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By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
June 06, 2010, 12:19AM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's summertime, and Terry's talkin' ...
About the Browns...
Whether or not defensive backs Joe Haden and T.J. Ward are immediate starters for the Browns this fall, their presence reflects a determination by the team to dramatically buttress the last line of the team's defense, says Terry Pluto.
1. Coaches believe depth is the key to this season. They look at cornerback, where Eric Wright, Sheldon Brown and rookie Joe Haden are battling for two spots. They also have used Michael Adams at corner, and Brandon McDonald has received praise for his off-season work. McDonald looks good in these drills because there is no tackling, the accent is on speed. Brown and Haden are more physical cornerbacks, and they will be noticed more once tackling begins.
2. But the key is the options at cornerback. They don't have to rely on McDonald and his soft tackling. They don't have to have Wright on the field for every play. If a cornerback is not fully engaged in practice or film work, he can lose playing time to someone else. They believed Wright and McDonald had developed a sense of entitlement because no one was there to take their jobs. That all has changed.
3. While the Browns believe they have upgraded at safety with rookies Larry Asante and T.J. Ward, they know it remains one of the team's weak spots. That's true even if restricted free agent Abe Elam signs. Asante and Ward have not been disasters in pass coverage, but it's obvious that they are best against the run. Michael Adams is the best cover safety, but they like him as a cornerback and covering slot receivers.
4. Someone needs to remind Elam that he made it from Kent State to the NFL by being a smart guy who fit into the team. He also needs to remember the main reason he has become a starter is this coaching staff believes in him and gave him that chance, first with the Jets and now with the Browns. He has started 33 games as a pro with one interception, three sacks and only seven passes broken up. He is not an impact player, and no one is going to give a restricted free agent in his position a multi-year contract.
5. Linebacker is another area where the Browns seem loaded. They have two respected, legitimate leaders in Scott Fujita and David Bowens. Veteran Eric Barton is back from neck surgery, but the team won't know for certain about his recovery until the tackling begins. Chris Gocong seems made for 3-4 defense. Jason Trusnik has been starting at outside linebacker in place of Matt Roth, the restricted free agent who has not signed. Marcus Benard can rush the quarterback from OLB. The coaches say David Veikune is making progress at inside linebacker.
6. The point is Roth needs to realize that playing six solid games (28 tackles, four sacks) after being claimed on waivers doesn't turn him into Jim Houston or Clay Matthews. Like Elam, he's a restricted free agent and needs to sign the one-year deal and truly establish himself. In five years, Roth has only 29 starts, never more than five sacks in a season.
7. Restricted free agent D'Qwell Jackson simply needs to wake up. The Browns have Fujita, Barton, Bowens and Gocong as legitimate inside linebackers. Yes, they also can play outside. But Jackson is another who needs to sign, because he may not even start on this team. Just like what happened at cornerback to Wright and McDonald, Jackson's world has changed with all the new players who can take his job.
8. On the theme of restricted free agents and depth, given Jerome Harrison credit for being the first unsigned RFA to show up for voluntary workouts. He knows the Browns really do like rookie Montario Hardesty. He knows he had only three big games at the end of last season. He knows big money will come if he can have a strong season. And the coaches love what they see from Harrison, Hardesty and Peyton Hillis in the backfield. Then there's Wildcats Joshua Cribbs and Seneca Wallace, even more power for the running game.
9. One coach said, "I know people don't believe this, but Cribbs keeps working hard at being a receiver, and he'll help us there this season. Never underestimate this guy." The new contract just seems to have inspired Cribbs to work even harder.
10. I mentioned Jonathan Haggerty (6-1, 195 pounds) last week as someone who impressed the coaches. That remains true. The undrafted receiver from Southwestern Oklahoma State (Division II) has been getting a lot of work. ... They also are using third-rounder Shawn Lauvao at center and guard, the idea being to turn him into a lineman such as Rex Hadnot, who could play both spots.
11. The Browns keep stressing to veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme that he doesn't have to make big plays to establish himself. The job is his, just keep the team organized. Stay out of damaging plays and turnovers. Delhomme is a relentless worker, a natural leader. He knows that some people have written the end of his career at the age of 35. So far, the Browns have been pleased with him.
12. In my blog from Thursday's OTA, new tight end Ben Watson was praised for his pass catching. Some fans said, "What's the big deal, he had only 29 catches for New England." Let's look deeper. Five of those catches were for touchdowns. Twenty were for first downs. He caught 29 of 41 passes thrown in his direction. He had two drops.
Go Browns!!!
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I see this team being built along the lines of the Jets when Mangini was in charge ....
Build the defense and running game .....
Have a veteran QB mind the shop while the rest is being built ....
Have multiple options at every position ....
Build depth in the secondary .....
Stress versatility ...
I look at the RFA, and some of these guys may find offers rescinded if they decide not to show up. I really don't think that most of them are going to do a lot better on the open market.
Roth got booted out of Miami, had 6 solid games here ..... and then wanted a long term deal. Will another team give him a long term deal based on what he did here .... or will they give him a one year "show me" deal? The latter seems more likely to me.
Jackson may just find himself as a backup, and would have no one but himself to blame. I happen to think that he is somewhat overrated, and doesn't make enough "impact" plays .... but that's just my opinion. Others seem to really like him. I just don't see him as a guy who stands out above everyone else we have here. He's another guy who might be scraping around for a 'show me" 1 year deal if he doesn't get his butt into camp. It would not surprise me to see Jackson moved if the opportunity presents itself due to injuries to another team during training camp.
Vickers is probably the best blocking FB in the league .... and a great special teamer. He really brings nothing as a ball carrier or receiver. He got a pretty good offer .... and yet he is still sitting at home. While he's at home, Hillis is (reportedly) doing a nice job catching the ball out of the backfield. It's hard to establish yourself as a blocker in non contact camps .... so it's hard to see what Hillis would bring in that area. However .... if it's at all close to Vickers, then Vickers could find himself also in search of a team late in the game.
Elam I really don't get. He's decent ..... but certainly not a game changer. He hasn't really established anything in his career. He could wind up on a 1 year deal as a backup (and he's really the most likely to have this happen to him) and then be on the market next year with little to nothing on his resume to warrant any kind of deal with this, or any other, team.
I think that Harrison has played is smarter than any of the others. He is in here showing that he wants to be here .... and I think that the team might look on that favorably in considering a new deal. (even though that new deal might be worked out mid year to end of year) His willingness to work with the team even when his contract is not is admirable ..... but I don't really understand it. there is no reason that he couldn't sign his tender .... work with the team .... and continue to try and work out a new, long term deal. If he got hurt right now, I don't know what he would get paid, if anything.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Brandon McDonald has received praise for his off-season work. McDonald looks good in these drills because there is no tackling
Tell it like it is Puto!! 
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The new contract just seems to have inspired Cribbs to work even harder.
This guy will retire as a Brown, what more can you say about him, he's incredible.
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Ytown I agree with your point of view completely.
Nobody on the Browns as of this moment going forward is guaranteed anything you’re going to have to earn it.
Harrison absolutely did the right thing, and I do not for a moment question his motivation whether real or imagined.
These guys might as well grab their gear and head on into camp and get to work, because they aren’t going to get a better deal.
The best the team is willing to offer to any of them is we are here we are willing to afford you the opportunity to EARN yourself a new multi-year deal, but you will have to earn it, and that starts by getting your ass into camp.
The fact that Mangini keeps saying it’s giving others the chance to get more snaps is because it does #1 and #2 it sends a message to the players that life goes on we have other options. Do yourself and your team a favor get into camp and get to work, earn a deal.
JMHO
BTTB
AKA Upbeat Dawg
Can't believe I am in a group that is comprised of the best NOT just fans but people on the planet.
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Only 2 things can happen when a guy sits out camp. #1) Someone else steps up and makes him less valuable. #2) No one else proves capable of matching him even in drills. So far, most of these guys fall into category 1. If they aren't careful, they'll wind up stepping in #2. 
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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7. Restricted free agent D'Qwell Jackson simply needs to wake up. The Browns have Fujita, Barton, Bowens and Gocong as legitimate inside linebackers. Yes, they also can play outside. But Jackson is another who needs to sign, because he may not even start on this team.
I wonder if the FO is praying someone signs DQ so we can get a draft pick out of it (I know I am). I think Jackson is about to become - if he isn't already - a very unnecessary player for the 2010 Browns.
![[Linked Image from i28.photobucket.com]](http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/shadedog/mcenroe2.jpg) gmstrong -----------------
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7. Restricted free agent D'Qwell Jackson simply needs to wake up. The Browns have Fujita, Barton, Bowens and Gocong as legitimate inside linebackers. Yes, they also can play outside. But Jackson is another who needs to sign, because he may not even start on this team.
I wonder if the FO is praying someone signs DQ so we can get a draft pick out of it (I know I am). I think Jackson is about to become - if he isn't already - a very unnecessary player for the 2010 Browns.
I don't think so,,, if he were the only one in that situation, I'd probably agree with you. But being that he's just one of 5, I think it is what it is,, A standoff because the Browns don't want to make long term commitments to anyone without knowledge of the CBA....
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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I am seeing this team being transformed from a finesse type team to a big, physical team.
Maybe we will finally be able to push some people around.
Sounds good, doesn't it??
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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I see it as a way to get out of OTAs.
if they sit out during TC then I'll think maybe they are really that stupid to believe they can't see the state of the league right now.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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7. Restricted free agent D'Qwell Jackson simply needs to wake up. The Browns have Fujita, Barton, Bowens and Gocong as legitimate inside linebackers. Yes, they also can play outside. But Jackson is another who needs to sign, because he may not even start on this team.
I wonder if the FO is praying someone signs DQ so we can get a draft pick out of it (I know I am). I think Jackson is about to become - if he isn't already - a very unnecessary player for the 2010 Browns.
I thought we already passed that deadline. And now, RFA's either sign the tender, agree long-term with their team or sit out the year?
Am I missing something?
#gmstrong
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If he got hurt right now, I don't know what he would get paid, if anything.
I do believe that he'd only whatever guaranteed money he has coming to him in terms of roster bonuses or whatever; and whatever injury insurance he may carry.
Other than that, he'd get absolutely nothing as he signed a waiver in order to be there; just as Vickers did today.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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Injury settlements may be part of the waiver agreement.. Dunno for sure.. But that would make some sense....
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Coaches believe depth is the key to this season. They look at cornerback, where Eric Wright, Sheldon Brown and rookie Joe Haden are battling for two spots. They also have used Michael Adams at corner, and Brandon McDonald has received praise for his off-season work. McDonald looks good in these drills because there is no tackling, the accent is on speed. Brown and Haden are more physical cornerbacks, and they will be noticed more once tackling begins.
For this is simple..it's not depth that I look at ..U can roll a ton of bodies out in any unit and claim you have have depth..do U have quality players??
That IMO has been upgraded and getting McFluff out of the starter spot is addition by subtraction. He'll always look good as long as he isn't asked to tackle anything harder than a math problem.. But the key is the options at cornerback. They don't have to rely on McDonald and his soft tackling. Well that just echo'd my thought..  While the Browns believe they have upgraded at safety with rookies Larry Asante and T.J. Ward, they know it remains one of the team's weak spots. That's true even if restricted free agent Abe Elam signs. Asante and Ward have not been disasters in pass coverage, but it's obvious that they are best against the run. Michael Adams is the best cover safety, but they like him as a cornerback and covering slot receivers. These guys are better in run support but..I think they both are better in coverage than given credit for and it comes down to instincts and smarts.. Someone needs to remind Elam that he made it from Kent State to the NFL by being a smart guy who fit into the team. Just do it by showing him some film on his blown assignments..dude sucks.. Linebacker is another area where the Browns seem loaded. Loaded with a bunch of clones and no standout. Restricted free agent D'Qwell Jackson simply needs to wake up. Yes N'Quil needs to realize he's not the hammer type of backer this unit needs..suck it up,get to camp and work..
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Vickers is in camp??? GOOD!
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Quote:
I am seeing this team being transformed from a finesse type team to a big, physical team.
Maybe we will finally be able to push some people around.
Sounds good, doesn't it??
That's the kind of team I want.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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funny how last year D'Q was getting all the praise in the world from Gini (which I didn't understand why; still don't).. and now D'Q is probably on his way out of town within the next 2 years.
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I like the idea of us shoving some others around for a change. Backing up on O and chasing down on D. The idea of us being big enough to be the Berea Bullies is, well, amusing and attractive in a pleasantly disturbing way. Attack of the Killer Elves, eh? 
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
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1. Coaches believe depth is the key to this season. They look at cornerback, where Eric Wright, Sheldon Brown and rookie Joe Haden are battling for two spots. They also have used Michael Adams at corner, and Brandon McDonald has received praise for his off-season work. McDonald looks good in these drills because there is no tackling, the accent is on speed. Brown and Haden are more physical cornerbacks, and they will be noticed more once tackling begins.
I really think Adams would be best suited for safety depth, rather than CB depth but that's just one man's opinion. I'm not sold on McDonald either until he can show us that he can notch more than one pick in a season. I want some good play, not just promising practice.
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3. While the Browns believe they have upgraded at safety with rookies Larry Asante and T.J. Ward, they know it remains one of the team's weak spots. That's true even if restricted free agent Abe Elam signs. Asante and Ward have not been disasters in pass coverage, but it's obvious that they are best against the run. Michael Adams is the best cover safety, but they like him as a cornerback and covering slot receivers.
I've never been convinced that Elam is anything better than a decent backup. He lead our team in tackles but how many big plays were his responsibility due to blown coverage?
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5. Linebacker is one of the only areas where the Browns seem loaded. They have two respected, legitimate leaders in Scott Fujita and David Bowens. Veteran Eric Barton is back from neck surgery, but the team won't know for certain about his recovery until the tackling begins. Chris Gocong seems made for 3-4 defense. Jason Trusnik has been starting at outside linebacker in place of Matt Roth, the restricted free agent who has not signed. Marcus Benard can rush the quarterback from OLB. The coaches say David Veikune is making progress at inside linebacker.
I took the liberty of editing this comment. Linebacker is one of the few positions I feel we are established at. We have a lot of good players vying for starting positions and I agree with the assertion that DQJ could find himself on the outside looking in if he doesn't make a big splash in the pre-season/training camp period or whenever he decides to start practicing with the team. I have a lot of hope for Bernard and Trusnik.
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6. The point is Roth needs to realize that playing six solid games (28 tackles, four sacks) after being claimed on waivers doesn't turn him into Jim Houston or Clay Matthews. Like Elam, he's a restricted free agent and needs to sign the one-year deal and truly establish himself. In five years, Roth has only 29 starts, never more than five sacks in a season.
The fact that his play in those six 'solid' games completely depreciated the value of Kamerion Wimbley, a first round pick for our team, gives Roth more leverage than I'd like to think about. He doesn't deserve a long-term deal not until he proves he can produce over a full 16 game season but I do think he is in a good position to bank if he can continue his mometum and have a good 2010.
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7. Restricted free agent D'Qwell Jackson simply needs to wake up. The Browns have Fujita, Barton, Bowens and Gocong as legitimate inside linebackers. Yes, they also can play outside. But Jackson is another who needs to sign, because he may not even start on this team. Just like what happened at cornerback to Wright and McDonald, Jackson's world has changed with all the new players who can take his job.
I'll say it again, he could find himself on the outside looking in and I think this is true. Acting like a diva and leveraging for a contract isn't going to earn him any respect, or any favors either. I'm completely indifferent to him at this point. He's a good player but we have plenty of good linebackers. Much like Abe Elam at safety, I don't feel that DQJ is a game changer level of talent.
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8. On the theme of restricted free agents and depth, given Jerome Harrison credit for being the first unsigned RFA to show up for voluntary workouts. He knows the Browns really do like rookie Montario Hardesty. He knows he had only three big games at the end of last season. He knows big money will come if he can have a strong season. And the coaches love what they see from Harrison, Hardesty and Peyton Hillis in the backfield. Then there's Wildcats Joshua Cribbs and Seneca Wallace, even more power for the running game.
I think now more than ever, Harrison needs to make a big splash. We keep forgetting about James Davis as well, he is hungry to make an impact too and I still have high hopes that he could bust out and emerge as a potential option for our offense as well. We're all high on Hardesty but I won't get truly excited until we see some of his potential in game situations.
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9. One coach said, "I know people don't believe this, but Cribbs keeps working hard at being a receiver, and he'll help us there this season. Never underestimate this guy." The new contract just seems to have inspired Cribbs to work even harder.
This guy is my favorite Brown right now and I hope all the young players and frankly, all the teammates take note and follow Cribbs example. He has proven how you earn a raise in the NFL.
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10. I mentioned Jonathan Haggerty (6-1, 195 pounds) last week as someone who impressed the coaches. That remains true. The undrafted receiver from Southwestern Oklahoma State (Division II) has been getting a lot of work.
This is one player I'm really pulling for to make an impact and add some much needed WR depth. "getting a lot of work" is one thing. I want to see him "impress" in game. This IS just practice right now but it's good to see him generating buzz.
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11. The Browns keep stressing to veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme that he doesn't have to make big plays to establish himself. The job is his, just keep the team organized. Stay out of damaging plays and turnovers. Delhomme is a relentless worker, a natural leader. He knows that some people have written the end of his career at the age of 35. So far, the Browns have been pleased with him.
To abuse the term "you can't teach an old dog new tricks' this is my main worry with Delhomme. He has almost turned making game changing mistakes into an art form and while I do believe he is an improvement from the Quinn/DA era I am still skeptical that he will help the Browns produce any kind of result. If 2010 is another trying year for Browns fans, you can bet Jake will be near the center of that.
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12. In my blog from Thursday's OTA, new tight end Ben Watson was praised for his pass catching. Some fans said, "What's the big deal, he had only 29 catches for New England." Let's look deeper. Five of those catches were for touchdowns. Twenty were for first downs. He caught 29 of 41 passes thrown in his direction. He had two drops.
This is going to be one of the guys who will be ESSENTIAL to our pass attack potential. One of the areas that we lacked last season was a pass catching TE and it wasn't until Evan Moore stepped onto the field that we really had a TE that we could look to as a potential weapon in our pass attack. Watson gives us a significant TE upgrade, with Moore continuing to improve and hopefully potentially growing into a future starter and Alex Smith giving us added TE and pass catching depth. I think TE is one of the positions that we are OK at.
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