Cleveland Browns Offseason Talk

• BR1986FB

  Veterans see growth for offense
  By Matt Florjancic, Contributor to ClevelandBrowns.com
  
  Posted 19 hours ago
  
  a a With the additions of Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace at quarterback, the Browns wide receivers feel the offense is in good hands.
  New Browns quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace add a veteran presence to the huddle and that’s a good thing to have at the NFL level.
  
  
  Delhomme and Wallace will have a lot of youth surrounding them in the receiving corps, but those wide receivers, including Mohamed Massaquoi and Joshua Cribbs, are ready to help get the Browns offense going.
  
  
  “(I) just need to be more consistent, just getting out of my routes cleaner, make sure I look the ball in before running it, so I can eliminate the drops,” said Massaquoi. “Last year, I was a rookie, so I didn’t know things. I didn’t process things as fast; I didn’t play as fast. This year, I kind of have a jump on that. I know the offense a little bit better. I know some of the pieces a little bit better.”
  
  
  “Our offense is more versatile then it has ever been, solid at quarterback, running back, wide receiver; I feel like we are solid all the way around,” Cribbs added. “We are having a great camp. (Brian) Robiskie, he’s stepping up. That’s one guy that surprised me and surprised a lot of guys with him stepping up and really coming into his own. Mohamed Massaquoi, these guys are really stepping up and it’s looking good for this year.”
  
  
  Massaquoi put together a solid rookie season. He tied for the team lead with 34 receptions and set the pace with 624 yards receiving. Massaquoi also caught 3 touchdowns and set a Browns rookie record with 18.4 yards-per-reception, a mark that stood since Paul Warfield’s 17.69 yards-per-catch average in 1964.
  
  
  Through Organized Team Activities, Massaquoi has enjoyed working with one of his boyhood role models, Jake Delhomme. Delhomme was playing for the Panthers when Massaquoi was starring at national powerhouse Independence High School in Charlotte.
  
  
  “You can just sense it, a vet’s a vet,” said Massaquoi. “They just have that presence about them. I guess it comes with experience. He’s played with some good guys, Steve (Smith) Muhsin (Muhammad) and Ricky Proehl, so he’s seen how guys have gone about and conducted their business and how to become a great receiver in this league. He’s able to share some of that knowledge with us so we can go out there and try to do some of the same things.
  
  
  “He has control of the offense,” Massaquoi added. “He’s out there loose, free-spirited. When things aren’t going right, he gets everybody focused. He keeps everybody at ease, just little things that I guess he’s picked up over the years that guys like me really appreciate because we get back on the right track.”
  
  
  Massaquoi has also noticed a difference in fellow second-year wide receiver Brian Robiskie.
  
  
  “He’s just working,” Massaquoi said. “The off-season’s really paying off for him. He’s working, trying to get better every day. We’re trying to push each other to go out there and make as many plays as we can.”
  
  
  While Massaquoi has enjoyed working with Delhomme and Robiskie, Cribbs has really liked spending time with Wallace. Whether it is Cribbs, a standout for the Kent State Golden Flashes, or Wallace, a former Iowa State Cyclone, in the backfield, the Wildcat formation could be a versatile weapon in the Browns’ offensive arsenal.
  
  
  “Seneca Wallace has made a great addition to the football team,” said Cribbs. “We are having fun with the Wildcat, got some Flash package in there and Cyclone package in there. We are having fun with it and we are on the same page with that. We are going to fool defenses and give them a hard time to prepare for us.”
  
  
  DAVIS RETURNS TO FIELD
  
  
  Running back James Davis burst onto the scene with an 81-yard touchdown in the Browns’ 27-10 win over the Lions in the second game of the 2009 preseason. However, an injury early in September derailed the rest of his rookie season.
  
  
  Davis spent the off-season going through the rehabilitation process to prepare himself for competition again.
  
  
  “It feels like a long time,” Davis said. “It’s feels like almost a year and I’ve never missed a year of football. Right now, I’m just trying to work myself back up to speed. I feel like a rookie again, just out there flying around with fresh legs. I just can’t wait to get out on that field and play.
  
  
  “You’ve got a lot of guys in there,” he added. “We just want to keep this running back crew as strong as possible because you never know what might happen. It’s good to have a lot of competition, guys out there working hard and pushing each other. I think that’s going to make this team better.”
  
  http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Veterans-see-growth-for-offense/d44deeae-cf07-4b55-90e2-85887364654c
• BR1986FB

  Mangini Impressed with New Veteran LBs
  
  By Fred Greetham
  OBR Reporter
  Posted Jun 3, 2010
  
  At Thursday morning's press conference, Eric Mangini said he is pleased with the intelligence, versatility and quick-learning abilities of the Browns newly acquired veteran linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita.
  
  
  BEREA—Eric Mangini made it a point to mention that he is happy with newly acquired veteran linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita.
  
  Gocong (6-2, 263) came over from the Eagles in the trade along with Sheldon Brown. Fujita (6-5, 250) came to the Browns as an unrestricted free agent signing from the Super Bowl champion Saints.
  
  “Chris and Scott are very bright guys and are adjusting very well to the scheme,” Mangini said.
  
  Mangini has long been a proponent of versatility in players and he says both players can play multiple positions in the 3-4.
  
  “It’s great to have guys who can (play inside or outside) because it gives you depth at both positions,” he said. “When you get to the 45 (game day roster), you can carry some guys at other positions.
  
  “ The 3-4 is pretty flexible and that’s one of the reasons why I like it.”
  
  Gocong, 26, is in his fifth seasons, while Fujita, 31, is in his ninth NFL season. Mangini coveted Gocong while he was making draft decisions when he was coaching with the Jets. The additions of Gocong and Fujita made the Browns feel they could trade outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley as he was only an outside linebacker.
  
  The Browns have several linebackers that can play inside or outside in Gocong, Fujita, Jason Trusnik, David Bowens, Matt Roth, David Veikune, among others.
  
  Mangini said that Gocong and Fujita have been primarily working at one spot, but anticipates them moving around.
  
  “Our goal right now has been to keep them at one spot,” he said. “When we get to minicamp, we might start moving them around, but those guys have played in various positions.”
  
  Notebook
  
  Personnel Changes: The Browns announced several changes in their personnel department with John Spytek being named Director of College Scouting. Pat Roberts is now a senior national scout. Johnathon Stigall was added as an area scout coming over from the Eagles.
  
  Hall of Famer Paul Warfield has decided to retire from the Browns’ front office.
  
  Nothing New with RFAs: Mangini said there was no movement with the restricted free agents, including Matt Roth, Lawrence Vickers, D’Qwell Jackson, RB Jerome Harrison and DB Abe Elam. He did say that Harrison was once again working at the OTAs.
  
  The players have until June 15 to sign their tenders or risk getting a pay decrease to their tender offers.
  
  Mangini did offer his assessment on Harrison.
  
  “He’s looked good,” he said. “It’s hard to evaluate where guys are at this time of year, but he looks like he did last year. “
  
  He did say that second-round draft pick, Montario Hardesty has progressed well.
  
  “He has had an outstanding camp,” he said. “He’s smart and has picked up (the system) and those type of things are going to give him a chance to play. I say that with an asterisk because we haven’t gotten to pads yet.”
  
  Cornering the Market: Mangini talked about rookie cornerback Joe Haden and veteran Brandon McDonald.
  
  Mangini said that Haden is soaking up information from Sheldon Brown.
  
  “I think he’s benefited from having Sheldon around,” Mangini said. “Joe’s learning from him and Sheldon can be a mentor to him. All of those young guys are adjusting to the pro game and are starting to play a lot faster than they were when they started.”
  
  It was no secret the Browns weren’t happy with the play of McDonald in 2009, prompting them to draft Haden with the first pick and trading for Brown. However, Mangini said McDonald has had a good off-season.
  
  “The one thing I’ll say about Brandon is he has been one of our off season winners (in the off-season program),” Mangini said. “He has played a lot of football and the more depth you can have at the cornerback is great. He’s a very competitive player and I like that a lot about him a lot.”
  
  Rookie Safeties: Mangini was asked if S Abe Elam held out longer, if he would be against starting rookies T.J. Ward and Larry Asante, if need be.
  
  “T.J. Ward has also had a couple of good days,” he said. “I’m open to that. In New York, we started two rookies on the offensive line.”
  
  Ward was the Browns second pick in this year’s draft, while Asante was the fifth-round choice.
  
  “They may take some lumps early because they are rookies, but they will learn.”
  
  Mangini said that Mike Adams has been working at cornerback mostly, leaving just Ray Ventrone, Nick Sorenson and DeAngelo Smith as the other safeties.
  
  “You want everyone to be here, but it does create extra reps for those here,” Mangini said. “It’s great for the young guys to learn and get an opportunity.”
  
  Versatile Line: Keeping with the versatile mantra, offensive linemen Shawn Lauvao and Tony Pashos fit the bill. Mangini said that third-round choice Shawn Lauvao has been working at center, besides right guard.
  
  “Shawn has been working a little at center and that allows him to know what’s going on,” he said. “You want them to get comfortable at all positions.”
  
  “(Pashos )is very serious about what he does,”Mangini said. “He’s all football all the time. Whether he ends up at guard or tackle, we’ll see where he fits whether as a starter or backup, we’ll see.”
  
  Veikune Update: LB David Veikune has been stationed on the inside after coming in originally as a pass rushing defensive end in college. Mangini said he has taken advantage of his opportunities with D’Qwell Jackson out.
  
  “David has taken advantage of the reps he’s received with D’Qwell not being here,” he said. “You can see his communication level improving and he showed different levels in college and last season. Now, he’s getting added value in his time here.”
  
  Mangini said it’s not unusual for a player that played outside to move to the inside.
  
  “I don’t think it’s unusual for someone with his background to be on the inside,” he said. “Teddy Bruschi was an end and then he learned and grew in the system and ended up inside. When you take a guy who had his hands on the dirt and now he has to learn to stand up, there’s a learning process.”
  
  RB Update: Mangini said that RB James Davis has bounced back well from missing last season. He mentioned that he and Chris Jennings are in similar situations.
  
  “I think James and Chris got a lot of opportunities last year,” Mangini said. “James missed playing time and it’s similar to what happened with Chansi Stuckey his first year when he got hurt. He learned a lot and came on his second year.”
  
  Mangini said he was happy with the way Davis handled his injury in an after practice “opportunity time”.
  
  “He’s handled it pretty well,” he said. “He rehabbed and has come along pretty well. “
  
  Jake’s Progress: Mangini said he’s increasingly impressed with QB Jake Delhomme.
  
  “He’s had a really good week,” he said. “I’m getting to know him and Brian (Daboll) is getting to know him. He’s very, very bright. He gets it and has
  
  http://cle.scout.com/2/974514.html
• sleeper

  

  Honestly, I'll be disappointed if the Browns don't make the playoffs this year. We've added some great pieces and actually have a somewhat competent QB this year as well as a MUCH improved secondary.
• BR1986FB

  Playoffs might be a tad ambitious. I'd be pleased with .500 considering the schedule.
• jmog

  I'm with BR, playoffs are a stretch, 8-8 would be a realistic goal this season and obviously show the Browns are pointed in the right direction.
• royal_k

  

  The schedule is brutal, but with all of the additions.....ya never know.
• sleeper

  

  The team is just so different from last year, we've added a bunch of new people(whom are all upgrades), it should be a completely different team.
• pkebker

  Playoffs are a but absurd. I'll be happy with a 7-9 record or better. I just want to see some improvement. And winning football games the right way, the AFC North way. Not like we did in 2007.
• BR1986FB

  Looks like Mangini is sending a bit of a message. The Ghost returned to practice today and he is #2 on the depth chart behind Hardesty. Mangini NEVER throws out praise to rookies but has been gushing over in his praise for Hardesty. Is it real or is he trying to light a fire under Harrison's ass?
• Writerbuckeye

  

  I'm hoping it's both.
• sleeper

  

  Hardesty is going to be a beast, ROY material, and you can take that to the bank.
• Sonofanump

  They will be much improved but it might not show in the record.
  
  I think Hardesty and Harrison will split carries pretty close to even.
• krazie45

  

  I tend to not get high hopes for the Browns for obvious reasons. With that said each year I look for improvement from the last. On paper, it certainly seems that the Browns have upgraded their roster and front office. We shall see if the translates to the field.
  
  So since I value improvement over the last year I will say that 6-10 will be a successful year because it shows improvement. Would I be even happier with 8-8 or 9-7? Of course, but I'm not expecting it.
• pkebker

  you mean 6-10...
• Sonofanump

  They could win the division with a 6-10 record and lose in the first round of the playoffs. They would just need to win every division game and have themselves and every other team in the division lose virtually all of the non division games.
• BR1986FB

  sleeper;378474 wrote:Hardesty is going to be a beast, ROY material, and you can take that to the bank.

  
  I think everyone is counting on this if he stays healthy.
• krazie45

  

  pkebker;378582 wrote:you mean 6-10...

  
  6-10 yes that was a typo haha.....finals week tends to fry the brain a bit.
• pkebker

  I doubt he will be ROY material. There is a reason he wasn't a first round pick. I hope he'll be a very productive player and stays healthy, he certainly fills a void for our team.
• BR1986FB

  pkebker;378990 wrote:I doubt he will be ROY material. There is a reason he wasn't a first round pick. I hope he'll be a very productive player and stays healthy, he certainly fills a void for our team.

  
  Obviously the season hasn't started but right now, Hardesty and the rookie RB for the Chargers are the early favorites for this honor. Both backs have good O-Lines and both should get PLENTY of opps to be their teams' feature back. I like his odds better than CJ Spiller.
• jmog

  9-7 MAYBE 10-6 will win the North this year with the schedule it has.
  
  So, the Browns finishing 7-9 or 8-8 would put us 2nd or 3rd in my opinion in the North.
• BR1986FB

  jmog;379002 wrote:9-7 MAYBE 10-6 will win the North this year with the schedule it has.
  
  So, the Browns finishing 7-9 or 8-8 would put us 2nd or 3rd in my opinion in the North.

  
  I think Baltimore will finish 11-5 with Cincy in 2nd and the Browns & Steelers fighting for the cellar.
• BR1986FB

  sleeper;378100 wrote:Honestly, I'll be disappointed if the Browns don't make the playoffs this year. We've added some great pieces and actually have a somewhat competent QB this year as well as a MUCH improved secondary.

  
  Did you write this?
  
  Worst To First: Can Delhomme's Spark Lead Browns to Playoffs?
  
  by Brett Stephen Written on June 03, 2010
  
  In 2003, Jake Delhomme left New Orleans for an opportunity to start for the 7-9 Carolina Panthers.
  
  Delhomme went into the season opener as the second string quarterback but took over at half-time when starter Rodney Peete couldn’t seem to get the offense moving.
  
  That year, the Panthers went on to win the NFC Championship and play in one of the greatest Super Bowls ever, only to fall to the Patriots on a last second field goal.
  
  Delhomme, although not the most talented guy or the most explosive offense player on the team, was definitely the spark needed to push a mediocre Panthers team over the edge to greatness.
  
  Fast forward to 2010.
  
  Delhomme, cut by the Panthers, goes to Cleveland for an opportunity to start for the 5-11 Cleveland Browns.
  
  A team down on themselves, with a city down on sports in general, the Cleveland Browns are looking for that spark that can pull the franchise out of the darkness of consistent failure and spring them into the spotlight as a great NFL team.
  
  So far, although we are only through OTAs, Delhomme seems to be bringing the same energy and enthusiasm that he brought to Carolina in 2003.
  
  The Browns’ practice field seems to have a buzz that it hasn’t seen in years, with an offense that isn’t holding back at all.
  
  Head Coach Eric Mangini, with the influence of President Mike Holmgren, is unleashing an offense with variety, utilizing the superior athleticism of Joshua Cribbs and Seneca Wallace.
  
  These wrinkles keep the defense honest and give Jake Delhomme the ability to use his biggest weapon, his brain, to read defenses at the line and make changes to burn them.
  
  Delhomme is already developing chemistry with wide receiver Brian Robiskie and tight end Ben Watson and the offense is moving at a pace that the Browns’ fans haven’t seen since a guy by the name of Kosar was under center.
  
  “Jake (Delhomme) has had a really good week,” Mangini said. “He’s really bright. Jake just picks things up. Some of it is just him knowing, understanding.”
  
  Delhomme’s quick thinking and play calling at the line has forced the Browns’ defense to stay alert and on their toes, making for what Mangini calls “better defensive practices.”
  
  With improvement on defense and an offense that can move the ball, the Browns have a legitimate shot at turning things around in 2010.
  
  While a Super Bowl is still a far-fetched idea at this point, it’s not out of the question to see the Browns making the playoffs.
  
  Whatever it is, this new energy from the players and coaches has Browns’ fans hopeful that the some of the magic that Delhomme brought to the Panthers in 2003 might still be in store for them in 2010.
  
  
  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/400871-worst-to-first-can-delhommes-spark-lead-browns-to-playoffs?utm_source=newsletter
• Writerbuckeye

  

  Bleacherreport is hilarious.
• jmog

  BR, you maybe right, but I just see 10-6 being the best record this year in the North.
  
  Baltimore most definitely wins the North in my opinion as they are by far the best all around team.
  
  Then I think Cincy, Cleveland, and Pittspuke all are within 1 or 2 games of each other for 2-4th.
  
  I see no wildcards from the North this year.
• Sage

  

  My expectations for the Browns are the same as always: SUPER BOWL OR BUST.