It's still too early to tell what kind of team Cleveland Browns will be in 2011: Hey, Tony! Published: Sunday, July 03, 2011, 12:39 AM Updated: Sunday, July 03, 2011, 12:47 AM By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer
Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think the Browns have a good chance to finish their season 7-9 or higher? -- Malek Abumeri, Cleveland
A: Hey, Malek: Let's reserve our predictions until free agency has run its course. The roster is incomplete, to say the least.
Q: Hey, Tony: If players after four years will be "unrestricted" free agents with the new CBA, who on the Browns qualify for this? -- Ken Dobrowolski, Cincinnati
A: Hey, Ken: Eric Wright, Lawrence Vickers, Matt Roth, Billy Yates, Floyd Womack, Chansi Stuckey, Abe Elam, Jason Trusnik.
Q: Hey, Tony: With a glaring need for veteran WR support, I read recently that the Jags' Mike Sims-Walker would fall under the proposed four-year free agent plan. Prior to the lockout, the team told Sims-Walker that "they'd be going another direction." Do you see him as someone we would be interested in? -- Travis Foshe, Phoenix
A: Hey, Travis: I don't see the Browns making a move on any receiver in free agency. They already have a cast of thousands at the position and have consistently expressed confidence in the receivers on their roster.
Q: Hey, Tony: In 2007, the last time the AFC Central played the NFC West, the Browns played at Arizona and home to Seattle. Why do they play at Arizona and home to Seattle again in 2011? Doesn't the NFL alternate as part of the scheduling rotation? -- Brent Silver, Orange Village
A: Hey, Brent: The league stopped automatically alternating home sites in interconference games a few years ago to accommodate Western-based teams, which always lead in travel miles. So there is nothing to guarantee unfamiliar NFC foes play in Cleveland at least once every eight years.
Q: Hey, Tony: Any thoughts on whether Randy Lerner and the Browns are one of the small-market teams holding back from agreeing on the CBA? An article on Yahoo indicates the Browns would be forced to spend a lot more than they have been under the new CBA with a cap floor.-- Ben Williamson, Fairfield , Conn.
A: Hey, Ben: The Browns are not going to stick out their necks and hold up any CBA deal. They may be considered "small market," but they are owned by a multibillionaire.
Q: Hey, Tony: Back in the '80s before we could research anything on the Internet, my dad, siblings, and I kept up with the Brownies via a newspaper/newsletter. It recapped that week's game, looked ahead to the next week, and the middle had a full poster of a player that we used to decorate our rooms with (my siblings and I had to pick a number for who got to keep it). It was delivered from Ohio to N.Y. about midweek and came on a weekly basis. My question is, do you know/remember the name of this newspaper/newsletter? Hope you can help this burning question in my mind. -- Rebecca Pratt, Northville, N.Y.
A: Hey, Rebecca: You're thinking of Browns News/Illustrated, a fine publication formerly produced by former Akron Beacon Journal beat writer Ray Yannucci. BNI was one of the innocent victims of the loss of football for three seasons as a result of Art Modell's move to Baltimore. The paper took a beating while trying to publish without a team.
Q: Hey, Tony: My question is about the supplemental draft. Assuming that it does take place, do the Browns get to take any of Atlanta's turns? We have their first- and fourth-round picks next year and when you take a player in this draft, you forfeit next year's corresponding draft pick. So, since the Falcons don't have those rounds, do we get to take their place? -- Nick Snyder, Atlanta
A: Hey, Nick: I submitted this question to an NFL official. Here was the response: Clubs are reminded that the priority does not reflect the actual order of each round, which may be affected by previously completed trades involving 2011 draft choices. Clubs are also reminded that choices to which they do not own clear title may not be exercised in the Supplemental Draft. Clubs who own clear title to an additional selection choice in a round must specify which selection choice they are exercising.
Q: Hey, Tony: Since the Browns drafted fullback/linebacker Owen Marecic to replace Lawrence Vickers at fullback, any chance the Browns might see if Vickers can play linebacker? If Marecic can go both ways, why not see if Vickers can too? -- Mike Mucha, Marion, Va.
A: Hey, Mike: Surely you jest.
Q: Hey, Tony: This may be a moot question if a new CBA is reached soon, but have the players considered hiring a former coach to work with them at their workout sessions? I would think it would be valuable to bring in someone like Jon Gruden or Steve Mariucci to a "Camp Colt" session for a few days to help get the players more familiar with the West Coast offense. -- Chris Michlik, Toronto
A: Hey, Chris: It's a nice thought, but if the owners don't care whether their players are prepared for the 2011 season -- they've locked them out -- why should the players care?
Q: Hey, Tony: How involved has Randy Lerner been during this whole CBA thing? Does Mike Holmgren just take his place? Where does Randy Lerner stand? I hear a lot of owners names but never Lerner, does he even care about his money? -- Dan Desai, Toledo
A: Hey, Dan: Lerner is not that active in NFL league affairs. To some extent, that's why he's paying Holmgren so much to represent him at league meetings. Lerner and Holmgren both attended the most recent owners meeting.
Q: Hey, Tony: The lockout might be lifted soon. Do you see them losing some preseason games? If so, do you think that will make a big difference? -- Johnny D'ambrosia, Garfield Heights
A: Hey, Johnny: The owners don't want to lose preseason games because they are such a nice source of revenue. My educated guess is that a preseason game or two might be lost because of a protracted lockout. Will it make a big difference? The loss of the off-season will matter more to teams with new coaches, like the Browns.
Q: Hey, Tony: I'm worried about the injury rumor about Phil Taylor's toes and that it's something he has to play with because the condition is inoperable. That's not good considering he's 337 pounds. Did you hear anything about that? -- Thaddeus Landers, Youngstown
A: Hey, Thaddeus: In interviews after the draft, Taylor said reports of an unusual foot condition were not true. We shall see.
Q: Hey, Tony: Tell the Browns to check into a practice-squad player, Adrian Arrington, at New Orleans. He'll be a great pickup for the Browns. He's a beast of a receiver. -- Fred Gibson, Georgetown, Texas
A: Hey, Fred: Would Browns fans accept another receiver from Michigan?
Q: Hey, Tony: Why do you think the Camp Colt sessions are so worthless? Isn't the West Coast offense highly predicated on having great timing between your quarterback and receivers? Aren't these camps allowing Colt to do just that with his receiving corps? I think it's time we gave Colt the credit he is due for going out of his way to organize these highly productive and extremely valuable practice sessions. -- Art Core, New York,
A: Hey, Art: McCoy should be commended for taking charge of the offense. But, in truth, most of the quarterbacks are doing the same thing. It's part of the job description and why they get the big bucks.
Q: Hey, Tony: A lot of people are calling for the Browns to pick up Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft and justify it by saying he could be moved to WR if he doesn't develop as a QB in the NFL. I know Josh Cribbs was a QB in college but one could hardly make a case that he's a great NFL WR. He's really just a great KR. Are there really any good examples of college QBs turned great NFL WRs? -- John Arend, Enid, Okla.
A: Hey, John: I can't think of two athletes more opposite than Cribbs and Pryor. One worked hard for everything he earned (Cribbs) and the other felt entitled to everything he was given (Pryor). I wouldn't fathom Pryor putting in the hard work required of a position switch at this point of his career. There aren't a lot of college QBs who turned into great NFL WRs. Other than Cribbs, the best current example would be Brad Smith of the Jets, who, like Cribbs, is more of a specialist than a bona fide wide receiver.
Q: Hey, Tony: The Cleveland Browns gave up several of the traditions from the era when the teams were very good. Over the last several years they brought back the true mascot "Brownie the Elf" but they didn't bring back the Browns theme music which was always played before and during the games. Question is, why, when it was a fan favorite? -- Robert Arthur, Shaker Heights
A: Hey, Robert: I don't know the answer. I do know that since the Browns were reborn in expansion, the new organization has struggled to balance old traditions with new, modern innovations. There has been no guidebook for them to follow and the lack of a constant voice and conscience in the organization has hurt them on these matters.
Q: Hey, Tony: Tom Heckert has come out recently and said the Browns won't be active in free agency when it resumes. My question is, why not? Is there a salary cap issue? Only four out of our 12 first-round draft selections (since they returned in 1999) will be on the roster. We've already parted ways with several veterans, and probably won't re-sign several other key starters. . . . So after Thomas, Mack, Haden, & Taylor, who's making the "big money" around here this coming season? Is there a Pro Bowler in the bunch? -- Sean McNabb, Berea
A: Hey, Sean: This is not really a money issue. Free agency is best utilized when a team needs one or two players to put it over the top, or a couple to fill prominent roles. Teams that lean on free agency too heavily historically have failed miserably (e.g. Washington). Heckert's experience with the Eagles taught him that winning teams are built through the draft and free agency is no panacea.
Q: Hey, Tony: Do you see the Browns making any selections during the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft? Maybe CB Janoris Jenkins, Florida? -- Nate Workman, Cincinnati
A: Hey, Nate: Jenkins has enrolled in another university and will not be in the supplemental draft. I don't expect the Browns to participate.
Q: Hey, Tony: I could care less what info you report, you assumed Matt Roth didn't like playing for Eric Mangini and your assumption was wrong. -- Mike B, Dover
A: Hey, Mike: Players sometimes state opinions for public consumption that differ, if not contradict, opinions they've stated in private.
Q: Hey, Tony: For the sake of discussion, let's say that by mid August, the temperament of NFL owner and player negotiators truly worsens. Is there any truth to the rumor that the TV networks have approached the NCAA with a Plan C to get them to reschedule and expand the number of televised college games to cover Saturdays & Sundays along with special games for Monday Night Football? -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.
A: Hey, Alan: If the NFL doesn't have a 2011 season, I would expect college football to do everything to fill the void.
Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think Colt McCoy is the franchise QB of the Browns? I agree with you that the elite teams have a franchise QB in place. Colt seems like a bright kid, but does he have enough tools (arm strength, can he stay healthy) to lead the Browns to the "promised land" (Super Bowl)? I'm tired of these arrogant Squeeler fans (they do win). The city of Cleveland needs a championship. Should we apologize to the Brown family (Paul Brown) for what Modell did to him (hahaha) to break "the curse"? I and Cleveland fans want a winner in our lifetime! -- Thaddeus Landers, Youngstown
A: Hey, Thaddeus: Lots to chew on here. 1. My feeling on McCoy is that we will know by the end of this year if he is "the guy." He was thrust in ahead of his time last year in an offensive system that was not quarterback-friendly. Now, in his second year, he has the support system in place to bring out the best in him. We will know by season's end if he has "it." I can't quantify "it" in terms of wins and losses. But we will know it when we see it. 2. The Steelers have one of the top three organizations in the NFL and their fans know it. Deal with it. 3. The "curse" can only be lifted by an elite quarterback who beats the Steelers and Ravens and takes this team deep into the playoffs. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees broke their franchise's "curses."
Q: Hey, Tony: You remember the beginning of free agency periods when deals were announced a short time after midnight? Obviously the deals were made days or weeks before. Do you think that some teams have made some wink and nod deals with unrestricted free agents and that signings will come quickly after a new contract agreement is reached? -- Ray DuMont, Foley, Ala.
A: Hey, Ray: As soon as free agency gets the green light, I would expect signings to occur immediately. Twenty signings in the first 24 hours, 100 or so in the first week.
Q: Hey, Tony: C'mon, you can tell the truth about the real hangup in the NFL negotiations with the players. The real sticking point is Jerry Jones' demand that he be shown on TV six times per quarter and the players sticking to the mandatory three times required by the old contract. Do you think they can get over this hump so that we can have a season? -- John Hruby, Poland, Ohio
A: Hey, John: I think having a season is now possible. I was thinking otherwise a month ago.
Q: Hey, Tony: When do you think this thing will be over? -- Mike Love, Merritt Island, Fla.
A: Hey, Mike: Never have we longed for a training camp more than this year.
Q: Hey, Tony: When Bill Belichick cited Bernie Kosar's "diminishing skills" for his reason in cutting him, did you agree with Bill? In regards to his skills being in serious decline, and the decision to cut him? I've been reading your stuff for years, but am not certain I ever saw your take this on. -- Joshua Jones, Fullerton, Calif.
A: Hey, Joshua: I thought it was appalling that the situation came to Belichick cutting Kosar. Surely his skills were declining. But to cut a player of his stature in the middle of the season -- with the team at 5-3 -- was uncommonly stupid. What happened was the unfortunate confluence of a young, inexperienced head coach failing to resolve his differences with a hard-headed, immensely popular player in decline. They butted heads and egos. The coach felt his authority was threatened. The player felt he was being marginalized by the coach and his top assistant, Mike Lombardi, and his career was being systematically destroyed. Both the coach and player could have reacted better, but they were caught in the emotions of the moment. The situation begged for a strong owner -- or general manager -- to intercede and defuse the bomb. It didn't happen.
Q: Hey, Tony: I'm watching a NFL Network show where they're discussing the relationship between the media and players and coaches. In it they mention that Herm Edwards once had a mini-camp for reporters to help educate them on what really is involved in the game. Considering that we have a lockout and that Pat Shurmur is a first-time head coach, do you think it would be a good idea for him to have such a camp? It would help him build relationships with the media and also might slightly, very slightly, kind of dry run some of the stuff he'll do with real players later. My other question is how well do you think current coaches in the modern NFL understand that reporters are representing the fans? -- Glenn Studevant, Tucson, Ariz.
A: Hey, Glenn: The Browns and the NFL have been on hiatus since March, yet the team never had a formal meet-and-greet with the media or any other introduction of their new coaches, other than Shurmur. So what does that tell you? Do I think current coaches in the modern NFL understand that reporters are representing the fans? Some do. But to be honest, I have not seen that to be the case here on a consistent basis.
First of all I posted the article for the purpose of generating some type of serious discussion. It's really dead around here and that is a shame.Let's talk football.
Secondly, I don't get all the Grossi bashing. He has some really accurate insights and never lies about what are his opinions and what are facts. I respect him for that and really don't see anyone doing a better job than he. If you have a problem with one of his opinions, fine. discuss that.
back to football......
Grossi reports that Heckert may not be all that active in free agency and Heckert believes in building through the draft is the way to go.
I don't beleive we are in the position to wait too long and could benefit in free agency by filling holes on the DL, LB and DB areas. We are weak there and if we wait for two drafts we will lose alot of games in the mean time.
Quote: When Heckert says we won't be that active in FA, I just don't see how that's possible, we are too thin in too many places.
I can see why they are taking that approach... we are far away from being a real contender,,, we are also pretty far from have out core players. So, Until we reach the point where we are a player or two away from contention, why blow out the budget on what, for the most part, are "rental players"?
I don't know if that's thier reasoning, but it kinda makes 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
Quote: When Heckert says we won't be that active in FA, I just don't see how that's possible, we are too thin in too many places.
I can see why they are taking that approach... we are far away from being a real contender,,, we are also pretty far from have out core players. So, Until we reach the point where we are a player or two away from contention, why blow out the budget on what, for the most part, are "rental players"?
I don't know if that's thier reasoning, but it kinda makes sense.
Well the longer term is our ammunition for next year as well. Unless I am wrong we have 7 base picks in next year's draft. We lose our 6th for Jayme Mitchell but gain a 6th (minimum) for the Quinn deal. PLUS Atlanta's 1st and 4th. That's 9 picks. It will most likely be another 3 picks in the top 45 or so ... and that could also mean 4 picks in the top 110 to 120.
Depending on a LOT of things - we will be heading into the 2012 season without losing a lot of key pieces and we could add another 3 to 5 starters next year through the draft ... that seems like the time to add the final few pieces and make a run.
PLUS We might get more if we let players like Roth, Vickers, Wright and etc. walk in FA through supplementary picks. And if any of those guys start that could be another 3rd or 4th rounder?
Last edited by PStu24; 07/05/1101:49 PM.
"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."
Quote: PLUS We might get more if we let players like Roth, Vickers, Wright and etc. walk in FA through supplementary picks. And if any of those guys start that could be another 3rd or 4th rounder?
Threw compensatory picks... only I doubt that they will be as high as a 3rd or 4th round pick.
I don't believe many of our FA are looked at as favorably as they are around here and it's more likely that they will merely add depth to another team next season with exception to Vickers, who will most likely be a starting FB somewhere this coming season.
I don't think so....I've always liked Shep and think he makes good points for the most part and am not swayed in that opinion very much if people disagree.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
But I would imagine that Roth ain't signing anywhere unless he's a starter. I think the same goes for Wright.
Now they might not have that chance ... but if they leave then I want them doing really well. If Roth gets a dozen sacks or Wright gets half a dozen INTs and they were on a team like Dallas with Rob Ryan, then I bet they would look a lot better. Especially with some of the pieces already there.
They might be worth 4th rounders then...
"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."
I'll take what ever we can get, because other then EW I don't think that any of our other FA are in our long term plans.
Although I would like to see us keep Womack around for another year, because of my concerns on the right side of the line (especially if we suffer an injury there).
Quote: Frankly, I'd rather read the stuff Tony puts out than most of the stuff on here.
Shep said at one point, we have a board full of editors.
Isn't that a little like the kettle calling to pot black?
We are all editors / GMs / experts. That is why a MB exists.
OTOH criticizing Grossi by saying nothing more than "he is stupid" or something like that is just inane bashing. Stating something like " I disagree with Grossi's opinion on this point because ________" is a different story.
Also you can not criticize Mary Kay without mentioning that she is a MILF.
Quote: Stating something like " I disagree with Grossi's opinion on this point because ________" is a different story.
And that's a line that we almost never see.
The standard post on Grossi usually starts with a bashing and ends with the poster letting you know how much smarter he is than Grossi.
As I said before, I like Tony's stuff. He tells you what he's heard then he tells you what he thinks. He's being doing this for something like 20 years. Hack writers last 20 days, not 20 years.
I think some guys on here are just jealous that they're not a sports writer......
Hell, I know I am.....
"People who drink light 'beer' don't like the taste of beer; they just like to pee a lot."
Quote: I think some guys on here are just jealous that they're not a sports writer......
Not the ones who know more about football than our coaching staff... they should be coaches instead they are plodding along at their $50K/year job while those morons are making big money in coaching.. it's just not fair.
Also you can not criticize Mary Kay without mentioning that she is a MILF.
I likes me some MILF
In all honesty I think Tony is one of the better sports writers around, but I also know that his and all writers jobs are to sell print and they all have a tendency to stretch to truth now and again, so I don't automatically take what they say as gospel, but yeah we could do a lot worse then Tony Grossi.
'Editors'...by that I took to mean the grammar police...those that correct folks every mistakes out load, yet say nothing about the content of the subject matter at hand
Quote: When Heckert says we won't be that active in FA, I just don't see how that's possible, we are too thin in too many places.
I can see why they are taking that approach... we are far away from being a real contender,,, we are also pretty far from have out core players. So, Until we reach the point where we are a player or two away from contention, why blow out the budget on what, for the most part, are "rental players"?
I don't know if that's thier reasoning, but it kinda makes sense.
My guess is this team is one that is so far below the cap and would come under the rules of the players demanding teams actually spend at least 80% of the cap. we have purged avery major salary except Thomas and Jake and jake should be gone soon. The Owner Owes the fans a team that is COMPETITIVE. 1) you better get a free safety or we are toast once again over the middle on passes. 2) you better not delude yourselves Hillis does not need RB help as he was under a 100 yards the last three games COMBINED and was worn out. hardesty, a perennial injured player may tantalize yet you better have some real substance behind him. 3) If Pashos is not replaced any development of Colt is shelved again. WE had THREE QBS in walking Boots in 2010 and Pashos is not much better than St. Clair, a disaster. 4) DEs, I would like to resign Roth yes I know he wants to test free agency, but I like this tough guy. His problems in 2010 I would guess was the razor thin talent behind him he was forced to play gassed. 5)OLB we need some, bad
So is heckert blowing smoke or are Browns fans going to witness no pass rush AGAIN, and Third and long being no problem for opposing QBs again due to no safety help. Do we watch our sub talented WRS not get open AGAIN as Pashos lets Harrison and other LBs steamroll around him just to test the theory that Colt mccoy has the frame to withstand the blows without major injury and if in this obtuse behavior, we get a fine young talent at QB injured, then does the front office declare we must move on to find a sturdier QB?. Do we watch Colt get terminated early because of this collective dillusion? Do we get to watch hillis get beat to hell and then talk about some sophomore or madden jinx when it is NO RB DEPTH. I cannot believe this team that has purged almost every high contract will sit tight and let the fans watch this season approach like an incoming Tsunami and not attempt to remedy some of these GLARING holes. Bottom line, are you fielding a team to be competitive or are you asking fans to pay to watch the inevitable beatdowns that little activity in free agency promises.
I really like Pluto; our paper refuses to carry him, which is a shame. Lucky to get any TRibe info a few times a week. Pluto has years of experience and better judgment than TG in my opinion. Thanks for posting Pluto here! I read all of his and his book.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
I wish some folks would give the right side of the offensive line more time without proclaiming so often that it needs replaced.
The O-line is about as solid and depth filled as any point since '99 and just like Common Man Mike Ricardati says " What are there about 2 teams in the league that have really good offensive lines"
It is not an excuse for bad play. Just as long as this is discussion about how this board could be better, it's not that I want to change these others minds about the offensive line, it is that it is so often posted that the right side needs work that
Quote: I wish some folks would give the right side of the offensive line more time without proclaiming so often that it needs replaced.
The O-line is about as solid and depth filled as any point since '99 and just like Common Man Mike Ricardati says " What are there about 2 teams in the league that have really good offensive lines"
It is not an excuse for bad play. Just as long as this is discussion about how this board could be better, it's not that I want to change these others minds about the offensive line, it is that it is so often posted that the right side needs work that
it becomes an accepted premise.
We have not(The Browns) have not been this close to an exceptional line since the 1960s when we had an exceptional offense. had we drafted Carimi, we would have Run better, we would have given Colt a fantastic security blanket of two stellar Ots. The receivers get a few more seconds to break open and our QBs are less likely to be injured. heck i hope I am as wrong about Pashos as about Hillis. we are so close and your offense can operate so much better with a GREAT oline. The Packers of the 1960s may have had one of the best olines ever and they were a thing of beauty to watch. I REALLY want a RT because then it helps Colt, the running game and the passing game so much. We are really close. I want a RT NOW, how else can we evaluate our talent when the right side breaks down so often and teams love to blitz over the rt.
I'm sure that you didn't sign up just to throw your illegal movie link in your signature .......
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.
Will the Cleveland Browns' front office be ready when lockout ends? Hey, Tony!
July 17, 2011, 12:11 AM By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer
Hey, Tony: Do the Browns have enough cap space to strengthen themselves through free agency in the receiver, defensive end and/or the safety positions? Would you agree these are the weakest areas to upgrade? -- Mike Davey, Toronto, Miss.
Hey, Mike: When a new CBA is negotiated, salary cap space will not be a problem for the Browns. They have effectively ridded themselves of several bloated contracts during the last two years. I believe the weakest positions in need of upgrade are defensive line, safety and linebacker. You can argue they need a No. 1 wide receiver, but they don't seem to agree.
Hey, Tony: You've said the Browns won't be active going after big-name FAs. Do you see a lot of UDFAs coming in? Which ones? -- Alex Del Piero, Scotland
Hey, Alex: I would anticipate the Browns signing 10 to 12 undrafted free agents. It's impossible to project whom.
Hey, Tony: It appears you are convinced the Browns' problems are self-inflicted by poor ownership decisions. Then how far away is this organization compared to Pittsburgh as being competent football leaders and not just another unattached owner with a group of "good ol' boys" spending his endless dough? -- Bruce Hoover, Groveport, Ohio
Hey, Bruce: It's hard to quantify. The Steelers have had the same philosophy for roughly 40 years. Does that mean the Browns need 40 more years under Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert to catch up? 'Course not. How many years? I'd rather put it this way: They need to score more bull's-eyes on player decisions than the Steelers from this point forward. And they need to find an elite quarterback to compete with them.
Hey, Tony: I enjoy articles written by Mary Kay Cabot and by yourself. How do both of you decide who's going to cover which aspects of the Browns? -- Al Winterhalter, Strongsville
Hey, Al: We've worked together on the Browns since they returned in 1999. We, along with our editors, decide how to break up the coverage. It's a good mix of ideas.
Hey, Tony: If this lockout is done by July 20, when will free agency season open? It appears the free-agent transactions will be going on the same time camp opens up. Sounds as if the situation would be a bit odd for the free agents, being in camp and then signed by another team. If you were a free agent, would you show up for camp? -- Rod Sauer, Athens, Ohio
Hey, Rod: By definition, free agents are unsigned -- so they don't attend any camp until they're under contract. Soon as the lockout is lifted, rules will be announced on timetables to sign undrafted and unrestricted free agents. No doubt, many players will be joining new teams after camps open.
Hey, Tony: I'm a little confused about this "cash floor" being talked about in the new CBA. As I understood the old CBA, teams had a salary cap that covered both ends of the scale. That is, if I'm not mistaken, say the figure allowed for payroll was $190M; teams had to stay under that number, but also had to spend at least 85 percent of it or 161.5M on the current year's payroll with all the bonuses, etc., which left them with a little wiggle room to be able to sign extra players in case of multiple injuries leaving the team short at a position.
How is this different from that? Or am I mistaken about the old CBA's minimum salary cap? One reader, Austin, wrote in about John Clayton saying teams like Tampa and Cincy have in excess of $60 million they would be forced to spend to get to the cash floor. Where did this money come from? If it was left from last year when there was no salary cap, why would they need to spend it this year when the CBA will be different?
Seems the whole system should start over with the new labor agreement. -- Tom Hill, Plain City, Ohio
Hey, Tom: The last salary cap in 2009 actually was about $127 million. One difference in the proposed new deal is the salary floor will be closer to 90 percent of the cap, which raises the threshold of the lowest-spending teams. The cash floor refers to actual cash spent on salaries and bonuses -- not the inflated, projected numbers contained on the back end of contracts.
Hey, Tony: With Nike getting the NFL contract in 2012, what are the chances of them messing with the Browns' uniform? -- Michael Bluth, The O.C., Calif.
Hey, Michael: Teams have final approval over any changes in uniforms.
Hey, Tony: When everything finally shakes out and if Lawrence Vickers is not on the roster, can you please push and push for an explanation? I'm sure a lot of people want to understand where this decision came from. -- Tom Goodsite, Kirksville, Mo.
Hey, Tom: The answer likely will be: Any personnel moves we make are for the good of the team.
Hey, Tony: Has RT Tony Pashos, RG Shawn Lauvao and RB Montario Hardesty been participating in the Camp Colt practices, and has there been any indications that they look up to speed? -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.
Hey, Alan: A source said that Lauvao and center Alex Mack were present, but Pashos and Hardesty were not, due to previous commitments.
Hey, Tony: Hopefully this suggestion will not be needed next Sunday. But back in late 60s early 70s, Henry Kissinger was trying to end the Vietnam war with peace talks in Paris and was getting nowhere. Johnny Carson came up with a solution. Make them negotiate nonstop in Youngstown until they find a solution. I would add in only serving White Castle hamburgers and gas station coffee until the players and owners came to an agreement. This lockout would be settled in less than 36 hours. -- Austin Lindsay, Logan, Ohio
Hey, Austin: A better place would be a service plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Hey, Tony: Do you think if Art Modell didn't move the team, the Browns would have won the Super Bowl in 2000 and been the perennial contender the Ravens have been? Why or why not? -- Paul Marston, Seattle.
Hey, Paul: Possibly, but only if he would have sold the team, as he did in Baltimore.
Modell moved the team because he was careening toward bankruptcy. Shortly after moving, he was forced by the NFL to find a buyer because he didn't have the capital to operate the franchise.
Although the seeds of the Ravens' Super Bowl team were planted in the 1996 draft -- Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis -- it didn't crystallize until future owner Steve Bisciotti provided the money for the team to really blossom. The two-phased sale of the Ravens to Bisciotti -- 45 percent in the first three years, and then 54 percent more after that -- also forced Modell to meddle less, although it was portrayed that nothing had changed.
If Modell had sold the Browns and left them in Cleveland, a new owner might have been able to duplicate the success of the Ravens if he had left the burgeoning organization intact. Imagine a football management tandem of Bill Belichick and Ozzie Newsome.
Hey, Tony: When I listen to all of the QB talk surrounding the Browns, I hear of McCoy, Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme ... yet on the roster is Jarrett Brown and when I looked him up he seems to be the most impressive of the bunch in terms of potential. Why do we not hear more about him? -- Chester Hopkins-Bey, Cleveland.
Hey, Chester: A better question from me is why do so many readers think Jarrett Brown is the answer to the Browns' historical woes at quarterback. Seriously, the Browns -- GM Tom Heckert, coach Pat Shurmur, President Mike Holmgren -- have not uttered a single word about Brown since he was signed in January. We don't know what Brown is doing on the roster or what role the Browns envision for him.
Hey, Tony: As you have lifted your ban on jersey questions, let me again try to sneak this question in: Why don't the Browns ever wear the white helmets on a "throwback" weekend? All the Otto Graham, Marion Motley, etc., tapes show the Browns with white helmets. With all the bizarre throwback uniforms worn, I would think the Browns could and should go back to the originals. -- Wesley Penn, Dunnellon, Fla.
Hey, Wesley: Keep it up and the uniform moratorium will be reinstalled before the lockout is lifted. White helmets with white jerseys? Why not add the white pants for an icicle look?
Hey, Tony: I've only seen about five Oregon Duck football games in the last two years, but one player other than LeMichael James made a lasting impression.
Last year's bowl game agaiƒst Ohio State and this year's national championship game against Auburn showcased a too-small defensive end/linebacker named Kenny Rowe. He often played from a stand-up position and would end up in pass coverage occasionally. He has a nose for the ball, is a great pass rusher, a playmaker, and all he does is play the game like a natural.
Unfortunately for Rowe the pro scouts saw him as a tweener at 6-2, 237 pounds and like many very good players, he went undrafted. Last year, he led Oregon with seven sacks and 16 1/2 tackles for a loss while topping the conference with five forced fumbles. What he may lack in speed he makes up for in football instinct. Some team is going to pick up this too slow linebacker and find it impossible to cut him. Do you remember Kenny Rowe and do you think the linebacker-thin Browns might give him a look? -- Jan Bilson, Bradenton, Fla.
Hey, Jan: Ok, you've convinced me. You should be his agent. I'll be looking for him when undrafted free agency starts.
Hey, Tony: So last week while waiting in a jury selection room for several hours I came across an article in ESPN The Magazine from January and they were contemplating what losing team would breakout in 2011. They considered strength of schedule, injuries in 2010, defensive maturity, running game, close losses in 2010, along with a few other factors and their overall conclusion was the Browns.
I'm still not ready to renew Sunday Ticket, but doesn't it look like there a chance Shurmur and his staff have a slim, but real, opportunity? -- Doug Shaffer, Orange, Calif.
Hey, Doug: Prior to this endless lockout, I might be talked into agreeing with the story. But I think the lockout has really killed the chances of a first-year coaching staff with a "green" quarterback from breaking out. Pat Shurmur and his staff couldn't be placed in a worse situation.
Hey, Tony: Is there any player on the Browns that you'd be willing to single out as your "favorite" player to watch? -- Scott Yehl, Princeton, N.J.
Hey, Scott: I'm really excited to see Colt McCoy perform in the new offense. Montario Hardesty captured my excitement in his first six carries in the last preseason game before he got hurt. I'm also looking forward to seeing Jabaal Sheard, whom I believe was the team's best draft choice. Also, rookie fullback Owen Marecic is supposed to be a unique player, so he'll be interesting to follow. My single favorite player to watch? Probably Hardesty.
Hey, Tony: I know teams can't have contact with players during the lockout. Does that also prevent them from having contact with agents of drafted players? My question is with the lockout potentially ending on July 21, will that leave enough time for rookies to get signed before training camp starts? Do you think the Browns have been in contact with agents regarding contracts and also do you see any of the top 3 picks being difficult signings? -- Andy Mitchell, Columbus.
Hey, Andy: The new CBA will contain a rookie wage scale that should end the whole concept of rookie holdouts.
Hey, Tony: I figured I need to get a jersey question in before your moratorium ends. Do you know how much longer the Browns plan to wear the "AL" patch? I realize they did it to honor the late Al Lerner, but Lerner passed in 2002. Do you feel it's time to move on? -- Dustin S., Queens, N.Y.
Hey, Dustin: I don't forsee the Browns removing the "AL" patch under the Lerner family ownership.
Hey, Tony: Camp Colt, great! After all, the starting job is his to lose. Seneca is there too, great! So, why it isn't Seneca teaching the guys about the West Coast offense instead of Colt, given the huge gap in experience? I know Seneca wants to start and is holding back a few tricks, but it makes me more than a little concerned about team unity and attitude. Am I missing something here? -- Seren Hrachian, Athens, N.Y.
Hey, Seren: Wallace is a team player. I think you're over-thinking this issue.
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explode?
