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.
2012年8月30日星期四
2012年8月28日星期二
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.
“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.
2012年8月26日星期日
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.
"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.
2012年8月24日星期五
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.
2012年8月22日星期三
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2012年8月21日星期二
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.
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.
2012年8月20日星期一
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.
The 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.
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.
The sound of unhappy fans has rained down on Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish this season. So he has that in common with Pat Shurmur.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.
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.
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