National Football League

Front Office Insider: Browns' turnaround lifts Pettine's stock & more notes from the NFL

Published Oct. 9, 2014 9:16 a.m. ET

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Ross Jones

A team's identity is usually indicative of its head coach.

After less than nine months on the job, Mike Pettine has people around the league taking notice of the Cleveland Browns' 2-2 start.

"You just never see them give up -- plain and simple," a director of scouting told FOXSports.com. "Pettine has these guys believing."

As evidenced by the team's postgame celebration after beating the Tennessee Titans last week, players are loose and having fun.

Coming off the biggest road comeback in league history, the Browns have been competitive in each of their first four contests. In fact, they have either been ahead or behind by one point in the last 10 seconds of every game.

The turnaround after a 4-12 season begins with quarterback Brian Hoyer, whose never-say-die attitude has spilled into the locker room.

"Hoyer never gets rattled," the director of scouting said. "He's always very confident. They have a group of small but quick receivers. They're mediocre at best. But Hoyer is always willing to stay in the pocket late and make those throws. It's almost like he's a backyard football player out there."

Averaging an AFC -best 143.3 rushing yards a game, the Browns' three running backs have been extremely productive while not turning the ball over once. One player exceeding expectations is rookie offensive guard Joel Bitonio, a second-round pick. Playing alongside Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas, Bitonio does a nice job anchoring down and paving lanes.

For decades, Cleveland has been in search of a team and a coach that matches the city's blue-collar mentality. It appears Pettine could be the answer.

SCOUTING SERVICE: WHAT INSIDERS ARE TALKING ABOUT

Electricity in the air

Philip Rivers leads the league in yards per attempt (8.75). 

It's no secret San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is playing at the highest level of his 11-year career. Completing 70.3 percent of his passes and averaging a league-high 8.75 yards per attempt, Rivers simply has been superb. But some around the league believe he deserves even more credit for the team's 4-1 start because he's playing behind a mix-and-match offensive line. After sending center Doug Legursky (knee) to injured reserve this week, the Chargers will be playing with their fourth center of the season.

Rivers' movement, despite a crowded pocket, and management of the huddle have stood out. Though the passing game has been strong, head coach Mike McCoy and first-year offensive coordinator Frank Reich have continued to stay committed to the running game despite injuries to running backs Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown.

"They get better each week," a rival personnel director said. "They control the tempo and are able to keep their defense fresh."

A Week 8 Thursday night game in Denver certainly will be a good measuring stick for where this team is at.

Two-TE set to stay in New England?

Could Tim Wright be the missing piece to New England's offense?

Looking for a spark on offense, the New England Patriots aggressively targeted their tight ends in last week's win against the Bengals. Combining for 11 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns on 16 targets, Rob Gronkowski and Tim Wright established themselves as a legit pass-catching duo -- and the league has taken notice.

In the weeks leading up to Wright's breakout game, the preseason trade of former Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins to the Tamoa Bay Buccaneers for Wright had been widely criticized. But Wright's emergence last Sunday night may have shown the wisdom in that move.

"They are both big targets," a personnel director told FOXSports.com. "The thing about [Wright] is he has great speed and can get down the seam. He'll outrun most linebackers. He has some good hands. I think he has the potential to be a good player."

Wright, who began his college career as a receiver at Rutgers, was switched to tight end by then head coach Greg Schiano. Most might not remember Schiano's ties to head coach Bill Belichick at the NFL Combine this past offseason. Certainly, some insight could have helped facilitate the swap.

Atlanta's afterburner

Antone Smith wasn't selected in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Atlanta Falcons running back Antone Smith put his burst on full display with last week's 74-yard, catch-and-run for a score. Though the Falcons have a stable of competent backs, none has the home run capability of Smith.

"He is speed, speed, speed," another personnel director told FOXSports.com. "Any time you have a guy as explosive like that, you try to get him some room. And if you give him a crack, he'll make you pay."

Smith, 29, had his moments last season, but the fifth-year threat could be in line for a bigger role. Head coach Mike Smith told reporters this week that the team "needs to have more plays designed for Smith" moving forward.

FOUR DOWNS

Indy's defense flying under the radar

When last year's NFL sacks leader Robert Mathis was suspended four games for violating the league's PED policy, some wondered how the Indianapolis Colts defense would make up for his lost production.

With more than a quarter of the season finished, the team is doing it by playing disciplined football at all three levels.

"I think you are starting to see the blueprint of what we want our defense to look like," coach Chuck Pagano told reporters this week. The decision to re-sign cornerback Vontae Davis to a four-year, $39 million deal is paying off. Davis, whose sticky coverage has mostly nullified opposing receivers, ranks fifth in the league at his position, according to Pro Football Focus.

Second-year defensive end Bjoern Werner and veteran lineman Cory Redding, who one talent evaluator called the "tone setter" of the defense, have also created pressure on opposing quarterbacks. What's more, safety Sergio Brown has so far been a steady replacement for LaRon Landry, who also is serving a four-game suspension. 

Is Eric Ebron bound for more targets?

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Eric Ebron played the most snaps of his young career in last week's loss against the Buffalo Bills, according to Lions.com's Tim Twentyman. This week, head coach Jim Caldwell said he's "strongly" considering sitting star wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle). Ebron could be the one who benefits in the form of extra targets this weekend against the Vikings. With the Lions lacking a pass-catching threat other than wide receivers Golden Tate and Jeremy Ross, Ebron's ability to stretch the seam could have quarterback Matthew Stafford looking his way.  

What's up with Trent Richardson?

Colts third-year running back Trent Richardson has shown glimpses of burst this season, but it was Ahmad Bradshaw who led the team in carries last week against the Baltimore Ravens. Internally, there is belief that Richardson, the third overall pick in the 2012 draft, is putting a lot less pressure on himself than he did last season, when the Colts acquired him in a trade from Cleveland.

 "He has learned to be one of the guys, opposed to being the guy," a source close to Richardson told FOXSports.com this week.

Is the Bluegrass State harvesting pro talent?

The University of Kentucky certainly isn't known as an SEC hotbed for next-level talent.

Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb, 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson and Lions guard Larry Warford have made names for themselves, but other schools in the conference are better-known NFL factories.

However, after returning an interception for a touchdown and being named SEC Defensive Player of the Week, Kentucky's 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end Bud Dupree is generating plenty of interest from talent evaluators around the league.

"His athleticism and size stand out," a director of college scouting told FOXSports.com. "He has played a few spread offenses, but he can really rush the passer. He's a nice combination guy who makes athletic plays. I could see him being someone who really helps himself at the Senior Bowl and during the draft process."

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