Transcript from news conference with Browns coach Pat Shurmur By Nate Ulrich Published: May 30, 2012
Browns coach Pat Shurmur met with reporters today following his team's organized team activity practice. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
(Opening Statement)- “It’s week two of the OTA process here and I think the guys worked well. We’re trying to introduce one phase of situational football each day and we did some two-minute at the end of practice, which I think the guys handled well. I’m more interested in going through the mechanics of it from calling the plays and getting the defense lined up and whatnot and I thought they functioned well.
One thing I would caution you against is looking out there and trying to decide who is a starter and who is a backup. I think right now we’re just out there, at most positions, competing and trying to get better. I feel good about the work we got done today and we’ll try to back it up tomorrow and Friday with two more practices with this structure.
Next week we will have a minicamp structure, which is our mandatory minicamp, so the players will have technically a travel day on Monday and then Tuesday and Wednesday will feel like an in-season Wednesday practice because the two-a-days, as we know, are gone which will be a walk-through and a practice.
Thursday then would feel like an in-season Friday practice, which would be a practice just minus the walk-through. That’s what the minicamp should feel like and then we’ll try to go back and review the things we did in the first six OTA’s and through the minicamp structure and then finish up the next week of course with four OTA’s. That’s where we’re at, it’s a beautiful day, I think we got a lot of work done.”
(On if it meant anything that Brandon Weeden took first team reps today)- “I don’t think you can read into that. I think last week Colt (McCoy) started all of the team drills. This week, or at least today and it will change throughout the week, we had Brandon start the drill, but they all got similar amount of reps with guys that are competing at the skill positions to be starters. I wouldn’t read into that, no.”
(On how Greg Little’s leaner physical appearance is translating on the field)- “I’ve seen him look a lot quicker, a lot more sudden and I think to this point he has caught the ball at a much more consistent rate and he just looks like a different guy to me. A guy that’s been through it once and to his credit, and again let’s not tell him I said this, but to his credit he has done a really nice job of getting his body into the right kind of shape he needs to be in to be a receiver in this league.”
(On if Little was encouraged by the organization to be in better shape)- “Greg and I, we spoke often throughout the year and of course just trying to counsel him on how to be a pro and part of it is taking care of your body. I think he did reshape his body in some ways and it’s a credit to him.”
(On how much confidence they have in the receiving corps)- “I think the players that are here and their development is what we are hopeful will make a receiving corps that we need. Then you add the new players, of course, a couple of whom have showed up and then you put it all together. Then you get better play from all of the positions around them and I think it is going to be what we think it should be.”
(On how much Nolan Cromwell will help the receivers)- “I think Mike Wilson did a nice job with them last year, but again I had Nolan on the radar because I worked with Nolan in St. Louis. He’s just a fine teacher and I think when you add a fine teacher to the group it helps. Nolan has done a nice job. He and Mike work extremely well with the receivers and we have a good situation because in team drills, they can work sides and the guys can get immediate attention. I think that works out well and Nolan is a great addition.”
(On the play of the running backs compared to midseason last year)- “I think they are all out here healthy and they are all here competing and they are getting they’re reps, but the reps that they are getting, they can be fresh because there is a lot of them right now and they all look quick. I think Montario looks good. I’m getting used to watching the new number. Brandon Jackson’s healthy, he looked quick to me. Chris Ogbonnaya is very consistent and he also looked like he gave himself a chance to compete because he is in good shape, not to mention Trent (Richardson).”
(On if he had a conversation with Hardesty after they drafted Richardson)- “I think it’s part of the business. The players are aware that you’re going to draft players at their position at some time in their career, so when we are out here competing, determining who’s going to be the starter and who’s going to be the roll players, they know what’s up. These are pro players, they are used to competing, and they’re used to being in these team situations where they have had to fight for everything. I think Montario is handling it very well.”
(On if he ever saw Hardesty at 100% last year)- “I thought I saw him play very well against Miami. I think that was his high watermark for me and he did a nice job. I’m hopeful that he will come back in great shape for training camp when we put the pads on and start getting banged around.”
(On if there are any rookie or young defensive backs that are standing out)- “I think that in the secondary, (Tashaun) Gipson has flashed a little bit at safety. I think Trevin (Wade) has done a nice job at corner. Young players, I still look at T.J. Ward and Eric Hagg as young players in my mind. Weeden is older than them, right (joking)? I am teasing of course, but I think they are doing a nice job. For the defensive backs, there are certain things that they can’t do that will make some of our guys stand out more. We’re not allowed to bump-and-run out here, we’re obviously not running the ball out here so you’re not seeing guys tackle. So there are some facets to their game that we’re going to have to wait and see once we put the pads on.”
(On if the offensive line is restricted during OTAs)- “Yeah it is, but I think the NFL way is you practice without pads on quite frequently, even during the year. They get used to coming off, using their hands and their pad level. What you can see it their body position, their pad level, when they get off and their finish. We can see a lot of what we need to see, but again, the whole team needs to be involved in the physicalness of training camp and the preseason games.”
(On how much of Little’s transition to the NFL was delayed because he did not have a senior season at UNC)- “That may have delayed it some. I think he also did not have a traditional offseason. He got hit with a double-whammy, so to speak. I know he worked out extremely hard on his own, but it’s hard to get the same kind of work that you get when you are here working with the guys.”
(On if he knew Little would need extra care when he was drafted)- “I think when you look at his history and the reason why he didn’t play his senior year, we obviously wanted to take that into account when we drafted him. We feel like he’s got skill and ability and we want to work with him. Just like I’ve talked you about numerous times, I’ve talked to Greg quite frequently. When you coach him he is very coachable. You can whisper at him or yell at him. It’s not his first rodeo, he’s been coached before, and he takes it and I think he has been listening. When I had my exit interview with him in January, I basically told him that he needed to do everything he can in this offseason to make a huge jump for his second year. I think he’s got a good start on that.”
(On how good he thinks Little can be)- “I don’t know. We drafted him with the idea that he could be a starter in this league and be very productive.”
(On if Little has already done that)- “He has already done that, but I think we can all agree and he would be the first one to tell you that he needs to be more consistent. I think that being in better shape, having a better understanding of what he has to do, that will help him with that consistency. A lot of these guys can do it once, the key is over the grind of the season, being able to do it over and over and over consistently well. I think that’s what him being in better shape will give him a chance to do.”
(On what Little did to improve himself)- “I know he worked on his nutrition and weight lifting. He’s always been a guy that’s kind of a very dense guy that’s got a lot of muscle tone.”
(On what a receiver can to do to improve dropping the ball)- “You work on the fundamentals of catching the football. We try to avoid saying, when a ball is dropped, ‘Hey, catch the ball.’ It’s about focusing on a small point, it’s about your eyes and your fingers and catching the tip and all of those things.
We have an increased number of drills that we do and I think you’ll find in coaching and teaching that you get what you emphasize and we’ve emphasized it a great deal. He’s (Little) embraced working at it and we’re hopeful it will show up that way once we start playing for real.”
(On evaluating Little’s hands)- “I think he has very good hands. I think he’s got NFL hands.”
(On if it is a little more complicated than just the fundamentals of catching a football)- “Most skills in football are a little more complicated than just saying, ‘Hey, block the guy,’ or ‘Hey, catch the ball,’ and those are the things we try to zero in on when we coach players, to hit them on the details and the fine points of it.”
(On what catching the tip means)- “When the ball spins at you, what you see is the tip and so then you try to catch the tip.”
(On what he has seen from Marcus Bernard)- “He looks like a different guy, physically, to me as well. He’s much leaner, he looks much more fit and he’s flashed just in the little bit you can see from defensive linemen. He looks to me like he is putting himself in position to have a good camp and that’s good.”
(On if he is impressed that Bernard is able to be here after what happened)- “I am glad he’s here and I think we all go through things in life that refocus us on doing things the right way and allowing us to be able to continue to do the things that are important to us. He’s done that, he looks like he is in good shape and I am glad he is here to help compete and make this team.”
(On if Scott Fujita is at his appeal hearing today)- “Yes, you probably know more details about that, but that’s where he is at.”
(On updates on Brian Schaefering and Eddie Williams)- “Schaefering is doing great. I wouldn’t say he is ahead of schedule, but initially we thought he would be here for training camp, but he’s looking and feeling very good so we might be able to get something out of him the last week here of the offseason. We will wait and see, but he is doing very well. Then Eddie Williams, his back is a little stiff, but he is okay.”
(On what was wrong with Schaefering)- “He had groin surgery, a sports hernia.” web page
Browns OTAs: News, notes, observations and video from practice By Nate Ulrich Published: May 30, 2012
The Browns began their second set of organized team activities today. Here are some highlights from practice and subsequent interviews:
First-team reps
Quarterback Colt McCoy took the snaps with the first-team offense last week when the Browns started their OTAs. However, rookie Brandon Weeden stepped in as the first-string quarterback this morning, taking the first snaps with the starters in 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 sessions. The only exceptions were during two-minute drills, when McCoy went first, followed by Weeden and Seneca Wallace.
Although the Browns expect Weeden to win the starting job, they’re still not naming him their No. 1 quarterback yet.
“One thing I’d caution you against is looking out there and trying to decide who’s a starter and who’s a backup,” Browns coach Pat Shurmur said after practice. “I think right now we’re just out there at most positions competing and trying to get better.
“I don’t think you can read into [Weeden taking the first-team reps]. I think last week Colt started all the team drills. This week -- or at least today -- and it’ll change throughout the week, we let Brandon start the drill. But they all got similar amount of reps with guys that are competing at the skill positions to be starters. So I wouldn’t read into that.”
Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft, echoed Shurmur’s comments.
“I don’t think it means anything,” Weeden said.
Weeden continued to display his strong arm during practice, but he made some poor decisions. In an 11-on-11 drill, Weeden rolled to his right and didn’t put enough zip on a short pass to wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, allowing free safety Eric Hagg to swoop in for an interception. Later in a two-minute team drill, Weeden lobbed a deep pass intended for wide receiver Travis Benjamin into double coverage, and rookie cornerback Trevin Wade picked it off.
McCoy certainly did not have a great day, either. He missed receivers with a few wobbly passes and showed frustration afterward by pounding his fist against his leg and motioning to his teammates.
None of the quarterbacks commanded an impressive two-minute drill. Weeden had two attempts, and the second one ended with a missed 55-yard field goal.
Thankful for return
Defensive end Marcus Benard spoke to reporters for the first time since a motorcycle accident ended his 2011 season in October.
Benard has a long scar on the back of his right hand, which he broke as a result of the accident. Benard wouldn’t disclose his other injuries, but he expressed gratitude for getting a second chance at life and his football career.
“[I’m] blessed above anything,” Benard said. “I’m happy to be here. It was an event. It’s not something I can just shrug off or anybody else can shrug off. I’m not gonna say that it was nothing. It was definitely something. It’s a blessing. I feel like it’s a plan. I’m very happy to be here.
“It was very serious. I feel like it was a blessing. You learn your lessons. You learn more about life. You learn about yourself. Sitting out and going through what I went through, rehab and everything, you always sit back and evaluate yourself and evaluate your position in life and definitely [gain] a little bit of insight.”
Benard said he is completely recovered from the accident, weighs 260 pounds and is back in shape. He’ll fight this summer for a role as a pass rusher.
Fitting in
Eric Hagg continued to practice at free safety with the first-team defense while Usama Young worked with the second unit. Hagg had an interception, and during another play defensive backs coach Tim Hauck yelled, “Good job, Eric Hagg.”
Running back Trent Richardson, the third overall pick in this year’s draft, and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, the 37th overall selection, practiced with the first-team offense.
Here’s the entire first-team offense from today: Weeden (quarterback); Richardson (running back); Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi (wide receivers); Jordan Norwood (slot receiver); Benjamin Watson (tight end); Joe Thomas (left tackle); Jason Pinkston (left guard); Alex Mack (center); Shawn Lauvao (right guard); and Schwartz (right tackle).
Here’s the first-team defense from today: Jabaal Sheard and Frostee Rucker (ends); Ahtyba Rubin and Scott Paxson (tackles); D’Qwell Jackson and Chris Gocong (linebackers); Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown (cornerbacks); Dimitri Patterson (nickel corner); T.J. Ward (strong safety); and Hagg (free safety).
New physique
Little said he lost 11 pounds since the end of last season, and he feels quicker as a result. He missed his entire senior season at the University of North Carolina because of an NCAA suspension, and he concedes he added too much bulk during that time.
“When I took the year I off I was just in the gym so much that I gained so much weight physically, just not from sitting around, but just always wanting to pump iron and not running as much and just gaining muscle weight,” Little said. “That was kind of the thing I went into the combine with, I was just so jacked they were like, ‘You’ve gotta get out of the weight room.’ So I mean that was kind of one of the things that I stepped back from this year and just did more on-the-field things.”
Little said coach Pat Shurmur joked with him about looking like a good running back last season. Now Little looks more like a receiver, and he’s hoping the change pays off in his second professional season.
Injury report
Defensive lineman Brian Schaefering is recovering from surgery he had this offseason to repair a sports hernia, Shurmur said. Schaefering has not practiced during OTAs, but he has been on the field watching.
“He’s looking and feeling very good,” Shurmur said. “We might be able to get something out of him here the last week of the offseason, so we’ll wait and see. But he’s doing well.”
Fullback Eddie Williams sat out practice with a stiff back, Shurmur said. Like Schaefering, Williams watched the action from the field.
Attendance
Linebacker Scott Fujita missed practice today because he attended a hearing for the NFL Players Association’s grievance against the league stemming from the New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal, Shurmur said.
As expected, kicker Phil Dawson continued to skip the voluntary OTAs. Dawson is expected to participate in the team’s mandatory minicamp next week.
Undrafted rookies Johnson Bademosi, a defensive back from Stanford, and Jeff Shugarts, an offensive lineman from Ohio State, did not attend practice because their schools are still in session.
Defensive tackle Phil Taylor, who tore his left pectoral muscle and had surgery earlier this month, continued to miss practice, too.
Extra points
Offensive right tackle Oniel Cousins got involved in two brief scuffles during practice, one with linebacker Kaluka Maiava and another with defensive lineman Brian Sanford. … McCoy had consecutive passes knocked down by Sheard and Rubin. … Perhaps Weeden’s best throw of the day, a sharp pass over the middle and in traffic, hit wide receiver Carlton Mitchell in the chest and was dropped. ... Wide receiver Josh Cribbs and Haden will attend the NBA Draft lottery tonight in New York City with a contingent representing the Cavaliers. web page
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Somebody get that boy a mouthpiece before he bites his tongue off and gets a major concussion.
Marcus Benard appreciates new 'insight' after recovering from motorcycle accident: Browns Insider Published: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 7:33 PM Updated: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 7:45 PM Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
BEREA, Ohio -- The long scar running down the back of Marcus Benard's right hand said more about the traumatic event from a year ago than he did Wednesday.
The defensive end was vague about the details of last fall's motorcycle accident on I-71 which -- according to a police report -- propelled him 80 yards from the bike and also ended his season with a broken right hand and other unspecified injuries.
What's important, Benard said, is the appreciation this father of three sons has gained for life and the organization.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the incident, Benard revealed little about the crash but expressed his gratitude to the franchise for paying his full salary last season ($525,000) and granting him another opportunity as the Browns began their second week of organized team activities.
At one point, he paused when asked if he considered it a life-altering moment. Benard repeatedly described himself as "blessed" and spoke of the simple joy of returning to the team's practice field with teammates.
"You learn more about life," he said. "You learn more about yourself. Sitting out and going through what I went through, rehab and everything, you always sit back and evaluate yourself and evaluate your position in life and definitely a little bit of insight."
Benard sustained his injuries on Oct. 10, 2011 while driving home from practice. A witness told police that Benard was traveling at a high rate of speed before his Can-Am Spyder bike crossed four lanes of I-71 traffic near Brooklyn and smashed into a guard rail. He was hospitalized for three days.
The fourth-year-pro, who said he's eschewed motorcycle riding, admitted one of his first thoughts following the crash was his three small kids, Domanic, Marcus Jr., and Ashai.
"Oh, definitely," Benard said. "That's my heart and I don't ever want to disappoint them. I want to be there for them."
He thanked the Browns for continuing to give him a chance to provide for the children. Benard is working with the second-unit defensive line a season after being moved from outside linebacker with the team shifting from a 3-4 to 4-3 defensive scheme.
A year after registering a team-leading eight sacks, Benard's fitness was an issue at the start of the 2011 season, one in which he thought coaches wanted him to bulk up for his position change. He said he arrived in Berea last week weighing 260 pounds and coach Pat Shurmur commented Wednesday on the lineman's leaner appearance. Shurmur said he's pleased to have Benard back from the accident, noting: "We all go through things in life that refocus us on doing things the right way."
Benard is the second Browns player since the franchise returned in 1999 to miss time due to motorcycle accident. Former tight end Kellen Winslow II sat out the entire 2005 season with a knee injury.
Benard, 26, was asked if feelings of invincibility factored in his motorcycle riding.
"I'm human -- I don't think I'm Superman," he said. "I was just ... it was just something that happened. You're young and you go through things."
Weeden works with first unit: Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden took snaps with the first-team offense Wednesday after Colt McCoy worked with the unit in last week's OTA. Weeden and Shurmur downplayed the significance of the change -- three-plus months before the season opener against Philadelphia.
"I don't think you can read into that . . . they all got similar amount of reps with guys that are competing at the skill positions to be starters," Shurmur said.
The club has made it clear Weeden, the No. 22 overall pick, will get every opportunity to prove himself as the starter. Weeden admitted he struggled running the two-minute offense on Wednesday, a day after learning terminology and signals from the coaching staff.
Moving up: Second-year pro Eric Hagg could be a serious contender to start at free safety ahead of Usama Young. Hagg intercepted a Weeden pass Wednesday during an 11-on-11 drill and played primarily with the first-unit defense. He is one of the young defensive backs that has impressed coaches, even as Shurmur reminded reporters Wednesday that players are not wearing pads or tackling yet.
The safety made the team last season as a seventh-round pick, but was limited to 10 games due to a knee injury.
Making a case: Linebacker Scott Fujita missed practice to attend the NFL Players Association grievance hearing in Philadelphia regarding the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal.
Once the union's grievances are resolved, Fujita will formally appeal his three-game suspension. The union contends NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell does not have the authority to hear the appeals of the four suspended players.
Lottery fever: Joe Haden and Josh Cribbs made a quick exit following practice to catch a plane for New York as part of the Cavaliers' traveling party to Wednesday night's NBA draft lottery. Haden and Cribbs accompanied Cavs owner Dan Gilbert last year when the franchise won the lottery and the right to select Kyrie Irving.
Haden was asked if Gilbert paid for the trip. "Of course, Dan has got all the money," he said.
Extra points: Defensive lineman Brian Schaefering had off-season surgery to repair a sports hernia, Shurmur confirmed, and has yet to participate in OTAs. ... Fullback Eddie Williams (stiff back) missed practice. ... Kicker Phil Dawson didn't attend practice, but is expected for mandatory minicamp next week. ... The Browns waived undrafted cornerback Mike Allen. The roster stands at 89. web page
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This is the guy with real potential to be our blindside pass rusher when his head is on straight. Hopefully all the other stuff is behind him now and he can be our double digit sack artist to go with Taylor, Rubin and Sheard.
As one-two punches go, the Browns go through wide receiver combos like Taco Bell at rush hour.
In the last 10 years, the team’s No. 1 and No. 2 wideouts in terms of receiving yards have run the gamut from:
• Quincy Morgan (964 yards) and Kevin Johnson (703) in 2002
• Dennis Northcutt (729) and André Davis (576) in 2003
• Northcutt (806) and Antonio Bryant (546) in 2004
• Bryant (1,009) and Braylon Edwards (512) in 2005
• Edwards (884) and Joe Jurevicius (495) in 2006
• Edwards (1,289) and Jurevicius (614) in 2007
• Edwards (873) and Syndric Steptoe (182) in 2008
• Mohamed Massaquoi (624) and Chansi Stuckey (198) in 2009
• Massaquoi (483) and Stuckey (346) in 2010
• Greg Little (709) and Joshua Cribbs (518) in 2011.
In Taco Bell terms, that’s way too much mild sauce.
The Browns’ current run through spring practice features a push to put more meat in the latest one-two punch.
The best guess has rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden working with Little and Massaquoi, in that order, as his top two wideouts once the season gets rolling.
Tuesday’s practice didn’t quite point to a major breakthrough.
Weeden eagerly began one drill by licking his fingers, stepping up to center Alex Mack, and barking, “Blue 80, blue 80.” He fired a short pass on the right side. Massaquoi dropped the ball and grunted.
A while later, Weeden whistled a strike on the left side to Little. Rookie Trevin Wade stripped the ball, picked it up and took off.
“Ahhhhhhhh!!!!” Little screamed.
It’s early. The brass thinks the passing game can come around.
Massaquoi has been around for three seasons since arriving via a No. 50 overall draft pick. At worst, he was supposed to become an excellent No. 2 wideout. It hasn’t happened.
“We’ve just got to play to our potential, really,” Massaquoi said after practice. “We’re capable. We just didn’t do it last year.”
Little was drafted last year, nine spots lower than Massaquoi. General manager Tom Heckert thought he was getting a potential No. 1 wideout at a bargain rate, resulting from Little sitting out the 2010 season over trouble with the NCAA.
Little led the 2011 Browns in catches with 61 and receiving yards with 709.
Now, he has the benefit of an offseason to learn new coordinator Brad Childress’ system. Plus, he has a better body, according to head coach Pat Shurmur.
“He’s a lot more sudden,” Shurmur said. “He has been catching the ball at a much more consistent rate.”
Coming off the 2011 season, Shurmur talked to the 6-foot-2 Little about coming in sleeker. Little spent two months at a training compound in Florida before reporting to Berea for the team’s supervised conditioning.
“I lost almost 11 pounds,” Little said. “I’m probably scraping 219, 220 pounds right now.”
Weeden is impressed.
“The more I see him ... the dude can play,” said Weeden, noting similarities between Little and his favorite Oklahoma State target, Justin Blackmon. “He can really, really go get it.”
Little has been maintaining a healthy diet of made-to-order fruits, vegetables and sandwiches in the team cafeteria.
He didn’t pay nearly as much attention to what he ate last year.
“Every Thursday,” he said, “(linebacker) Chris Gocong’s wife would bring in cupcakes. I would eat (pausing and grinning) seven to 10.”
HARDESTY ON RICHARDSON Running back Montario Hardesty lost his entire rookie season of 2010 to knee issues and was ineffective while battling nagging injuries in 2011.
Initial thoughts that he could be a good feature back were scrapped, and a No. 3 overall pick was spent on Trent Richardson.
“I just looked at it as, all right, cool ... let’s get back to work,” Hardesty said. “Competition is good for everybody. I’m excited about it, honestly.”
Richardson will be the main back unless something strange happens.
“There’s plenty of work for two backs,” Hardesty said, “especially in our conference, the way teams pound the ball.”
Hardesty carried 88 times for 266 yards (3.0 average) in 2011. Backs who remain employed tend to run for at least four yards a carry.
HAGG HEATS UP Eric Hagg, a 2011 Round 7 pick who impressed coaches late in the season, got some reps with the first-team defense Tuesday.
“It’s a good opportunity,” said Hagg, who looms as the No. 3 safety behind starters T.J. Ward and Usama Young.
Hagg said he learned a ton during his rookie year from veteran cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Dimitri Patterson, both of whom have a long background in the defense being run by coordinator Dick Jauron.
His head was swimming when he got to camp last year, without the benefit of an offseason program.
“We had to try to learn everything super fast,” Hagg said. “Having an offseason makes it a lot more work, but it also makes it a lot easier.” web page
“It’s a good opportunity,” said Hagg, who looms as the No. 3 safety behind starters T.J. Ward and Usama Young.
I though that Young looked more at home at SS last year.
If Hagg can take that FS position and call it his own, then that's a pretty big feather in our cap and would solve a long lost missing puzzle peace to this defense.
I though that he flashed a little at the end of last season ... He looks pretty fluid (remember he did play some CB in College).
Young provided absolutely NOOOOO over the top support last year. I can't remember one single play where I can say that he showed good instincts from the deep safety position. He is a decent #2 strong safety but he sucks as the free safety.
Quote: ntm him bouncing of the TE cook in that Tenn game. I guess you have to offer Fujita and Young $$$ to tackle a guy.
we were lucky on the play that Fujita bounced off him that game. the first big play was Fujita falling a step further behind every couple steps Cook took.
J/C I have a hunch that Richardson will not give Hardesty any competition at all. Hardesty will have the whirlpool and the trainer's table all to himself for the short time he remains.
Since the coach has said that you can't read anything into which guys are playing with the 1st team, and so on ..... why would he update who is getting first team reps? It would go against everything he has said.
As far as the 2 minute offense, it was the first day of putting in the 2 minute offense. Now if there are still problems week 3 or 4 of the regular season, then I'll be concerned ..... but after the 4th OTA .... not so much.
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.
Since the coach has said that you can't read anything into which guys are playing with the 1st team, and so on ..... why would he update who is getting first team reps? It would go against everything he has said.
He's not. The media is. they bring it up, he responds. Mary Kay Cabot for one tweets about who is starting with who etc.. then of course, he's asked about it in the pressers and he responds that not much should be read into it.
No biggie..
#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
Well, by the way I read it, the poster I replied to seemed upset that this information wasn't being conveyed ......... and if Shurmur is true to what he's said, he's not going to offer that kind of assessment.
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.
Since the coach has said that you can't read anything into which guys are playing with the 1st team, and so on ..... why would he update who is getting first team reps? It would go against everything he has said.
He's not. The media is. they bring it up, he responds. Mary Kay Cabot for one tweets about who is starting with who etc.. then of course, he's asked about it in the pressers and he responds that not much should be read into it.
No biggie..
Just to expound on this a bit -
You can't fault the media for talking about it, because there just isn't much else to talk about. On top of that, the information frames the reports. If they reported that Weeden threw an INT, the first question would be who "were the WR's" and "which defense did he do it against"? So, as long as you don't try to actually divine any future insight from this into who the starters are or whatever, and just use the information to paint the picture of what is happening, it's perfectly fine and normal... and needed, and as long as the information is being presented as such and not as some predictor of anything, then that is actually solid reporting. It is good, old-fashioned, gathering and reporting of what is going on.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
Since the coach has said that you can't read anything into which guys are playing with the 1st team, and so on ..... why would he update who is getting first team reps? It would go against everything he has said.
He's not. The media is. they bring it up, he responds. Mary Kay Cabot for one tweets about who is starting with who etc.. then of course, he's asked about it in the pressers and he responds that not much should be read into it.
No biggie..
Just to expound on this a bit -
You can't fault the media for talking about it, because there just isn't much else to talk about. On top of that, the information frames the reports. If they reported that Weeden threw an INT, the first question would be who "were the WR's" and "which defense did he do it against"? So, as long as you don't try to actually divine any future insight from this into who the starters are or whatever, and just use the information to paint the picture of what is happening, it's perfectly fine and normal... and needed, and as long as the information is being presented as such and not as some predictor of anything, then that is actually solid reporting. It is good, old-fashioned, gathering and reporting of what is going on.
Oh I'm not faulting the Media for talking of it. (I know, doesn't sound like me does it)
But when it's asked and Shurmur answers it, then that's all there is to it.
I just don't think it's a big deal.. I also think we all know that unless Weeden (example) completely sucks, he's the starter.. end of story. But Shurmur probably wants to be a sure as possible.. who could blame him.
#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
Hagg taking first team reps here is pretty big news considering. The big news this time of year is more about who is flashing? Who are the guys that are showing a little something?
Trevin Wade breaking up passes and making plays on the ball is huge. It will get them extra attention when camp begins. Can't make the team if you can't get noticied.
Benard praise is off the charts for a minicamp. I haven't heard this much praise about a DE for the browns in minicamp since Courtney's rookie year. When you ask how this guy is looking at the response starts with WOW!!, that is a really good sign especially from people that do not like to give praise. It has been, wow he is fast, Wow he is quick, wow he is getting that edge in a hurry.
For the QBs I really expected Wallace and Colt to put Weeden to shame in the first couple mini camps. The rookie supposed to struggle. I have heard more positive words spoken about Thad than Colt and Wallace combined. We have all heard the question of who do you keep Wallace or Colt but the question may be who do we bring in to replace Wallace and Colt?
By Fred Greetham OBR Senior Browns Reporter Posted May 30, 2012
Browns' second-year safety Eric Hagg has been seeing first-team reps at OTAs and showing positive signs.
4 Comments
BEREA--In the midst of all the hype of the Browns new draft picks, one young veteran is flying under the radar.
Second-year safety Eric Hagg has been lining up with the first unit at free safety.
"I don't think you can read anything into it," Pat Shurmur said.
The Browns chose to let versatile Mike Adams leave in free agency, putting the honus on Hagg step up and contribute.
Most felt that Usama Young would be the starter at free safety, but Hagg looks to be giving Young a run. He intercepted Brandon Weeden during 11 on 11 drills Wednesday.
"It's been a good opportunity for me," Hagg said. "I've learned a lot from the other defensive players."
Hagg doesn't consider himself the starter, nor does he take anything for granted.
"All I know is to keep working and make some plays," he said. "I'm glad they saw something from me (last year).
"I got some good game experience las year," he said. "I don't look at myself as the starter. I just keep working hard and give it all to God."
Hagg got off to a very slow start as a rookie after being a seventh-round draft choice from Nebraska. He suffered a knee injury and had minor surgery at the start of training camp. However, rather than placing him on injured reserve they kept him on the roster until he was able to play. He played in 10 games and had 11 tackles with a fumble recovery.
"I know what you're saying about being a seventh-round pick and having the knee injury, but God has gotten me to where he wants me to be.
"It's a blessing to be in my second year," he said. "Last year, I was thrown in and now, the game is slowing down for me.
"I just keep asking questions and if you ask people who've done it before you and you can learn from your mistakes, you'll be fine."
Notebook
Weeden No. 1?: Rookie QB Brandon Weeden took reps with the first offense Wednesday, but Shurmur downplayed it.
"Last week, Colt (McCoy) took the first reps," Shurmur said. "They're taking similar reps. I wouldn't read anything into that."
Weeden said he feels like he's progressing.
"The two-minute stuff is all new," he said. "We just put it in yesterday. It wasn't coming as fast as I'd like it to come (on the field)."
Weeden said he's got a lot of confidence in his arm.
"Overall, I'm not afraid to throw the football downfield and into tight spots," he said.
Weeden was intercepted by Eric Hagg and rookie Trevin Wade.
Weeden said he's not worried about who is lining up at quarterback at this point.
"I don't read too much into it," he said. "(The coaches) are moving guys around to get different guys in different groupings.
"The key is to go out and execute."
Haden, Cribbs to NBA Draft: Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is trying to re-create the magic of last year when the NBA draft lottery takes place tonight. He is flying Josh Cribbs and Joe Haden along with Bernie Kosar to the draft to be with Gilbert's son, Nick, as the Cavs try to get the top pick again.
"I was excited to go and do it with Cribbs," Haden said. "It's cool for the city to come together. I hope we get the No. 1 (pick)."
The trio were present last year when the Cavs ended up with the No. 1 and No. 4 picks, which they used to select Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.
Fujita, Dawson Absent: K Phil Dawson missed the second-straight OTA, but is expected for next week's mandatory minicamp June 5-7. LB Scott Fujita was also absent as he was at his appeal hearing for his role in the bounty scandal according to Shurmur.
Benard Flashing: One thing that has been evident thus far in the the two OTAs and that is DL Marcus Benard is getting to the quarterback quickly. He was on the quarterback on back-to-back plays last week and already has displayed speed and quickness this week.
"He looks like a different guy, physically," Shurmur said. "He's flashed and looks like he's put himself in position to have a good training camp."
Benard spent most of last season on injured reserve after crashing his three-wheel motorcycle.
"All the things one goes through in life, sometimes helps to re-focus," Shurmur said. "He's done that and he's in great shape."
Allen Waived: DB Mike Allen was waived Wednesday. Allen was an undrafted free agent from James Madison.
Schaefering, Williams Out: Shurmur said that DL Brian Schaefering had groin surgery and was coming along fine. He said they hoped to originally have him back for training camp, but there's a chance he will be back for the last week of OTAs. Also, FB Eddie Williams missed practice with a toe injury.
Joe's Day: Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas visited the students at Messiah Lutheran School for their fundraising efforts as part of the 7th Annual Q104 Pledge for Pets Radiothon to benefit the Cleveland Animal Protective League. The fourth grade class raised $700 in just a few weeks for the cause. Thomas and his wife, Annie met with the students at the school in Fairview Park. web page
Quote: The Browns chose to let versatile Mike Adams leave in free agency, putting the honus on Hagg step up and contribute.
The Honus? Wagner?
I don't usually smack spelling .....but this guy is a "senior reporter", presumably with spell check ..... isn't he?
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.
Eric Hagg penciled in as Browns new free safety Posted by Evan Silva on June 3, 2012, 6:05 PM EDT Chris Tabor, Eric Hagg AP
The Cleveland Browns have a hole to fill at free safety with the departure of Mike Adams to Denver. Second-year safety Eric Hagg is getting the first crack.
Hagg has been running with the Browns’ first-team defense throughout early OTAs, and Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer confirms that Hagg “has the early edge” over Usama Young to start on opening day.
The Browns’ seventh-round pick in 2011, Hagg is being thrust into a significant role entering his second season. He didn’t start any games last year, appearing in ten and playing primarily on special teams.
It is a nice opportunity, though, for a promising prospect. Though he was relatively unheralded coming out of Nebraska, Hagg led the Cornhuskers with five interceptions as a senior — more than fellow draft picks Prince Amukamara (Giants) and DeJon Gomes (Redskins), who played in the same Nebraska secondary.
Hagg doesn't really impress me a whole lot.. well he didn't last year, but he did seem to always be around the ball when he was given the opportunity. We'll see. Everytime I see his face I think of Polamalu.. lol.. am i the only one? haha.
Good I hopeHagg gets a chance, I liked him coming out of Nebraska, played tuff and was around the ball, dont know enough about his covering skills, but hopefully we can hit on a 7th rounder,
At least he gets a chance, what he does with it is up to him
run defense should dramatically improve since we cut the road cone aka Mitchell and we replaced him with one of the best run stuffing defensive ends in football. Problem is that we have probably lost Big Phil until the bye.
I do have to say though that, although I still have grave concerns with the pick, I think Hughes showed promise against the run in the snippets I saw of him. Couldn't do jack against the pass, but was stout against the run.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
I have high hopes for both of the new tackles...though Winn may play end.
I also like Nick Eason. I thought he played well when he got his shots last year. At least we aren't trying to replace a pass rusher, those can be hard to replace. A run stuffer is a easier slot to fill.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Published: Sunday, June 03, 2012, 6:00 AM By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
ABOUT THE BROWNS' RUNNING BACKS . . .
1. When the Browns' coaches look at their running backs, they smile. It obviously starts with rookie Trent Richardson. Yes, they believe he can be a three-down back, meaning he plays all the time. At least his pass-catching skills in college (and in the minicamps) indicate he can be on the field in third-down situations.
2. But another running back also has impressed, the forgotten man from 2011. Not Montario Hardesty. He's back, too. The player who has stood out to the coaches is Brandon Jackson, the veteran from Green Bay who signed a free-agent contract with the Browns last season. Jackson injured his foot in training camp and missed all 2011.
3. In 2010, he rushed for 703 yards and caught 43 passes for the Packers. In 2010, Profootballfocus.com rated Jackson as the No. 6 receiver among NFL backs as he caught 48 of 57 passes. He had only two drops. In the West Coast offense, in which backs have to catch the ball, this is important. Jackson had only one fumble in 190 carries in 2010. He has only three in his career. He was also flagged for only one penalty in 2010.
4. Jackson isn't a great back, but he's a solid one. He's 28, but he isn't beat up, as he was mostly a backup with the Packers. He'll be paid $1.65 million this season.
5. So what can be said of Hardesty? As of today, he says he's healthy. That appears to be the case. While the Browns are saying nice things about Hardesty, he has to prove he'll remain healthy once tackling starts in August. He's been with the Browns for two seasons but has had knee problems, calf issues and carried the ball only 88 times.
6. This is just my opinion, not that of the Browns: Hardesty's roster spot isn't safe. He makes $575,000 and it's not guaranteed. At best, he's third on the depth chart behind Richardson and Jackson. It's hard to go into the season with Hardesty because of all his health problems.
7. The coaches do like Chris Ogbonnaya, and it's easy to see him winning a roster spot. He gained 334 yards last season (averaging 4.6 yards per carry) and also caught 23 passes after he was picked up before Game 6 by the Browns. He hardly practiced, but he was pressed into duty and did a decent job filling in for the injured Peyton Hillis and Hardesty.
ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .
1. The coaches were thrilled with Marcus Benard arriving at 260 pounds. Not only is it the best weight for him, but it's ideal for their pass-rushing defensive ends. When Benard arrived at 280 pounds last year, he looked slow. Then he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. He is blessed to be completely healthy. In 2010, he had 7.5 sacks as a pass-rushing linebacker in Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense.
2. The Browns like quick defensive ends in their 4-3 defense. That's why 255-pound Jabaal Sheard was so effective, with 8.5 sacks as a rookie. The Browns added veteran free agents Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker as defensive ends, but there's room for Benard as they'd like four players for those two spots.
3. No need to dwell on it because it's so early, but Brandon Weeden continues to impress. When I asked him about what he feels most comfortable with going from college to the pros, he said: "Throwing the ball. . . . I'm not afraid of throwing the ball downfield. I'm not afraid of squeezing it into tight windows. I've always had a lot of confidence."
4. The Browns are anxious to see rookie receiver Travis Benjamin against defenses once tackling starts because his speed has been very impressive.
5. Greg Little has received a lot of praise for his conditioning (he lost 11 pounds) and performance in minicamps, and it's been well-deserved.
6. While Josh Cribbs is still in the mix as a receiver, the Browns are determined to upgrade their special teams -- especially the coverage units. And by far, Cribbs is best of the best at covering kicks and punts. He didn't even begin to cover kicks last year until the final 11 games, but he led the team with 14 special-teams tackles -- Kaluka Maiava (10) and Buster Skrine (nine) were next. Cribbs ranked sixth in punt returns and 12th in kickoff returns last season -- and the Browns also want to improve in those areas.
7. Free agent Josh Cooper has had some nice moments. He caught 68 and 71 passes from Weeden during the past two years at Oklahoma State. Cooper was one of the first undrafted free agents the Browns called after the draft with a tryout invitation. Weeden also lobbied for Cooper, who made a wise decision to pick the Browns over some other teams as there are plenty of chances here for receivers.
Weeden eager to go full speed in Browns minicamp By Steve Doerschuk CantonRep.com staff writer Posted Jun 04, 2012 @ 02:19 PM
BEREA —
Brandon Weeden’s push to win the Browns’ quarterback job kicks up a notch with a three-day mini-camp.
The minicamp starts Tuesday. Unlike recent spring practice sessions, attendance is required by decree of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Sure, almost every Browns player has attended the last two weeks of voluntary practices and meetings. The next three days, though, are a time to make a mark with the brass heading into training camp.
Weeden came away from a voluntary practice wanting more.
“It wasn’t as fast-paced as I like,” he said, “because you’re still thinking a little bit.”
Weeden has been through nine practices, including a rookie minicamp in which he has thrown to a glob of 11 wide receivers, five tight ends, five running backs and three fullbacks.
That has made it hard for the chiefs to evaluate him — and for him to find a rhythm.
“They knew I could throw it,” Weeden said. “It’s just learning what each receiver can do ... how they break on routes. That’s starting to come.
“The most important thing for a quarterback is getting that relationship with those receivers. You know where they’re gonna be. You know how they’re gonna come out of a break, and you can put the ball on ‘em.
“It’s kind of a seamless deal.”
The passing game has been kind of a hopeless deal for the Browns during a four-year stretch in which the record has been 18-46.
The team’s league rank in passer rating in the stretch:
• No. 29 in 2011, 72.8
• No. 29 in 2010, 75.0
• No. 32 in 2009, 55.8
• No. 31 in 2008, 54.8
Some observers were surprised that the 28-year-old Weeden was drafted as high as he was, No. 22 overall. There was zero surprise in the fact Boss Holmgren and Company burned a first-round pick on a passer.
It has become clear in the last month that if Weeden wins the job, a vertical passing game will be attempted.
“I’m gonna take shots,” Weeden said. “That’s just the way I am.”
The brass understood that when he was drafted and is sure to play into his comfort zone.
Everyone is watching two wild-card possibilities tied to these questions:
1, If Weeden looks shaky and is still thinking too much in August, does Colt McCoy have a realistic shot at re-taking the job he held for 13 games in 2011?
2, If Weeden and McCoy both struggle, can Seneca Wallace play his way into the first opening-day start of his 10-year career? Next » 1 | 2
Wallace will turn 32 on Aug. 6. He is three years older than Weeden, who is three years older than McCoy.
The Browns might be emboldened to give Weeden the benefit of the doubt if he struggles in training camp, in keeping with a trend to play highly drafted rookie quarterbacks right away.
Andy Dalton, a rookie No. 35 overall pick last year, helped Cincinnati get to the playoffs as a wild-card team.
On the other hand, Dalton and another young quarterback, T.J. Yates, were overmatched in the postseason. Actually, they were matched against each other in a playoff opener.
In a playoff blowout at Houston, Dalton threw three interceptions in a 31-10 loss.
Yates went along for the ride in that game, attempting only 20 passes. Forced to throw more a week later at Baltimore, he was picked off three times in a 35-17 loss.
Yates was a rookie Round 5 pick last year, pressed into duty by an injury to veteran Matt Schaub.
One point that never goes away: Weeden’s age makes him different than other rookies. He is being nudged along by some golden oldies of the quarterback industry, too, including 68-year old Gil Haskell and Mike Holmgren, who turns 64 on June 15.
The new offensive coordinator, Brad Childress, isn’t as old — he turns 56 this month — but he worked his first NFL coaching job more than 25 years ago.
“He’s been in this league for a long time,” Weeden said of Childress. “He has a great knowledge of offensive schemes and calling plays and doing things as a coordinator.
“He is a great coach and great teacher. He is always coaching and giving ideas. If he sees something, he is the first person there to tell you.
“Whenever he tells me something, I try to be a sponge.”
It’s minicamp time, the last big step to training camp. Childress will be in Weeden’s ear all week.
Adonis Thomas hopes to rocket up Browns' depth chart By Steve Doerschuk CantonRep.com staff writer BEREA —
Former Toledo Rocket Chester Taylor was a long shot to last in the NFL after arriving via the sixth round of the 2002 draft.
Ten years and more than 7,000 yards from scrimmage later, he’s still ticking.
Now Adonis Thomas hopes it is his turn to surprise at running back. Undrafted out of Toledo this year after tearing it up for the Rockets, Thomas has turned coaches’ heads in spring practice.
“He understands how to run,” Head Coach Pat Shurmur said today before heading off to a minicamp practice. “He’s a very bright, energetic guy. He’s given himself a chance to compete.”
Thomas arrived last month as “a tryout guy,” in a pool of hopefuls that included Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas, who had the same record as a college starter, 22-3, as Brandon Weeden.
The more famous Thomas was not invited back to the regular spring roster. The Thomas from Toledo was, pushing speedster Armond Smith off the team.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Thomas has a chance to make the team as a shifty running back with unique size, quickness and speed.
The No. 1 back will be rookie Trent Richardson (5-9, 230). Three vying for a role behind Richardson are similar in body type: Montario Hardesty (6-0, 225), Brandon Jackson (5-10, 216) and Chris Ogbonnaya (6-0, 225).
Thomas represents something different.
For Toledo in 2011, Thomas ran 171 times for 1,071 yards, a crisp 6.3 average. He also caught 31 passes for 350 yards, 11.3 per catch.
In a close loss at Ohio State last Sept. 10, he was held to 47 yards on 14 rushes, but he racked up 111 yards on six receptions. In his biggest game, he ran for 216 yards and tacked on 77 receiving yards.
Thomas played at Weeguahic High School in Newark, N.J., where he rushed for 1,999 yards on a state championship team as a 2006 senior.
He faces a tough fight to knock 2010 Round 2 draft pick Hardesty and 2011 trade acquisition Brandon Jackson off the roster. Those two are coming back from injuries.
“They’ve looked good, knock on wood,” Shurmur said of Hardesty and Jackson. “They look healthy, and they’ve been running around fast.”
EXTRA POINTS
• Shurmur headed for today’s practice saying Brandon Weeden has measured up to expectations thus far:
“We see what we saw prior to drafting him (at No. 22 overall).”
• Shurmur is shying away from public comment on Scott Fujita’s appeal of a three-game suspension in the “Bountygate” matter.
“He’s a veteran player, an outstanding player in this league,” Shurmur said. “It’s a league issue.”
• Second-year pro Eric Hagg is handling the mental side of trying to win more playing time.
“Communication is huge when you’re playing safety,” Shurmur said. “Some players can pick things up in the classroom, but it doesn’t transfer. With him, it transfers.”
• Shurmur says strong safety T.J. Ward seems to be his old self after losing the second half of the 2011 season to a foot injury.
“He’s looking good, running around, playing fast,” Shurmur said. “He needs to develop, like the rest of ‘em.” web page
Weeden 'feels bad' for Blackmon Print Comment By Steve Doerschuk
• Brandon Weeden said one of the hardest things about being a quarterback is being good at and willing to gun a football through a “tight window just because technically it’s not there.” • Weeden on Justin Blackmon’s DUI arrest: “I feel bad for him. He’s such a good dude. Obviously he made a poor choice. Hopefully he learns from it. Weeden, who put up pinball numbers at Oklahoma State with Blackmon’s help, has not talked to the wide receiver since the arrest. • What’s worse. Throwing an interception or giving up a long home run? “They both suck, but ... the pick,” Weeden said. Safety Eric Hagg got Weeden in 11 on 11s during today’s practice. Weeden said it was “just a miscommunication.” Joshua Cribbs went one way and Weeden thought Cribbs was going the other way. It was just a short pass. Weeden committed early. Cribbs wasn’t anywhere near close enough to attempt to break up the pick. • Weeden is becoming sold on Mohamed Massaquoi: “I love the way he runs that comeback. To me he looks comfortable. He’s playing really fast. He’s running good routes.”
• Scott Fujita hasn’t given up on his appeal of a three-game suspension. For when he does return, he thinks he still has plenty to offer, although he admits he isn’t as fast as he was “back in my 20s.” “I’m going to outsmart a lot of people. I can guarantee you that.” He looks fit and says his goal has always been to arrive at camp in better shape that everybody else. The problem with him has been his shape in December. He hasn’t finished any recent season. • Why haven’t the Browns and Phil Dawson just gotten together and worked out a three-year contract? “You read my thoughts exactly,” said Dawson, who has skipped OTAs but is on the grounds for this week’s mandatory minicamp. Dawson showed off his leg strength on his last kick of practice. His try from 53 yards sailed high over the crossbar and hit halfway up a big observation tower well behind the end zone. He tried one kick from 70 yards that wasn’t short by much. The wind was at his back, but still ... • Wideout Greg Little’s pet move in practice has been to make a catch, pivot on a dime, and dip his shoulder under the defender.
Seahawks violate contact rules, lose two OTA days Posted by Josh Alper on June 5, 2012, 5:21 PM EDT
AP By rule, NFL teams are not allowed to engage in contact during Organized Team Activities.
The Seahawks violated that rule and they will lose two days of practice time as a result. The NFL and NFLPA announced the penalty in a joint statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“The NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association have determined that the Seattle Seahawks violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s offseason workout rules on the prohibition of live contact during one of the club’s organized team activity days. As a result, the Seahawks will forfeit two of their scheduled OTA practices (June 6 and 7) as well as an additional offseason workout day on Friday, June 8. Seahawks’ players are not permitted to be at the facility on those days, but will be paid for the sessions. The club cannot reschedule the cancelled days.”
Several members of the Seahawks tweeted about the penalty before it was officially announced. Wide receiver Ricardo Lockette wanted Seahawks fans to know that “its about to go down and we were going hard at practice for you guys.”
This is the first offseason under the rules put in place by last year’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. The CBA limits teams to 10 OTA days, during which players may practice for two hours while wearing a helmet and no other pads. The CBA also requires that OTAs be filmed so that there is a record to refer to in case any drills need to be reviewed.
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