coaching staff this off season, will be able to partake in the cheating.  Schurmer doesn't even know his roster yet. 

Teams with established rosters and coaching schemes will likely have players that stay sharp during any work stoppage - and will therefore pick up more quickly when the season begins - whenever that may be - just like the Redskins did in the 80's.  The Browns were expected to undergo some transition this year - and likely get off to a slow start anyway - but with the strong possibility of a shortened off season program or even shortened playing season - it is likely going to be even worse.  Which is a crying shame - because the Browns schedule next year is very favorable for picking up some easier wins.  The out-of-division schedules are filled to the brim with weak teams. 

We can only hope a deal gets worked out before August - but most pundits think it won't get done until players start missing game checks.  Look on the bright side, maybe they'll miss enough games that the Browns won't mathematically be able to achieve double digit losses this year!  Progress!

**UPDATE:  Since this post - the Superbowl happened - and Colt McCoy revealed during several media interviews that he has spoken extensively with new coach Pat Shurmer and is already studying the playbook.  Let's  hope he calls up his receivers  this off season and invites them to Texas for some BBQ and drills.  This doesn't change the work stoppage problems for the defense, but it might lessen the impact for the offense if they can get a head start.  Hopefully there will be a deal in time for training camp.