Ravens vs. Browns: Joe Flacco will pick apart Browns' secondary

Last Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oakland Raiders continued a new wrinkle in their offense. Trailing late in the game, Oakland went to a no huddle offense to push the pace of the game and keep the defense from making substitutions. Because this is only his first year in the new Greg Knapp offense, Carson Palmer is just becoming comfortable in the no huddle, but expects it to get easier as the offense gels.



    “A big thing you get in a no huddle is bluff coverage and bluff pressures,” Palmer said. “It is not completely a veteran thing; it’s more years in the offense. The more and more comfortable I get within this offense the more of a package we will put in I am sure. Just because this is year one, I am still learning in it and growing in it so as the season goes on and I get more and more comfortable within the offense I am sure the package will expand a little bit.”

The Raiders did not start using the no huddle attack until their second drive of the fourth quarter when they trailed by three points. On the nine play, 50 yard drive, Oakland used five no huddle plays, four of which were runs to Darren McFadden. They came away with a game tying field goal.

On their final drive of the afternoon, the Raiders again mixed in some no huddle offense and came away with a game winning Sebastian Janikowski 44 yard field goal. There is tremendous responsibility put on Palmer and center Stefen Wisniewski when the team goes without a huddle. Both players must identify the protection schemes and Palmer must make sure the skill position players know the call and where to line up. Because of its effectiveness, the Raiders may work it into the offense more this week and especially after the bye week.

    “There’s a lot communication that’s really difficult on the road and it really limits you in what you can do,” Palmer said. “Especially at the center spot. There are so many things that can happen to the center. Then you get to gun and he’s got to worry about making sure that you’re ready for the snap and getting the ball back to you. It definitely limits you and puts a lot of stress on those guys. But Wiz being a second-year guy, acts and plays like an eighth, ninth, tenth year guy. That’s been a bonus for us.”

Now the Raiders will travel to play the Denver Broncos this Sunday. With the hostile atmosphere in an AFC rivalry game, Oakland will have to be meticulous in its preparation to run the no huddle and execute the offense.

    “Our fans get it,” Palmer said. “They understand football; they know what we’re trying to do. They do a good job of staying quiet. As soon as you get on the road it really changes everything, makes it a lot more difficult.”

Cleveland Browns' Trent Richardson eager for the challenge of facing the Ravens defense

BEREA, Ohio -- Trent Richardson served notice back at the NFL Combine in February that he'd never back down to Uncle Ray.
Baltimore's future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, that is. Granted, Richardson reveres Lewis and ranks the Ravens' star with Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. But what kind of aspiring superstar would the Browns' rookie be if he didn't try to bulldoze right over Ray-Ray?
"It's a mindset thing with me," Richardson said at the combine. "I'm not saying that Ray Lewis ain't going to take me out, because when it comes down to it we're going to have to see each other in the hole. And I love Uncle Ray to death and he's going to bring me all the contact he can and beat me up in the hole, but why would you stand down in front of that?"
On Tuesday, with the Browns heading to Baltimore for the Thursday night game, Richardson stood by his remarks.
"Not to be cocky or talking mess, but if you're an athlete or you're a competitor, why would you stand down for anybody?" he said. "I know Ray Lewis is going to come at me and I'm going to come right back at him. That's just football. He knows what football's about and I know what football's about, we've been playing it for years. Both of us are going to give all we can."

A student of the game, Richardson admits he's still a little in awe of the 17-year veteran.

Not to be cocky or talking mess, but if you're an athlete or you're a competitor, why would you stand down for anybody?

"You're talking Ray Lewis, he's one of the ultimates that ever played the game, [not just] at linebacker but as an NFL player," Richardson said. "It's going to be an honor just to be on the same field with [him]. I looked up to him for years. Still look up to him, especially to his leadership and how he handles stuff."
But sharing the turf with Lewis and fellow superstar Ed Reed is just the extra kick Richardson needs heading into M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens have won a league-high 12 straight and 20 of their last 21.
"Just to try to make a name on these guys who are going to be in the Hall of Fame and you can say you did this on this guy [is motivation]," he said. "Baltimore's whole defense is full of legends. I know what type of heat they're going to bring."
But there's nothing in the coaching manual of offensive coordinator Brad Childress that can prepare Richardson for the intensity of Lewis, who blows out of the tunnel with force of a tsunami.
"[It's] on-the-job training," said Childress. "You don't get it until one of those guys gets right in your grill. [Richardson and Brandon Weeden) have played at a couple of the best conferences in the United States. [But] Ray himself, you've got to witness that to experience it."
Richardson is undaunted by gaining just 27 yards in 12 carries against the Bills. Nor is he intimidated that Ravens rock the NFL in run defense every year, finishing second last season and in the top 5 the past six years. They rarely allow a 100-yard rusher -- although Peyton Hillis gashed them for 112 last Christmas Eve -- and limited the Patriots to 77 yards Sunday night.
"My mindset has always been that I don't feel like no team can just stop me," Richardson said. "My mindset has always been that I could set my goals high and prepare for this game and I've watched a lot of film on them. They're a very explosive defense, one of the sharpest I've ever seen. Coming from where I came from, I know what I'm going to have to deal with."
The key, said Childress, is to get Richardson past the line of scrimmage and not make him scuffle so much there like he did against the Bills. How to accomplish that against tackle Haloti Ngata and the gang?
"You play better in the offensive front, you run the ball better, you scheme better," he said. "It starts with us as coaches."
But Richardson puts it all on himself.
"I'll go into battle with [the offensive line] any day," he said. "Anybody wants to talk bad about em, that's their fault and they have to deal with the repercussions and consequences. I got their back all the way. I feel I could've made more people miss."
He'll try to do just that to Uncle Ray on Thursday.

Browns report: Brandon Weeden getting little help from receivers

BEREA, Ohio—It is becoming clear that the Browns’ receiving group isn’t good enough to hasten rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden’s development.
Mohamed Massaquoi got off to a good start through two games, but two things happened Sunday that raised concerns. First, he pulled up in traffic, using alligator arms on a Weeden pass that was on the money. A bit later, he pulled a hamstring, echoing concerns about his durability.
Browns QB Brandon Weeden isn't getting much help from his young receivers. (AP Photo)

Greg Little dropped too many passes as a rookie last season. At the time, it could be chalked up to missing the 2010 college season. Already this year, he has made glaring drops, including one that stalled a drive during a crucial point of a winnable game against the Bills.

Little's maturity and consistency are question marks.

Rookie Travis Benjamin is fast and courageous, but he's undersized (5-10, 170) and inexperienced. It's clear Weeden likes throwing to him—he caught a touchdown pass against the Bills. It's not yet evident that Benjamin can develop into more than a role player.

Josh Gordon (6-3, 224) has the best combination of size, speed, athleticism and elusiveness, but he has been a minor factor to date. Gordon is the youngest player on the team, at 21, and didn’t play college ball last year.

His timing is off, and his lack of productivity could seep into his confidence.

If Massaquoi can’t play at Baltimore, possession receiver Jordan Norwood will be active. He had a knack for getting open from the slot late last season and might help jump start the offense.

It also is possible return ace Josh Cribbs will be used more. Cribbs is a veteran with big-play ability. He should be used more.

Cleveland Browns : Solid Play Of WR Mohamed Massaqoui at Bengals, Reason For Optimism

Overshadowed by the franchise-record performances of running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden, was the solid play of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaqoui.

Massaqoui, a second-round pick out of the University of Georgia, would catch five passes for 90 yards on seven targets against the Cincinnati Bengals in a 34-27 Week Two loss.

Massaqoui would average 18 yards per reception and make timely catches to help keep drives alive. With his performance, Massaqoui leads the team in receiving yards with 131 yards, receptions with eight and yards per catch with 16.4

While Massaqoui has shown flashes of brilliance in possibly being the Browns No. 1 wide receiver in the past, the main issue with him is his inability to avoid injury.

A four year veteran, the 25-year old Massaqoui has had a career hindered by various injuries, most notably two helmet-to-helmet head injuries within the last two years.

At 6’2 and 207 pounds, Massaqoui is a perfect fit for Cleveland’s version of the West Coast Offense (WCO).  Unfortunately, Massaqoui has yet to show that he can develop into the reliable playmaker that the much-maligned Browns offense—and wide receiver corps—desperately need.

Since being drafted in 2009, Massaqoui’s receiving yards have gone down from 624 yards in 2009-10, 483 yards in 2010-11 and 384 yards in 2011-12.

While averaging 33.6 receptions a season, Masaaqoui’s catches have dropped from a career-high 36 in 2010-11 to 31 in 2011-12.

Combine that with his recent head injuries, and you can understand why many Browns fans were—and still are—on the proverbial fence when it came to the under-achieving Massaqoui due to his inconsistency.

Could the 2011-12 season be the year that he breaks out? Possibly.

While Massaqoui has not yet scored a touchdown, based on his performance in Cincinnati, he has a good chance of equaling—or breaking—his season total of two in 2011-12 and his career total of seven touchdowns based on the growing chemistry that he has with Weeden.

If Massaqoui can continue his solid play that he would display against the Bengals, there is a real possibility that he will finally emerge into the No.1 wide receiver prospect and provide a real reason for optimism in the Browns offense in 2012.
Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2012/09/17/cleveland-browns-solid-play-of-wr-mohamed-massaqoui-at-bengals-reason-for-optimism/?X7feKqp01lymf0q0.99&wT5DKgAws4sOtFMz.99

Browns notebook: Coach Pat Shurmur knows 0-3 record would spell doom

BEREA: When Browns coach Pat Shurmur was a student at Michigan State University, he detested one particular subject.
“I was a business major, but statistics was my least favorite class,” Shurmur said Monday during a news conference. “It was all the way across campus. I took it in the winter. I had to walk there, and I didn’t understand it.”
Still, it’s not difficult to comprehend the importance of avoiding a record of 0-3 to start the season. The Browns fell to 0-2 Sunday with a 34-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Buffalo Bills (1-1) visit Northeast Ohio in Week 3 looking to maintain the momentum from their dominant 35-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
“We need to do what we can to win this football game against a team that’s coming off a big victory,” Shurmur said. “And I’ve got a lot of respect for Buffalo because in my opinion they’ve done a lot of things to upgrade their roster in the last couple of years.”
The Browns also believe they have upgraded their talent in recent seasons. Nevertheless, they’re 0-2 for the seventh time since their rebirth in 1999. After starting 0-2, they have finished 2-14 (1999); 5-11 (2003); 4-12 (2006); 4-12 (2008); 5-11 (2009); and 5-11 (2010).
Since the playoffs expanded to 12 participants in 1990, 22-of-184 teams (12 percent) have qualified for the postseason after going 0-2, according to ESPN. In the past three seasons, 0-of-24 have made it.
Only three teams have gone 0-3 and earned a playoff berth since 1990. The Bills, coincidentally, were the most recent in 1998.
Coming off a 4-12 record last season, the Browns weren’t considered a playoff-caliber team heading into 2012. But the point is early losses foreshadow agony more often than turnarounds.
“We’ve got to find a way to win, and I think we will,” defensive end Frostee Rucker said. “We’ve just gotta keep chopping wood, and I think everyone in this locker room understands.”
The defense had five takeaways and the offense provided virtually no support in the Browns’ 17-16 season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Against the Bengals, the offense bounced back with an encouraging outing, but the defense and special teams didn’t do their parts.
“Both games have been close, so we’re right there,” middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson said. “We’ve just got to get over that hump, and once we figure out how to get over that hump. It’s like a snowball effect. It’s still early in the season, a lot of football to play, so we’re still upbeat about it.”
Sound familiar? Jackson acknowledged the company line has become repetitive, but he believes the Browns must remain optimistic if they hope to find a spark.
“My message is keep fighting, keep pushing forward because things could change in one week,” he said.
Injury report
Tight end Alex Smith was taken to a Cincinnati area hospital Sunday after the game, released in the evening and driven back to Cleveland, his agent, Kevin Robinson, told the Beacon Journal. A Browns spokesman said Smith has a concussion and his status is day-to-day.
Smith left the game after catching a 3-yard pass from rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden with 9:57 left in the fourth quarter. He walked into the locker room with members of the team’s medical staff a few minutes later.
Rookie defensive tackle Billy Winn also suffered a concussion, and defensive end Juqua Parker sprained a foot, Shurmur said.
Cornerback Sheldon Brown did not start like he normally does because he is still dealing with the effects of the neck stinger he suffered while making a tackle in Week 1, Shurmur said. Brown entered the game for one of the defense’s 69 plays, extending his streak of consecutive regular-season games played to 162.
“He was limited throughout the week,” Shurmur said of Brown. “I’ve been with Sheldon a long time, and I’m a big Sheldon Brown fan. And I’m his coach and so I think his role will change as it goes along, and there’s a good chance you’ll see him in there more this week. But he was banged up through the week last week, and I don’t think that’s going to be an issue as we move forward.”
Buster Skrine started in Brown’s place. Dimitri Patterson started for Joe Haden, who sat out the first of four games because of his suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Rookie Trevin Wade served as the nickel corner.
“With Joe out, we’re going to look at all options to make sure we play the right combination of guys,” Shurmur said.
Jim Brown to return
Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown is set to attend the upcoming Alumni Weekend, a team spokesman said. Brown is expected to be present at an alumni golf outing Friday, a dinner Saturday night and the game Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Former defensive back Clarence Scott and former running back Ernie Green will be inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends and honored during a halftime ceremony.
Extra points
Strongside linebacker Scott Fujita is expected to discuss the New Orleans Saints’ bounty case with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today. An appeals panel lifted Fujita’s three-game suspension for his alleged role in the scandal on Sept. 7, and he made his 2012 regular-season debut Sunday. … With starter Trent Richardson and backups Chris Ogbonnaya, Brandon Jackson and Montario Hardesty healthy, the Browns have a crowded stable of running backs. But Shurmur said he thinks they can keep all four on the roster. … Shurmur said the team tracks missed tackles, but he wouldn’t disclose the number tallied Sunday. “That’s a teaching aide for us,” Shurmur said. … Trailing by 10 points with 24 seconds left on fourth-and-6 from the Bengals’ 7-yard line, Shurmur elected to try a field goal. Shurmur said he won’t be convinced he should have gone for a touchdown instead. “Somebody would have had to grab me by the neck and tackle me,” he said.

Video: Trent Richardson piles up stats, highlights for Browns

The rookie running back had 109 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns—one receiving—in his second NFL game. He became the first Browns rookie to run for 100 yards and score on a run and a pass.
But it wasn't just his numbers that were impressive, it was the way he came about them.

Trent Richardson piled up the stats and the highlights for the Browns in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. (AP Photo)

Richardson made a name for himself at Alabama as a punishing runner with enough burst to break away from defenders. He showed that ability Sunday against the Bengals, bouncing off and running through would-be tacklers before accelerating ahead.
Perhaps even more encouraging for Browns fans was the performance of another rookie—quarterback Brandon Weeden. Also in his second NFL game, Weeden passed for 322 yards and two touchdowns, which was a drastic improvement over his dismal debut last week.
Yet two encouraging performances weren't enough for Cleveland as Cincinnati got its first win, sending the Browns to 0-2.

Browns rookies Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden eager to rebound from disappointing debuts

BEREA: Surrounded by platters of sushi, redemption undoubtedly became a theme of dinner-table conversation Wednesday night for the new faces of the Browns.
Running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden planned to discuss their goals of bouncing back from disappointing NFL debuts while eating together at Shinto Japanese Steakhouse in Strongsville. Both are confident they’ll rebound Sunday when the Browns (0-1) visit the Cincinnati Bengals (0-1).
“I ain’t worried about it, and we ain’t worried about it,” Richardson said Wednesday after practice. “We know that we’re gonna come together as a team, and we’re gonna do what we’ve gotta do. We’re gonna get our timing down. We’re gonna get the right play-calling down. We’re gonna come together as a unit. Our defense is gonna keep doing what they’re doing. Special teams are gonna keep handling their business, and we’re just gonna back everybody up.”
Richardson, the third overall pick in this year’s draft, rushed for only 39 yards on 19 carries (2.1 average) in the Browns’ 17-16 season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. On first-and-10 at the Eagles’ 13, he also dropped a pass in the flat that could have resulted in a touchdown during the second quarter.
“I was kicking myself, but at the same time, I’ve gotta get up and wipe it off,” Richardson said. “I can’t look backward, but I looked at that play probably two or three times, and I just knew I had a touchdown or I knew I was gonna get positive yards on that play. That’s not me. I got too happy. I smelled the end zone. If I could have just reached my hand out, I felt like I was touching it. So I got too excited. It won’t happen again.”
Weeden’s performance was even uglier. He completed just 12-of-35 passes for 118 yards, with four interceptions and two fumbles, finishing with a wretched passer rating of 5.1. He has forced himself to ignore the outside world ever since.
“I’m not tone deaf, I’m deaf,” said Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft. “I don’t listen to it. I don’t need other people telling me how bad I played. I know I played bad, so I’m not going to sit here and listen to anybody. These guys in this locker room, they’ve got my back and that’s really all I care about.
“I still to this day haven’t checked Twitter, don’t plan on checking Twitter. I don’t watch SportsCenter. It’s not my thing. If I play well, I’ll flip through and watch it, not to [watch] me, but to watch the stuff. I know I played bad. I don’t need the nation to tell me how bad I played.”
Weeden’s outing was so brutal that coach Pat Shurmur was asked Monday about fans clamoring for backup quarterback Colt McCoy to get a shot. Shurmur defended Weeden and made it clear he’s sticking with him as the starter.
“I talked to Coach Shurmur on Monday and then again yesterday and he told me the same thing,” Weeden said. “[General Manager Tom] Heckert said the same thing. It’s one bad game. You put it all in perspective. If I continue to do bad things, that’s on me. But I got to continue to build. I think they have a lot of confidence in me and my abilities, and they wouldn’t have named me the starter if they didn’t.
“I just got to prove to them that I’m the guy, continue to prove I can get better, not make the same mistake twice — I tell you guys that all the time — and go forward. I appreciate all the confidence they have in me, and I have the same confidence in myself. I just got to play better.”
After the game, Weeden spent time with family and friends who were in town. He needed the support.
“It was tough,” Weeden said. “I’ve scuffled — definitely scuffled in some games — but I don’t think I’ve had a four-quarter stretch like that where I’ve scuffled for an entire four quarters. Obviously, as a parent, you don’t want to see your kid do that. But my parents are supportive. They were like, ‘Brandon, it’s going to get better.’
“It can’t be any worse than it was the first week. … We’re all going to have rough stretches. I think, obviously, mine was the first week. I look at the mistakes I made, and you guys saw them. Guys were wide open, and I missed them. That’s not my character, not the way I usually throw the football.”
The Browns certainly hope not. The mistakes of Weeden and the offense spoiled the defense’s stellar effort, which was highlighted by middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson’s interception return for a touchdown and four other takeaways. Jackson sent Weeden a text message Sunday night encouraging him to keep his head up.
“I’ve told the defense over and over until I’m blue in the face — they should’ve won us that football game,” Weeden said. “That made me feel worse than anything. They played so well, so I’ve got to help them out and come away and just make one play.”
Strong safety T.J. Ward believes Weeden and Co. will reciprocate.
“I think they’ll come out roaring and much improved from last week,” Ward said.
“Usually [Weeden is] pretty accurate, so I was kind of surprised by the overthrows. … It was tough on him. I’m sure he’ll bounce back this week.”
Richardson said the players have faith in Weeden. And Richardson knows they believe in him as well.
“I’m always my biggest critic,” Richardson said. “That’s just me. I’ll always criticize myself and want to get better.”
Undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Aug. 9 and missing all four preseason games obviously took a toll on Richardson. He didn’t have his usual burst against the Eagles, but he’s sure he’ll knock the rust off. He said his knee has responded well since Sunday, as evidenced by his full participation in practice Wednesday.
“I’ve had no problem with it,” he said with a smile. “If you want to go outside, I’ll race you now.”

Browns LB Scott Fujita fills spot on 53-man roster created by CB Joe Haden's suspension

By Nate Ulrich Published: September 11, 2012

The NFL lifted the exemption for Browns strongside linebacker Scott Fujita today, meaning he’s back on the team’s 53-man roster. The Browns did not need to cut anyone because cornerback Joe Haden’s four-game suspension created a spot for Fujita.
The Browns received a roster exemption from the league Friday after Fujita’s three-game suspension for his alleged role in the New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal was overturned by a three-member appeals panel. Fujita, though, did not play Sunday and remained on the exempt list until today.
Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Fujita, who’s coming back from an injured left knee, will practice this week.
The NFL announced Haden’s suspension for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances Monday. Haden is no longer on the active roster as a result.
The Browns also signed offensive lineman D.J. Young to the practice squad and released former Ohio State offensive lineman Jeff Shugarts from the practice squad. Young spent the first 16 weeks of the 2011 season on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster for the final game.

Appeals panel overturns suspensions of Browns LB Scott Fujita, other players in bounty case

Starting strongside linebacker Scott Fujita will be allowed to play in the Browns’ regular-season opener Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles after all.

Fujita is back on the active roster, a team spokesman said. The Browns have been granted a roster exemption, so they can keep 54 players and don't need to cut anyone, the spokesman said.

Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated reported today that a three-member appeals panel has overturned the player suspensions in the New Olreans Saints’ bounty case. Albert Breer of NFL Network reported the league has reinstated Fujita, Jonathan Vilma, Anthony Hargrove and Will Smith for this weekend's games.

Fujita received a three-game suspension from the NFL for allegedly contributing money to a pool that paid players for intentionally injuring opponents when he played for the Saints. Fujita has repeatedly denied the accusation.

Fujita did not immediately reply to an e-mail from the Beacon Journal.

"I'm overwhelmed with all the support," Fujita tweeted this evening. "Thank you so much everyone. Can't tell you how much it means to me."

Fujita has not been allowed to spend any time at Browns’ headquarters since last Friday, when the team officially placed him on the reserve/suspended by the commissioner list.

Still, Browns coach Pat Shurmur indicated he would use Fujita on Sunday if he were available.

“We’ve got up until right before game time to put the roster together, but I don’t see any reason why he can’t play,” Shurmur said.

Starting middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson said Fujita should be able to step right into the lineup without much trouble.

“He’s been doing it a long time,” Jackson said today. “So it’s like riding a bike. I’m confident Scott is, he’s keeping his conditioning up, and he knows the system. He’s been doing it a long time. … We could use him, another guy, another moving part ‘cause we’re young in the linebacker room and we need depth at this time.”

Jackson said Fujita’s return would be an emotional lift for the Browns.

“It’s a guy that we all well respect in the locker room,” Jackson said. “We hate to see him go through this ordeal. He just had a new baby in the family, and he’s gotta deal with this cloud that’s over his name right now. If you know Scott, you Scott’s a great guy and you hate for any guy to go through what he’s going through right now. To have him back and have him not deal with it at all for the short term is great for him.”

Browns cornerback Joe Haden awaiting decision from NFL after appealing suspension

Browns cornerback Joe Haden has appealed a suspension from the NFL and is awaiting the league’s decision, President Mike Holmgren said Tuesday morning during a radio interview with 92.3 The Fan.
“He’s had his appeal hearing, and now it’s up to someone else,” Holmgren said when asked about Haden’s suspension. “And we don’t know.”
It’s still not clear whether Haden will miss any games. In an e-mail response to the Beacon Journal, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote Tuesday, “We have nothing to report from our office.”
The league does not announce suspensions for violations of its substance abuse and steroid policy until the appeals process is complete. If a player wins an appeal, the league won’t announce it.
Haden could be suspended four games after failing a drug test in the offseason, ESPN Cleveland reported Aug. 8. The failed test was a result of Haden taking Adderall, according to the report. Adderall is on the NFL’s list of banned substances.
Holmgren confirmed the suspension Tuesday by stating an appeal hearing has taken place. He gave no such confirmation when asked about Haden’s situation during a news conference Monday at team headquarters in Berea.
It seems likely that Haden will be allowed to play in the regular-season opener Sunday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles because the NFL has yet to announce a suspension. The league usually makes suspensions public by Tuesday during game weeks.
“I suspect, though, if we haven’t heard by now that we’ll have him for the first game,” Holmgren said Tuesday. “I think, but I don’t know for sure.”
When asked Monday whether he’d be able to play in Week 1, Haden said, “I have no idea.”
Despite the uncertainty, Haden said his teammates have shown their support.
“In the locker room, everybody’s cool,” Haden said. “You just keep going, just keep playing, just keep practicing. That’s what I like about all the teammates. It’s like nothing’s going on. They’re just my family basically.”
If Haden must serve a suspension, nickel cornerback Dimitri Patterson would probably start in his place.
Two New York Giants players were suspended this year for what they said was the use of Adderall, which is often prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The NFL does not announce which drug triggered a failed test. Running back Andre Brown appealed and had his suspension cleared after proving he had a prescription. Safety Tyler Sash lost his appeal and must serve a four-game suspension.
Haden declined to comment when asked last month whether he had a prescription for Adderall. If he misses time, it would be another blow to the Browns.
Starting strongside linebacker Scott Fujita is fighting a three-game suspension in federal court over allegations he played a role in the New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal. On Tuesday, the NFL Players Association filed for a temporary order to lift the suspensions of Fujita and other players so they can play in their season openers, Gabe Feldman, director of the Tulane Sports Law Program, tweeted.
Starting weakside linebacker Chris Gocong is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, and starting defensive tackle Phil Taylor will be sidelined for at least the first six weeks as he recovers from a torn pectoral muscle.
It also would be bad timing because Haden is coming off a strong training camp.
“I feel like this is the best I’ve been playing at corner in my life,” he said. “I’ve just become really comfortable at the position, I’m starting to understand just concepts and starting to understand a whole lot, so the game is really slowing down for me.”

However, Haden might not get to show it in all 16 games this year.

Randy Lerner puts Cleveland Browns on sales block, but will keep Aston Villa soccer team

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On the day news broke that owner Randy Lerner was relinquishing power of one football team, his other announced a $5 million signing of Dutch defender Ron Vlaar.

Perhaps the timing was mere coincidence. But to Browns fans who believe Lerner favors Aston Villa -- the English Premier League soccer team he purchased in 2006 -- the juxtaposition of events must seem amusing.

While Lerner is close to selling controlling interest in the Browns, there appears no such plan afoot in Birmingham, England, home to one of Europe's oldest teams. Sources told The Plain Dealer that Villa is not for sale.

"[The Browns' transaction] would have no impact on Aston Villa," the source said. "... Very much business as usual."

Lerner, 50, who developed a passion for soccer while attending the University of Cambridge, reportedly bought the English side for about $119 million. He also has invested more than $300 million in equity and loan notes, according to a BBC report.

Aston Villa, like the Browns, is steeped in history and lacking in recent glory. The club has won the fourth-most trophies in English football, but none of major import in 30 years. While the Villans have not been nearly as bad as the Browns under Lerner's rule, supporters from both clubs probably could find common ground over a few pints and a singsong.

As Villa slipped in the EPL standings the past two years and management slashed payroll, some have questioned Lerner's desire to compete. The Villans barely averted relegation in the spring, and the side reported combined losses of more than $130 million for the seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11.

"From the outside looking in, it seemed to be that Randy Lerner's commitment and passion for the Villa project rather waned last season," ESPN analyst Ian Darke wrote in an email. "It is an open secret that orders went out to trim the wage bill, and the team became too reliant on relatively untried youngsters."

Lerner is one of three NFL owners to head EPL teams -- Stan Kronke (St. Louis Rams/Arsenal) and Malcolm Glazer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Manchester United) are the others. Overall, five Premier League sides are under American ownership.

Lerner has been described by some fans, players and soccer experts as charitable, well-intentioned and steady in his approach. Others consider him misguided and gullible, as well.

Lerner ignored pleas from fans last season and hired manager Alex McLeish, who had led hated crosstown rival Birmingham City to relegation in spring 2011. McLeish was fired after one season at Villa and replaced by highly-regarded Paul Lambert.

"It was naive of Lerner to believe the fans would ever accept a man who had taken Birmingham to relegation just a few months previously," Darke wrote. "Worryingly, it raised the question of how much or little Lerner understood of the Villa culture."

The financial landscape of the EPL has changed dramatically in the six years since Lerner purchased Villa. The shift has been fueled by massive spending from Manchester City and Chelsea.

Unlike the NFL, there is no salary cap in English football and the disparity between deep-pocketed and frugal franchises is stark. Over the past five seasons, Manchester City spent a staggering $674 million on transfers as opposed to Bolton's $9.4 million.

Lerner's decision to curb spending and focus on developing players through Villa's youth academy has won praise from some Villa fans and soccer experts.

"Villa has been very steady under Randy," Fox Soccer Channel analyst Warren Barton said. "They have an owner who is realistic about the future. . . . I think better times are ahead for Aston Villa."

Added former Villa player Ian Taylor: "Randy has wanted nothing but good for the football club. He's invested a lot of money over time, and he's been really patient. . . . He cares about the history of the club and he's brought with him a good bit of stability."

Round 1, Pick 17: Cincinnati Bengals select Dre Kirkpatrick, CB from Alabama

How he fits: With the Bengals needing a young corner and a shutdown guy since Johnathan Joseph departed, they needed to grab the last of the three corners worthy of first-round selection. He has been called by some scouts the prototype shutdown corner.
Kirkpatrick was rarely tested in coverage last season and was inconsistent at times. But he's physical and plays aggressive.
When he'll play: On a team that has only one corner under the age of 25, Kirkpatrick doesn't have to be an immediate starter. He comes into a veteran-laden situation with Leon Hall and Nate Clements expected to be the starters and Jason Allen, Terence Newman and Adam Jones also on the roster.
This is a pick for two or three years down the line especially with Clements, Hall, Jones and Newman having contracts that expire at the end of the upcoming season. — Joe Reedy

Strengths: Kirkpatrick has the best combination of size and athleticism of any cornerback in this year's draft. He has hip flexibility, foot quickness and agility to turn and run without losing a step after transitioning out of his pedal.
He is adept at reading the quarterback's set-up and receiver's break. This skill enables him to plant, drive and close quickly on passes in front of him. His quick and compact backpedal is not only rare for a tall cornerback, but it helps him to react fast to the receiver.
Kirkpatrick's long arms and ball skills allow him to easily breakup passes when he's in position. He is an aggressive defender who consistently attacks the play in front of him, fights through blockers and is willing to make hard hits.
While his long strides hide his speed, he has the ability to stay on the hip of a receiver down field. Kirkpatrick was an excellent gunner on Alabama's punt coverage team. He will be able to make a big impact on special teams.
Weaknesses: Kirkpatrick allows too many catches when he loses focus or gets sloppy with his technique. He can't transition quickly to close in on passes in front of him when he's straight-legged in his backpedal. When Kirkpatrick is in position in a press alignment, he doesn't use his hands to aggressively jam a receiver. This allows a receiver to have an easy release.
His aggressiveness to make plays on the ball often leads him to react to pump fakes and double moves. When he responds in this manner, he allows separation behind him. Consequently, despite having elite speed, he doesn't have the explosive closing burst to catch up.
While he's willing to make hard hits, he doesn't consistently tackle with the proper technique. He tends to lunge in order to reach for ball carriers' feet as opposed to wrapping up.

What to Look For: Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are set to take on the Chicago Bears in the final game of the preseason for the ninth year in a row (hat tip: Tony Grossi). Starting quarterback Brandon Weeden will not see any action despite being a rookie quarterback on a young team. Instead, backup Colt McCoy will get the call. A case can be made that McCoy is better than your typical backup quarterback, so for however long he is in the game, Cleveland has a chance to pull off some productive drives early on. Some brief notes to preview tonight's game are after the jump.

Star-divide

    Many teams do not want some fluke injury happening to their starting quarterback in the final preseason game. For those who say a guy like Brandon Weeden needs more reps, he will get them -- behind closed doors at practice. He has already been going through the motions for over a month; is one quarter of the final preseason game really going to be a difference maker in how he does Week 1 against the Eagles? I don't think so. Out of the three games that were played on Wednesday, Eli Manning and Ryan Tannehill were the only starting quarterbacks to play. Tom Brady, Josh Freeman, Robert Griffin III, and Tony Romo did not see action.

    I would expect S Usama Young to play against the Bears after missing the entire preseason up until now. I can't imagine he can really earn a roster spot in this final contest; if he makes the team, it will be due to his credentials from a season ago. If Young and S David Sims receive a lot of playing time, hopefully Sims continues to hold his own and is able to make the final roster.

    There really is not much left to prove at the wide receiver position. There are currently eight receivers left, and I am projecting all of them to make the team between the final roster and the practice squad. The two practice squad guys would be Rod Windsor and Josh Cooper. Jordan Norwood, who is trying to fight off the sixth receiving role, did end up practicing this past week after suffering an eye injury against Philly.

    The top four defensive ends on the roster should be feeling pretty comfortable after seeing Marcus Benard and Auston English land on injured reserve. The defensive tackle situation could still feature some interesting battles. We know for certain that three guys will make the team: Ahtyba Rubin, Billy Winn, and John Hughes. Looking at the numbers, the Browns will probably keep two more guys after that. Do you go with Brian Schaefering and Scott Paxson as the veterans, or do you take a chance on hot commodity Ronnie Cameron?

    I think the Browns should really look at mixing things up on the offensive line today among the non-starters. They need to ensure that they have a guy on the roster who can play left tackle behind Joe Thomas, and whose name is not Oniel Cousins. If that is the case, then Cousins should be shown the door and a guy like Stanley Daniels can make the club instead.

    Seneca Wallace has nothing to prove in this game. If I am distributing the reps, here is how I would do it: Colt McCoy plays a little over a quarter, Wallace plays the end of the second quarter (or not at all), and Thaddeus Lewis gets all the reps in the second half. Lewis was very good in his first preseason game with the Browns against the Lions and needs to get some more in-game reps if he is indeed going to be the team's No. 3 quarterback. Unlike Weeden, Lewis does not get reps in practice very often and can use an opportunity like this to further prove himself and get comfortable.

    There are still a pair of back-end players I think the team want to look at when it comes to cornerback: James Dockery and Johnson Bademosi. Both players have received a lot of special teams work this camp in similar roles. It could end up being one or the other making the roster, or neither player. If one of them make the roster, I think Usama Young or Ray Ventrone would have to be on the way out.

    The linebacker situation will be interesting to watch. If Scott Fujita's suspension is not lifted, I guessed that the Browns would only carry five linebackers for the first three games. Those five include D'Qwell Jackson, Kaluka Maiava, James-Michael Johnson, Craig Robertson, and L.J. Fort. There are only two other linebackers on the roster: Benjamin Jacobs and Quinton Spears. Spears was with the team all of last season on special teams. I'll be looking to see if either guy makes a splash against the Bears.

    Last, but not least, let's talk about the fullback position again, particularly about Brad Smelley. I have already committed to the thought that Owen Marecic will make the team. The fan inside of me wants this game to be Smelley's audition. Give the guy four quarters of play, and let's see how he does catching out of the backfield, protecting the quarterback, and paving the way for a Brandon Jackson or Adonis Thomas. That might make the game worth watching in itself.

    In terms of roster management, that might not be the best idea. Right now, I think Smelley is low key enough that he could still sqweak through to our practice squad, which allows the team to keep either an additional running back or tight end on the 53-man roster. If Smelley lights it up and the Browns waive him, the chances of losing him would seem to increase. Hmmm. Remember, Cleveland lost fullback Tyler Clutts to the Bears last year after waiving him. Funny enough, this preseason finale is also a big game for Clutts, who will be trying to win a roster spot by showing off against the Browns.

Browns’ offensive line determined to rebound after falling prey to Eagles’ speed

BEREA: The Browns’ starting offensive linemen are holding in a good way — they’re holding themselves accountable and vowing to correct their mistakes.
“Whoever you’re playing against,” rookie right tackle Mitchell Schwartz said, “you should be able to block them.”
The starters played for nearly the entire first half Friday in a 27-10 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the No. 1 line allowed three sacks of rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, including two forced fumbles. It was also called for two holding and two false-start penalties.
Redemption is vital because the Browns have only one exhibition game remaining — at home Thursday night against the Chicago Bears — before they face the Eagles again in the regular-season opener Sept. 9.
“As a group, we didn’t do our best,” left guard Jason Pinkston said Monday after practice. “But some of the outside[rs], they don’t really know what’s going on on the offense. They don’t know what plays are called or what protection’s supposed to happen or what goes on in a certain play. Some guys don’t know. We know what’s going on in the building, so we don’t worry about what they say on the outside. The [mistakes] that were out there was more our fault than some of the things [the Eagles] did to us.”
Browns coach Pat Shurmur is relying on his top O-linemen — Schwartz, Pinkston, center Alex Mack, right guard Shawn Lauvao and Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas — to step up and meet his expectations. They ran sprints after practice Monday, perhaps a sign they’re putting in extra effort to bounce back.
“I’m very confident our offensive line will be one of the strengths of our team,” Shurmur said. “… If we can keep that group together, the longer we do that, then they’ll play better as a unit. I think that synergy there is so important.”
Correctable mistakes
The Eagles, though, used their speed and depth to expose the Browns’ weaknesses in the trenches. Coach Andy Reid’s men tied for first in the NFL last season with 50 sacks, and the Eagles supplemented their defensive line in April by drafting tackle Fletcher Cox in the first round and end Vinny Curry in the second.
“Whoever you face, they’ve got quality players,” Schwartz said. “It doesn’t matter the opponent, you should be on top of your game.
“They’re good players, but I think a lot of breakdown stuff was on our side of the ball, not using the right footwork, not taking the right set, not doing the right thing. But it’s all stuff that’s correctable for us.”
The Browns won’t subscribe to theories that they’re simply being overmatched.
“It wasn’t their D-end being strictly better than us,” Schwartz said. “It was something that we should be better at ourselves and that gives us a better chance against it. It’s mixing things up against them. Obviously, they play wide. They rush upfield. If you do the same thing every time, the guys are going to be able to key in on that. So there’s different things you can do as a tackle, even as a guard and center to mix things up against them, and that goes for whoever you’re facing.”
In their 4-3 defense, the Eagles employ the wide-nine technique, meaning their ends sometimes line up on the far outside of the offensive tackles. The positioning allows the ends to capitalize on their speed by rushing off the edge. The Detroit Lions use the same technique, and they also gave the Browns problems a few weeks ago during the preseason opener.
“On defense, anytime you gain an advantage, you’re going to give up something,” Thomas said. “With the wide-nine, sometimes it’s tough to defend the run or do some other things, but it really gives them a big advantage in the pass game because of how wide they get and how much space they can work in. Anytime you get an athlete, you give him more space, it’s going to be more to his advantage.”
Avoiding ideal pass-rushing situations and consistently running the ball with success are the keys to combating the wide-nine technique.
“When we play them again in a couple weeks, we’re going to have the benefit of game-planning and custom-tailoring our offense to how we want to attack their defense,” Thomas said. “I expect a much better performance.”
Pocket problems
The line is also adjusting to the differences between Weeden, the new starting quarterback, and Colt McCoy, who started last season. Weeden is a more traditional pocket passer, and McCoy is a scrambler.

Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur sounds like he's leaning toward keeping Colt McCoy as his backup

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Pat Shurmur sounds like he's leaning toward keeping quarterback Colt McCoy as his backup. Before practice on Sunday, he praised McCoy effusively -- the most positive comments he's made about him all preseason.
 "I think he's done an outstanding job here in training camp,'' said Shurmur. "I'm very pleased with where he's at. I gained an even greater appreciation of him, the way he's competed, the way he's handled the situation, let's just call it that. I'm very impressed with how he's doing. I think that's good for our team. He understands one of the primary things you need to understand as a backup at this point -- to be ready to play -- because you're ankle injury from being in there, and he's been on both sides of that coin and so he understands it.''
 Working with the second-team offense against the Eagles' backups, McCoy earned a stellar 138.0 rating and orchestrated a 15-play 78-yard TD drive in the third and fourth quarters. It ended with a 3-yard TD pass to tight end Evan Moore.
 It's evident that the game has slowed down for McCoy and that he's making quicker decisions. He's also scrambled out of trouble on plenty of occasions this preseason and shown his athleticism. He doesn't have the arm strength of Weeden, but it's sufficient to get the job done. Overall, he's earned a superb 119.1 rating this preseason -- although preseason ratings often don't correlate to the regular season.
 "He's had a full year now --  a season and a full offseason to get to know our system better and I think it's showing up that way,'' said Shurmur. " so I've got a great deal of respect for what he's done.''
 But Shurmur, who's also identified fourth-teamer Thad Lewis as a player "worth developing'' wasn't ready to completely tip his hand. The Browns also have Seneca Wallace working with the third team.
 "I think you'll see what I'm going to do with the quarterbacks at final cuts (Friday),'' he said. "I'm going to say that right now. And you can say 'does how things turn out in this fourth preseason game matter?' Yea, everything matters. (Or) "Have you made up your mind you're just not telling me?" Maybe. But I've got a few days until the final cut and then we'll review it.''
In other Browns news:
* Defensive end Marcus Benard suffered a dislocated elbow against the Eagles and is out indefinitely.
* Shurmur said some of the starters will be idle Thursday night against the Bears.
* Running back Montario Hardesty, who's lost a fumble in each of the past two games, rested during team drills today and Brandon Jackson started. Hardesty said he was healthy despite wearing a sleeve on his lower right leg, the same leg in which he had a torn calf muscle last year.  Shurmur did say that if a player fumbles on a consistent basis, it's hard to put him in the game.
* Shurmur said he's "optimistic'' Trent Richardson (left knee scope) will play in the opener Sept. 9.
* Defensive end Brian Schaefering, who suffered an undisclosed injury against the Eagles, was not on the field today....Rookie defensive back Antwuan Reed was also not present, but no update yet. The Browns waived nine players today and must trim five more by tomorrow at 4 p.m.
* Shurmur said that in the case of waived receiver Carlton Mitchell, guys that haven't proven themselves in the league have a hard time making the team if they're sidelined with injuries in camp. 

Taking a Look at the Cleveland Browns Offseason

The Cleveland Browns are, once again, a franchise in turmoil and in the process of rebuilding. How many times have we said this over the course of the last two decades. At some point rebuilding will have to take a back seat to actual contention. Right now that isn’t in the cards for Cleveland.

They were among the absolute worst offenses in the National Football League last season. Colt McCoy sure had his limitations in the passing game, but he wasn’t helped one iota by poor performances at the skill positions. No quarterback, regardless of his talent level, would have been able to succeed in that situation last season.

Despite the fact that McCoy wasn’t really given an opportunity to perform with a solid supporting cast, the Browns made a curious decision to select former Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden in April to replace McCoy. Regardless of your feelings about how the first-round pick is going to perform in the NFL, Cleveland has put him in a less than enviable position.

They didn’t go out there and select a wide receiver in each of the first three rounds, only to reach for Miami (F) product Travis Benjamin in the fourth. The talented young receiver was a definite reach at that point and probably wont provide a great deal of help to Cleveland’s receiving core.

As it stands right now, the only truly consistent performer in the Browns passing game has to be considered 2011 draft pick Greg Little, who played extremely well as a rookie last year. Outside of that, they really don’t have much.

Trent Richardson was a selection that Cleveland just had to make. The former Alabama standout has everything that you look for in an All-Pro running back in the NFL. He has great speed, a dynamic cutback ability and brute strength between the hashes. Even without  consistent passing game to help Richardson out, I could easily see him surpassing 1,300 yards and double-digit touchdowns as a rookie in 2012.

While CAL product Mitchell Schwartz might have been a reach in the second round, the offensive tackle should be able to make noise and start out of the gate. He possesses above-average technique for such a young pass-blocker and should be able to be a 10 year starter on the outside for Cleveland opposite Joe Thomas.

Where Cleveland might have struggled finding value early in the draft, they did a tremendous job later. Emmanuel Acho and Billy Winn, both sixth round picks, will immediately improve a Browns’ front seven that was among the best in the league last season. Both were considered third round prospects before dropping leading up to the draft. Really solid selections there.

As has been the case with the Browns in recent seasons, free agents avoid them like the black plague. This didn’t change in 2012. The extent of Cleveland’s free agent additions were two rotational defensive lineman in the form of Jaqua Parker and Frostee Rucker. Just not a whole lot of hope in regards to the Browns ability to pluck top-level talent on the open market.

Overall, the Browns are destined to finish in the cellar of the AFC North once again. Their level of talent, in no way, compares to the rest of the conference, all of whom made the postseason in 2011.

That being said, the pieces are in place on the defensive side of the ball for Cleveland to be competitive. In reality, they have a solid core of youngsters on that side of the ball. I just have a hard time imagining their offense being able to score enough points for this team to surprise anyone.

The Browns consistent rebuilding process is long enough to be biopic as long as “Roots.” Just add another season to the end and edit it in the preface. That is what this team is looking at in 2012.

Cleveland Browns camp outlook: Let Richardson-Weeden era begin

Editor's note: With offseason work across the league coming to an end, the focus shifts to the steamy summer workouts ahead. The countdown to training camp has begun. To get you fully primed for the preseason and beyond, Sporting News provides in-depth looks at all 32 teams leading into camps. Today: . Cleveland Browns Wednesday: Atlanta Falcons.
Browns president Mike Holmgren has a hard time getting the customers to remember he was part of five Super Bowl teams as a coach. In four years before an anomalous 10-6 finish in 2007, the Browns were a combined 19-45. In the four years since going 10-6 (missing the playoffs even then), they are 18-46.


A proactive Holmgren is putting himself out there more this year, telling anyone who will listen the ship is not sailing a perpetual voyage through the Bermuda Triangle via Lake Erie. Holmgren can be persuasive, but given the record — including 9-23 on his watch — he is strapped with an awful shortage of “show me.”
“I ask for patience and the people say, ‘I’ve heard that before, please don't go there,’ ” Holmgren said. “The fact of the matter is we are building it a certain way, and that's how we are going to do it. Like I’ve said, I expect to have a good jump this year.
“In my dealings at the supermarket, a guy might come up, and we talk. I say, 'Understand and trust me that I'm doing what I think is best for the team. I'm not asking you to agree with me necessarily because there are a lot of opinions out there, but I believe we know how to do this.’ ”
This much is certain: The roster Browns general manager Tom Heckert has given second-year coach Pat Shurmur bears little resemblance to the one Holmgren inherited in 2010.

What’s new: Offense

Peyton Hillis and the running game were a mess last season. The Browns answered by using the No. 3 overall pick on potential super back Trent Richardson. The passing game was a dink, dunk and drop-fest in which Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace averaged an anemic 5.8 yards per attempt. The receivers performed poorly. The Browns answered by using their bonus Round 1 pick, No. 22 overall, to bring in quarterback Brandon Weeden, whose arm is so big that he once was a New York Yankees' top draft pick. The answer was much quieter on the receivers front with fourth-round pick Travis Benjamin the only notable addition.
Not only was Shurmur scrambling to stay upright as a first-year coach, he was trying to double as offensive coordinator. Former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress was hired to fill that role in 2012.
Right tackle was a revolving door last season, which is why the Browns spent a high second-round pick on Cal’s Mitchell Schwartz.

What’s new: Defense

The biggest change is a negative one. The team counted on getting even better play at defensive tackle, where Phil Taylor made nice progress working under the wing of standout young veteran Ahtyba Rubin. Instead, Taylor will miss at least half the season with a pectoral injury while the team tries to make do with journeyman Scott Paxson and rookie John Hughes.
Dick Jauron, whose surprising 2011 defense was 10th in yards allowed and fifth in points allowed, hopes to compensate with improved play at end. He figures to get that on the left side from Jabaal Sheard, who led the team in sacks as a rookie. On the right side, free-agent pickup Frostee Rucker is seen as an upgrade over Jayme Mitchell. Veteran end Juqua Parker, another free agency import, adds edge-rushing depth.
Slow starts have been a chronic problem, and losing veteran linebacker Scott Fujita to a three-game suspension doesn’t help. Rookie James-Michael Johnson must hit the fast-forward button.

Camp goals

1. Get Weeden to act his age. The Browns can’t afford another year of misery while the latest new quarterback takes his lumps. They are holding their breath that Weeden, who will turn 29 on Oct. 14, is mature enough to circumvent many of the adjustment problems encountered by rookie starting quarterbacks. Spring practices left them on thin ice because Weeden had to share reps with third-year pro Colt McCoy.
Veteran Seneca Wallace has made it clear it will be an unhappy camp for him if he is designated as the third man. Weeden handled himself like a pro all spring. Most importantly, he threw the ball better than McCoy and Wallace, which is why he was drafted in the first place.
2. Narrow the wide world of wideouts. Roles must be identified for a receiver corps that has been miserable in recent years. The plan when Greg Little was drafted in the second round last year was to explore him as a No. 1 wideout. Despite problems with drops as a rookie, he has the best all-around package on board.
It’s debatable whether Mohamed Massaquoi can become a strong No. 2 wideout, but part of his profile includes confidence questions. The best bet seems to be buttressing his psyche in the preseason, rather than threatening a demotion.
Benjamin is the fastest man on a team that needs speed. The Browns http://clevelandbrownsnikestore.tumblr.com/should keep an open mind about giving return-whiz Joshua Cribbs and slot receivers Jordan Norwood and Josh Cooper important roles. Cooper, a rookie, was Weeden’s No. 2 target behind Justin Blackmon at Oklahoma State.
3. Find a defensive surprise. With Taylor out for a while, it would be nice if someone unexpected elevated his game. Coaches already were thinking along those lines in the spring when Eric Hagg was promoted to No. 1 free safety over veteran Usama Young. It would help if undersized but scrappy linebacker Kaluka Maiava has a career year.
The Browns also must deliver on expected improvements from key young veterans. Joe Haden must play at an All-Pro level after a so-so sophomore season. There was nothing wrong with Sheard’s rookie year. If he makes the anticipated jump as a quality run defender and pass rusher, he should become a Pro Bowl candidate.

Breakout player

Cornerback Joe Haden. After a sensational first season in 2010 — playing with speed, abandon and confidence — Haden was one of four finalists for NFL rookie of the year. He didn’t necessarily take a step back in 2011, although it can be argued he did. He failed to hold onto balls that could have been game-changing interceptions. He struggled against elite veteran receivers and showed signs of cracking against the Cincinnati Bengals' A.J. Green.
Outwardly, Haden is as confident as any cornerback in the league. If he can get past any inner doubts, he has the talent and experience to be an elite corner at age 23.

Bottom line

This is Cleveland, not Hollywood, and failure certainly is an option. Forget about the fact the name-brand analysts still have serious doubts (Gil Brandt, for example, sees the Browns as the league’s third-to-worst team). Anyone can shoot holes in the Browns' situation, even at some of the bright spots.
Browns legend Jim Brown says Richardson strikes him as ordinary. Weeden is an old rookie who isn’t a better option than McCoy in the minds of many fans. Shurmur’s first year as a coach was anything but impressive. The Taylor injury was a bummer.
Yet, there are reasons for hope.
Jim Brown’s view of Richardson isn’t shared by many. Weeden was impressive in the spring. The offensive line could become elite if Schwartz pans out. Jauron did masterful work with a patchwork cast on defense last season.
Give Holmgren credit for cobbling together at least something decent, and Shurmur a break after not having a 2011 offseason. The building Browns should be no worse than 6-10, and could do better if the key rookies break through early.

Cleveland Browns' Brandon Weeden & Colt McCoy Getting Better Each Week

Cleveland Browns are in a great spot at the quarterback position for the first time in a long time. Brandon Weeden has displayed a strong accurate arm and just has to learn the offense better. Colt McCoy, originally thought to be an automatic afterthought, has displayed the growth the Browns hoped would be there. Colt McCoy has had multiple challenges since becoming a Brown, overcoming concussions, coaching changes and a shortened offseason.

Colt McCoy has shown a much better understanding of the offense this past week against the second unit yet again. One can't ignore his elusiveness in the pocket and his understanding of where to go with the ball, a combination he lacked last year. The better he plays in the preseason, the more value he will have on the open market. Cleveland needs to be selfish and keep Colt in a Browns uniform this season. There may be teams that make Cleveland offers as the quarterback herd thins itself out due to injuries. If Cleveland is looking out for their own best interest they should keep Colt in a backup role and give Seneca Wallace the green light to move on.

Colt McCoy's heart and ego know that he could be a starter somewhere, but it is not this year. He would benefit from getting some buzz around his play. If there is one constant in football it is that quarterbacks get hurt. Colt is an exceptional backup for Weeden. Weeden is also not proven so why would the Browns get rid of an improving Colt McCoy for a late-round draft pick?

Colt's value may climb if he has a strong camp and plays well in spot duty this year. Colt could find himself with the ability to go to a better team if he continues improving his accuracy and does some good things this year when he gets the chance.

Hi-res-150436459_crop_exact Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The biggest change in McCoy's game seems to be his demeanor. It appears that Colt McCoy has finally become an NFL quarterback. By that I mean that I think he realizes that if most of his dropped passes were caught last year, Brandon Weeden might not even be a Brown. It has been said that McCoy is holding players more accountable. He expects players to do their jobs and if that means catching passes, then do it. There is no more, "my bad" when coming back to the huddle. When the drive-killing penalties reared their head in the preseason Detroit game, Colt McCoy was visibly upset. He knows that the only things people are looking at right now are third-down conversions and touchdowns. He desperately wants the team to start winning and knows little mistakes lead to big drive-killers.

McCoy wants to be in Cleveland. His best chance to start is in Cleveland. Regardless of Brandon Weeden being picked in the first round at No. 22 the Browns need to win. The first guy up will be Weeden but he has to hold off Colt McCoy who has gone into Baltimore and Pittsburgh and battled. Colt wants another crack at the Ravens and Steelers.

Let's be upfront about Brandon Weeden—the Browns did not get Brandon Weeden, they lost out on Robert Griffin III. When the Browns missed out on RGIII they had to settle for Brandon Weeden. Weeden has done an admirable job and is getting better with each snap. The cold hard truth is the Browns have to start Weeden because he will be 29 years old by the time the season is underway. He is in the "now-or-never" category. There is no reason for Cleveland to get rid of a quarterback when the starter is an unproven 29-year-old. The Browns are not going to wait till Weeden gets good. He has to get good now and not five weeks from now. If Weeden does not get the job done, they will go to Colt McCoy. Pat Shurmur, Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren no longer have a hands-off owner. The new owner is going to either want to win now, or get people in that can. If Weeden does not produce wins and not just close games they may tell Colt to start warming up the arm.

Hi-res-150406370_crop_exact Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Brandon Weeden's arm is sharp and strong, where McCoy revealed he is just now getting his shoulder back to 100 percent. One thing you can say about Browns fans is they are fiercely loyal and Colt McCoy has embraced the city of Cleveland, his teammates and the entire organization. If you ask Browns fans, many of them probably want to not only keep Colt McCoy but give him a fair shot to beat out Weeden. Colt just needs to keep shining in the preseason and keep his head down and wait. The chance will come for him at some point, and he needs to be ready, not so much to beat out Weeden but to create another opportunity down the road.

I for one think Colt McCoy has earned the right to be there when the Browns turn the corner. He has paid his ticket in concussions, late hits, losing records, changing coaches and ever-changing playbooks. Colt is showing the loyalty that the city of Cleveland wishes its former Ohio grown icon would have shown for the Cavaliers. I know in pro sports nobody is owed anything, but Colt McCoy has taken all his chips and bet on Cleveland and he has at the very least earned a spot on that 53 man roster to help right the ship.

Brandon Weeden can come in and be anointed the starter, but successful teams have two QBs ready to go that can carry them through choppy waters when the starter goes down. Phil Simms and Jeff Hostetler for the Giants, Roger Staubach and Danny White for the Cowboys, and Bob Griese was hurt most of the Dolphins' undefeated season and Earl Morrall got them through a good portion of it. In more resent memory the Browns' last playoff appearance was courtesy of Tim Couch, but Kelly Holcomb also had to deliver to get the team there.

The Browns do not need to do any favors for any other teams by trading for some magic beans by way of late-round picks. Keep developing young Colt McCoy and Thaddeus Lewis. Develop talent in house and let McCoy finish growing to see what he can become. If anything, Brandon Weeden has allowed McCoy time to develop his game. If Colt McCoy is destined to be a backup in the NFL, he can be the Browns' version of Charlie Batch, dependable and always ready.

Cleveland Browns' football

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- To most of the world, "football" is what Americans call soccer. It is the sport in which "nil-nil" ties are common.
Against that background of nothingness, the coach and manager of Randy Lerner's two football teams -- the Browns of the NFL and Aston Villa of the English Premier League -- met in Berea this week, presumably looking to find something good.
Is the Browns' Pat Shurmur going to teach Villa manager Alex McLeish the West Coast offense? Of course not. I'm not sure what Aston Villa gets out of the deal, except possibly the idea of holding the feet of the city fathers in Birmingham, England, to the fire for future stadium repairs.
But the Browns can certainly learn a thing or two. To exchange useful pointers and develop critical marketing savvy, the coach and manager needed to broaden their discussion to include the entire Premier League.
In it, there is a team called West Brom Albion. It is located in West Bromwich in the English Midlands, which is sort of like the Midwest. It has the nickname of the "Baggies." If Shurmur and McLeish were looking for some synergy, there they have it.
The Baggies were named for the loose-fitting trousers worn by West Brom's early supporters. Cleveland's varsity could be called the "Brown Baggies," similar to the grocery bags that are replacing Dawgmasks as game day headgear in Cleveland.
There are also things each executive could urge the other not to do. I don't just mean not handing off to a tight end for his first carry of the season in the red zone. Things are different Over There. The Everton team, based in Liverpool, has the nickname of the "Toffees" or "Toffee Men" because of the popular Everton Mints made there.
Any NFL team with that nickname would invite rude comments. Someone (probably James Harrison) would call them a derogatory name that is a combination of "candy" and a crude term for the players' posteriors.

AP photoThe sound of unhappy fans has rained down on Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish this season. So he has that in common with Pat Shurmur.

Villa's colors are claret and sky blue. Carmen Policy, who had all the impact of a hurled plastic bottle inside a bag when he was the Browns president, is now growing grapes in California. Even as a proposed "alternate" uniform, however, claret should not be considered here.
Policy might be drinking the wine, but the rivals of the Browns, 0-6 in the division last season, are stomping the grapes.
McLeish used to be the manager for Birmingham City, Aston Villa's biggest rival. He is the first to go directly from one arch rival to the other in the "Second City Derby." The lesson for the Browns is to look to their biggest rival, which is, purportedly, Pittsburgh, although that might be news to the Steelers. If former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, a one-time Browns assistant, wanted to jump from the television studio to Berea, Lerner should provide the bungee cord.
The crest of the Aston Villa team shows a rampant (rearing) lion and looks sort of like the Detroit Lions' symbol. The Browns and Lions had the NFL's best rivalry. In the 1950s. The Lions were a playoff team last season; the Browns, not real close.
McLeish could tell the befuddled Shurmur to pay more attention to Aston Villa's official motto: "Prepared." Its significance here seems obvious after Shurmur's overmatched rookie season
All teams are looking to spark the interest of casual fans and turn them into zealots. The entire sport of soccer got a boost from a movie a decade ago called "Bend It Like Beckham." "Bend It Like Pontbriand," however, doesn't work. Although maybe that's just me.
It only seems like 100 years since the Browns came back and simultaneously renounced competitiveness. But it is really only 13 seasons, two of them actual winning ones. Aston Villa is teetering on the brink of "relegation," which means being sent to the minors for poor performance. It has never happened in its 100 seasons of football.
No matter what Shurmur and McLeish were talking about this week, they should have been breaking new ground. These two guys already know how to lose.

Hodges blow for Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns punter Reggie Hodges is set to miss the upcoming NFL season after tearing his left Achilles tendon at training.
Browns coach Pat Shurmur has confirmed he will likely be without his star punter for the upcoming campaign.
“It’ll probably prevent him from playing this year,” Shumur said.
Hodges was ranked 3rd in the American Conference for punts landed inside the opposition’s 10-yard line last season.
The 29-year-old famously ran 68 yards for a touchdown on a faked punt play last season in the Browns’ upset win over the New Orleans Saints.
In other NFL news, Seattle have lured Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller on a five-year deal. The Seahawks also confirmed the signing of New Orleans defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson.
Running back Ronnie Brown has put pen to paper on a one-year agreement with Philadelphia, becoming the Eagles’ fifth signing of the close season following the arrivals of NNamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin and Vince Young.
Elsewhere, left tackle Bryant McKinnie has been released by the Minnesota Vikings after spending nine years with the franchise.
The NFL season starts September 8 with New Orleans travelling to Lambeau Field to face defending champions the Green Bay Packers.
Cleveland Browns punter Reggie Hodges is set to miss the upcoming NFL season after tearing his left Achilles tendon at training.
Browns coach Pat Shurmur has confirmed he will likely be without his star punter for the upcoming campaign.
“It’ll probably prevent him from playing this year,” Shumur said.
Hodges was ranked 3rd in the American Conference for punts landed inside the opposition’s 10-yard line last season.
The 29-year-old famously ran 68 yards for a touchdown on a faked punt play last season in the Browns’ upset win over the New Orleans Saints.
In other NFL news, Seattle have lured Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller on a five-year deal. The Seahawks also confirmed the signing of New Orleans defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson.
Running back Ronnie Brown has put pen to paper on a one-year agreement with Philadelphia, becoming the Eagles’ fifth signing of the close season following the arrivals of NNamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin and Vince Young.
Elsewhere, left tackle Bryant McKinnie has been released by the Minnesota Vikings after spending nine years with the franchise.
The NFL season starts September 8 with New Orleans travelling to Lambeau Field to face defending champions the Green Bay Packers.