Browns release updated training camp information
by Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
7/18/2013 7:49 PM
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The Browns released updated training camp information on Wednesday. Here are the main highlights:
--- There are 15 practices open to the public, including a Family Night practice at FirstEnergy Stadium on Aug. 3. Gates open one hour prior to the start of all practice sessions and admission is free. Fans can enter camp through the Beech Street entrance. Parking is available on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace University near the intersection of Beech Street and Bagley Road.
--- Handicap-accessible parking has moved from the Berea Recreation Center lot to the grounds of the Berea training facility. Parking and entry for those with a proper handicap tag will be available near the Browns training facility entrance at 76 Lou Groza Boulevard.
--- The official radio partners of the Cleveland Browns, ESPN 850 WKNR & 92.3 “The Fan” WKRK, will be broadcasting live each day.
--- Fan parking will be limited in the Baldwin-Wallace lots on July 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 due to the 2013 National Senior Games.
--- Associate sponsor Cleveland Clinic will be on-site hosting a number of health and wellness interactive activities throughout camp, including “Mini-Training Camp” with small stations set up similar to the drills and activities at NFL practices. The activity will be available during select team practices, and both adults and kids can participate.
--- In partnership with the American Red Cross, the Annual Cleveland Browns Blood Drive will take place on July 27, at 14 sites simultaneously throughout Northeast Ohio. Registered donors will get a commemorative T-shirt, have the chance to win Browns memorabilia, and will receive two upper level tickets to a 2013 Browns preseason home game in August (while supplies last).
--- ShortRib 1, celebrity Chef Rocco Whalen’s local food truck, will be on site daily for all fans to enjoy at camp. On select days, The Orange Trük will also be on-hand. Both food trucks will allow fans to purchase gourmet food throughout practice.
--- On Monday, July 29, and Monday, Aug. 5, the Browns will offer a lemonade stand to raise funds for a local charity.
--- The Cleveland Browns Back to School Campaign, in support of Shoes and Clothes for Kids, will kick off on Aug. 6 to help kids prepare for the school year.
--- On Aug. 13, the Play 60 movement will be celebrated to promote kids becoming more active.
--- The Cleveland Foodbank will be on site on select days to share information and engage kids for an upcoming school collaboration with the Browns.
Browns training camp schedule
Date Time
July 25............. 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
July 26.................. 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
July 27................. 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
July 28................ 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
July 29............... 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
July 30............... NO PRACTICE
July 31............... 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 1.............. 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 2................... 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 3.................. Family Night at FirstEnergy Stadium - 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Aug. 4................. NO PRACTICE
Aug. 5................ 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 6................ 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 7................ PRACTICE CLOSED TO GENERAL PUBLIC
Aug. 8.............. Browns vs. St. Louis - 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 9................... NO PRACTICE
Aug. 10................ 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 11............... 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 12............... 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Aug 13............... 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
web page That time again folks woo hoo. Lets get those Camp reports posted. I will not be able to attend thisyear but i am looking forward to hearing from u guys.
Cleveland Browns' Rob Chudzinski counts QB among his most unsettled spots heading into camp
Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
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on July 22, 2013 at 7:46 PM, updated July 22, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Cleveland Browns 2013
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns coach Rob Chudzinski threw quarterback into the mix Monday when asked which positions are the most unsettled heading into camp.
"There are quite a few positions on the team as you go through the roster,'' he said in a pre-camp interview. "We’ll start on defense. The safety position, we’ll have good competition there, and the corner position as well. You move over to offense and ... the guard position. Obviously the receiver position, we’ll be looking to see where guys fit in there. The quarterback position. And then on special teams we have a number of spots we need to work through to find starters for those spots as well – both the kick, punt returner, the kicker, punter and the personal protector and some other things role-wise we need as well.”
Although the top job is up for grabs, he said Brandon Weeden will still get the first-team reps in training camp, followed by Jason Campbell with the second team and Brian Hoyer with the third team.
"Obviously training camp is the first time where we’ll get a chance to see those guys basically against full-speed competition,'' said Chudzinski. "That will be a big part of the process of them growing.”
He said he'll still be able to give Campbell and Hoyer legitimate shots to compete even though Weeden will get the bulk of the first-team work.
"They'll get plenty of work and there's going to be plenty of reps during camp to get it,'' he said. "At times, you may see them working with different groups. I wouldn’t be surprised if you see that happening. That doesn’t necessarily mean anything. We're going to make sure that all our guys get as many reps as we can in that way.''
He said all of the quarterbacks will be asked to take chances in practice that they wouldn't necessarily take in a game.
"You have to be careful in counting the number of attempts and completions,'' he said. "There are times when we want them to work on some things that they aren't as familiar with. It's part of the process in a new system and part of mastering the system and the consistency that comes with it. The most important thing for any quarterback in this league is to be able to handle adversity. Maybe they're having a bad throw, a bad day and seeing how they come back, because that's so much of this game.''
Weeden, who's already here practicing with the other quarterbacks and rookies, said he's way ahead of where he was at this time last year.
"I feel like a completely different player,'' he said. "It’s knowing what to expect. I didn’t know anyone in the locker room, I didn’t know the routine. There are just so many unknowns. Now, I’ve been in it for a year and I know how the weekly routine goes and I’ve got myself into a routine. I’m going to go out there with confidence. I’m not going to be timid. I’m going to go out there and play hard and leave it on the line and take the chances I did and always have. Throw the ball and throw the ball in tight windows and trust my arm. It’s hard to play this position when you are aiming throws and second-guessing throws. You have to play aggressive and be aggressive at all times.''
Chudzinski said he's been impressed with Weeden's improved mechanics.
"He's quickened his footwork, it’s more consistent and he’s getting the ball out quicker because of it,'' said Chudzinski.
FULL PADS SATURDAY: Camp will open on Thursday and the first full-pads practice will be on Saturday. What can fans expect?
"We’ll rarely be full-speed tackle to the ground, but it’ll be full speed,'' he said. "You'll see contact. You’ll see that part of it. And then we’ll be smart about sometimes as camp goes on and guys are worn down or you’ve had a lot of contact a number of days, we’ll make that judgment and back off on a particular day. So we’ll be flexible in terms of that.”
web page
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Weeden, who's already here practicing with the other quarterbacks and rookies, said he's way ahead of where he was at this time last year.
"I feel like a completely different player,'' he said. "It’s knowing what to expect. I didn’t know anyone in the locker room, I didn’t know the routine. There are just so many unknowns. Now, I’ve been in it for a year and I know how the weekly routine goes and I’ve got myself into a routine. I’m going to go out there with confidence. I’m not going to be timid. I’m going to go out there and play hard and leave it on the line and take the chances I did and always have. Throw the ball and throw the ball in tight windows and trust my arm. It’s hard to play this position when you are aiming throws and second-guessing throws. You have to play aggressive and be aggressive at all times.''
Chudzinski said he's been impressed with Weeden's improved mechanics.
"He's quickened his footwork, it’s more consistent and he’s getting the ball out quicker because of it,'' said Chudzinski.
Please let all this be true. What would it look like to have a Top 10 NFL QB running our offense.
Me: God?
God: Yes Heldawg
Me: Can you please make Weeden a transcendant player this year? I will eat my brussel sprouts, I promise.
God: No
D'OH!
I’m going to go out there with confidence. I’m not going to be timid. I’m going to go out there and play hard and leave it on the line and take the chances I did and always have. Throw the ball and throw the ball in tight windows and trust my arm. It’s hard to play this position when you are aiming throws and second-guessing throws. You have to play aggressive and be aggressive at all times.''
Somehow I get the feeling he was channeling Chud into that speech and also sending a message to Pat lol
Really good to read this from Weeds. I also pray to the fickle pigskin goddess that it is true. To hear Chud talk, it is a "new and improving" Weeden. Have to see if it translates to success onfield, but if he feels better, we are probably better. But talk is talk. Hope he can get freaky hot for us. I hope it is coming together for him and for the team's sake.
That's quite a few "unsettled" positions. And while Weeden said a lot of great things and Chud did give him a compliment, it's very interesting that QB was a position that was "unsettled."
I should say that I do think it is "unsettled," but I am surprised that the HC admitted it.
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That's quite a few "unsettled" positions. And while Weeden said a lot of great things and Chud did give him a compliment, it's very interesting that QB was a position that was "unsettled."
I should say that I do think it is "unsettled," but I am surprised that the HC admitted it.
I'm not. Its clear that this new regime doesnt want any sense of entitlement with these players and feels that competition will bring out the best in these guys. If Chud were to crown Weeden it would send a mixed message. I think they are just being consistent in their approach.
Its nice to get the same message whether it be the team president or the coach. Shows the guys are on the same page.
Hmmmm..........that's a good point. I didn't think about that. I believe you're right. Good job.
I agree. It's more like sending the message that there are no laurels here to rest on. Everyone still has work to do, and the QB hasn't proven anything here, yet.
They like what he's shown, but they aren't so naive as to not recognize that nobody is in pads or at full speed and there is still a LOT to be settled still.
j/c
possibly my homerism view actually can be correct regarding Weeden. He was so uncomfortable from top to bottom...Coaching Leadership - "Now don't you dare throw n INT" to the system itself...a triangular route system predicated on quick reads n getting rid of the ball in a condensed evironment...all under center as Weeden not only was the Rookie QB taking the most snaps under center not shotgun...but the NFL QB who took the most % of snaps from under center.
Comfort Zone...so so important.
Held...sure would be nice to finally get a franchise QB...even if he's 29-30 years old! If traded for at that age it would be considered right in the QB's prime.
JMHO and Fan Hopes n Dreams!
Horton cut his braids off.
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Horton cut his braids off.
Lol must not have gelled with those 90+ degree days minus humidity we've been having hahaha....
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Horton cut his braids off.
Mary Kay Cabot ‏@MaryKayCabot 1h
#browns DC Ray Horton on his attacking scheme: "we teach legal punishment of the QB"
Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton is a blast of fresh air, not bluster
Jul 23, 2013 -- 12:35pm
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By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com
Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton, known for his long braids, showed up in front of media yesterday with a clean-cut look.
He said it was just time to cut his long locks. Maybe it was a symbolic gesture, too. Because of his distinctive look – and the hope that he will install an aggressive, attacking defense similar to Pittsburgh’s – Horton came to be seen potentially as the new identity of the Browns.
He dismissed the notion, however, that his defense will dominate the look and talk of the Browns’ season.
“I think the identity is the Dawg Pound,” Horton said. “I remember the batteries, the snowballs, all that stuff. I think they (fans) understand what they have. I think what they want is a winning football team. You have to have a balance of offense. You can’t win games, 10-7, in this league. It’s not that kind of league.”
Horton also pointed out the score of last season’s Super Bowl was 34-31.
In other words, don’t expect Horton to reinvent the Steel Curtain and produce shutout after shutout. The NFL is vastly different even from the 2000 season when the Baltimore Ravens won games without scoring touchdowns.
It was refreshing to hear Horton’s realistic approach to his task ahead. Here are some excerpts.
On Barkevious Mingo, and his weight:
“I like where he’s at. He’s probably on pace for where a rookie should be. I would put in a little caveat and say he’s transitioning from a guy who put his hand on the ground to standing up, so he spent a lot of time working on playbook and terminology. For him being ready for Day 1 opening camp, I think he’s right where he should be.
“His weight, whether it’s right or wrong … Was a defensive player in Pittsburgh too short to play? Was a wide receiver in Arizona too slow to play the game? Was a quarterback in New Orleans too short to play the game? On paper, (yes). But it’s played out here. How fast is he? Can he drop? Can he catch? I want an athletic player that can get after the quarterback. I’m not going to say a thing to him about his weight. I want a football player.”
On Jabaal Sheard’s transition from end to linebacker:
“Fantastic. He was one of the surprises of OTA/minicamp for me. He transitioned from left to right and now we’re playing him on both sides. Now everybody’s worried about can he stand up? Can he do this? Can he do that? I think when you have good athletes, they can do a lot. They just say, ‘Coach, use me.’ He’s really done a good job of absorbing the defense and playing both sides. He’s going to be a versatile player where I can move him around and use his skill to the best of his ability.”
On Leon McFadden:
“Leon just like Mingo is a young rookie. Has a growing curve. I would like to play them as much as they would allow me to play them. That’s up to them.”
On the free safety competition between Tashaun Gipson, Johnson Bademosi and Jamoris Slaughter: “It’s a fluid position for me right now. Johnson’s moving from corner to safety. He’ll be a nickel candidate. Can he do multiple things? He’s making good progress. Not great progress. Good progress of assimilating calls, responsibilities. We will find somewhere in our mix of young DBs some good young starters.
That’s going to be a position of need, of expectation, of careful scrutiny of can the young guys handle it. I don’t have that answer yet, but it’s a concern of ours that we have to find quality starters and depth there.” On whether the door is closed on bringing in Kerry Rhodes (formerly of Arizona):
“He is an NFL free agent. I think you’re always aware of knowing what’s out there. Right now we’re committed to our roster. You’re always looking to make sure you have an avenue to get somebody. He is familiar with our system, so I would be naïve or not forthright if I said, ‘Who?’ He’s a guy we’re aware that’s out there. We’re committed to the guys that will be here tomorrow to practice.”
On Craig Robertson:
“Pleasant surprise. I don’t know if it was a surprise, I think he was what I envisioned or what I had hoped he would be. A young, athletic ‘backer who’s savvy. When I came in, I wasn’t sure what his instincts were as far as picking up a new defense. He’s been everything I’d want. That’s my little ace in the hole.”
http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=17&post_id=20131
I love Horton already. It is rare to have a coach who speaks honestly about the progress of the team.
I am very interested to see Robertson's role in the defense as it seems he has the second inside linebacker spot wrapped up.
Great read... looks like Jaball going to be lined up on left and right sides! Where is Jaball? Where is Mingo? Where is Kruger? Where is the pressure coming from? Glad I am not an opposing offense needing to worry about these questions!
Gees, he sure has nice things to say about players we were mostly all wondering about. Sheard and Robertson and Mingo... Nice stuff.
he also confirmed our worst fears about DB's and Safeties. he seems to not be sure what we have there. That's fair at this point. Sure hope he figures it out.. Will someone please step up and make his job a little easier LOL
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Great read... looks like Jaball going to be lined up on left and right sides! Where is Jaball? Where is Mingo? Where is Kruger? Where is the pressure coming from? Glad I am not an opposing offense needing to worry about these questions!
If Jabal, Mingo, Groves, & Kruger all fit in and play like we think (hope) they can... that's exactly what it will be like.
If they're mediocre in their play as a group... then it won't really matter much how we move them around.
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Gees, he sure has nice things to say about players we were mostly all wondering about. Sheard and Robertson and Mingo... Nice stuff.
he also confirmed our worst fears about DB's and Safeties. he seems to not be sure what we have there. That's fair at this point. Sure hope he figures it out.. Will someone please step up and make his job a little easier LOL
Ray Horton really worth watching.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...22-5a00c3b35fc6
With video: Browns OC Norv Turner discusses vision for offense as training camp begins
New Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner met with reporters today to discuss the outlook of the offense as it transitions from a West Coast system to his downfield, vertical passing game and power running scheme.
The Browns will open to training camp to the public Thursday with the first full-squad practice running from 4-6:30 p.m.
Below are highlights from the interview with Turner:
Quarterbacks
Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said quarterback Brandon Weeden, the 22nd overall pick in last year's draft, has improved his mechanics this offseason by speeding up his feet while dropping back.
Has Turner noticed a change?
“I think his basic mechanics, I think what Chud is talking about, his basic mechanics aren't going to change a great deal,” Turner said. “But I think he's got more of a sense of urgency, and I think he's playing faster than he has and that comes with doing the same things over and over again and that comes with him having a better understanding of what he's doing.”
In Turner's experience with quarterbacks, do they usually make a major leap in their second season?
“To me, it’s totally based on No. 1, the guy, and then the situation he was in, and so many people get caught up in where a guy is,” Turner said. “A lot of it depends on the situation he’s put in, the offensive line, the playmakers around him, how good a defensive football team you have. There’s so many things that go into it. But I think Brandon is fortunate. He’s had the experience of starting [15] games in this league. That’s a plus when you start working with a player who hasn’t played a lot. And then I think he’s taken to what we’re doing, and I expect him to play at a high level. This system is really a quarterback-friendly system. And I know guys look to a year and say, well, this guy in this system had this many turnovers or whatever, but I go all the way back to Jim Everett, guys that people forget. We had Gus Frerotte go to the Pro Bowl in ’96. Trent Green had a breakout year in ’98. Brad Johnson took us to a playoff win and threw for 4,000 yards in ’99. I can go on, Alex smith, we’ve had a lot of quarterbacks play at an awful high level, and we’ve had some guys not have great years in this system because that’s part of this league. But I think the system’s proven. I think our players are buying into it. And I think our fans will enjoy watching what we do because we want to be productive, we want to be explosive and we want to score points. And that’s obviously why you come to games.”
What percentage will Turner use Weeden in the shotgun?
“I think the thing the shotgun has done for some of these guys, and everybody thinks the shotgun is the runners, but it’s [Peyton] Manning and [Tom] Brady, Philip Rivers,” Turner said. “I think those guys are helped by being in the shotgun because it gets them away from the rush a little bit. And this league has become a pressure league, and it’s such a league that’s based on trying to disrupt the quarterback, that being in the shotgun will help our quarterback. So, yeah, we want to be in the shotgun a percentage of the time, and then the test for us and the goal for us is to make sure we’re balanced and that we can run the ball and throw the ball out of the shotgun. And we’ll be under center when it’s appropriate.”
CEO Joe Banner and General Manager Mike Lombardi relied on Turner's advice about the decision to stick with Weeden this season.
What did Turner see in Weeden?
“For me, it starts with Chud,” Turner said. “And I appreciate you saying that and thinking that I have that much say, but it starts with Chud. He and Joe spent a lot of time together and we looked at a lot of quarterbacks. I think the combination of what we felt about Brandon and then what the options were, the alternatives. And obviously we helped our quarterback situation a great deal getting Jason [Campbell] and getting Brian [Hoyer]. So I like our quarterback situation, and I’m going to say it again, we have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be, but I think we can be successful with this group.”
Running back
Running back Trent Richardson missed part of organized team activities in May and the team’s entire mandatory minicamp in June because of a strained muscle in his right shin.
Will the missed time hurt Richardson’s ability to learn the new offense?
“I think the running back position is a little bit unique,” Turner said. “Those guys rely so much on their physical skills, their natural ability. I think he can overcome the time he missed. He’s sharp. The mental part was no problem. He’ll get reps. He’ll get his share of reps. The best runners I’ve been around, they start off and stay within the system and they let their natural ability do a lot of the damage. Their natural ability is a lot of reason for their success.”
Does Turner need to hold back on Richardson’s workload at all in camp?
“I don’t think he’ll take a beating at all in our training camp practices,” Turner said. “I think coach and our trainers and our doctors have put together a really good plan for Trent. I think he’s going to get as much work as he needs to get ready, and then we’ll make sure he’s fresh and healthy, but he’s going to get his share of the work in this camp like every player. When I started this thing off, you have to put a lot of time in. It takes a lot of work to be ready to play in this league. He needs to go through the same process everyone else does.”
Could Richardson have 300 carries this season or are times changing?
“Obviously the trend in the league is to not do that, but I think it depends on your team and everyone around it,” Turner said. “If that player is your best player, then I think it’s probably a good thing to have him in the game and give him the ball. So I would hope Trent would have that many carries. That means he’s playing healthy and playing at a pretty high level if we give him the ball that much.”
In terms of natural ability, how does Richardson stack up against other backs Turner has been around?
“Just watching him and seeing him against us when I came here in October [as head coach of the San Diego Chargers] and then watching the tape, yeah, he’s that type of runner,” Turner said. “Obviously he’s the third pick in the draft. I think he has a lot of great days ahead of him. I always have a problem comparing players because each guy has his own unique style, but I think he’s capable of doing great things.”
Wide receivers
The NFL has suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon for the first two game of the regular season for violating its substance-abuse policy.
How will the suspension affect Turner’s plan for training camp and the preseason?
“You get so many reps in training camp, I don't think it is a factor in what we'll do,” Turner said. “You always get the guys you have ready and whether we have five receivers active or six receivers active, you have to get them all ready to play and we've all been in situations where a guy turns an ankle the Friday before the opening game and you don't have him available and you don't call the game off. You go play, so we've got enough guys to get them ready to play, and we'll get Josh ready to play so he's ready when he comes back.”
Fullback
What are the Browns’ plans at fullback?
“The beauty of this offense, I think, is that it is versatile enough that you have success with the players you have,” Turner said. “We've used a variety of different styles of fullback and have been very productive, and I can go all the way back into the mid-90s where we had a converted tailback playing fullback with the Redskins and Terry Allen rushed for 1,500 yards. We're going to make due. We're going to take the guys that we have and find out what they do best and give them a chance to do that. We will end up, I believe, we will end up with a traditional fullback in our offense and how much we'll use him will depend on the style of offense we end up running.”
Can tailback Chris Ogbonnaya fill that role?
“He can do some of it,” Turner said. “He's similar to the guys I talked about back in Washington.”
Tight end
Can Jordan Cameron be the main tight end in Turner’s offense?
“We’re going to give Jordan opportunity to be that guy,” Turner said. “Now let’s put it in his hands. Is he capable of being that guy? That’s why you go to camp. That’s why you go play the games. Everyone wants to project and say what these guys can be. The game is still played on the field. Guys compete in practice to get opportunities to play in the games and then we get to find out how they match up and do against pretty good competition.”
http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-brow...ksEnabled=false
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What did Turner see in Weeden?
“For me, it starts with Chud,” Turner said. “And I appreciate you saying that and thinking that I have that much say, but it starts with Chud. He and Joe spent a lot of time together and we looked at a lot of quarterbacks. I think the combination of what we felt about Brandon and then what the options were, the alternatives. And obviously we helped our quarterback situation a great deal getting Jason [Campbell] and getting Brian [Hoyer]. So I like our quarterback situation, and I’m going to say it again, we have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be, but I think we can be successful with this group.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
I haven't seen anything I would call a ringing endorsement of Weeden from the FO on down.
So far I haven't really seen a reason to blame them for it either. Of course we all hope that changes.
JMHO
I think that everybody, from the top down, is in a holding pattern - a wait-and-see mode.
We all know what he is/was in Shurmur's offense, but I don't think that even Chud and Norv know, yet, what we have with him in their offense. Yes, they have experience, but they're projecting right now just as we are. If they had crystal balls that told them how it was going to be.... well, this league would be a whole lot different.
I think that goes for a lot of spots on the roster. You can't predict exactly how someone will respond to certain changes/systems, nor can you truly predict the development of a player.
From what we have seen in print, it seems that at least in part they feel pretty confident in what...... 11?
I am glad they are giving some of our younger and less experienced players an opportunity to see how they pan out in both the new O and new D.
And actually if they tried to give more credit than they have in that department, I'd have to call BS. As it stands I think this coaching staff is being pretty fair in telling us what they do have and what they're not sure of.
I agree w/you guys to a certain extent, but they have heaped praise on a couple of guys. Sheard and Robertson come to mind.
j/c
Is it just me or is there a huge difference between how Chud/Norv talk about reps-in-TC versus how Pat talked about that?
Both guys are basically saying that there are plenty of reps to go around such that the guys competing for jobs will get a shot to show what they've got. They seem very confident that they will give everyone ample opportunities.
Under Pat, I seem to remember this feeling of reps-in-TC being very limited and second/third guys getting what's leftover.
Not a big deal by any means...just a completely different vibe in that regard.
I would think that a part of that is the complexity levels of the two schemes. Pat & Holmgrens WCO is reputed to be ridiculously complex, easily taking years to master it. In 2007, we saw just how quickly Anderson got up and running in Chud's offense and excelled.
btw does anyone know if STO is going to do their camp report show this year? i havent seen it listed on their schedule but I really enjoyed that last year.
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btw does anyone know if STO is going to do their camp report show this year? i havent seen it listed on their schedule but I really enjoyed that last year.
Me too. STO turns into the "Jim Donovan" channel for a few months. All Jimmy, all the time.
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btw does anyone know if STO is going to do their camp report show this year? i havent seen it listed on their schedule but I really enjoyed that last year.
Me too. STO turns into the "Jim Donovan" channel for a few months. All Jimmy, all the time.
And I love it. Jim is looking really healthy nowadays which is great. He was looking very ill when he was just getting back into the camera role. I wouldn't want noone else or hear anyone elses voice other than Donovan's!
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I would think that a part of that is the complexity levels of the two schemes. Pat & Holmgrens WCO is reputed to be ridiculously complex, easily taking years to master it. In 2007, we saw just how quickly Anderson got up and running in Chud's offense and excelled.
That is an excellent point.
I get this weird sense of calm when I hear/read comments from Chud to Norv to Ray...don't ever remember feeling the same about Pat.
Could be wishful projecting on my part though.
I think the point you agreed with that Purp made is part of it and the other part is I believe they think Campbell has worked this system before, knows the terminology and it wouldn't take as many reps from him for them to evaluate where he is in it.
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I think the point you agreed with that Purp made is part of it and the other part is I believe they think Campbell has worked this system before, knows the terminology and it wouldn't take as many reps from him for them to evaluate where he is in it.
That's another excellent point. It's been a long time since we had a vet QB who was not on his last legs as a player...thus making the number of reps less of a problem. Good stuff.
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btw does anyone know if STO is going to do their camp report show this year? i havent seen it listed on their schedule but I really enjoyed that last year.
Well, I just browsed from today thru August 6th on my DirectTV channel and not one "Training Camp Daily" on STO. 
As I recall"The Red Zone" with Andre Knott and Mary Kay C that was on Thursday nights was only in the reg season??? If it was in TC and preseason then we're outta luck "for now" as well.
I can't believe a "year-round" 1/2hr show on the Browns in general and their players/coaches/draft picks/(WHATEVER???) wouldn't be extremely popular as much as we the fans drool over even trivial info.
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but they have heaped praise on a couple of guys. Sheard and Robertson come to mind.
Maybe that's because it was Horton who was talking about the D and not the O?
SportsTime Ohio Covers Browns Preseason With “Training Camp Daily”
http://www.foxsportsohio.com/nfl/clevela...amp;feedID=3659CLEVELAND, OH – SportsTime Ohio announces daily Browns preseason coverage with Training Camp Daily and preseason game replays. Beginning tomorrow, July 25 at 11:30pm, this 30-minute program will provide Browns fans daily updates of Browns Training Camp from the sideline of the practice field in Berea. The network will also replay the Browns’ four preseason games each game night at midnight. A complete schedule is below.
Training Camp Daily will introduce new players and cover roster decisions as they are decided on the field. Each show, the Browns most recognizable and informed experts will interview players, provide injury updates, report position battles, and discuss the upcoming season.
Team of analysts:
· Jim Donovan - play-by-play radio voice of the Browns since 1999
· Doug Dieken – Browns offensive tackle 1971-84; radio color commentator since 1985
· Mary Kay Cabot – The Plain Dealer Browns beat writer
· Tony Grossi - Browns analyst for WKNR 850 and 1540 KNR2
· Andre Knott - Sports reporter on FOXSportsOhio.com, WTAM 1100 & WEWS Channel 5
The show will also feature guest appearances by FOXSportsOhio.com Browns writers including Zac Jackson and Fred Greetham.
TRAINING CAMP DAILY
Day
Date
Time
Thursday
July 25
11:30pm
Friday
July 26
11:30pm
Saturday
July 27
11:30pm
Sunday
July 28
11:30pm
Monday
July 29
11:30pm
Wednesday
July 31
11:30pm
Thursday
August 1
11:30pm
Friday
August 2
11:30pm
Monday
August 5
11:30pm
Tuesday
August 6
11:30pm
Wednesday
August 7
11:30pm
Saturday
August 10
11:30pm
Sunday
August 11
11:30pm
Monday
August 12
11:30pm
Tuesday
August 13
11:30pm
PRESEASON GAME REPLAYS
Day
Date
Time
Opponent
Thursday
August 8
Midnight
Rams
Thursday
August 15
Midnight
Lions
Thursday
August 24
Midnight
Colts
Thursday
August 29
Midnight
Bears
good job. thanks.
Whew.............YTown.....you saved my preseason!
Tomorrow morn and not updated on my DirectTV channel guide.
to the DTV channel guide mgr!
STO at 11:30p has "A Perfect Yard"(1/2hr show) at that time.
TYVM............setting the DVR right.....................NOW!
Tomorrow night .... not morning. PM is night.
Don't want you to miss it again.
Shoot, I was hoping Grossi wouldn't be on this show anymore . . .
Thanks Ytown, I looked and couldnt find the info, you are now my hero.
Btw........
Not thrilled on the new 4p starts here. In years past I would attend 5-6 practices and getting in and out of there was somewhat a breeze.
Now, although the traffic going there(if I start at around 3p and then leave at 6:30p) certainly isn't rush hour, it can't be "just as easy".
Staying till 6:30p and getting home at 7:15/7:30p?
I'll def give it 1 try but it could end up being the only 1.
Well, lets hope they don't take the "not naming a starter" thing TOO far. Like waiting until a couple days before the season starts. That didn't work out too well last time....
Not a reply to you, but I thought these in-division articles were interesting.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9509978/bryant-mckinnie-baltimore-ravens-held-practiceMcKinnie 'too heavy' to practice
Updated: July 25, 2013, 7:05 PM ET
By Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
I, for one, am shocked...
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9510093/aj-green-cincinnati-bengals-twists-knee-practiceA.J. Green twists knee practice
Updated: July 25, 2013, 7:00 PM ET
Associated Press
j/c
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam assures Pilot Flying J problems won't be a distraction
Jul 25, 2013 -- 7:58pm
By Tony Grossi
Extra Points …
Observations, notes, quotes and some facts on the first day of Browns training camp …
* Jimmy Haslam faced the media head-onat the start of practice and was typically forceful in asserting the federal investigation of his Pilot Flying J will have no impact on the present or future of the Browns.
“We’re committed to owning the Browns for a long period of time,” he said. “I understand in Cleveland there’s a great deal of uncertainty because of past history, but the fans should not worry. Our family’s going to own this asset for a long, long time. We feel it a privilege to own the Cleveland Browns with all the history and tradition.
“There’s absolutely no worry about cash flow. If there was, we wouldn’t be doing the ($5 million in renovations) we did in Berea, wouldn’t have signed the free agents, wouldn’t be talking about ($100 million in upgrades) at the stadium. We’re looking at this as a long-term vision.”
Haslam, whose purchase of the Browns was reported on the first day of last year’s camp, insists the troubles engulfing his Pilot Flying J will not distract his football team.
“I apologize for the negative attention this has brought to Cleveland, the Browns and the NFL,” he said. “I’m going to stay very focused on two things. One, making sure we correct the activites at Pilot Flying J that led to some of the accusations that have been made. But secondly and most importantly, to do the things we talked of in Cleveland. There’s no distraction in the bldg.. Everyone’s entirely focused on winning games and making the fans have a great experience.”
* Rob Chudzinski seemed to have more fun than anybody on his first day of camp as a head coach. On a few occasions, the Toledo, OH-native got the crowd going by waving his arms above his head. He pumped his fist to the crowd with a big smile walking off the field after practice. “A great first day,” said the coach.
* Wide receiver Josh Gordon fell awkwardly trying to make a highcatch and limped off the field with about 30 minutes to go in the practice. He did not return. Chudzinski said afterward Gordon suffered a cramp. Gordon did not receive much attention from trainers and watched the remainder of practice off to the side. He made a few good catches prior to the injury.
* The top three receivers all have new numbers. Gordon ditched No. 13 for No. 12, which was his number at Baylor. Davone Bess traded numbers with Greg Little. Bess now wears No. 15 and Little No. 18. Bess wanted No. 15, which he wore with the Miami Dolphins. Neither Bess nor Little would say if money was exchanged in the transaction. “Undisclosed,” said Bess.
* The first skirmish of camp involved, of all people, Joe Thomas. After a pass, there was some pushing and shoving involving defensive end Brian Sanford and some offensive players. Thomas dived in and emerged from the bottom of a pileup. No punches thrown or landed, but it was unusual to see a pileup on a day players didn’t wear full gear. “Joe was in there. I don’t know if he started on top and ended up on the bottom,” Chudzinski said. “I was in the melee there, too. It’s training camp. Energy’s high. I’m really pleased with the tempo of practice.” Brandon Weeden said, “We don’t even have pads on yet and guys are competing, which is what you want to see. A little bit of that is good. If it gets out of control, I don’t think Chud will like that.”
* Phil Taylor was the biggest name who didn’t participate. Taylor watched from the side with a rubber sleeve on his left calf. Chudzinski said Taylor suffered a calf strain about a week and a half ago and is day to day. “I’m not concerned about that,” the coach said. John Hughes played in Taylor’s nose tackle spot. Tight end Kellen Davis (knee sprain), receiver David Nelson (knee) and offensive tackle Chris Faulk (knee) did not practice.
* Running back Trent Richardson was full go and all smiles afterwards.
* Buster Skrine was at cornerback and Tashaun Gipson at free safety with the first-team defense. But Chris Owens staked his claim to the cornerback competition with a good first day, nailing an interception of a pass for Gordon and a breakup of one for Travis Benjamin.
* On the first day, quarterback Brandon Weeden had two option runs.
* Official attendance figure: 2,692.
http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=20251
Thanks for the article. Thought there would be some reports from the fans and a couple of more articles. Kinda disappointing. Wanna hear some reports.
Josh Gordon comes up limping, but likely just a cramp: Cleveland Browns training camp quick hits
BEREA, Ohio -- Josh Gordon gave fans and Browns coach Rob Chudzinski a scare when he came up limping late in practice after dropping a long bomb from Brandon Weeden after beating cornerback Chris Owens.
Gordon walked off slowly with a trainer and then spent time stretching his lower left calf and ankle on the sidelines. He sat out the remaining 15 minutes or so of practice, but Chudzinski said it was just a cramp.
• Defensive tackle Phil Taylor sat out with a left calf strain suffered last week. John Hughes started in his place. Tight end Kellen Davis was out with a strained knee. Both are day-to-day.
• Chudzinski, a lifelong Browns fan, was a man of the people before and after practice. He ran over to the fans and high-fived and shook hands at the start of practice and again at the end. Fans barked at him and he pumped his fists.
"There was some barking,'' he said with a smile. "I'm one of them.''
At one point, after Travis Benjamin came down hard after a leaping grab, Chudzinski presented him to the cheering fans and assured them, "He's alright.''
• Weeden got off to a rocky start in the first team period, but settled down and performed well. He was picked off by Owens on a pass to Gordon down the left sideline, but Gordon may have cut his route short. He later overthrew a wide open Jordan Cameron.
But Weeden found his rhythm in the second and third team periods, hitting Davone Bess with a perfect sideline strike and finding Cameron down the deep right sideline. Weeden got the ball out quickly, made good reads and played fast.
• Trent Richardson played fast and light on his feet. He took the first rep in team drills, a message that he's healthy.
• Practice featured a rumble to the ground, with big bodies tumbling and fists flying. I trained my binoculars on the very bottom of the pile, and there was six-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas, in all his glory.
"He's competitive,'' said Weeden.
"It's training camp,'' said Chudzinski with a smile.
Added D'Qwell Jackson: "I went the other way. There were bodies flying everywhere.''
• The starting guards were John Greco on the left and Shawn Lauvao on the right.
• Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo is still working with the second team behind Jabaal Sheard, and Leon McFadden is working with the second team behind Buster Skrine.
• Benjamin has made great strides from last year. He seldom drops a pass and made a number of nice catches, particularly on out routes.
• T.J. Ward broke up a deep ball from Weeden to Greg Little.
• Several receivers changed numbers: Davone Bess purchased No. 15 from Greg Little, who's now wearing No. 18. Gordon has switched from No. 13 to No. 12, to match the tattoo on his back. He wanted it last year, but Colt McCoy had it.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ss..._medium=twitter
Some very interesting stuff there, thanks for the articles guys. I was very surprised to see Hughes was taking Taylor's place. I thought for sure they would go Rubin at nose and Winn would slide into his spot. Very interesting for a number of reasons.
Chris Owens locking down #2 corner is fantastic news. I really wasnt familiar with the guy but have heard a lot of good things about him.
They probably would like Rubin to get comfy at the position he will be playing on a regular basis before they ask him to switch. Also, Hughes seems like he will be the backup nose tackle so they might as well get him reps there anyway.
Just to clarify: My understanding is that Skrine is starting at #2 but Owens had a good day. The spot isnt locked down by anyone yet, and Skrine seems to be leading.
Mourg, I hear that the new staff thought that Reubin didn't hold his ground enough in the middle. I love Reubin and his motor is off the charts, but he is not the most stout of guys in terms of clogging space. I think Hughes and Kitchen will be the back-up guys at NT---provided Kitchen makes the team.
I think Skrine was starting at CB, but Owens seemed to be involved in a lot of plays. I could be wrong, though.
I also want to mention Gordon. This will probably offend some of you.......but, I couldn't help think about his off season conduct and then him beating Owens deep-----dropping the pass when he was wide open-----and then having to leave practice due to cramps. It's almost like a synopsis of his football career. He has freakish talent, yet he ultimately self destructs and ends up being removed from the field.
I'm pretty sure I read Rubin dropped like 20+ lbs to play the DE position instead of NT. Once it was noted by the Coaching staff that Taylor was the primary NT I assumed Huges was the back up there.
QB...the coaches talk up competition n uncertainty at the QB position and yet all we read in the reality of it all is that Weeden is with the starters day in and out.
OG competition...Not sure how much of it is a competition...Greco at LG n Lava at RG still. No mention of some round robin type of thing.
Gilkey is the only one with Potential to up root Lava from the starting RG position. I like that kid if he progresses to his potential he could be the heir apparent there. I doubt it would be this year.
Pinkston n Miller are backups.
If Skrine is the starting CB then he has improved greatly. I would like to follow that CB development.
Gordon...I was ready to read that he would be out 2 games due to injury...lol 
Glad it was just cramps. Not hydrated or Drinking the night before???
JMHO
Weeden, Richardson getting on the same page will be key to season
By Steve Doerschuk
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Jul 26, 2013 @ 12:16 AM
You wonder how much last year’s first-round draft picks trust each other.
There’s no direct sign of friction between Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson, but they come from different worlds. That each endured a less-than-fulfilling rookie year is high on the list of what they may have in common.
After one practice — Thursday’s opening day of training camp — they said nice things about each other. So much of everything Browns rides not on whether they make nice, but whether they make wins.
Given the fact the head coach, coordinator, quarterbacks coach and running backs coach are all new, whatever they wind up doing together will be a surprise to some extent.
One of the most interesting plays witnessed by the hundreds of fans squished into the viewing area Thursday may have been some kind of metaphor.
Richardson lined up at tailback. On the snap, Weeden, last year’s No. 23 overall draft pick, spun and fed Richardson, last year’s No. 3 overall pick, an inside handoff.
But wait.
It was a fake. Weeden pulled the ball out of Richardson’s gut and took off running to the right.
Maybe the coaches simply want to put a bug in opposing coaches’ minds as part of schemes to take heat off Richardson. Maybe they’ll actually use the play in games.
Weeden would only say this: “I don’t need to be cutting inside.”
Weeden comes from a wildly successful, pass-happy tenure at Oklahoma State. The Cowboys almost made it to a national title game, which wound up with smash-mouth Alabama, led by its great ball carrier, Richardson.
They didn’t mesh overly well as Browns rookies. If they do now, the Browns could be the NFL’s 2013 surprise team.
Richardson looked frisky in practice after missing much of spring ball with a leg issue. Weeden rocketed the ball all over the yard, seeming to like what the Rob Chudzinski-Norv Turner offense is becoming.
Richardson on the quarterback: “Weeden is a workhorse. I had no problems with him last year. I have no problems with him this year.”
Weeden on the runner: “He’s playing extremely fast. He didn’t miss any assignments.”
Weeden ranked near the bottom of the NFL last year with a 72.6 passer rating. Richardson was down there with the dregs in yards per carry at 3.6.
Weeden won’t talk much about himself, other than to say he is dedicated to improving “in every area.” Richardson is more specific as to personal goals, saying he intends to be “much better” than in an injury-plagued 2012.
Will this year be different for either of them? It needs to be much better for both of them.
Reach Steve at 330-580-8347
web page
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Cleveland Browns receiver David Nelson appears ready to rejoin team, come off PUP list
nelson-td-bills-browns-ap.jpg
Browns fans hope to see David Nelson, pictured here with Buffalo, making similar catches with Cleveland now that he's been medically cleared. (David Duprey / Associated Press)
Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
Follow on Twitter
on July 26, 2013 at 8:56 AM, updated July 26, 2013 at 9:03 AM
BEREA, Ohio – Browns receiver David Nelson, sidelined for nearly a year with a knee injury, has received medical clearance to start practicing with the team. He announced the news on his Twitter account early Friday morning.
He opened training camp on the active physically unable to perform list, but likely will rejoin practice perhaps as soon as Friday. Nelson tore his right ACL in the season opener last year while a member of the Buffalo Bills.
<--------- CLEARED!!!
— David Nelson (@DavidNelson86) July 26, 2013
The 6-foot-5, 214 pounder should provide a large and dependable target for quarterback Brandon Weeden and offer the Browns more depth at receiver. Operating mostly in the slot, Nelson caught 61 passes for 658 yards and five touchdowns in his last full season with the Bills. Targeted 141 times, he’s dropped just six balls in his pro career, according to ProFootballFocus.com.
Last month, Nelson spoke confidently about his chances of being healthy and ready for training camp. It looks like he might have been off by only one day in that assessment.
© 2013 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.
Looks like he'll be back by today in practice.. Good
I really thought Nelson was starting to come into his own when he blew his knee out again. I have high hopes for him but he will have a tough time making this roster. Takes time to get back to full strength and we have some young kids that will be working hard to take that spot.
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I really thought Nelson was starting to come into his own when he blew his knee out again. I have high hopes for him but he will have a tough time making this roster. Takes time to get back to full strength and we have some young kids that will be working hard to take that spot.
I wish the kid the best..
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Some very interesting stuff there, thanks for the articles guys. I was very surprised to see Hughes was taking Taylor's place. I thought for sure they would go Rubin at nose and Winn would slide into his spot. Very interesting for a number of reasons.
Chris Owens locking down #2 corner is fantastic news. I really wasnt familiar with the guy but have heard a lot of good things about him.
well, i dont think owens has really locked down the number 2 cb spot after one day of practice.....im very curious in leon mcfadden
Browns training camp: Transcript from news conference with coach Rob Chudzinski
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 25, 2013
Browns coach Rob Chudzinski met with reporters today following the full-squad practice of training camp. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
Opening: “Excited to get started. We have everybody back out here. Great first day. Obviously, it’s a process; we have a long way to go and a lot of work to do. You have to take a first step to do that and we took the first step today. It was great to see the fans out here and be around this great group of fans and the great fans that we have that are a part of this franchise; a lot of fun as well.
“A couple guys today as far as we held out just for today: Kellen Davis, he had a slight knee sprain that has developed over the past week; he will be day to day. Not concerned about him. We also had Phil Taylor, who had a calf strain about a week and a half or so ago. He feels good, day to day and I’m not too concerned about that. Then of course, Chris Faulk and David Nelson; we are just evaluating them day by day. Questions?”
On Josh Gordon’s injury, grabbing his leg: “He did. He had a cramp so we will look at him and make sure but I’m not expecting any issues there.”
On Joe Thomas being at the bottom of a pile during a fight: “Joe was in there somewhere. I don’t know if he started at the top and ended at the bottom or not, but I was in the melee there, too. It is training camp, energy is high. I am really pleased with the tempo of practice for these guys to have come back and haven’t worked out over the course of the summer and work out with this kind of tempo is outstanding.”
On whether any Chudzinskis were in the crowd today: “I didn’t see any. I am sure there are some out there. I will be looking after we get done here.”
On whether he ever attended Browns training camp as a fan when younger: “Never here. I went out to when it was at Lakeland one time when I was a little bit older.”
On expecting an upbeat tempo at camp and the regular season: “This is what I am used to. This is the tempo I am used to when practicing. So, this is how it should be on a day-to-day basis.”
On Trent Richardson’s performance today: “We will go in and look at the tape, but it seemed like he didn’t have any issues and looked pretty good out there for the first day. Again, a lot of it is learning. We didn’t have any pads on yet. Another day before the pads go on. I think he caught the ball well and ran the ball and did some good things.”
On Brandon Weeden’s first day: “I think all of the quarterbacks of what I saw as practice went on, it got better and better, all of them.”
On Jim Brown’s message to the team: “Jim is obviously back with the organization and we are all very excited about that, so I asked Jim to talk with the players. He is going to be involved, and what a great resource for them to have. I encouraged them to get to know Jim and be around Jim, the greatest player of all time. Certainly, a lot of what he has done with the community and a lot of experiences he’s had I think can help the players. He just talked about being a professional and being a part of the organization.”
On his excitement for training camp to start: “I think today was the longest day waiting, it seemed like. We had all our guys out there real early. It’s good to get it under our belts and obviously we have a lot of work to do, like I said before.”
On interacting with the fans after practice: “It was awesome. Just looking out and seeing those young faces out there with their Browns jerseys on and knowing how much that meant to me and how much it means to them. Hearing the dog barks and those kind of things. That’s the kind of excitement we want out there at practice and we want to generate. Our fans deserve it and we plan on giving it to them.”
On loud fans: “I love it loud. I love it loud.”
web page
If Sheard and Kruger continue to look good the Mingo pick is going to look silly, especially when we could have had Dee Milliner. However I'm not going to even begin to judge the pick until after this season.
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I have high hopes for him but he will have a tough time making this roster. Takes time to get back to full strength and we have some young kids that will be working hard to take that spot.
Who does he really need to beat out? Behind the core group, other than Roosevelt, there are a bunch of rookies and first year guys. One of those guys will have to blow the coaches away to make the team and squeak in as the 6th WR. My guess is, Norwood and Weeden's buddy Dropper are both on the bubble. Nelson is big, with sure hands, and if he's healthy, he's likely a shoe-in for the 4th or 5th slot behind Gordon, Little & Bess. Benjamin sounds like he's improving, so with his speed, he's solidly in the mix as well, I would think.
What if Milliner is no good? What if Mingo is Jevon Kearse?
It sounds like you are already judging.
JC
I am sure everyone already knows this but I'll still make this public service announcement, so to speak. There are tons of new videos on the Browns main website recapping training camp day 1. Specifically, a new series call The Two Minute Drill. Most of the stuff is similar to last year's content, but there may be more of it from what I see so far.
Anyways, just thought I would spread the word.
I would imagine Milliner's injury/surgery history more scared them off than anything. They also really liked Mingo, apparently.
I'm good with their approach. The secondary might be brutal this year, but they made a point of addressing the front 7, and they addressed the snot out of it. There's really no reason this front 7 shouldn't be a strength once they get on the same page and dialed into this defense.
Basically, I like the fact that we have a definite strength and a definite weakness vs two ??s. If they address the secondary next offseason the way they addressed the front 7 this season, I'd be fine with that.
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Opening: “Excited to get started. We have everybody back out here. Great first day. Obviously, it’s a process
Ruh roh, raggy! Pat's Back!
web page 5 biggest takeaways from 1st camp practice
Posted by Vic Carucci on July 26, 2013 – 12:04 am
By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor
Here are my five biggest takeaways from the first day of practice at Browns training camp:
>>Upbeat tempo. For a first practice, the tempo was remarkably fast. But that’s how coach Rob Chudzinski likes it. He instills a sense of urgency throughout the team, and both the offense and defense functioned that way. The ball generally came out quickly from all three quarterbacks – Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell, and Brian Hoyer. The defense also showed quick reaction to running plays and in pass coverage. There wasn’t a whole lot of chatter. That’s not Chud’s way. He likes to move around and observe, allowing his assistant coaches to handle most of the details. Another reason for the fairly quiet approach by Chudzinski and the assistants is that mistakes generally were kept to a minimum and there wasn’t a whole of correcting to do.
>>Weeden rebounded from a slow start. After being off the mark on some early throws, Weeden began looking fairly sharp and consistently connected with his receivers. He had some nice deep passes and also showed good touch on shorter ones. As is the case in Norv Turner’s scheme, Weeden had a wide variety of targets and used them all – from receivers Josh Gordon and Greg Little and Travis Benjamin on the outside, to slot receiver Davone Bess and tight end Jordan Cameron in the middle, to running back Trent Richardson out of the backfield. And the routes were usually fairly deep. Very little dink-and-dunk stuff.
>>Trent Richardson ran well. The running back looks noticeably faster than he did last season, when he was bothered by a knee injury in training camp and then a rib problems during the season. He showed no signs of being bothered by the shin strain that kept him out of offseason workouts. He was quick and explosive on the many stretch running plays that were called, as well as on pass routes out of the backfield. And he caught the ball well.
>>Bess just catches everything that comes his way. I don’t know how many times Nathan Zegura, my partner on “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford,” and I said that to each other during practice. As he did during offseason workouts, Bess ran ultra-precise routes and consistently caught the ball. It is easy to envision him having a key role in this offense, despite its emphasis on outside passing. Bess will force defenses to pay attention to him, thus opening things up for the outside receivers.
>>Jabaal Sheard looks natural at outside linebacker. Sheard was a beast at the line of scrimmage – or, at least as much of a beast as a defender can be during a non-contact drill. He got off the ball quickly and was strong in coverage. It’s early, but it seems as if he is more at home standing up in the Browns’ new 3-4 defense than he was putting his hand on the ground as he has done the past two seasons in the 4-3.
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If Sheard and Kruger continue to look good the Mingo pick is going to look silly, especially when we could have had Dee Milliner. However I'm not going to even begin to judge the pick until after this season.
I agree, if sheard becomes a beast at Lb like i expect him to....then what the hell do we do? his contract will be up soon. So, since banner and lombo cant trade mingo, no matter how good or bad he looks, they will probably trade sheard which will just be dumb. They wont trade kruger either, not after the contract they gave him.
Chud Quotes Post-practice quotes from head coach Rob Chudzinski.
Coach Rob Chudzinski
General: “Excited to get started. We have everybody back out here. Great first day. Obviously, it’s a process; we have a long way to go and a lot of work to do. You have to take a first step to do that and we took the first step today. It was great to see the fans out here and be around this great group of fans and the great fans that we have that are a part of this franchise; a lot of fun as well.
“A couple guys today as far as we held out just for today: Kellen Davis, he had a slight knee sprain that has developed over the past week; he will be day to day. Not concerned about him. We also had Phil Taylor, who had a calf strain about a week and a half or so ago. He feels good, day to day and I’m not too concerned about that. Then of course, Chris Faulk and David Nelson; we are just evaluating them day by day. Questions?”
On Josh Gordon’s injury, grabbing his leg: “He did. He had a cramp so we will look at him and make sure but I’m not expecting any issues there.”
On Joe Thomas being at the bottom of a pile during a fight: “Joe was in there somewhere. I don’t know if he started at the top and ended at the bottom or not, but I was in the melee there, too. It is training camp, energy is high. I am really pleased with the tempo of practice for these guys to have come back and haven’t worked out over the course of the summer and work out with this kind of tempo is outstanding.”
On whether any Chudzinskis were in the crowd today: “I didn’t see any. I am sure there are some out there. I will be looking after we get done here.”
On whether he ever attended Browns training camp as a fan when younger: “Never here. I went out to when it was at Lakeland one time when I was a little bit older.”
On expecting an upbeat tempo at camp and the regular season: “This is what I am used to. This is the tempo I am used to when practicing. So, this is how it should be on a day-to-day basis.”
On Trent Richardson’s performance today: “We will go in and look at the tape, but it seemed like he didn’t have any issues and looked pretty good out there for the first day. Again, a lot of it is learning. We didn’t have any pads on yet. Another day before the pads go on. I think he caught the ball well and ran the ball and did some good things.”
On Brandon Weeden’s first day: “I think all of the quarterbacks of what I saw as practice went on, it got better and better, all of them.”
On Jim Brown’s message to the team: “Jim is obviously back with the organization and we are all very excited about that, so I asked Jim to talk with the players. He is going to be involved, and what a great resource for them to have. I encouraged them to get to know Jim and be around Jim, the greatest player of all time. Certainly, a lot of what he has done with the community and a lot of experiences he’s had I think can help the players. He just talked about being a professional and being a part of the organization.”
On his excitement for training camp to start: “I think today was the longest day waiting, it seemed like. We had all our guys out there real early. It’s good to get it under our belts and obviously we have a lot of work to do, like I said before.”
On interacting with the fans after practice: “It was awesome. Just looking out and seeing those young faces out there with their Browns jerseys on and knowing how much that meant to me and how much it means to them. Hearing the dog barks and those kind of things. That’s the kind of excitement we want out there at practice and we want to generate. Our fans deserve it and we plan on giving it to them.”
On loud fans: “I love it loud. I love it loud.”
Player Quotes - 7/25 Post-practice quotes from running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden.
RB Trent RichardsonOn being ready: “Yes, that’s what it looks like. It’s still a long way to go, a long camp to build on day by day working with my teammates and trying to step more into a leader role. I’m getting a lot of advice from D’Qwell (Jackson) and Big Krug (Paul Kruger) out there, Ahtyba Rubin, and of course the great Jim Brown. It’s a pleasure being with these guys out there, especially with Jim Brown present, it’s an honor. It makes me work that much harder for him to just be out there.”
On what Brown was saying to Trent: “I asked him, was he happy to be back, and he said he couldn’t wait to get back to being in the Browns’ presence and being where I need to be. He was telling me that he is going to be on me, and we are going to have our one-on-ones and we are going to have our talks and that our minds need to click together. I said our minds already click together; you don’t have to worry about that. From a standpoint, he is player engagement, but at the same time, I will be getting advice from him because he is the best of all time and there is no question about it.”
On physically being better than last year: “No surgeries before the season. I don’t plan on having one this year. It’s on the uprise right now. I’m taking one step at a time, like I said earlier. I just love it right now; there is nothing like football shape and it’s a long way to go. I still have to work hard so I can play all four quarters and I want to be in the best shape I can be when it comes September.”
On Jim Brown saying that he isn’t ordinary: “It’s still a lot I’ve got to prove, first to the fans and my teammates, to the NFL word. I still have done what I think I can do and what my mind is set to. It’s big to hear that from him, but at the same time I’m not going to let my head get big. I still have a lot to prove, to my Browns fans, to people back at home and to everybody.”
On how much better this offense can be than last year: “I don’t like to do comparisons, but I feel like we can get way better. It’s one day at a time. We have to do the right things and stay on the right road, and make sure we take the small steps. A lot of small steps will lead to big steps, and I think we can be successful and end up winning a lot of games this year, as long as we do what we’ve got to do.”
On Brandon Weeden: “Brandon is a work horse. I had no problem with him last year and I have no problem with him this year. All the guys are comfortable with him. Brandon is trusting us and he’s trusting himself. He’s making throws and he’s making corrections, and that first year was our first year, and we’ve put that behind us. We’re not going to look back at that. This year is a whole nother year. Brandon is fresh and he’s got his arm going and he’s battling at the same time. Jason (Campbell) is out there and both of the guys are out there battling at the same time. At the same time, I think Brandon will be in the best shape when it comes September.”
QB Brandon WeedenOn the fight at practice: “Yes, there is a lot of adrenaline out there. This sport is so competitive, we don’t even have pads on yet and guys are competing, which is what you want to see. A little bit of that is good. If it gets out of control, I don’t think Chud will like that very much but it broke up fast, and it’s just part of the sport.”
On Day 1: “Overall for Day 1 I thought we looked pretty good. We started a little bit slow and then we picked it up and finished strong. Overall I think guys were playing fast. There weren’t too many missed assignments. I think guys were lining up right, our motions were right, we were playing fast and we didn’t have any delay-of-game penalties. We were moving around and maneuvering really well. Overall, I believe we looked pretty good.”
On learning the team was being sold last year: “This year this team has so much steam going forward. We are worried about the next day. We are not worried about what everybody is saying about us. We are worried about each day and getting better. I know that sounds cliché but if you approach it any other way then it’s tough. We try to keep the outside distractions at a minimum. The guys in that locker room are dialed in to getting better as a team, as a family and moving on.”
On where that forward steam originates: “I think it comes from last year. I think we feel like we were better than our record indicated last year. We’re a good football team. I am excited about the guys in our locker room and we are chomping at the bit to get started again. This is what we do; this is our living. When you take some time off that first day or that first week, there is a little more adrenaline, guys are flying around and there is a lot of excitement right now.”
On Trent Richardson looking different: “Trent looked great. Trent looked good. For sitting all time, he didn’t have any missed assignments, he was playing extremely fast, and I thought he looked great. Trent is a big asset for this football team, not only for this offense, but for this entire football team. It’s nice to have him back out there.”
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If Sheard and Kruger continue to look good the Mingo pick is going to look silly, especially when we could have had Dee Milliner. However I'm not going to even begin to judge the pick until after this season.
I agree, if sheard becomes a beast at Lb like i expect him to....then what the hell do we do? his contract will be up soon. So, since banner and lombo cant trade mingo, no matter how good or bad he looks, they will probably trade sheard which will just be dumb. They wont trade kruger either, not after the contract they gave him.
There is no such thing as having too many great pass rushers.
If Mingo, Sheard, and Kruger all play extremely well, then all of them will play. Kruger will probably see some time at DE anyway
Man what a great "problem" that would be. Gee, we have too many talented pass rushers. Whatever will we do?
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If Sheard and Kruger continue to look good the Mingo pick is going to look silly, especially when we could have had Dee Milliner. However I'm not going to even begin to judge the pick until after this season.
I agree, if sheard becomes a beast at Lb like i expect him to....then what the hell do we do? his contract will be up soon. So, since banner and lombo cant trade mingo, no matter how good or bad he looks, they will probably trade sheard which will just be dumb. They wont trade kruger either, not after the contract they gave him.
wow,, the season hasn't started yet, we got one practice under our belt and already the doom and gloom
Whats new
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Whats new
Apparently, nothing 
Thanks for posting the updates.
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Browns training camp: Transcript from news conference with coach Rob Chudzinski
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 25, 2013
This article does sound like a fluff piece to me, but the one thing I do like is the tempo factor. I am a big believer in practicing fast. Moving fast. Up tempo all the time. I didn't want Kelly to come here at first, but after doing some research, I loved how he ran up-tempo practices. I think it matters.
I am so happy that Chud has the same approach. This up-tempo approach is huge in close games. It's huge in the heat. It's huge at the end of halves and games. Glad to hear it.
Why is it every time we get a good to great player, somebody wants to trade or ship out somebody else? If any thing Horton will find a way to use all three. If Sheard plays well he will be extended, why would you try to trade him? Yeah that's the ticket, lets trade them all and start over
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If Sheard and Kruger continue to look good the Mingo pick is going to look silly, especially when we could have had Dee Milliner. However I'm not going to even begin to judge the pick until after this season.
I agree, if sheard becomes a beast at Lb like i expect him to....then what the hell do we do? his contract will be up soon. So, since banner and lombo cant trade mingo, no matter how good or bad he looks, they will probably trade sheard which will just be dumb. They wont trade kruger either, not after the contract they gave him.
wow,, the season hasn't started yet, we got one practice under our belt and already the doom and gloom
I wouldnt consider that doom and gloom at all.......just an opinion 
Thank you for opening this post those of us that live in gods country dont get to see whats going on at camp.
thank you for update let me know if you need a fishing report.
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If Sheard and Kruger continue to look good the Mingo pick is going to look silly, especially when we could have had Dee Milliner. However I'm not going to even begin to judge the pick until after this season.
I agree, if sheard becomes a beast at Lb like i expect him to....then what the hell do we do? his contract will be up soon. So, since banner and lombo cant trade mingo, no matter how good or bad he looks, they will probably trade sheard which will just be dumb. They wont trade kruger either, not after the contract they gave him.
I'm not concerned about that. I just worry about trotting out guys like Chris freaking Owens out at #2 CB. You can never have too many good players, but you'd like to have them at other positions.
Couple of quick comments. On having to many pass rushers, so we gotta trade one. Umm no. Horton needs quality depth to run his scheme effectively. It takes an insane amount of energy to rush full speed take on a big tackle and then finish the play strong. If we can have a 3 man rotation at OLB with 3 very good rushers, this defense is gonna be dangerous cause I think we already have the talent and depth for the DL.
Loved seeing Haden covering Gordon deep and staying with him. Hated seeing Gordon failing to just go up and take that thing away. He also stuck with little on a cross there and it was impressive. thats from the training camp daily. Those were plays he was often beat on last year.
thank you let me know if you get out my way I live in jackson hole wyoming.
Browns training camp snapshot: Secondary dominates, wide receiver David Nelson returns to practice
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 26, 2013
The Browns held their second full-squad practice of training camp today. Below is a quick glance at what happened.
Storylines: The defensive backs dominated during team drills, and the most notable player in the group was no exception. Starting cornerback Joe Haden intercepted a pass from quarterback Brandon Weeden to wide receiver Josh Gordon on an out route.
Haden bolted the other way for what would have been a pick-six. After the play, Browns coach Rob Chudzinski congratulated Haden. During his post-practice news conference, Chudzinski said Haden has stepped up as a leader this offseason, and he believes Haden has great potential. “I think Joe’s best days are ahead of him if he continues to work,” Chudzinski said.
Not long after Haden’s pick, he and cornerback Buster Skrine, who rotated with Chris Owens with the first-team defense, broke up passes on consecutive plays. Backup safeties Johnson Bademosi and Josh Aubrey dropped interceptions on back-to-back passes thrown by quarterback Brian Hoyer. In an another 11-on-11 session, Skrine intercepted a pass from quarterback Jason Campbell intended for Grodon on a hook route. Cornerback Trevin Wade intercepted a pass that went in and out of the hands of wide receiver Jordan Norwood.
Hoyer threw the pass. … Wide receiver David Nelson passed a physical today and returned to practice. It was his first practice since he tore an anterior cruciate ligament as a member of the Buffalo Bills in last year’s season opener and underwent a subsequent knee surgery. Nelson participated in individual drills but not team sessions. He declined to speak to the media afterward. “We’ll continue to evaluate him and hopefully upgrade him as we’re going,” Chudzinski said.
Position battles: For the second consecutive practice, John Greco and Shawn Lauvao worked at left and right guard, respectively, with the first-team offense. Jason Pinkston took reps as the second-team left guard. … T.J. Conley took the first reps in punting drills, followed by Spencer Lanning.
Highlights: Quarterback Brandon Weeden, who continued to take all the first-team reps, completed a deep touchdown pass to Travis Benjamin in one-on-one drills pitting the receivers against the defensive backs. … In a seven-on-seven drill, Weeden connected with wide receiver Greg Little, who made a great grab against tight coverage from Skrine. … At the beginning of practice, the players did a stretching exercise in which they raised one arm while leaning over. A fan yelled, “Raise your hand if you’re glad [ex-Browns coach Pat] Shurmur’s gone.” Backup running back Brandon Jackson stood straight up and raised both hands. The crowd laughed and cheered while one fan shouted, “We’re with ya.”
Injuries: Wide receiver Josh Gordon returned to practice and fully participated after a cramp in his left calf/Achilles area forced him to sit out the final half-hour of Thursday’s practice. … Nose tackle Phil Taylor (strained calf), tight end Kellen Davis (sprained knee) and undrafted rookie offensive lineman Chris Faulk (knee) continued to sit out.
All three did light exercises on the side. Chudzinski said he expects Taylor and Davis back soon. A calf injury forced defensive end Ahtyba Rubin to miss three-plus games last season, but Chudzinski doesn’t believe Taylor’s injury is nearly as serious. “I’m expecting him back in the next few days,” Chudzinski said of Taylor.
“He feels good and he’s worked hard on the side there with the trainers and all reports I’ve gotten are pretty positive.” John Hughes continued to play nose tackle for the first-team defense in Taylor's absence. … In the final half-hour of practice, backup offensive right tackle Oniel Cousins limped to the sideline during team drills and walked off with a trainer a few minutes later. Chudzinski said Cousins rolled an ankle.
Saturday’s schedule: Practice from 4-6:30 p.m. For updates, call 877-627-6967.
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At the beginning of practice, the players did a stretching exercise in which they raised one arm while leaning over. A fan yelled, “Raise your hand if you’re glad [ex-Browns coach Pat] Shurmur’s gone.” Backup running back Brandon Jackson stood straight up and raised both hands. The crowd laughed and cheered while one fan shouted, “We’re with ya.”
Just another reason to get rid of that bone head.
Telling (hidden) scenes from Browns summer camp
Print Comment
By Steve Doerschuk
We watched and took notes. Here are a few observations after sleeping on the first day of Browns training camp.
• GREEN 80! GREEN 80! HUT!! It was good to hear the quarterback in an orange helmet barking again.
• In one set in which the “ones” were practicing plays prior to a 11-on-11 set, the offense had Gary Barnidge at tight end and Chris Ogbonnaya as a second back with Trent Richardson. The guards were John Greco (left) and Shawn Lauvao (right).
We have been convinced the coaches who count trust Barnidge.
The has been around — he will turn 28 the first month of the season. It surely counts that part of “around” in his five NFL season was spending 2012 with Chud in Carolina.
Barnidge was barely used as a receiver last year, but he was used quite a bit in the spring. It may be that Jordan Cameron is the heir apparent to Ben Watson. It could be that Barnidge seemed conspicuous Thursday only because Kellen Davis, a young veteran acquired in free agency, was a no-go due to a knee issue.
We’re keeping an eye on Barnidge, though ... especially with Cameron not impressing, other than in glimpses, in his first two Browns seasons, in the spring, and in Thursday’s practice.
Barnidge is the fellow who struck us in OTAs as having disproportionately short arms. He played college ball at Louisville.
• Nobody should start calling the quarterback Bootleg Brandon, but it was interesting that Mr. Weeden looked fairly smooth on a designed run.
First, during a dry run of plays that would be used in the subsequent 11-on-11 set, Weeden fed a convincing inside handoff to Richardson. Everyone (and by everyone I mean me) kept watching Richardson to see where he would cut. When I finally noticed he did not have the ball, there was Weeden making a quick burst over the opposite side.
On cue, Weeden ran the play in 11 on 11s. The defense didn’t know it was coming and leaned hard to Richardson while Weeden took off around the right side.
Using the approach too much in real games could make Weeden an older man than he already is. It might be a drive saver in certain key spots.
RG3? No one will ever call Weeden BW3. Weeden is known for his wing, not his legs. He is a decent athlete, though. He averaged more than a carry a game, mostly on scrambles, in 2012, and his average was better than Richardson’s.
• Josh Cooper is crafty. He is quicker than he was as a 2012 rookie. If I had to bet whether he will make the team, I would bet no. If I am wrong, I think he could help the team, especially in the first couple of games when Josh Gordon’s suspension will thin the wideout ranks.
The brightest example of the “attack style” that is supposed to be Chud’s stamp came with Cooper and the “threes” on the field.
QB Brian Hoyer broke the huddle quickly, called for a quick snap, took a quick drop from which the ball was out right now, over the middle 15 yards downfield to Cooper. Cooper was on a dead sprint when he caught the ball in stride and kept on truckin’.
When Cooper ran back to the huddle, he and Hoyer gave each other a satisfied point of the index finger.
Cooper, of course, is the guy who was Weeden’s ace in the hole behind Justin Blackmon at Oklahoma State.
• There can’t have been 10 weather days like Thursday since I’ve been going to camp every day starting in 1999. Baby-blue, cloudless sky, barely above 70 in the sun, almost a chill in the shade. Coaches hate that kind of camp weather.
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Thanks for posting the articles mourg. All very interesting.
Regarding the #2 CB, I could see Horton starting either Owens or Skrine at that spot depending on the matchups with the opposition's WR's and slot guys. Maybe that doesn't make sense but maybe it does.
Also, a comment regarding Kruger, Sheard and Mingo. After reading the link that guard dawg posted, and I re-posted in a different thread, I could see Mingo being used as a D-lineman on occasion. Horton did that with the Cardinals with Washington to great success.
Using the right defensive stunts, depending on down and distance, the defense can create big, unblocked holes just juicy for Mingo to use his athleticism to tear unchallenged to the QB. Of course it wouldn't have to be Mingo used for that purpose every time, but it does put all three OLB's on the field at the same time.
Hell, it happens TO us often enough. I'm excited to see us accomplish it against others.
I am so excited to see our defense grow this season. When I get to camp I'll pay special attention to how the front 7 is being used. Are we allowed to take notes without a press pass? Wouldn't want to get thrown out of camp for being a spy! hahaha But I'll do what I can when I can. I've really been studying front 7 blitzes and stunts and that link I mentioned was a very good lesson on how Horton might use Mingo in his rookie year.
Aldon Smith got 17 sacks on about 600 defensive snaps, that's about 50% of the snaps, in his rookie year being used as a situational pass rusher with some well designed front 7 stunts.
I can't wait for the season to start. Screw summer. Fast forward to September!
Thanks . It's nice to be reading actual camp reports rather than reading poster opinions. Not that the opinions are wrong or bad, it just gets old after 7 months.
Is it just me this morning but is Doerschuk's writing style hard to read? That first article was very hard to follow.
Yup, an opinion about doom and gloom....
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There is no such thing as having too many great pass rushers.
JC
I really liked Joe Haden's interview. WHen he said he was sorry about his suspension last season, I really felt he means it to this day. Unlike when Gordon said it. I like Joe, if it wasn't for his suspension, he'd be a pro-bowl candidate last season without question. This is going to be a strong year for Joe I think. It sounds like he's business and ready to rock.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...13-0ed56ce9f0ad
Everything I am seeing from post-practice interviews, journalist commentary, etc has been nothing but high praise for Greg Little not only his play on the field but his on-going preparation as well.
I hope it translates to a breakout year for the kid and no more punting of the ball in the end zone type garbage anymore. Hopefully, he has grown up.
Greg also had a solid interview, I forgot to mention this and I did. I didn't know he changed his number to #18 now, but I guess if that's what you wore in college and someone gave you money for your old number, then haha..
Very well spoken and he also sounds all business and ready to rock. Sounds like he's been studying a lot of other players too. The fact the chemistry between him and Weeden improving during their offseason get-togethers should benefit both players when the season rolls around. Looking forward to seeing Greg this season.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...9c-b5615763da89
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Its 18.. not 8..
Yes I know, typo.
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Thanks . It's nice to be reading actual camp reports rather than reading poster opinions. Not that the opinions are wrong or bad, it just gets old after 7 months.
Is it just me this morning but is Doerschuk's writing style hard to read? That first article was very hard to follow.
He
Spaces
His
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Too
Much
Agreed. I thought this was a great interview and he came off really well...especially the part where he was going to study film right after that interview.
Keep it up, Greg.
It does seem as if he's impressing the Coach and his teammates doesn't it. That's awfully good to hear. We're going to need him this year.. What with Gordon being an unknown and thus far, apparently not impressing in camp and having a 2 game suspension and one misstep away from being gone for good. Nelson being an unknown given his return from injury and Cameron being, well, I don't know what the heck Cameron is LOL
JC
One person we haven't heard from or seen in the first couple of days is Kruger. You'd think the media would be all over him for an interview as he was the keystone piece in the FA period. I guess Bryant for that matter as well.
I mean we have a Travis Benjamin interview to watch, but not our new pass rusher? Maybe the Browns schedule them out as the days go by as I expect we'll here from them soon.
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JC
One person we haven't heard from or seen in the first couple of days is Kruger. You'd think the media would be all over him for an interview as he was the keystone piece in the FA period. I guess Bryant for that matter as well.
I mean we have a Travis Benjamin interview to watch, but not our new pass rusher? Maybe the Browns schedule them out as the days go by as I expect we'll here from them soon.
Ha,, didn't even think about that. Haven't heard much from Mingo either have we? or did I just miss it?
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...97-636c7ae7b05dHere is the most recent one of Mingo, but it's dated 7/22. Pre- Training Camp. It's all about him signing a contract.
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http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...97-636c7ae7b05d
Here is the most recent one of Mingo, but it's dated 7/22. Pre- Training Camp. It's all about him signing a contract.
Oh, I saw that, I thought you were talking about since camp opened? since camp, nothing from Kruger, Bryant or Mingo..
You're right. I was referring to Training Camp. There isn't anything from those players yet. Just didn't know if you'd seen that last one from Keke but I should have known you did.
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You're right. I was referring to Training Camp. There isn't anything from those players yet. Just didn't know if you'd seen that last one from Keke but I should have known you did.
LOL Can't take that for granted, stuff is coming out much faster not that camp is open. so I could very easily have missed it. thanks
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Oh, I saw that, I thought you were talking about since camp opened? since camp, nothing from Kruger, Bryant or Mingo..
Don't know if the decisions about which players are featured is strictly a media choice or if player availability to the media is influenced by the team. I suspect that when the pads go on and those positions where contact tells the story- those players involved will get more attention in the press.
JC
Oh and another notable thing from that article was that Nelson passed his physical and is participating. At 6'5'', he could be a lethal target depending how well he does, especially bouncing back from that torn ligament.
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JC
I really liked Joe Haden's interview. WHen he said he was sorry about his suspension last season, I really felt he means it to this day. Unlike when Gordon said it. I like Joe, if it wasn't for his suspension, he'd be a pro-bowl candidate last season without question. This is going to be a strong year for Joe I think. It sounds like he's business and ready to rock.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...13-0ed56ce9f0ad
My favorite response was on the TV show when Andre Knott asked him what the biggest difference was between this year and last. Without hesitation, Haden said, "everybody knows their assignments a lot better. In OTA"s and mini camp we learned the plays and installed the system really well It's not new to people like it was last year. Everybody knows their assignments a whole lot better".....and then later, "nobody's standing around like they don't know what's going on".
Does anyone know why there haven't been more articles about camp? I want to hear how these guys are looking. Am I missing something?
Just read a couple of other reports. Sounds like there were a lot of interceptions, dropped interceptions, poor throws, and poor routes on day 2 of camp.
Good news for the secondary. More of the same old crap from the offense.
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JC
Oh and another notable thing from that article was that Nelson passed his physical and is participating. At 6'5'', he could be a lethal target depending how well he does, especially bouncing back from that torn ligament.
I can see Nelson playing one of the TE roles on passing downs. Especially in the red zone. When he was with Buffalo, I initially thought he was a TE the way they used him by the goalline.
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Just read a couple of other reports. Sounds like there were a lot of interceptions, dropped interceptions, poor throws, and poor routes on day 2 of camp.
Good news for the secondary. More of the same old crap from the offense.
Same old pathetic junk.
You do know they were working on third and long situations yesterday right?
Ridiculous.
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Greg also had a solid interview, I forgot to mention this and I did. I didn't know he changed his number to #18 now, but I guess if that's what you wore in college and someone gave you money for your old number, then haha..
Very well spoken and he also sounds all business and ready to rock. Sounds like he's been studying a lot of other players too. The fact the chemistry between him and Weeden improving during their offseason get-togethers should benefit both players when the season rolls around. Looking forward to seeing Greg this season.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...9c-b5615763da89
I LOVE the way Little speaks of preparation and work off the field being every bit as important as anything he does on the practice field. He wants to be a great player, and has figured out what makes players great. I don't know where he'll wind up, but he is doing the right things, and preparing as a pro every single day. That is so encouraging to me.
Injured Browns player awake, alert and moving all four extremities
by Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
7/27/2013 5:09 PM Print
An unidentified Browns player was down on the field for nearly 10 minutes today in a scary scene at practice. The player was immobilized on a board and then carted to the ambulance.
The team has asked that the player not be identified until the family is notified. Teammates huddled around the player, took a knee and prayed. The music ceased and all were quiet.
The injury occurred during individual drills inside the Browns field house. The practice was held inside today and closed to the public because of rain. It was supposed to be the first practice in full pads, but was conducted in shoulder pads instead.
About 10 minutes after the player was rushed to a local hospital, a team spokesman said he was awake, alert and moving all four extremities.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/team/1374959397-511-318/injured-browns-player-awake-alert.html
BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Ryan Miller has been taken to the hospital after being carted off the field during practice.
A team spokesman said the player is "awake, alert and has movement in all four extremities."
Cleveland's players, wearing shoulder pads for the first time in training camp, were doing one-on-one drills inside the team's indoor facility when the player wound up on the turf. It's not known if he was injured or collapsed.
As medical personnel rushed in, the music inside the field house was turned off and several Browns players took a knee. After the player was immobilized and strapped to a backboard, the team and coaching staff huddled around the player and prayed.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp13/st...-taken-hospital
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BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Ryan Miller has been taken to the hospital after being carted off the field during practice.
A team spokesman said the player is "awake, alert and has movement in all four extremities."
Cleveland's players, wearing shoulder pads for the first time in training camp, were doing one-on-one drills inside the team's indoor facility when the player wound up on the turf. It's not known if he was injured or collapsed.
As medical personnel rushed in, the music inside the field house was turned off and several Browns players took a knee. After the player was immobilized and strapped to a backboard, the team and coaching staff huddled around the player and prayed.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp13/st...-taken-hospital
Whew,, Good news, thanks Jules.
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BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Ryan Miller has been taken to the hospital after being carted off the field during practice.
A team spokesman said the player is "awake, alert and has movement in all four extremities."
Cleveland's players, wearing shoulder pads for the first time in training camp, were doing one-on-one drills inside the team's indoor facility when the player wound up on the turf. It's not known if he was injured or collapsed.
As medical personnel rushed in, the music inside the field house was turned off and several Browns players took a knee. After the player was immobilized and strapped to a backboard, the team and coaching staff huddled around the player and prayed.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp13/st...-taken-hospital
Man i hope he is ok......what do you guys think? STINGER MAYBE? KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS?
Browns lineman Ryan Miller doing 'better' after suffering head injury and losing consciousness at practice
Jul 27, 2013 -- 7:36pm
By Tony Grossi
Observations, notes, quotes and some facts on Day 3 of Browns training camp …
* Practice screeched to a halt for several minutes when backup offensive lineman Ryan Miller suffered a head injury in a one-on-one blocking drill. Miller lost consciousness for a while, a source said.
As Miller lay on the fieldhouse floor (practice was moved indoors because of wet conditions), players surrounded him and said prayers silently. Eventually, Miller moved his arms and legs and was carried to an ambulance on a medical cart and transplanted to a local hospital. He was then transplanted to Cleveland Clinic main campus.
The Browns notified Miller's family before approving release of his name in media reports.
By the time practice was over, coach Rob Chudzinski reported, “At this time Ryan’s doing well, he’s responsive. Sounds like things are better.” Chudzinski said he intended to visit Miller Saturday night.
Miller was a sixth-round draft pick from Colorado in 2012. At 6-7 and 320 pounds, he’s one of the biggest players on the team. He was working out at guard and tackle.
“He’s a nice guy, really easy going, a hard worker, really kind of a gym rat type guy,” said tackle Joe Thomas. “He and have become good friends in the last year.
“The thing you worry about is the neck. When we heard it was not neck-related, that was fantastic.”
Chudzinski huddled the players together before practice resumed about 15 minutes later and asked them to refocus on the task at hand.
“This team is a family. When something happens to a family member like that, it’s tough,” said Chudzinski. “This team did a great job of staying focused.”
* Practiced was moved indoors because of a forecast for rain and already-saturated fields. It was the first day players were in shoulder pads, but shorts were worn and work was restrained by the confines of the indoor facility. Chudzinski said Sunday’s practice will be in full pads.
* A full period of practice was devoted to screen plays. They have not been run effectively by the Browns, it seems, since agile left guard Eric Steinbach’s last productive year in 2010.
“Screens have always been something that Norv (Turner, offensive coordinator) –- teams Norv have been with -- has really excelled at,” Chudzinski said. “I’ve been fortunate to be around Norv and learn a thing or two about screens.”
The key to executing the screen play: “There’s a lot of coordination and timing between the offensive line and running backs (needed),” Chud said. “The timing of it happening and knowing the rushes and the right people to do it against, as well.”
* Work on screen passes served as a showcase for Dion Lewis. The diminutive running back obtained in a trade with Philadelphia has a stop-and-go ability that had several defensive players grasping at air. Linebacker Quentin Groves actually fell flat on his stomach as Lewis ran away from him. The artificial turf surface inside the fieldhouse accentuated Lewis’ quickness.
* Nose tackle Phil Taylor and tight end Kellen Davis returned to practice and were limited to individual drills. Offensive tackle Oniel Cousins will be out a couple weeks with a sprained ankle, Chudzinski said.
* The offensive coaches had no tolerance for a false start by guard Jason Pinkston.He was yanked from the lineup immediately after the infraction.
* The current order of players taking reps at kickoff returns:1. Travis Benjamin. 2. Johnson Bademosi. 3. Dion Lewis. 4. Buster Skrine.
* The backup inside linebackers are James-Michael Johnson and L.J. Fort.
* Chudzinski said that the offense as a whole had a much better day after being dominated by the DBs on Friday.
http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=20351
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
BEREA, Ohio -- Defensive tackle Phil Taylor (calf strain) and tight end Kellen Davis (knee strain) returned to Browns practice today, but on a limited basis.
Taylor participated only in individual drills and was held out of team sessions. Davis was also held out of 11-on-11s. John Hughes continues to replace Taylor at nose tackle until he's ready for full action.
• Offensive lineman Oniel Cousins, who rolled his ankle on Friday, will miss a couple of weeks with a sprain, coach Rob Chudzinski said.
• Fullback Brock Bolen sat out with a strained calf. Brad Smelley, who's been primarily working at tight end, got in some work at fullback.
• Practice was moved indoors and closed to the public because of the rain. It was supposed to be the first day in full pads, but the team practiced only in shoulder pads. The first full-pad practice is now set for Sunday.
• The practice was overshadowed by a head injury suffered by second-year guard Ryan Miller, who was apparently knocked unconscious after a helmet-to-helmet blow during blocking drills. See our related post on Miller's injury, which provided the team with a quite a scare 39 minutes into the session.
• Cornerback Leon McFadden, working with the second team behind Chris Owens and Buster Skrine, had a nice breakup of a Brian Hoyer pass to Josh Gordon. Owens and Skrine are alternating first-team reps opposite Joe Haden.
• Running back Dion Lewis looked lightning quick on a couple of screens, and should provide a great change-of-pace.
• Linebacker Barkevious Mingo almost picked off a Hoyer pass 20 yards downfield.
• Chudzinski yanked guard Jason Pinkston out of the lineup after a false start, which was a point of emphasis at that point in the practice.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ss..._medium=twitter
Browns training camp snapshot: Practice halted by Miller’s frightening injury; Taylor, Davis return
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 27, 2013
The Browns held their third full-squad practice of training camp today. Below is a glance at what occurred.
Storylines: Practice screeched to a halt when backup offensive tackle Ryan Miller suffered a frightening concussion during one-on-one blocking drills. Miller fell to the ground and stayed there for about six minutes until medical personnel immobilized him, strapped him to a board and carted him out of the field house and into an ambulance. He spent about three hours at the Cleveland Clinic’s main campus before being released. A team spokesman said he is awake, alert and has movement in all four extremities. Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas said Miller was unconscious on the field for a brief time. The entire team knelt and prayed in silence as medical personnel tended to Miller. Practice resume about seven minutes after Miller’s injury occurred. Browns coach Rob Chudzinski updated players about Miller’s condition about an hour later. … Nose tackle Phil Taylor (strained calf) and tight end Kellen Davis (sprained knee) returned to practice after sitting out the past two days. Both players participated in individual drills but not team drills. John Hughes continued to practice at nose tackle with the first-team defense in Taylor’s absence. “We will continue to monitor and look at him, eventually upgrade as the time comes,” Chudzinski said of Taylor. … The Browns moved today’s practice indoors and closed it to the public because of inclement weather. Players were originally scheduled to wear full pads for the first time today, but they wore shoulder pads and helmets instead because Chudzinski wanted to wait for an outdoor practice before giving the green light on full pads. Chudzinski said players would be in full pads Sunday, provided the weather doesn’t mess with the plan again.
Position battles: The following players returned kickoffs in this order: cornerback Buster Skrine, wide receiver Travis Benjamin, running back Dion Lewis and safety Johnson Bademosi. … Wide receiver Jordan Norwood received some time with the first-team offense. … John Greco and Shawn Lauvao continued to practice at left and right guard, respectively, with the first-team offense. Jason Pinkston was the second-team left guard. Pinkston was replaced by undrafted rookie Caylin Hauptmann after committing a false start.
Highlights: The first-team lines were involved in a small skirmish during the first inside running drill of camp in which players wore shoulder pads. … In one-on-one drills pitting wide receivers against defensive backs, receiver Naaman Roosevelt beat cornerback Akeem Auguste and leaped to make a diving catch on a pass from quarterback Brian Hoyer in the front corner of the end zone. … In team drills, tight end Gary Barnidge made an impressive catch on a pass from Hoyer and managed to stay in bounds along the sideline for a gain of about 15 yards. … Rookie outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, dropped back in coverage against tight end Brad Smelley and broke up a deep pass from Hoyer on an out route during team drills.
Injuries: Backup offensive right tackle Oniel Cousins sat out today after spraining an ankle Friday. Chudzinski said Cousins will probably be out a couple of weeks. … Fullback Brock Bolen sat out with a strained calf. … Undrafted rookie offensive lineman Chris Faulk (knee) remained sidelined and on the active physically unable to perform list.
Sunday’s schedule: Practice from 4-6:30 p.m. For updates, call 877-627-6967.
http://www.ohio.com
Browns Camp Notebook: Day 3
July 27, 2013 8:48 PM
BEREA (92.3 The Fan) – Receiver Travis Benjamin is the odds on favorite to replace Josh Cribbs returning punt and kickoffs this season.
He has some big shoes to fill too.
“This is the NFL, guys come and guys go,” Benjamin said. “Josh was a great person and great mentor to me. He taught me a lot of things. I can just go into this upcoming season and fill the shoes where he left off.”
Cribbs, who signed with Oakland this offseason, is tied with Leon Washington for the most career kickoff returns for touchdowns (8) in NFL history.
He set Browns franchise records for the most: career kickoff return yards (8,837), career combined kickoff and punt return yards (10,534), career all-purpose yards (12,343), kickoff return yards in a single season (1,809 in 2007), kickoff return touchdowns in a single season: (3 in 2009), all-purpose yards in a single season (2,510 in 2009) and the most career combined Kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns (11).
“Cleveland special teams have been great all these years, so I got the ability to be one of the top returners,” Benjamin said.
At 5-10, 175-pounds, Benjamin doesn’t exactly overwhelm anyone with his size, which some consider to be a liability, but it’s his speed that is dangerous.
“It’s just being a ball player, knowing the things that you can and cannot do,” Benjamin said. “Knowing that my speed will allow me to not to get hit, just maintaining focus on the field. Knowing your environment around you.”
Benjamin’s primary competition for the return gig – Johnson Bademosi and rookie speedster Dion Lewis.
Dueling Safeties – Bademosi is in a head to head competition with Tashaun Gipson for a starting job at free safety next to T.J. Ward.
Bademosi, who popped on film on special teams as a rookie, was moved form corner to safety this offseason by new defensive coordinator Ray Horton.
“At safety you have to have a wider perspective of the field,” Bademosi said. “At corner you have to know everything that’s going on, but at safety you have to verbalize it, and actually say it and tell guys. It’s a transition going from corner to safety, and you definitely have to learn, but corner is mentally challenging as well.”
No Singing In The Rain – The Browns moved practice indoors because it rained into the early afternoon Saturday. The rain stopped before practice began and the sun eventually came out but Chudzinski isn’t second guessing the decision.
“I was hoping to get out,” Chudzinski said. “When I came in here, early in the morning, it was drizzling, and I saw the forecast for the day. We had a lot of wetness on the field. So, it was a combination of the forecast and the fields all being wet and not wanting to tear those up.”
Despite the cramped field house, which is only big enough to accommodate 70 yards of field, Chudzinski said practice wasn’t negatively affected by moving indoors.
“It doesn’t change as much,” Chudzinski said. “Obviously, we didn’t go full pads. For the first day of full pads, I didn’t want to be inside, on the turf. We will be full pads tomorrow. It’s just a tighter space that we have to work with in here, but we were able to get a lot done.”
Injury Update – Defensive tackle Phil Taylor and tight end Kellen Davis practiced Saturday after missing the first 2 days of training camp due to injury.
Taylor was resting a strained calf muscle while Davis had a sprained knee. Both participated in individual drills.
Fullback Brock Bolen, who was signed last week, did not practice due to a calf strain Saturday.
Offensive lineman Oniel Cousins, who walked off the field with trainers Friday, has a sprained ankle. Chudzinski said that he, “will probably be a couple of weeks.”
Up Next – The Browns will practice in pads again Sunday starting at 4. Gates open for fans at 3 – weather permitting.
http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2013/07/27/browns-camp-notebook-day-3/
Gipson, Bademosi battling for Browns free safety job
FRED GREETHAM |
Published: Saturday, July 27, 2013, 7:28pm
Battling for Free Safety Job
BEREA – When the Browns let Usama Young leave via free agency and released Eric Hagg this spring, the door was wide open for Tashaun Gipson to step in and claim the Browns starting free safety spot. Gipson had a meteoric rise from being an undrafted free agent rookie from Wyoming who made the roster in 2012 to the starter by the end of the season.
Last year's defensive coordinator Dick Jauron praised Gipson, but with a new coaching staff it was hard to speculate what they thought of him.
“He’s a solid player," head coach Rob Chudzinski said. "He is smart. He works at it. He understands football. He has a good football sense. He’s showing some good coverage skills out here.”
It is obvious Gipson has impressed both Chudzinski and new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, so far.
“I’ve been pleased with Tashaun," Chudzinski said. "He’s showing a lot from a coverage standpoint. The last couple of days just watching him, obviously we put the pads on tomorrow, so we will get a chance to see all the guys pop. From a tackling standpoint that’s where we will get to see some of the physical things and we will get a little bit more of a chance to evaluate some guys.”
The Browns drafted Jamoris Slaughter from Notre Dame in the sixth-round of the 2013 NFL Draft. However, he missed most of last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon and will need to play his way into the competition.
Gipson (5-11, 205) made the team and played in 10 games with three starts in 2012. He finished with 29 tackles, an interception and a pass broken up. He had four special team tackles. Gipson missed five games with a knee injury.
Gipson's primary competition is fellow undrafted rookie free agent from a year ago, Johnson Bademosi, who made his mark as a special teams phenom.
The coaching staff decided to move him from cornerback to safety and he's playing well thus far in training camp. Bademosi, who also plays cornerback, led the Browns last year with 18 special team tackles.
"I feel great," he said. "Every day I'm getting better. The angles are different and the responsibilities are different. But it's a new opportunity for me. The more you can do the longer you can stay (in the NFL)."
Chudzinski said that Bademosi, who is a 6-0, 200-pounder from Stanford, is doing well in making the transition from cornerback to safety.
“I think he’s making progress on a day-to-day basis," Chudzinski said. "It’s a matter of getting comfortable in the new position. It’s something that he’s never played before. I think he’s progressing. Everybody is going to have ups and downs and everybody is going to have good days and bad days, and good plays and bad plays. The key is learning, progressing and going in the right direction.”
Bademosi has been getting his hands on a lot of passes. On Friday, he batted down back-to-back passes from Brian Hoyer. He should've caught one and returned it for a touchdown. On Saturday, Bademosi knocked down a pass intended for Josh Cooper.
"I've been getting my hands on the ball," he said. "Now, I have to catch them."
Bademosi said he intends to open more eyes this season.
"Last year, I did more than what people expected of me and that's the plan to do again this year."
Extra Points
Taylor, Davis Back: Defensive lineman Phil Taylor was back at practice along with tight end Kellen Davis. Both players had missed the first two days of practice. Taylor sat out with a calf injury, while Davis had a knee strain.
"(Taylor) went through individual (drills) today," Chudzinski said. "We'll monitor him and get him out there."
Offensive lineman Oniel Cousins missed practice after rolling his ankle on Friday, and Chudzinski said he might miss a couple of weeks.
Fullback Brock Bolen, who was signed last week, sat out practice with a calf injury.
Indoors: Due to inclement weather, the Browns moved their first scheduled practice with pads indoors and it was closed to the public. The players wore shoulder pads and shorts. The team is scheduled to be in full pads on Sunday.
"I didn't want our first time in full pads to be inside," Chudzinski said.
Sunday's practice is scheduled from 4-6:30 pm and is open to the public.
http://www.foxsportsohio.com/nfl/clevela...RXvQO5k.twitter
Benjamin would have big shoes to fill IF the old kickoff rules were the same. Punt returns? Cribbs, although decent, it is not were his name was made.
Kickoff returns--I could care less who takes them back. More often than not, it's a touch back. The real game breaker will come from the punt return on ST. Let's hops Benjamin can make a name for himself.
I will say, it was only a small video clip of two or three balls to Gordon, but he looked like he was half-ass'n it. Little struggled to find words for him when he was asked about him....."just a great talent"
I hope he (Gordon) gets it together. Little looks extremely focused to say the least.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Craig Robertson says he won't get comfortable in second season
By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
BEREA, Ohio – The Browns will don pads for the first time in training camp Saturday afternoon. But Craig Robertson was still running around Friday with the chip on his shoulder that he brought to town a year ago as an undrafted free agent.
In his mind, it is standard equipment.
He would just as soon step on a field without a helmet or mouthpiece. Sure, Robertson is virtually guaranteed a roster spot this season and he’s likely to start at inside linebacker next to D’Qwell Jackson.
“But I still keep my chip,” Robertson said. “You gotta have your chip. You can’t have your chip and just get rid of it. You can’t get comfortable.”
The second-year linebacker has transformed himself from a player who didn’t earn a training camp invite in 2011 to someone defensive coordinator Ray Horton considers his “ace in the hole.”
Robertson’s quickness, coverage skills and football acumen have allowed him to overcome his lack of size (6-1, 229) and pedigree. He’s excited to play in Horton’s attacking defense, one which emphasizes speed and deception.
“I more than like it, I love it,” Robertson said. “Being able to run around, you have the freedom to be you. You are not confined to be a textbook player. (Horton) makes calls to the strengths on the field.”
He dismisses the notion that he and Jackson are too small to play together at inside linebacker. The North Texas product points to Pittsburgh’s Lawrence Timmons (6-1, 234) and Arizona’s Daryl Washington (6-2, 226) as undersized players who have excelled at the position.
robertson-pick-2012-ravens-jk.jpgView full sizeCraig Robertson demonstrated his ability to be in the right place at the right time with this interception of Joe Flacco in Baltimore last season. Now a second-year linebacker and a likely starter, Robertson is determined to keep his edge in training camp.John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer
“The game of football is not how much you weigh or how strong you are,” he said. “Any way you can get to the ball and get the guy down -- that’s football.”
Robertson arrived last season with hopes of simply making the team, yet finished with the second-most tackles (83) on the team. After recording eight tackles and two interceptions in his NFL debut against Philadelphia on opening day, he quickly revamped his goals.
He called his agent, Cleveland-based Vince Calo, and asked him to make a “goal board.” Agents receive plenty of unusual requests, but rarely are given an arts-and-crafts project. Calo made a computer printout of eight goals -- only two statistical in nature -- and affixed them to a board that Robertson kept by a mirror in his house. He wouldn’t reveal the goals only to say he met six of them.
“That’s just Craig being Craig,” Calo said. “He’s always challenging himself.”
Robertson still has the board, and is making plans for another one this season. Horton sounds as though he’s got plans of his own for Robertson.
“I would say he was what I had envisioned and hoped he would be,” the defensive coordinator said. “(He’s) a young, athletic backer, who is savvy. When I came here I wasn't sure how he would be on picking things up, but he's been everything I wanted. That’s my little ace in the hole.”
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/07/cleveland_browns_linebacker_cr_1.html
Browns training camp: Transcript from news conference with coach Rob Chudzinski
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 27, 2013
Browns coach Rob Chudzinski met with reporters today after the third full-squad practice of training camp. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
Opening statement: “Good afternoon. Just want to start off with Ryan Miller. He was injured early in practice with a head injury during drills. He was taken to the hospital. Our medical staff treated him on the field and was able to transport him to the hospital. At this time, Ryan is doing well. He is responsive and sounds like things are better at this point. We will continue to give you updates on that. I plan on visiting Ryan tonight and seeing how he is doing.”
On Ryan Miller staying overnight in the hospital: “I don’t know that.”
On what exactly happened to cause Ryan Miller’s injury: “It was one-on-one blocking drills. I did not see it. Obviously, two guys were going against each other and hit against each other.”
On the message to the team after a player getting injured: “We got together. We said a prayer, said we would keep Ryan in our thoughts and I would give them updates as we got them. We needed to get back to work at that point and focus back on practice.”
On the team responding to his message: “I thought they did a great job. It really says a lot about them, our coaches, our staff and our players to be able to do that. This team is a family and when something happens to a family member like that, it’s tough. These guys did a great job of staying focused and getting a lot of work done that we needed to get done.”
On the reaction of a player getting injured for the first time as a head coach: “Well, you take the lead in these situations. That’s what I did. Again, I look forward to being able to see Ryan tonight and get a chance to visit with him.”
On Phil Taylor practicing: “He went through individuals today. We will continue to monitor and look at him, eventually upgrade as the time comes.”
On offense working on screen passes: “It was something that was in our installation today. After a few days, we get those guys rushing up the field so much. Screens have always been something that Norv has really excelled, teams that Norv has coached. I have been fortunate to be around Norv and learn a thing or two about screens.”
On executing the screen play: “There is a lot of coordination and timing between the offensive line and the running backs; the timing of it happening, knowing the rushes and the right people to do it against, as well.”
On quarterbacks having a better day: “They did. I thought the offense as a whole had a lot better day. That’s one of the things you’d like to see happen on a day-to-day basis, so it’s not always one side of the ball winning. You’d like to see it where it is offense one day, defense the next day, and when there’s a back-and-forth competition. At the end of the day, you need a balanced team. You have to be able to win games in this league different ways. Sometimes they are going to be high-scoring, sometimes they are going to be low-scoring. Sometimes your defense is going to be dominating or sometimes they are going to be struggling and vice versa. Having a balanced team is a key and it is something we have talked a lot about with the guys.”
On disappointment of having to practice inside due to weather: “I was hoping to get out. When I came in here, early in the morning, it was drizzling, and I saw the forecast for the day. We had a lot of wetness on the field. So, it was a combination of the forecast and the fields all being wet and not wanting to tear those up.”
On how he feels about the skirmishes that happened in practice: “I like the attitude, the competitiveness. We have to keep it under control, be smart. That’s the kind of energy you like.”
On the changes of practicing inside, rather than outside: “It doesn’t change as much. Obviously, we didn’t go full pads. For the first day of full pads, I didn’t want to be inside, on the turf. We will be full pads tomorrow. It’s just a tighter space that we have to work with in here, but we were able to get a lot done.”
On waiting to learn Miller was going to be OK: “It’s difficult. I was very concerned about him. I went over and gave him a tap when he was going out. At that time he was moving around a little bit so that was encouraging.”
On knowing how long he was unconscious: “I don’t know.”
On knowing where Dion Lewis fits into the offense: “I think I’m just learning. He’s a guy that we haven’t seen a lot. Running backs really tend to show more when the pads come on. You see their running skills and the blocking schemes develop a little bit better. Like you saw today, with pads on it’s a lot different. We will continue to look at him as well as all of those guys. We will put them in situations so they can show what they can do.”
On huddling players at mid-field, whether he updated them on Miller: “I did. It was. I gave them an update on Ryan.”
On whether he sustained a concussion: “I think right now calling it a head injury is most accurate until we get more details about it. I don’t want to classify it or call it something that it could be.”
On whether it was a neck injury: “It was just a head injury.”
On scrambling to get the offense ready for the first game: “It’s right around the corner. It seems like time flies. It will be here before you know it. Again, we have a lot of work to do. I’ve been pleased with what we’ve gotten done in the last couple of days. Particularly seeing things like we talked about when things didn’t look so well on one side of the ball. Guys were bouncing back, understanding and making the corrections and executing better on the field. I think that’s the process that you are looking for guys to go through as we are going toward our first game. We will continue to install things in the course of the next week and week and-a-half. We’ll get ready to go out and play.”
On handling a false start during practice: “You saw that, didn’t you? Sometimes, it just depends. There is not always a hard, fast rule with things. In that particular case it was a point of emphasis.”
On whether the player was being singled out for an accumulation of mistakes: “It was a point of emphasis at that particular time. In other cases it could be an accumulation.”
On how cohesive he expects the offensive line to be: “Well, with a new system and new terminology it will take some time. Those guys in my opinion and in my experience are the toughest to coordinate, to get that communication that you need to get those guys playing together that you want. That does take some time. Having George Warhop here, he’s done a fantastic job. He has a relationship with them. I think that has really helped in that way. They are learning a new system, they are learning new terminology. George is here and he can translate to help get them on the right page.”
On Joe Thomas being a good teacher and translator: “Joe is actually used to it. He has heard the terminology before. When I was here before there are a lot of similarities from that standpoint. He’s done a great job from a leadership role. He’s showing guys the right way and the direction we want to go.”
On FB Brock Bolen: “He has a calf strain.”
On OL Oniel Cousins: “He has a knee sprain. I’m sorry, he has an ankle sprain. It will probably be a couple of weeks.”
http://www.ohio.com
Thanks for the articles Pdawg.
Seems like the old times when you could come to this site and get all the news in one place.
Quote:
Thanks for the articles Pdawg.
Seems like the old times when you could come to this site and get all the news in one place.
Ditto.
It's nice to be able to read them all back to back rather than have to link to 2-3 different sites.
Thanks.
Yes, thanks PDawg and Memphis for the information.
A couple of thoughts:
--Lewis is not a rookie. We got him from Philly. I know that most of you know that, but just in case an occasional reader happens by, I didn't want him to be mislead.
--I like this Gipson kid. I think he is good in the passing game. Does anyone know anything about his tackling?
--Gordon better get his crap together. It might be worse that even I thought. It's almost as if his teammates are sick of his junk. That worries me because we know from life's experiences that people mess--up far more times than they are caught.
--I think Benjamin will be good as a returner. He really is fast and can cut on the move. I think back to how silly he made Ohio State look a few years ago on those long returns. He also had that dazzling return last year.
--Being able to run the screen effectively would be nice. Our guards don't have the most nimble feet around. Like Chud said, there has to be a coordination.
--Wonder how Weeden is doing? He was all the talk last year, but haven't read much about his play at TC this year.
--I like Robertson's attitude and quickness. He seems to find the ball. Hope he can hold up in the running game.
--Reporters ask a lot of dumb questions, yet other questions that seem important are left unasked.
*For example, why hasn't a reporter asked for clarification on whether or not Gordon has failed two tests in the NFL and if so, what was he nailed for the first time?
*Why haven't they asked about our plans for FB? Is there a front-runner? Are we going to more one-back sets this year?
*Why haven't they asked about the d-line? We have quite a bit of talent there, but do we want to consider keeping 7 guys there when we are primarily a 3-4 team. Additionally, Sheard and Kruger can actually play some DL when we go to 4 and 5-man fronts. What's their thinking on that? Keep the best players [as in our back-up LBers are not very good] or play it as a numbers game?
*Has anyone asked Chud or Norv about how quickly Weeden has been making his reads? Is he reading the coverages? Is he seeing the field?
*Chud said the OL was learning a new system. What system is that?
Instead, we got multiple questions about why they moved practice indoors and what Chud said to the team following Miller's injury.
I agree with the questions asked and omitted. However, I think some of those you ask are a bit too deep for the average fan reading the newspaper. Most of the questions for those articles are of the what's-so-and-so's-favorite-color variety.
For a peek into what Horton might do in his 4 and 5 man fronts check out
this link. Some of it shows how the 49'ers used Aldon Smith and how LSU used Mingo, but it also shows how Horton used Daryl Washington. Some of those plays show LB'ers as DL so that three of them are on the field at once and there's stunts so one of them gets a clear shot at the QB. Very interesting. You'd understand it better than me but still, I got the gist of it enough to be really excited to see what Horton does here.
No one is ever going to answer drug test questions about Gordon or anybody else. All the NFL will do is acknowledge a failed test. Not what the substance was. That's why we have so many players claiming the substance was adderall or cough syrup. The real truth will never come out.
I don't think they're settled on the FB position yet. They have Merecic, Smelly and the new guy. Until they put on the pads and mix it up I don't think they're sure what they have. Obi was mentioned by Norv in a short presser as a type of RB/FB he has used in the past when he was in Washington.
I doubt Chud will reveal how well Weeden is reading defenses. That'd be like letting the cat out of the bag for opponent's defenses. Best to leave that a mystery. A mystery as in what defenses look like to Weeden. hahaha
Lewis sounds a bit like a water bug with his speed and moves. I hope we can put that to use.
I think what Chud meant by the OL learning a new system, more than anything else, is new terminology. Plus, if our guards, especially Grecco, can do it there will be more pulling than we've recently seen. I think Grecco can pull by virtue of his new contract. They wouldn't have extended him had they not seen something they really like and I'd bet one of those things is his pulling ability.
Watching training camp live last night, it looked like we were indeed putting in some zone blocking and Trich wow did he shoot the edge. Looked like OB was at FB and blocked inside, Trich shot off tackle. Wish they showed more of that stuff and less of Mary K lol. Maybe the zone blocking will help Trent get it going.
Norwood running with the 1s was very interesting. Little is looking more and more like TO every day, thats not being insulting either. Physically they look similar, you see them run a route violently, then of course Little wants to be a STAR also lol One of my buddies that was at camp yesterday told me the rookie receivers aren't going down without a fight but its the Bess and Little show right now. Haden is just stuck to Gordon frustrating him big time.
BTW I am a big fan of the screens but thanks to our incompetent screens over the last 4 years, I dont care if i ever see another screen. Between DAbolls 35 WR screen passes against the Ravens and Pats RB screen that was telegraphed so badly that the ref would rush to that side to get a good view of the play before it happened lol.
Anyway The speed on defense is not something we are used to seeing. Power discipline has now been replaced with speed and chaos. Whats funny is DQ is the one looking big and slow out there lol. There are a lot of fast guys out there.
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*For example, why hasn't a reporter asked for clarification on whether or not Gordon has failed two tests in the NFL and if so, what was he nailed for the first time?
What's the point?
If you ask that question, you're just going to get stonewalled. Throw in the risk of alienating the team and one or more of its players (i.e. the sources you need to do your job), and it's lose-lose.
There's nothing to be gained from it.
Still, wouldn't you like to know? I would.
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Still, wouldn't you like to know? I would.
If I had to guess, I'd say he flunked a test for weed, and another for codeine. If you look at the substance abuse policy guidelines, that answer makes pretty good sense.
But, sure, I'd love to know. Doesn't mean asking would get me any closer to the answer.
Naw, they'll never answer.
I bet you are right about zone blocking. We ran that back when Chud was here before and Lewis was beasting on a lot of runs.
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Watching training camp live last night....
I missed that last night. It was on but my son was over and had things he wanted talk about. I got a few glances at the screen but never really saw or heard anything that was going on.
The whole receiving unit seems to be an upgrade over what we had a couple of years ago. Granted, some of them are unproven but Gordon and Little have a year under their belts and the additions of Bess and Norwood are the veterans we've been demanding for a couple of years. Guys who can not only set an example for our young WR's but also be effective players.
I want to see screens, but like you, not the way we've seen them run for the past 5 or 6 years. Why is that so difficult? I realize you need the players and the coordinated but is it that damn hard to teach?
I can't believe you mentioned DaBoll.
I noticed a big improvement in defensive speed last season. But a lot has changed in the Front 7 this year. The speed was exciting to watch last year. But the additional speed now, plus the attacking scheme will look blazing fast compared to the Mangini/RAC eras.
I'm excited.
Frostee, Parker, sheldon and Hagg have been replaced with guys like Mingo, Kruger, Bademosi, Skrine and Mcfadden. That is super noticeable, it may just be me but a lot of guys look slim, trim and full of vim also.
Trich looks a lot lighter and indeed quicker. TJ ward looks smaller and faster. Honestly, Sheard looks like he is probably around 240 right now. Rubin has slimmed down a bit. Haden looks bigger though. I know there were some reports about insane workouts these guys were doing with a lot of mma training mixed in and it may have been paying off.
I saw Nelson play some when he was healthy. A big target with very good hands from what I saw.
I think if he can stay healthy that he may be a huge surprise to some.
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Frostee, Parker, sheldon and Hagg have been replaced with guys like Mingo, Kruger, Bademosi, Skrine and Mcfadden. That is super noticeable, it may just be me but a lot of guys look slim, trim and full of vim also.
Trich looks a lot lighter and indeed quicker. TJ ward looks smaller and faster. Honestly, Sheard looks like he is probably around 240 right now. Rubin has slimmed down a bit. Haden looks bigger though. I know there were some reports about insane workouts these guys were doing with a lot of mma training mixed in and it may have been paying off.
With the way the league is evolving to more pass oriented I'd rather have speed over bulky strength.
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Sheard looks like he is probably around 240 right now. Rubin has slimmed down a bit.
FYI: Sheard said on this podcast, podcast here that his current weight is 270 LBS. So looks can be deceiving.
He and mingo look pretty similar with Sheard just having bigger legs.
That's an intriguing observation. Never having seen either in person and neither side-by-side that is surprising. Guess that means Mingo's upper body is pretty jacked.
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Sheard looks like he is probably around 240 right now. Rubin has slimmed down a bit.
FYI: Sheard said on this podcast, podcast here that his current weight is 270 LBS. So looks can be deceiving.
Although it'd certainly be nice and not that Jaball is a "Willie McGinest", but sizewise in 1994 as a rookie McGinest played at 6'5" and 255 and the same(255) in 98. In 02, 04, etc McGinest played at 6'5" and 270.
Where they compare in straightline speed and/or instinctively, turn on a dime and gogogo speed I can't tell you.
It's always nice to dream though.
What did he weigh when worthlessburger outran his behind?
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What did he weigh when worthlessburger outran his behind?
Was that in 1996(McGinest's 3rd year) or yesterday in ESPN's parking lot?
I was just trying to do a comp on OLB's of similar size. Sheard being inn his 3rd year and new to the position and McGinest, roughly the same size and a "Semi Decent" OLB when he was in his prime.
Cudo's to you man.
Why come back with a "well, NE had diff systems, it was a diff era, etc, response if you can throw a "zing" at another poster!!!
Again, good for you.
Context would be helpful.
It's somewhat clearer now that you were probably referring to McGinest.
Searched Google and couldn't come up with anything that suggests that Sheard got toasted by
Roethlisberger .
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Frostee, Parker, sheldon and Hagg have been replaced with guys like Mingo, Kruger, Bademosi, Skrine and Mcfadden. That is super noticeable, it may just be me but a lot of guys look slim, trim and full of vim also.
Trich looks a lot lighter and indeed quicker. TJ ward looks smaller and faster. Honestly, Sheard looks like he is probably around 240 right now. Rubin has slimmed down a bit. Haden looks bigger though. I know there were some reports about insane workouts these guys were doing with a lot of mma training mixed in and it may have been paying off.
Did we cut Hagg? did I miss something?
yea we cut Hagg and have been using Wade, Bademosi, Gipson, Skrine and Slaughter at FS thus far. that job is up for grabs.
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I saw Nelson play some when he was healthy. A big target with very good hands from what I saw.
Thanks for the observation. It's good to hear. I don't remember ever seeing him or if he was there when we played them I didn't notice.
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yea we cut Hagg and have been using Wade, Bademosi, Gipson, Skrine and Slaughter at FS thus far. that job is up for grabs.
Damn, that went right by me.. lol
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yea we cut Hagg and have been using Wade, Bademosi, Gipson, Skrine and Slaughter at FS thus far. that job is up for grabs.
Damn, that went right by me.. lol
No surprise there.
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yea we cut Hagg and have been using Wade, Bademosi, Gipson, Skrine and Slaughter at FS thus far. that job is up for grabs.
Damn, that went right by me.. lol
No surprise there.
thank you,, thank you very much (lip quivering)
J/C
I like that mix for FS. Many of those guys can cover decently, and they are fast players. If the front seven can get a good push and rush the QB, we could see why they went with the guys they are going with. A throw gets rushed, and a fast DB has time to jump the route while the WR has to adjust to an early throw.
Pittsburgh hasn't really had that good of DBs except Troy, but over the years many of Polamalu's ints came from him jumping the route while playing center field. I got a feeling Horton is going to use Ward closer to the line of scrimmage. I would look for him to get blitz calls similar to what LaBeau does with Troy.
They are not real similar players physically, but Ward is a good tackler when he wraps instaed of jumps lowering the shoulder. I see them using him for run blitzes.
I'm pretty excited about this defense. I feel they will struggle a little at first, but it sure will be nice to see them being aggressive instead of the read and react crap we've had from just about every DC since '99.
Many worry about being burnt by the run, but Pittsburgh has always been tops against the run, and Horton was there for a good while and runs a pretty similar scheme as LaBeau.
We always seem to have a good defense inside the 20, but I think it has been a deceiving stat. I think it came more from letting too many teams drive the field and then try to stop them inside the red zone. Hopefully those days are over.
I am sick of watching the Browns let team after team complete short passes , trying to keep the play in front of them. I want to see pursuit of the QB, and attacking the LOS . Teams will at times beat you over the top in that scheme, but if run right, the negative plays for the offense will stack up and be the difference.
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I saw Nelson play some when he was healthy. A big target with very good hands from what I saw.
Thanks for the observation. It's good to hear. I don't remember ever seeing him or if he was there when we played them I didn't notice.
I watch every game that gets televised nationally and sometimes a player stands out to me. He really stood out, however I do not remember their opponents.
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--I like this Gipson kid. I think he is good in the passing game. Does anyone know anything about his tackling?
I don't know anything about his play at Wyoming. But he made 33 tackles last year during Browns games.
From what I remember he's not a guy that goes for the knockout shot. Just a wrap and tackle guy who gets the guy to the ground. Nothing special. Can't say I remember him whiffing or getting juked a lot either.
And that's all I want out of the last line of the defense. Let the Front 7 take the kill shots.
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Just a wrap and tackle guy who gets the guy to the ground. Nothing special.
In my book that is something special. Forget the big hit highlight real. Get the guy on the ground.
I really am starting to like the dion lewis trade...
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If you are going to use McGinnest as an example to compare to, you should be aware that many people's most prominent memory of him as a Brown is getting toasted on a long TD run by a not particularly fast QB.
He was good elsewhere, but here he was already old and done. An example of the wrong kind of FA to get.
Kinda like saying " I hope our new QB is even better than Brady Quinn!"
Nothing personal.
I agree. And an example of why it's usually wise to pass on FA's coming from the Patriots. RAC brought him in because he knew the system, but he was LONG in the tooth by the time he got here.
If Sheard is really 275 he put on a LOT of weight in a short time. He's listed at 6'2 255. I was hoping he'd lost a little and gain some speed. Hmmmmm that's a big gain of muscle in a fairly short time....
I was there today and a few things that were interesting to me:
- Mingo is FAST. Like incredibly fast. I've never seen that much speed around the corner. Some of the drills even were eye-opening. He also did not seem that small up close. He fills out the uniform well and looks like a football player. Definitely passes the eye test.
- Dion Lewis is incredibly interesting. He worked with everything from the 1s to the 3s. The first play that made me pause was a dump-down from Hoyer with the 3s. He made a couple of tacklers look bad. Chris Ogbannaya has disappeared from the field and Lewis is in the backup role that he had.
- TJ Conley was punting as I walked in and I was incredibly disappointed. He was shanking everything all over. Then, as we got further in, he did better and better. By the end of drills, he was clearly out-kicking Lanning, although Lanning was much more consistent.
- Billy Winn is the back-up long snapper. Pray that we never need a back-up long snapper.
- David Nelson looked really good in the drills that he participated in. Great extension, very good hands.
- The punt returners were having some problems holding on to the ball. Benjamin was consistent, but outside that, lots of people getting bad reads and struggling to adjust as the ball was coming down. Benjamin was the only player take the ball while already in stride.
- I've never heard the name Tori Gurley before. But he has incredible size for a WR. I mean, he was a head taller than most of the receivers. I thought he was a TE (and was taller than some of them). Very mobile, good extension, although very little separation from the DBs.
- LJ Fort runs every drill likes its the last thing he will do on Earth. I can see why coaches like him. They were running a pass protection drill with one LB running about two steps behind another and cutting underneath them. Fort was running cuts like a WR, making dives at passes, etc. He and Robertson were the biggest hustlers on the field.
- I personally witnessed Owen Marecic catching passes. And catching them pretty well. I was stunned.
- Phil Taylor going through drills is something to watch. I thought he was going to decapitate one of the dummies.
- It sure looked, regardless of the depth chart, that the coaches like Gary Barnidge more than Jordan Cameron. During some of the drills, he always seemed to find the ball. Consistently, after plays, he was getting taps on the helmet. I saw coaches pulling Cameron aside at least twice after plays, talking cuts/angles. Now, I was standing a football field away, so I don't know what was being said/talked about, but body language said a few things.
Thanks for the report log.
j/c
is the training camp report on STO every night? what time?
Thanks for the report Log, I was wondering if you got a chance to see how Dominique Croom the rookie receiver is doing? Also how about Armonty Bryant?
THX Log.
I think I may trek to TC next year with my son.
How hard is it to get autographs?
Thanks Log! Love it when people share reports like this.
jc On a last minute impulse, we went to training camp this afternoon. A few things that stuck out:
Mingo sure looks thin. He moves very fluidly and is very quick.
Travis Benjamin has great hands. Caught everything thrown at him in drills. He was a cut above the rest in the kick return drills also. I'd be surprised if he's not our KR on opening day. Josh Cooper had a lot of trouble hanging on to kickoffs....he dropped 3 that I saw.
Josh Gordon also caught everything thrown at him, including a couple acrobatic snags. He was impressive.
Little and Bess also looked quite competent out there.
Weeden and Little doing some work together after practice.
Spencer Lanning doesn't boom the ball like Hodges did before the injury.
Armonte Bryant is huge! He looked a little unsure of himself and didn't look as polished as the others, especially with his hands..
Greco is also huge....looks more like a tackle.
Haden was going 110% and had a nice pic.
JMJ, Tank Carder and LJ Fort were running the hill after practice.
Garrett Gilkey looks like he'd be fun to party with.
Owen Marecic actually caught some balls today.
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Garrett Gilkey looks like he'd be fun to party with.
???
He was cutting up a little with the fans after practice.
Browns Camp Notebook: Day 4
By DARYL RUITER, 92.3 The Fan Browns Beat Reporter
BEREA (92.3 The Fan) – Outside linebacker Paul Kruger was the biggest get this offseason in free agency for the Browns.
Sunday was fans’ first chance to see him – and the rest of the team – up close and in pads.
Kruger, who signed a 5-year, $40.5 million deal, drew 6-time pro bowl left tackle Joe Thomas and the 2 went at it all day.
“Joe’s an awesome player,” Kruger said. “I had experience with him when I was in Baltimore. He’s a great player. He’s great to go against because it prepares you for the top guys in the league. He’s becoming a friend to me, and I have a lot of respect for him as a player. So it’s definitely a good little competition out there.”
Thomas, who has blocked for 10 different starting quarterbacks since being drafted 3rd overall in 2007, has been the anchor for the expansion Browns having never missed an offensive snap.
Barkevious Mingo – the Browns’ 2013 first round pick – has been keeping a watchful eye on Kruger, who spent 4 seasons in Baltimore, to try and learn a trick or 2 during camp.
“First of all I’m just going to say Paul Kruger is a beast,” Mingo said. “The guy’s good and I just love watching the way he plays the game. Him, Jabaal Sheard, and Quentin Groves, those guys come out here and teach us young guys how to play the game, how to counter move and just play football.”
Conversely, Kruger has been just as impressed with what he’s seen from Mingo on and off the field.
“He’s doing all the right things, I mean he really has been, I’m not just saying that,” Kruger said. “He’s just a guy who works hard. He has a good discipline. He’s extremely talented, athletic. He’s just got all the right attributes, so I think you can expect some big things from him.”
Flash Gordon – Josh Gordon flashed his hands Sunday making several nice catches from Brandon Weeden during individual drills, 7 on 7, 9 on 9 and 11 on 11 work.
“He’s [Gordon] a big target in the middle of the field,” Weeden said. “Perfect coverage, perfect play call and that’s how you draw them up. I wish they were all like that.”
Gordon beat Gipson for one score during a 9 on 9 series then Chris Owens on a post for another to wrap up the first team 11 on 11 work.
Head coach Rob Chudzinski has enjoyed watching Gordon on the field the last 2 days.
“The last two days, Josh has really come out and competed,” Chudzinski said. “He has come out with a plan in practice specifically of what he wants to work on and get better. He’s done that. You see those plays he is able to make; he is going after the ball and going strong for the ball.”
Gordon, who will miss the first 2 games of the season due to a suspension for a failed drug test, is putting in extra work to prepare for the remaining 14 games he’ll play.
Tashaun Goes Down – Safety Tashaun Gipson did not enjoy being matched up with receiver Josh Gordon Sunday.
Gipson sprained his shoulder when he collided with Gordon on a pass over the middle in 11 on 11′s. The catch by Gordon drew a few oohs and aahs from the packed house.
Preventing injury in practice is a priority and why coaches do their best to limit contact but Chudzinski didn’t have a problem with the play.
“The ones down the field are the ones we are trying to stay away from,” Chudzinski said. “That was just a case of both of them going for that ball. That’s going to happen.”
Gipson returned a short time later after being attended to by a trainer but was pulled for the day after giving up a touchdown in the back of the end zone to Gordon in a red zone 11 on 11 series.
“I’m not concerned about it,” Chudzinski said about Gipson’s status. “I think it will be a day-to-day type thing.”
Johnson Bademosi and Josh Aubrey replaced Gipson with the first-team defense.
Injury Update – Offensive lineman Ryan Miller was back in Berea Sunday – a day after he was carted off the field and rushed to the hospital.
Miller, who was released Saturday evening, is going through the NFL’s concussion protocol Chudzinski said. He must pass a series of tests before returning to the field.
Running back Montario Hardesty is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, as is defensive end Desmond Bryant who has back spasms according to Chudzinski.
Chudzinski said that he wasn’t concerned about Bryant or Hardesty’s injuries.
Oniel Cousins, Jamoris Slaughter and Chris Faulk also did not practice on Sunday.
Up Next – The Browns will practice again Monday in Berea at 4 and gates open for fans at 3.
Prior to Monday’s practice team president Alec Scheiner will hold a press conference at 3 to outline the team’s initiatives for game day this season at FirstEnergy Stadium.
http://cleveland.cbslocal.com For those that care, Pinkston was working with the 2nd team at RG today, Gilkey at LG
Backup running back Dion Lewis steals the show on Day 4 of Browns camp
Jul 28, 2013 -- 8:45pm
By Tony Grossi
Observations, notes, quotes and some facts on Day 4 of Browns training camp …
* A flash crowd of 4,466 arrived for the first day in full pads. It was a single day record for a camp practice in Berea, according to the Browns.
The fans, exhorted on two occasions by coach Rob Chudzinski, saw the rush linebackers put on an exhibition. All four – starters and backups – had their moments beating linemen and getting into the backfield.
But the player who stole the show on this day was backup running back Dion Lewis, who had an Eric Metcalf moment in a red zone period.
Lewis accepted a short flare-out pass to the right from Jason Campbell, made a direct cut to his left, juking undrafted free agent safety Kenronte Walker out of his shoes, then scooted to the right and into the end zone. The crowd loved it.
“I’m supposed to do that,” Lewis said. “I don’t expect to lose a one-on-one situation, so … I’m not surprised at all. Anything else is a letdown.”
It was the second day in a row Lewis stood out. On Saturday, he took advantage of the artificial turf indoors and put on stop-and-go bursts on screen plays. On Sunday, Lewis got more work because No. 2 back Montario Hardesty was out with a hamstring injury.
“I feel like I can catch the ball pretty well out of the backfield,” Lewis said. “Whenever I can do that and be one-on-one with a linebacker, I feel I excel.”
Lewis was acquired from the Eagles in exchange for linebacker Emmanuel Acho. He is 5-8 and 195 and possesses more quickness than any of the backs.
“That guy’s got unbelievable feet,” Brandon Weeden said. “I was joking with the quarterbacks and said I’d love to see him do the foot ladder (drill) with us before practice. I’d hate to be stuck in the open field with him. He can make you miss and make you look silly. He brings a different dimension than what we do with Trent. He catches the ball extremely well. He’s a nice little change-up for us.”
* Rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo enjoyed the first day of pads. Mingo displayed his quickness and some counter moves rushing from both the right and left sides with the second team defense.
“He flashed,” said Chudzisnki. “I saw him getting around the edge on some guys. He had a nice counter move as well. It was a good day to see him in pads.”
“I felt I had a pretty good practice,” Mingo said. “Made some mistakes, made some plays. I just have to keep moving forward.”
It’s hard to recall a high draft pick making such an immediate solid impression on his new teammates.
“Mingo’s doing all the right things,” said linebacker Paul Kruger. “Really, I’m not just saying that. He works hard, he has good discipline, he’s extremely talented and athletic. He’s just got all the right attributes. I think you can expect some big things from him.”
* Late in the red zone period, Chudzinski turned to the crowd and said, “Fourth down for the game, right here.”
From the 5-yard line, the Browns lined up three receivers in a bunch to the right and a tight end on the left. From the shotgun, Weeden flicked the ball on a line to Mr. Smooth, Josh Gordon, angling on a skinny post to the back of the end zone.
Money play.
“It’s pretty good,” Weeden said. “It’s a good route. He’s a big target in the middle of the field. Perfect coverage, perfect play-call. I wish they were all like that.”
* Chudzinski had nothing new to report on Ryan Miller, the offensive lineman who suffered a concussion on a helmet hit in a one-on-one drill on Saturday. The coach said that Miller now will follow NFL protocol on concussions. He won’t be cleared to return until he passes a series of tests over a few days.
Safety Tashaun Gipson sprained a shoulder in a collision with Gordon and stayed out the rest of the day. Chudzinski said it would be day to day. Running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring), defensive end Desmond Bryant (back spasms) and safety Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles) did not work.
http://espncleveland.com/
Here is a link to the move by Lewis.
http://instagram.com/p/cU2ImRmYjJ/#
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j/c
is the training camp report on STO every night? what time?
11:30pm
Browns training camp: Transcript from news conference with coach Rob Chudzinski
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 28, 2013
Browns coach Rob Chudzinski met with reporters today following the fourth full-squad practice of training camp. Here is a transcript from the news conference:
Opening statement: “Good afternoon, we had a good first day in pads. We started out a little bit slow, but we picked it up and ended up having a good practice. We really focused a lot on the red zone. It’s an area where we really want to concentrate and improve, and make improvements on this season. We had a good practice. Just to give you a Ryan Miller update, there is no new news with him. He is currently in the NFL concussion protocol. I saw him last night before we got to our nightly meetings. I’ll take questions now.”
On Montario Hardesty: “Montario has a hamstring. He’s day-to-day; I’m not concerned about him.”
On Desmond Bryant not taking any reps: “He’s had back spasms. He will be day-to-day.”
On Tashaun Gipson: “He sprained his shoulder. I’m not concerned about it. I think it will be a day-to-day type thing.”
On whether the injury happened on the collision between Gipson and Josh Gordon: “Right. Yep.”
On quarterback decisions in the red zone: “Good ones for sure. Being the first day, everything is tighter. Obviously the space is tighter down there. Decisions have to be quicker. Getting comfortable what we are doing from a scheme standpoint, because everything is quicker down there. These guys getting familiar with that and doing it and executing it and seeing it over and over again is the important thing. That is what we are looking for.”
On how much contact he tolerates, regarding the Gipson-Gordon collision: “The ones down the field are the ones we are trying to stay away from. That was just a case of both of them going for that ball. That’s going to happen.”
On Dion Lewis: “I thought he did a good job. He’s had a couple of good practices out there since pads have come on. I think I stressed yesterday how with running backs it’s easier to see them and evaluate them when actual blocking schemes are happening. He’s had a good couple of days.”
On the unknown with a young offense: “Well that’s part of this process in training camp. We want to be able to look at them and for them to give a chance to show what they can do, for us to assess them and to be able to see what their strengths are, to be able to adjust and put in the best things to succeed.”
On the worry factor not knowing what he has on offense: “It’s fairly typical for this time of year to be in that position, especially being new coming in. I’ve been through a few different situations. You learn as you go. Those guys have opportunities; it’s called competing. But we are learning them as well.”
On the punt-return candidates: “We are going to look at and continue to work a big group of guys in the punt-return area and the kickoff-return area. We’ll have opportunities during the preseason to work a number of them. We will pair it down by then and get the guys that we want to get.”
On not sending any defense downfield on punt return: “Yeah, because a lot of times you’re not live out here in these punt situations, so getting in the games when they are actually catching and having to return the balls, then you have a chance to see them a little better.”
On how fast to pair the group down: “Yeah, it’s good to have a big group because you never know from an injury standpoint. You want to make sure you have a big pool of guys to pull from and we’ll pair it as it applies to that.”
On Brandon Weeden’s first day outside with pads: “Again, we will have to look at film, but I thought for the first day of red zone there were some ups and some downs, as all of them had. As they get more familiar with what we’re doing in the package, the decisions are quicker and the effectiveness is better.”
On Weeden being on schedule so far: “I don’t look at it from a schedule standpoint. Where I look at it from is an improvement standpoint. Us being able to learn about him, then we will be able to tailor what we’re doing to him or any other quarterback or players that are in there.”
On improvement of Brandon Weeden: “He has improved.”
On Josh Gordon: “The last two days, Josh has really come out and competed. He has come out with a plan in practice specifically of what he wants to work on and get better. He’s done that. You see those plays he is able to make; he is going after the ball and going strong for the ball.”
On whether giving consistent effort is a challenge for Josh Gordon: “Well, I think it is for everybody. Here, you want to push guys. You want to put them in situations that are tougher, stress them and push them when they are tired, and that is what training camp is really for. It’s about developing mental toughness and we want to do that with everyone on our team as well.”
On how valuable Mingo is after seeing first day in full pads: “It’s great work for him. He flashed. I saw him getting around the edge on some guys. He had a nice counter move on his pass rush. It was a good day to see him and be able to get him in pads. You can see these guys in full speed, finally.”
On Paul Kruger’s pass rush: “Yeah, Paul had a couple nice pressures today, too.”
On tight end group: “Yeah, I see improvement from that group. Kellen Davis, it was good to see him back out there practicing today. So we will get a good competition in that whole group. Brad Smelley is doing a number of different things. The group is improving. It is a group that doesn’t get a lot of snaps, but they’re improving out here and working at it.”
On Dion Lewis’ quickness: “He does. He can stop and start. We talked about it a little earlier; he’s had a nice two days. He has good vision and I think that is showing up as well.”
On Shawn Lauvao: “I think Shawn’s done well the last day in pads. I will have to go in and see after practice on how he looked. He’s playing physical. He’s working on his technique, which is something he wants to focus on. We will see as this goes on.”
On how valuable it is that most of the offensive line has past experience on the field: “Obviously, they have all played. Getting over that first hurdle of being in games is huge. They’ve all worked with the other guys, which part of that process of communication and being comfortable with other guys out there, we have a jump start on that.”
http://www.ohio.com
Quote:
On tight end group: “Yeah, I see improvement from that group. Kellen Davis, it was good to see him back out there practicing today. So we will get a good competition in that whole group. Brad Smelley is doing a number of different things. The group is improving. It is a group that doesn’t get a lot of snaps, but they’re improving out here and working at it.”
very telling quotes. 1 Smelly is getting the praise there as expected. Cameron isnt mentioned but what i found most interesting is that the group doesnt get a lot of snaps quote. Sounds like multiple receiver offense more than the 2 te offense that was speculated upon. I think they can do this because this is such a big group of receivers.
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On Weeden being on schedule so far: “I don’t look at it from a schedule standpoint. Where I look at it from is an improvement standpoint. Us being able to learn about him, then we will be able to tailor what we’re doing to him or any other quarterback or players that are in there.”
The key to winning football....tailor the offense to the QB and avoid pounding square pegs in round holes....
Someone send PF a note and tell him what real NFL coaches do these days....
I like what Little had to say last year about being a pro ...... and he's definitely walking the walk since then as well. I think that he's going to be a huge part of what we do this year.
Browns training camp: Wide receiver Greg Little showing he means business - Top Stories - Ohio
http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/bro...siness-1.416686BEREA: A pattern has developed with Browns wide receiver Greg Little during training camp. He’s usually one of the last players, if not the very last one, to leave the field after every practice.
So as the majority of the 90-man roster heads to the locker room and hits the showers after 2½ hours of on-field work, Little stands in the line of fire, catching balls zipped toward him by a JUGS passing machine.
Perhaps it’s a sign he is growing up. Plagued by dropped passes, inconsistent performances and flashes of immaturity in his first two seasons, Little seems to be carrying himself a bit differently than before.
“I just understand the profession of the business and the time that goes into preparation,” said Little, a second-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. “I understand what you put in is what you’re going to get out. It’s a long season, and we’re just going to prepare for this uphill climb and this journey.
“I think the sky’s the limit for me. The way I prepare during training camp, the way I prepared during this offseason is going to put me in position to do everything and achieve every goal I have set for myself.”
The Browns need Little to rise to the occasion this year, especially during the first two games of the regular season when their No. 1 receiver, Josh Gordon, will serve a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Gordon said he failed a drug test as a result of prescribed cough medicine that contained codeine, which the NFL classifies as a banned substance.
“I spent a lot of time with Josh,” Little said. “He and I worked out together in the offseason. It’s not a leadership thing. It’s a brotherhood thing. It’s an accountability thing. He’s got my back, and I have his back. Josh made a mistake, and he’s learning from it. And I think it’s going to make Josh a better person and a better player.
“Josh is very accountable from this point on. He’s going to respond in a very professional manner from this point on. He’s going to come back in Week 3 ready to roll. It’s some of the trials and tribulations I went through as a rookie. Not necessarily to that extent, but knowing how to conduct yourself off the field.”
Wake-up call
Little had some problems not only as a rookie, but also in his second NFL season.
He drew the ire of ex-Browns coach Pat Shurmur and fans last year by imitating Olympic track star Usain Bolt’s trademark pose to signal first downs when he caught the ball instead of dropping it. Shurmur threatened to bench Little, who further annoyed fans on Twitter by insisting he didn’t care what they thought. Little then took a break from Twitter and played better in the second half of the season.
The threat of losing his starting job seemed to serve as a wake-up call for Little. It’s still early, but Little has been all business through organized team activities in May, the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp in June and the early stages of training camp.
“I have been really pleased with Greg all along,” Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said. “He’s made really big strides in the spring. He still has a long way to go and a lot to learn about football, playing receiver and the details of the position. That is the biggest thing I stress with all the guys — these guys have potential, but it’s about knowledge, it’s about detail and it’s about drive. Those are the things, to reach your potential you have to focus on. So that’s what we’ve been talking a lot about.”
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Little believes Chudzinski knows how to push his buttons the right way. Chudzinski reminds him of Butch Davis, the former Browns coach who guided Little at the University of North Carolina.
“Chud is a lot like Butch,” said Little, who started all 16 games last season and compiled a team-high 53 catches for 647 yards and four touchdowns. “They communicate very well. They motivate very well. [Those are] the things that I love about a coach, a guy that can motivate me, a guy that can pull the best out of me. And Chud is all of that.”
Always working to improve
The Browns need Little to remain motivated when it really counts. Little is next on the depth chart after Gordon, and he figures to be a top target for quarterback Brandon Weeden in the vertical, downfield passing attack Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner want to feature.
Little has done his homework on the system. He has studied film of receivers who excelled under Chudzinski while he served as the offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers and Turner while he coached the San Diego Chargers. The list includes Brandon LaFell, Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd.
“He wants to work,” Weeden said of Little. “He’s got a great mentality, great attitude right now. As a quarterback … you just want to throw it to him because you know he’s going to compete, and he’s going to do his job to make a play. I’m excited with Greg. He wants to work after practice. He wants to talk before practice. He’s always wanting to do something to get better.”
For example, Little and fellow Browns receiver Josh Cooper spent three days earlier this month working out with Weeden in Oklahoma.
“It’s really good for [Weeden] to know he can throw the ball up, and I’m going to come down with it,” Little said.
“That just happens with repetition and building that relationship with him.”
Speaking of relationships, Little is still trying to gain trust from the new regime. Chudzinski and Co. are encouraged by Little’s offseason of progress, but they hope it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
I didn't notice Croom. I was on the defensive sidelines, so it was tougher to notice offensive players unless they made a play that truly made me take notice. The only exception was TEs came over about 1/3 of the way through and were scrimmaging with the LBs.
I saw Bryant, in that I was looking to identify him and picked him out of the lineup. But, he didn't stand out in the drills that I saw.
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Someone send PF a note
I've been thinking where is Upbeat...I forgot the new handle and I have no P/message history here to see.
I read the above quote...and I'm like who/what is PF??? I'm like Shurmur??? Then I'm like PF? Oh PIG FACE...Upbeat is in the house
Thanks for sharing the articles on our camp dawgs...I really like Chud - you know I've been reading some posts and people debating whether he was our 1st choice or not...lol I can care less what I care about is WAS HE THE RIGHT CHOICE...What I like about the Choice is we picked a young man ready to make his mark and we will have him here for a LONG LONG TIME!
Every thing I read from him so far this camp I thought of as good and impressive. I think he is the PERFECT HC for us!
JMHO
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I've been thinking where is Upbeat...I forgot the new handle and I have no P/message history here to see.
Oh I'm still alive and kicking, I have been very very busy this year I started a web site and am doing some CNC Programming and design work in my off hours, which amounts to none.
I have played golf I think maybe 3 times this year, and if I'm to busy for golf then, well I'm to busy..
The girls are great and actually asked about you and the wife the other day.
How's the team/ your health?
To bad you didn't make it over this year the pool is like 90 degrees well 88 actually...
And how about our Browns ? we now have a actual HC and 1st rate staff I'm thinking PO this year maybe we should get together and head west??? I think this is going to be the year...
Jaball vs Joe, glad to hear you think it's a great match. Proof that Jaball can attack without his hand being in the dirt.
thanks for the info, Log!
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I like what Little had to say last year about being a pro ...... and he's definitely walking the walk since then as well. I think that he's going to be a huge part of what we do this year.
I'm all in on Little. He may not be as physically talented as Gordon but his approach says he really "wants it". I haven't given up on Gordon but so far I'm not getting the same intensity vibe I get from Greg. AKA Little BIG MAN
JC
Geno Smith's conditioning "embarrassing":
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000...is-embarrassingQuote:
"And Geno Smith looked like he had done no conditioning. It was actually embarrassing to see how far behind he (Mark) Sanchez and (Matt) Simms and everybody else that's there."
Browns training camp snapshot: WR Josh Gordon pulled from team drills because of patella tendonitis
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 29, 2013
The Browns held their fifth full-squad practice of training camp today. Below is a glance at what unfolded.
Storylines: Josh Gordon, the team’s No. 1 wide receiver, was pulled out of team drills because he’s dealing with patella tendonitis in his knee, Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said. “He started out, tried to push through it, but we pulled him and sat him down for the rest of practice,” Chudzinski said. “I’m not concerned about it. It shouldn’t be too big of a deal.” The NFL suspended Gordon for the first two games of the regular season for violating its substance-abuse policy. Gordon said he failed a drug test as a result of prescribed cough medicine that contained codeine, which the NFL classifies as a banned substance. Chudzinski said there wasn’t a specific incident in practice that caused Gordon to suffer patella tendonitis. “No, it had been bothering him,” Chudzinski said. When asked whether Gordon will undergo an MRI, Chudzinski said, “We’ll see about that. Again, I’m not concerned about it. It doesn’t look to be too serious, but I’ll let you know tomorrow on that. And obviously as far as reps, we want our guys to get as many reps as possible.” At one point early in practice, a coach yelled at Gordon to finish a drill with hustle, but he walked. Chudzinski said it was because of the patella tendonitis. … The Browns worked on their two-minute drill for the first time since camp started last week. Quarterback Brandon Weeden completed passes of 21 and 15 yards to wide receiver Travis Benjamin to set up Shayne Graham’s successful 43-yard field goal, which capped the first-team offense’s opening drive. During the second-team offense’s first try, quarterback Jason Campbell completed a 36-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jordan Norwood, who beat the coverage of cornerback Abdul Kennah. Brandon Bogotay then made a 48-yard field goal to get his rep in. During the first-team offense’s second attempt, Weeden led the team to inside the 10-yard line. But on third-and-goal on the 7, cornerback Chris Owen intercepted a pass from Weeden in the end zone. Quarterback Brian Hoyer orchestrated the second-team offense’s second try. On third-and-9 on the 14, Hoyer fired pass into heavy traffic, it was deflected and undrafted rookie safety Kent Richardson picked it off.
Position battles: With Tashaun Gipson sitting out with a sprained shoulder, Johnson Bademosi took the reps with the first-team defense. … With defensive end Desmond Bryant sidelined with an injured back, Billy Winn worked with the first unit. … Nose tackle Phil Taylor took his first reps in team drills since camp started, but he was limited as he continues to recover from a strained calf. Ishmaa’ily Kitchen and John Hughes took reps with the first-team defense while Taylor rested. … Owens practiced with the first unit opposite cornerback Joe Haden. … John Greco and Shawn Lauvao continued to work at left and right guard, respectively, with the first-team offense. Meanwhile, Jason Pinkston spent time at right guard with the second unit. … T.J. Conley punted with the first team, followed by Spencer Lanning.
Highlights: Wide receiver Greg Little leaped to make an impressive catch from Weeden on a post route in team drills. … Cornerback Joe Haden broke up a deep pass from Weeden to Little in team drills. … Inside linebacker Craig Robertson intercepted a pass from Weeden that was intended for running back Dion Lewis on an out route. … Weeden connected with Little and tight end Jordan Cameron for touchdowns in red-zone team drills. … Hoyer threw a touchdown pass over the middle to tight end Kellen Davis during an 11-on-11, red-zone drill.
Injuries: Running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring), rookie free safety Jamoris Slaughter (hamstring), fullback Brock Bolen (calf), offensive linemen Ryan Miller (concussion), Chris Faulk (knee) and Oniel Cousins (ankle) remained idle along with Gipson (shoulder) and Bryant (back).
Tuesday’s schedule: No practice. The next practice is scheduled to run from 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday. For updates, call 877-627-6967.
http://www.ohio.com
Browns show a glimpse of two games without WR Josh Gordon
Jul 29, 2013 -- 8:06pm
By Tony Grossi
Observations, notes, quotes and some facts on Day 5 of Browns training camp …
* Receiver Josh Gordon was held out after individual drills. There seemed to be a disagreement about Gordon’s effort in finishing plays.
At one point in individuals, a coach screamed to Gordon to “finish!” and Gordon gave off some undesirable body language. Soon after, when the team drills began, Gordon was pulled out. Gordon spent the rest of the practice watching from the sideline.
A scheduled interview with Gordon after practice on “Training Camp Daily” on SportsTime Ohio then was canceled by the Browns’ media relations department.
Coach Rob Chudzinski began his post-practice remarks with a report on Gordon.
“Josh Gordon had some patellar tendinitis, so he started out, tried to push through it and we pulled him and sat him down for the rest of practice. Not concerned about it. Shouldn’t be too big a deal,” the coach said.
Asked if there was an incident that caused the injury, Chudzinski said, “It just had been bothering him. He went through a little bit through the individual (period) and it was bothering him enough that we stopped him.”
Travis Benjamin took Gordon’s place with the first team. In a two-minute drill later in the practice, Benjamin joined Greg Little and Davone Bess in three-receiver formations. It was the first indication of how the Browns might compensate for Gordon during his two-game suspension to start the season.
“I did good,” said Benjamin, who has caught the ball well in his second training camp. “We’ve been rotating every day. He’ll take a couple reps, I’ll take a couple reps. It’s just a (good) feeling of going with the ones and making progress with it.”
* The offenses executed two-minute situations for the first time. Results were “mixed,” as Chudzinski put it.
In the first set of drills, the offenses were aiming to set up a field goal with 50 seconds on the clock at the 40-yard line. A Brandon Weeden completion of 16 yards set up the first field goal, made from 42 yards by Shayne Graham.
Jason Campbell threw a touchdown to Jordan Norwood over defensive back Josh Aubrey, who didn’t look for the ball, with the No. 2 unit. Coaches then sent in Brandon Bogotay to try a field goal from 47 yards, and he made it.
The No. 1 offense came back on with 52 seconds on the clock to try for a touchdown. Weeden got the offense to the 7-yard line, and then a third-down pass on the run intended for Bess was intercepted by Chris Owens.
Brian Hoyer then got his shot with the second team. Josh Cooper made a good sideline catch, getting both feet down just in time, at the 14. But on the next play, Hoyer threw high into the middle of the field. The ball was deflected and intercepted by defensive back Kent Richardson.
“ We’ll continue to work on those situations,” said Chudzinski.
* For the second day in a row, running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring) was among the players not practicing.
* For the first time, nose tackle Phil Taylor took a few reps in team drills.
* When the first team offense deployed a fullback, Chris Ogbonnaya filled the role.
* Players are off on Tuesday, so there is no practice. Chudzinski said the team would be in full pads on Wednesday.
* Team President Alec Scheiner outline enhancements being made on game days.
They include: 20 new turnstiles and 44 new security screening chutes to speed entrance into FirstEnergy Stadium, upgraded cell phone service, an improved team store plus new merchandise kiosks throughout, new player introductions, a DJ on the field to play music before the game and one in a stadium booth to take over during the game, a drumline to stir up excitement, and more than 100 televisions to fan areas inside the stadium. Scheiner said there also will be surprises that will not be unveiled until the season opener on Sept. 8.
http://espncleveland.com
Browns Camp Notebook: Day 5
By DARYL RUITER, 92.3 The Fan Browns Beat Reporter
BEREA (92.3 The Fan) – A day after being praised by head coach Rob Chudzinski, Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon watched the team’s 11 on 11 work from the sideline.
But Gordon, who is suspended for the first 2 weeks of the season due to a failed drug test, is not in the dog house.
Gordon tried to practice Monday but was pulled from team drills due to patella tendinitis according to Chudzinski, who tried to downplay his concern.
“He started out, tried to push through it, but we pulled him and sat him down for the rest of practice,” Chudzinski said. “I’m not concerned about it. It shouldn’t be too big of a deal.”
Early in practice an assistant coach yelled at Gordon to finish a drill but he walked. Chudzinski said it was because of the tendinitis.
Chudzinski added that Gordon had been bothered by it but it’s unclear if he will undergo an MRI.
“We’ll see about that,” Chudzinski said. “Again, I’m not concerned about it. It doesn’t look to be too serious, but I’ll let you know tomorrow on that. And obviously as far as reps, we want our guys to get as many reps as possible.”
Gordon was shaken up during the first official practice of camp last Thursday. It was just a cramp and he returned to practice the next day and was not limited.
2-Minute Drill – The Browns broke out their 2-minute offense Monday as Chudzinski put them in real late game situations.
The first situation was: drive start at their own 40, trailing 21-20 with no timeouts and 0:50 on the clock.
Quarterback Brandon Weeden completed passes of 21 and 15 yards to receiver Travis Benjamin to set up Shayne Graham’s 43-yard field goal to win it for the first-team offense. Jason Campbell then completed 4-of-7 passes including a 36-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jordan Norwood, who beat cornerback Abdul Kennah, to win it for the second-team offense.
Brandon Bogotay also kicked a 48-yard field goal to get a rep in.
The second situation was: drive start at the opponent’s 38, trailing 24-20
Weeden led the team to inside the 10-yard line highlighted by a 20-yard strike to Greg Little. On 3rd-and-goal from the 7, Weeden scrambled hoping to find a receiver but was picked off in the end zone by Chris Owen. Brian Hoyer handled the second-team offense and moved them to the 14. On 3rd-and-9 on the 14, Hoyer threw into heavy traffic and the pass was deflected then picked out of the air by undrafted rookie safety Kent Richardson.
“There was one or two early that the offense that they did well,” Chudzinski said. “The defense ended up stopping the offense down tight later on. So, it’s good to have that back-and-forth. We really want to focus on the situations that come up. We will continue to work those different types of situations where we purposely set up to try to cover everything that can happen at the end of the game.”
Jacked Up – Jabaal Sheard is enjoying his moved from defensive end to outside linebacker.
“I love it man, going against tight ends, guys that are my size or a little bit less,” Sheard said. “It’s a little easier to jack those guys up and try and find the ball.”
Sheard is expected to start at right outside linebacker in front of rookie Barkevious Mingo.
“I’m getting better and better everyday working with [linebackers] coach Bake [Brian Baker], Krug. All of us work together in the film room. We get a lot of work done. It’s been a great camp so far.
Kick Off – Shayne Grahm won a pre-practice “kick off” with Brandon Bogotay to determine who got to kick with the first team during the team’s 2-minute offense situational drill.
Bogotay has flashed a big leg this offseason but lost the pre-practice battle.
Chudzinski said that the competition between the 2 is “very tight” and it would be his preference to keep 1 kicker when the final 53-man roster is set on Aug. 31. Chudzinski didn’t completely rule out the possibility of keeping both but that would not be ideal in his view.
Injuries – DT Desmond Bryant, FS Tashaun Gipson, DB Jamoris Slaughter, RB Montario Hardesty, OL Oniel Cousins and OL Ryan Miller all missed practice Monday.
Up Next – The Browns are off Tuesday. Camp resumes Wednesday with a 4 p.m. practice; gates will open for fans at 3.
http://cleveland.cbslocal.com
Thanks for the updates, guys.
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* Receiver Josh Gordon was held out after individual drills. There seemed to be a disagreement about Gordon’s effort in finishing plays.
At one point in individuals, a coach screamed to Gordon to “finish!” and Gordon gave off some undesirable body language. Soon after, when the team drills began, Gordon was pulled out. Gordon spent the rest of the practice watching from the sideline.
A scheduled interview with Gordon after practice on “Training Camp Daily” on SportsTime Ohio then was canceled by the Browns’ media relations department.
Coach Rob Chudzinski began his post-practice remarks with a report on Gordon.
“Josh Gordon had some patellar tendinitis, so he started out, tried to push through it and we pulled him and sat him down for the rest of practice. Not concerned about it. Shouldn’t be too big a deal,” the coach said.
I got a bad feeling about this dude. I'm surprised it's not being discussed more. Wonder why that could be?
Other things:
--Mixed results w/the QBs. I was listening to the radio while going to dinner last night and they were talking about how Weeden wasn't looking too good. They mentioned that he has been inaccurate w/a lot of his throws. They also said they weren't concerned. LOL
---The news on Sheard is brighter. Like I said in another thread, I think the guy is better suited to playing as an OLBer in a 3-4 than he was as a 4-3 DE. He's got a good motor. He'll have more space to work in. He won't be engulfed by big bodies as frequently. This should be a good move for him.
--Sounds like Owens is having a decent camp.
--Glad to see Taylor back on the field. He needs reps because he is one guy who tires easily. I liked that Kitchen guy last year. He takes up space and does a nice job of clogging traffic. Not a sensational player, but an effective one.
--Looks like our OL may be set. I wonder how Gilkey is doing? Anyone watch him while they were at camp?
Top 5 takeaways from 5th camp practice
Posted by Vic Carucci on July 30, 2013 – 2:10 am
By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor
Here are my five biggest takeaways from the fifth day of practice at Browns training camp:
>>Chris Owens pulling ahead in cornerback battle. It seems that in each practice, Owens does something that makes you think he is the best choice to start at cornerback opposite Joe Haden. On Monday, he intercepted a pass in the end zone during a two-minute drill, effectively making a game-winning play. The 5-foot-9 Owens consistently puts himself in position to either swipe passes or to deny receivers, even those much taller than him, a chance to get the ball. This isn’t to say that Buster Skrine, his next-closest challenger, is out of the running. But Skrine spent a good deal of time Monday working inside. Rookie Leon McFadden seems to have a good deal to learn before he can make a serious push.
>>Josh Cooper overcomes the drops. The second-year receiver’s camp performance got off to a shaky start with numerous dropped passes during the first practice. Since then, Cooper has shown more reliable hands. He is catching almost everything that comes his way on short, intermediate and deeper routes. Cooper is embracing the challenge of trying to win a backup spot as a slot receiver behind Davone Bess. And it looks to be a fairly daunting one. Jordan Norwood has been consistently impressive, and David Nelson seems to be returning to the form he showed as a dangerous red-zone target for the Bills before suffering a season-ending knee injury last year.
>>Jabaal Sheard’s continued dominance. Once again, Sheard is demonstrating that he was meant to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He is displaying excellent quickness off the ball and tremendous strength when tangling with one of the very best offensive tackles in the NFL, Joe Thomas. Sheard also has had no problem adjusting to pass-coverage responsibilities. He shows good body control, and is fluid in his movement. As a defensive end in the 4-3, Sheard was a more effective pass-rusher during his rookie season in 2011 than he was last year. Part of that was because he added weight in an effort to be a more complete player and take on blockers at the point of attack against the run. Sheard has taken some weight off to improve his speed and athleticism, but actually seems stronger.
>>Jordan Cameron excelling. With each practice, it becomes increasingly evident that the tight end is going to be a key component to a more explosive offense. Cameron routinely flies off the line of scrimmage and promptly finds an opening in the secondary. He is just as effective on short and intermediate routes as he is on deeper ones. Cameron almost always provides a coverage mismatch for the defense, because he is generally larger and stronger and every bit as athletic as the defender trying to cover him.
>>Don’t forget about Brandon Jackson. A day after Dion Lewis put on an impressive show to help strengthen his case for a reserve running back spot, Jackson stepped up to show that he, too, at least belongs in that conversation. Jackson showed good speed, explosiveness, and power. Chris Ogbonnaya, another candidate for a backup role in the backfield, did some solid work at fullback.
>>Bonus observation. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton summed it up perfectly for the members of his unit when, as the Browns went through two-minute drills where the defense was protecting a lead, he said, “Keep ’em in-bounds, and the game’s over, men.”
Interesting read on Cameron. I really like what I am hearing about Sheard.
That's the first I've heard about Jordan Cameron looking good. All other reports I've read said he was not showing much, if not downright struggling. I hope this article is the case.
Yeah, me too.
Carucci is not very objective though. He always paints w/a rosy brush.
Carucci, is a hired pen !
I will say this though ... I haven't seen one real positive article/blurb/mention about McFadden to this point. Everything I've read has described him as looking very raw (which is probably expected for a 3rd round rookie) ... but the notion that he will start the year opposite Joe, as some have been saying since April, is pretty laughable.
You have a bad feeling about a kid kicked out of 2 schools for drugs and suspended for failing another drug test? Ok Miss Cleo lmao. Just poking, I said when drafted, I would not have spent more than a 6th on a kid like that. You cant depend on him.
Now to be fair to Gordon, he very well may have an injury and has been trying to push through it. If That indeed was the case, it is a good thing. I want the guy thats gonna push even if banged up. In the footage I have seen of camp thus far, it has seemed like Gordon's effort has been a stock report. Last year it was because he was so out of shape that once he ran a route, he had nothing left for the next lol.
Anyway the Cameron report, everything I have heard has been about the FA we brought in from Carolina and Smelly as being the 2 guys that are shinging at the TE position. Hopefully for the Browns sake Cameron is starting to get it.
JC
Just saw this article:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000...held-up-by-refsJist of it is the refs may not allow for Kelly to operate his offense with the tempo like he did in college. My first thought was "well if you need to slow down and have a more lethargic offense, then Chip hired the perfect guy in Pat Shurmur". Haha
Not hearing too much about our kicking game. Replacing an All Pro worries me. What is anyone at camp seeing?
I want to fall in love with this guy's effort, growth, and success as a Browns player. But if this is still a druggy/headcase/ attitude guy, trade him. Get something for him or make sure he keeps his nose clean. A little poison in your waterhole goes a long way.
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Not hearing too much about our kicking game. Replacing an All Pro worries me. What is anyone at camp seeing?
You didn't hear much about it in previous years either, but i understand the interest.
I read yesterday that Graham hit his 45 yard kick while in the drill to get in to scoring position with maybe 30 seconds to go.
In Bogatay's try we actually score a TD on a long pass, so the coaches set him up from 48 yards, and he hit his.
I am sure as camp proceeds the staff will continue to simulate pressure on the kicker(s). A common one is to end practice with a long kick. If made, everybody heads to the lockerroom. If missed, everybody runs 10 gassers.
That isn't a way for the others on the team to hate the kicker. It's a way for them to root for him and know he can and does make kicks, but as with any kicker, he is going to miss every once in a while and that's just the way it goes.
Ouch, 'peen! That red, man it's tough on the eyes...
It's what happens when you quote someone who changed the font color. Wish they'd fix that...
// Gabbert returned to practice after minor ankle sprain.
// Mario Williams returns to Bill's practice (sure they are very happy to get him back)
// Seattle's Percy Harvin will undergo hip surgery (sure this is deflating to that offense).
All stories can be found on nfl.com as I am too darn lazy to link em' up
j/c...Wow good stuff dawgs.
Thanks for feeding us who are far from the action there. Especially the Personal Accounts from visiting training camp.
Any reports on the OL - Drills, who is battling who? Who looks strong, who looks weak? Etc.
Much appreciated!
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Just to piggyback on what you're saying, I'd really love to get a non-biased, non-fluffed account of how Sheard is doing. If he really is taking to the OLB position as well as the talking heads are saying, that's a huge plus for our defense, and one ? we can start to cross off the list. Plus, it sounds like he's spending some more time going against Thomas, so that's cool too.
The other major ? is the secondary, and I'd really like to hear more about Owens. He's been getting some love in these articles, but how consistent has he been through practices?
Not much is being said about the guards, but it sounds like that's one of the position battles that's clearing up quickly.
I'm not sure that this time of year, there is any such thing as an unbiased opinion LOL
But, when you get almost all of the reporters saying roughly the same thing, which in this case is that he's "getting it done" (paraphrasing) then I think you have the makings of something very believable.
We already know he's a smart, athletic guy with pretty good speed and instincts.. so it can't be that much of a leap to believe the reports we're hearing are accurate.
Anyway, FWIW, all reports have him being strong when going up against the best LT in the game.. that's gotta say something right?
As for the secondary, honestly, outside of Haden and Ward, I don't really know what we have.
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I saw Nelson play some when he was healthy. A big target with very good hands from what I saw.
I think if he can stay healthy that he may be a huge surprise to some.
I'm thinking this too.
Anyone know how fast this guy is?
I'm becoming increasingly worried that Gordon is gonna screw us. It's just not a good thing to have such an important guy in our system be such a volatile person. He's failed expectations on several occassions and isn't showing any stability even now. 1 and done for a guy like that is precarious to say the least.
I just find it really hard to rely on a guy like that - especially given his apparent non-chalance in the face of a huge test of character.
As for the confusion on his status with the league, the best explaination I've heard is that he has NOT been in violation of the league substance abuse violation policy more than once. He entered essentially on probation due to several infractions at the collegiate level. While they say that College records don't follow you, they don't. But your status can be elevated, you just can't be punished from college records. Reports that he was found in violation twice is untrue and sloppy reporting.
If he were actually found in violation twice, he would never have had the suspension reduced in half.
The NFL is secretive about this stuff so we'll never know with 100% certainty, but this seems like the most likely deal.
4.54 40 yard dash time, however before the injury. Possibly slower now of course.
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If he were actually found in violation twice, he would never have had the suspension reduced in half.
\From everything I can find, that simply is not the way it works.
If he tested positive for the same substance twice, then he would not have had his suspension reduced. If he had tested positive for PED he would not have had his suspension reduced. If he tested positive for one banned substance, and then tested positive for a different banned substance, and neither was a PED, then his suspension could be reduced. This is the most likely scenario, and is what he has admitted to. (not the 1st positive test, but the 2nd for a prescription)
Sounds like Haden through 5 practices is the mvp so far. Been all over the field like a ball hawk. I like that!
No suspension, no reason for Haden not to be pro-bowl bound.
Although I just saw an article on nfl.com about changing the Pro-bowl format...
Cleveland Browns GM Michael Lombardi has seen growth in Brandon Weeden and Josh Gordon
Cleveland Browns GM Michael Lombardi addressed several issues in a meeting with reporters on Wednesday.
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
on July 31, 2013 at 4:31 PM, updated July 31, 2013 at 5:07 PM
BEREA, Ohio -- Browns general Mike Lombardi has seen growth in two players he sharply ciriticzed when he was a NFL Network analyst: quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Josh Gordon.
"I think everybody that practices football has really good days and they have some bad days and I think everything's a learning experience,'' said Lombardi in a rare group interview at training camp. "I think he clearly has proven in the offseason that he's gotten better at everything they've asked him to do. So, every day is about getting better and I think that's what a lot of players are doing.''
He declined to comment on Gordon's knee injury -- he's sitting out the second straight practice today with patellar tendinitis -- but has been happy with his progress in the system.
"I’m excited to see Josh’s development as a player,'' he said. "I think he’s shown this offseason a great attitude and I’m looking forward to being a part of that. I think he’s got to demonstrate that (and) continue on. I think that’s what he wants to do. He wants to be a good player.''
Some visitors to camp, including Sports Illustrated's Greg Bedard, sharply criticized Gordon for loafing during practice. Has Lombardi seen that?
"I think josh, like a lot of players, has come out here to try to get better every single day and I think that’s been really important,'' Lombardi said.
Lombardi and CEO Joe Banner have brought in two quarterbacks to compete with Weeden in Campbell and Hoyer. So far, neither has received first-team reps, but Lombardi has liked what he's seen from both.
"Jason's an experienced player and we felt like before when we signed him, coach (Rob Chudzinski), Joe and everybody in the organization felt like that experience could certainly help an organization,'' said Lombardi. "I think he’s proven … he’s come in here, worked hard, he knows the system, he’s getting better with every single rep. so it’s a long way to go for everybody as they learn it.''
He said Hoyer's experience as a backup, mostly to Tom Brady, was a deciding factor in bringing him in.
"He works hard and he’s a competitive kid,'' said Lombardi. "So it was an opportunity to add somebody to keep improving in that area and give him an opportunity.''
Lombardi declined to say if he still feels like it's a competition at quarterback.
"My job is to evaluate the players, Chud’s job is to coach the team and handle all that,'' he said. "So I think that’s really important for him.''
Lombardi made no promises that first-round pick Barkevious Mingo will be in the starting lineup on opening day. He said playing time for the rookies is more important than who's introduced.
"I think Mingo is a lot like he was at LSU,'' said Lombardi. "He plays hard, he's kind of symbolic of what we're trying to acquire here, players in terms of plays hard, plays with passion, athletic, can run and obviously he has a long way to go to learn his craft as a player, and he's out here working every day to get better and that's the only way you can do it.''
He acknowledged it'll be hard for Mingo to be equally adept at both stopping the the run and rushing the passer, "but the coaches will think (of) a role for him and I think Mingo will work hard at excelling in that role and I think one thing I've learned through my career is that players develop the skills within the system and I think he's got those skills to fit the system.''
He indicated that center Alex Mack, who's contract is up after this season, is a player the Browns would like to extend.
"I think Alex certainly has proven that he’s a good player on and off the field,'' said LOmbardi. "I think he stands for that and I think he has the ability to continue to play well. So he certainly fits the profile.”
More to come later on the Lombardi interview.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/07/cleveland_browns_gm_michael_lo_1.html
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Although I just saw an article on nfl.com about changing the Pro-bowl format...
It's a "fantasy draft" now done by a couple HOF'ers. That will actually help a guy like Haden make the pro-bowl, because it won't be done by fans who don't watch the Browns because we win 5 games a year.
What!?!? They let Lombardi speak to the public? Get back in your hole Lombardi! Hahaha...
Here's the video of his presser:
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-cen...fb-3d4674f97434
Went to TC today ... I'll post more observations/notes later on tonight when I'm off my Ipad ... but Weeden was AWFUL today. AWFUL. Many people around me were saying it was his worst day of camp by far. Gordon didn't practice, so maybe that had a tiny effect. But it wasn't pretty.
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Although I just saw an article on nfl.com about changing the Pro-bowl format...
It's a "fantasy draft" now done by a couple HOF'ers. That will actually help a guy like Haden make the pro-bowl, because it won't be done by fans who don't watch the Browns because we win 5 games a year.
I didn't read it like that. I believe the players are selected as they always have. The draft you speak of is only to determine which team they are on.
I don't believe the two HOF'er and a couple of fantasy fans who play on NFL.com are the 4 people selecting who is a pro-bowl player.
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"My job is to evaluate the players
Gawd.. please no. Lombardi is the last guy I want doing that.
Cleveland Browns
Browns training camp snapshot: Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk praises Trent Richardson, Norv Turner
By Nate Ulrich Published: July 31, 2013
The Browns held their sixth full-squad practice of training camp today. Below is a glance at what unfolded.
Storylines: Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk was at the Browns’ headquarters to work as an analyst for NFL Network. Faulk met with Browns running back Trent Richardson after practice and offered him advice on several topics ranging from how to run routes to how to be smart with money. Faulk believes Richardson has special qualities. “It’s there,” Faulk said. “You saw it in college. It’s the reason that in a league that they’re starting to kind of devalue the position, he gets drafted so early. He has it in him. It’s in him to be great. He wants it. He’s never shied away from asking questions or letting you know what he don’t know because he understands that the things that you don’t know when you find them out, it makes it easier to become great.” Faulk also praised new Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner. “Unfortunately for you guys, he’s going to come in with these young guys and somebody else is going to give him another look as a head coach because he’s going to put up numbers,” Faulk said. “And he’s going to put up numbers against the Baltimore Ravens. He’s going to put up numbers against the Pittsburgh Steelers, against the Cincinnati [Bengals]. He’s going to put up numbers. This is just what he does. If you give him one side of the ball, one thing to worry about, the man is great at it. He’s not a good offensive coordinator. He’s a great offensive coordinator.” … Minutes before practice began, Browns General Manager Mike Lombardi held a news conference and publicly complimented quarterback Brandon Weeden for the first time since he became the organization’s personnel chief in January. Click here for more about Lombardi’s comments. … Owner Jimmy Haslam attended practice for the first time since it opened to the public July 25.
Position battles: Strong safety T.J. Ward was limited during team drills because he’s dealing with an injured hamstring, coach Rob Chudiznski said. With Ward ailing, undrafted rookie Josh Aubrey took some reps with the first-team defense. … Defensive end Billy Winn continued to fill in for Desmond Bryant, who’s dealing with back spasms, with the first-team defense, though Bryant participated in individual drills. … Free safety Johnson Bademosi worked with the first-team defense in place of Tashaun Gipson, who continued to sit out with a sprained shoulder. … Nose tackle John Hughes took first-team reps while Phil Taylor, who’s coming back from a strained calf, was limited. … Cornerbacks Chris Owens and Buster Skrine rotated with the first-team defense.
Highlights: Quarterback Brandon Weeden hit his hand on the helmet of outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard, but he threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Cameron on the next play. … Wide receiver Greg Little broke up a would-be interception from Weeden pursued by cornerback Buster Skrine. … In red-zone team drills, Weeden completed three consecutive out routes to Little with cornerback Joe Haden in coverage. … Bademosi collided with Owens as Weeden threw a pass behind wide receiver Travis Benjamin. The ball was deflected and Bademosi intercepted it. … After Weeden checked down to running back Chris Ogbonnaya, Little told a ball boy, “It’s 7-11. I’m open all day.” … Taylor tipped a pass from Weeden near the line of scrimmage. … Inside linebacker Craig Robertson dropped an interception after cutting in front of Cameron. … Haden broke up a pass that Weeden intended for Benjammin. … Weeden completed a 50-yard touchdown to Benjamin on a post-corner route. Benjamin burned Aubrey’s coverage during the play. … Tight end Brad Smelley leaped to make an impressive catch from quarterback Brian Hoyer. … After Hoyer completed a pass to wide receiver Tori Gurley, undrafted rookie safety Kent Richardson appeared to hit him in the helmet, knocking him to the ground. … In a red-zone, seven-on-seven session, Weeden threw a touchdown pass to tight end Gary Barnidge in the back of the end zone. … Aubrey broke up a pass from Weeden near the goal line, and inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson dived to picked it off. … Quarterback Jason Campbell connected with tight end Kellen Davis for a touchdown on a crossing route.
Injuries: Wide receiver Josh Gordon remained sidelined with patellar tendinitis in his knee, but coach Rob Chudzinski said he expects Gordon to return from action soon. “I expect him back within the next couple days,” Chudzinski said of Gordon. Chudzinski said Gordon did not undergo an MRI. “No, it’s tendinitis,” he said. … Running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring) returned to practice and received carries in team drills. … Rookie free safety Jamoris Slaughter (hamstring) was limited to individual drills. … Fullback Brock Bolen (calf) and offensive linemen Ryan Miller (concussion) and Chris Faulk (knee) were remained idle. Chudzinski said Miller is allowed to attend team meetings but hasn’t so far.
Thursday’s schedule: Practice from 4-6:30 p.m. For updates, call 877-627-6967.
http://www.ohio.com
Thanks bro.
I hated that we drafted TRich, but you know what, Faulk is right. TRich wants to be good. He has skills. He''ll work at it. While it may have been a stupid pick, the guy can still be productive for us and be a very good player. And before anyone questions me on that statement.............I will say one word: Value.
I am not getting a real good feeling out of this camp. I think guys like Weeden and Gordon and Taylor are disappointing. Too bad they are very, very important to our success this year. If all three falter, I hope Banner has the stones to cut them all.
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What!?!? They let Lombardi speak to the public? Get back in your hole Lombardi! Hahaha...
Banner was fooled by the dark glasses,
he thought he was Horton...
notice how fast Lomardi is talking? He knows this is not his spot,
What's your issue with Taylor? Did I miss something? Do you have injury concerns or are you referring back to his college issues?
To me he seems to be a player with a lot of attitude. I took that as a good thing that he has some "nasty" in him.
Not much of one. He's a guy that gives me bad vibes.
I wish he would work harder at his conditioning. He's gotten very tired--very fast--in all his games. He says some things that make me wonder about his character. Nothing big. Just hints, such as the quote about money he made when he was drafted. His play has been somewhat undisciplined.
I don't know......just a feeling. Him sitting out of camp might be totally legit. Then again, it may not be.
This:
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Went to TC today ... I'll post more observations/notes later on tonight when I'm off my Ipad ... but Weeden was AWFUL today. AWFUL. Many people around me were saying it was his worst day of camp by far. Gordon didn't practice, so maybe that had a tiny effect. But it wasn't pretty.
Then this:
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Highlights: Quarterback Brandon Weeden hit his hand on the helmet of outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard, but he threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Cameron on the next play. … Wide receiver Greg Little broke up a would-be interception from Weeden pursued by cornerback Buster Skrine. … In red-zone team drills, Weeden completed three consecutive out routes to Little with cornerback Joe Haden in coverage. … Bademosi collided with Owens as Weeden threw a pass behind wide receiver Travis Benjamin. The ball was deflected and Bademosi intercepted it. … After Weeden checked down to running back Chris Ogbonnaya, Little told a ball boy, “It’s 7-11. I’m open all day.” … Taylor tipped a pass from Weeden near the line of scrimmage. … Inside linebacker Craig Robertson dropped an interception after cutting in front of Cameron. … Haden broke up a pass that Weeden intended for Benjammin. … Weeden completed a 50-yard touchdown to Benjamin on a post-corner route. Benjamin burned Aubrey’s coverage during the play. … In a red-zone, seven-on-seven session, Weeden threw a touchdown pass to tight end Gary Barnidge in the back of the end zone. … Aubrey broke up a pass from Weeden near the goal line, and inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson dived to picked it off.
It sounds like a normal day early in camp where the offense had some decent success but the D did well against them. I wasn't there so I can't really say, but I don't know if you can call that "awful". JMHO
im not too worried. the defense is supposed to be ahead of the offense in training camp. the defense is reactive while the offense is trying to execute a new system and get their timing down and everything else.
i tend not to judge the team so much in camp, but rather the position battles and who is standing out individually.
Going to camp next Saturday, anxious to eyeball it all for myself.
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Not much of one. He's a guy that gives me bad vibes.
I wish he would work harder at his conditioning. He's gotten very tired--very fast--in all his games. He says some things that make me wonder about his character. Nothing big. Just hints, such as the quote about money he made when he was drafted. His play has been somewhat undisciplined.
I don't know......just a feeling. Him sitting out of camp might be totally legit. Then again, it may not be.
Lol, if you were 350+ pounder playing as many downs as he did game in and game out when that offense kept going 3-and-out back to back, you'd get tired/gassed too bro... gotta keep in mind he was coming off injury too and never got to get his conditioning up to par..
I'm not too worried about his conditioning, but that is just me however. I think Hughes will benefit from his absence at camp (getting more reps) and Chud has labeled Phil as day-to-day. He'll be back soon and I feel it'll be a strong year for him, as well as the rest of the line... the rotation we have available should keep all our big guys fresh from snap one to snap end.
For those wondering who will be snapping the ball to Peyton, looks like the temporary answer has been provided. Denver gets Lilja outta retirement and inks him for one year:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000...-1year-contract
hello tab, we had a lot of rain this morning, so we decided not to make the trip to Berea. thought that they would be indoors because of the rain. as it turned out its a great afternoon and would of been a nice day. sorry! i'll give you a report on the next trip.
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Not much of one. He's a guy that gives me bad vibes.
I wish he would work harder at his conditioning. He's gotten very tired--very fast--in all his games. He says some things that make me wonder about his character. Nothing big. Just hints, such as the quote about money he made when he was drafted. His play has been somewhat undisciplined.
I don't know......just a feeling. Him sitting out of camp might be totally legit. Then again, it may not be.
Lol, if you were 350+ pounder playing as many downs as he did game in and game out when that offense kept going 3-and-out back to back, you'd get tired/gassed too bro... gotta keep in mind he was coming off injury too and never got to get his conditioning up to par..
I'm not too worried about his conditioning, but that is just me however. I think Hughes will benefit from his absence at camp (getting more reps) and Chud has labeled Phil as day-to-day. He'll be back soon and I feel it'll be a strong year for him, as well as the rest of the line... the rotation we have available should keep all our big guys fresh from snap one to snap end.
All very valid points. I'm hoping the best from Phil as well.
Watching All Bets are Off from training camp today. Pinkston is getting 1st team reps today at LG. Greco has worked some with the 2nd team at center.
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Watching All Bets are Off from training camp today. Pinkston is getting 1st team reps today at LG. Greco has worked some with the 2nd team at center.
Could that just be the Team trying to see what they have as backups?
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Watching All Bets are Off from training camp today. Pinkston is getting 1st team reps today at LG. Greco has worked some with the 2nd team at center.
Could that just be the Team trying to see what they have as backups?
I think so.
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Watching All Bets are Off from training camp today. Pinkston is getting 1st team reps today at LG. Greco has worked some with the 2nd team at center.
Could that just be the Team trying to see what they have as backups?
I think so.
Very likely. Warhop has to have a Plan B in place in case of injury...
Browns: News and notes from Day 7 of training camp
Filed on August 1, 2013 by Scott Petrak
BEREA – The Browns had their seventh practice of training camp this afternoon.
Here are some notes and highlights:
** Receiver David Nelson stopped practicing early in practice.
“He felt his knee a little bit,” coach Rob Chudzinski said. “I don’t think it’s anything major. But we’ll get it checked and report back tomorrow.”
Nelson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 2012 opener while playing with Buffalo. He only returned to practice last week and has been slowly working back into team drills.
He rubbed the right knee when he stopped and had it wrapped as he walked off the field after practice.
Nelson signed as a free agent in the offseason and would add size (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) and depth if he can get healthy.
** Receiver Josh Gordon (knee tendinitis) returned to practice and was a limited participant in team drills after missing Wednesday.
** Strong safety T.J. Ward sat out. Chudzinski said his hamstring was “a little tight.”
** Undrafted rookie Josh Aubrey filled in for Ward with the first-team defense and continued to impress the coaches.
** Running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring) was out again after practicing Wednesday.
** Free safety Tashaun Gipson (shoulder) was limited in his return.
** Defensive end Desmond Bryant (back spasms) participated in some team drills.
** Offensive lineman Ryan Miller (concussion), cornerback Trevin Wade (undisclosed) didn’t practice and offensive lineman Oniel Cousins (ankle) didn’t practice.
** Jason Pinkston worked at left guard with the first team, and John Greco took reps as the second-team center.
** Abdul Kennah intercepted third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer.
- See more at:
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2013/...h.HeTscb4q.dpuf
Gordon back in action, fellow WR David Nelson has knee trouble
By Nate Ulrich Published: August 1, 2013
The Browns held their seventh full-squad practice of training camp today. Below is a glance at what unfolded.
Storylines: Wide receiver Josh Gordon returned to practice today after missing one and a half practices while dealing with patellar tendinitis in his knee. Gordon participated in team drills on a limited basis. “He got back out there for individual [drills],” Chudzinski said. “I saw him in one-on-ones and a little bit of limited team. He’s feeling better, and hopefully he continues to go that direction.” Gordon, the Browns’ No. 1 receiver who’s suspended for the first two regular-season games of the year after violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, was pulled from team drills Monday because his knee was bothering him. The Browns did not practice Tuesday, but he sat out when they resumed action Wednesday. Chudzinski said Gordon’s condition did not warrant an MRI. … Wide receiver David Nelson felt discomfort in his surgically repaired right knee during individual drills and removed himself from the action. Nelson unwrapped the knee and rubbed it. He remained on the field but did not participate in the rest of practice. As a member of the Buffalo Bills, Nelson tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Sept. 9 season opener against the New York Jets. “David Nelson was just running routes earlier in practice and just felt his knee a little bit,” Chudzinski said. “I don’t that’ll be anything major, but we’ll get that checked and report back tomorrow with you.” Nelson was seen wearing a wrap on his right knee after practice.
Position battles: Undrafted rookie Josh Aubrey filled in for strong safety T.J. Ward with the first-team defense. Ward jogged to the locker room after practice. “T.J., his hamstring from yesterday was just a little bit tight, so [it was] more a preventive thing holding him today,” Chudzinski said. Aubrey, meanwhile, impressed. “He’s really developed since the spring,” Chudzinski said. “I’ve really noticed a big improvement and a guy that’s taking advantage. He’s getting his opportunities. He’s getting chances for reps, and he’s making good with them. That’s what you like seeing out of guys this time of year.” … Jason Pinkston worked at left guard with the first-team offense for the first time since camp opened. John Greco, who held that spot the previous six practices, practiced as a center with the second unit. Shawn Lauvao continued to line up at right guard with the first-team offense. … Free safety Tashaun Gipson (sprained shoulder) returned to practice and participated in individual drills, but he sat out team sessions. Johnson Bademosi filled Gipson’s spot with the first-team defense. … Bademosi fielded kickoffs, followed by cornerback Buster Skrine, wide receiver Travis Benjamin and running back Dion Lewis. Bademosi muffed a kick.
Highlights: Quarterback Brandon Weeden’s projected backups each threw an interception during team drills. Safety Kenronte Walker intercepted a pass from Jason Campbell, and cornerback Abdul Kennah picked off a pass from Brian Hoyer. … Outside linebacker Paul Kruger batted down a pass from Weeden near the line of scrimmage. … Hoyer and wide receiver Jordan Norwood connected for a deep completion during an 11-on-11 session. Safety Kent Richardson then tackled Norwood to the ground. … In one-on-one blocking drills, rookie outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo, the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, used his speed to rush around undrafted rookie offensive tackle Martin Wallace for a simulated sack.
Injuries: Defensive end Desmond Bryant (back spasms) returned to team drills. … Running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring) sat out after returning to practice Wednesday. … Cornerback Trevin Wade (undisclosed) and fullback Brock Bolen (calf) were sidelined along with offensive linemen Ryan Miller (concussion), Chris Faulk (knee) and Oniel Cousins (ankle). … Rookie safety Jamoris Slaughter (hamstring) practiced but did not enter team drills.
Friday’s schedule: Practice from 4-6:30 p.m. For updates, call 877-627-6967.
http://www.ohio.com
Anybody going tomorrow (Fri)? I'll be there with my son. If any of you want us to watch something in particular during the scrimmages, let me know. I plan on focusing on the receivers and db's during the drills (makes for the best pics).
If you can, please watch where the RB and TE/H-Back are lining up. I would highly doubt that in a practice open to the public, the coaches will give away much of their systems, but it would be interesting to see if we are going to throw in any read option or pistol offensive setups. Thanks...
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Anybody going tomorrow (Fri)? I'll be there with my son. If any of you want us to watch something in particular during the scrimmages, let me know. I plan on focusing on the receivers and db's during the drills (makes for the best pics).
If there are any short shorts and halters, you might want to concentrate on that and share.
Have a good time my friend, I know you always get some good shots and give us a solid report. Wish I could go.
seriously...the only thing better than short shorts is yoga pants
Holmgren at Browns practice today. No word on if Haslem told him "Don't call me for playoff tickets" or not.
Holmgren? That's random...
I think he's in town for the Hall of Fame stuff and I know he has a gig for Sirius or XM or some other radio type thing.
Holmgren was probably just wondering why he hasn't gotten his past few paychecks ... Haslam had to tell him they were in the mail.
I was listening to the radio on the way home. Only caught a bit of these two items, but one was a local reporter said Taylor should be cut. Anyone know who the reporter was? The second thing was that TRich got kicked in the shin and was injured. Is that true?
Oh, and you should have heard Boom--or whatever his name is--ripping on Holmgren. Hilarious.
Browns: News and notes from Day 8 of training camp
Filed on August 2, 2013 by Scott Petrak
BEREA – Browns running back Trent Richardson didn’t practice today after getting kicked in the shin Thursday, but said he’s fine and the coaches are just giving him a couple of days of rest.
“Ain’t no problem,” Richardson said. “Ain’t nothing, but he was just resting me a little bit and saying I was running a lot and it’s August.”
Richardson sat out part of the OTAs and minicamp with a muscle strain in his right shin. That’s the same shin that was kicked Thursday.
“Yeah, I got kicked. But football is football,” he said. “Ain’t no kick going to stop me from running. I might get kicked two years from now and I might have that same thing. It ain’t nothing to be worried about. Coach said it was already in the game plan for me to be scheduled to rest these next two days, I think he said. But I’ll be back out here Monday, whenever he said I would be back.”
Richardson, who has had a strong start to camp, will likely sit out Family Night on Saturday at FirstEnergy Stadium. But he has no doubts he’ll be ready for the preseason opener Thursday against the Rams.
“I’m going to play in all of them,” he said. “Coach knows that if it was a preseason game tomorrow or today, I’d be playing in it. If we were playing in the Hall of Fame game right now, I’d be playing in the game.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m playing in every game this year. That’s my word, and that’s what I’m going to do. That’s my goal.”
Other notes and highlights from practice:
Former Browns president Mike Holmgren was a surprise guest at practice. He chatted with owner Jimmy Haslam, CEO Joe Banner and general manager Michael Lombardi.
Holmgren wasn’t retained after Haslam and Banner took over last fall.
“Actually I just came in for the Hall of Fame,” Holmgren said. “Hope to see (Bill) Parcells and (Warren) Sapp and Cris Carter and all of those guys that I coached against all those years.
“I was driving by the facility and I thought practice would be over and I was going to sneak in, just going to sneak in and sneak out.”
Holmgren said he’s living in California and doing some Seattle radio. But he misses the game “tremendously.”
** Receiver David Nelson didn’t practice after tweaking his surgically repaired knee Thursday. Coach Rob Chudzinski said Nelson felt better today and is day-to-day.
** Safety T.J. Ward (hamstring), running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring tendon), tight end Brad Smelley (hamstring), cornerback Trevin Wade (tightness), offensive lineman Oniel Cousins (ankle), offensive lineman Ryan Miller (concussion) and fullback Brock Bolen (calf) didn’t practice.
** Free safety Tashaun Gipson (shoulder) returned to team drills in a limited role. He came up gingerly after an awkward landing on his ankle, but appeared fine running off the field after practice.
** Punter T.J. Conley shanked the first attempt of a special teams drill into the crowd and almost out of the facility.
** Former Browns defensive lineman Michael Dean Perry watched practice and talked to the defensive linemen.
** Union chief DeMaurice Smith and broadcaster Jim Nantz attended practice.
** Jason Pinkston worked at right guard with the first team and John Greco at left guard. Shawn Lauvao was the second-team center.
** Rookie kicker Brandon Bogotay went 3-for-4 on field goals in the two-minute drill, as veteran Shayne Graham got the day off.
- See more at:
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2013/...h.OqMpPDBo.dpuf
Browns training camp snapshot: RB Trent Richardson sidelined, former President Mike Holmgren visits
By Nate Ulrich Published: August 2, 2013
The Browns held their eighth full-squad practice of training camp today. Below is a glance at what happened.
Storylines: Running back Trent Richardson did not practice today because he was kicked in his right shin Thursday. He missed spring practices with a strained muscle in the same shin. Richardson, though, downplayed the severity of the injury, echoing what coach Rob Chudzinski said by insisting he would have played if the Browns had a game. Richardson said he expects to return to action Monday. Click here for more about Richardson’s latest injury. … Plenty of NFL folks are in Northeast Ohio for this weekend’s Pro Football Hall of Fame festivities in Canton, and many of them attended practice today in Berea. The most surprising visitor, though, was former Browns President Mike Holmgren. “I just came in for the Hall of Fame,” Holmgren said. “Hope to see [Bill] Parcells and [Warren] Sapp and Cris Carter and all of those guys that I coached against all those years. I was driving by the facility, and I thought practice would be over and I was going to sneak in, just going to sneak in and sneak out. I understand they have new offices. My old office, the little cubbyhole I had up there is now fancy. So I came out to say hello to [owner] Jim [Haslam] and [CEO] Joe [Banner] and [General Manager Mike] Lombardi.” Holmgren left the organization during this past season after Haslam essentially replaced him with Banner. Richardson talked to Holmgren. "He gave me a shot," Richardson said. "He picked me with the third pick. They jumped up from one spot. So it’s a lot between me and him. When I see him anytime, it’s nothing but much love 'cause he changed my life, he changed my family’s life and that opportunity, man, I’ve got to give him a lot of praise for that." ... Other notable guests at practice included former Browns defensive tackle Michael Dean Perry, former Browns offensive tackle Roman Oben, NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and CBS play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz. Referee Ed Hochuli and his crew worked practice. Perry addressed the Browns’ defensive line. “I told them I didn't realize just how quickly it ends, and if I had to do it all over again, I would've taken better care of my body,” Perry said. “Hopefully those guys will listen because really, I could've played another two years. The offseason could've started earlier. I took an elongated offseason. It takes a lot more to get back in shape and that's wear and tear on your body. That's all [I told them], just a nice little tidbit.” … While the Browns conducted punting drills, wide receiver Greg Little worked with the defensive linemen to polish his hand-fighting skills on two separate occasions. Little believes those drills can help him fight off cornerbacks when they apply press coverage. “It was kind of thing I gravitated towards, kind of like during the offseason during OTAs,” Little said. “I just know that it started to help me in training camp when we started to see press coverage and I kept it up. It’s helping my game a lot dealing with press coverage.” … For the second day in a row, nose tackle Phil Taylor had a confrontation with center Alex Mack during pass rush drills. At the end of one drill, Taylor pressed his forearm under Mack’s chin. After the skirmish, defensive line coach Joe Cullen repeatedly yelled, “enough,” at Taylor. On Thursday, Taylor shoved Mack after a drill. When asked about getting chippie with Mack, Taylor said, “It’s just practice, just practice.”
Position battles: For the first time since camp started, quarterback Brian Hoyer took reps with the second-team offense before Jason Campbell took his turn with the second unit. Brandon Weeden continued to take all of the first-team snaps. … Undrafted rookie Josh Aubrey received first-team reps at strong safety with T.J. Ward (hamstring) sidelined. … Jason Pinkston and John Greco worked at right and left guard, respectively, with the first-team offense. Shawn Lauvao, who had been the first-team right guard since the start of camp, worked as a center with the second unit. … Tashaun Gipson (sprained shoulder) participated in team drills on a limited basis, and Johnson Bademosi replaced him for the majority of practice. … Davone Bess caught punts, followed by fellow wide receivers Jordan Norwood, Travis Benjamin, Josh Cooper and Mike Edwards.
Highlights: Kicker Brandon Bogotay received plenty of work with veteran Shayne Graham taking a day off to rest. Bogotay made 3-of-4 field goals to cap two-minute drills. He made attempts of 46, 47 and 51 yards and missed a 41-yard try wide left. … Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo tipped a pass from Hoyer, and inside linebacker Craig Roberton batted a pass down from Weeden. … In a red-zone team drill, Bademosi dropped a would-be interception from Weeden, and cornerback Chris Owens broke up a pass from Hoyer. … Bess made an impressive catch from Weeden on an out route along the sideline. … Campbell connected with Benjamin for a touchdown on a deep post route. … Weeden connected with Little for a touchdown on an out route. ... Norwood jumped in the back of the end zone to grab a touchdown pass from Hoyer. … Running back Dion Lewis caught a low touchdown pass over the middle from Weeden. … Little made a great fake on a route to turn the defender around, break open and haul in a touchdown pass from Weeden. … In a red-zone, seven-on-seven drill, Weeden and Little connected in the back of the end zone for another touchdown. … Rookie cornerback Leon McFadden slid in the front of the end zone to intercept a pass from Campbell that was intended for Norwood.
Injuries: Richardson (right shin), Ward (hamstring), wide receiver David Nelson (right knee), running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring), cornerback Trevin Wade (unknown), fullback Brock Bolen (calf), tight end Brad Smelley (unknown) and offensive linemen Ryan Miller (concussion), Chris Faulk (knee) and Oniel Cousins (ankle) sat out. ... In a red-zone, seven-on-seven drill, Gipson landed awkwardly after jumping while trying to cover Little, who caught a touchdown pass from Weeden during the play. Gipson exited the drill, but appeared to be fine while jogging later.
Saturday’s schedule: Family Night practice from 6:30-9 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Chudzinski said the Browns will hold a regular practice, and the players will wear full pads.
http://www.ohio.com
Your welcome. Last one.
Browns Camp Notebook: Day 8
By DARYL RUITER, 92.3 The Fan Browns Beat Reporter
August 2, 2013 9:27 PM
BEREA (92.3 The Fan) – Receiver Greg Little is still adjusting to Norv Turner’s new offense as he looks to take a big step this season with his production and in his career.
There’s little question about the amount of work he’s been putting in. Little is often one of the first players on the field and one of the last off of it every day. He spends a significant time running extra routes and taking reps on the jugs machine.
Add working with the defensive line to the mix.
“It was kind of thing I gravitated towards,” Little said. “Kind of like during the offseason during OTAs. I just know that it started to help me in training camp when we started to see press coverage and I kept it up. It’s helping my game a lot dealing with press coverage.”
During Friday’s practice Little jumped in a defensive lineman drill. He hopes that learning proper hand fighting technique working against defensive lineman will help him deal with cornerbacks and get off the line.
“Often times linemen deal with that first initial punch from an offensive linemen,” Little said. “And it’s just knocking the hands down and doing the different moves they do to get the offensive linemen’s hands off them. I just gravitated toward them and kept it working.”
Little is often matched up with Joe Haden during 1 on 1, 7 on 7 or 11 on 11 drills and the techniques have helped him.
“I noticed Joe mentioned that he didn’t really know that I worked with the defensive line,” Little said. “Every time he puts his hands up I am able to anticipate that and that’s due a lot to the work I do with the d-line.”
Duking It Out – It appears that nose tackle Phil Taylor and center Alex Mack aren’t likely to eat together in the cafeteria anytime soon and the two went at it twice during Friday’s practice.
“It’s just practice, just practice,” Taylor said.
Taylor took a swing at Mack and hit Mack’s helmet with his hand following a play during 11 on 11. Then during an offensive-defensive line drill Taylor pushed his forearm into Mack’s neck and kept going after the whistle which angered Mack.
Defensive lineman Brian Sanford has started a pair of scrums in camp already and there’s a sense a major blowup could happen at any moment.
Head coach Rob Chudzinski downplays the scrums and likes the fact that there’s some fight in his team.
“I think that’s kinda the natural course of going against the same guy all the time,” right tackle Mitchell Schwarz said of the fights. “It’s understanding tempos, it’s understanding different things. I think personally you don’t want to do anything that you’re not going to do in a game.
“I’m not going to take a swing at a guy in a game. That will get me ejected, 15 yard penalty. That’s not going to help the team. You gotta defend yourself at some point. You can’t just let guys run down you all day, so it’s kind of a nuance little thing.”
Kick Me – Kicker Shayne Grahm was given the day off by Chudzinski leaving the field goal duties to rookie Brandon Bogotay. He made 3 of 4 field goals to end 2 minute drives which didn’t gain much yardage.
Bogotay hit from 46, 47, 51 but was wide left from 41 yards away.
Saturday night will not be the first chance for Grahm or Bogotay to kick at FirstEnergy Stadium. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor has taken them to the stadium to kick regularly so they can get acclimated to the unique conditions.
The Gun Show – Referee Ed Hochuli was on hand to help officiate Friday’s practice.
Hochuli is one of the leagues most well known officials because of the tight uniforms that he wears to show off his bulging muscles.
Injuries – Free safety Tashaun Gipson, who sustained a sprained shoulder Sunday following a collision with Gordon, returned to team work but appeared to be injured late in practice while defending a touchdown throw to Greg Little in a 7 on 7 drill.
Running back Trent Richardson (shin), safety T.J. Ward (hamstring) running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring), offensive linemen Ryan Miller (concussion), Chris Faulk (knee) and Oniel Cousins (sprained ankle), cornerback Trevin Wade (undisclosed) and fullback Brock Bolen (calf) did not practice Friday.
Up Next – The Browns will practice Saturday down at FirstEnergy Stadium in full pads as the team hosts it’s annual ‘Family Night’ at 6:30 p.m. Gates open for fans at 5:30. The practice will be followed by a special lazer and fireworks show.
http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2013/08/02...d.cbslocal.com
Thank you for posting these everyday, Pdawg. Very convenient.
j/c
Browns pass rush looks improved with rookie Mingo in mix
There's no fan more loyal than a Browns fan in the NFL. Granted they are frustrated by all the losing and the constant turnover on the coaching staff, but as usual they come to camp in droves excited that this could be the year things get turned around.
I sat down with CEO Joe Banner, head coach Rob Chudzinski, QB Brandon Weeden, LB D'Qwell Jackson, rookie LB Barkevious Mingo, OT Joe Thomas and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who was visitin ever attempted a kick of 50 yards or more and only had three touchbacks in 44 kickoffs. Josh Cribbs was a very exciting return man and is supposed to be replaced by Travis Benjamin. Benjamin probably has to replace WR Josh Gordon while he serves a two-game suspension.
4. The pass rushers. Banner said building a pass rush was a top priority in the offseason. They hired Ray Horton to install an aggressive pressure defense, acquired Paul Kruger from division opponent Baltimore, drafted Mingo and stood Sheard up in a two-point stance. I will be disappointed if these three men don't generate more than 20 sacks between them.
5. Josh Gordon out first two weeks. Gordon returned to practice while I was in Cleveland and he is simply a beast on offense. He is developing quickly as a premier receiver and reminds me of Brandon Marshall. He caught 50 passes last year in 16 games and with Turner's offense I expect him to catch 65 passes in 14 games this year. He will be used the same way Turner used Michael Irvin in Dallas. While he's serving his suspension look for speedy Travis Benjamin to get the work load.
6. Pressure defense. Jackson is so excited about a pressure defense after years of "bend don't break" read and react packages. Jackson was quick to point out the Browns only blitzed 14 percent of the time on third downs last year and that number is going way up. He realizes every person on the defense will get their shots to sack the QB and he's working overtime to make sure all the young players know this defense well enough to gain the confidence of defensive coordinator Ray Horton.
7. The work horse. Trent Richardson was labeled a disappointment last year by some observers, which I don't understand when you consider he touched the ball 318 times for 1,317 yards and 12 touchdowns. Turner will use Richardson like he used Emmitt Smith back in his Cowboy days. I expect Richardson to get 300 carries, catch 60 passes and crack the 1,500 total yards mark this season.
8. Rookie report. There are only five rookie draft picks on the roster and they may not make as big an impact as some rookie groups around the league. Mingo will play a lot and be a big success in pass situations. CB Leon McFadden is competing for the starting CB job opposite Joe Haden but could start the season as a backup because Buster Skrine and Chris Owens are having a good camp. S Jamoris Slaughter, DT Armonty Bryant and Garrett Gilkey are all backup candidates and maybe even practice squad for one or two of them.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/pat-ki...ie-mingo-in-mixI think taylor is over rated by a lot of people but just to cut him?
I wonder who that reporter was, actually.
That's a rather idiotic comment on his/her part.
I think that Taylor will be extremely effective in this defense, collapsing the pocket with pressure from guy like Kruger, Sheard, and Mingo coming from outside. (not to mention the DEs Bryant and Rubin) He could be a 5 sack NT, when QBs try to escape pressure up inside.
I get more and more excited about the potential of this front 7 as we get closer and closer to the season.
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If you can, please watch where the RB and TE/H-Back are lining up. I would highly doubt that in a practice open to the public, the coaches will give away much of their systems, but it would be interesting to see if we are going to throw in any read option or pistol offensive setups. Thanks...
The tight ends Cameron and Barnidge both got a lot of snaps with the first team. They were lined up tight on the right in the majority of plays, and frequently sent in motion (more than I would have expected). I saw two plays where Cameron was split wide. Marecic only took one snap with the first team, lined up off the right tackle ran a short hook route but it wasn't thrown his way. Smelley didn't practice.
Dion Lewis took all of the first team snaps at rb, and in two back sets Obie was brought in. It sure looks like he's our pseudo fullback. He had a couple nice catches also.....as did Lewis. Lewis is frickin' tiny.
Twice they ran a play with Gordon, Bess and Little all split wide right. Both times it resulted in good yardage with Little and Bess getting the receptions. Little is a workhorse, he was doing drills with the defensive line when the receivers were given a break.
The offense is way behind the defense. Desmond Bryant and Kruger were making themselves at home in the backfield.
None of the qb's looked particularly sharp. They did have a lot of pressure in there face today. Contrary to the above reports, there was a lot of dinking and dunking in the 11on11s. I've seen enough of that the past few years to last a lifetime. They've got some work to do.
Pinkston took all of the first team snaps at RG. Lauvaou played only second team.
Seems like Mack and Taylor have interpersonal issues. A pretty wicked scrum had to be broken up and they had another little spat.
Hardesty and TRich seemed to be enjoying each other's company on the sideline. TJ Ward had on what looked like a goofy fishing hat.
Gordon didn't look any worse for the wear from that knee tendonitis, and made a few good catches. He wasn't slacking in the drills from what I saw.
I think Travis Benjamin is going to see a lot of the field this year. He played on all 3 strings on offense, and participated in kick returns and punt returns. He had one drop today, but more than made up for it with some great snags, even a few over the middle.
Michael Dean Perry was in the house! He looked rather small standing next to Desmond Bryant. I had a hunch he'd be there because he was on WKNR on the way up. Eric Metcalf also did an interview on the radio, but he wasn't at practice.
I didn't know Holmgren was there until I heard it on the radio on the way home.
My son got autographs from DQ, Weeden, Bess, Greco and Gilkey.
I like Greg Little more and more as time goes by ...... he really wants to be great, and is doing everything he can to accomplish that.
Cleveland Browns receiver Greg Little joins defensive linemen to practice hand-combat drills | cleveland.com
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/08/cleveland_browns_receiver_greg_2.htmlBEREA, Ohio – It was a day of unusual sights at Browns training camp Friday.
Former team president Mike Holmgren, who flew from California for the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony, made a surprise appearance at the team facility. CBS broadcaster and Mike Lombardi acquaintance Jim Nantz also was in attendance.
Then there was receiver Greg Little joining defensive linemen for drills on two occasions. Little was slapping tackling dummies and using his elbows, hands and shoulders to repel the blocking attempts of assistant coaches. Is the 220-pounder contemplating a position change?
“I kind of mentioned that to their coach earlier about getting in on a third-and-long and seeing where that goes,” Little deadpanned.
In fact, he was practicing his hand-combat technique – drills most often associated with line play – that he’s using against cornerbacks in press coverage. Little wants to prevent defenders from getting their hands into his body and jamming him at the line.
The idea is to create separation by utilize chops and rapid arm motions to redirect a defender's hands.
“Often times linemen deal with that first initial punch from an offensive linemen and it’s just knocking the hands down and doing the different moves they do to get the offensive lineman’s hands off them,” Little said. “I just gravitated toward them and kept it working.”
Nobody recommended the drills to Little. He simply took the initiative during organized team activities in April. On Friday, Little joined the likes of Phil Taylor and Desmond Bryant on an adjoining field while his fellow receivers worked in special teams’ units.
Entering his third season, Little seems focused on maximizing his practice time. He often stays late to catch footballs propelled from the JUGS machine. The receiver said he’s noticed a difference in challenging cornerback Joe Haden since he began the hand-combat exercises.
“Every time he puts his hands up I am able to anticipate that and that’s due a lot to the work I do with the d-line,” he said.
I'm not too concerned. Richardson said if there were a game this Sunday he'd be able to play.
Thanks for all the reports, guys. It's great reading all of these in one place.
--jfanent, you mentioned the dinking and dunking. Were those designed calls or were the QBs dumping the ball off because of the downfield coverage and/or quick pressure?
--I have to say that Little is really impressing me. I keep reading things about him going the extra mile. I admire and respect that. I hope it pays off for him. Hard work should be rewarded. It sounds like he has really matured. Too bad we never hear of Gordon doing these things. You would think after letting his team down w/the suspension and his previous stumbles that he would be the one doing all he could to improve.
--The Big Show just happened to be driving by? LOL...........Oh, and to bad you were rarely in your "little cubby hole." It's amazing how much money that guy stole from the franchise. I even heard that Junior bought him a house in California and he would go back there during the week----during the actual season. I knew he took vacations to Arizona during the season. What a farce that guy was. And we got guys on a crusade to make Banner look bad.
It's my guess that Banner won't be taking too many vacations. I bet he'll work his tail off.
--TRich sounds like he received a great education at Alabama. Very articulate. LOL........sorry. I agree w/Rish that it's not bad that he is missing a practice, but he sure does seem to get nicked up a lot.
--I think we have two good lines. Sounds like they are really battling out there. That's pretty exciting to think about. I really don't like Taylor. He gives me bad vibes. Seems like a thug. But, the reporter has to be whacked. Totally whacked. I agree w/YTown that he can maybe get a lot of sacks from the NT position, but I do worry about his discipline in the running game. I think you will see teams attacking him and Reubin w/their running attack. When I first heard they were going to a 3-4, I really thought they would put Taylor at DE. I'm just not sure about his discipline.
--I would read too much into Pinkston starting at RG yesterday and at LG the day before other than that the coaching staff thinks that both Grecco and Lavan Man can play back-up center in case Mack ever goes down. I believe that Grecco will start at LG and Lava at RG.
---I really think there are some things to be excited about this year. I really wish we would have played it differently in last year's draft. Weeden, TRich, and Gordon all have potential, but all three scare me. We could have done so, so much better. Provided TRich can stay healthy and Gordon doesn't get suspended again, our overall talent is pretty decent. If we can get Haden to cover the other team's #1 WR all over the field, we can roll our coverage to the second corners side. I'm thinking that there is enough talent to win w/this group..........other than one thing. The QB. Every time I get excited about this team, the QB situation pops back into my head. And it's not like it is just one position. For example, I have my doubts about our TEs. I have my doubts about our FBs. But man, it's the QB. And we all know just how important that position is to your success. I don't know, maybe you guys are right. Maybe the new coaching staff will magically transform him into a good qb. I do remember the last time I had this debate w/posters, though. When The Big Show replaced Mangini, the majority of posters said that Colt would become a very good QB because he would have Holmgren and Shurmur coaching him, rather than Dumball--as many nicknamed him. We saw how that turned out. I do think it will help being in a system that fits him, but I just don't see the huge transformation that most of you see. I pray that I am wrong and you are right.
I know he'd play, he played with broken ribs. It isn't the point I was trying to make. He just can't remain injury free for any type of time.
Is a star RB playing at 70% health ANY better than an average RB playing at 100% health? Probably not, probably get more production from the average back than an injured star back.
It's just everytime I flip open the laptop, there an article about Trent and injured it seems. Yes he was stepped on, freak accident he has no control over - but still can we go a week without hearing about him being/getting hurt? We really need to get him into regular season as close to 100%. Seems like the only way to do that is just to hold him from practicing.
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I wonder who that reporter was, actually.
That's a rather idiotic comment on his/her part.
I think that Taylor will be extremely effective in this defense, collapsing the pocket with pressure from guy like Kruger, Sheard, and Mingo coming from outside. (not to mention the DEs Bryant and Rubin) He could be a 5 sack NT, when QBs try to escape pressure up inside.
I get more and more excited about the potential of this front 7 as we get closer and closer to the season.
It wreaks of Cabot. I'm waiting for a "sources say" article.
Hardesty has been nicked up all offseason as well. For how talented our back field is, we have significant injury concerns. I personally think it was stupid to play Trich last season with our quality backups. Tenacity be damned he looked bad out there at times. Busted ribs might have caused some of his hesitation issues.
I get it with qb's and spots lacking depth..but we were 4 deep at rb last season.
I think he'll be healthy this season. I hope doesnt play hurt again if he isn't.
j/c
It's interesting to me that Aubrey is the backup SS to Ward.
I was hoping that Slaughter could be that guy or that Bademosi would be 2nd team at both safety spots.
Ward, Aubrey, Gipson, Bademosi could make Slaughter the odd man out...or IR him maybe. Perhap's Bademosi's ability to play CB could allow for (5) safeties on the roster. Also interesting that Bademosi's versatility could make a roster spot for another guy.
Gold star, PDawg! Reading all of them. Thanks for the extra.
I can agree with Little. Seems that we should give out a big Thank You to Alonzo Mourning. Seems that ever since he had his sit down discussion with Little late last year, the young man has taken some really positive steps. He reduced his dropping passes later in the year, work hard in the off season, and seems to have a whole new approach to his profession this year compared to last.
Maybe Little can introduce Alonzo to Mr Gordon.....Last year Little was on the verge of losing any fan-base that he had due to his antics and Mr Gordon maybe on the verge of losing his livelihood (is he not gone for a year on his next positive test?)
I hope so!
Norv confident Brandon Weeden will retain the starter job:
Brandon Weeden’s grip on the Browns’ starting quarterback job appears to be tight.
Despite talk when the new regime took over this year that Weeden’s job could be in jeopardy, Weeden has been the No. 1 quarterback in Cleveland throughout the offseason, and offensive coordinator Norv Turner says he sees no reason that would change.
“We’re getting Brandon ready to be the starter,” Turner told the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Turner said backups Jason Campbell and Brian Hoyer have to be ready to play if called upon, but Turner does not expect Weeden to lose the starting job.
“I don’t envision that happening because of the way he’s playing, but we’ve got to go play,” Turner said. “That’s a question more for [coach Rob Chudzinski] than for me, but I think everyone in that locker room understands that we’re committed to playing the guys that give us the best chance to win. Until a guy has started and played at a high level and won, there’s always going to be competition.”
As a first-round pick last year, Weeden had an up-and-down rookie season. He’ll need more up than down to keep the starting job, but the Browns are ready to give him every opportunity.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...e-starting-job/
I don't think there has ever been any doubt that Weeden would start. We have to give him this year to see if he can get it done.
Not really replying to you but yours was the last post to refer to the RB position ... Its curious to me why nobody seems to have much regard for Brandon Jackson when speaking of the Browns' RB's. I thought he produced well when given the chance last season, and has better skills, all around, than either Hardesty or Ogbonnaya. Lewis, I view as a change-of-pace RB, not a feature RB. But still, Jackson was buried in Shurmur's doghouse last year, rarely activated, and I always wondered why. He has the speed to get the corner, enough size to get yards inside, and catches the ball very well. (I couldn't say whether he blocks well.) But he doesn't get much respect or mention, even at ESPN they don't list him on the RB depth chart.
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jfanent, you mentioned the dinking and dunking. Were those designed calls or were the QBs dumping the ball off because of the downfield coverage and/or quick pressure?
It appeared to be designed plays. I spent a lot of time following the wideouts in my camera viewfinder, and it looked like they were decoys....they weren't expecting the ball. One area where Weeden did fairly well is threading the needle on that short stuff. There seemed to be some chemistry there and he knew where the receiver would be. He stood strong in the pocket, but that's pretty easy with a red shirt on.
Campbell reminded me of a bigger, more athletic version of Seneca Wallace. He looks to be in great physical shape. He has some wheels and got away from Mingo a couple times. He also appears to have some accuracy issues.
Hoyer looks like a barely serviceable 3rd string qb.
Grossi was on the radio the other day, commenting on Campbell's arm. He said Campbell appears to have "lost some miles-per-hour off his fastball" - that he didn't have the same strong arm he had coming out of Auburn. Anybody notice how effective he was on his deep throws?
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Hoyer looks like a barely serviceable 3rd string qb.
Reading stuff like this makes me so nervous that Lombardi even has a voice in the room.
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Not really replying to you but yours was the last post to refer to the RB position ... Its curious to me why nobody seems to have much regard for Brandon Jackson when speaking of the Browns' RB's. I thought he produced well when given the chance last season, and has better skills, all around, than either Hardesty or Ogbonnaya. Lewis, I view as a change-of-pace RB, not a feature RB. But still, Jackson was buried in Shurmur's doghouse last year, rarely activated, and I always wondered why. He has the speed to get the corner, enough size to get yards inside, and catches the ball very well. (I couldn't say whether he blocks well.) But he doesn't get much respect or mention, even at ESPN they don't list him on the RB depth chart.
I've always wondered about this as well.
Best I can tell when you start talking about fringe 2nd string guys to 3rd string guys they are fairly interchangeable. Oby was a Shurmur guy. Jackson wasn't. Might be as simple as that.
Now you have an extremely crowded backfield with a first round pick, a second round pick, and Dion Lewis...a Banner guy.
Maybe Jackson is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He was hit and miss. He threw a couple beautiful strikes to Benjamin and Norwood, but he also missed a few and threw a pick. His throws did seem to have plenty of zip on them. He doesn't seem to have the touch Weeden does on the short stuff. Weeden clearly appears to be the best of the 3, and this is significant because he's facing the 1st team D while Cambell is facing the 2's. Then again Weeden gets to throw to Gordon, Little and Bess while Campbell gets Roberson, Norwood and Cooper.
Thanks JF. I really liked Campbell coming out of college. As a pro, he reminded me of Testaverde ... good size, athletic, strong arm (although not in the same league as Vinny's howitzer), but without Vinny's lack of recognition skills - as evidenced by his TD-Int ratio. But for whatever reason, it never happened for him. Then again, Vinny was a late bloomer too.
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I wonder who that reporter was, actually.
That's a rather idiotic comment on his/her part.
I think that Taylor will be extremely effective in this defense, collapsing the pocket with pressure from guy like Kruger, Sheard, and Mingo coming from outside. (not to mention the DEs Bryant and Rubin) He could be a 5 sack NT, when QBs try to escape pressure up inside.
I get more and more excited about the potential of this front 7 as we get closer and closer to the season.
It wreaks of Cabot. I'm waiting for a "sources say" article.
I doubt it. She's usually not negative towards individual players.
I could imagine Grossi saying something like that ...... though not necessarily about Taylor. However, he does shoot from the hip frequently.
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Not really replying to you but yours was the last post to refer to the RB position ... Its curious to me why nobody seems to have much regard for Brandon Jackson when speaking of the Browns' RB's. I thought he produced well when given the chance last season, and has better skills, all around, than either Hardesty or Ogbonnaya. Lewis, I view as a change-of-pace RB, not a feature RB. But still, Jackson was buried in Shurmur's doghouse last year, rarely activated, and I always wondered why. He has the speed to get the corner, enough size to get yards inside, and catches the ball very well. (I couldn't say whether he blocks well.) But he doesn't get much respect or mention, even at ESPN they don't list him on the RB depth chart.
I've always wondered about this as well.
Best I can tell when you start talking about fringe 2nd string guys to 3rd string guys they are fairly interchangeable. Oby was a Shurmur guy. Jackson wasn't. Might be as simple as that.
Now you have an extremely crowded backfield with a first round pick, a second round pick, and Dion Lewis...a Banner guy.
Maybe Jackson is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I'm with you guys on this one too. I've never quite understood how B Jax hasn't got many looks...I was shocked he re-signed with us. Maybe he needed a full year to heal?
I'm guessing he is battling it out with Hardesty now for a roster spot? Could we keep (5) RBs? T Rich, Obi, Lewis, Hardesty, B Jax?
From what I've been reading seeing OGB playing some FB...I could see us keeping an additional RB...that still leaves one man out though for the traditional 3 RBs.
I think that Jackson could be a solid fit in this offense. He can run catch, and block, and this offense requires that a RB be able to do all 3 capably. Maybe he won't make the team, but he's a solid guy to compete for a spot.
j/c...
Within the last few days we have had both Starting LG Greco and Starting RG Lava...take some reps with the 2nd team at Center. Wow...I hope this doesn't mean that there is rough waters in talks with Mack for a long term Contract! 
JMHO
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Within the last few days we have had both Starting LG Greco and Starting RG Lava...take some reps with the 2nd team at Center. Wow...I hope this doesn't mean that there is rough waters in talks with Mack for a long term Contract!
JMHO
I hope so too...maybe this is actually a test to see if one of the backup OLs needs to be a C or not? If so, our options get limited a bit...if not, we have more options.
You know way more about the OL than do I, but it could also be the coaches wanting the G's to better understand the C's job? (You did not need me to tell you that.)
We are not hearing much about anyone other than the top 6 OLs from last year.
I am quite certain that the team just wants to have a plan in place in case of an injury.
Another Pluto article from today's PD:
Terry Pluto's Cleveland Browns Blog: Scribbles from practice: Impressed by Mingo, Norwood, Little, Lewis and Owens | cleveland.com
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf...t_flyout_sportsAfter watching the Browns practice on Thursday and Friday, a few things come to mind:
1. These guys throw the ball a lot...and throw it down field often. It's not always pretty. But you can tell that Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner is determined to have an offense that at least delivers the threat of big passing plays. Yes, that is a difference from the last few years.
2. Brandon Weeden has been up and down. The coaches are pushing him to call the plays quicker and pick a target and fire the ball faster. He's in the shotgun most of the time, a clear comfort zone. But it's a learning process.
3. That said, he's learning a process that is better suited for him.
4. Weeden seems to have developed some chemistry with Greg Little, Jordan Norwood and Davone Bess. It's a pleasure to watch Bess, who knows what he's doing.
5. Norwood is on a mission to make this team, and finds ways to get open. His hands are reliable. He knows that Josh Gordon is suspended for the first two games and David Nelson (recovering from knee surgery) is not consistently able to practice. A roster spot is open, and he's making an early claim on it.
6. Barkevious Mingo is remarkably quick, a big-time athlete. He can get into the backfield. Because coaches are so afraid of injuries, very few practices feature all-out hitting. That really won't happen until the preseason games. We'll know more about Mingo at that point, but early returns are very positive.
7. Not sure if it's the sore ("jumpers") knee or a general funk, but Gordon was unimpressive the two days that I watched him. He broke off a few patterns. I do think the knee is sore, but I'd also like to see a little more excitement about his job.
8. I'm working on a column about Greg Little, and he's been the opposite of Gordon. The guy stays after every practice for more work. Like Norwood, he brings a joy to the game -- and yes, he's been catching the ball.
9. I'm not going to make a big deal about Trent Richardson missing a few practices with a bruised shin. My bottom line on Richardson will be this: "Does he play in the games? And how does he play. Does he show quickness and strength?"
10. Tight end is there for Jordan Cameron to claim as his own. The 6-foot-5, 252-pounder made several leaping catches. I also thought backup tight end Gary Barnidge had some nice moments. It still seems like a very thin position with no real established starter.
11. You can tell Quentin Groves has played in Ray Horton's 3-4 defense before. The veteran linebacker has been making excellent plays and really knows what's expected of him.
12. No matter what you hear, John Greco will start at one guard. The other guard will be Shaun Lauvao or Jason Pinkston. Greco is working at center just to provide some depth. But he's a starter, that's why the Browns extended his contract.
13. Several years ago, I spotted Jerome Harrison in camp and became a fan of wanting to see him in games. That was in his rookie season. My new Harrison is Dion Lewis, the pint-sized back imported from Philadelphia. He's very quick and surprisingly strong.
14. Chris Owens has the clear edge at the other cornerback, well ahead of Leon McFadden and Buster Skrine. The coaches do like Skrine covering slot receivers.
Cleveland Browns safety Johnson Bademosi readies himself for season of significant change
BEREA, Ohio – Johnson Bademosi delivered a crunching hit, an interception and an apology, all within a 10-second span of Wednesday’s practice.
The converted safety saw Brandon Weeden targeting receiver Travis Benjamin near the goal line in a red-zone drill and arrived at the ball in typical Bademosi fashion – full speed, without hesitation. Benjamin might have seen the second-year defender coming. Cornerback Chris Owens certainly did not.
The two defenders collided with Owens crumpling backward like a man who walked into a sliding glass door he didn’t realize was closed. The ball popped into the air and Bademosi grabbed it.
“(Owens) was like, ‘Why did you hit me, Bad?” Bademosi said. “I told him, ‘My fault, I was just playing fast.’”
Browns fans saw lots of thumping from the undrafted free agent a year ago on punt and kickoff coverages. ProFootballFocus.com ranked Bademosi among the NFL’s top-15 special teams cover men in his rookie season.
The new coaching staff is increasing Bademosi’s responsibilities and changing his position this season. They have shifted the Stanford product from cornerback to safety and have ticketed him as a potential kick returner.
Bademosi is on a serious learning curve – he’s never played safety at any level -- yet he welcomes the opportunity to broaden his value to the Browns.
“I’m not where I need to be, but I’m working toward it,” he said. “There’s a lot of things that are hard but that’s never a reason not to do them. This game is hard, life is hard. You have to come out every day and own it.”
It’s that attitude and approach which make Bademosi popular with teammates. Cornerback Joe Haden defines it as a “go hard mentality.”
The 23-year-old likely will reprise his role as a cover man on both special teams’ units and possibly inherit the kick-return duties from Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs, who signed with the Oakland Raiders. Bademosi, who hasn’t fielded kicks since high school, and Buster Skrine are getting lots of training-camp reps.
“I feel like I have good vision and long speed and I can make people miss,” he said.
The big question is whether Bademosi can evolve into something more than a special-teams dynamo. He was notified of his position change in April, a switch he did not anticipate. The 6-foot, 200-pounder sought the counsel of his college coaches and even coaches from the Browns' past regime.
Free safety comes with pre-snap responsibilities of identifying formations and motion and communicating them to teammates. It’s also about taking different angles and making snap decisions as the last line of defense.
There’s a lot of things that are hard but that’s never a reason not to do them. This game is hard, life is hard.
The club is alarmingly inexperienced at the position. The presumptive starter, Tashaun Gipson, who’s nursing a shoulder injury, is a veteran of 377 NFL snaps. The Browns drafted Jamoris Slaughter in the sixth round, but he remains limited in returning from an Achilles tear.
In a pre-training camp interview, defensive coordinator Ray Horton mentioned Bademosi as a candidate to play nickel back. He was guarded in his assessment of the youngster’s conversion to safety.
“He’s one of those players that I’m talking about (who might have) position flexibility,” Horton said. “Can he do multiple things? He’s making good progress, not great progress, good progress of assimilating calls, responsibilities.”
What the Browns don’t doubt is Bademosi’s willingness to learn and his desire to improve. A year ago, former Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown called him the “hardest-working rookie I have ever been around.”
“He is a really, really, really smart kid and he’s puts all of his effort into this game,” Haden said. “That’s one thing you never have to worry about – getting effort from Bad.”
He’s made some plays during the first seven days of camp, intercepting a few passes and getting his hands on others. But playing free safety in a blitzing defense will lead to some challenging moments and uncomfortable Monday morning film sessions.
Bademosi, who made the jump from rugby phenom to football player, believes he’s strong enough mentally to handle hard times.
“With new experiences come ups and downs,” he said. “That’s just how the game goes. It’s how you deal with it that matters.”
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/08/cleveland_browns_safety_johnso.html
Thanks. Appreciate the insight.
I love the Bademosi story and hope he continues to stick and get better.
One thing in that article that scares me....I don't think I want any of our DBs returning kicks or punts.
We are so not-deep at CB and S...and so deep at WR and RB - comparatively anyway. I'd rather we get a WR & RB to handle those duties.
I think Pluto's comments are fairly legit. Most of his points seem to be very realistic.
I wonder why more people aren't praising Little [although he is getting some love] and more specifically, not bashing Gordon?
Gordon should be the one trying to prove something. Can't believe he is getting a free pass from most of you. Let me ask you a question: Is it because you just hate to admit that Heckert ever made a bad move?
Heck, there were hundreds of pages of hate towards K2 when he wrecked a motorcycle. Gordon did drugs. He isn't practicing hard. He's posted a picture of himself w/a pill bottle and a marijuana pipe and a video of him and Little getting drunk.........after he was freaking suspended. Seriously guys, what gives?
I love the attitude and commitment Little is showing. I think that I have posted a few articles about him.
I wasn't crazy about the pick when we drafted him, but he is working on proving me wrong. He has definitely turned it on towards becoming a real pro through and through, and has that drive to be the best that always seems to precede actually becoming one of the best. I love the fact that he works with the DL to improve his hand technique so he can get off the line more effectively. What other WR does that? I love that he is staying after practice damn near every day to work on his craft. (and coming in early, from reports) My hope is that some of this will eventually rub off on Gordon, and that he will follow Little's example and become a true pro as well. Right now I am extremely worried about Gordon's future with this team, and in the NFL.
Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack, a potential free agent next year, says 'I'm really happy here'
By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
on August 03, 2013 at 6:24 PM, updated August 03, 2013 at 6:47 PM
Berea, Ohio – Alex Mack arrived in Cleveland four years ago to a mixed reception, one which had nothing to do with his ability or potential.
Some Browns fans and observers were irked by then-coach Eric Mangini’s decision to trade down twice from the No. 5 spot before grabbing a center with the No. 21 selection. The move to stockpile picks enabled the New York Jets to take Mark Sanchez and Tampa Bay to snatch Josh Freeman.
Passing on two quarterbacks to draft a center has the sex appeal of old-man socks and sandals on the beach.
“I thought it was a great pick,” Mack said, laughing at the memory. “I was really happy. I don’t know what anyone was talking about.”
Four years later, the Browns’ thinking looks fairly sound. The California-Berkeley product has played every offensive down. He made the Pro Bowl in 2010 and was an alternate a year ago. Along with mainstay left tackle Joe Thomas, he anchors an offensive line which is considered one of the team’s few strengths. Mack is also a potential free agent at season’s end.
The 6-4, 311-pounder said Saturday the team has not yet approached him about a contract extension, but that he hopes to remain part of the organization.
“I’m really happy here,” Mack said. “I’ve had great success with (offensive line coach George Warhop) and being with Joe Thomas and this offensive line is what I want. I think I’m a good player and that’s really what my goal was to be.
“At this point in camp, I’m here to work on football stuff. All of that stuff is going to be handled by agents and upstairs people. My goal is to not let that distract me.”
It’s hard to imagine the Browns not extending Mack, 27, who’s entering his prime years. While he was flagged nine times last season, he had another solid campaign, rating among the top-10 centers by Pro Football Focus.com. He also drew praise from perennial Pro Bowl nose tackle Haloti Ngata, of Baltimore, who labeled Mack one of his toughest opponents.
Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz said the fifth-year veteran provides a good role model.
“He’s bringing it every day,” said Schwartz, 24. “At practice, he’s the first guy running the drill, the first guy out there, never takes a play off. It also ties into the stuff he does on the field. We put a lot on him. He’s not just looking at the four guys in front of him, he’s seeing the whole defense. His preparation and hard work allows him to see everything.”
Mack’s tenacity has been on display in recent days as he’s sparred with nose tackle Phil Taylor. They had dust-ups in consecutive practices.
“It’s camp, people are trying hard all the time,” Mack said smiling. “Things get chippy sometimes.”
The offensive line supplies continuity in an organization that lacks it on many levels. Mack appreciates the team’s decision to retain Warhop, who was hired the year the Browns drafted him.
The linemen offered quarterback Brandon Weeden good protection last season. If they can improve in the run game – a healthy Trent Richardson should help – the Browns could evolve into one of the league’s better offensive fronts.
“We have a lot of potential,” Mack said. “We’ve been together and we’ve had the same line coach for a while now. There’s so much teamwork involved and when you’ve been around the people and know the system it’s only going to make you better.”
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/08/cleveland_browns_center_alex_m_6.html
Browns Camp Notebook: Day 9
By DARYL RUITER, 92.3 The Fan Browns Beat Reporter
Head coach Rob Chudzinski plans to work running back Trent Richardson back into practice starting on Monday.
Richardson sat out Saturday night’s ‘Family Night” practice at First Energy Stadium and the team has the day off Sunday.
Richardson was kicked in the right shin – the same one he strained a muscle in toward the end of OTA’s which sidelined him through the June minicamp – on Thursday.
Chudzinski hasn’t decided if Richardson will play in the preseason opener against the St. Louis Rams.
“I have not,” Chudzinski said. “We’re going to work him back into practice on Monday and we’ll go from there.”
Little Hero – 5-year old Ryan Encinias 5 of Cuyahoga Falls scored a 50-yard touchdown to end Saturday night’s practice at First Energy Stadium.
“That was cool,” quarterback Brandon Weeden said. “When Chud told us we were going to do that in team meetings, I was pumped about it. That was a cool deal. The kid is five years old and he’s been through a lot. I do a lot of stuff back home with Children’s Hospital, so every time something like that happens, it brings a lump to your throat.”
Coach Chudzinski’s son, Kaelan came up with the idea to have Ryan suit up and score.
At 2-years old, Ryan and his family visited the doctor after treating him for what they thought was a cold when he was diagnosed with a tumor on his left lung. For the next 6 weeks, Ryan stayed at the hospital, where he received a breathing tube, chemotherapy and radiation.
“This is one of the highest highs we’ve had during this entire ordeal,” Robert Encinias, Ryan’s father, said. “To see him out there running with the Cleveland Browns is one of the greatest experiences of our lives.”
Ryan has been 2-years in remission and will celebrate his 6th birthday in October. The entire team led by Craig Robertson and Trent Richardson helped escort him to the west end zone.
“It just means a lot,” linebacker Barkevious Mingo said. “He couldn’t do the things he wanted to do growing up, but to have this moment in front of these fans in this stadium, I’m getting chills right now. I’m sure it meant a lot to that little kid.”
Kick Off – Brandon Bogotay and Shayne Grahm went at it in another round of dueling kickers to start Saturday night’s session.
“We’ve been trying to put them in situations like that in practice and then being able to do that in the stadium, the dueling kicks theme we’ve had every other day in some form or fashion,” Chudzinski said. “We’re trying to put them in those situations to put that pressure on them. Obviously coming down here to the stadium in front of the fans was a good opportunity for them as well.”
Bogatay, who kicked towards the west uprights, went a perfect 6-6 – including a 53-yard try while Grahm, who kicked towards the dawg pound, went 5-6 – missing short and wide left from 53.
Chudzinski isn’t sure how he’ll divide the kicks in the preseason but hopes to have that ironed out by Monday.
“You want to make sure they get enough kicks,” Chudzinski said. “That’s the key. Sometimes you either lay out a plan in terms of one guy one quarter or a half. You have to be careful because the opportunities don’t come up. We’ll lay out a plan to make sure they get the opportunities. It might be one game, it might be so many kicks in a game and carries over into the next game, but we’ll make sure they get the opportunities.”
Roster Move – The Browns re-signed offensive lineman Dominic Alford and waived linebacker Adrian Moten.
Alford, a 6-3, 320-pound offensive lineman, was originally signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2011 and spent the entire season on the practice squad. Alford spent the final 4 weeks of the 2012 season on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
Alford was with Browns during the 2013 offseason after signing with the team on Feb. 6 before being waived on July 24.
Injuries – Running back Trent Richardson (shin), receiver David Nelson, safety T.J. Ward (hamstring) running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring), offensive linemen Ryan Miller (concussion), Chris Faulk (knee) and Oniel Cousins (sprained ankle), cornerback Trevin Wade (general tightness) and fullbacks Brock Bolen (calf) and Brad Smelley (undisclosed) did not practice Saturday.
Up Next – The Browns will not practice Sunday. They return to the field Monday at 4 p.m. in Berea.
http://cleveland.cbslocal.com
Browns give 5-year-old boy the memory of a lifetime in front of 24,131 fans
Aug 03, 2013 -- 10:05pm
By Tony Grossi
Observations, notes, quotes and some facts on Day 9 of Browns training camp …
* An announced crowd of 24,131 showed up for the annual Family Night practice – the first real football event in newly renamed FirstEnergy Stadium of the new Browns’ regime.
The Browns executed a lot of team drills, including a new installation with the offense backed up to the end zone, and the kickers took turns on a summer night belting kickoffs into the end zones.
But the real highlight came at the end when the Browns gave a 5-year-old recovering cancer patient the chance to score a touchdown.
After all the drills were over, a video told the story of Ryan Encinas of Cuyahoga Falls, who was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 2. He spent six weeks in a hospital undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Encinas celebrated two years in remission on Friday. He visited Browns camp that day. Through the Littlest Heroes program, which supports families with young cancer patients, the Browns arranged to give Encinas the thrill of a lifetime.
Encinas ran onto the field in full Browns uniform with the first-team offense. He was handed the ball by Brandon Weeden and was guided through a 50-yard touchdown run. The idea was hatched by coach Rob Chudzinski’s son, Kaelen, who saw Nebraska do something similar at its spring game.
“When Chud told us we were going to do that in team meetings, I was pumped about it,” Weeden said. “That was a cool deal. The kid is five years old and he's been through a lot.”
Rookie linebacker Barkevious Mingo said, “He couldn’t do the things he wanted to do growing up, but to have this moment in front of these fans in this stadium, I’m getting chills right now. I’m sure it meant a lot to that little kid.
In an upset, referee Ed Hochuli, officiating on the play, did not throw a flag for too many men on the field.
* A source during the practice said that running back Trent Richardson, who sat out his second practice in a row after a kick in the right shin, will be held out for the exhibition home opener against the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night.
Afterwards, Chudzinski said that a decision has not been made.
“We’re going to work him back into practice on Monday and go from there,” he said.
The source said that the plan is to gear up Richardson for the second game against Detroit Aug. 15, which also is at home.
* The Browns were pleased with the turnout of 24,131 to the free practice. A fireworks and laser show concluded the evening. The Browns said attendance at Family Night last year was 19,412 and 12,354 in 2011.
Earlier in the week, offensive tackle Joe Thomas disclosed his career dream is to have a home playoff game in Cleveland before his career is over.
"Oh, man, this place would be electric,” Weeden said. “I would not want to come here as a visitor. I was talking to (Cleveland native Brian) Hoyer about it the other day. I said, man, if we can win some games this place right here will be one of the most electric atmospheres in the league. The Dawg Pound and everybody else, it's great to begin with, and if we win some games the roof will blow off this thing."
* Most of the fan “enhancements” won’t be in effect until the Thursday exhibition opener, but President Alec Scheiner was pleased with one thing on Saturday.
“Cell service is working. I can retire now," Scheiner joked.
* With a new security company in place, there are going to be glitches early on. Owner Jimmy Haslam was stopped from entering the field because he was not wearing the proper wrist band credential. “I don’t need one,” Haslam said.
* Weeden threw the ball well in individual and team drills. Receiver Josh Gordon was not at his best, however, dropping three balls and being the intended receiver on an interception by Joe Haden. There were a few boos after the third drop. Gordon had two receptions before the end of the night.
* The defense seemed energized by the crowd and vice versa. Haden’s interception revved up the fans. Later, D’Qwell Jackson had a virtual sack of Weeden on one coordinator Ray Horton’s famed cross blitzes inside.
“We had the fans on our side this practice and it just energized the team,” said Mingo. “We played faster, we had fun out here. We had fun showing it in front of the fans.”
Chudzinski said, “Defenses typically are ahead of offenses this time of year. We haven’t gotten to the point where the offense is clicking, but it will come.”
http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&post_id=20631
Is Brandon Weeden growing as Cleveland Browns QB? Hey, Mary Kay!
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
on August 03, 2013 at 10:05 PM, updated August 03, 2013 at 10:06 PM
Hey, Mary Kay: With the first week of training camp done, how has Brandon Weeden looked so far? Does he seem to be more confident and in command of this offense? -- Paul Vocca, Cottonwood, Ariz.
Hey, Paul: Weeden has had his ups and downs in camp but is making steady progress. He's made some tremendous passes, but it also getting a few batted down and picked off. His footwork is quicker and the ball is coming out with great velocity, but the offense is new and the defense is giving him multiple looks. At times, his decision-making could be quicker, and they're constantly working with him on that. Jason Campbell is still clearly No. 2, but has an edge in quicker decisions and consistency.
Hey, Mary Kay: How is Michael Edwards, number 86 doing? -- Mary Cornellison, Glendora, Calif.
Hey, Mary: Edwards, a rookie free agent wideout from Texas-El Paso, is sure-handed and has been impressive. Working mostly with the third team, he gets open and catches almost everything. He'll probably be a candidate for the practice squad.
Hey, Mary Kay: Is there a chance Monterio Hardesty doesn't make the team? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland
Hey, Angelo: Hardesty is suffering from a hamstring tendon injury, which isn't helping his case. There's great competition at the running back position, and Hardesty needs to be on the field to fight for a spot. The Browns really like Dion Lewis, Chris Ogbonnaya and Brandon Jackson.
Hey, Mary Kay: Is this the year we can at least get a split from our division rivals and go 3-3 instead of 0-6 or 1-5? And when are the new uniforms coming? -- Tim Frank, Delaware, Ohio
Hey, Tim: I think the Browns will give their AFC foes some better battles this year, especially with their relentless pass rush. I think Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger and Andy Dalton will get all they can handle from Paul Kruger, Jabaal Sheard, Desmond Bryant and Barkevious Mingo. 3-3 in the division isn't out of the question as long as the offense can keep pace.
Hey, Mary Kay: We've seen so many different predictions about Brandon Weeden. I'm sure that Chud's system will be a better fit for Weeds, but based off of what you've seen so far, how much better do you think Weeden will be? Do you think he will speed up his game? It's hard watching these Cleveland quarterbacks look so indecisive. -- Sarah Wilson, Denver
Hey, Sarah: We won't have a clear picture of how much better Weeden will be until we see him in some preseason games with at least some bona fide pass rush. The system suits him, but he still has to be more accurate on the deep ball. Sometimes he overthrows the deep pass, which can be a strength if he reins it in. His quicker footwork looks good. Right now, he's thinking a split-second too long, but that should improve through the preseason.
Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think making the defense at training camp tougher, faster and more complex will help Brandon Weeden's progression in reading defenses better and get him more comfortable for the tough AFC north defenses he will be seeing? -- TheBrownHound, Hampton, Va.
Hey, TheBrownHound: Absolutely! Weeden is seeing a ton of multiple looks from Ray Horton's attacking defense and it's helping him get ready for Dick LeBeau's Blitzburgh defense and Baltimore's vaunted unit. He never knows where the pressure is coming from and what kind of front he'll be facing. It doesn't always look pretty in camp, but if he can throw touchdowns against Paul Kruger, Jabaal Sheard and Barkevious Mingo, he'll be better prepared for Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs.
Hey, Mary Kay: What are the chances the Browns keep a FB? And what are the chances the Browns keep two kickers? -- Nathanael Ressler, Mount Vernon, Ill.
Hey, Nathanael: I think former fourth-round pick Owen Marecic is on the bubble, but Chris Ogbonnaya can play fullback if needed. The Browns also recently signed fourth-year fullback Brock Bolen for a look. They'll keep their eyes on the waiver wire. I don't think they'll keep two kickers. If veteran Shayne Graham and rookie Brandon Bogotay are even, I think you have to go with the rookie so he can grow with the team.
Hey, Mary Kay: A lot has been made of the new regime's panning of our 2012 draft picks in the first round and the supplemental draft. What would they have done differently? I liked all three picks myself. -- Bob Mercer, Toledo
Hey, Bob: They might've gone with cornerback Morris Claiborne at No. 4 in 2012, or perhaps traded down. They might've bid a fourth-round pick for Josh Gordon, but not a second. I doubt they would've drafted Weeden at all, based on Mike Lombardi's pre- and post-draft evaluation. They might've signed a veteran quarterback last year to get them through until they could solve the problem effectively.
Hey, Mary Kay: How is Jordan Cameron doing? -- Carter Hall, Cleveland
Hey, Carter: Cameron is gettin the ball early and often in camp, and is making good progress. But when it comes to fighting defensive backs or linebackers for the ball, he's losing too many of those battles. But the coaches like him, and plan to feature him plenty in the new scheme.
http://www.cleveland.com
I wonder why more people aren't praising Little [although he is getting some love] and more specifically, not bashing Gordon? Gordon should be the one trying to prove something. Can't believe he is getting a free pass from most of you. Let me ask you a question: Is it because you just hate to admit that Heckert ever made a bad move?
Who is giving Gordon a free pass? Just because most are tired of even talking about the guy doesnt mean we are all building statues to the great and powerful Gordon. I think most have chosen to talk about the positives of camp instead of whining like a school girl over because no one is beating a dead horse.
I am sure glad you are here to tell all of us dumbasses how to post on a message board. Thank the great savior versatile.
Man, really hard not to like what Little to doing, and continuing to do, as a pro. This is what gives me hope for Gordon. Gordon can't NOT take notice of what Little is doing. If Gordon can't or won't turn it around with Little being the pro that he is, well then I guess it was never meant to be.
I really hope and pray that Little is a good influence on Gordon ... and that Gordon is not a bad influence on Little.
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I really hope and pray that Little is a good influence on Gordon ... and that Gordon is not a bad influence on Little.
I'm with you there, YTown. From all of the reports coming in about Little, I'm confident that we have a developing leader in that WR corps. I hope the same as you that Gordon latches on to Little's work ethic. I have a feeling that Gordon isn't going to fair well this season and will be at a similar cross roads that Little was in last year. It will be interesting to see if Gordon decides to put forth the effort or we end up with another Braylon Edwards, a lot of talent but jacked up between the ears.
J/C
I am not even worried about Gordon. Either he makes it or he doesn't.
I think we have some good receivers without him.
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Who is giving Gordon a free pass? Just because most are tired of even talking about the guy doesnt mean we are all building statues to the great and powerful Gordon. I think most have chosen to talk about the positives of camp instead of whining like a school girl over because no one is beating a dead horse.
I am sure glad you are here to tell all of us dumbasses how to post on a message board. Thank the great savior versatile.
And the clique speaks again.
More insults. More name-calling. And not a thing will be done about it. All you tough guys would NEVER call me a whining school girl to my face. I am not whining and I am not asking anyone to bow down. It was a legit question. Don't look for me to come to you for permission on what I can post, tough guy.
Thanks for the articles, guys.
--I thought it was classy to let the little kid come on the field and run for a TD.
--Nice sized crowd for Family Fun Night.
--I think the defense is going to energize the stadium this year. They crowd and the D will feed off of each other, like the author mentioned. It could be very exciting.
---Gordon was booed. Good, maybe he'll get his head out of his butt.
--It bothers me when I read Weeden is still over throwing guys and is indecisive w/the ball. I thought that not being able to read coverages was his biggest weakness last year. If that doesn't improve, he will stink.
--I forgot that Little was working on the Jugs machine after practice every day. Gotta add that to the list of his positives.
--Glad to hear that Weeden is staying after practice w/Little. I never heard of him doing that last year. It's nice that he is working hard.
--TRich probably won't play in the preseason opener. Last year many posters kept saying his injuries weren't a concern. Then, after a disappointing rookie season, they used his injuries as an excuse. Now, they are not a concern again. LOL
--I like Mack's attitude in regards to his contract situation. He said he isn't going to let it distract him. Good philosophy. I hope we give him a fair deal. There is a lot to be said for continuity on the OL.
--I am hoping this Bogotay kid wins the kicking battle. Sounds like he is doing a little better, but it's hard to say for sure.
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I really hope and pray that Little is a good influence on Gordon ... and that Gordon is not a bad influence on Little.
Hearing all Greg Little's interviews, I don't think anything can penetrate that mindset he has. He seems 100% focused. His attitude should drip upon Gordon, but the question is - is that enough to influence Gordon?
Gordon may need to be chained in a room where it has one TV that plays nothing but Dr. Phil and Oprah Winfrey. And of course, be locked in with Tim Tebow as a roomate 
I have been saying since we drafted Little he is a TO clone and that is becoming more and more true everyday. The kid has a tireless work ethic and a desire to be great. He wants his star and is going out to get it.
Gordon worked out with Little in the offseason and it really showed when he came to camp. He looked like he stole someone's body in the offseason, then the suspension came and he has either been hurt or pouting since or possibly a combination of both.
I think Little has probably done all he can do with Gordon but Weeden could be a difference. QB needs to be the leader and not just a cheerleader. Right now if you ask me who are the leaders on this team, Joe T, Trich, DQ, Rubin and I would say Little, Robertson and Bademosi are your leaders by example. I dont see any of our quarterbacks on that list and that is a concern.
Funny, we were just talking about Brandon Jackson yesterday, and Terry Pluto writes about him and other RB's today. Here's a blurb from today's Pluto column:About the running backs ... 1. Dion Lewis has made a major impression. Acquired from Philadelphia, Lewis has looked quick and shown he can catch passes. His roster spot behind starter Trent Richardson seems secure.
2. The interesting battle is between Brandon Jackson and Montario Hardesty. It seemed strange when the new front office brought back Jackson after he carried the ball only eight times in two years. Jackson signed a 2-year contract in 2011 and missed his first season with a foot injury. Last season, the coaching staff wrote him off -- he was inactive 14 of 16 games.
3. Jackson is quietly having a strong camp. It wouldn't be a shock if he knocked Hardesty off the roster. This staff remembers that Jackson rushed for 703 yards and caught 43 passes for the Super Bowl Packers in 2010. They view him as a solid, experienced back.
4. Then there's Hardesty, in his fourth year with the Browns. There have been knee problems and other injuries. In the last two years, he has gained 537 yards (3.5 average). He has 16 receptions, but he's also dropped six passes. To be fair, four were in one game. But the fact is this offense requires a back to catch the ball -- and that's not Hardesty's strength.
5. With a $575,000 non-guaranteed contract, it's easy to see why Hardesty is in a vulnerable spot -- unless someone is hurt. He has missed some practices with hamstring issues, bringing up the question of his durability.
6. Jackson is only 27. He signed a non-guaranteed contract worth $715,000. As of now, it appears the three backs will be Richardson, Lewis and Jackson.
7. What about Chris Ogbonnaya? The coaches love this guy, because he can play either running back spot and he excels on special teams. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has talked about the 6-foot, 220-pounder playing a fair amount of fullback. That's another reason Hardesty appears in trouble. In his NFL career, Ogbonnaya has run for 420 yards (4.4 average) and caught 48 passes.
Read more at:
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf/2013/08/terry_plutos_talkin_about_bein.html
It's looking more and more like Hardesty won't be around this year. Honestly when he is healthy I think he's a good runner ... but that is a rarity. I can see him getting picked up by a team in need of a backup RB ... and I can see him being successful.
I wonder if Haslam's strong ties with U Tenn will affect the decision re: Hardesty at all. I hope not.
That maybe the case...but, the pieces that we will have here will be more valuable. Even if he leaves and is successful, he wouldn't have been as successful here as the guys we'll keep.
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It's looking more and more like Hardesty won't be around this year. Honestly when he is healthy I think he's a good runner ... but that is a rarity. I can see him getting picked up by a team in need of a backup RB ... and I can see him being successful.
Frankly, I hope that we can showcase him and manage to trade him to a team with a dire need for a RB if he's not going to be in our plans. Even a 5th, 6th, or 7th round pick would be better than just cutting a guy loose.
thank for the report were you a reporter ?
Why would I be a reporter?
I just posted an article written by a real reporter.
just a complement keep up the reports live or otherwise.
unless he can take Bulaga's place...
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unless he can take Bulaga's place...
You just know that's got to hurt GB big time...