Cleveland Browns Offseason Talk
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BR1986FBWallace a QB Exception for Holmgren
By The Sports Xchange
Posted May 18, 2010
Seneca Wallace doesn't have the requisite height associated with NFL quarterbacks, but...
Browns president Mike Holmgren likes his quarterbacks big and tall, but in the case of Seneca Wallace, at 5-foot-11 the shortest quarterback in the NFL, he was willing to make an exception.Holmgren coached Wallace in Seattle from 2003 until the end of the 2008 season when Holmgren took a year-long sabbatical from the NFL.
Wallace, a fourth-round draft choice by Seattle in 2003, did not play until 2005. He was the Seahawks' emergency quarterback in 2003 and '04 but did not play either season.
Wallace played quarterback in 47 games for the Seahawks with 14 starts. He has thrown 25 career touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. His busiest season was 2008 when he started eight games in place of injured Matt Hasselbeck. Wallace completed 141 of 242 passes that season for 1,532 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. He was 3-5 as a starter; the Seahawks were 4-12 that year. Over his career Wallace is 5-7 as a starter. He has completed 33 of 4556 passes for 3,547 yards.
Though he was no longer the Seahawks' general manager by 2003, Holmgren knew of Wallace before the Seahawks drafted him.
"I'm coming in with a lot of confidence and trying to come in and spark the team a little bit," Wallace told radio station 950 KJR in Seattle. "It's time to kind of start fresh.
"The sky's the limit. As long as I take advantage of every opportunity I get there in Cleveland, we'll see what happens from there. But I'm really excited about being back with Mike and (working with Coach Eric) Mangini. The future is bright for us in Cleveland."
Wallace could be used the way the Steelers once used Kordell Stewart, but Wallace has only four career catches, one for a touchdown, and 54 carries for 214 yards and a touchdown.
Everything now points to the Browns becoming a West Coast offense. Holmgren coached the West Coast in Green Bay and Seattle for 17 years and his right-hand man in the Browns' front office, Gil Haskell, was the offensive coordinator for Holmgren in Seattle. During the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month Holmgren said Haskell has been going over the
http://cle.scout.com/2/970941.html -
SonofanumpI'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time.
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Nate
And you will....Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
BR1986FB
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
Nate
Very scary when you think about it.BR1986FB wrote:
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
jmog
Do I hear the wing-T option!BR1986FB wrote:
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time.
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BR1986FBGranted, it's only OTA's but how many times did we hear the words "erratic" and "inaccurate" when training camp and OTA's were talked about concerning our QB's? Kinda refreshing...
OTA Report: QBs Look Sharp
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted May 19, 2010
If first impressions count, the Browns already seem to be on more solid footing at quarterback. Here are Fred's impressions of the first practice, as well as some comments from some fellow they call "The Big Show"...
BEREA—If the early reading of the quarterback situation is any indication of their play this year, first impressions are positive.
Jake Delhomme's throws were very crisp and accurate in 7-on-7 drills. The same could be said of Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy.
Delhomme connected with no less than four different receivers for touchdowns as the offense clearly had the upper hand on the defense in red zone drills. Delhomme hit Brian Robiskie twice for scores, including a pin-point throw in the corner of the end zone, while also hitting tight ends Ben Watson and Alex Smith for scores. He made a good throw and Chansi Stuckey made a nice diving catch in front of Eric Wright for another touchdown.
“I think (Delhomme’s) going to be fine,” Mike Holmgren said as he was watching the play. “I think he’s going to be better than people think.”
Wallace also showed his athleticism and scrambled and then found Smith for a score. He showed a strong arm and accuracy as he hit Josh Cribbs on a post pattern.
Colt McCoy got in on the action and threw a nice touchdown pass to rookie Johnathan Haggerty.
Holmgren tempered the enthusiasm by saying that “without pads on, the ball should rarely touch the ground”.
Holmgren on Hardesty: The Browns traded up to get RB Montario Hardesty and he is getting a lot of reps with RB Jerome Harrison absent.
“This kid is going to help us, if he stays healthy,” Holmgren said as he watched Hardesty grab a pass down the sidelines.
Secondary Look: In the first group of defensive backs, Eric Wright was at left corner with Sheldon Brown at right corner. Rookies Larry Asante and T.J. Ward were the duo at safety. Brown wears No. 23, while Ward is 43 and Asante is 42.
Rehab Guys: Working out in individual drills were DL Shaun Rogers (leg), LB Eric Barton (neck), DL C.J. Mosley (leg) and DL Keith Grennan.
http://cle.scout.com/2/971112.html -
SQ_Crazies
Scary for who? Browns fans? Doubt there is a top 15 defense in the league that is scared of anything the Browns could show them.Keebler wrote:
Very scary when you think about it.BR1986FB wrote:
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
Al CaponeWhat's up with all these Holmgren quotes BR? I thought Mangini was the head coach?
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BR1986FB
That's funny because I think they faced a "top 15 defense" from Pittsburgh down the stretch and punched them in the mouth rushing for over 170 yards when the Steelers KNEW we were going to run because we had that shitbag (Quinn) at QB. They may not have been "scared" going into the game but left CBS with a physical ass whoopin.SQ_Crazies wrote:
Scary for who? Browns fans? Doubt there is a top 15 defense in the league that is scared of anything the Browns could show them.Keebler wrote:
Very scary when you think about it.BR1986FB wrote:
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
BR1986FB
Mangini IS the coach. I don't know what Holmgren being the mouthpiece has anything to do with who the coach is.Al Capone wrote: What's up with all these Holmgren quotes BR? I thought Mangini was the head coach? -
Nate
I'm sure some defense will "collapse" like the Celtics... OH WAIT... Nevermind...SQ_Crazies wrote:
Scary for who? Browns fans? Doubt there is a top 15 defense in the league that is scared of anything the Browns could show them.Keebler wrote:
Very scary when you think about it.BR1986FB wrote:
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
Al CaponeWho's guarding these recievers and who's rushing the qb when Delhomme is looking this good. Dont buy your superbowl tickets yet Clown fans. Hell, even Wallace can look good in OTAs.
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SportsAndLady
Umm, the Browns' secondary is going to be really good, maybe the strength of this team.Al Capone wrote: Who's guarding these recievers -
BR1986FBBrowns Get Back to Work
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted May 19, 2010
BEREA—With all of the drama surrounding the Cavaliers and LeBron James, Cleveland fans need a diversion.
How about the Browns and OTAs?
It’s still four months from the first regular season game, but it’s the first glimpse of the 2010 Browns.
“It’s the first time with all of the guys together on the field,” Eric Mangini said. “It gives us a chance to experiment on ideas you might like to use that you haven’t seen in practices.”
Once again, a big topic is quarterback. Gone are Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, but newcomer Jake Delhomme is coming off an incredibly poor 2009 season as he joins the Browns.
“Jake’s been here and the quarterbacks have been here working out with plays and installs,” Mangini said. “That’s really been a positive.”
Mangini said that Delhomme has shown that he provides the veteran leadership the Browns are desiring.
“The leadership we heard of in our research has really been demonstrated in his time here.”
Even though the nearly $7 million the Browns are paying Delhomme, Mangini still hasn’t declared him the sure-shot starter.
“I don’t think there’s any specific schedule on that,” Mangini said. “Jake and Seneca (Wallace) are getting the bulk of the reps and getting used to the system.
“Colt (McCoy) and Brett (Ratliff) are getting the third and fourth reps.”
Browns fans seem more concerned with Delhomme’s ability to play, than necessarily his leadership skills. Mangini said he hasn’t spent a lot of time trying to figure out why Delhomme played so poorly in 2009, causing the Panthers to release him.
“We haven’t dwelled a lot on those reasons, because with each team it is so different,” he said. “There’s different dynamics in the locker room and a lot of different reasons.
“We haven’t spent a lot of time in trying to figure out the ‘why’ from last year, but how to move forward and to use him this year.”
Mangini still feels that last season was just a bad year for Delhomme. He admires a lot of things about him and is confident he will be solid for the Browns this year.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of one thing he has done,” he said. “Not to compare, but he reminds me of (Brett) Favre in the way that he enjoys practice and being around the guys.
“He has a good rapport with the offensive guys and the defensive guys,” he said. “You can see that in the weight room, on the field and being around him.”
Notebook
Mangini Likes Mike: Not only because he is his boss, Mangini said he likes the resource that Mike Holmgren brings to him as being a former head coach.
“It’s easier because you talk the same language,” he said. “Even though you weren’t with the same team, you can relate because you’ve been in the same seat. It’s kind of being a parent. You get it more when you’re in the position and it’s nice to walk down the hall and talk with Mike. He gets it.”
Experimental Time: Mangini indicated that OTAs are the time for the coaches to experiment with ideas they’ve had in the off-season to see if they are possible to incorporate into their 2010 plans.
“At this time of year, there are things we will try and if we like them will carry them into training camp and the preseason,” Mangini said. “There’s been an influx of new ideas into the organization and now it’s trying to see how things fit and whether we’ll use.”
Former West Coast offensive coordinator Gil Haskell and Mike Holmgren are two of the biggest additions.
This was the third day of OTAs, but the first day open to the media.
On Restricted Free Agents: Mangini said that he’s communicated with the restricted free agents that are not present at the OTAs, but offered little new information. RB Jerome Harrison, LB D’Qwell Jackson, LB Matt Roth, FB Lawrence Vickers and S Abe Elam fall into that category.
“I’ve talked to most of the guys at some point,” Mangini said. “Whether by text or when they were in the building.
“You’d like them here, but it allows some of the guys here get more reps,” he said. “Whether, it’s Montario (Hardesty)or Peyton Hillis or whether it’s the linebacker spot or safety. You’d like them here, but it gives a chance for others to show what they can do.”
Roth, reportedly has asked to be traded, but Mangini and Tom Heckert have said that’s not likely.
“Matt’s a restricted guy and falls under those rules,” he said. “I enjoyed coaching him last year. He’s as tough as nails and I like him. To be able to get him and he came in three or four days and got a sack. I really like him.”
Dawson’s Status: K Phil Dawson is missing from OTAs as he was in 2009. The Browns signed veteran K Shawn Suisham earlier this week.
“(Dawson) wasn’t here last year,” he said. “I know Tom talked about it the other day and there’s really not more to say than that.”
Mangini said he was very impressed with Dawson’s performance last year when he made 17 of 19 field goal attempts.
“ I thought Phil did a really good job in a tough environment,” he said. “He’s done a nice job, not only last year but throughout the course of his year.”
Mangini dodged the question when asked if Suisham was a legitimate threat to Dawson.
“We have to get the roster to 80 by the time training camp starts,” he said. “When restricted guys sign and rookies sign, we have to release someone. We have Reggie Hodges here, right now.”
Rogers News: DL Shaun Rogers is not practicing as he rehabs from a broken leg last season. Mangini said he has no updates on Rogers’ status regarding weapons charges brought on him for carrying a concealed weapon to Cleveland Hopkins Airport a couple of months ago.
“There’s been nothing new from the league,” Mangini said.
Rogers is expected to get some type of suspension when Roger Goodell hands it out, is not known.
The Receiver Watch: Mangini was asked if the team would bring in a veteran wide receiver before the start of training camp.
“I think that’s something we look at in all of our positions,” he said. “If we feel we can bring in some depth, we will.”
Most notable free agents still unsigned are former Eagle Kevin Curtis, Jet and Bengal LaVaerneus Coles.
The only drafted receiver this year, sixth-round pick Carlton Mitchell, missed most of rookie camp with a leg strain.
“He was a little dinged in rookie camp and hasn’t been able to get a lot of opportunities,” Mangini said. “He’s done a good job with the information he’s been given. He’s kind of like the rest of the rookies where they do some good things and some things not so well.”
Fujita Impresses: One of the big off-season signings was LB Scott Fujita from the Super Bowl champion Saints. Mangini said he’s been all the team has expected of him thus far.
“He’s been here the whole off season and has done a good job,” Mangini said. “He’s a smart guy and has picked up the information quickly.”
http://cle.scout.com/2/971080.html
Here's a photo gallery from today's OTA's....
http://cle.scout.com/2/971126.html -
pkebker
No mention of Haden, is he participating in OTAs?BR1986FB wrote: Granted, it's only OTA's but how many times did we hear the words "erratic" and "inaccurate" when training camp and OTA's were talked about concerning our QB's? Kinda refreshing...
OTA Report: QBs Look Sharp
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted May 19, 2010
If first impressions count, the Browns already seem to be on more solid footing at quarterback. Here are Fred's impressions of the first practice, as well as some comments from some fellow they call "The Big Show"...
BEREA—If the early reading of the quarterback situation is any indication of their play this year, first impressions are positive.
Jake Delhomme's throws were very crisp and accurate in 7-on-7 drills. The same could be said of Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy.
Delhomme connected with no less than four different receivers for touchdowns as the offense clearly had the upper hand on the defense in red zone drills. Delhomme hit Brian Robiskie twice for scores, including a pin-point throw in the corner of the end zone, while also hitting tight ends Ben Watson and Alex Smith for scores. He made a good throw and Chansi Stuckey made a nice diving catch in front of Eric Wright for another touchdown.
“I think (Delhomme’s) going to be fine,” Mike Holmgren said as he was watching the play. “I think he’s going to be better than people think.”
Wallace also showed his athleticism and scrambled and then found Smith for a score. He showed a strong arm and accuracy as he hit Josh Cribbs on a post pattern.
Colt McCoy got in on the action and threw a nice touchdown pass to rookie Johnathan Haggerty.
Holmgren tempered the enthusiasm by saying that “without pads on, the ball should rarely touch the ground”.
Holmgren on Hardesty: The Browns traded up to get RB Montario Hardesty and he is getting a lot of reps with RB Jerome Harrison absent.
“This kid is going to help us, if he stays healthy,” Holmgren said as he watched Hardesty grab a pass down the sidelines.
Secondary Look: In the first group of defensive backs, Eric Wright was at left corner with Sheldon Brown at right corner. Rookies Larry Asante and T.J. Ward were the duo at safety. Brown wears No. 23, while Ward is 43 and Asante is 42.
Rehab Guys: Working out in individual drills were DL Shaun Rogers (leg), LB Eric Barton (neck), DL C.J. Mosley (leg) and DL Keith Grennan.
http://cle.scout.com/2/971112.html -
SQ_Crazies
LMFAO!! You realize how pathetic it is that you brought that up right?Keebler wrote:
I'm sure some defense will "collapse" like the Celtics... OH WAIT... Nevermind...SQ_Crazies wrote:
Scary for who? Browns fans? Doubt there is a top 15 defense in the league that is scared of anything the Browns could show them.Keebler wrote:
Very scary when you think about it.BR1986FB wrote:
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
BR1986FB
If you look at the last story I posted (the photos at the bottom), it shows Haden & TJ Ward walking off the field together.pkebker wrote: No mention of Haden, is he participating in OTAs? -
Nate
Horribly pathetic I know....SQ_Crazies wrote:
LMFAO!! You realize how pathetic it is that you brought that up right?Keebler wrote:
I'm sure some defense will "collapse" like the Celtics... OH WAIT... Nevermind...SQ_Crazies wrote:
Scary for who? Browns fans? Doubt there is a top 15 defense in the league that is scared of anything the Browns could show them.Keebler wrote:
Very scary when you think about it.BR1986FB wrote:
Probably Harrison too.Sonofanump wrote: I'd like to see a package with Wallace and Cribbs in the backfield at the same time. -
pkebker
So as of now, they don't think he'll start. I think our first rounder needs to have playing time and make an immediate impact. IMO we move brown over to safety and he'll also be the nickle corner...I just don't like the idea of a first rounder sitting on the bench.BR1986FB wrote:
If you look at the last story I posted (the photos at the bottom), it shows Haden & TJ Ward walking off the field together.pkebker wrote: No mention of Haden, is he participating in OTAs? -
BR1986FBpkebker wrote:
So as of now, they don't think he'll start. I think our first rounder needs to have playing time and make an immediate impact. IMO we move brown over to safety and he'll also be the nickle corner...I just don't like the idea of a first rounder sitting on the bench.BR1986FB wrote:
If you look at the last story I posted (the photos at the bottom), it shows Haden & TJ Ward walking off the field together.pkebker wrote: No mention of Haden, is he participating in OTAs?
They also said Fraley was the starter at center during the preseason/OTA's but who was the starter come game 1? Haden will be in there. -
SportsAndLady
Dude relax, it's May 20th...Haden will start weed 1 when its all said and donepkebker wrote:
So as of now, they don't think he'll start. I think our first rounder needs to have playing time and make an immediate impact. IMO we move brown over to safety and he'll also be the nickle corner...I just don't like the idea of a first rounder sitting on the bench.BR1986FB wrote:
If you look at the last story I posted (the photos at the bottom), it shows Haden & TJ Ward walking off the field together.pkebker wrote: No mention of Haden, is he participating in OTAs? -
BR1986FB
He better not start "weed 1". That's Santonio's thing.SportsAndLady wrote:
Dude relax, it's May 20th...Haden will start weed 1 when its all said and donepkebker wrote:
So as of now, they don't think he'll start. I think our first rounder needs to have playing time and make an immediate impact. IMO we move brown over to safety and he'll also be the nickle corner...I just don't like the idea of a first rounder sitting on the bench.BR1986FB wrote:
If you look at the last story I posted (the photos at the bottom), it shows Haden & TJ Ward walking off the field together.pkebker wrote: No mention of Haden, is he participating in OTAs?
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BR1986FBOne of the most noticeable changes during OTA's was Eric Mangini. Apparently he's able to just concentrate on coaching and not all of the other BS. “He can concentrate on just being a football coach, a damn good football coach,” one player noted.
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Writerbuckeye
Unpossible.BR1986FB wrote: One of the most noticeable changes during OTA's was Eric Mangini. Apparently he's able to just concentrate on coaching and not all of the other BS. “He can concentrate on just being a football coach, a damn good football coach,” one player noted.
Every media wanker between Los Angeles and New York City has already determined that Mangini is not only a horrid coach, but will likely be fired within six weeks of the opening of the season.