Cleveland Browns Offseason Talk
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Al CaponeWriterbuckeye;381579 wrote:That's because your team's ownership is busy on its knees, giving Obama knob slobbers so they can get appointed to some worthless diplomatic post.
You forgot to mention the fact that they are the best ownership in any professional organization. And they have the hardware to prove it. Do I need to explain what hardware means, being you're a Cleveland fan.hahaha -
BR1986FBOTAs Conclude, Vickers Returns
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted Jun 7, 2010
BEREA— Eric Mangini said that fullback Lawrence Vickers has returned for the final OTA practice. As did running back Jerome Harrison, Vickers signed a waiver to participate.
“This is Lawrence’s first day back and it’s good to have him back out there,” Mangini said.
Vickers is a restricted free agent and has missed all of the voluntary OTA practices until Monday.
Mangini said he doesn’t expect a lot of change in Vickers’ role from last year. The Browns were very successful running the ball in their final four games in which they won all four. Included in the streak, was Harrison’s 286 yard record-breaking performance against the Chiefs, in which Vickers was a catalyst.
“I thought he played really well at the end of last season,” Mangini said. “He was a big part of why we were able to run the ball so effectively late in the year.”
Besides the return of Vickers, Mangini said there was nothing new on the remaining restricted free agents, including linebackers D’Qwell Jackson, Matt Roth and safety Abe Elam. All three have missed all of the OTA practices.
Mangini did say the coaching staff was trying to keep the players abreast of what the team is doing.
“We’re trying to get them information to keep them current.”
Notebook
OTAs End, Minicamp Next: Monday ends the Browns OTAs, with a mandatory minicamp coming up at the end of the week, Thursday June 10 through Sat. June 12.
Mangini explained the difference.
“It is an extension, but it’s accelerated,” he said. “In OTAs, you go three days a week. In a mandatory minicamp, you have the same base to build off but it’s happening much faster. It’s nice from a coaching perspective because you have time to put it in.”
Colt Update: QB Colt McCoy is doing everything he’s been asked of by the coaching staff and Mangini said he’s pleased with his progress.
“He’s not getting a lot of reps, but he’s doing a good job of picking things up,” Mangini said.
Mangini said that McCoy has been burning up the phone lines with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
“He’s relentless,” Mangini said. “Brian’s at home and he gets a call. Brian’s driving somewhere and he gets a call. Brian’s probably talking to Colt more than his wife.”
Bike Brigade: Mangini said the players who have been sitting out OTAs will most likely sit out the minicamp, as well. Those include P Dave Zastudil and DL Shaun Rogers.
“The guys sitting out are still sitting out in terms of rehab,” Mangini said. “They’re probably not going to participate during the minicamp. They participate in all of the meetings. After that, we leave it up to the doctors with the goal of having them ready for training camp.
Cribbs Change Roles?: Mangini was asked if WR/KR Josh Cribbs might be taken off of the coverage teams.
“That’s a tough question because he’s so valuable there,” Mangini said. “With a guy like him he can make a game-changing play and that’s what you like about him. I think he’s continuing to improve as a receiver and it’s just trying to find the best way to utilize him.”
Mangini said one possibility would be to not have Cribbs cover punts and kickoffs early in games.
“We’ve done it in the past when a guy comes in and covers later in the game.”
http://cle.scout.com/2/975444.html -
BR1986FBOh my....Bleacher Report strikes again...
The Browns, Not LeBron James, Are Cleveland's Greatest Title Hope for 2010
by Brian DiTullio
Written on June 07, 2010
Think back to the beginning of the year. If someone had asked any random Cleveland sports fan, or just any sports fan in general, which Cleveland team most likely was going to win a championship first, the answer unanimously would've been the Cavaliers.
Now come to the present day in the wake of LeBron James flat out quitting in the Boston series and deciding having his ego stroked is more important than making sure he's on a winning team.
Who's more likely to win a championship moving forward now?
It sure isn't the Indians, who are stuck with an owner who finds increasingly more creative ways to not spend money while making sure anyone with talent on the pitching side is traded for prospects before they ask for a new contract.
The Cavs, even if they get James back, will have a new coach and essentially will have James as their general manager. Considering the job James has done so far with those responsibilities, good luck with that.
The Cavs probably aren't going anywhere near an NBA Championship the way things look now. It's actually more likely James has completely destroyed the team for the near future.
Kobe Bryant he is not.
So this leaves the Browns as Cleveland's only hope moving forward of sniffing a championship.
Team President Mike Holmgren has assembled a whole new host of talent while Head Coach Eric Mangini and his coaching staff remain in place for the second straight year.
The Browns were 5-11 last year, and Mangini is fond of pointing out what happened with the New England Patriots after they went 5-11 at the beginning of Bill Belichick's tenure as head coach.
If I have to tell you the end of that story, you're not a football fan.
Obviously, the chances of history repeating itself are slim, but anything is possible. There are a lot of "ifs" that go into that equation, but let's review them.
If Jake Delhomme rediscovers his 30-year-old self, the Browns will have a chance to make the playoffs.
If the running game explodes with Montario Hardesty and Jerome Harrison, the Browns will have a chance to make the playoffs.
If the defense actually executes the schemes drawn up by defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the Browns have a chance of making the playoffs.
If offensive coordinator Brian Daboll learned from his horrific failures of 2009, the Browns have a chance of making the playoffs.
If Joshua Cribbs remains "Joshua Cribbs," the Browns could win a Super Bowl.
Ok, the last point was a bit grandiose, but the point is the potential is there and you can see hope around the Browns training facility.
Unlike the Indians, who field a team of Triple A prospects and aging, often-injured veterans because it's cheaper, and the Cavs, who in the space of a month have been run into the ground by a greedy egomaniac who choked in the playoffs.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/402370-the-browns-are-clevelands-greatest-title-hope-as-2010-continues?utm_source=newsletter -
krazie45
That's a hell of a lot of ifs but I don't necessarily disagree with the points made. Obviously no one is expecting the Browns to make the playoffs this year but in the NFL it's been proven time and time again that teams can turn it around drastically in a year.If Jake Delhomme rediscovers his 30-year-old self, the Browns will have a chance to make the playoffs.
If the running game explodes with Montario Hardesty and Jerome Harrison, the Browns will have a chance to make the playoffs.
If the defense actually executes the schemes drawn up by defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the Browns have a chance of making the playoffs.
If offensive coordinator Brian Daboll learned from his horrific failures of 2009, the Browns have a chance of making the playoffs.
It's obviously not a likelihood but at the same time it's not an impossibility. There's so much talent in the NFL that at the beginning of the year, every team has a chance to beat any other team. -
BR1986FBkrazie45;381621 wrote:That's a hell of a lot of ifs but I don't necessarily disagree with the points made. Obviously no one is expecting the Browns to make the playoffs this year but in the NFL it's been proven time and time again that teams can turn it around drastically in a year.
It's obviously not a likelihood but at the same time it's not an impossibility. There's so much talent in the NFL that at the beginning of the year, every team has a chance to beat any other team.
I do believe they can build on that smashmouth approach that they used at the end of the year. Plus the Wildcat/Flash package should be interesting with the addition of Seneca Wallace.
Everyone wants to rip on old "washed up Delhomme" but they aren't going to ask him to WIN games, just not to screw up and LOSE games by doing stupid shit....obviously a concept Quinn or DA couldn't grasp. -
krazie45
BR1986FB;381625 wrote:I do believe they can build on that smashmouth approach that they used at the end of the year. Plus the Wildcat/Flash package should be interesting with the addition of Seneca Wallace.
Everyone wants to rip on old "washed up Delhomme" but they aren't going to ask him to WIN games, just not to screw up and LOSE games by doing stupid shit....obviously a concept Quinn or DA couldn't grasp.
Two things are certain. The roster has been upgraded on both sides of the ball from last year. There is stability in the organization from the front office down that really hasn't existed since 1999. What the Browns have working against them mainly is playing in what I believe to be the toughest division in the AFC and possibly the NFL (though you could also make a case for the NFC East). However the Browns do start off with a favorable schedule so if they can string a few wins together and get a groove like at the end of last year....who knows? -
Al CaponeYou guys are forgetting the fact that you're talking about Cleveland here. Quit the playoff talks please.
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BR1986FBIf somehow they could steal a win against Baltimore early (highly unlikely), that would be a huge shot in the arm because Baltimore should EASILY be the cream of the division this year.
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krazie45
BR1986FB;381642 wrote:If somehow they could steal a win against Baltimore early (highly unlikely), that would be a huge shot in the arm because Baltimore should EASILY be the cream of the division this year.
Oh I definitely think Baltimore is the best team in the division but Cincy will still be tough. Pittsburgh will be interesting because of their QB situation but you can never really count out a Dick LeBeau-led defense. With that said the Browns I believe have a chance of beating any of those teams. -
BR1986FBkrazie45;381647 wrote:Oh I definitely think Baltimore is the best team in the division but Cincy will still be tough. Pittsburgh will be interesting because of their QB situation but you can never really count out a Dick LeBeau-led defense. With that said the Browns I believe have a chance of beating any of those teams.
Agreed but Baltimore will be the toughest. Pittsburgh they have proven they can beat and they should have taken Cincinnati down in one of those games last year. -
BR1986FBRubin Keeps Stepping Up
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted Jun 7, 2010
BEREA—One of the players who has caught the eye of Eric Mangini in the OTAs in third-year nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin.
Even though it’s hard to miss a guy 330 pounds, the soft-spoken Rubin has let his play do his talking for him.
With the absence of Shaun Rogers from practices rehabbing his leg and pending legal problems, Rubin is taking advantage of his opportunity.
“I’m working very hard in practice,” Rubin said. “I’m preparing for the coming season to help out in whatever way I can.”
His hard work was rewarded by the coaching staff.
“Rubin was our defensive player of the week last week,” Mangini said. “He’s consistent and he does the right thing. He works hard every day. He knows what to do and is the same player every day.
“You know what you’re going to get out of him.”
Those are some pretty strong words coming from the team’s head coach.
Rubin (6-2, 330) is in his third year from Iowa State and really came on last year when Rogers went down with a broken leg. He played in all 16 games and started the final five in place of Rogers. He finished with 38 tackles and forced a fumble.
“I’m trying to have the mindset to be a stout force in the middle of the defense,” Rubin said. “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity and want to be ready to make the most of it when it is presented to me.”
To be a nose tackle in the 3-4, a player has to sometimes be selfless and sometimes his statistics go unnoticed.
“I try to take up two gaps and free up the linebackers to make plays.”
During the five games span he started, Rubin and the Browns held their opponents to under 100 yards rushing in three of the games. In the season finale against Jacksonville, Rubin had five tackles and helped keep Maurice Jones-Drew to just 82 yards rushing.
There has been talk of moving Rogers to end to open up more playing time for Rubin.
“We’ll work Shaun some at end,” Mangini said. “You want to have the flexibility to play the best guys. He has the athleticism to move around.”
One way or another, you can bet the Browns coaching staff will find a way to get Rubin on the field.
Notebook
QB Talk: During Monday’s OTA, QB Jake Delhomme hit WR Brian Robiskie for a 14-yard gain to open up the two-minute offense. On the following play, he was intercepted by rookie T.J. Ward for a touchdown after the ball went off the tight end’s fingers. After the interception, Delhomme hooked up again with Robiskie for 15 yards across the middle… Delhomme finished with completions for touchdowns to TE Evan Moore and WR Chansi Stuckey in goal line. Delhomme was 6-of-9 with an interception…QB Seneca Wallace started with completions to TE Robert Royal and WR Johnathan Haggerty before a deflected interception to DB Nick Sorenson off the hands of Haggerty… Wallace had a pass batted down by DL Derreck Robinson. He finished 4-of-8 with an interception…QB Brett Ratliff hit rookie WR Cartlton Mitchell with a beautifully thrown loft over DB Larry Asante for a touchdown in his limited opportunity…QB Colt McCoy was just 1-of-3 with an interception to CB Brandon McDonald on a pass intended for Mitchell.
Lap Runners: OL Scott Kooistra ran a lap two different times during the part of practice open to the media. OL Tony Pashos also ran a lap.
http://cle.scout.com/2/975495.html -
Al CaponeYou need a good qb to win in this league boys. Until Cleveland figures that out, they will remain a laughing stock. Right now the way I see it, your qb situation is worse than last season.
Just because you think Holmgren is some kind of genious and you're lining up to blow him doesn't make the Clowns any better. Enjoy the afc north cellar. That's where you've been and that's where you belong. -
GoChiefs
Al Capone;382291 wrote:You need a good qb to win in this league boys.
How do you figure? Pittsburgh has managed to get by without one just fine.
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SportsAndLady
Al Capone;382291 wrote:You need a good qb to win in this league boys
Don't you think Carson Palmer is a terrible QB? Yet, he's won it twice? -
Al CaponeGoChiefs;382294 wrote:How do you figure? Pittsburgh has managed to get by without one just fine.
You Cleveland fucks would kill for a qb like Ben. -
Al CaponeSportsAndLady;382298 wrote:Don't you think Carson Palmer is a terrible QB? Yet, he's won it twice?
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Palmer is extremely over rated and in my book should be considered a major bust. -
GoChiefs
Al Capone;382317 wrote:I've said it before and I'll say it again. Palmer is extremely over rated and in my book should be considered a major bust.
Yet, you suck on Big Ben's dick every chance you get. -
GoChiefs
Al Capone;382313 wrote:You Cleveland fucks would kill for a rapist like Ben.
Nah, not really. -
SportsAndLady
Al Capone;382317 wrote:I've said it before and I'll say it again. Palmer is extremely over rated and in my book should be considered a major bust.
Lol but you JUST SAID you need a good QB to win the AFC North!!! -
GoChiefs
SportsAndLady;382330 wrote:Lol but you JUST SAID you need a good QB to win the AFC North!!!
He contradicts himself all the time, don't waste your time trying to point out another one. -
Al CaponeGoChiefs;382324 wrote:Yet, you suck on Big Ben's dick every chance you get.
Dont even compare Palmer with Ben. It's not even close. Ben has more rings than Palmer has playoff wins.hahaha
Sorry to talk about Ben and Palmer on a Cleveland thread but since the Clowns haven't had a qb since ??????????????????????????? well you get my point -
wes_mantooth
Al Capone;382356 wrote:Dont even compare Palmer with Ben. It's not even close. Ben has more rings than Palmer has playoff wins.hahaha
Sorry to talk about Ben and Palmer on a Cleveland thread but since the Clowns haven't had a qb since ??????????????????????????? well you get my point
Spergon Wynn -
Al CaponeI wouldn't mind seeing Cleveland win a championship in something just to watch them inbreds burn that shit hole of a city to the ground.
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KR1245
Can we all agree to ignore him? Everytime I want to read this thread I have to go through a page of this jackasses nonsense. Just ignore him -
GoChiefs
Ignoring the 'insert personal attack here' does nothing. He then continues to have a conversation with himself. Might as well just continue to point out how big of an idiot he is after each post he makes.