Browns Talk with Jeff Schudel

Jan. 5 audiocast

2012-01-05T17:00:00.000-05:00

Beat Writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski react to the state-of-the-Browns news conference Thursday by Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert.

Preseason shows promise of improvement

2011-09-01T23:30:00.000-04:00

The Browns finished the preseason 1-3. They lost the last three games after beating the Packers in the opener. But what the Browns have done so far has to be judged by more than the record.

Colt McCoy showed improvement the first two games and then regressed against the Eagles. He left with a lead in the second game and then watched as the backups gave the game away. He did not play against the Bears.

Not surprisingly, the Browns don't have much depth. That should be expected from a team that was 14-34 over the last three seasons.

The Browns will be able to compete as long as the starters stay healthy, but the 24-14 loss to the Bears in the final practice game exposed the bench.

Running back Armond Smith did his best to claim a spot on the 53-man roster Saturday. He and a couple other borderline players should not get too comfortable, though. They could make the team Saturday and then be cut the next day when waiver claims go through.

Browns learned a lesson tonight

2011-08-25T22:45:00.000-04:00

The Eagles were a bad match-up for the Browns tonight.

The Eagles defense has been practicing against the West Coast offense since 1999. The Browns defense has been practicing against the West Coast since July 30.

The Browns starting defense played well, particularly the defensive line, but the difference in the game was the way the Eagles defense engulfed Colt McCoy and the Browns offense. The Eagles anticipated McCoy well and forced his first interception of the preseason. At one point the Browns trailed 24-0. The defense played better than that score indicates, but not the offense.

The highlights for the Browns were rookie defensive lineman Phil Taylor and third-year receiver Brian Robiskie. Taylor was in Michael Vick's face most of the first half. He sacked Vick and forced a fumble. Jayme Mitchell recovered inside the Eagles 20, but the Browns didn't cash in.

Robiskie might have saved his job. He caught the ball well and, despite an offensive interference penalty, showed he'll fight for the ball.

Defense active in first quarter

2011-08-19T20:34:00.001-04:00

Too much focus is on the offense in a football training camp, although it is natural to think offense first because this is a quarterback-driven sport.

The Lions led the Browns 10-7 after the first quarter. The defense led the way for the Browns. A forced fumble and fumble recovery by rookie Jabaal Sheard set up the Browns' touchdown, a three-yard pass from Colt McCoy to Evan Moore.

The Browns linebackers have been outstanding. D'Qwell Jackson and Kaluka Maiava each had tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Early in the second quarter the Browns forced the Lions to punt from their own end zone.

Another long punt return by Jordan Norwood - 20 yards - game the offense the ball on the Lions 21. McCoy jumped on the gift with a touchdown pass to Moore on the first play. The pass was ruled incomplete, but Pat Shurmur challenged the call and the ruling was reversed. Moore made a sliding catch and controlled the ball.

Browns lead after three

2011-08-13T22:00:00.000-04:00

The Browns led the Packers 24-17 after three quarters Saturday night.

Once the starters are done for the night the rest of a preseason game is a stage for second and third line players to jump out.

Linebacker Titus Brown helped himself by making two stops on running plays to hold the Packers to a field goal in the second quarter, preserving a 14-10 Browns lead. With the score 17-17 in the third quarter, Brown scooped up a fumble on a strip forced by undrafted rookie Brian Smith and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown.

Jordan Norwood, trying to wedge his way into the wide receiver group, showed he can catch the ball and excel on special teams. He returned the Packers opening punt 22 yards in the first quarter. He caught three passes for 36 yards in the third quarter with Seneca Wallace at quarterback.

Brian Sanford, trying to grab a spot on the Browns defensive line, sacked Packers third quarterback Graham Harrell with about 12 minutes left.

McCoy perfect first drive

2011-08-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

Too bad Colt McCoy couldn't bottle that first possession and open it every time the Browns play.

McCoy led a touchdown drive for a 7-0 lead over the Packers by going 5-for-5 for 72 yards while spreading the ball to three wide receivers plus running back Peyton Hillis.

McCoy capped the drive with a touchdown pass to Josh Cribbs. Cribbs jumped and fell backward making the catch.

Green Bay answered with a 21-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings. Jennings beat cornerback Sheldon Brown on the play.

McCoy is still at quarterback as the second quarter begins with Browns facing third-and-four on the Cleveland 43. This is likely his last possession. He keeps the drive going with a 19-yard pass to Ben Watson to the Packers 40 and then hit Watson again to the Packers 3.

Hills ran inside 3 yards for the touchdown. The Browns lead, 14-7, with 13:46 to play in the first half.. It was a good night for McCoy.

The Browns second defense is in the game.

Cribbs dazzling as a receiver

2011-08-10T13:25:00.000-04:00

Josh Cribbs has his detractors as a wide receiver, judging by the comments readers make whenever his name shows up in a story, but those skeptics might be basing their theory on old information.

Cribbs has consistently been the best receiver in training camp. Hope this doesn't jinx him, but Cribbs is catching everything thrown his way. He is fighting for passes much better than some of his peers. He made a diving catch Wednesday morning.

A year ago Cribbs reported to camp weighing about 225 pounds. He is 10 pounds lighter this summer and it shows. He is sleek and quick out of his breaks. In the past he has dropped catchable balls, but that isn't happening this camp.

The West Coast offense is designed to hit receivers in open space and let them run. Cribbs could be ideal in this offense. When Mohamed Massaquoi heals from his left foot injury I'd like to see Massaquoi and Cribbs as the starters in the third preseason game.

Scrimmage would be nice, but..

2011-08-06T13:10:00.000-04:00

Here's another sign Pat Shurmur is all business in his first year coaching the Browns: A scrimmage today would probably attract more fans to Family Day at Cleveland Browns Stadium, but Shurmur believes he can accomplish more with a normal practice, so that's what he has planned.

Still, this is an important step for rookie defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard. 11-on-11 will be part of the practice, and the rookies will be fired up to be in Cleveland Browns Stadium for the first time. This is also the next step for rookie receiver Greg Little. The field, by the way, is so perfect it looks like artificial turf.

Fans are starting to file in for the 2 p.m. start. The smart ones are going to the first row on the lower deck so they can have prime spots for autographs at the end of practice. Rain is forecast for around 3 p.m., but right now the stadium is sitting under blue skies.

Size matters in Browns defense

2011-08-04T14:16:00.000-04:00

Phil Taylor practiced today for the first time since ending his holdout Tuesday. He won't put on the pads until this afternoon, but he is huge. He weighs 338 pounds and Ahtyba Rubin weighs in at 315. That is a lot of beef inside at tackle in the 4-3 defense the Browns will play.

Run defense has been a problem for the Browns most of their first 12 years. Last year they were 27th against the run. They finished 5-11 for the second straight year.

As big as Taylor is now, he was even bigger before he changed his diet. He\once weighed 388 pounds until a coach got hold of him and made him change his eating habits - no more late night feasts. He is much quicker at a svelte 338.

Taylor immediately started working with the first team defense today. General Manager Tom Heckert said the Browns have to get younger, and Taylor plus end Jabaal Sheard, both rookies, are part of that youth movement. The Browns should be better defensively in October than in September as the rookies learn their craft.

Peaceful training camp

2011-08-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

Anyone watching the Browns in training camp can hear the person next to him or her without straining. Why? Because that ridiculous idea of Eric Mangini's to blast music to simulate stadium noise is not Pat Shurmur's idea.

Shurmur's version of training camp is to teach and coach. It is just a few days in, but the concentration level of players is high. It has to be, because they are trying to digest a new offense and new defense without the benefit of any offseason program due to the lockout. On the other hand, the players are fresh for having not gone through the minicamps and OTAs, and they were responsible enough as individuals to train on their own so they were physically ready for camp.

One idea of Mangini's not being used by Shurmur was beneficial. Mangini had officials work every practice. Making players run laps for penalties might have been unnecessary, but the supervision did result in fewer gameday penalties. Shurmur will have officials in camp at some point, but not yet.

Give Shurmur time

2011-01-13T17:29:00.001-05:00

I have no idea whether Pat Shurmur will be a good head coach for the Browns. How could anyone say definitively, one way or another, what kind of job Shurmur will do?

I do know this: He is starting ahead of where Eric Mangini was two years ago for two reasons. The team is better than it was when Mangini took over a condemned property in 1999 and he shares the same philosophy as General Manager Tom Heckert, who is in charge of player acquisition. Imagine that.

Mangini' first year was wasted because he did not have a legitimate starting quarterback. Shurmur won't have to worry about that because he has Colt McCoy established as the starter.

Shurmur won't have to run the entire football operation as Mangini chose to do in 2009. Holmgren runs the show and Heckert picks the players. Shurmur has to coach. That's it.

Holmgren won't be quick to get rid of Shurmur if Shurmur struggles early. He'll probably give him more than the two years Mangini got - only one of those from Holmgren.

But if Shurmur doesn't succeed in three years, Holmgren should hire himself as head coach.

Holmgren had no choice

2011-01-03T12:24:00.000-05:00

Mike Holmgren wanted Eric Mangini to succeed, but when the Browns lost their last four games he had no choice. He had to fire him.

I am amazed how many fans wanted Mangini to stay, because usually fans change their opinions Monday to Monday depending on what happened the day before. Fans are concerned about continuity, but Holmgren will at least maintain continuity in quarterback Colt McCoy.

Players agree Mangini has left the Browns on the brink of being successful, but losing to Buffalo, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Pittsburgh to finish the season and going 1-5 in the AFC North doomed Mangini.

Players grew to like Mangini after a stormy 2009. Mangini relaxed. The offense never got untracked,.and that proved to be Mangini's undoing. He was loyal to all his assistants. Had he replaced Brian Daboll a year ago he might still be head coach today.

Judgment day for Mangini

2011-01-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

In all likelihood this is the last day Eric Mangini will be a head coach in the NFL. If so, he is leaving behind a team on the brink of winning.

I would like to see Mike Holmgren give Mangini one more season, and I think part of Holmgren wants to, but losing to Buffalo and Cincinnati makes that difficult. The Bengals followed their Browns victory by beating the Chargers, but still, the Bengals had lost 10 straight before beating the Browns. That makes it difficult for Holmgren to convince anyone the Browns are heading in the right direction.

Mangini instilled discipline and a work ethic in a team that lacked both. With that already in place and Holmgren along with Tom Heckert supplying good players the Browns would be on their way to playoff contention. Mangini deserves a chance to continue the transition, but I don't expect him to get it.

Ozzie in the house

2010-12-26T15:06:00.000-05:00

Ozzie Newsome is in the press box as general manager of the Baltimore Ravens. Seeing him today in the wake of Terrelle Pryor and other Buckeyes selling their championship rings brought to mind a conversation with Newsome before the Browns played the Broncos in the second of three AFC championship games in the 1980s. This was before the 1987 conference championship in Denver.

I asked Newsome, the Browns great tight end, what would be the best part of winning a Super Bowl. Without hesitation, he said winning the ring.

"You could spend the money you win, but you'll always have the ring," he said.

I reminded Ozzie about that conversation before kickoff today. He was not judgmental of Pryor. He said the items were sold to support the families of the players. But as for himself, the ring is still the most important thing.

Time out from the quarterback saga

2010-12-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

There really is more to the Browns than the non-ending quarterback drama, which, by the way, might be settled with an announcement Thursday by Coach Eric Mangini. Colt McCoy is trying to prove his left ankle is fine and that he is healthy enough to start against the Bengals on Sunday.

McCoy moved well and stepped forward to throw the ball without a problem in the portion of practice open to the media Wednesday.

There is another story to tell, though, and it involves rookie safety T.J. Ward. Ward was fined $15,000 for a blow to the head of Bengals receiver Jordan Shipley in the game played ct. 3 in Cleveland.

The Bengals afterward called the hit a cheap shot. You might think they would have revenge on their minds, but they've been eaten alive by an 11-game losing streak that began in Cleveland. Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco said he forgot about the hit until a reporter asked him about it.

Ward says he might try talking with Shipley before the game to tell him he was not trying to injure the rookie receiver, who was forced to sit out the next game because of the concussion.

The Bengal fans aren't likely to forget what Ward did, even if the Bengals players say they have. Ward can't let them get him flustered.

Hold off on Mangini decision

2010-12-09T13:21:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how fans who wanted Eric Mangini's head last year now are supporting him. Would their opinion be the same if John Kasay's kick on the final play of the Carolina game was one foot to the right, in which case the kick would have been good and the Browns would have lost, 26-24?

The Browns are 5-7 and are much better than they were a year ago. Mangini has a lot to do with that. Players have bought into his philosophy of hard work and attention to detail.

I believe he does deserve another year, but let's see what happens in the last four games. A split to end up 7-9 shoiuld be enough to earn Mangini a third year on the job, but team president Mike Holmgren might want some changes.

The offense still struggles when Peyton Hillis does not dominate. Holmgren might tell Mangini to change offensive coordinators. That would not be easy for Mangini,because he is very loyal to his assistants. He is close to offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.

Browns prove they can win

2010-10-24T21:46:00.000-04:00

There was nothing flukey about the way the Browns beat the Saints on Sunday. They won with solid defense, daring special teams and efficient offense.

Colt McCoy did not turn the ball over. Drew Brees threw four interceptions. David Bowens returned two for touchdowns.

McCoy completed 9 of 16 passes for 74 yards - nothing spectacular but good for a rookie on the road.

Peyton Hillis was a horse on the final drive with eight carries for 38 yards.

Too bad the Browns have a bye next week. They're hot.

Browns keeing it close

2010-09-26T14:18:00.000-04:00

The Browns have to find a way to give Eric Wright help on Anquad Boldin in the second half. If they do the can make a game of this. If not, forget it. Bolding has beaten Wright for two touchdowns.

Seneca Wallace has a skeleton crew of receivers. The Ravens should be expecting the run, but the Browns are able to run on them anyway.

Ravens 14, Browns 10 at halftime. Peyton Hillis started in place of injured Jerome Harriso. He carried six times for 38 yards and caught two passes for 16 in the drive just before halftime. His one-yard touchdown run was the first TD scored on the Ravens this season.

Pernalties are a problem again - Five in the fist half.

Another opening loss

2010-09-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

So now the Browns are 1-11 in season openers. It was supposed to be different this year with Jake Delhomme, but it wasn't.

Delhomme threw an interception at the end of the first half. It was a high risk, low reward pass, the kind a rookie would make. It was thrown on first down with 38 seconds to play. Delhomme afterward admitted he should have taken the sack. The Bucs turned the huge mistake into a touchdown.

The Browns took the third quarter kickoff and were marching again, but Peyton Hillis fumbled. He wasn't hit or stripped. He just fumbled. The Buccaneers recovered at the Tampa Bay 15.

Those two huge errors sucked the life out of the offense. Coach Eric Mangini expects this group to be resilient. They were not resilient Sunday. If they do not learn how to fight back it will be another very long season.

Hardesty pick backfires

2010-09-03T20:13:00.000-04:00

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert Jr. has some explaining to do.

It doesn't bother me he bundled a third-round pick and two fifth-round picks to move back into the second round during the draft in April, but then to use the 59th pick on a running back who had four leg injuries before his senior year was asking for trouble.

History repeats itself in sports. That's why players are scouted. The players who are fast and throw, catch, run or tackle well usually - but not always - take that to the NFL.

Likewise, those who have problems in college football often have the same problem in the NFL. Not to compare William Green to Montario Hardesty, but it was no surprise off the field issues ended Green's career because the Browns' 2002 first-round pick had off the field issues at Boston College. Green was a bad, senseless pick by Butch Davis.

Maybe Hardesty will bounce back in 2011 and be injury free the rest of his career, but I doubt it. He suffered a bone bruise in a non-contact drill before camp started and after just seven plays in a practice game he is on injured reserve with a torn ACL. Those injuries followed his college history. Heckert was convinced Hardesty would be fine in the NFL.

Hardesty is a hard-working, nice guy with an engaging smile. Too bad he has so much trouble staying healthy, and too bad Heckert didn't get the memo.

Mistakes doom Browns

2010-08-28T20:00:00.000-04:00

The Browns are their own worst enemies this preseason.

Three fumbles Saturday led to three Lions touchdowns in a 35-27 loss in Ford Field. Defensive penalties were a problem, too.

The Browns fumbled five times last week, losing three, in a 19-17 loss to the Rams.

The fumbleitis can be cured with enough practice. The penalties and be diminished with enough discipline.

What the loss on the artificial turf showed more than anything is the Browns are a slow football team. Speed cannot be coached.

Up and down first half

2010-08-28T18:29:00.001-04:00

The Browns gave Coach Eric Mangini a lot to build on and a lot to work on while taking a 24-14 lead in the first half against the Lions.

Josh Cribbs caught a 30-yard pass and kept his feet inside the left sideline on a drive that ended with Peyton Hillis crashing in from the 1 with 24 seconds left in the first half. The Browns got their other touchdowns on a 44-yard fumble return by Eric Wright and a five-yard pass from Jake Delhomme to Lawrence Vickers.

The concerns: The Browns had no answer for speedy running back Jahvid Best. Best ran for 51 yards on the first play to set up the Lions first touchdown.

At times pass coverage was too loose. The biggest concern, though, is Jerome Harrison. He fumbled for the second game in a row, and this time in a dome. Last week he fumbled in the pouring rain. Another near-fumble last week was negated because he was ruled down.

Nick Sorensen was carted off strapped to a body board after he and two Lions collided, all helment to helmet. His arms were strapped to his sides and he was strapped to a bodyboard. The Browns sideline radio reported Sorensen had feeling in his legs.

Ring of Honor - it's about time

2010-08-24T19:50:00.000-04:00

The Browns are expected to officially announce on Thursday plans for a Ring of Honor to pay homage to the 15 former players and Coach Paul Brown, all of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

My question is, why did it take so long? Cleveland Browns Stadium was built 12 years ago and tickets were sold on the rich history of the Browns when they were coached by Paul Brown. Sure, Brian Sipe and the Kardiac Kids of 1980 - who were exciting but did not win a playoff game - and Bernie Kosar and his group were part of the history, but of the 16 Hall of Famers only four played after Brown was fired in 1963.

Lou Groza, Otto Graham, Dante Lavelli and Gene Hickerson have passed away since the stadium opened in 1999. They deserved the chance to be acknowledged by fans with this prestigious recognition.

Some day Kosar and Sipe, Gary Collins, John Wooten, Don Cockroft, Coach Blanton Collier, the late Al Lerner and others should have their names added to the ring that will be displayed on the facing of the upper deck. Names should be added slowly. This is a step above the Cleveland Browns Legends, a program started in 2001 to honor former Browns greats.

I've been in many stadiums in which players are immortalized with a Ring of Honor. When sitting in Lambeau Field one can't help but stare at names like Bart Starr, Paul Hornung and Vince Lombardi and think about the great Packer teams.

This has been too long in the making for the Browns, but better late than never.

New York is Super? Oh no!

2010-05-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

The problem with the Super Bowl being in New York in 2014 is it will be in New York.

Okay, geographically speaking it will be in New Jersey, but let's not quibble about borders.

New Yorkers already think their city is the center of the universe. They believe God has a Brooklyn accent. And now we have to endure almost four years of chest puffing from people wearing Yankees and Giants and Jets hats. Who knows? Knicks forward LeBron James might even be part of the coin toss. Ugh!

The NFL has a standing rule - or had a standing rule. The average temperature for the Super Bowl city had to be at least 50 degrees for the game. Super Bowls have been played in cold weather cities - Pontiac, Mich., Minneapolis and Detroit - but each time in a domed stadium. By the time the Super Bowl is played in the 82,500-seat, $1.7 billion new Meadowlands, 47 Super Bowls will have been played under the 50-degree guideline.

The game itself in the elements could be fun to watch, if not to sit through. Two weeks earlier the NFC championship might be played in Green Bay and/or the AFC championship in New England, so finally staging a Super Bowl in a cold-weather climate is really how a championship should be decided.

I just wish New Yorkers weren't feeling more special and entitled now than they did already.

Clausen should fall to the Browns

2010-04-05T19:32:00.000-04:00

The Redskins solved their quarterback problems by trading for Donovan McNabb, and that means they won't be taking Jimmy Clausen with the fourth pick in the first round two weeks from Thursday. That could be bad for the Browns if they are serious about locking in on Eric Berry, the outstanding safety from Tennessee, with the seventh pick.

It also means Clausen will be available for the Browns.

Browns president Mike Holmgren has said he "wished he could like Clausen more," which doesn't mean he couldn't learn to like him. Some analysts say Clausen is the most NFL-ready of all the quarterbacks in the draft because he played in a pro-style offense under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Seems we heard that three years ago.

The fact Brady Quinn went to Notre Dame and flamed out as a Browns quarterback should have nothing to do with how the Browns assess Clausen. That doesn't mean they should pick him, but he could be very tempting. And don't forget, Clausen is one of the draft prospects visiting the Browns facility. Teams do not give out those invitations lightly because they are allowed only 30 visits; the Browns will want to make sure he has healed from a toe injury and discover what kind of demeanor Clausen has.

Now the top six picks in the draft shape up like this: Rams - QB Sam Bradford; Lions _ DT Ndamukong Suh; Buccaneers - DT Gerald McCoy; Chiefs; OT Russell Okung; Redskins; OT Bryan Bulaga; Seahakws - Berry.

The Seahawks need a left tackle, too, and could reach for Trent Williams. The Redskins need a safety, but they want to make sure McNabb is protected first.

That would leave the Browns choosing from DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul, cornerback Joe Haden (unlikely after getting Sheldon Brown in the trade with the Eagles), inside linebacker Rolando McClain, safety Taylor Mays, safety Earl Thomas - or Clausen.

The Redskins got McNabb for a second-round pick this year and a third-round or fourth-round pick next year. If the Browns had held out and not signed Jake Delhomme they could probably have made that same trade. McNabb is better than Delhomme, but given the fact the Browns won't be playoff contenders for two years I'd rather have the second round pick.

Rogers is a knucklehead

2010-04-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

Once again, we are asking the same question about a famous athlete - this time Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers: "What was he thinking?"

I'm not suggesting Rogers was trying to sneak a loaded handgun onto an airplane Thursday for any evil purpose, but I also find his excuse of "Oops! Forgot that little sucker was in there (or words to that affect)!" when he got arrested as lame and stupid.

Anyone who travels by plane for a weekend probably goes through the same checklist: Change of clothes? - check; extra socks? check; underwear? check; toilet kit? check; laptop? check. Weapon is not on that list.

But let's give Rogers the benefit of the doubt - keep reading, please! - and say he did forget he had a loaded gun in his bag. Then the question becomes, what was he doing in the first place and where was he going to think he needed a gun in his travel bag? It's not like he reached for his toothbrush and grabbed his gun by mistake. As Sam Rutigliano once said of one his players who got into trouble with the cops, he wasn't going to the library.

So should the Browns get rid of Rogers, like they got rid of Donte Stallworth? I say no. Stallworth drove drunk and killed a man. Rogers should be punished. He should be suspended for two games, if not by the league then by the Browns, but that's enough. Stupidity is not a crime.

I expect the law to come down hard on Rogers. If it doesn't, then any would-be criminal or terrorist could be prepared to use the "I didn't know it was there" defense and take his chances.

Wallace isn't a cure-all

2010-03-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

Whatever step Browns general manager Tom Heckert takes next to improve the Browns quarterback situation is more important than the one taken Monday when he swapped a 2011 draft choice for Seattle backup quarterback Seneca Wallace.

Wallace has been a reliable backup to Matt Hasselbeck for five years, but he is not a starting quarterback - at least not one who should be handed the ball for 16 games in a season.

The trade makes it easier to part with Derek Anderson before his $2 million roster bonus is due a week from Friday. Now Brady Quinn can head into the offseason program knowing he is the starter. He has not been in that situation since his senior year at Notre Dame in 2006.

The Browns still should draft a quarterback, because trading for Wallace and releasing Anderson isn't all of a sudden going to make Quinn an accurate passer. He struggles with passes thrown longer than 15 yards.

Obviously Browns president Mike Holmgren was influential in the trade because he coached Wallace from 2003-2008 in Seattle. It is obvious, too, that Holmgren regarded Wallace as a backup because as soon as Matt Hasselbeck recovered from whatever injury meant Wallace had to play in a given season, Hasselbeck was back in the saddle.

The trade is beneficial because Wallace is more accurate than Anderson and his touchdown to interception ratio (25/14 for Wallace, 46/45 for Anderson) is better. It also eliminates any quarterback controversy - at least until Quinn completes 13 of 31 passes against the Ravens as he did last season, or until he completes 6 of 19 against the Steelers in a game the Browns won on a strong running game and stronger defense.

This is Quinn's last chance. He might not get the opportunity to finish it if the Browns trade for a starter, such as Kevin Kolb from the Eagles, which is unlikely, or if they jump up to draft Sam Bradford, which also is unlikely.

Help is on the way

2010-02-28T19:45:00.000-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS - The Browns will make two of the first 38 picks in the draft in April - seventh in the first round on April 22 and the sixth pick in the second round the next day. No matter what happens in the first six picks on the first day, they should come away with two starters with their top two picks. I am more convinced of that than ever after spending the last four days interviewing players at the Scouting Combine.

Cornerback Joe Haden from Florida and safety Eric Berry from Tennessee came across as confident but not cocky players. USC free safety Taylor Mays seemed to have an attitude.

Dez Bryant is the undisputed top receiver in the draft and at least one draft prognosticator has the Browns taking him. I'm not sure about him. I thought he was a bit of a flake. The Browns already had one - we will call him strange - wide receiver in Braylon Edwards. They don't need another one.

Texas cornerback/safety Earl Thomas will be coachable and Alabama inside linebacker Rolando McClain played in the 3-4 with the Crimson Tide, so he's ready to go.

Stay tuned. Free agency begins Friday. It is an exciting offseason for the Browns.

Jets' G.M. jabs Berea

2010-02-26T13:24:00.000-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS - Mike Tannenbaum, the general manager of the New York Jets, took a rip at Berea on Friday when he was asked about Braylon Edwards.

Edwards was never gung-ho about working in the Browns offseason program during his time in Cleveland. Now that he is in the Big Apple, Tannenbaum expects to see a lot of Edwards when their offseason program begins next month.

“With Braylon it’s going to be a really important offseason for him getting acclimated to our offense and working with (quarterback) Mark Sanchez every day,” Tannenbaum said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “It’s important for him to be with us all the time. He has the ability to be a much better player long-term by being in our program every day.”

The Browns traded Edwards to the Jets on Oct. 7 for linebacker Jason Trusnik, wide receiver Chansi Stuckey plus a third-round and a fifth-round draft pick. Edwards will be a restricted free agent on March 5, but the Jets plan to tender him an offer that would virtually assure them no other team will sign him.

Asked what makes him think Edwards will participate in the Jets program in Florham Park, N.J. after making only cameo appearances in the Browns’ program, Tannenbaum answered:

“Have you ever been to Florham Park in March?

“No, I can’t say that I have,” the reporter said.

“It’s a wonderful place to be,” Tannenbaum said. “I’ve been there. I’ve been to Berea, so that’s – Florham Park is a really nice place. We have a lot to offer and a lot to do.”

Florham Park is about 50 minutes from New York City in an upscale neighborhood.

Tannenbaum worked in the Browns personnel department in 1995, so he is acquainted with the city where the Browns train. His shot was more at the city than the Browns’ training complex.

G.M. praises Holmgren

2010-02-25T10:52:00.000-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS - We're here at the NFL Scouting Combine in frigid Indianapolis. First up to the podium is Forty-niners general manager Scott McCloughan. McCloughan says the Browns got a winner when they named Mike Holmgren team president.

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Kiper likes Haden

2010-02-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

During a conference call Wednesday afternoon ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper projected the Browns taking cornerback Joe Haden from Florida with the seventh pick in the NFL draft in April.

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McNabb would help

2010-02-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

The Browns have had preliminary talks with the Eagles about a trade that would put Donovan McNabb in a Browns uniform. I say if the asking price isn't too high, go for it.

McNabb is in the last year of his contract, so the Eagles cannot expect a ransom for a 33-year-old banged up quarterback near the end of his career. The Browns have 11 draft choices. If they could persuade the Eagles to take a third-round pick and quarterback Derek Anderson it would be a good trade for both teams.

The Browns would still have to draft a quarterback, but the rookie would not have to play immediately if he would be behind McNabb. McNabb has had injury problems, and that has some fans concerned, but he wins; the Eagles were in the playoffs eight times in the last 10 years.

The simple fact the Browns are talking to the Eagles is an indication team president Mike Holmgren believes quarterback has to be improved for the Browns to win. Holmgren hasn't said that; he says he hasn't decided about Brady Quinn or Anderson. But let's face it. The Browns are looking at McNabb or his backup, Kevin Kolb, as a starter. That doesn't bode well for Quinn even if a trade with the Eagles doesn't materialize.

Browns try to stay warm

2010-01-03T12:02:00.000-05:00

It is noon, an hour before kickoff, and Phil Dawson is practicing field goals from 45 yards while wearing a heavy knee-length orange coat. His kick just hit the crossbar.

The grounds crew is trying to clear the field of snow along the sidelines and end lines. Brave fans are trickling toward their seats. It is bitterly cold. The tarp was removed about 8:30 a.m. The temperature is 16 degrees.

Three Browns starters are not in uniform. Rex Hadnot is starting at right guard for Floyd Womack (knee), Womack is starting for John St. Clair (ankle0 at right tackle and Corey Williams is starting for Kenyon Coleman (ankle, elbow) at defensive end.

The Jaguars won't have starting corner back Rashean Mathis, wide receiver Torry Holt or tight end Mercedes Lewis.

The wind is gusting in the open end of the stadium. Stick to the ground with your play calling, Brian Daboll.

Browns impressive again

2009-12-27T21:07:00.000-05:00

Jerome Harrison today proved once again he can carry the load for the Browns, but on a broader scale the Browns showed they are headed in the right direction. The 23-9 victory over the Raiders was a team effort of offense, defense and special teams.

On Monday we will talk to Mike Holmgren. He will probably dodge questions about Eric Mangini's future. Mangini has earned the right to coach another season, but the problem is his philosophy doesn't coincide with Holmgren's. That doesn't mean they can't work together. It won't be an easy decision for Holmgren.

Critics will say the Browns three-game winning streak came against three inferior teams. Since handing the Steelers their fifth straight loss Pittsburgh beat Green Bay and Baltimore. Last week the Raiders beat Denver.

The Browns are getting better. Give them credit.

Holmgren isn't here

2009-12-27T12:51:00.000-05:00

Contrary to some radio reports, Browns president to be Mike Holmgren is not in Cleveland Browns Stadium to watch the Browns play the Raiders. The players believe they are auditioning for their new bosses nonetheless.

Mike Furrey is starting at safety and Mike Adams is starting at right cornerback in place of Brandon McDonald. That is a statement about what Eric Mangini thinks of Hank Poteat (23) and Brandon McDonald (22).

It is bitterly cold, but the wind is not a factor; the ribbons atop the goalposts are barely moving.

The Raiders won the coin toss. Here we go. Phil Dawson's kick resulted in a touchback. Charlie Frye's first pass was intercepted by David Bowens. The Browns turned the takeaway into a 17-yard touchdown run by Jerome Harrison.

Browns make a point

2009-12-20T20:51:00.000-05:00

Too bad only two games remain in this crazy season. The Browns are looking more like a team each week, despite their 3-11 record, and it is looking more and more as though Eric Mangini deserves a second chance.

There has been a lot less negativity in the locker room since Jamal Lewis went on injured reserve with post concussion syndrome. Jerome Harrison looked like a feature back today. He might get only 10 carries next week, but his 286 yards on Sunday is the third best all time performance in the NFL. Josh Cribbs returned two kicks for touchdowns and now has eight, an NFL record.

The Browns play hard every week. Mike Holmgren could become their director of football operations today. If he is going to be the head coach, the timing of the announcement is all wrong. Mangini deserves to keep his job.

The Holmgren buzz

2009-12-20T13:01:00.000-05:00

The Browns and Chiefs are getting ready to kick off on a beautiful, sunny day in Kansas City. That isn't what everyone in the press box is talking about, though.

It's looking more and more as though Mike Holmgren will be named director of football operations for the Browns as soon as Monday. The clincher came Saturday when he turned down an offer to be president of the Seattle Seahawks in his home town.

The only question is - will Holmgren want to coach, too? It's looking that way. Holmgren could be president and coach and then hire an adept talent evaluator to run the draft and free agency. Holmgren would be his own boss and the boss of the general manager. It would be a unique setup.

I just don't see Holmgren sitting behind a desk. Coaching is in his blood. If it goes that way, Eric Mangini is obviously out. Some of his staunchest critics expect him to resign today. I don't think that will happen. He certainly deserves the right to finish the season.

It is freezing here

2009-12-10T19:39:00.000-05:00

As I turned right on East 9th off the Shoreway around 5 p.m. it looked more like Pittsburgh than Cleveland, judging by all the black and yellow clothing fans on their way to the stadium were wearing.

It is freezing - and we're in the front row of the glass-enclosed press box. I cannot imagine how cold it must be in the stands. Kickoff is 30 minutes away and the stands are nearly empty. The wind chill is minus 6. Wind gusts of 46 miles an hour are forecast.

. . . We just got the inactive lists from both teams. Hines Ward is playing for the Steelers despite a pulled hamstring. After calling out Ben Roethlisberger for not playing against the Ravens because of a concussion, Ward had to play against the Browns.

Brian Robiskie is on the active list for the Browns. Brady Quinn can not ignore him. The cold weather works against the Browns. The Steelers have the No. 1 rush defense and the Browns don't have anybody to equal Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Browns hang tough

2009-12-06T22:23:00.000-05:00

Give the Browns credit for not quitting. The defense was banged up so badly even the backups got hurt.

Firing Eric Mangini is the easy way out for Browns owner Randy Lerner. If he listens to the fans and median critics, Mangini will be toast. But there is no denying the Browns are playing better, particularly Brady Quinn. Quinn has seven touchdown passes in his last three games and no interceptions. He has thrown 127 passes without being picked. That was his trademark at Notre Dame.

The Browns lost because they could not cover Antonio Gates. He caught eight passes for a career high 167 yards.

The 30-23 final was a true reflection of how the Browns played. They shut down the San Diego running game better than expected. The Browns are improving. It just isn't showing in the win column.

It's a ghost town here

2009-12-06T15:37:00.000-05:00

Fifteen minutes before kickoff, and Cleveland Browns Stadium looks like it normally does at 3:45 p.m.; the place is nearly empty. The difference is in a 1 p.m. kickoff the Browns are usally being clobbered and the fans are headed to the exits. Kickoff is 4:05 p.m. today so fans in San Diego can watch at 1 p.m. PST instead of 10 a.m.

The crowd could be in the concourse staying warm until just before kickoff, but I doubt it. The better guess is the crowd is in the mall Christmas shopping, putting up the tree or taking advantage of no television blackout.

Hank Poteat is starting for injured (concussion) Brodney Pool at safety and C.J. Mosley is starting for Kenyon Coleman (knee) at end. Mosley expects the Chargers to run the ball down the Browns' throats, but with Poteat at safety don't be surprised in Philp Rivers throws three touchdown passes.

Final score misleading - Bengals dominate

2009-11-29T17:07:00.000-05:00

Now we know for sure; the Browns offense looked good last week because the Lions defense is awful.

The Browns that lost, 16-7, to the Bengals today looked a lot like the Browns of the first nine games; they had trouble moving the ball on offense and they did not stop the Bengals from running the ball. Carson Palmer threw only 24 passes and completed 13 for 110 yards, but he did not have to throw the ball because the Bengals ran so effectively.

The Browns did not turn the ball over, but they dropped enough passes, at least five in critical situations, to stall drives without turning the ball over. On one drive late in the game Greg Estandia dropped a pass and three plays later Jerome Harrison dropped one.

As the game went along the Browns lost four starters on defense - safety Brodney Pool, end Kenyon Coleman, nose tackle Shaun Rogers and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. The injuries to Pool (concussion) and Rogers (ankle) are the most serious.

The Browns can expect the last five opponents to copy the Bengals; blitz and don't worry about the consequences and run the ball down the throat of the Browns defense. That's what the Bengals did, and the Browns were powerless to stop them.

Bengals injuries help Browns

2009-11-29T12:42:00.000-05:00

The Browns got some good news when the inactive lists were announced; Bengals running back Cedric Benson and linebacker Keith Rivers won't play today.

No significant players are on the Browns inactive list, unless you want to count tight end Robert Royal or rookie wide receiver Brian Robiskie. But Robiskie has only one catch through 10 games, so he isn't missed. Then again, if Robiskie cannot make the active roster on a 1-9 team it doesn't say much for taking him with the 36th pick in the draft.

The Browns want to play spoilers today. Not many reporters in the press box think they have much of a chance. If the Browns do lose they will fall to 0-5 in the AFC North. That doesn't mean anything in the standings for this year, but it is a reflection on how much they have to improve to be a contender in the future.

Harrison inactive

2009-11-22T12:02:00.000-05:00

Jerome Harrison, in the final year of his first contract, is on the inactive list just announced by the Browns. Whether that means he is fading from the picture for the Browns will become more clear in the next couple games.

Harrison has always been a fan favorite, but the coaches have never found a niche for him. Brian Daboll is his fourth offensive coordinator in four years, so obviously the coaches view him differently than fans do. Rookie Chris Jennings, on the practice squad of Montreal in the CFL when the Browns opened training camp, is backing up Jamal Lewis today.

I am the only one on press row who thinks the Browns are going to win today. I do not anticipate an explosion by the Browns offense, but I look for takeaways by the defense that will turn the tide for the Browns.

What boycott?

2009-11-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

The planned and much publicized boycott of the beginning of the Browns-Ravens game tonight did not create the impression its organizers hoped it would. The plan was for fans to stay in the concourse of Cleveland Browns Stadium for the opening kickoff and then move to their seats for the first play. Some fans honored the protest, but the stadium looked like it usually does in the at the beginning of the game with pockets of empty seats, particularly in the club seats.

Another myth was shattered. There was speculation Jamal Lewis would be benched for challenging Coach Eric Mangini's practice methods last week. Lewis not only started - he gained 14 yards on the Browns first offensive play.

The Browns came out fired up and stopped the Ravens without a first down on Baltimore's first possession. When the Browns were on offense they failed to convert on their first third down chance - an end around by Mohamed Massaquoi in the Wildcat. For those keeping track, that makes the Browns 6 of 32 on third down with Brady Quinn at quarterback.

Browns need this bye

2009-11-04T14:39:00.000-05:00

Starting on Thursday the Browns start a four day vacation. Even Coach Eric Mangini plans to take some time off to be with his family.

If ever a team needed a bye, it's the Browns. Team Turmoil tried to make this a normal week, and on the practice field it usually is. It is during the 22 hours of the day when they aren't practicing that the weird stuff happens.

Mangini says he is undecided about his starting quarterback for the rest of the season. He plans to make a decision early next week. Whether the Browns will have a general manager by then is anybody's guess. It really doesn't matter forthe immediate future, because whoever is hired for that job isn't going to turn this team around in eight weeks.

Mangini had a good track record after the bye. Last year his team was 6-1 following the bye until Brett Favre suffered an arm injury. Even in 2007 when the Jets were 4-12 they won two of three after the bye. In 2006 they were 6-2 after the bye.

The Browns have eight games left. Mangini might need a finish like that to save his job.

Browns looked hopeless

2009-11-01T20:46:00.000-05:00

This is worse than the expansion year - much worse. That team was made of rag-tag players no one else wanted. This team is built with high priced free agents acquired to make up for poor drafting.

Can Randy Lerner blow up the coaching staff again after just one year? He says he has a lot to think about after losing 30-6 to the Bears on Sunday.

The quarterback situation is a bigger mess than ever. Derek Anderson got pulled and replaced by Brady Quinn, whom Eric Mangini replaced after two and a half games. Mangini looks desperate.

Jamal Lewis is ready to retire.

If ever a team needed a bye, it's the Browns. But don't expect it to be different in two weeks.

Pool gets benched

2009-11-01T11:40:00.000-05:00

Ths is the Browns last game before the bye, and Coach Eric Mangini is using it to send a message to his team for the rest of the season: Make a major blunder and earn a seat on the bench.

Last week Brodney Pool didn't just miss a tackle. He was flat-footed as Donald Driver ran by him on the way to a 71-yard touchdown. Consequently, Mike Adams is starting for Pool today. It isn't the only lineup change, either. Rex Hadnot is starting at right guard in place of Floyd Womack.

Two other changes are injury related. Steve Heiden is at tight end after missing two games with a knee injury and kicker Phil Dawson is back after missing five games with a calf injury.

Eric Mangini, at 1-6, is fighting for his job. He doesn't have a lot to work with, but holding the players accountable is a good way to get them going.

Mangini sticks with Anderson

2009-10-26T14:42:00.001-04:00

Coach Eric Mangini is conducting his Monday press conference at this moment. He said he is sticking with Derek Anderson as his starting quarterback despite the fact Anderson has completed only 23 of 70 passes the last three games.

"He gives us the best chance," Mangini said.

Mangini said dropped passes and breakdowns in pass protection have factored into Anderson's poor numbers.

The cries to switch back to Brady Quinn are growing louder and so is the suspicion the Browns are holding him back because if he plays 70 percent of the snaps an $11 million bonus kicks in. Mangini, not surprisingly, insists that isn't the case.

Browns hit new low

2009-10-25T20:45:00.000-04:00

Usually something good comes out of a Browns game, but not Sunday. Oh, wait! That's wrong. Dave Zastudil put four more punts inside the 20. He has a league high 25 punts inside the 20.

There are no playmakers on offense and without D'Qwell Jackson at linebacker the Browns could not stop Ryan Grant. He rushed for 148 yards. He did not break 100 yards before Sunday,

It's time to use Brady Quinn again. It can't get worse than this. It isn't all Derek Anderson's fault, but 23 completions in 70 attempts is not going to win any games.

The Browns have 11 draft picks in April. Unfortunately seven of them are after the third round. They need about 50 picks.

Wright playing, tight end shortage

2009-10-25T12:09:00.000-04:00

Eric Wright will start against the Packers today. Early Friday morning Wright totaled his Mercedes in a one car accident when he lost control of his vehicle getting on a freeway entrance ramp. He injured his right shoulder and did not practice Friday.

. . . The Browns are really hurting at tight end. Greg Estandia is starting because Steve Heiden (knee) and Robert Royal (hamstring) are inactive . . . Phil Dawson is on the inactive list. The veteran kicker is missing his fifth straight game because of a calf injury.

. . . The Browns should be able to put heat on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Starting left tackle Chad Clifton is inactive with a knee injury. Starting center Jason Spitz is on the active list, but he isn't healthy enough to start. Scott Wells is starting instead. Look for Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers to have a good game. The Browns should be able to shut down Packers runner Ryan Grant.

Give Eric Wright a break

2009-10-23T15:54:00.000-04:00

Cruel fans are piling on Eric Wright for being in an accident early Friday morning on his way home from a Jay-Z concert at The Wolstein Center.

All I can say is the person looking back at them in the mirror must cast a pretty nice reflection. They must have a perfect driving record, too.

The Cleveland police investigated and came to the conclusion no drugs or alcohol were involved. The road was wet, his car hydroplaned and he lost control. Wright probably should have been driving slower than 60 M.P.H. going around the curve on I-490, but that was his only fault.

And I wonder - does everyone criticizing him wear their safety belts all the time? Wright was wearing his. It saved his life. Wright is a good guy. Somebody from the State Highway Patrol should ask him to do a public service announcement about wearing seat belts.

Trade Quinn if return is right

2009-10-20T10:02:00.000-04:00

We are six games into 2009 and with each passing game it becomes more and more evident the quarterback of the future isn't in a Browns uniform. So the Browns should trade Brady Quinn before the 4 p.m. deadline today - but only if they get enough in return.

If Coach Eric Mangini can get a second-round pick for Quinn he should make the deal. Waiting until the draft next year could increase Quinn's value because so many teams need quarterbacks - the Bills, Rams, Panthers and Titans among others. Those teams could try to outbid each other. But the opposite could happen. If the Browns finish badly enough to get a top five pick in the draft they will be in position to draft Jake Locker from the University of Washington or Sam Bradford from Oklahoma - although Bradford's right shoulder is a red flag.

Quinn would be useless to the Browns if they take Locker or Bradford and his trade value would decrease. If they can get a second-round pick from one of the bottom feeders today, they should make the deal.

Browns take step back

2009-10-18T21:13:00.000-04:00

Effort wasn't the problem for the Browns today. The problem was talent and execution.The Browns made mistakes they did not make while losing a close game to the Bengals and when they beat the Bills.

The Steelers have more talent than the Browns at every position on defense with the possible exception of nose tackle Shaun Rogers and every position on offense except left tackle Joe Thomas. That's why the Steelers have beaten the Browns 12 straight times. It has nothing do to with jinxes.

The Browns gave the Pittsburgh receivers too much room to catch the ball, but that's because Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes can beat the Browns cornerbacks on a bad day. The Browns put pressure on Ben Roethlsiberger, but not enough. Other teams have the same problem.

The Browns did play hard. That's something to build on. The rematch is Dec. 10 in Cleveland.If the Browns are still putting out effort by then, it means Coach Eric Mangini is doing something right.

Browns hanging close

2009-10-18T14:23:00.000-04:00

The Browns are losing 17-14 early in the third quarter, and they have only themselves to blame for not being ahead.

One Browns possession started at the Cleveland 48 and one at the Steelers 39 after Alex Hall recovered a fumbled snap by the Steelers. The Browns came up empty both times.

Josh Cribbs, of course, scored the Browns touchdown in the first half. He returned a kickoff 98 yards down the right sideline. The touchdown atoned for an interception he threw from the Wildcat formation in the first quarter.

Dropped passes plagued Derek Anderson in the first half. At least three were dropped. Anderson was 2 of 9 for 14 yards in the first half. Coupled with his 2 of 17 last week, he is 4 of 26 for 37 yards over the last six quarters. . . Anderson completed his first three passes of the third quarter to Mohamed Massaquoi. The second gained 43 to the Steelers 7 and set up a touchdown pass to Lawrence Vickers.

Wimbley won't play today

2009-10-18T11:36:00.000-04:00

Kamerion Wimbley won't play in the game against the Steelers today because he is ill with the flu. He has been the Browns best defensive player this year, so this will not be easy to overcome.

Wimbley was added to the injury report Saturday. Wimbley was with the team on the bus ride to Pittsburgh on Saturday. When he was no better this morning the Browns sent him back to Cleveland.

Jason Trusnik, the linebacker acquired from the Jets in the Braylon Edwards trade Oct. 7, will start in place of Wimbley.

. . . Rashard Mendenhall is going to start in place of Willie Parker at running back for the Steelers. You can expect Mendenhall to run straight at Trusnik.

The sun is breakling through the clouds a little more than an hour before kickoff. Coach Eric Mangini was hoping for rainy, sloppy conditions.

Quinn not on block, coach says

2009-10-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

Brady Quinn is not on the trading block, Coach Eric Mangini said in his press conference this morning.

The trading deadline is Tuesday.

"We're not looking to move Brady," Mangini said. "He's a Cleveland Brown.

Quinn began the season as the starter and was benched after 2 1/ games. He has not played since and there is no indication he will get his job back anytime soon. He looks discouraged, and now it has become public knowledge Quinn is selling his home in Avon Lake.

Trading Quinn now would be a mistake for the Browns. His stock is low. The best way to improve it would be to play him sometime later this season.

I have said it before, but it bears repeating; The Browns starting quarterback for 2010 isn't on this roster. Until the Browns get better at quarterback they will continue to be last in the AFC North.

Mangini vague on Davis

2009-10-12T15:38:00.000-04:00

It's always something with the Browns - a quarterback controversy, Braylon Edwards allegedly punching a man outside a bar and then getting traded two days later.. . A four-game losing streak. . . And now, the mystery surrounding an injury to running back James Davis.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Davis was hurt in an "opportunity period" in practice Sept. 24 when an eager linebacker wearing shoulder pads tackled Davis, who was not in pads. Davis suffered a torn labrum that will require surgery to repair.

Coach Eric Mangini was asked Monday about the incident. He had chances to say it did not happen the way it has been reported, but he did not.

"We've been talking to the league about it," Mangini said. "I feel comfortable with where we are on it. The last thing I want to do is put anybody in a position where they could get hurt.

"I've talked to the league about it. We'll keep going through it. The research I've done, I feel very comfortable with where we're at."

The league is investigating the matter.

Browns take ugly win

2009-10-11T17:07:00.000-04:00

Football doesn't get much uglier than the game the Browns and Bills played today.

The Browns aren't complaining, nor apologizing for winning, 6-3, to end a 10-game losing streak. Over the past 14 games, nearly a full season, the Browns have won twice, both of them here in Ralph Wilson Stadium. Last Nov. 17 they beat the Bills, 29-27 on a 56-yard field goal by Phil Dawson. Today the difference was an 18-yard field goal by Billy Cundiff.

Punter Dave Zastudil was magnificent. He punted nine times and put seven inside the 20 - three of them inside the 5 and two of those were inside the 2.

Derek Anderson completed only two of 17 passes. Unofficially eight passes were dropped. But the Browns picked up 171 yards rushing - 117 by Jamal Lewis - and made life miserable for Bills quarterback Trent Edwards. The Bills false started nine times. They are one pathetic football team.

Defense carrying Browns

2009-10-11T14:23:00.000-04:00

Derek Anderson did not complete a pass until only 37 seconds remained in the first half. His receivers had trouble holding onto the ball. In the end the Browns decided to run the clock out instead of being aggressive with the wind after the defense made a stand on fourth down with just under two minutes left.

Playing not to lose might come back to bite the Browns. Then again, the Bills are terrible. Fans are booing Bills quarterback Trent Edwards and with good reason. But not everything is his fault. The Bills have had numerous false start penalties that have hurt them.

The Browns are playing well defensive, especially Mike Adams. Kamerion Wimbley got his fourth sack. He had four all last season.

The Browns are attacking on the ground. They have to mix it up by passing on first down once in a while.

Lewis starts on windy day

2009-10-11T12:11:00.000-04:00

It's an hour before kickoff here in Ralph Wilson Stadium. The inactive list for both teams was just announced. Jamal Lewis is starting at running back for the Browns after missing two games with a hamstring injury.

. . .The wind is whipping the ribbons atop the goalposts. That might not bode well for the Browns because Phil Dawson is missing his third straight game with a calf injury. Last year Dawson was five for five on field goal tries. He made the game winner from 56 yards with 1:39 left. Billy Cundiff said he kicked twice in this stadium prior to today. He said the wind wasn't a major factor either time.

. . . The two players acquired in the Braylon Edwards trade, wide receiver Chansi Stuckey and linebacker Jason Trusnik are on the active roster. Linebacker Alex Hall is not.

. . .Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi are starting at wide receiver according to the press box depth chart.

Ryan spices up game

2009-10-09T15:35:00.000-04:00

Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan turned up the heat for the game against the Bills Sunday in Buffalo when he blasted Bills quarterback Trent Edwards by saying "That isn't Carson Palmer by any stretch" during a press conference Friday.

Palmer is the Bengals quarterback who last week beat the Browns with a fourth-down touchdown pass at the end of regulation and then with a fourth-down run of 15 yards in overtime. The long run set up a 31-yard field goal by Shayne Graham. Ryan, without flat out saying it, said the kick was no good. Five days after the fact, it hardly matters.

Ripping the opposing quarterback two days before the game is unprecedented. Given a chance to back off, Ryan dug in when asked if he meant Edwards isn't as good as Palmer.

"Absolutely. He's not even close," Ryan said.

Ryan was the Raiders defensive coordinator last year. The Raiders lost to the Bills, 24-23. Edwards had some unkind things to say about the Raiders, as Ryan recalled. Ryan decided to throw the first stone on Friday.It will be interesting to see who gets the last laugh.

Mangini explains Edwards trade

2009-10-07T10:41:00.000-04:00

We're talking to Eric Mangini right now. He says trading Braylon Edwards to the Jets will open opportunities for rookie receiver Brian Robiskie. Mangini said Robiskie could start Sunday in Buffalo. So could Mohamed Massaquoi, Mike Furrey or Josh Cribbs.

Mangini said he had a "good talk" with Edwards this morning when he told Edwards he had been traded to the Jets. Mangini admitted the incident Monday morning involving Edwards punching Edward Givens outside a bar was a factor.

Mangini said Chansi Stuckey, the receive acquired is "smart with good hands." Stuckey was a slot receiver with the Jets and could split wide with the Browns.

"It's about us trying to build a team and continuing to grow," Mangini said. "It's not something that happens overnight. You look at it in short term, long term and something that's there to compete.

"This is a chance for Braylon to get a fresh start," Mangini said.

Edwards in bad light

2009-10-05T17:43:00.000-04:00

Allegedly Browns receiver Braylon Edwards socked an acquaintance of LeBron James at about 2:30 a.m. today outside a Cleveland night club, giving Edward Givens a black eye and a cut on his face.

Givens is a little guy - 5-foot-7, 135 pounds. Edwards is a much bigger guy - 6-3, 215 pounds.

Edwards wasn't in the locker room to answer questions today - no surprise there. Normally in these situations the player apologizes for embarrassing the organization, teammates, fans, the city, his dog - it's like a script. Browns coach Eric Mangini talked to him about the incident, but Mangini wouldn't say what Edwards said.

This is a typical Browns mess. I think the Browns got rid of the wrong diva when they traded Kellen Winslow Jr. to Tampa Bay. Edwards has been a problem of one sort or another ever since he was a rookie in 2005 - except 2007 when everything went right.

Edwards name does not appear in the police report and so far there has been no arrest or charges filed. It is important to remember that.

The Browns made improvement against the Bengals, but Edwards' alleged bad decision makes him the story. He likes being the story, one way or another. He did not catch a pass against the Bengals, so he wasn't a story Sunday.But he's a story now.

Something to build on

2009-10-04T18:04:00.000-04:00

The Browns are 0-4, but after the way they played against the Bengals today while losing, 23-20, there is at least hope for better days ahead.

Derek Anderson was the difference. He stretched the field and energized the offense and defense. The Browns scored one offensive touchdown in 2 1/2 games with Brady Quinn at quarterback. They scored two on Sunday.

It is no coincidence Mohammed Massaquoi blossomed - eight catches for 148 yards - on the same day Coach Eric Mangini changed starting quarterbacks. The defense was energized as well. Brodney Pool had his best game as a pro with four pass breakups and an interception.

The Browns did not stop the Bengals when they had to. A fourth-down touchdown pass in the fourth quarter from Carson Palmer to Chad Ochocinco would have won the game if not for a blocked PAT by Shaun Rogers. A fourth-down scramble by Palmer in overtime was the back-breaker. But at least the Browns don't look like an 0-16 team anymore.

No Lewis, no Dawson

2009-10-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

Odds are against the Browns breaking their losing streak today. They are down to two running backs - Jerome Harrison and rookie Chris Jennings, who was on the practice squad until being activated Saturday. Rookie James Davis was put on injured reserve Saturday with a shoulder injury and Jamal Lewis is on the inactive list just announced because of a hamstring injury.

Kicker Phil Dawson won't play today. He is inactive with a calf injury. Fortunately for Billy Cundiff, Dawson's replacement, the wind doesn't seem to be gusting 30 minutes before kickoff.

. . .This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To bring attention to the cause the Browns are wearing pink wristbands. . . Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco is wearing pink shoes and pink gloves.

. . .Derek Anderson is laughing and loose during warmups. He plays better that way, so that's a good sign. I expect Anderson to produce points. . . The Browns need to create takeaways, because if they do not the Bengals can score 30. . . Brian Robiskie is on the 45-man active roster today. He is looking for his first NFL catch. He was inactive the last two games.

Anderson can't be too careful

2009-10-02T18:23:00.000-04:00

Derek Anderson is excited to get his first meaningful start since being benched halfway through last season. How long he stays in the saddle depends on how well he protects the football.

This is a bit of a quandary for Anderson. His nature is to throw downfield more than Brady Quinn does and that will result in more interceptions but also more touchdowns - high risk, high reward. If he plays inhibited, afraid of being benched for throwing an interception, he won't be as effective as he would if he lets it rip.

The Bengals are 2-1 and would be 3-0 if a bounce in the opener did not go Denver's way. Cincinnati is going to score on the Browns' leaky defense, so it will take three touchdowns for the Browns to win. The Browns have a better chance of scoring three TDs with Anderson than with Quinn but only if Anderson stays aggressive.

QB announcement Wednesday

2009-09-28T14:46:00.000-04:00

Coach Eric Mangini today said he will wait until Wednesday to name his starting quarterback for the game against the Bengals on Sunday in Cleveland. He doesn't plan to keep his decision a secret as he did before the opener.

Brady Quinn was benched at halftime Sunday in Baltimore. Derek Anderson took over with his team losing 20-0 and threw three interceptions.

Anderson gives the Browns a better chance of beating the Bengals because he can stretch the field. Mangini has to weigh that against giving Quinn more time to learn whether Quinn can be the quarterback in 2010 and beyond. There is no way the Browns can go into next summer not knowing their starting quarterback.

Mangini and players say the problems are correctable. That one is getting old. They lost 27-6 in Denver and 34-3 in Baltimore. "Correctable" is adding a little more salt to make the gravy taste better. The Browns problems go way deeper.

Wheels come off again

2009-09-27T19:50:00.000-04:00

The Browns are getting progressively worse. They are 0-3 after being embarrassed 34-3 by the Ravens today.

Coach Eric Mangini says he and the coaches have to identify what the offense does well and improve those things. That could be a long search, because right now they aren't doing anything well.

Mangini benched Brady Quinn and asked Derek Anderson to lead a comeback when the Browns were down 20-0 at halftime to the Ravens. Anderson deserves a chance to start next week against the Bengals.

The run defense is terrible and the pass defense isn't any better. Even Josh Cribbs looks like a mortal on kick returns. The players keep talking about watching film and correcting mistakes. They are going to be bleary-eyed this afternoon.

Anderson takes over

2009-09-27T14:30:00.021-04:00

Derek Anderson replaced Brady Quinn the first time the Browns had the ball in the third quarter Sunday. His first series ended when he threw an interception.

Quinn was 6 of 8 in the first half, but for only 34 yards. He threw an interception and was sacked once.

The Browns were 0 of 4 on third down in the first half and trailed 20-0 at halftime. They were 6 of 30 on third down through the first 10 quarters this season. Teams can't win and play like that.

Anderson takes over

2009-09-27T14:30:00.020-04:00

Derek Anderson replaced Brady Quinn the first time the Browns had the ball in the third quarter. By the time Anderson stepped in the Browns were behind 2-0.

Anderson's first play was a handoff to Jerome Harrison for no gain.

The first half went exactly as expected. The Ravens overwhelmed the Browns in every facet of the game and trail 20-0 at intermission.

The Browns had four third down plays and did not convert any of them. Brady Quinn threw one interception on third down and was sacked on another third down. Teams that pathetic on third down have no chance to win in the NFL.

Underdog Browns undermanned

2009-09-27T11:28:00.000-04:00

Adam Schefter of The NFL Network reported five unidentified Browns players have filed a grievance against head coach Eric Mangini. Tensions are high, and they are very likely to grow worse after today.

Few people outside the locker room give the Browns a chance today. They are not as physically tough as the Ravens to begin with, and now because of a hamstring injury they won't have their only physical running back, Jamal Lewis.

An 0-3 start will test Mangini's leadership. His stern discipline won't be accepted long if the Browns keep losing. It isn't all Mangini's fault. He could be the greatest coach in history and he couldn't coach me how to tackle Adrian Peterson or Willis McGahee. He doesn't have enough good players to win here, and that includes the players he and General Manager George Kokinis have added.

Jerome Harrison is starting in place of Lewis. Rookie receiver Brian Robiskie is inactive for the second straight week.

Lewis doesn't practice

2009-09-23T13:13:00.000-04:00

The Browns don't have much of a running game to begin with, and now they might have even less.

Jamal Lewis was not seen Wednesday during the 30 minutes the media was allowed to view practice. He was in the locker room before practice started, but not on the field.

The media relations department had no immediate explanation for Lewis' absence. He suffered a neck injury in the opener against the Vikings but kept playing. last week against Denver he carried the ball 14 times for 38 yards.

Fans disgusted with the Browns offense blame Lewis and say the 30-year-old back is over the hill. That might be, but he's the best the Browns have. It certainly isn't Jerome Harrison or James Davis.

The Browns will have to draft a running back first next year - if they don't have to draft a quarterback.

Lewis would have to be totally incapacitated Sunday to miss the game against the Ravens, his former team. He might practice Thursday. Stay tuned.

Browns were horrible

2009-09-20T22:45:00.000-04:00

There is no other way to describe it. The Browns were awful Sunday while losing to the Broncos,27-6.

Brady Quinn looks lost as a starting quarterback. He showed signs of improvement in the first half, but when the pressure was on in the second half he wilted. I'm tired of hearing how he is young and learning. Mark Sanchez is 2-0 as a rookie with the Jets and last year the Ravens with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and the Falcons with rookie Matt Ryan made the playoffs.

Of course,it isn't all Quinn's fault. The Browns' top draft pick,Alex Mack, bounced a shotgun snap that resulted in a turnover. Josh Cribbs fumbled after catching a pass.

The Browns played badly on run defense for the second straight game and they did not get close to Kyle Orton. It could be a long, long season.

Quinn better, but Browns trail 10-6

2009-09-20T17:19:00.000-04:00

Brady Quinn played better in the first half against the Broncos than in the game against the Vikings last week, but he didn't produce a touchdown when special teams gave him the ball at the Denver 22. Phil Dawson ended up kicking a field goal when the drive stalled on the Denver 4.

Quinn seems to hold the ball forever and then usually dumps the ball off. He did connect better with Braylon Edwards in the first half, and that is an encouraging sign.

The defense played well enough for the Browns to be in the lead at halftime. The ony touchdown the Broncos scored was on a nine-yard drive that started when rookie Alex Mack bounced a shotgun snap that hit Quinn in the ankle, resulting in a fumble recovered by the Broncos.

This is a winnable game. Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton isn't very good. Many of his throws are nowhere near a receiver. Fans booed him at the end of the first half.

James inactive; player fined $1,701

2009-09-20T15:31:00.000-04:00

Good news and bad news for the Browns on the injury front - running back Jerome Harrison is in uniform after missing last week and the last three preseason games with a knee injury, but rookie James Davis is on the inactive list with a shoulder injury, a carryover from being knocked out of the game last week.

Browns rookie wide receiver Brian Robiskie has been Mr. Invisible except for one week in training camp when he seemed to be getting the hang of being an NFL player. Today he is Mr. Street Clothes as one of the Browns inactive players. Also inactive, for the second straight week, is tight end Martin Rucker.

And here's something to chew on during commercials today: According to a report linked to ProFootballTalk.com, an unidentified Browns player was fined $1,701 for failing to pay a $3 charge for a water bottle at a team hotel recently. Presumably, Coach Eric Mangini told his players beforehand such would be the penalty for failing to square up when checking out.

Is the fine excessive if the players knew beforehand what the penalty would be? The timing goes well with the column written by Les Levine today. Levine wrote several agents would steer their players away from the Browns after becoming free agents because of an unpleasant work environment in Berea created by Mangini. This only reinforces that image.

Mangini gets fined $25,000

2009-09-16T16:54:00.000-04:00

The NFL came down on Eric Mangini Wednesday for his role in keeping Brett Favre's condition a secret last year when Mangini was the Jets head coach and Favre played injured the last month of the season. Mangini was fined $25,000.

Before the fine was announced Mangini would only say, "It's a league matter." and dropped the subject.

What happened is this: Favre suffered a torn biceps tendon at some point in November. Last week, as Favre and the Minnesota Vikings were getting ready to play the Browns, Favre said he made Jets officials aware of the injury. He did not miss a game, but the league concluded Favre should have been listed on the injury report, even if it was "probable," a classification indicating the player has a 75 percent chance of playing.

Mangini said he always followed league guidelines pertaining to the injury report. The league didn't see it that way. The total fine was $125,000 - $75,000 for the team, $25,000 for Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum and $25,000 for Mangini.

No one can remember another time a fine followed a coach to another team, but it was the right decision and basically a slap on the wrist. The league could have taken away draft choices.

I've always thought that should happen in college football; if a coach moves to another school and it is discovered he did something underhanded to put his previous college team on probation the punishment should follow him. As it is the new coach gets punished for something he had no part in.

This is a big week for Mangini

2009-09-15T00:20:00.000-04:00

It did not take the Browns long to move their focus away from Vikings and onto the Broncos, their opponents Sunday in Denver. Coach Eric Mangini says he uses every game, win or lose, as a teaching tool.

The Browns were beaten by a superior team when they lost to the Vikings, 34-20. That was expected. What wasn't expected was some of the silly mistakes the Browns made.

James Davis, Joe Thomas and John St. Clair were each flagged for a false start at home in the fourth quarter. Noise wasn't a factor; the stadium cleared out fast when the Browns imploded. If the Browns want to hear loud, wait until they get to Mile High Stadium. It is one of the loudest places in the NFL. It is the Broncos first home game of the season and Denver fans will be fired up to see if rookie coach Josh McDaniels can bring back the glory days.

Mangini constantly preaches protect the ball and avoid penalties. He will reemphasize that this week in practice.

Don't look for any lineup changes not related to an injury. Don't even think about benching Brady Quinn for Derek Anderson. Chris Palmer benched Ty Detmer after one game in 1999 in favor of Tim Couch. The comparison isn't a parallel since Couch was a rookie, but a coach making a change that quickly looks indecisive. Mangini is sticking with Quinn, and that's the right thing to do.

Mistakes bury Browns again

2009-09-13T18:36:00.000-04:00

It was a tale of two halves for the Browns Sunday.

After playing sound defense and turnover-free offense in the first half to take a 13-10 halftime lead, the Browns fell apart in the second half of a 34-20 loss to the Vikings.Minnesota scofred 24 unanswered points in the first 24 minutes of the second half.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, held to 25 yards in the first half, rushed for 155 yards on 16 carries in the second half. Brady Quinn threw an interception and turned the ball over on a fumble in the second half. The Browns were penalized six times in the second half.

The Browns of Eric Mangini and Quinn in the second half looked a lot like the Browns of Romeo Crennel and Derek Anderson last year. The Browns are not good enough to turn a game around when things start going badly.

Coach Eric Mangini says last year has nothing to do with this season, but it does if those making plays aren't good enough to tackle better and protect the ball.

Browns falter, Vikings roar back

2009-09-13T15:15:00.000-04:00

The Vikings scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 24-13 lead. Mistakes by the Browns led to both touchdowns. Sloppy coverage on the third quarter kickoff led to a short touchdown run by Adrian Peterson. An interception thrown by Brady Quinn on a pass intended for Braylon Edwards led to a touchdown pass from Brett Favre to Percy Harvin.

The Browns are not good enough offensively to recover from critical mistakes. They did not play with the same fire in the third quarter they showed in the first half.

It is early in fourth quarter as I write this. The clock shows 11:43 to play as the offense takes the field following a punt by the Vikings. The Browns went to the no-huddle at the end of the third quarter. Time to come up with Plan B.

Cribbs gives Browns halftime lead

2009-09-13T14:21:00.000-04:00

Josh Cribbs reminded fans again Sunday why he is the most exciting player in the NFL. Cribbs returned a punt 67 yards with less than two minutes left in the first half to give the Browns a 13-10 lead.

The Browns have shown great resiliency so far. They had a touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards taken away by an obscure but correct ruling that Edwards did not get both feet back in bounds after being forced out on an interference penalty on the Vikings.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan promised his group would be aggressive and that's what we're seeing. The Browns are blitzing and hitting Brett Favre hard. Safeties Brodney Pool and Abe Elam each have a sack.

The Browns hit hard when they tackle. At halftime Adrian Peterson has nine carries for 25 yards.

Browns, Vikings even after one

2009-09-13T13:34:00.000-04:00

The Browns put up a goal line stand at the end of the first quarter and forced the Vikings to kick a field goal, making the scoere 3-3 with three seconds left in the period. Phil Dawson kicked a 37-yard field goal on the Browns first possession.

Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley made the key play in the goal line stand when he fought off a block by tight end Jeff Dugan and dumped Adrian Peterson for a two-yard loss to the Browns 3.

The Vikings tried to surprise the Browns with an onsides kick on the opening kickoff. Abe Elam recovered for the Browns near midfield, but the drive died at the Minnesota 20 prior to Dawson's field goal.

Running back is thin, Quinn is in

2009-09-13T12:08:00.000-04:00

The inactives for the game against the Vikings today were just announced. Running back Jerome Harrison is on the list with a knee injury and running back Cedric Peerman is on it with a thigh injury. It means Jamal Lewis and rookie James Davis are the only running backs in uniform for the Browns. Fullback Lawrence Vickers is playing, but he is a short yardage runner and blocker.

The other inactives: Defensive backs Marquis Floyd and DeAngelo Smith, guard Rex Hadnot, tight end Martin Rucker and linebacker Leon Williams.

Rookie center Alex Mack is starting over veteran Hank Fraley. Mack is 6-4, 311 pounds. Fraley is 6-3, 310. Mack is stronger, but the rookie will be tested by Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.

This item is at the bottom of this blog because it isn't really news. The Browns made it official around noon; Brady Quinn is the starting quarterback.

Now it's Qunn's turn

2009-09-09T16:48:00.000-04:00

Brady Quinn, as we've been saying for weeks, will start for the Browns Sunday against the Vikings. He did not bury Derek Anderson in the quarterback competition, but in Eric Mangini's eyes he won it, and that's all that counts.

Mangini told each quarterback privately Tuesday night and tried to keep his decision secret. When the Browns practiced Wednesday after having the previous day off, Quinn was with the first team, acording to reports. Mangini has made it clear this isn't a trial run. He plans to stick with Quinn through good times and bad.

The idea Mangini could keep the identity of the starter a secret until Sunday did not have much chance of working, but at least he made the Minnesota coaches work overitme Tuesday, which for each NFL team is their biggest preparation day. For his part, Vikings coach Brad Childress said his team is more concerned about the 10 other players and what they do in various formations. I don't buy that. Quinn and Anderson have different styles. You don't just plug one in for the other, so the Vikings had to prepare for both.

Fans either love or hate Quinn, it seems. The Quinn haters have to be Notre Dame haters, because Quinn has only three starts in his Browns career. This is Quinn's third season, but he will be learning on the job. Fans will have to be patient. After experiencing eight losing season in 10 years, patience among fans is not in ready supply.

Browns have to run first

2009-09-08T12:41:00.000-04:00

It really won't matter who plays quarterback for the Browns if they can't run the ball better than they did in preseason. Fans are excited abut rookie James Davis and with good reason, but he's going to find going against the Vikings starters for four quarters is a lot different than going against Chicago Bears no longer on the roster.

I've said it all along - the most important player on the Browns offensive roster is Jamal Lewis. Coach Eric Mangini and General Manager George Kokinis gambled they could get one more season out of Lewis. They were so confident he could still deliver they passed on Beanie Wells in the draft. Wells was drafted by the Arizona cardinals with the 31st pick, 10 picks after the Browns took center Alex Mack. For what it's worth, Mack is second behind Hank Fraley on the depth chart.

The Browns were right to not release Lewis when cuts were made on Saturday, but he was slow to the hole in preseason. His 2.6-yard per carry average is a warning signal. Lewis will play harder when games count, starting Sunday. But if he does not have success, the Browns will be in for a long season.

Quarterback mystery deepens

2009-09-03T23:26:00.000-04:00

So Eric Mangini did not play most of his starters in the final preseason game against the Bears Thursday. That isn't exactly revolutionary football. But since Mangini says he isn't certain who will start at quarterback - Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn - it has to make one wonder what will tip the scale with only 10 days left before the opener.

You can expect trade rumors involving Anderson to heat up before NFL rosters are trimmed from 75 to 53 on Saturday. Mangini has said repeatedly - though he hasn't been asked recently - that he has no plans to trade either quarterback. But just because he has no "plans" to make a trade doesn't mean he won't listen to offers.

Sixth-round draft choice James Davis was impressive again in the 26-23 loss to the Bears. Fans will want him to start over Jamal Lewis. He isn't ready for that, but the coaches should find a way to get him five to 10 touches a game.

Brian Robiskie finally came to life after a slow preseason. He caught three passes and recovered a muffed punt. Obscure running back Chris Jennings led the Browns with 57 carries.

The Browns committed stupid penalties - again. They were flagged for illegal formation, wasting a punt to the 1 by Dave Zastudil, and they were penalized for taunting after an interception by Mike Adams. The Browns are not good enough to overcome those mistakes.

Mangini delays decision

2009-08-31T11:37:00.000-04:00

This should not come as a shock, but Coach Eric Mangini this morning said he is not ready to name his starting quarterback. No matter how much he is pressed on the subject, he won't crack.

Brady Quinn appeared to pull ahead of Derek Anderson in the preseason game against the Titans, but if Mangini sees it that way he isn't saying. He seems to be having fun playing Clue. He said the same thing happened his first season as coach of the Jets in 2006; he took a quarterback derby to the end of training camp before making Chad Pennington the starter.

The Browns play their final preseason game Thursday night in Chicago. Normally the starters play one or two series and then head to the sideline so they don't get hurt. Mangini said he hasn't decided how he will divide the work between Quinn and Anderson.

At some point this indecision is going to backfire on Mangini. He needs to pick a starter and move on. The Vikings, the Browns' opponent in the opener, aren't being fooled. If they aren't preparing for Brady Quinn it would be a surprise.

Browns still have work left

2009-08-30T21:12:00.000-04:00

The Browns get back to work on Monday and you can bet they won't spend much time reflecting on how they beat the Titans, 23-17, Saturday. It was by far their best game of the preseason, and while the focus was justifiably on Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson playing well, Coach Eric Mangini has to be concerned about the pass defense.

Kerry Collins completed 11 of 14 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. His success was against the Browns starters, and while the Browns did not show any exotic defensive schemes they have cooked up for the Vikings, giving up 28 completions on 38 attempts should be a concern.

Corey Ivy is a liability when he has to play as the fifth defensive back. Roderick Hood was expected to challenge for a starting job. He did not look like a threat to Brandon McDonald or Eric Wright on Saturday.

The Browns got one sack Saturday. That has to improve, otherwise the DBs will do a lot of chasing.

Lewis turns 30 today

2009-08-26T13:41:00.000-04:00

Jamal Lewis turns 30 years old today. That is supposed to be the proverbial wall for running backs.

"I thought 30 was the new 20," Coach Eric Mangini said.

More important than his actual age is the fact Lewis has carried the ball 2,399 times in a career that began with the Ravens in 2000. That's a lot of mileage, a lot of pounding his legs have absorbed. He set an NFL record for yards rushing in a game, since broken by Adrian Peterson, when he rushed for 295 yards in a game against the Browns in 2003. This is his third season with the Browns.

Lewis keeps himself in excellent condition with a grueling training program in the offseason, so he is in better shape than most players still in the NFL at age 30. Whether he can carry the ball 279 times as he did last year and stll be effective is another matter. That's why the Browns need to develop another back. James Davis could be that player. He rushed 81 yards for a touchdown against the Lions in the preseason. Things change when games start to count, but speed is speed, and Davis has it.

Shaun Rogers improving

2009-08-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

If the first two preseason games have proven anything it is the Browns need Shaun Rogers if they are going to be any threat to stop opponents from running the ball down their throats. And since the first running back the Browns will see in 2009 is Adrian Peterson, they have to get better quickly.

Rogers has not practiced in nearly two weeks because of an undisclosed injury. He did not practice with the team Tuesday, but he worked briefly on the sideline against a blocking sled, a major step in his recovery. All he had been doing up to that point is riding the exercise bike, which is standard for players rehabbing from nagging injuries.

Rogers looked frighteningly quick. At one point he stepped around the sled. At another he buried his shoulder into it and drove it backward.

Ahtyba Rubin started in Rogers' place in the preseason games against the Packers and Lions. He improved in the Detroit game, but he is no Rogers. The sooner the Browns get Rogers back the better.

No quarterback decision yet

2009-08-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

Nothing divides a fan base like a good quarterback controversy, and the one going on on the Browns' practice fields in Berea is a doozy.

Coach Eric Mangini on Monday before practice said the competition between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson "is very close." It wasn't that close Monday. The edge clearly went to Anderson. During the two-minute offense Quinn turned the ball over on downs. Anderson put the offense into position to kick a winning field goal. Phil Dawson's kick sailed wide right of the narrow goal posts designed to sharpen Dawson's kicking.

Mangini said he hopes Quinn and Anderson separate themselves over the next two weeks to make the decision a clear one. If not, he said he'll make a decision and stick with it.

Let's hope so. In two weeks the Browns will be getting ready for the season opener against the Vikings. The Vikings have known their starting quarterback since the minute Brett Favre came out of retirement last week.

Browns show improvement, work remains

2009-08-23T02:35:00.000-04:00

So now we know the Browns can beat a team that did not win any games last season. Does that cheapen the 27-10 thrashing of the Lions Saturday night in Cleveland Browns Stadium? It shouldn't.

Derek Anderson bashers will focus on the interception he threw with five seconds left in the first half. It was a bad throw, too high and too hard for rookie James Davis to catch. It also was a contrived situation. He never would have thrown the pass in a real game with the Browns leading 20-0.

Except for that pass to Davis, Anderson threw the ball with authority and confidence. From this perspective he drew even with Brady Quinn.

There were still too many penalties. All 10 Detroit points were scored off Browns turnovers. But the Browns tackled better than in the preseason opener and rookie James Davis showed why he should be the No. 2 running back. He broke out on an 81-yard touchdown run and no one caught him.

The game was a step in the right direction.

D-Day coming for D.A.

2009-08-20T18:40:00.000-04:00

Eric Mangini says all the right things when he declares the quarterback derby between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn isn't over, but the Browns head coach will have difficulty maintaining suspense if Anderson does not play well against the Lions on Saturday.

Anderson has had the edge over Quinn in day to day practices, but Quinn is closing the gap, and Quinn clearly outplayed Anderson last week in Green Bay.

The pressure is really on Anderson. Mangini has set it up perfectly. The fans are down on Anderson and have made him the scapegoat for the way the Browns played last year. The fans are sour because the Browns played poorly against Green Bay last week. Plus, Anderson has to prove his 0-for-2 performance against the Packers was a fluke. He knows the fans prefer Quinn.

If Anderson can overcome all that and play well against the Lions, the derby should go on another week. If not and Quinn plays well again, the battle should be over.

Anderson expected to start Saturday

2009-08-19T19:44:00.000-04:00

Derek Anderson is expected to start at quarterback for the Browns Saturday night in the preseason game against the Lions, but Coach Eric Mangini is keeping his plans a secret.

Brady Quinn started against Green Bay in the preseason opener and took 17 snaps. Anderson took only five snaps against the Packers. Since balance is the name of the game for Mangini, it makes sense to start Anderson. Mangini did say he wants to see Anderson in a hurry-up attack vs. the Lions. Quinn ran a two-minute drill in Green Bay and came up empty when he threw an interception.

At this point in camp it would make sense to settle on a starter so that player can get the bulk of practice leading up to the opener. It would help the team get into a rhythm, but Mangini said it is more important to be right than quick.

Mangini's plan makes sense, even if it is to keep the Vikings guessing, but there also is something to be said for receivers knowing who will be throwing them the ball.

Mangini jumps on team

2009-08-18T15:24:00.000-04:00

Fans who were critical of Romeo Crennel for not being stern should like what Eric Mangini had to say about his team after the Browns finished practice Tuesday morning.

Mangini did not like the effort his team showed. It is a carryover from a lack of fire in a 17-0 loss in Green Bay on Saturday in the preseason opener.

It was hot and humid Tuesday. His team was in shorts and without pads. Still, they dragged. Mangini was calm as he criticized the team as a whole.

“In any game you’re going to feel tired," Mangini said. "During the course of the season, you’re going to feel tired. You have to push through that and accomplish the things that need to be accomplished.

"Any time you think you have it hard, look over at some of the visitors we have from the different community groups who are struggling for the basics like school supplies. That’s difficult. What we do to get ready for football games, that in relative terms is not hard at all.”

At this juncture of past training camps former Coach Butch Davis surprised the team by treating them to a day at Strongsville Pool. Another time he brought in a comedian and another time he brought in rapper Run-DMC.

“They could watch practice and get comic relief,” Mangini said dryly. “They could yuk it up over that.”

The Tuesday workout wasn’t the first bad practice of training camp. Mangini has been critical before, but never in terms as harsh.

Don't crown Quinn yet

2009-08-17T13:48:00.000-04:00

Eric Mangini says he wants to see more of his two quarterbacks before he declares a winner. Brady Quinn had better stats than Derek Anderson in the preseason game against the Packers on Saturday. Quinn was 7 of 11 for 68 yards. Anderson threw two passes. One was incomplete and one was intercepted.

Media and fans believe Quinn now has the lead over Anderson. Not so fast, says Mangini.

"I think at this point it's too early to make an assessment on both guys," Mangini said Monday. "I liked some of the things Brady did. D.A. didn't get as many reps. We'll try to balance that off (against the Lions Saturday)."

Both quarterbacks had two series against the Packers, but as it turned out Anderson had only five plays because one possession ended without a first down and Anderson threw an interception on the other. He was hit as he threw the ball on the interception.

Mangini said he hasn't decided Anderson will start against the Lions. Quinn started against the Packers. It is no surprise Mangini won't say Quinn is in the lead, but let's put it this way; Anderson will have to light up the Lions to stay in the race.

Browns showed no fire

2009-08-15T23:34:00.000-04:00

The streak without an offensive touchdown is now at seven games for the Browns. Sure, the 17-0 loss to the Packers on Saturday nigh in Green Bay was an exhibition game, but I expected the Browns to show more fire than they did.

The Packers ran through the Browns defense. We've seen that before. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had all the time in the world to throw for the most part. We've seen that, too. And Braylon Edwards dropped another touchdown pass. We saw that a lot last year.

Brady Quinn took the lead in his quarterback derby with Derek Anderson. Quinn threw an interception in the end zone, but Anderson did nothing positive in two chances.

This team needs a lot of work. Fortunately for Coach Eric Mangini, the season opener is four weeks from Sunday. He'll need that time to correct the flaws of Saturday night.

Time for Browns to win one

2009-08-14T16:04:00.000-04:00

There is no history proving winning preseason games has a carryover to the regular season.Eric Mangini was a secondary coach with New England in 2003 when the Patriots were 4-0 in preseason. They went on to win the Super Bowl. In 2004 they won their preseason opener and then lost the next three, yet they won the Super Bowl that year, too.

Mangini is not coaching a Super Bowl contender in Green Bay tonight. But when he runs out of that visitor's tunnel in Lambeau Field, he will be leading a Browns team that has forgotten how to win. The Browns lost all four preseason games last summer, and that did have a carryover into the regular season. That's the main reason the Browns needed a new coach.

Don't play the starters four quarters. That would be ridiculous. And don't unveil all the trickery on offense or defense planned for the regular season. But the best way to change the attitude around Berea is to win. Afterward the players can say it doesn't count, but it has to feel a lot better saying it doesn't count after winning than pretending the game means nothing after a loss.

Ratliff moving up

2009-08-13T17:59:00.000-04:00

The player who made the biggest advance in the four practices this week was arguably quarterback Brett Ratliff. He threw a touchdown pass of 71 yards to David Patten and a pass 46 yards to Patten to set up another touchdown in the intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday. He threw a touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards in the two-minute drill Tuesday and on Thursday, from his own 4, threw a touchdown pass deep to Brian Robiskie over Rod Hood. The ball was in the air about 50 yards.

Ratliff was acquired in the draft day trade with the Jets in which the Browns gave up the fifth pick in the first round for the 17th pick, Ratliff, defensive end Kenyon Coleman and safety Abe Elam.

Ratliff has a smooth, easy delivery. He is clearly ahead of Richard Bartell for the third quarterback spot. If he continues making progress and convinces the coaches he can be the No. 2 quarterback, the Browns might be tempted to trade Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn despite Coach Eric Mangini saying neither contender for the starting job will be traded.

ESPN starts a brushfire

2009-08-12T16:38:00.000-04:00

No wonder pro athletes regard some sportswriters as snakes.

Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn were on opposite teams Sunday in the Brown vs. White scrimmage in Cleveland Browns Stadium. Anderson's team,the team in Brown jerseys, won, 17-14. Anderson ran for one touchdown and put the Brown team in position to kick the game-winning field goal. On the negative side he threw an interception at the 4 after a long drive.

After the scrimmage Anderson made a crack about Quinn feeding the White defense the hand signals Anderson was using to communicate to the Brown receivers. The reporters who know Anderson laughed, but ESPN.com turned it into a story, and then Profootballtalk.com on Wednesday picked it up and made it out that Anderson accused Quinn of trying to sabotage him to get an advantage in his duel with Anderson to be the starter.

"What I meant is we were having a good time and everybody was doing everything they could to win," Anderson said. "Obviously we had some incentive to win. They scripted fun plays. We did things we normally wouldn't do. It was all in fun. Whoever took it and ran with it, obviously I have to be careful what I say."

"The defense already knows our hand signals," Quinn said.

Bottom line: There is no rift between Quinn and Anderson. Coach Eric Mangini says their competition is still even. The preseason starts Saturday in Green Bay, Wis. Mangini hasn't named his starter.

No depth chart surprises

2009-08-11T12:48:00.000-04:00

Eric Mangini revealed his first depth chart as head coach of the Browns Tuesday morning. It contains no shocking revelations. Mangini admitted he didn't put a lot of time into reviewing it, but he was required to produce one with the preseason starting Saturday, so he did.

The first team quarterback for the preseason opener in Green Bay is Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn. The slash indicates neither player is ahead of the other. Eighty players in camp, and Anderson/Quinn gets the only slash. That reflects how sensitive the quarterback battle is.

The listing doesn't mean Anderson will start against the Packers. Mangini said he hasn't figured that out yet. He said the contender for the starting job that doesn't start against Green Bay will probably start against Detroit a week from Saturday.

No rookies are listed as starters, but that isn't a surprise, either. Coaches usually give veterans the start in the first preseason game. On Tuesday morning Hank Fraley played center with the first team. Alex Mack, the first-round draft pick, was with the second unit.

"You want it, show us you should have it," Mangini said, speaking in general about the rookie class.

Rookie running back James Davis is listed fourth behind Jamal Lewis, Jerome Harrison and Noah Herron. Davis is not the fourth best running back in camp, so the depth chart doesn't mean much.