Cleveland Browns Offseason Talk
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jmog
Well, they will actually be playing the first 6 games of the season unlike some Pittsburgh QBAl Capone;385756 wrote:From reading BR's last post, it looks like Delhomme and Wallace are in mid-season form. hahaha
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jmogOh, and last year the Brown's OL was 8th in rushing and tied for 10th in least sacks given up.
So they were a top 10 OL last year and by all accounts they have upgraded the right side of the line. Top 10 again this year for sure if healthy possibly top 5 like BR said. -
BR1986FBjmog;386514 wrote:Oh, and last year the Brown's OL was 8th in rushing and tied for 10th in least sacks given up.
So they were a top 10 OL last year and by all accounts they have upgraded the right side of the line. Top 10 again this year for sure if healthy possibly top 5 like BR said.
Precisely. Unlike some teams, I doubt we'll have to worry about our QB getting sacked 55 times. -
Fabiojmog;386514 wrote:Oh, and last year the Brown's OL was 8th in rushing and tied for 10th in least sacks given up.
So they were a top 10 OL last year and by all accounts they have upgraded the right side of the line. Top 10 again this year for sure if healthy possibly top 5 like BR said.
I remember John Clayton saying LAST YEAR that if Mack pans out and everyone stays healthy that the Browns would have a top 5 OL last season. -
jmogMack panned out, but it took half a season in my opinion which is why you saw a MUCH improved OL late in the season vs the beginning.
If you look at the 2nd half of the season alone we had a top 5 OL, its only when you look at the whole season stats that we were "top 10". -
BR1986FBI think the O-Line will only get better. Pashos is only a stopgap so they will be drafting his replacement, probably in the 2011 draft. If Luavao (sp?) pans out, they should be a very good running team.
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BR1986FBBTW....Delhomme & Wallace bounced back and looked much better in yesterday's second practice. Ratliff still looked craptastic though. McCoy isn't getting a whole lot of reps.
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BR1986FBhttp://cle.scout.com/2/976687.html
BEREA—Most Browns observers from fans to media, including the OBR staff have clamored for bringing in a veteran presence at the wide receiving corps.
Let’s face it, Jake Delhomme is coming off a very shaky season in Carolina where he had Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith. What do the Browns have as currently constructed?
The current roster of wide receivers list Chansi Stuckey, Joshua Cribbs, Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi, Syndric Steptoe, Jake Allen, James Robinson, Carlton Mitchell and Johnathan Haggerty.
Eric Mangini and staff seem to be content to go to training camp with the current group. The Browns were content to let veteran Mike Furrey sign with the Redskins and so far haven’t brought in a veteran. That could change between now and training camp, but don’t count on it.
Cribbs has the most experience in the NFL entering his sixth season, but has played very little at receiver. He caught 20 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown last season. Stuckey came over from the Jets as the main player in the Braylon Edwards trade. He combined with the Jets and Browns to have 30 receptions for 318 yards and two touchdowns (19 for 198 yards and a touchdown for the Browns).
Massaquoi tied for the team lead with Jerome Harrison with 34 receptions for 624 yards and three touchdowns. Robiskie caught just seven passes for 106 yards, including a 43 yarder.
The rest of the receivers had no NFL catches in 2009.
In fact, the current contingent of receivers combined for 91 receptions for 1,153 yards and six touchdowns. Nine NFL receivers individually, had more catches and yardage than the Browns receivers combined.
The emergence of the second-year receivers, particularly Robiskie is of utmost importance. Robiskie has caught the attention of the coaches since OTAs and caught as many as six touchdown passes Friday morning.
“I think it has a lot to do with them because that’s why it was important at the time we drafted those guys,” Mangini said. “They keep plugging away and keep working all season, after the season after practice on the jugs machine.
“Typically, people with high work ethic will get better.”
Some think the change in quarterbacks to Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace is the difference.
“It’s tough to say the main ingredient is the change in quarterback,” Mangini said. “They have a year under their belt and that makes a big difference.”
Stuckey is virtually the gray beard at receiver at 25, but he’s impressed with Massaquoi and Robiskie.
“I think those guys are doing great,” Stuckey said. “Those guys have been making plays. They’re blue-collar type guys that work very hard and have a lot of pride in getting better.”
Stuckey says the big difference from year one to year two is one thing.
“The big thing is consistency,” Stuckey said. “From their rookie year, they have settled down and been able to get in a groove.”
Mangini agrees.
“I think Robo is having a great camp,” Mangini said. “Since we have started OTAs, he’s done a nice job. He’s a lot more comfortable running precise routes. That’s one of the things we liked about him coming out of Ohio State.
“Mo has had a nice camp and so has Chansi,” he said. “(Mo’s) has outstanding hands. There were times last year in practice that he made some unbelievable catches. Now, it’s route in and route out to continue to be consistent.
“For a young guy, I thought he did some good things,” he said. “The thing about those young receivers, is they block and they block and they finish the plays.”
Stuckey believes the present corps of receivers will play well.
“We’re very young in age and experience,” Stuckey said. “But in terms of experience, I’m only in my fourth year but I’m one of the oldest guys out there.”
Stuckey said he is much more comfortable after coming over in mid-season a year ago and now feels he’s ready to assume a leadership role.
“It’s extremely tough to come in the middle of the season and gain the guys trust,” Stuckey said. “You want to lead, but you have to work hard and earn the trust of your teammates.
“I’ve had to mature quicker and take on a leadership role.”
Stuckey will most likely be the third down receiver and relishes his role.
“I love the slot,” Stuckey said. “That’s what I’ve been playing my whole life.”
Mangini mentioned a couple of the rookies that have caught his eye in Mitchell and Haggerty. Mitchell was a sixth-round draft choice, while Haggerty is an undrafted free agent from SW Oklahoma State.
“Carlton is making steps and he’s going to get in that area where he’s confused,” he said. “He’s done some positive things. Haggerty has shown up once or twice a day and now it is consistency. There are going to be peaks and valleys with those guys.
“(Haggerty) is a bright guy and every day he goes out and makes his case,” Mangini said. “We have a lot of guys we brought in and you have to pop up and pop up. He’s got more looks because what he’s done.”
Notebook
Hardesty Progressing: RB Montario Hardesty is pleased with his progress. He has been working with the first team offense and has alternated with RB Jerome Harrison.
“I’ve picked up the offense for the most part,” he said. “Things are starting to slow down for me on the field a bit.”
The coaches and media have talked about his hands since the rookie minicamp and he said that’s a part of the game he works at a lot.
“I caught like 30 passes last year (at Tennessee),” he said. “I work on (receiving) the ball all the time because I don’t want to be a liability in the passing game.”
Mangini continues to be pleased with Hardesty’s progress. He has done well in the classroom.
“He’s gotten a lot of reps with the ones and he seems comfortable there,” he said. “It doesn’t faze him and he’s done well.”
More AM Practice Notes: In the morning two-minute offense, QB Jake Delhomme started the drive with a 25-yard crossing pattern completion to WR Chansi Stuckey and then a short completion to WR Mohamed Massaquoi. After throwing a pass away after a fumbled snap, Delhomme completed the drive with a touchdown pass to Massaquoi as he beat DB Matt Harris and DB DeAngelo Smith… In goal line, Delhomme found WR Brian Robiskie for a touchdown. Although not official, it appeared as though Robiskie caught five or six touchdowns in Friday morning’s practice…In the two-minute offense, rookie OL Shawn Lauvao was with the first team at right guard and OL John St. Clair was at right tackle…Delhomme threw a bullet to TE Robert Royal for a touchdown and Royal made a nice grab with his arms extended…RB Jerome Harrison dropped a swing pass from Delhomme in goal line and RB James Davis fumbled, but picked up the ball in goal line…QB Brett Ratliff threw a touchdown to RB Jed Collins…QB Seneca Wallace had his first pass batted down in two-minute offense and then after an incompletion, hit rookie WR Johnathan Haggerty with two over the middle passes. He was sacked on the final play. -
royal_k
Robo with 6 TD receptions friday morning. He is progressing. -
BR1986FBMemorable June selections for Browns
By Steve King, Contributor to ClevelandBrowns.com
For everything, there is a season.
Late July/early August marks the beginning of training camp for NFL teams.
The start of the preseason comes about two weeks later.
As for early to mid-June, that is when teams conduct their mandatory, full-squad mini-camps, as the Browns do this week.
But there was a time about a quarter-century ago when the Browns were heavily involved in NFL drafts in two consecutive years that weren’t held until about this time of year, in June.
No, not the NFL College Draft, but rather the NFL Supplemental Draft, conducted for players who aren’t eligible for whatever reason to be taken in the College Draft.
It occurred in 1984 and ’85, and the Browns made out like bandits, adding four key players, including their franchise quarterback, who would help lead them to a lot of success in the last half of the 1980s.
When the USFL went out of business in spring 1984 and the NFL announced a Supplemental Draft would be held to take in all of those players, who could not go in the College Draft since they were already pros, the Browns got busy with their scouting and figured out who could play and who couldn’t.
After they made that determination, the Browns made a trade with the Bears on the night of the NFL Draft, May 1, to get three picks in the Supplemental Draft a month later. Two of those choices were used to get running back Kevin Mack at No. 11 overall and wide receiver/returner Gerald “Ice Cube” McNeil at No. 44.
In between, at No. 11, the Browns tabbed inside linebacker Mike Johnson.
Mack joined the club in 1985 and played nine seasons, through ’93, after having been in the USFL with the Los Angeles Express along with some quarterback by the name of Steve Young. The Clemson product wasted no time making his mark, joining with Earnest Byner, a 10th-round pick in the 1984 College Draft, to become just the third set of running backs from the same team in NFL history to both rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. Mack had 1,104.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection went on to finish with 5,123 career yards, placing him fifth in Browns history. His 46 rushing touchdowns rank No. 4.
Mack’s most heroic moment came in the 1989 regular-season finale at Houston. Needing a victory to win the AFC Central, which was the only way they could make the playoffs, the Browns triumphed 24-20 on Mack’s 4-yard TD run in the waning moments as he carried a horde of Oilers into the end zone.
Mack rushed for 62 yards in the game, most of which he gained on the TD drive as he put the Browns onto his broad shoulders and made sure they got into the postseason.
McNeil, who had played in the USFL for the Houston Gamblers, spent four years with the Browns, from 1986-89, and went to one Pro Bowl. Just 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds, making him the smallest player in Browns history, the former Baylor star was one of the NFL’s best returners at the time. His 100-yard kickoff return for a TD just before halftime at Pittsburgh in 1986 was instrumental in a 27-24 victory that helped the Browns end the 16-year Three Rivers Jinx.
Johnson, from Virginia Tech and the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars, was an anchor in the middle of the defense during his eight years (1986-93) in Cleveland, making it to two Pro Bowls.
The Browns got just one player in the 1985 Supplemental Draft, but he was a big one. Lacking a prolific quarterback, the club went out and got Bernie Kosar from the University of Miami (Fla.).
Kosar, who led the Hurricanes to the 1983 national championship with a huge upset win over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, earned his degree in just three years, but was not available for the 1985 College Draft because he had yet to graduate. However, by time of the Supplemental Draft, he had received his degree and thus became eligible to go pro since he no longer could be considered an underclassman.
But the Browns didn’t have the No. 1 overall pick in the Supplemental Draft. That belonged to Buffalo. So after Kosar, who grew up in Boardman, Ohio, just outside of Youngstown, declared his desire to play for his hometown team, Cleveland went to work and pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Bills to get the rights to take him. The Browns gave up four picks in the College Draft, including their first-rounders in both 1985 and ’86.
A steep price to pay, to be sure, but it was worth it, for Kosar, who is second on the team in most career passing categories and has the NFL postseason record with 489 passing yards in one game, was the last big piece to the puzzle for the Browns. He made the Browns that great team, as evidenced by the fact that from 1985-89, they went to the playoffs five straight years, won four Central titles and made it to three AFC Championship Games.
Kosar. Mack. Johnson. McNeil.
All in all, not a bad two years’ haul for the Browns in June, when NFL drafts aren’t supposed to be held.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Memorable-June-selections-for-Browns/075cc6b2-3342-4f70-b349-7d1a9eb7a576 -
BR1986FBSo far, the surprise of mini-camp has been my Facebook buddy, Carlton Mitchell. The rookie WR has impressed.
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KR1245
Is there anybody out there worth bringing in at WR? -
BR1986FBKR1245;387549 wrote:Is there anybody out there worth bringing in at WR?
They may end up going into the season with what they have. I think TO is the best available. He is still available, correct? -
KR1245
Yeah, TO is still available. There are rumors that the Cowboys are going to release Crayton after training camp.....you think hes worth a look?
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BR1986FBDefinitely. He'd be at the top of the list for sure.
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wes_mantooth
No....to TO, I hope no one picks he up.
I would rather have fully strapped Marvin Harrison...lol -
FabioBR1986FB;387548 wrote:So far, the surprise of mini-camp has been my Facebook buddy, Carlton Mitchell. The rookie WR has impressed.
Outside of Asante, I really felt this guy was the steal of the draft for the Browns. -
BR1986FBDelhomme Progressing, Leading
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted Jun 12, 2010
Fred Greetham reports from Berea on the progress of new Cleveland Browns QB Jake Delhomme. As the veteran starts to find a rhythm with his receivers, will the Browns be the beneficiary of a rejuvenated career?
BEREA—There has always been a lot of talking concerning the play of Browns quarterback and the same can be said about the team’s new guy in veteran Jake Delhomme.
Much of the focus of the minicamp, offensively, was on passing the ball according to Delhomme and he thinks the offense really progressed.
“I thought it went well,” Delhomme said. “We’re getting there. It’s a learning process.”
For the most part, Delhomme looked pretty good over the course of the three day minicamp and he assessed the same way.
“I thought I threw the ball very well,” Delhomme said. “If we can stay injury-free and keep progressing, we’ll be fine.”
However, Delhomme threw out a disclaimer.
“Right now, we’re in skirts,” he said. “Real football begins at training camp (when the pads are on).”
Eric Mangini concurred with Delhomme’s assessment, but didn’t want to name him the starting quarterback heading into camp.
“I think he’s doing a great job,” he said. “I feel good about where he is and he’s been with the ones most of the time. There’s no doubt, he’s in control when he’s out there. He’s very bright and I think he’s been throwing the ball well. In terms of accuracy, he’s been good.”
But, is he the starter?
“We’re heading that way,” Mangini said. “I feel really good where he is.”
Delhomme said he has really been excited since getting a new start with the Browns.
“I don’t want to say it’s different, but more of a different mindset,” he said. “It’s absolutely a blast, fresh…I’ve always enjoyed football, but I look forward every day to coming to practice.
“I enjoy where I’m at,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time here and really want the 20 eyes out there on offense staring at me to believe in me.”
Mangini said he’s not surprised with the way Delhomme has come in with a fresh start.
“It happens a lot in the league,” Mangini said. “Sometimes, when a guy has been in one place for a long time and he gets a fresh start, the new team is the recipient of his play.”
Mangini said he believes the offense is seeing Delhomme as the leader of the offense.
“I see the team buying into it and that’s the way it should be ,” Mangini said. “It’s a partnership between the coaching staff and the quarterback. We give him the flexibility that puts us in the best position.”
Delhomme said his biggest adjustment has been learning the terminology in the Browns offense.
“For me, it’s like learning a new language,” he said. “This is my fourth different offense in the NFL. It’s similar to Carolina, but a different language.”
Delhomme looked as though he was developing chemistry with various receivers during minicamp. He hit Mohamed Massaquoi twice for touchdowns in goal line. He hooked up with Chansi Stuckey for back-to-back gains in the two-minute offense and then hit him for a touchdown. He hit Evan Moore to set up the score by Stuckey.
“This was a passing camp,” he said. “The team ran the ball very well at the end of last season and I think we’ve made big strides in the passing game.
“The receivers have been outstanding,” he said. “They’ve been progressing and I’ve been able to get to know them.”
Mangini said the Browns were able to concentrate a bit more on elements of the passing game in this minicamp.
“I think there has been a lot of progress in the passing game,” he said. “Brian Robiskie has had an outstanding offseason. Mohamed (Massaquoi) has improved, as has Chansi (Stuckey) and Josh (Cribbs).”
Delhomme said he has no problem with the offense using Seneca Wallace, as well as Cribbs.
“I’m better than good with that,” Delhomme said. “Seneca is a great quarterback and 16 isn’t too bad, himself. The defenses will definitely have to prepare for more than the conventional offense.”
Delhomme admitted all players have egos, but he said for him, it’s all about winning.
“We all have egos, but my ego swells after a win,” he said. “If we’re in the flow of the game and the change gets everyone going, I don’t have a problem with that at all.”
After being in the league for 14 years, Delhomme really has a sense of the opportunity he has with the Browns.
“I appreciate the game more,” he said. “The older players sound like the coaches and start wearing their shorts higher.
“ I really appreciate playing,” he said. “It’s an honor to play in the NFL.”
http://cle.scout.com/2/976855.html -
BR1986FBA Breakout Season?
By The Sports Xchange
Posted Jun 12, 2010
Trimmer and faster than last season, second-year LB David Veikune has shapes up to make his move. Will this season justify the use of their second-round pick in 2009?
Browns coach Eric Mangini says players generally make their biggest improvement between their rookie season and their second year in the NFL.
Second-year linebacker David Veikune certainly hopes that applies to him.
Veikune played in 10 games in 2009 and did not make a tackle. He was inactive for five games and placed on injured reserve for the final game because of a knee injury.
Several factors contributed to his season of misery, not the least of which was the typical problems rookies have making the jump to the NFL. Veikune's were deeper, though.
Veikune weighed 270 pounds last year, well above his ideal playing weight. This spring Veikune not only looks like a football player -- he is moving like one. He is in the crowded but unsettled pack fighting for playing time at inside linebacker. He has dropped almost 20 pounds and worked his butt off in the offseason to become stronger.
"I'm definitely in better shape," Veikune said. "Any rookie going through the Combine, your pro day and all those things your body never rests. Then you come in here and get going right away. Now I'm in the low 250s. Last year I was way too heavy."
Veikune played defensive end at the University of Hawaii. The Browns drafted him 52nd overall last year with the second-round draft choice acquired from the Jets in the trade for the draft pick the Jets used on quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Browns got center Alex Mack and more in the trade, but they are going to need a lot more than zero tackles from Veikune to make the trade work in their favor.
The coaches spent training camp last summer and most of the season figuring out just where Veikune should play. He was too light to play defensive end in the 3-4 defense, so it came down to inside linebacker and outside linebacker. That experiment did not work, so this season he is strictly inside. Players are in shorts and T-shirts until the pads go on in training camp, but Veikune looks surer of himself on the practice field.
"I believe David's really benefitted well from some opportunities that have been created at the inside linebacker spot without having D'Qwell (Jackson) here," Mangini said. "He's gotten quite a few reps and I think he's done a nice job. I think some of the value with linebackers really has to be determined once the pads come on.
"Part of playing that inside linebacker spot is your ability to go up and thump and I think that's something David showed in college. He showed different levels last season, but this is good work for him in terms of processing everything. Now ideally when it comes time to hit, it's where the added value comes in."
Last year the opening day starters were D'Qwell Jackson and Eric Barton. Both were injured during the first half of the season. David Bowens started the final nine games and Jason Trusnik the final six inside.
Jackson, unhappy the Browns won't budge from their one-year contract tender, boycotted the OTAs and minicamp. Barton is not practicing because he is recovering from neck surgery. Bowens is in his 12th season, so Mangini isn't going to wear him out in June.
The more the others are on the sideline, the more practice time Veikune is getting. Veikune said he felt "lost" in 2009.
"The whole year," he said. "Even though I studied and stuff, it was still like night and day. I got some pieces of it, but this year everything is slowing down a lot more.
"I'm still studying everything. You just have to be a smart player."
http://cle.scout.com/2/976850.html -
BR1986FBBrowns have biggest day in ticket sales since 1999
Posted by Mike Florio on June 12, 2010 11:58 PM ET
Though it remains to be seen whether the Browns finally are moving in the right direction after an extended stretch of floating aimlessly like a candy bar in the Bushwood Country Club pool, folks in Cleveland believe in their team again.
They demonstrated their faith on Saturday, via the biggest single day of ticket buying since the franchise returned to the NFL eleven years ago.
The team announced the development, thanks to a Select-A-Seat event allowed fans to enter the stadium, scope out available seats, and purchase full-season and partial-season ticket plans.
Maybe, finally, the football team will give the fans something in return for their support.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/12/browns-have-biggest-day-in-ticket-sales-since-1999/ -
BR1986FBTerry Pluto's Talkin' ... about Holmgren and Browns QBs, Cavs' roster moves and good news from a young slugger
Updated: Saturday, June 12, 2010, 8:30 PM
Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On minicamps, the town's busiest front office and young faces at the ballpark, Terry Pluto's talkin' ...
About the Browns ...
1. I talked to Mike Holmgren earlier this week about how the Browns decided to pick their quarterback. The Browns president said he informed the coaching staff that he'd make the final decision. But it would only come after some in-depth study of Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. The first question was, "Can the Browns win with either guy?"
2. Holmgren's talked to Eric Mangini, who gave his opinions on both men. It was obvious by how Mangini switched from Quinn to Anderson to Quinn that he wasn't committed to either one. But the coach also made it clear that he was open to anything Holmgren thought was best, as he wasn't sure what was the best road to take on the quarterback question.
3. After Mangini, Holmgren talked to offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, quarterback coach Carl Smith and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. "I checked with a couple of defensive coaches because I wanted their perspective," said Holmgren. "It can be different than the offensive coaches."
4. He also gave videos of both quarterbacks to his assistants, Gil Haskell and Keith Gilbertson. Both were on Holmgren's staff in Seattle. Haskell is Holmgren's special assistant, Gilbertson the Browns' director of pro personnel. They were told not to consult with each other, and to prepare written reports on the quarterbacks.
qbs.jpgTracy Boulian / The Plain DealerIn the end, Mike Holmgren didn't see enough to believe Brady Quinn could be a solid starting quarterback for the Browns, and saw too much inconsistency and a bad contract doomed Derek Anderson's chances, says Terry Pluto.
5. Holmgren also studied the videos: "Part of me wanted to roll up my sleeves, dive up and try it again with Quinn," he said. "I have to be careful, because I sometimes think I can fix anyone. We may have done that if Jake [Delhomme] had not become available."
6. Holmgren's football people believed the Browns had several issues. Neither QB was an accurate passer. Neither had the full confidence of the team. Both were younger players trying to establish themselves, and neither was able to emerge as a leader. Neither was considered a star in the making. Anderson ($7.5 million) was viewed as way too expensive.
7. So Anderson was released. When Delhomme was cut by Carolina, Holmgren decided to trade Quinn to Denver for Peyton Hillis and a future draft pick. Holmgren said, "You need to stagger your quarterback situation -- everyone knowing who is the starter, who is the backup. That wasn't the case here. One guy was a fan favorite [Quinn], the other had a good year [Anderson in 2007]. Everyone was divided on who should start, and the opinions would change. You can't have that."
8. "The consensus was we desperately needed a leader," said Holmgren. "After talking to Jake, I knew that he was the guy who could change the attitude in the building."
9. Holmgren knew Delhomme was coming off a terrible year in Carolina with 18 interceptions, four fumbles and only eight TD passes in 11 games. "I looked him in the eye," Holmgren said. "We talked about what happened last season, and it was an awful year for him. But I believe it's an aberration. He never came close to being that bad in any other season."
10. Before signing Delhomme, Holmgren tried to trade for Donovan McNabb. But at that point, the Eagles wanted a first-round pick and more. They also didn't seem committed to trading him. That would change later, as McNabb would be shipped to Washington for a second-rounder and another future pick. But Holmgren wasn't willing to wait.
11. While Delhomme received a contract worth about $7 million guaranteed, Holmgren decided the 35-year-old was worth it. The Browns didn't have to give up any draft picks or players. They needed to add talent. Delhomme only cost them money and salary cap space.
12. Holmgren also added Seneca Wallace, who was drafted by Holmgren in 2003 and started 14 games as a backup in Seattle. Holmgren compares Wallace to a relief pitcher. "He can get ready to go in quick. He doesn't need a lot of reps in practice. He's a tough guy, an accurate passer, much better than people think. He can beat you running the ball."
13. The Browns using a variety of Wildcat packages is not a decoy. "It's going to be a part of our offensive with Josh [Cribbs] and Seneca," said Holmgren. "We have two guys who can run and throw, we should take advantage of that."
14. While Holmgren said he talks to Mangini "nearly every day" and the coach does ask his opinion, "It's Eric team. I make suggestions." It's the same with Haskell, who spends a lot of time with Daboll, discussing offense. The idea is not to have a "West Coast offense" or a "New England" style offense, but an offense that fits the talent.
15. Holmgren said the final decision to trade Quinn, cut Anderson and to start Delhomme "is all on me." He said both Delhomme and Wallace "are quarterbacks who can help you win the game, if you need it. You don't just hope they don't make a mistake. They can make some plays."
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2010/06/terry_plutos_talkin_about_holm.html -
BR1986FBOne of the things I'm hearing early on which really has me pleased is that the skill and physicality coming from CB Sheldon Brown, rookie Joe Haden and Brandon McDonald could be leading to a more aggressive defensive backfield. Sabrina's name being mentioned with Brown & Haden is a surprise to me.
Also hearing that the Browns organization and especially Mangini feel the offense and QB position is well ahead of 2009. At this point, Mangini is very comfortable with Delhomme.
And the belief within the organization is that the on-field leadership has vastly improved. -
BR1986FBThe hero of the day....Mangini offered the team a chance to get out of meetings if one of the defensive players could throw the ball through the smaller goal posts from the 50 yard line. DL Brian Schaefering (6'4" 295 lbs) lined up at the 50 and threw the ball approximately 70 yards in the air right through the goal posts. He ran off the field with his arms raised high yelling something to the effect of "I knew I should've been a QB."
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BR1986FBFYI DQ Jackson signed his 1 year tender today.
Zac's Camp Wrap
By Zac Jackson
FoxSportsOhio.com
Posted Jun 14, 2010
FSN Ohio's Zac Jackson takes a look at the recent mini-camp, as well as the Browns off-season...
With a three-day, full-squad minicamp in the books, the Browns' offseason work is officially all but done. Here's a recap of what took place and what to watch as the Browns go forward...
TOP STORYLINES: Let's go ahead and count to four with these...
1. The quarterback play. Jake Delhomme is trying to revive his career and brings a great amount of experience and leadership to the huddle. But Eric Mangini came out of minicamp saying he isn't ready to declare Delhomme the starter -- the LAST thing this team needs is another QB competition/controversy -- and will make sure Seneca Wallace gets his share of reps, too. Wallace got chances through the spring in a variety of Wildcat-type packages with Joshua Cribbs also in the backfield, and it's clear the Browns will use such things to keep defenses guessing. But if this season is going to be any type of success the Browns need Delhomme to command the huddle and be able to complete passes and move the chains on third and 5.
2. Run to win. Jerome Harrison did last December what he spent two-plus years telling people he could do, and with a solid offensive line and fullback in front of him he says he's ready to do so again. The Browns are going to have to run the ball, and they're going to have to do it against eight (or maybe even nine) man fronts. Second-rounder Montario Hardesty seems to be a Mangini favorite and is off to an impressive start, and second-year man James Davis is getting back to health. There's enough depth and talent here to believe the Browns will be able to run successfully.
3. The rookies are on call. Mangini's track record says he's not afraid to play rookies, and the Browns didn't draft Joe Haden seventh overall to sit and watch. There's even a possibility that two rookies -- second-rounder T.J. Ward and fifth-rounder Larry Asante -- could start at safety with a strong summer showing. Hardesty is very much in the mix, and third-rounder Shaun Lauvao will at least be given a shot to win the right guard job. Maybe part of the talent upgrade this team needs comes from this class? At very least, the Browns need these guys to get big-stage experience and show signs of growth going forward.
4. At full strength, how good can this team be? Shaun Rogers is a game-changer, but he's coming off injury, probably facing a short suspension and isn't exactly the head coach's favorite. If David Bowens, Scott Fujita and Ben Watson (among a few others) can stay healthy, the Browns will at least compete. Offensively there are lots of questions but there also is room for improvement and a pretty good offensive line in place, and the special teams should again be among the league's best. Signs point to improvement and improved comfort level with the coaching and schemes, but time will tell if these team has the manpower to go toe-to-toe with the AFC North's best.
WEIGHING IN: There's improved depth and experience at quarterback, tight end, linebacker and in the secondary, where the Browns paid a lot of money to Sheldon Brown not only to be a tutor but to be a playmaker. The young receivers are improving but still have tons to prove. The safety position remains a huge question mark, and the Browns have lots of smart and versatile linebackers but do they have enough true impact linebackers? The Browns need to make strides and stay healthy through the preseason because they open with winnable games -- and true chances to evaluate on a pretty level playing field -- against Tampa Bay and Kansas City.
UP AND DOWN: The minicamp was a lot like the open OTA practices in May and early June. On some days the quarterback play was vastly and noticeably improved; on other days it was dreadful. The experience level Delhomme and Wallace have, though, is evident and should help every facet of the offense in training camp. The Browns hope that will carry over into the season as well. If the running game succeeds and Delhomme doesn't throw it to the other team, they'll have a chance to get some early wins and build some confidence. If the offense doesn't click early it might be another very long season. Second-year receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie look to be on the improve and the tight end position appears significantly upgraded with Watson and Alex Smith and Evan Moore's progression, so maybe there's more hope for the passing game than may appear.
WITH RESTRICTIONS: As is too often the case with the Browns, the real news of this week is due Tuesday when the June 15 deadline hits and teams can rescind or lower tender offers made to their unsigned restricted free agents, of which the Browns have five -- all basically starters. Harrison and Lawrence Vickers were the only ones of the group to show up for any of the spring work, and it seems D'Qwell Jackson and Abe Elam have the most to lose in terms of money and potential playing time. The smart play for these guys is to sign the tender and move ahead, but strange things happen in this league. Matt Roth figures to be a starting outside linebacker and a big part of what could be an improved defense -- and Jackson certainly thinks he should be a starter, too -- but he has to show up for that to happen.
IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Based strictly on what was seen over the last four weeks and not meant to jump to conclusions...
1. Hardesty -- It's clear that he's going to have a chance to win a role (if not the starting job) and make an immediate impact. Impressed Mangini with his classroom work, and his college resume that he's ready for the field, too. The most intriguing guy in a crowded backfield.
2. Chris Gocong -- He's playing 3-4 outside linebacker for the first time in his career, but he has the size and smarts Mangini loves. He seemed to be catching on to the coverage aspect, and the team hopes he'll help in getting to the quarterback as well.
3. Carlton Mitchell -- Sixth-round receiver out of South Florida made some impressive plays -- mostly against the third-team defense, but he made plays. He has a nice size-speed combo and doesn't exactly have Jerry Rice in front of him as he pushes for early playing time.
GET TO KNOW: Five guys you probably don't know a lot about but look to have a real shot to make the roster coming out of the spring work...
Chris Chancellor, undrafted rookie CB out of Clemson; Brian Schaefering, a well-traveled but still young defensive lineman who played well at the end of last year; second-year linebacker Marcus Benard (ditto Schaefering; he also benefited this spring from Roth's absence), undrafted rookie WR Johnathan Haggerty of Southwestern Oklahoma; and Bubba Ventrone, an undersized safety and special teams demon.
IN SUMMATION: I think Cribbs is going to make the team. Ditto Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. Eric Wright, Robaire Smith and Scott Fujita probably have a job, too. Oh, you wanted a serious summary? There's still little certainty in terms of long-term answers, but there is upgraded depth and competition at most every position. There are ingredients for a successful run game and an improved run defense. It's still not a very fast or overly talented roster, but it is one that seems to have a good mix of upside and leadership -- better than last year's, anyway. The stage is set for an interesting and important training camp.
ON DECK: Summer vacation for the veterans and coaches. The rookies will be around a few more weeks. Look for the draft pick negotiations to really begin in mid-July, with reporting dates set for late July and a likely (but not yet
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BR1986FBPer a poster on the OBR, Mangini apparently said on a local radio show that ALL of the RFA's have now signed their 1 years tenders. Official announcement should come soon.