DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Why Donte Whitner is so optimistic about the Browns

Why Donte Whitner is so optimistic about the Browns

Pro Bowl safety sees unity building, Josh McCown excelling

Last year, the Browns went 7-9. If you ask Donte Whitner, Cleveland was 10-12 plays away from earning a postseason berth.

After playing in three straight NFC championship games with the San Francisco 49ers, Whitner senses several key components coming together in Berea that suggest the Browns will improve on their win total.

Coaches and players are developing trust together. Veteran leadership is apparent at every position. And the secondary can be the absolute best in the NFL, the three-time Pro Bowler said.

“It’s really big,” Whitner said. “Losing so many games by three-four points, we understand it was maybe 10-12 plays that kept us out of the playoffs. We understand if we go out and correct certain things, maybe we’re not even in close games at the end of the football game. Maybe we win by two-three touchdowns.”

Whitner became a de facto spokesman when he signed with the franchise in March 2014, commenting on everything Browns related. He’s not one to sugarcoat either, which is why his observations about quarterback Josh McCown shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“I can tell you one thing: Josh looks good – really, really good,” Whitner said. “I remember playing him in Chicago a couple of years ago with San Francisco. We actually thought he looked better than (Jay) Cutler.

“Especially when he gets time to throw the football. When you get skill guys around Josh, he knows where to go. This is his 14th year. And he’s still a guy that can get out on the basketball court and dunk a basketball. He’s a guy that still has a lot of athletic ability. He has a strong arm. He knows all the reads. Today, he beat Joe Haden on a double-move – and he told Joe he was coming after him!”

Another quarterback, Johnny Manziel, is someone whom which Whitner hasn’t been shy about in expressing his opinion. At the conclusion of last season, Whitner pleaded with some of his younger teammates to do some soul searching in the offseason and prove they want to help the Browns win football games.

Manziel took that message to heart.

What’s changed from Whitner’s perspective has to do with Manziel’s car. When Whitner pulls into the team facility parking lot each morning, Manziel’s vehicle is parked in the same spot. And when Whitner leaves after putting in a hard day of work, the car is still there.

“There are certain guys that stay later, get here earlier and he’s been one of those guys,” Whitner said. “Everything off the field and the things he’s supposed to be doing, he’s really doing. So hopefully that translates to him going out there and making plays and becoming the quarterback we think he can become and he wants to become.”

As Whitner walked off the practice field, drenched in sweat alongside his teammates, his body language matched his words: The Browns are focused on making the plays that will put them in the playoffs.

<== Link

Really up until yesterday my understanding was that the offense and the defense practiced at different times and according to Haden he hadn't seen the offense, so how can the observation be that McCown looks good? Sounds like maybe Whitner is pushing some BS around.

Not only that the reports from Berea for the 1st day of OTA's was that both McCown and Johnny look sloppy, which is to be expected, but Whitner has no way to know how McCown looks and if he did he would say sloppy. Slop to you Whitner, slop to you. in my bets Frank Barrown voice. LOL

Maybe he saw him yesterday then?

Your so called facts have been only your opinion and putting down anyone who does not agree with you makes you the weak-minded one. It's about time for you to look in the mirror.

And has proven to be so over his career...........

Talk about over the edge......

BTW I liked Hoyer because he knew how to win, McCown on the other hand has proven over his career that he knows how to do one thing really well and that is LOSE.

Believe it or not I base my opinion on who McCown has proven himself to be, not on what I HOPE he will be..... Big difference IMO.

When he has us lined up for the 1st pick in the draft you'll be a believer....

First day of OTAs shows Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel have work to do
13h


BEREA, Ohio -- How did the Cleveland Browns' quarterbacks look on their first day of competitive OTA practice on Tuesday?

Like two guys learning a new system with a new coordinator and new receivers on the first day of an offseason practice.
Mike Pettine said the Browns, including Josh McCown, left, and Johnny Manziel, looked "sloppy" on Tuesday. Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports

“Sloppy” was the word Mike Pettine used for the whole team. It certainly applied to the first two quarterbacks, as both Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel threw plenty of footballs to the ground.

McCown might be able to afford the errors better than Manziel. Teammate Donte Whitner said Manziel’s rookie season was a disaster, so Manziel has two hurdles to overcome this offseason.

He first must get his life together off the field, which is why he spent 10 weeks in a treatment facility. Then he must prove he can play in the NFL on the field -- something he did not do one year ago.

Given that it’s May and it’s a new system, immediate precision should not be expected. But it’s also clear the Browns have a long way to go.

McCown got all the reps with the first team, Manziel took all the reps with the backups. Both had moments, but neither distinguished themselves.

Manziel, as always, was the focus of attention. His arm strength was evident when he threw in one-on-one drills, but when it got to “team” work there were … well … concerns.

He underthrew a short out route in seven-on-seven that was intercepted by K’Waun Williams, a throw against no rush that leaves most NFL quarterbacks simmering.

He dropped the ball on a rollout, had another throw blocked at the line and had an underthrow to Paul Browning knocked away by Kendall James.

“I don’t want to get into grading specific plays today,” coach Mike Pettine said.

He echoed a by-now familiar theme: Manziel has been more engaged in meetings than he was a year ago.

“We’re a new group,” McCown said. “And any time you come together as a new group there’s going to be growing pains.”

He then emphasized setting a high standard to “speed up that learning curve.”

“I want to see the Cleveland Browns and the quarterback position be better than it's been,” McCown said.


http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/...have-work-to-do

Hum funny the word Sloppy doesn't exactly jive with what Whitner said now does it?????

Does someone take a gigantic crap in your bowl of Cheerios EVERY morning?

Yeah the Browns its an annual event, haven't you noticed YET....

So... yes?

The difference is I spit it out you swallow it with glee.................

My 4 year old niece makes more clever jokes than that.

Glad to hear it. I appreciate optimism as much as the next Dawg. But this seems like spin after a day. Still, now is the time to be optimistic! We are undefeated.

Don't take too much away from OTA's.

I don't think Whitner is spewing "BS" as a certain poster suggested.

They've been doing classroom and weight room work for about a month now I thought, maybe Whitner just meant overall he's been looking good? The guy could just be presenting himself as a truly hard worker and leader. I don't know.

Either way, what is Whitner supposed to say with microphones in his face? That this team is going to be awful and that the QB situation is a joke? No. That's not what veteran leaders do. He's a Brown through and through, and positive attitudes are contagious, especially on a sports team....

BTTB....if the Browns make you so miserable, and you're convinced they'll be 2-14 and picking #1 overall next year, could you just not post until then?


....just kidding.

Haha, whether you're a fan or not of Josh, you gotta appreciate (even if it's just practice with no pads) our veteran Qb taunting one of the best corners in the league!

Wait.

If the offense and defenses aren't practicing together, how could McCown have beaten Haden on a double moved route?

There's seven on seven, 9 on 9 and maybe more that's permitted. No pads of course.

Oh okay.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Someone posted that the two units weren't practicing together, and that Whitner hadn't seen McCown throw yet.

I think the sloppy is also indicative of the O in general as all have to be on the same page and they were not.


Very first day of OTA's

I wouldn't expect anyone on offense to really be on the same page.

New offensive coordinator, new quarterback, and a handful of new offensive lineman and skill players.

OTA's are nice, but I can't wait for training camp!

The article, which you even posted a clip from says, and highlighted the word sloppy and actually says.



Sloppy was the word Pettine used for the whole team. The next sentence was the reporters take and association.

if the TEAM was sloppy, then I wholly expect any QB or WR, or RB to also look sloppy. Because football is a TEAM game, and if someone isn't doing their job correctly, it adversely affect all other parts.

Not even taking into account that sloppy does not mean sucks or dysfunctional. I have seen people do sloppy work, but the product still worked as intended, it just isn't always as pretty.

Not to say the team doesn't look sloppy, or the QB are throwing poorly.I would expect a team in early OTAs with a new playbook to be somewhat sloppy.

Dude if you read what I originally wrote I said its to be expected,God you guys are so shallow minded its unbelievable...

I make no secrets about the fact that McCown has been and likely will continue to be a loser after 14 years a zebra doesn't suddenly change its stripes. I fully acknowledge that you can never say never but he is close to never and that fact can't be fluffed over or ignored.

As much as you all hate it, its more then just likely I'm totally right and you hate that FACT.

Said Whitner was peddling BS which he is based on what the coach said which was Sloppy, and the writer of the piece said the same thing with several balls falling to the ground, which he said specifically the QB's were sloppy, I said to be expected although they have been working together (QB's and receivers) for several weeks now???

I did not attack you are insult you in my reply, if you feel that is the only way to get your point across then we are done, as I have no time to deal with schoolyard antics.

Wasn't aimed at you Florida, sorry if you took it that way.

Said Whitner was peddling BS which he is based on what the coach said which was Sloppy

Positive attitudes are contagious. What was Whitner supposed to say to the reporters? That the team looked bad and we're screwed? Saying he's spewing BS is just a little over board. If you can't be optimistic or energized, why even play? We haven't been inside the building(s) with the team, McCown COULD look real good in the weight room and inside the film rooms and in team meetings, ect.

As much as you all hate it, its more then just likely I'm totally right and you hate that FACT.

You might end up being right...

But you might be wrong too...

We won seven games last year with a veteran game manager under center, now the entire team around said position is stronger and deeper. It's only May, so there is still POSSIBILITY.

I'm sick of losing too. I hate it. I hate that it's been 13 years since we've seen the playoffs man....But if everyone was ready to call this season a wash, and had zero hope, what would even be the point in posting on these boards, following the team during the offseason, or watching the team when the season rolls around!?

Is that really necessary?

I think the majority of that post was aimed at me.

Just a hunch though...

So I can see who they pick in next years draft.

Yes, it won't bother anyone unless it describes them...

I agree with your post Mr. Kelso. Our team is stronger than last year and that certainly is a plus. I also think Connor Shaw may surprise some people. The guy works hard and wants to get better from what I've read. He may end up being our back-up #2. If he only had a stronger arm.

Well over the past few weeks you have implied posters are stupid, apes, liars and shallow minded and while I consider myself none of these I still find it bothersome.

Too bad too, because generally you have a lot of football knowledge that gets lost in the angst.

over the past few weeks you have implied posters are stupid, apes, liars and shallow minded


If we disagree with BTTB he has EVERY right to call us those names...

I never called anyone anything, and I never mentioned stupid.

Name calling is against board rules.

But if you lie I will call it a lie. If you repeat the same thing over and over and have no original thought I consider you to be aping. When people fail to read what I actually wrote but instead make up what I said out of the true context and its obvious they did NOT read what I wrote I think their a bit shallow.

Its actually called, calling it like I see it.. Most people say tell me to my face but when you do they cry about it..... But name calling I never did check your facts.

He has been in the league for 14 years, he must be doing something good in order to still have a job as a QB in the NFL.

How many QBs are out of the league that played for the browns in the past 14 years?

Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane.

5 observations from Browns OTAs

2 Both Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel throw the ball well

Because of the non-contact nature of OTA practices, the biggest takeaway centers on the quarterbacks, and Tuesday was no different. It would be wrong to label the 35-year-old McCown as a statue in the pocket. The lengthy quarterback showed he can still zip the ball on the run by connecting on a 25-yard slant route down the field to wide receiver Brian Hartline. McCown said these OTAs will be paramount for which plays the Browns use this season.

“Until the live bullets start flying, you don’t know how guys are going to react,” McCown said. “That’s why it’s good to get out here in OTAs and get another step closer to real football.”

Manziel was dialed in from the start, much like he’s been since he arrived back in Berea. On a one-on-one drill that pitted wide receiver Rodney Smith against cornerback K’Waun Williams, the 22-year-old launched a 45-yard strike into Smith’s outstretched arms. By no means was Manziel perfect – Williams would later intercept him – but the velocity on his throws and footwork in the pocket looked improved.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/arti...78-01c1d74baba4

j/c

I don't know if I believe the results of this season will in any way resemble what Whitner is spewing. As a matter of fact, I have a great deal of cynicism of that occurring.

However, if they have any chance of achieving improvement, the team has to believe and buy into the system and coaching. So no matter the outcome of the season, this is the attitude your players must have and it's nice knowing one of the big leaders on the D has that attitude.

More from the article:

3) Glimpses of the Browns offense showed…

Motion, motion, motion. An educated estimate showed about 70 percent of plays called by offensive coordinator John DeFilippo had either a tight end or wide receiver moving around, and some plays had up to four players shifting around.

“We are going to install a lot,” Pettine said. “We are going to throw a lot at our guys and see what we can retain. And then we’ll see back as coaches and look at here’s what we do well and go.”

There were multiple swing passes to wide receiver Andrew Hawkins out of the backfield, a heavy dose of tight end Rob Housler in the middle of the field, a bunch of sets that had Hartline and Dwayne Bowe lined up right on top of each other and, no surprise, a ton of running the ball. Terrance West, Glenn Winston and newcomer Luke Lundy all ripped off significant gains.

We didn't run much motion last year. We ran 448 rushing plays last year, and only 8 ran motion. We ran 467 pass plays last year, and only 7 had motion.

I knew that we did not run much motion last year, but was surprised that it was that little.

Maybe it's fluff, but I still got a chill with these words:

"As Whitner walked off the practice field, drenched in sweat alongside his teammates, his body language matched his words: The Browns are focused on making the plays that will put them in the playoffs. "