NFL: Cleveland Browns Tracker

2008-11-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

Quinn is out for the remainder of the season. His right index finger is injured, and now he needs surgery. You can read more here.

2008-10-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Ohio!

2008-10-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning injury update...we'll see how today's practice goes. Fingers crossed.

Five Draft Picks Signed!

2008-07-24T09:40:00.001-07:00

I’m not a journalist, so there’s no real reason for me to repeat the work of this article’s writer: http://www.sportinglife.com/nfl/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=American_Football/08/07/23/GRIDIRON_USA-Cleveland.html
I’m just happy to see we’ve got some good new guys on our team now.

Where's the updating? (Them, not me)

2008-02-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, I don't feel so bad about not having updated ina while after seeing that the official Cleveland Browns site still has last year's training camp dates posted. I mean, I know we're still really early, but you could at least take them down and say the new dates to to be announced, right?

C'mon, I'm just a blogger who forgets to write for months at a time... you're supposed to be better than me!

Browns announce more draft picks

2007-07-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Browns secured three more draft picks Sunday with signatures from Brandon McDonald, Melila Purcell, and Syndric Steptoe - all to four-year contracts. With these, the Browns' second-day picks are all on board. Good news going into training camp...

Barclay leads in NFL Europa

2007-05-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Running back Chris Barclay was named NFL Europa Special Teams Player of the Week after a 99-yard kickoff return for his first touchdown in nearly two years. His team, the Berlin Thunder, will face Cologne next Sunday, televised at 1 am Monday morning on NFL Network.

Home front and center

2007-03-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

ROI has been low for the Browns and the rush for top-flight free agents is tempting, but the Browns took care of business at home first. They reached a preliminary agreement with center Hank Fraley for a four-year contract. Browns are now looking to add new talent in hopes to satisfy their hungry fans and it won't come cheap. Money is a significant factor but Coach Romeo Crennel is also banking on the Browns rich NFL history to lure free agents.

More than mere wishful thinking

2007-01-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

Interesting bit of analysis appeared in the Canton Repository:
http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=330384&Category=17
The thing is, the author, Steve Doerschuk, managed to take what seems like wishful thinking (Cleveland Browns raise themselves from the depths while the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals sink) and provided some credible reasons that exactly that could happen. Check it out. Doerschuk is not just speculating about players; he’s talking about organizational strengths and vulnerabilities as well.

Hard game...

2006-12-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

The Browns' hopes of stopping the Steelers' win streak in the series at six were done by the end of the third quarter, when a pair of impressive drives and short touchdown runs by Parker and Ben Roethlisberger made it 24-0. With 5:20 on the clock in the 4th quarter, Braylon Edwards scored on a 45-yard touchdown pass.

Our next game is gainst the Ravens this Sunday. Good luck guys!

Frye Injured

2006-12-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

Charlie Frye injured his right wrist during a 31-28 overtime decision against Kansas City on Sunday. However, I don’t really think that’s a bad thing for team. After Frye was injured Derek Anderson came off the bench to lead the team to victory by throwing 2 touchdown passes.

I really think that Frye has been the one jinxing this team. I mean, he started this most recent losing streak while playing against Pittsburgh by going 17 of 27 for 224 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

The Browns have so many injuries and are playing so poorly that they should just forfeit and start training for next year.

Serving the Community

2006-12-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

So, the Cleveland Browns may not be winners on the field this season, but they are winners in their community. During the first week of December many of the Browns players will be donating their time to help children in need.

On December 5^th, Linebacker Willie McGinest will be joined by teammates as he hosts his annual “Shop with a Jock” event. This event gives abused, neglected and homeless children a better Christmas as each child will receive a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart. McGinest and his teammates will help the children shop for items throughout the store.

Also on December 5^th, the Cleveland Browns will “Deck the House” with Providence House to benefit and make a difference in the lives of the infants and toddlers residing at the home.

Prior to the December 3rd home game vs. Kansas City, the Cleveland Browns will again partner with the United States Marine Corps to collect toys for the annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive.

These guys really have the Holiday Spirit.

Cleveland Browns Sad But Not Shocked?

2006-10-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

That’s my guess, since they were coming off their bye week to face the Denver Broncos who have lost only one time this season, while the Browns have only one win.

I think we have a more realistic chance next week against the New York Jets. They are 4 and 3, and all the Jets’ wins have been squeakers.

It’s about effin’ time!

2006-10-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

Even as a dawg pound faithful, I was beginning to wonder if we were going to win any games this year. Down by 18, I was just about to throw the remote at the TV. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Frye exploded. To say this was a much-needed win is an understatement. It was more than a morale booster. It was one of the best games I’ve seen in the last 3 years!

Cleveland Browns Pull Out of a Tailspin

2006-10-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Nice to be back and able to write about my favorite NFL team, the Cleveland Browns, and just in time to talk about my favorite NFL event, a Cleveland Browns victory! I wasn’t any too sure that was going to happen as the first half unfolded out at McAfee Coliseum. We were looking at the Oakland Raiders’ 21 to our 3 on the scoreboard. Well, thank you, Charlie Frye (not to mention Darnell Dinkins, Kellen Winslow and Joe Jurevicius plus the rest of the guys)! Three TDs in a row make for an awesome comeback.

Now that we’ve broken through that barrier, I think we can make a comeback of our season and put some more numbers in the win column!

a draft amount of talent

2006-07-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

I have been following the Cleveland Browns for some time now and I’m almost completely confused by the draft process. It appears that we have gathered ourselves talent from schools all over the country. I hear particularly good things about our second round pick D’Qwell Jackson, although I’m personally more interested in seeing see Stanford’s Babatunde Oshinowo help us out of 3^rd place.

Good acquisitions for the Browns

2006-06-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

It looks like GM Phil Savage and Coach Romeo Crennell have made some solid additions to the Browns' roster. I have read good things about our draft, especially about linebackers Kamerion Wimbley from Florida State and D'Qwell Jackson from Maryland. Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley and tackle Kevin Shaffer should add to the offense. I'm sure Charlie Frye will appreciate that when he gets to take on the starting QB role.

I think the Cleveland Browns bottomed out in 2004, started turning it around in 2005, and are ready to move even higher in 2006.

27 year old running backing domestic dispute.

2006-05-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns was brought up on assault chargers for allegedly throwing his wife out the front door of their home after she asked for a divorce. Kellie Droughns was injured in the incident and her husband reportedly took her wedding ring, credit cards and cash when leaving the home. I really don’t know what to say about stupid crap like this. People with more money than sense make me angry.

Found a good Draft news resource and breakdown.

2006-04-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of people out there speculating on the future results of the 2006 NFL Draft. I am hoping the Browns cash in big-time this year. There are a lot of good players to be had and the Cleveland Browns have plenty of holes to fill this off-season.

Check out this NFL Draft coverage blog I found on the Brown’s official site. It looks like this guy is going to be the all-encompassing resource for NFL Draft news, picks and reviews.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/blog/

Draft Prospects to Watch

2006-04-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a lot about Mark Anderson and Terna Nande, two linebackers that some feel the Cleveland Browns may consider come draft time. The blogger on the Cleveland Browns official site lists thirteen draft prospects that he feels would fit in with our 3-4 defense in his blog from today. Any thoughts? Inside scoop?

Check out the list -

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/blog/

Let’s Go Crazy! Let’s Go!

2006-03-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

March Madness is in full swing and Duke Blue Devils beat Boston College to win the ACC title. This is the sixteenth ACC Title for Duke and this was the first ACC tournament for the Boston College Eagles. Coach Kizyzyewski’s Krazies are having a good spring as their team fights for top position.

Frye is not a Rookie Anymore

2006-02-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

Charlie Frye of the Cleveland Browns wants the fans to know he plans to be a stronger quarterback in the 2006 season. His experiences on the field have built his confidence in his ability to win in this league. Frye has a plan for his off-season growth and training.

Punker

2005-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true what you hear about right tackle Mike Verba, he is not friendly and most would describe as a punk. He is a talented athlete at his position but coaches around the league feel he isn’t worth the time to put up with. So with that in mind Verba was given permission by coach Crennel to seek a trade. So don’t be surprised if Verba is not around for long.

Gary Baxter

2005-05-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

Gary Baxter has been getting accustomed to his new team, new uniform, and new contract. After playing with the Baltimore Ravens for some years, coach Romeo Crennel altered Baxter’s views of the next coming years.

Baxter has spent his first four years of his NFL career with the Ravens. He was planning to stay with the Ravens after becoming a free agent, but with the loss of cornerback Anthony Henry, the Browns made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Now Baxter has signed a six-year contract with the Browns. It’s time for him to get used to wearing orange.

Team Report:

2005-05-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

The braintrust has taken pains to bring alive Cleveland as a place with tradition rather than just a place to work, hoping to bridge the disconnection between players and fans. Icon Jim Brown, who played on the city's last major pro sports league title team in 1964, now has an office in the team complex. One of his jobs will be to shape player attitudes. Paul Warfield, another Hall of Famer from the Browns' 1964 title team, is helping with scouting. The former wideout played a role in endorsing WR Braylon Edwards as the No. 3 overall draft pick. Bob Golic, a colorful nose tackle on two AFC finalist teams in the 1980s, has been hired to juice up some of the club's TV productions, including preseason games. Brown in particular commands a lot of locker room respect. . . .

QB Trent Dilfer set a mature tone of leadership as the team headed for spring practice. Dilfer was prepared to mentor a quarterback drafted in the first round, even if that QB would have been a threat to his starting job. Likewise, he has taken third-round pick Charlie Frye under his wing. In some situations, Frye wouldn't have a shot at a starting job until his third pro season. Ironically, Dilfer's willingness to show the ropes could hasten Frye's growth and make him a candidate to start in 2006. Dilfer's most important job, though, isn't baby-sitting Frye. It's bonding with Edwards, and helping to reveal who the other starting wideout should be.

Peter Boulware

2005-05-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Linebacker Peter Boulware, who is currently on free agent status, has been showing interest in starting with the Browns franchise. Just entering free agent status two weeks ago, Boulware has been playing the last four years with the Baltimore Ravens. Ex-Raven cornerback Gary Baxter joined the Browns at the end of March and is hoping his former teammate will join on as well.

“I think he’s looking for a place where can have an impact on the team, number one, and number two, a place that he sees a tangible role. I think he saw that his role was going to change in Baltimore.”
- Browns General Manager Phil Savage

Matt Stewart

2005-05-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Matt Stewart, formerly a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, has joined the Cleveland Browns. With the current plans of Romeo Crennel to change the defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4, Stewart comes prepared. He has the versatility to go to any of the four defensive positions. This is also a return home for Stewart, who originates from Cleveland.

“Matt was somebody that we identified early on in the free agent process as someone we would like to have. He can play either the outside or the inside linebacker position, which will provide us with some versatility as we transition into the 3-4.”
- Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager Phil Savage

HONING THEIR GAMES:

2005-05-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

It's not clear whether the Browns were merely trying to light a fire when they announced 2002 first-round pick William Green could be had in a trade. It's clear a fire was lit. Rather than moping about a plight born of his own missteps, Green has responded with a determined, upbeat attitude. Advised to take film-watching more seriously, he has spent more hours in front of a screen than in his first three Cleveland springs combined. In the past, Green gave lip service to studying defenses, but he seems to understand now that he did far too little in this area. Having seen poor results from relying on instinct, Green is taking a new look at how to use blockers scientifically, in addition to by feel. Green's confidence is bolstered by having a veteran right guard, Cosey Coleman, in front of him. Green needs to hit the hole with more authority than he has, and his new attention to detail should help. Beyond that, Green seems to have his off-field issues in order.

Ben Miller

2005-05-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

After a season-ending ankle injury, Ben Miller is returning to his Browns. Not only has Miller been out last year, he has been out since 2002. Miller has military service through 2 years between 2002 and 2004. After returning, Miller followed suit with his injury.

Miller has currently been participating as a tight end for the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe. This gives him a good chance to reinstate his previously untapped skills for the last three years.

“That’s what great about football, is competing against someone else. This is giving me the opportunity to experience that again before coming back this fall (in Browns training camp). There was quite a bit of rust. I hadn’t played in three years. But I’ve knocked that off by now and I’ll be able to finish the season strong.”
- Ben Miller

2nd Pick

2005-05-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

- from ESPN.com

Pool played in 12 games (mostly on special teams) as a true freshman in 2002. He started 12-of-14 games in 2003 at FS and finished with 68 total tackles, seven interceptions, six pass breakups and nine tackles for loss. As a junior in 2004, Pool led the Sooners with 92 tackles and finished with two interceptions, nine passes broken up and five tackles for loss. Pool lacks elite man-to-man coverage skills and he isn't a huge hitter versus the run. He will need time to develop his technique and he also needs to take fewer chances as a last line of defense. However, he has good speed and athletic ability, as well as natural football instincts instincts. He's a playmaker that is always around the ball versus the run and the pass. He isn't afraid to fill hard versus the run and he has developed into a ballhawk ...

Crennel and Minicamp

2005-05-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Cleveland Browns have commenced their first rookie minicamp. This not only is getting all of the new players associated with the team, but also getting Crennel on terms with being head coach.

Romeo Crennel is starting his head coach gig with the Browns. Even though he has about 35 years of football experience, this is the first time he has been placed as head coach.

All in all, this is a very exciting thing for the Browns. With a new coach always come new strategy and the possibility of improvement. Crennel has an impressive resume of football experience and should be a helpful asset.

Braylon Edwards

2005-04-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the Cleveland Browns

In 44 games with Michigan, Edwards started 36 times. He shattered all of the school's career receiving records. Edwards caught 252 passes for 3,542 yards (14.1 average) and 39 touchdowns, surpassing the previous marks of 176 receptions by Walker (1998-2001) and 3,076 yards and 37 scores by Anthony Carter (1979-82). His 39 touchdown grabs also set a Big Ten all-time record, while his 252 catches rank fourth and 3,542 yards rank third in conference annals.

Jason Fisk

2005-04-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Being a 10-year veteran of the game, Jason Fisk is preparing to move to the Cleveland Browns to assist in the development of the 3-4. The Browns are bringing him in as the centerpiece (nose tackle) of their newly thought out defense. Fisk came to the Browns on account of the Chargers no longer needing him after making a similar switch in their own defensive structure.

“I’ve played nose the majority of my career. It’s a thankless, tough position. Taking on the double-teams and letting linebackers run is no problem for me. It’s a lot of pressure because if the nose breaks down, the run defense breaks down. Running the ball can really control a game and to be effective in this division, we’re going to have to be effective in stopping the run. I play the run primarily. I’m not really pass rusher. I like to get in there, get dirty and stop them.”
- Jason Fisk

SCOUTING REPORT:

2005-04-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

It would have been far easier to assess QB Luke McCown behind the line the Browns intend to field in 2005 than the one with which McCown started four games in December. With the rush on him way too soon after most snaps, McCown showed courage but looked disjointed. This led to a split view in the organization as to whether he could develop into more than a backup. However, he still has the raw overall skills that match or surpass those of all but a few NFL starters, and he is determined to get on top off the requisite mental game. McCown was too impulsive and inconsistent at Louisiana Tech, but as with the 2004 Browns, that was behind a substandard line. The hot-blooded McCown might be a fair-to-good insurance policy behind Trent Dilfer behind an improved line. The Browns might not draft a replacement for McCown on the first day.

Russell’s On

2005-04-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

To update my most recent post, the Minnesota Vikings have turned down the proposal to match Brian Russell’s offer with the Cleveland Brown’s. His induction was made official this past Saturday.

“We’re excited about adding Brian to our defensive backfield. He will bring a veteran presence to us and we feel like there is upside potential with him as a player.”
- Browns General Manager Phil Savage

Browns and Brian Russell

2005-04-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Brian Russell has currently signed an offer sheet with the Cleveland Browns. Currently on unrestricted free agent status, Russell has signed the offer sheet but awaits the next move from his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. The final date for the Vikings to recover him will be April 8th.

Various Stats:

2004: 81 stops / 1 int
2003: 95 tackles / 9 int

Frost and Carter Signing

2005-03-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

- from the official site of the Cleveland Browns

The Browns made three roster moves Monday, re-signing punter Derrick Frost and cornerback Dyshod Carter to one-year contracts and terminating the contract of offensive lineman Kelvin Garmon.

Frost won the Browns' punting job in a training camp batttle last season. He averaged 40 yards per punt on the year.

Carter played in the final five regular season games as a reserve cornerback and also played on special teams, where he recorded five tackles, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble.

Garmon signed with the Browns last spring and started the first eight games at right guard before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Crennel Living Different

2005-03-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Two months after being signed as the Cleveland Brown’s coach, Romeo Crennel is living life differently. Not only has he been getting more attention media-wise, but he also is giving more out.

During his time as an assistant coach under Bill Belichick, Crennel was not even allowed to speak with the media. Now, he has just attended a meeting with all other coaches where everyone’s voice was heard to try to come to unison on certain bylaws of the game.

"This has been interesting, to see a different side of it."
- Romeo Crennel

Chester Taylor Addition...Possibly

2005-03-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

- from the official site of the Cleveland Browns

The Browns confirmed Thursday that they have signed restricted free agent running back Chester Taylor to an offer sheet.

The Ravens have until March 23 to match the Browns' offer and keep Taylor. If the Ravens don't match, the Browns will owe Baltimore their sixth-round pick in next month's draft as compensation.

Taylor (5-foot-11, 213) has been a valuable backup and spot starter for the Ravens the last three seasons. The University of Toledo graduate gained 714 yards on 160 carries and scored two touchdowns last season.

He posted a career-best 139 yards on 23 carries last December against the Bengals. He followed that with a 25-carry, 104-yard day in a win over the Giants the following week.

Taylor, 25, has six career touchdowns, four rushing and two receiving. He also returned kickoffs for Baltimore in 2002-03.

HARD TRUTH:

2005-03-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

- from FOXSports.com

Just as Butch Davis rejected the judgments that were the foundation of his predecessors, Phil Savage is dismissing key conclusions of the Davis regime. That's as it should be, given the Browns' 9-23 record in 2003 and '04. Rather than throwing good money after bad, Savage opted to abandon the hope Gerard Warren and William Green could become cornerstones. Rather than trust that Davis' hand-picked punter, Derrick Frost, can put first-year jitters behind him, Savage signed veteran Kyle Richardson. However, Savage is following the wise practice of committing to holdover players who can help. Notably, he has identified 2004 Davis pick Sean Jones as a possible core player at safety. He sees hope in former second-rounder Chaun Thompson, a Davis reach in 2003, as a pass-rushing LB in a 3-4. Savage's early walk through the Browns' tricky minefield has been impressive. It's OK if you were a Butch Davis guy, if you can play at a fair price. That said, everything rides on Savage's Baltimore Achilles, picking the right long-term quarterback. Trading for Trent Dilfer provides a short-term stopgap, unless Dilfer experiences an epiphany of Rich Gannon proportions. Dilfer was an effective game-manager quarterback in the Ravens' 2000 Super Bowl run, when he started all four playoff games and rode the coattails of the defense. The Browns' 2005 defense is not to be confused with the one powered by Tony Siragusa, Sam Adams, Ray Lewis and Company. The Browns need to draft a passer in Round 1 or 2.

Jeff Uhlenhake joins Browns

2005-03-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

Jeff Uhlenhake has joined the Browns as the assistant offensive line coach. He joins the team after a year stint with the University of Cincinnati.

“Jeff (Uhlenhake) is a young coach who did a good job with the University of Cincinnati program. He has a long relationship with Jeff Davidson and will certainly enhance his efforts with our offensive line.”
- Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel

Uhlenhake began his football career as a player. In his ten years in the NFL, he went from being a fifth-round pick with the Miami Dolphins in 1989 to ending with the Washington Redskins.

Afterwards, Uhlenhake began coaching high school ball, advanced through college ball, and is now with the Browns.

Crennel vs. Garcia

2005-02-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

After one season with the Cleveland Browns, former quarterback Jeff Garcia will be released from the ranks. After the addition of former Patriots’ defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, the Browns’ style will be altered. Garcia is very much on the quick pass side of the spectrum. As we all know from watching the last few Super Bowls, Crennel likes to focus on more play-action and drop-back, not the rollout style of Garcia.

This will give the Browns some cap room. They will still have to lay out $3.75 million for Garcia, but this is $2 million less than they would have had to pay if he had stayed.

Kelly Holcomb, who is the only remaining veteran quarterback, will come to free agent status this March. This puts the Browns in a little bit of a dilemma since Holcomb has not decided whether he will stay or not. But, Crennel is keeping a very positive outlook. Change is good, right?

“We’re going to have to see what happens with Kelly, to see if we can get him back. And whether Garcia not being here makes that any easier or not, no one really knows because free agency is free agency. You’re free. You can do what you want to do.”
- Coach Romeo Crennel

New coach definatley in the talks

2005-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

It seems that with the Patriots being so big these days, they have come to effect us.
From sports.yahoo.com:

Several league sources confirmed to Yahoo! Sports this week that defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will be offered the Cleveland Browns head coaching job after the Super Bowl. In fact, Browns officials attended the AFC championship game and were poised to make that overture then, if the Patriots had lost.

Lets hope that if Crennel is in fact our new coach, he will shine a new [winning] light on to our team. Lets cross our fingers. GO BROWNS!

QB Issues

2005-01-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

Kelly Holcomb showed flare towards the end of the season. Holcomb also showed he has the ability to handle and play in the Cleveland cold. What we also found out is that Jeff Garcia who played in the CFL can not handle the Cleveland winters well at all.

So General Phil Savage has to decide whether or to pay Garcia $4 million dollars in 2005 or get some type of resolve from Holcomb's free agency status or last use the draft for some type of stability for Cleveland quarterback position.

Crennel most Wanted

2005-01-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

It seems like the Niners are not the only team interested in Crennel. The Browns are loving him in Cleveland.
"His stock skyrocketed with the Cleveland people," said the league official, who has knowledge of the interview. "At this point, I'd be very surprised if Romeo doesn't emerge as a head coach after his season is over."
Do we need a defensive mind at work? Maybe we need some one who can rather help put points on the board.

Suggs' big night not enough

2004-12-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

By Zac Jackson, Staff Writer, from Cleveland Browns.com

Olindo Mare’s 51-yard field goal in the closing seconds gave the Dolphins a 10-7 win over the Browns Sunday night at Pro Player Stadium.

Lee Suggs ran for 143 yards on a franchise-record 38 carries, but it wasn’t enough to keep the hard-luck Browns from dropping their ninth straight game.

“He hit one left; he hit one right,” Browns coach Terry Robiskie said. “The more we gave it to him, the more he found his creases.

“We believed if we were going to win the game, Lee would have to win it for us.”

The Dolphins defense stayed strong – the Browns didn’t advance past the Miami 25 in the second half – and Miami created just enough offense to win its second straight game and improve to 4-11.

The Browns slip to 3-12.

Sammy Morris’ 13-yard run to the Browns’ 38 in the final minute was the key play of the Dolphins’ eight-play, 40-yard game-winning drive. Mare’s kick was the 10th game-winner of his career.

The flow of the game was befitting of the Browns’ season: Excitement early, just enough drama in the middle to keep things interesting, and a gut-wrenching ending.

Missed opportunities haunted the Browns. Suggs fumbled at the goal line in the second quarter – the Browns turned the ball over four times in all – and Phil Dawson missed a 43-yard field goal in the third quarter.

Dawson said his kick hit the knob on top of the upright, causing the ball to bounce back into the field of play instead of putting the Browns up by three points.

“It’s a cruel game sometimes,” Dawson said.

The teams traded scores in the first quarter, but no one got on the board again until Mare kicked the game-winner with seven seconds left. The nationally-televised matchup of the Browns’ 28th ranked offense against the Dolphins 30th ranked offense was everything ESPN hoped it wouldn’t but certainly thought it might be.

That’s not to diminish the efforts of Suggs, who carried the full load - literally. William Green didn't play.

“(The carries record) is a great accomplishment,” Suggs said. “But it’s a team game. We didn’t win.”

Jim Brown set the previous franchise record of 37 carries on Oct. 10, 1959, at the Chicago Cardinals. Suggs’ 38 carries also tied the NFL season high, set by Ruben Droughns of the Broncos against the Raiders on Oct. 17.

Suggs ran 13 times for 56 yards in the first quarter and 21 times for 80 yards in the first half. Suggs has now posted back-to-back 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his two-year career; he ran for 105 yards last week against San Diego.

The Dolphins scored first as A.J. Feeley threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Derrius Thompson. The Browns answered with a 58-yard scoring pass from Luke McCown to Dennis Northcutt.

McCown rolled left to avoid Jason Taylor and found Northcutt, who came across the field and made the catch at the 22. He ran untouched into the endzone to complete the play. It was the longest scoring play of McCown’s short career and equaled Northcutt’s previous long.

The Browns converted a pair of third downs – one on a pass to Northcutt and another by penalty – on their final drive, but a sack by David Bowens forced Cleveland to punt at the two-minute warning.

“It was a defensive struggle,” Dolphins coach Jim Bates said. “We gave up too much rushing yardage, but they didn’t have the long run. Their longest run was 13 yards.

“And in the fourth quarter, the defense really came alive.”

A Dismal Season Grows More Dismal

2004-12-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

By Pat McManamon, Editor, from NFL.com

You watch Cleveland Browns games these days and you wonder: What in the world can the Browns do?

I mean, they try and they play and they come up with little plays here and there, but things have deteriorated so bad this dismal season that there's little they can do.

Some teams have luck. The Browns wind up with the officials that can't spot the ball right after a replay.

Three games are left in the season, and you'd kind of wish there were a 10-loss rule like the 10-run rule in kids baseball. Team loses 10 more games than it wins, season's over.

Terry Robiskie admitted that at times in Sunday's 37-7 loss to Buffalo it was "men against boys."

He admitted his team is beaten and whipped.

"Coaches, players, front office," Robiskie said. "We are a beaten group. We are. We are a whipped group.

"But we won't quit fighting."

Robiskie may be criticized for his words, but he's just being honest. This is a drawn-and-quartered team that is severely outmanned. It tries and gives its all, but only has so much to give.

While Ross Verba said he wouldn't be beaten, at least one player agreed with Robiskie.

"We got a lot of room to make excuses," safety Robert Griffith said. "We are definitely a beaten, battered team right now. But what do you do? We got three games left. We can cry all we want to, but come next Sunday guess what we're going to be doing."

Sunday in wintry Buffalo the Browns lost starting center Jeff Faine to an ankle injury, quarterback Jeff Garcia to a knee injury and starting defensive tackle Orpheus Roye to an ankle injury. All were driven off on a cart. Safety Earl Little (hamstring) and tight end Aaron Shea (ankle) were at least able to walk to the somber locker room.

It prompted Robiskie to wonder when all the injuries would end and to say "I don't know" when asked if the Browns could win another game this season.

"I really don't know if we can win another game," he said. "I know we've got a lot of guys that want to. We have a lot of guys that have a lot of heart, a lot of desire. We have a lot of guys that have a lot of fight in them."

What do they say about the size of the fight in the dog? This dog is a tired old hound, and most teams they're playing or have played recently are nasty Dobermans.

Buffalo needed a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. They got one - and ran gadget plays and reverses on punt returns in the second half.

Did the Bills have any feeling for the Browns?

"No," receiver Eric Moulds said. "Because we have been there before."

Men against boys? It showed up in the offense, which totaled 17 yards - the worst in team history. Rookie quarterback Luke McCown had 62 yards passing - but lost 74 yards in sacks. William Green gained five yards on 11 carries and lost a fumble for the second week in a row.

The line gave McCown no protection, and opened few holes for the running game.

It was bad.

"They had Sam Adams in the game, they had London Fletcher in the game, Takeo Spikes, (Jeff) Posey," Robiskie said. "With their group, I just got a sense standing on the sidelines that it was too big for us.

"Me as a coach standing on the sidelines looking, we were running running plays and we couldn't block them on runs. We were running passing plays and we couldn't block them on pass. Third downs we had passes called up and we couldn't pass protect them."

In the third period, Robiskie tried to spark things by putting Jeff Garcia in for McCown. Garcia got sacked and fumbled the ball to the Bills. Garcia and center Jeff Faine both got hurt on the play, when the most experienced lineman on the field - Verba - gave up a sad sack.

It's what the Browns have turned into - the sad sacks of the NFL, and it's tough to watch. Very tough.

That sack Verba gave up - well it shows how when things can go wrong they do. On the play, a pump-and-go, the quarterback is supposed to take a five-step drop. Garcia took a three-step drop. Verba set up for a deeper drop, which allowed Aaron Schobel to cut underneath him and sack Garcia.

That little miscommunication not only led to a sack and fumble and eventually a Buffalo touchdown, but also to injuries to Garcia and Faine.

This three-game stretch has to be close to as low as this franchise - and maybe any franchise - has ever hit. It started with a loss in Cincinnati when the Bengals scored 58 points, continued with a 27-point loss to New England and winds up with a performance in Buffalo that saw the Browns gain 17 yards - worst in team history.

At this point the nice thing to do would be to look forward - except doing that produces very few answers.

The Browns have questions for 2005 at so many positions it's almost mind-boggling. Quarterback, running back, offensive line, offensive line and offensive line are only a few of the areas where decisions are needed. And those come after the decision on the new general manager and coach.

It'll be just a tad busy.

What's starting to come out, though, is lingering bitterness with former coach Butch Davis, who resigned two days after the loss to Cincinnati and walked away with the remaining $12 million due him in his contract.

Safety Earl Little already told the Plain Dealer that Davis quit on the team, and Sunday a few other guys responded to questions by expressing bitterness and frustration at the situation Davis left the coaches and players.

"This is his team," Griffith said. "These are all his guys. You can write whatever you want after that. These are all his guys."

"A coach comes in and tells you not to quit, but it seems like things got rough and he bailed on us," cornerback Daylon McCutcheon said. "I'm not complaining about it because for me I feel like it was a good decision. I don't feel like he was helping us win any more football games.

"I'm glad that we have Terry as our head coach now, but (Davis) didn't leave us in the best situation."

These are not malingerers and malcontents speaking. In fact, Griffith and McCutcheon often were used as examples of the kind of professionals that Davis and the Browns wanted.

Suffice it to say players are angry. Angry at the injuries, angry at the 3-10 record, angry at the lack of depth on the team, angry at the way veterans have been sent packing, angry at the way the team was run and angry at the way things are going in this most dismal of seasons.

Right now, they're playing for each other and for their coaches and for Robiskie, whom they all like and respect, and for their organization.

But what they have is quite simply not good enough.

"Mo-jo is not on our side right not now," Verba said, one of many understatements of this dismal season. "My heart goes out to the fans."

They no doubt appreciate that sentiment.

But come 2005, they'd appreciate some wins more.

Late Pass to Shea Foiled

2004-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

By Steve King, Associate Editor

BALTIMORE – It was a nightmare come true.

The Browns were driving for the tying touchdown in the final minute against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. There was a TD that ensued, all right, but it was the Ravens and not the Browns who scored.

On second-and-goal from the Baltimore 5 with 45 seconds remaining and the Browns trailing 20-13, quarterback Jeff Garcia threw to tight end Aaron Shea at the goal line on a quick slant. The ball went off the hands of the diving Shea and into the those of safety Ed Reed, who played for Browns coach Butch Davis when he was at the University of Miami.

Reed made the interception by grabbing the ball inches off the turf and raced 106 yards – an NFL record – for a TD that made the final score of 27-13.

What also entered into the play was that middle linebacker Ray Lewis, who also played for Davis at Miami, appeared to interfere with Shea. He looked to have his right arm wrapped around Shea’s stomach before the ball got there, but there was no call.

After all, this is Baltimore and Lewis is one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. There isn’t going to be a call in that situation.

“I thought the guy got there early,” Shea said. “If that’s what pass interference is, then it was pass interference.

“The ref didn’t call it, though, so, in reality, it wasn’t interference. They picked it off and ran the other way for a TD. But I still should have caught it. I think I should catch everything that I get my hands on.”

Browns middle linebacker Andra Davis was more decisive with his comments about the play.

“Ray Lewis grabbed Aaron then threw him to the ground,” Davis said. “Everybody saw it. We just didn’t get the call.”

Browns coach Butch Davis also defended Shea, saying, “It’s hard to catch the ball when the guy’s dragging you down.”

Was it interference?

“Yes, but they don’t let me officiate,” the coach said.

It was a shame the game had to end that way. With three gutsy third-down conversions on a 13-yard pass to Frisman Jackson, a four-yard run by Garcia and a 15-yard pass to Antonio Bryant, the Browns had moved from their 41 to the 5 in 11 plays.

Then, after Lee Suggs was stuffed for no gain on first down, they got the matchup they wanted with Lewis on Shea.

“Aaron sold the play to the outside and then had Ray beat going back inside,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out.”

Demotion?

2004-11-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

Some words from nfl.com:

The Browns didn't come off their bye week quietly, as free safety Earl Little made his feelings clear about being demoted in favor of Chris Crocker.

"Is it fair?" Little said Monday. "Honestly, I don't think so."

As proof, Little offered the grade sheets from each game. He held them in his hands, and said they showed he has not been making mental mistakes this season.

To buttress his claim, Little said he made none of the 35 mental errors attributed to the defense in the loss to Philadelphia, had one mental error against Baltimore and none against Cincinnati, when he graded out at 100 percent.

So... what do you think? Who deserves it more?

Going back in time

2004-10-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the first time since 1973 we've rean a 3-0 record at home. Alright.

And how about that 99-yard touchdown pass on Sunday? Hell yeah! That was beautiful.

Offense: 34-17

2004-10-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

It definitely needs improvement, but we pulled through quite strongly this afternoon. Go Browns!

"Respect"

2004-10-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Some words from nfl.com:

So what if a good portion of the starters are out with injuries? Cleveland proved its depth is near the top of the league as the Browns shut down the Redskins 17-13. The offense was led by the return of Lee Suggs, who rushed for a team-high 82 yards and scored the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. His first carry of the season was a 25-yarder, which infused life into the offense. Not to be outdone, the defense came up big by forcing Washington receiver Laveranues Coles to fumble with two minutes remaining to seal the victory. "We just had to have this, we needed a win," said defensive end Kenard Lang. "It's really big. Look at me, I'm smiling now. I'm just happy that we won."

Giants Roll to 27-10 Victory

2004-09-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

From NFL.com,By Zac Jackson, Staff Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Giants offense was sharp against the Browns’ injury-depleted defense, and the Browns offense faltered – again.

The result was a 27-10 Giants victory here Sunday that, for the Browns, was as bad as the final score indicates.

The Browns didn’t score in the first three quarters, converted just 2-of-10 third downs, had three turnovers, lost a touchdown to a holding penalty, and fought an uphill battle all day with an average starting field position of their own 21-yard line.

Giants quarterback Kurt Warner threw for 286 yards against a Cleveland secondary that was without starting cornerbacks Daylon McCutcheon and Anthony Henry. New York running back Tiki Barber ran for 106 yards and a score.

The Browns had the momentum only once, on the first series of the second half, but two plays changed everything.

Trailing 10-0 but driving, Garcia fumbled the snap on first and goal from the New York 5, and Michael Strahan recovered the loose ball.

Barber was then dropped for a loss of four, but a questionable unnecessary roughness penalty on Robert Griffith got the Giants out from the shadows of their own goal line. Griffith hit Tim Carter after Michael Lehan broke up a pass intended for Carter.

There was no helmet-to-helmet contact, but the Giants got 15 yards and a first down –and ended up putting together an 11-play, 95-yard scoring drive that chewed more than six minutes off the clock. Warner’s 1-yard run and Steve Christie’s extra point made it 17-0.

Cleveland got on the board on a 49-yard field goal by Phil Dawson early in the fourth quarter. Dawson’s 17th consecutive successful field goal try made it 17-3.

The Browns had to settle for a field goal after William Green had a 49-yard touchdown run negated by a holding call on Dennis Northcutt 20 yards downfield.

A 3-yard touchdown pass to Quincy Morgan with 3:36 left made it 20-10, but New York’s Jack Brewer recovered the ensuing onside kick, and the Giants marched 41 yards in five plays.

Mike Cloud’s 5-yard run with 2:02 left capped the scoring.

The Giants improved to 2-1, while the Browns fell to 1-2.

A week after throwing three interceptions and compiling a quarterback rating of zero, Garcia finished 21-of-31 for 180 yards. He was sacked four times and threw an interception on a desperation Hail Mary on the final play of the first half.

Another slow start hurt the Browns offense. Cleveland had just one first down in the first quarter and five in the first half. New York outgained the Browns in the first half, 221 to 89.

Warner-to-Amani Toomer passes keyed both of the Giants’ touchdown drives. They hooked up for a 47-yarder in the first quarter – Barber scored from eight yards out on the next play – and for 38 yards on the game-deciding drive in the third quarter.

Two plays later, Warner scored his first rushing touchdown since he quarterbacked the Rams in the Super Bowl against the Patriots in January 2002.

Go Browns!

Cleveland Rocks (argh?)!

2004-09-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

So how about that Jeff Garcia? Not a bad debut: 15 of 24 for 180.

And I bet all those Ravens fans were expecting Jamal Lewis to tear through our defense, but, alas, he did not: we held him to 57, count 'em, 57 yards. Suck on that, Baltimore!

"Some Signs of Progress"

2004-09-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

From their official site:

Jeff Garcia completed only 5-of-13 passes, but did throw his first touchdown pass of the season in helping Cleveland beat visiting Chicago 24-10. Garcia's 37-yard strike to Andre' Davis put Cleveland ahead 7-0. "It was nice to end on a scoring drive," Garcia said. "We needed to get the ball in the end zone to have any sort of positive feel about today's game." Then backups Kelly Holcomb and Luke McCown exploited a depleted Bears secondary. McCown threw touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to Andre King and Richard Alston to break a 10-10 tie. However, Cleveland fumbled four times (but lost none) and gave back 60 yards on nine penalties. The defense registered four sacks and held the Bears to 202 total net yards. Cleveland will begin the 2004 regular season Sept. 12 at home against Baltimore.

Let it begin!!

Tick-tock, tick-tock

2004-08-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

The real season is... oh so close. So, let's see about news:
'Looks like Mr. Thompson might be back in the game-hopefully today's practice went well and he can play on Friday against Chicago.

In other news: Casey Wiegmann is a sorry son-of-a-bitch. The whistle was blown and he slams Westmoreland with his friggin' elbow: that's cheap, real cheap. "Caught up in the moment" he says. I'm not buying that line. I hope the league slaps him with a huge fine.

Just 23 Days Until the Season Opens!

2004-08-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

Our first battle is against Baltimore. The guys are gearing up for the real season. Apparently, Garcia has many suggestions for improvement, and there's definitely time to make those changes. I'm curious to see what happens with these next three Preseason games.

Da Browns

2004-08-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I need to come up with some fresh material, but I'm busy and am not willing to expend the energy before the real football begins. Soon, my creative writing will be here for all to observe... until then, this is from their official website:

The Browns have established through two preseason games and a scrimmage that their offensive line can do a pretty good of run blocking.

But what about the pass protection?

That’s the big question concerning the first-team line – and, in many respects, even the team overall – heading into Saturday night’s preseason game at Kansas City. It’s the thing that probably most concerns Butch Davis, offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie and the rest of the offensive staff.

After quarterback Jeff Garcia got sacked on two of the Browns’ first three plays in the preseason-opening loss at Tennessee, the line had nowhere to go but up. To its credit, the line responded by showing improvement, as Garcia was sacked just once Saturday.

But the pass blocking is by no means a finished product.

“Oh, yeah, our protection was much better the other night than it was against Tennessee,” left tackle Ross Verba said before practice Monday as the Browns returned from a day off and started getting ready for the Chiefs. “Any time you give up two sacks on the first possession, it’s like, ‘Oh, no.’ But we settled down after that first drive, and now we’re just trying to build on it.”

The building process has been hurt by the fact the Browns have had a revolving-door situation at left guard. First it was Chad Beasley and then Enoch DeMar. Now it’s Paul Zukauskas, who started in last Saturday's 17-10 triumph over the Detroit Lions and is expected to get the nod once more against the Chiefs.

Maybe more than any other position area on the team, the offensive line needs time to mesh and develop. But because of all the changes at guard, that’s been a virtual impossibility.

Man, it hurt to watch... like a friggin' train wreck

2004-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

"Fearsome backs"

2004-07-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

From nfl.com:

It's clearly the most intriguing storyline heading into the Browns' 2004 training camp. And no matter how the Lee Suggs-William Green scenario eventually plays out, the Browns believe they're in a win-win situation. Suggs was last seen spinning, darting, and dashing his way through the Bengals' defense en route to a 168-yard, two-TD day in the 2003 regular season finale. Green had a monstrous finish to his rookie season in 2002, helping the Browns make the playoffs, then posted two 100-yard games last season before injury and off-field issues brought his season to a premature end. Throw RB James Jackson in the mix and the Browns have themselves a formidable backfield trio. "I'm a starting running back in the NFL and I've been dreaming about it since I was about six years old," Suggs said. "Now, that I've got the chance, I'm going to do everything I can to keep it."

Sure, maybe I can be considered lazy for pulling directly from nfl.com... perhaps that consideration deserves consideration... I just want to keep this blog going until the season heats up. Cleveland rocks! Argh!

Yeah, so how 'bout them Browns, eh?

2004-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

So what if there's not much to say right now, they're still my favorite team. Hell, I do just about everything while wearing a Brown's jersey: just ask my wife! She's always like "honey, that just isn't romantic" and I'm like "shut ya trap, your cellulite ain't romantic either, but you don't hear me complainin'."* Women. When I want good conversation, I go to my relaxed blood-hound: ole Izzy doesn't mind my beer drinking, cigar smoking, or cussing... and she certainly doesn't care about my choice of clothing.

*so maybe I don't say that, but I definitely think that, and after a few beers I'll probably accidently say something along those lines, which will most likely lead to me sharing Izzy's sleeping space for a night.

New Browns page

2004-07-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

This page will be dedicated to the Cleveland Browns once it gets off the ground. For now, we're still under construction. Check back soon!!!