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Expectation, not desperation, is Browns' companion as training camp opens
by Tony Grossi
Saturday July 19, 2008, 11:34 PM

The Browns training camp that kicks off with its first open practice on Wednesday is like none other in recent memory.

There's no quarterback controversy, no scramble to field five healthy offensive linemen, no high-round draft pick holdout to occupy the headlines.

Coach Romeo Crennel won't be presiding over any coin tosses to decide starting positions. Most, if not all, are fairly obvious.

"Really, the biggest questions we're going to face is sorting our [roster] numbers," said General Manager Phil Savage. "Will we keep five or six defensive linemen, five or six receivers, three or four tight ends, nine or 10 linebackers?"

It's a sign of the team's growth.

Having been tabbed by the NFL as a team to watch in 2008, the Browns must adjust to high expectations and newfound notoriety. Their training camp will be a popular destination for members of the national football media.

The big issues as camp opens are health and acquiring a veteran cornerback.

Receiver Joe Jurevicius and offensive lineman Ryan Tucker will begin camp nursing injuries. Jurevicius could miss all of preseason -- and some regular-season games -- after needing a third surgical procedure this month to clean out a staph infection in his right knee. Tucker is expected to be ready sometime in August after having hip surgery in June.

As for cornerback, Savage has to decide how long to wait for a veteran to become available. He can trade for one or sign one released from another team.

"I feel pretty good about our depth overall," Savage said. "The cornerback thing is something ongoing. That's a position we're watching closely."

The key battles

1. No. 3 wide receiver

Candidates: Josh Cribbs, Kevin Kasper, Travis Wilson, Paul Hubbard (rookie), Syndric Steptoe, Steve Sanders.

Analysis: Joe Jurevicius was third in the NFL last season with 29 receptions on third downs (Kellen Winslow had 24, Braylon Edwards 19), so this is a critical role to fill until he returns. Cribbs really is a specialty player and may not be an official candidate for the full-time job. He's more of an insurance policy if nobody steps forward. Kasper is a well-traveled veteran who's been with five teams in four years and also spent two complete seasons out of the NFL. Still, his 24 career receptions are 22 more than all the remaining candidates. After two disappointing years, Wilson needs a good camp to make the team. Hubbard was drafted for his size (6-2 and 225 pounds). He is still learning the position after walking on at Wisconsin as a track athlete. Steptoe and Sanders have the benefit of learning the offense on the practice squad last year.

2. No. 4 cornerback

Candidates: Jereme Perry, A.J. Davis, Mil'von James (r), Damon Jenkins (r), Gerard Lawson (r).

Analysis: The first two weeks of this battle may determine whether the Browns overpay in a trade for a cornerback or wait for scraps from roster cuts. Perry has a big edge because he's the only one with NFL experience. He played in 12 games for the Browns in 2006 and preserved a win in Atlanta with a recovery of a late fumble by Michael Vick. Davis, a fourth-round draft pick of Detroit in 2007, spent the majority of the season on the Browns' practice squad. James and Lawson were signed as undrafted rookies. James started opposite Eric Wright at Nevada-Las Vegas in 2006. At Oregon State, Lawson was also an accomplished special teamer. Jenkins, of Fresno State, won a roster spot in a minicamp tryout.

3. Backup defensive linemen

Candidates: Louis Leonard, Melila Purcell, Chase Pittman, Ahtyba Rubin (r), Damon Jenkins (r).

Analysis: A maximum of two spots are available behind Corey Williams, Shaun Rogers, Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith. Rubin might be the only natural nose tackle on the roster and was championed by several Browns scouts prior to the draft. His presence means Leonard needs a big camp to win a roster spot. Purcell and Pittman were late-round picks in 2007. Both needed to beef up to play end in the 3-4. Purcell added 10 pounds and now is listed at 296. Pittman added 25 pounds to reach 300.

4. Nos. 3 and 4 tight ends

Candidates: Martin Rucker (r), Darnell Dinkins, Kolomona Kapanui (r), Brad Cieslak.

Analysis: Rucker would have to bust out not to make the final roster. Keeping a fourth tight end is probable, but not guaranteed. Dinkins has been the third tight end for two years, but the team was not happy with his penalties on special teams. Kapanui was a fairly prolific pass catcher for two years at West Texas A&M. Cieslak finished 2007 on Browns practice squad.

Brandon McDonald (22) had his moments for the Browns last season, but will he be able to hold up as a starter across from Eric Wright?

Relevant questions

1. Can Brandon McDonald make people forget Leigh Bodden?

Grossi's take: The second-year cornerback filled in well as a rookie, but defending starting wideouts over a full season is a greater challenge.

2. How critical is the return of Ryan Tucker?

Grossi's take: Expected back in August after fracturing a hip prior to minicamp, he could still be one of the five best linemen and is the only proven tackle behind the starters.

3. How will the coaches divide playing time for Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn?

Grossi's take: Expect each to start two preseason games. Anderson's starting spot won't be challenged, but Quinn needs to play with the first team, too.

4. How will the defensive front shake out?

Grossi's take: The top four will share three starting spots with Shaun Smith and Shaun Rogers playing nose and end.

5. What role on offense will be defined for Josh Cribbs?

Grossi's take: They're preparing a special package of plays, but they don't want to over-use him because he is a rare impact player on special teams.

6. Which returning player has the most to gain with a good preseason?

Grossi's take: Inside linebacker Andra Davis took a paycut to stay. He possibly could earn a new contract by elevating his game this year.

7. What's in store in Year 3 for Jerome Harrison?

Grossi's take: The running back may earn more playing time, but the coaches know that Jamal Lewis needs 20-plus carries a game to be most effective.

8. What can Gary Baxter contribute?

Grossi's take: He could be a backup safety and have a role in "dime" coverages, but his days at cornerback appear to be over.

Roadell Hickman/The Plain DealerMuch as he did in New England with teammate Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth will be asked to help defenses pay for double-teaming the Browns' Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards.
Other newcomers to watch

1. Donte' Stallworth, receiver

Grossi's take: He was miscast early in his career as a No. 1 receiver. Here, coaches expect him to be a plus in yards after catch -- something the Browns weren't particularly good at last year.

2. Beau Bell, inside linebacker

Grossi's take: The fourth-round draft pick from Nevada-Las Vegas is expected to be an immediate core player on special teams. How soon he contributes on defense is a mystery.

3. Alex Hall, pass rusher

Grossi's take: The seventh-round pick is trying to jump from Division II college football to the NFL. There's a spot for him if he can rush the passer like he did at St. Augustine College.

4. Travis Thomas and Austin Scott, running backs

Grossi's take: One of these two undrafted free agents will stick on the practice squad and be groomed as a candidate to succeed Lewis down the road.

Cleveland Browns and other NFL teams dealing with smaller rosters for 2008 training camps

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter


What do you think is General Manager Phil Savage's great est concern as Browns training camp kicks off Wednesday?

The still-thin cornerback situation? The absence of a proven runner behind Jamal Lewis? Receiver Joe Jurevicius' lingering staph infection?

All are reasons for Savage to fret. But his biggest worry is that his camp roster isn't big enough. And he's not alone among NFL GMs.

Training-camp rosters are one thing in sports that have been consistently shrinking. In the 1980s, it was routine for teams to bring 100 or more players to camp.

Expansion in the 1990s diluted the player pool and roster limits gradually came down to 80. But it was a "soft" cap. For 15 years, teams would get roster exemptions for players loaned to spring developmental league NFL Europe. That would enable teams to carry 85 to 90 players in training camp, counting the players returning from the spring league.

NFL Europe was extinguished by team owners last August because it wasn't making money. Now the 80-player roster is a hard cap. It can't be exceeded.

The Browns' 80-player roster for the opening of camp will not include Jurevicius and offensive lineman Ryan Tucker. Both will open the summer on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Jurevicius is struggling to defeat a staph infection in his right knee and likely will miss all of camp. If so, he would begin the season on the PUP list and then be lost for a minimum of six weeks and probably more.

Tucker is out after having hip surgery in June. He is expected to return to practice sometime in August.

So that means two of the Browns' 30 or so key players will miss at least the first two weeks of camp. And don't forget that cornerback Daven Holly is out for the year after knee surgery.

"I think that's the biggest concern - we won't have three at the start," Savage said. "You just don't want to wear your team out in July and August. That's the thing you worry about the most."

Some coaches already have talked about reducing practices to keep players from fatigue and injury. Browns coach Romeo Crennel has scheduled 10 two-a-day sessions this summer - up a couple from last year - but it's possible he will shorten or eliminate some of them.

Another way teams are feeling the pinch of the hard 80-player limit is how they allocate their roster. For the first time in memory, the Browns have only three quarterbacks in camp - Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn and Ken Dorsey.

Over the course of camp, they can expect to throw upwards of 300 passes apiece. And that doesn't include the four preseason games.

"We've talked about it a lot . . . a lot," Savage said. "We're going to monitor it. The fourth arm basically is used for drills, and we feel we have enough coaches and ballboys to handle that."

For the record, the Browns head into camp with their active 80-player roster divided this way: 15 defensive backs (cornerbacks and safeties), 13 offensive linemen, 12 linebackers, 10 defensive linemen, 10 wide receivers, six tight ends, five running backs, three quarterbacks, two fullbacks, two kickers, one punter and one long snapper.

Going fast:

Some readers have noted the Browns' advertising blitz to sell single-game tickets and wondered if more tickets than usual became available this year.

Bill Bonsiewicz, club spokesman, said the opposite is true.

"I would say they are becoming increasingly more limited," he said.

Bonsiewicz said tickets remain available for the New York Jets (Thursday, Aug. 7) and Chicago Bears (Thursday, Aug. 28) preseason games, and for regular-season games against Denver (Thursday, Nov. 6) and Cincinnati (Dec. 21).

Cornerback hunt:

Savage said he has had discussions with a couple of teams regarding a trade for a cornerback. He'd like to barter a player rather than a draft choice, but each team is weighing its roster and is unwilling to pull the trigger before camps open.

One player still available but seemingly not in the mix is Philadelphia's Lito Sheppard. He recently switched agents, hiring Drew Rosenhaus, in hopes of getting a new contract - either with the Eagles or with a new team.

Sheppard has four years to go on a contract that pays him $2 million this season. After signing Asante Samuel in free agency, the Eagles would like to unload Sheppard, who has missed 16 games because of injuries the past three years.

Rosenhaus, who is in town attending the Kellen Winslow football camp, said on Saturday that he has not received permission from the Eagles to hunt for a trade partner.

The Eagles asked for a high second-round pick for Sheppard prior to the draft. They may raise their demand now to a first-rounder. Sheppard was a first-round pick in 2002.

The Eagles answered Savage's prayers in 2006 by giving him center Hank Fraley for a seventh-round pick. It's doubtful they would help the Browns now at cornerback.

Inflation:

Would you rather have Brady Quinn or Joe Flacco at quarterback? The Ravens, who tried but failed to trade into the first round for Quinn last year, drafted Flacco with the No. 18 overall pick out of Delaware this year. They're also paying him more than the Browns are paying Quinn. Flacco reportedly signed a five-year deal that could reach $30 million, with $8.75 million guaranteed. Quinn, the 22nd pick last year, got $7.75 million guaranteed with a maximum of $20.2 million.

Marla Marla Marla...Tsk Tsk...

CAMP QUANDARY

No quarterback controversy this time, but some questions remain

By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sportswriter

Published on Sunday, Jul 20, 2008

When the Browns open training camp Wednesday, there will be one notable absence.

A quarterback controversy.

Since the franchise returned in 1999, most summers have been consumed by the question, ''Who will take the first snap from center on opening day?''

Couch vs. Detmer, Couch vs. Holcomb, Frye vs. Anderson vs. Quinn. Even in the years when a newcomer such as Jeff Garcia or Trent Dilfer was brought in to take over, there was an underlying sense of dissatisfaction — Garcia with coach Butch Davis' offensive scheme, Dilfer with his role as a mentor to Charlie Frye.

But when Derek Anderson signed a three-year, $26 million contract with $14.5 million guaranteed, the Browns committed to Anderson in 2008. Brady Quinn, the Notre Dame star drafted in the first round in 2007, will be the backup for another year, barring injury.

Going into his fourth pro season, Anderson has everything a quarterback could ask for — an outstanding offensive line, a 1,300-yard rusher in Jamal Lewis, two big receiving threats in Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow and coordinator Rob Chudzinski, so active in dreaming up new wrinkles that Anderson deemed him a ''mad scientist.''

So there will be no controversy when the Browns hit the fields in Berea for 28 practices during 19 days of camp.

But there might be a quarterback quandary.

Will Anderson take a majority of the snaps to get sharp? Or will coach Romeo Crennel be cautious to keep him healthy? A case can be made that Anderson needs work. He could have wrestled the job from since-traded Frye in last year's camp, but failed to throw a preseason touchdown.

Or will Crennel give more practice and preseason game time to Quinn? As a rookie, he held out, missing 11 days, then took only 10 snaps in the regular season.

Will the Browns think only about the Sept. 7 opener against the Dallas Cowboys and put aside the decision they must
make between Anderson and Quinn in early 2009? Will they be content to evaluate Quinn strictly off limited practice and preseason film if Anderson stays injury-free for the second consecutive year?

Only a select few know the answers. Those scenarios might not have been discussed at length. Going into camp, Crennel surely will be more worried about his inexperienced cornerbacks than his talented quarterbacks.

Rich Gannon, the 2002 NFL Most Valuable Player as quarterback of the Oakland Raiders and now an analyst for CBS, thinks that Quinn will get the majority of the preseason time.

''Since they know who the starter is, usually the guy who gets the bulk of the work is the second guy,'' Gannon said by phone Thursday. ''You want to protect the starter. That allows a player like Brady to get a lot of work. The guy needs to play. You need to find out how he's going to respond. It's almost impossible to duplicate the tempo, the speed and the confusion of the game in practice.

''From the offseason training activities, quarterback school, minicamps, you're going to get a pretty good feel of where he is coming out of training camp.''

Considering Anderson led the team to a 10-5 record during a 10-6 season, threw 29 touchdown passes (one shy of Brian Sipe's record), went to the Pro Bowl and became a millionaire, he should be more relaxed about the situation. Anderson spent the offseason trying to improve throwing to his left, his touch on the short pass and his accuracy.

Quinn, who had been a starter since Game 4 of his freshman year at Notre Dame, is still telling himself there's a competition. The Browns are going to camp with only three quarterbacks, with five-year veteran but little-used Ken Dorsey as the third.

Quinn said he wasn't curious about his preseason playing time.

''Looking forward to whatever reps I get,'' he said in June. ''I'm sure it will be more than during last regular season.''

As far back as January, Browns General Manager Phil Savage was asked how he could project Quinn's starting skills from what little he has seen.

''One thing that we know about Brady is that he has some inherent leadership qualities,'' Savage said then. ''He has a great work ethic. He's a gym rat. He's got a lot of qualities you're looking for in a quarterback. We're excited about it.''

When he received a contract extension in May, Savage said drafting Quinn ''in a dramatic way'' was one of his proudest transactions. He didn't mention snatching Anderson from the Baltimore Ravens when they tried to sneak him through waivers in September 2005.

What will happen in the regular season is also anyone's guess. Several first-round draft choices have been forced to wait. Carson Palmer sat for a year behind Jon Kitna with the Cincinnati Bengals. Steve McNair started only six games in his first two years while the Houston Oilers went with Chris Chandler. Like Quinn, Philip Rivers probably blew a chance to start with the San Diego Chargers with a 2004 holdout, then rode the bench for two years when Drew Brees seized the opportunity.

''While Derek Anderson had a real solid year a year ago, in my opinion, he's on a fairly short leash,'' Gannon said. ''If they lose a couple games, and he doesn't play well, you know how fans are and not just in Cleveland. They're going to be pulling for the other guy. That's the situation Cleveland hopes doesn't happen, but it very well could.

''They'll try to find a way to get Brady some playing time, whether it's in games you have under control or games going in the other direction.''

Gannon knows unless you're coaching New England or Indianapolis, that's easier said than done.

What seems unusual about the Browns' situation is that usually the first-round pick wins out. Another season of big numbers from Anderson will break that trend. But Gannon leans toward Quinn for the Browns' long term.

''I think Brady Quinn has got a future in Cleveland,'' Gannon said. ''They felt strongly about him; they picked him in the first round. He's in probably as good a situation as there can be. He's on an up-and-coming team that's really turned the corner. When he finally does get to play, he'll be fine.''

Thousands of fans will come to camp wearing Quinn's jersey. But being the people's choice or the analysts' choice will have nothing to do with it.

Being a first-round pick might not, either.

The time spent between Quinn and Wilson will be a huge advantage for travis to earn that 3rd receiver spot. Also something to keep in mind for the Quinn faithful. Derek hasnt looked good in any preseason game that i can remember. Brady was pretty flawless last year in preseason. The perfect storm could be brewing for Brady and I am a huge DA fan.

Dinkins imho is a goner. He just doesnt bring enough to the table. If u need an extra blocker use a linemen. If u need a receiver use someone that can catch and if u need special teams there are lots of linebackers that are faster and wont be getting flagged over and over.

running back i think we are going to see much more of Harrison this year especially early in the year when the heat is up and u want to save a bit of lewis for later in the year.

OL honestly i dont know if Tucker can win back his starting job at RG. Teams generally dont like to position themselves to where they have to make major change if one player goes down. With tuck playing RG you are in danger of having your left tackle get hurt and replaced by your RT and your RG moving to RT. If its an even fight Hadnot will get the nod at RG.

DL the plan of playing Rogers at end really opens the door for Rubin. It will be his job to lose as the 5th man.

Linebacker is going to be the hot box as far open competition. Wimbley and DQ should have 2 starting spots but the other 2 is wide open. Leon played well against the pass but struggled against the run but his speed should finally translate better to the NFL game with a better front 3 opening actual lanes. Outside may the best linebacker win and dont be surprised if a dark horse emerges to beat out last years incumbents.

Corner to much talk about trades. Folks the Browns had already replaced Bodden before last year ended with McDonald and Holly was set to move full time to the slot. Now we have Cousins who is in fact a good slot guy but his job may not be safe either with James, lawson and Jenkins. Keep your eye on Jenkins the kid has natural corner skills but needs polish.

I completely forgot Baxter was still here

Good stuff, Mour...

Re: Quinn/DA... Anything BQ accomplishes in the pre-season and in camp is gravy, IMO. I hope he lights it up, continuing to improve on what he has shown. I also hope the same for DA. No matter what happens, I feel really good about this position. I do hope Wilson steps up big time.

Dinkins? Yeah, no room at the inn.

Re: Harrision... if he makes it to active status, maybe... I know we'd all like to see it, but the fact is, Jamal was the Hog last year and took all the significant carry time with no regard for saving him for later. The only reason Wright got significant time and Harrison got any time at all was because Jamal was hurt for a couple games. Now maybe Harrison shows up on STs and gets activated every game and that opens up some options for Chud to game plan for him. Then we could see some "specialty" or situations plays in the beginning to give the kid a shot. If he does well, then yeah, we probably will see more of him.

I'm pretty sure you didn't mean to say we are in danger of our LT getting hurt because Tucker is at RG, but are you saying Hadnot is a better choice over Tucker to move to RT if the LT goes down? If so, why do you say this? Just curious.

LBs: Wimbley & Peak at the outside, Davis/Leon & DQ on the inside... IMO Beau Bell is inside by the end of the year. Whose your dark horse on the outside? Shante Orr, Griffin? Or Alex Hall?

Corners... I think we'll trade if there's something out there Savage feels really good about, to shore up experience and depth, but don't think he'll pull the trigger just to add a guy. I'm really curious to see what happens here during/after camp.

j/c...

Revamped secondary a camp concern for Browns

2007 season recap
Cleveland rocks: The Browns weren't expected to contend in 2007, but they came oh-so-close to making the playoffs. The team found its starting quarterback in Derek Anderson, finished 10-6 and lost only one game at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Training camp
Location: Berea, Ohio
Dates: July 27-Aug. 23
Official Site: www.clevelandbrowns.com

Key camp questions

Can Jamal Lewis repeat his 2007 performance?

Bringing in Lewis from Baltimore last season proved to be a wise move, as he was the reason the Browns' running attack was one of the 10 best in the league. Lewis missed two games and still finished with 1,304 yards and 9 touchdowns. He'll be 29 when the season opens and the Browns hope he'll be a big part of their balanced, effective offense in 2008. Lewis likely won't see a lot of time in camp, and with little experience behind him, the Browns will have to see what they have in Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison, who combind for just 83 carries last season.

Did the Browns' defense line improve enough to make a difference?

Given the Browns' success last year despite owning the league's 30th-ranked defense, Cleveland's front office must feel the Browns are ready to make a deep playoff run. The club made two key (and costly) moves in the offseason to bolster a line that gave up nearly 130 yards per game on the ground, acquiring DT Corey Williams from Green Bay and Pro Bowl DT Shaun Rogers from Detroit. Getting those two acclimated to a new system is on the camp's to-do list.

Will the young corners come out of camp game-ready?

In order to get Williams, the Browns had to trade CB Leigh Bodden, one of the bright spots for the secondary in 2007. Daven Holly, expected to start this season, was placed on IR after injuring his knee in May, and the team released veteran Kenny Wright after a run-in with the law. The Browns will rely on two second-year men, Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, to anchor the cornerback spots and 12-year veteran Terry Cousin to add depth.

Key position battle

No. 3 WR -- Joe Jurevicius vs. himself: The job is Jurevicius' to lose, as he had 50 receptions and 3 TDs last year. But the 33-year-old underwent another knee operation in late June, an ailment that will likely land him on the Browns' PUP list to start the season, meaning he would miss the first six games. That leaves the door open for Josh Cribbs, Travis Wislon and lanky rookie Paul Hubbard to vie for playing time behind starters Braylon Edwards and newly acquired Donte' Stallworth.

Rookie spotlight

LB Beau Bell: The Browns aren't interested in re-building -- so they traded their top three picks and chose linebacker Beau Bell in the fourth round -- a possible steal since other teams passed him up because he suffered a knee injury at the Senior Bowl. The UNLV product will have a chance to develop as an ILB in Cleveland's defensive scheme.

On the spot

GM Phil Savage: His team's situation is completely reversed compared to last year. The organization put the hopes of the franchise on Derek Anderson, signing him to a huge contract. Then the front office spent a lot of time convincing Browns fans it was the right decision. Some fans are still unsure about Anderson's ability. The NFL has no doubt -- they gave him five games in primetime in 2008. The Browns won't only be in the spotlight, they'll be under the microscope when camp opens in Berea.

Fantasy focus

WR Braylon Edwards: Edwards broke out with 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2007, so it’s no surprise to see him ranked among the fantasy elite at his position. Once Randy Moss and Terrell Owens are off the board, Edwards will be one of the next wideouts drafted.

NFL.com

Nice having quality depth to see here. As opposed to having any nimber of utility linemen able to play any number of down positions poorly or at best marginally well. Take a long view on the season: many will improve over the first few weeks. Still believe we gotta get a cutthroat corner as well, a proven vet. But you play what you got, right. Hope they don't get media stoopid and listen to all the hype and expectation. Play ball boys!

Let's go Efrem Hill, #5 official pimp baby!

Why isn't anyone talking about our rookies not being signed yet? what gives? we have no first 3 round picks why aren't we done with 2 days left before camp starts?

I bet everyone here has been a Browns fan for more than a year, probably more than 2 years, I"d even say probably more than since 99 so come on.

Everybody knows that bad news is just around the corner, Seriously there hasn't been a year in how long, well long enough when the Bronws don't lose SIGINIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS to injury in the time leading from NOW to the 3rd pre-season game. Already mentioned above theire are J,J, Holly and ? , Tucker, Already injured.

The big question is will the Browns make it to Thursday Evening without a significant injury, I doubt it, I've watched this team before. Look eh, the Bears had a, No the Redskins had an injury on the first practice of camp already this week, And the Browns had one a couple, 3 years ago with Center ? forget his name, whatever, he had no plays in pre-season, regular season, or post season games, but the news reports listed the line as needing him.

So what if the Rookies sign, their 4th and 5th round picks they play second tier posiitions and any 6th 7th or FA's aren't going to make the team probably.

Thomas, Steinback Fraley McKinney Schaffer
Thomas Steinback Fraley McKinney Schaffer,
Thomas Steinback Fraley Mckinney Schaffer, it wasn't me, it was the Browns radio host post game of the Bengals home game last season when the Browns put up like 500 yards and were able to win by a few.

3 years ago sure, but since the start of last year I don't think Tucker is one of the top 6 O L at least that I"m hoping in to make plays, but thats just me.


the Browns , #1 are they trying to be the First team to 100 Staph infections how is that possible, wha, ##$%^ frustration Where do they freaking take these people to get medical work done. What do they freaking use dirty knives.

This is like a ten year long problem Ten years .

We have, Regular season, no playoffs, off season, and this is the start of pre season, aka injury season.

face it the Browns couldn't take a field trip to the mall in the next two days without somebody getting injured, its the same old story and whats to watch.


I'm going to hold off my hopes until the roster cuts due to injury shake up and after about week 3 of pre-season hope they get ready for game 1 of the regular season for the first time since 99.

Here Mister Pessimist...

According to a member of the CAA team representing fourth-round pick Martin Rucker, the two sides are close to reaching a deal and should reach an official accord at some point tomorrow. Barring the obligatory "snag that could crop up in any negotiation", the CAA member said.

However, that being said, no obstacles are expected in the talks between Rucker's camp and the Browns which would prevent a deal being consummated within the next 24 hours.

Rucker's deal will be for four years, and will contain guaranteed money in the neighborhood of $500,000, The Orange & Brown Report has learned.

The tight end out of Missouri is scheduled to fly into Cleveland tomorrow, where it's expected he will sign his rookie deal and take a physical.

http://cle.scout.com/2/771029.html

Browns picks expected to sign before camp
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Browns, one of five NFL teams without a single draft pick signed, added a player and subtracted two Monday.

They signed defensive end Christian Mohr as an international practice-squad player. He will remain on their practice squad all season but, per NFL rules, will not count toward the 80-player training camp roster or the eight-player practice squad.

The team also waived defensive back Justin Sandy and defensive end Zach West.
Advertisement

The Browns have their first training camp practice Wednesday. They are expected to get their five draft picks under contract by then.

- Tony Grossi

Wow,, who took a wee wee in your Wheaties today

You are pretty pessimistic there bud..

GO have a beer and relax..

How many people are on the practice squad all season? Is it just those 8 and Mohr?
It reads as if there's a bunch of people on the practice squad during the reg. season but only 8 are listed on the roster.

I know the training camp roster is completely different--that's not an issue.

ARTICLE XXXIV



PRACTICE SQUADS

Section 1. Practice Squads: For each regular season commencing with the 1993 League Year, the League may elect in accordance with this Article to establish practice squads not to exceed five (5) players per Club.

Section 2. Signing With Other Clubs: Any player under contract to a Club as a practice squad player shall be completely free to negotiate and sign a Player Contract with any Club at any time during the League Year, to serve as a player on any Club’s Active or Inactive List, and any Club is completely free to negotiate and sign such a Player Contract with such player, without penalty or restriction, including, but not limited to, Draft Choice Compensation between Clubs or First Refusal Rights of any kind, or any signing period, except that such player shall not be permitted to sign a Player Contract with another Club to serve as a practice squad player while under contract as a practice squad player.

Section 3. Salary: Minimum salary for a practice squad player shall be $3,300 per week for the 1993-97 League Years, $3,650 per week for the 1998-99 League Years, $4,000 per week for the 2000-02 League Years, and $4,350 for the 2003-04 League Years, including post‑season weeks in which his Club is in the playoffs, provided however, that no player who was on a practice squad in the 1992 season shall be paid less than the minimum practice squad salary for that season.

*Extension Agreement 2/25/98

Section 4. Eligibility:

(a) The practice squad shall consist of the following players, provided that they have not served more than one previous season on a Practice Squad: (i) players who do not have an Accrued Season of NFL experience; and (ii) free agent players who were on the Active List for fewer than nine regular season games during their only Accrued Season(s). No player may be a practice squad player for more than two seasons.

*Extension Agreement 2/25/98



(b) A player shall be deemed to have served on a Practice Squad in a season if he has passed the club’s physical and has been a member of a club’s Practice Squad for at least three regular season or post-season games (a bye week counts as a game provided that the player is not terminated until after the regular season or post-season weekend in question).

*Extension Agreement 2/25/98



* If a player on the Practice Squad of one club (Club A) signs an NFL Player Contract with another club (Club B),

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(1) the player shall receive three weeks salary of his NFL Player Contract at the 53-player Active/Inactive List minimum even if he is terminated by Club B prior to earning that amount, and (2) Club B is required to count the player on its 53-player Active/Inactive List for three games (a bye week counts as a game) even if he is terminated or assigned via waivers to another club or is signed as a free agent to another club’s 53-player roster or another club’s Practice Squad prior to that time. If the player is terminated from Club B’s 53-player roster and signed to Club B’s Practice Squad, he shall continue to count on the club’s 53-player Active/Inactive List but shall not count against the five-player Practice Squad limit until the three-game requirement has been fulfilled. If a player is terminated prior to the completion of the three-game period and is signed to Club B’s Practice Squad or is signed or assigned to another club’s 53-player roster or Practice Squad, any salary (as that term is defined in Article XXIV, Section 1(c)) that he receives from any NFL club applicable to the three-game period shall be an offset against the three weeks salary that he is entitled to receive from Club B.
(side letter 8-18-97)

**Amended to 8 players***

So with the start of the Browns training camp tomorrow I have a question:


Does this offically end the 2008 Indians season ?


Sorry, I'm just very disappointed in this baseball season. As Hank would say it


I'M READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL

The day they traded CC spelled the end of the Indians season in my eyes..

I was just telling a co-worker at lunch.... we're gonna be the first team ever to go from 1st to Worst to 1st again in a single season

Quote:

---

They are playing better now than they have all year...

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Isn't that the darnest thing.. I guess we'll see,,

But to me, Trading CC was just like throwing up the white flag. No way they do that if they thought they had a shot at it all this year..

But like Purp said, they could be first to worst to first in one year if they keep plugging away like lately..

Marte looked good last night. He's bigger in the legs than I thought.
What about Blake? Sudenly he's hitting..........should we keep him?

I think the pressure's off so they are playing looser and therefore better. Kind of sucks cause this could have been a great year.


Opps that is not pure football.........I can't wait for football season!! We are looking Solid going into the season for once. We will win the superbowl!!
Go Browns!!

Is anybody going to TC? I usually drive up from North Carolina and post what I saw, but I got transferred at my job and am moving the week of vacation I took to visit Cleveland. Needless to say, I'm the more upset the closer we get to camp opening.

T_

I'll take a day off to go to camp sometime in the next several weeks..

hopefully we'll have another DTI and this time I'll be able to make it because I'm not planing any trips till the end of August..

i'm going in the next weeks will try to post for you.

Dang, I posted a thread to see if anyone was interested in going to camp and having a kind of DTD.. (dawgtalk day) and the thread is just gone.. I wonder if I did somethig wrong.. I'll ask the refs

I expect better things from this team..plus I don't think the OUTSIDE expectations will do anything to the team.
The team has to come together with the new pieces and PLAY to their potiential.
We know Rac has good control of the team..all they have to do is play smart and have solid fundamentals..
We know the issues..the third WR and CB.
Well it's put up or good by for Wilson..if he doesn't produce , he's gone..
I expect another CB to be added before the season starts..
And BTW ..this is WHY every year I push for a CB to be taken early in the draft..
Maybe when I say that NEXT year, I won't get as much lip from a lot of posters as I do(like I care)

Dang, I posted a thread to see if anyone was interested in going to camp and having a kind of DTD.. (dawgtalk day) and the thread is just gone.. I wonder if I did somethig wrong.. I'll ask the refs



If I lived anywhere near Cleveland I'd be there..
Heck I'd be there for the games..but I don't have the time to drive up there.
Maybe I will one day.

Who's gonna surprise? Who's gonna disappoint?

Personally, my money's on Rucker impressing us among the rookies. He's got too much going for him...a receiving tight end seems to translate rather well to the NFL game in terms of getting open. I HIGHLY doubt we'll see this but it'd be interesting to see how he does with Winslow on the field in the preseason...I think he could be a key ingredient this year in that regard, he won't put up gaudy numbers but we'll feel good when he's on the field because of the abilities he brings to the table.

I think we'll have a few injuries and one key injury...I just hope the key isn't at a vital position or season-ending. *knock on wood*

I know I've been supportive of Derek Anderson's potential and I haven't been as quick to bash him as some others...but I've always said in the end I think Quinn is going to be better. I think we'll see this from day one and throughout the preseason. As Diam says "Come training camp Quinn will kick Derek Anderson's ass...you'll see." Personally I don't think it'll be THAT lopsided. I think it should be quite the airshow to watch though.

I expect big camps from Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams, Jerome Harrison, Brandon McDonald and Brady Quinn among those who need to "prove themselves." I'm HOPING to see one from Travis Wilson as well.

The vets will be consistent. I think Wimbley will be better against the run. He'll be an absolute monster in the preseason. I'm wondering how David McMillan will do as well, he's one of those "preseason guys" who never plays in the regular season...I'm ready to give up on the guy but he should be interesting to watch with a better DL in front.

Antwan Peek? We'll see. I doubt he'll be much better against the run, but I'm holding out hope that what we saw last preseason wasn't a mirage and he shows it again and stays healthy in the regular season. I know from personal experience that ankle problems kill your performance as a passrusher.

Eric Wright from year one to year two should be fun to watch, I didn't mention him with Brandon McDonald because I think McDonald's transition will be more impressive because of where he came from as a 5th round pick.

I haven't mentioned Beau Bell yet because I still don't know what to expect out of him this year and don't want to get my hopes up too high. He won't have the benefit Rucker has of playing along side a Pro-bowler who will take the pressure off of him. Here's hoping he's one of those "monster 2nd teamers that fans rave about."

Leon Williams should be Leon Williams...not sure about D'Qwell Jackson...I hope the new DL prevents him from getting washed downfield so much this year. Not nearly as bad as Ben Taylor was in that regard, but still. Andra Davis will be Andra Davis, less weight or not. Willie's on his last legs...doubt he'll get any better passrushing but will still be solid against the run.

A huge treat will be watching Joe Thomas massacre people.

I left out Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow because I just expect them to be consistent and show leadership and not get lazy. Watching packages with Donte Stallworth should be interesting to see what kinds of routes they put in with him.

Anyway, that's just about it. What are your thoughts?

Whatever happens in the end w/ the QB's, I just want to see them all lighting it up in camp. Last year, including the preseason, it seemed like nobody REALLY wanted the job.

Not calling you out on this, but I see this having the potential to very quickly become a QB thread and that's *NOT* the intention of this thread. It's about the team in general.

Suprise : Alex Hall with Rubin coming in a close 2nd. They both make the team.


Disapointment. Kasper once preseason games start, Stallworth maybe just me but I seem to remember him having alot of injury problems and the Northcutt hands of concreate sindrom while in N.O and Philly. hopefully Im' wrong on all.

j/c

I'll bite.

I think Travis Wilson sees the writting on the wall and finally puts the pieces together. I think he knows this camp is his LAST chance.

So, I predict, Travis Wilson comes out of camp as the #3 receiver (JJ is on PUP) and by impressing over the course of the season becomes the #2 next year.

But if he fails to impress in camp, I predict he is cut in the first round of cuts.