Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Podcast: What are the Browns' free agency plans?

Browns beat writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski discuss the Browns' plans at the start of free agency, and if owner Jimmy Haslman and Co. can lure such players to Cleveland.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Don't be surprised if Patriots sign D'Qwell Jackson


D'Qwell Jackson will be missed. There is no doubt about that. He was the undisputed leader of the Browns locker room and nothing but class from the minute he was drafted in 2006. The best detective in the world could work the case for a year and not find a bad thing to say about D'Qwell.

But do the Browns pay him a $4.1 million bonus just because they can afford to? Will the defense suffer from a talent standpoint without him? General Manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine determined the answer to both questions is "No," and so on Feb. 27 they released Jackson, 30, praising him as they kicked him out the door.

Jackson led the Browns in tackles in 2007, 2008 and each of the last three years. A pectoral injury in 2009 shortened that season and another wiped out Jackson's entire 2010 season.

Leading the team in tackles doesn't make a player great, Somebody has to lead in tackles and often that title goes to the middle linebacker.

The fact is Jackson was not an impact player with the Browns. Part of that is the players around him weren't very good. He had to cover for the sins of others. He was very good, but not great in his time with the Browns.

Don't be surprised if Jackson winds up with the New England Patriots. New England coach Bill Belichick gushed about Jackson before the Browns played the Patriots last season.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Podcast: Front office shakeup; Weeden wants out; NFL draft combine preview

Browns beat writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski discuss owner Jimmy Haslam overhauling the Browns' front office, the legacies of Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi, QB Brandon Weeden's request for a trade and preview next week's NFL draft combine.

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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Podcast: What a long, strange trip to find a Browns head coach

Beat writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski recap the Browns' long and interesting coaching search that completed with the hiring of Mike Pettine, the additions to the coaching staff, rumors involving Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel, the Super Bowl and more.

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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Podcast: What are the Browns' plans moving forward?

Browns Beat Writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski try to make sense of the firing of Rob Chudzinski, the Jimmy Haslam-Joe Banner news conference on Monday, and what the Browns' plans are moving forward.

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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Podcast: Loss to the Jets puts Browns at rock-bottom

Browns beat writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski discuss how the Browns have hit rock-bottom following their performance in Sunday's loss at the New York Jets.

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Podcast: Putting a cap on the Browns' home season

Browns beat writer Jeff Schudel and Sports Editor Mark Podolski put a cap on the Browns' home season, a 38-31 loss to the Bears, discuss Sunday's game at the New York Jets, and more.

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