May 24, 2013

NFL News: Browns acquire RB Miguel Maysonet, waive Jamaine Cook

May 21, 2013 by 5 Comments

The Cleveland Browns today were awarded running back Miguel Maysonet off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Maysonet was originally signed by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2013. He spent three seasons at Stony Brook University (2010-12) after transferring from Hofstra University (2009). While at Stony Brook, he was a two-time Big South Conference Offensive Player of the Year and totaled 4,725 career rushing yards on 695 carries (6.8 average) with 48 touchdowns.

As a senior, Maysonet rushed for 1,964 yards and 21 touchdowns. Born December 13, 1989, the 5-10, 210-pound Maysonet is a native of Riverhead New York, where he attended Riverhead High School.

In addition, the club waived running back Jamaine Cook.

[Related: Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden and what it all could mean]

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Author Eric Simons on Cleveland sports fans and his book “The Secret Lives of Sports Fans” – WFNY Podcast – 2013-05-16

May 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Screen Shot 2013-05-16 at 9.04.53 PMAn author from the Bay Area named Eric Simons (pronounced SIMMONS I screwed up!) wrote a book about sports fans and their psychology. Naturally, desiring a unique subject to study, he scoured the Internet and came across WFNY’s own resident head case TD. Eric’s book is called The Secret Lives of Sports Fans and it attempts to answer a lot of questions about how sports fans are the way they are. There’s some science and plenty of interesting stories including some about TD. I talked to him about his book and other topics for a bit.

  • Why do sports make me feel so angry all the time?

  • The physical reflexes we get when we actually watch sports

  • Mirror neurons in the motor cortex

  • MMA and why we dodge punches while watching a sport

  • There are a lot of different ways to like sports

  • Cleveland is a really good case study for sports fans anchoring to local teams

  • People’s brains get confused about who the action is happening to

  • Expectations and what it does to your brain

  • Is this going to feel like a science book?

  • Getting a word in edgewise with TD

  • The sense that Cleveland is the best or worst sports city in America [Read more...]

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NFL News: Browns sign Cleveland-native Brian Hoyer to two-year deal

May 16, 2013 by 10 Comments

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly inked a two-year contract with quarterback Brian Hoyer according to Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio.

Hoyer was released by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week, immediately leading to speculation that the Browns would attempt to scoop up the 27-year old due to a longstanding link between the player and Browns general manager Mike Lombardi. When Lombardi was a member of the media and Hoyer was a member of the New England Patriots, the newly hired executive consistently spoke highly of the Cleveland, Ohio native.

Graduating from St. Ignatius, Hoyer took his talents to Michigan State where he would then go undrafted in 2009. He has since had stints with the Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cardinals. Hoyer got the first start of his NFL career in a Week 17 loss to the 49ers last season. With Brandon Weeden all but locked in as the starter, e is expected to compete with Jason Campbell for the Browns’ backup job heading into Week 1. This signing will likely spell the end of Thaddeus Lewis, a holdover from the Pat Shurmur era in Cleveland.

[Related: In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense]

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Brandon Weeden opens Browns OTAs as No. 1 quarterback

May 16, 2013 by 12 Comments

Despite various attempts to suggest the contrary, Brandon Weeden has opened Cleveland Browns Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as the starting quarterback.

ESPN Clevland’s Tony Grossi reports that Weeden, while he may have merely been given the job due to a lack of serious alternatives and could very well be on a one-year audition, is firmly running with the first team while Jason Campbell and Thad Lewis are second and third, respectively.

“The Chudzinski-Turner offense – a vertical passing game played off a power running game – would seem to be an ideal change for a team that invested first-round draft picks last year in Weeden and Trent Richardson,” writes Grossi.

Earlier this week on WKNR’s Cleveland Browns Daily , Weeden said to host Vic Carucci, “I looked at (receiver) Greg Little walking in and said, ‘What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘This is fun.’ That’s what we want. We want to go out and have fun. Usually as a receiver and a quarterback, that’s dropping back and slinging it around a little bit. That’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna throw the football down the field. We’ve got guys that can go get it. It’s fun to come to work every day.”

With the Browns adding slot recievers Davone Bess and David Nelson, they are giving Weeden the weapons they feel he needs to flourish in an offense that arguably suits his skill set better than the one employed by former head coach Pat Shurmur.

In 2012, the strong-armed Weeden threw for nearly 3,400 yards, but did so with a passer rating of 72.6 with an average of 6.55 yards per attempt. He has been working out for the large part of the offseason, including private work with former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke.

[Related: In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense]

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While We’re Waiting…Browns rookie camp, Fixing Ubaldo, and Hurricane Reynolds

May 12, 2013 by 3 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

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Dawgs by Nature breaks down day 2 of Browns rookie mini camp.

“More Miraculous Mingo: Other than the fact that he looks like he could add some weight, the early reviews for Barkevious Mingo continued to be positive on Day 2. Some of the media reviews included, “he flew through the drills, showing impressive change of direction” and “he is very quick and fly’s throughout whatever obstacle he is working against.” [Pokorny/Dawgs by Nature] [Read more...]

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Browns sign undrafted FA RB Robbie Rouse

May 11, 2013 by 5 Comments

The Cleveland Browns today added their second undrafted free agent running back to camp by signing Robbie Rouse out of Fresno State. Rouse becomes the 19th undrafted free agent signed by the Browns.

“The Cleveland Browns today signed running back Robbie Rouse as an undrafted free agent, the club announced.

A four-year letterman at Fresno State University (2009-12), Rouse started 26 of the 50 games in which he appeared. He finished as Fresno State’s all-time career rushing leader with 4,647 yards, while adding 37 rushing touchdowns, 110 receptions and 794 receiving yards. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his final three seasons and totaled 21 career 100-yard rushing performances. Born February 5, 1991, the 5-6, 190-pound Rouse is a native of San Diego, California, where he attended Madison High School.”

The Browns depth chart at runningback is a full one with Trent Richardson, Montario Hardesty, the newly acquired Dion Lewis, and Chris Ogbonnaya all on the roster.

The team conducted it’s second day of rookie mini camp on Saturday, with the final day of the three day camp concluding on Sunday.

[Related: New receivers Bess and Nelson add experience, reliability to the slot]

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Browns receiving corps ranked fourth in their division by Jamison Hensley

May 8, 2013 by 25 Comments

Jamison Hensley of ESPN is ranking all the position groups in the AFC North and he has decided where they all fall when it comes to receivers. The Cleveland Browns, despite a recent trade for Devone Bess and despite the exit of Anquan Boldin from Baltimore, are last in Hensley’s mind. The Steelers take the top spot and the Bengals with the league’s very best receiver, A.J. Green, finish second.

The Browns feel more comfortable with their receivers after watching what Josh Gordon and Greg Little did last season. But you don’t know if Cleveland’s top two receivers are going to reach their potential this season because they have a combined three seasons of NFL experience. Gordon flashed big-play ability and Little showed signs of developing into a complementary No. 2 target. The Browns have more established depth than the Ravens after trading for Davone Bess and signing David Nelson. Bess will prove valuable on third down. Travis Benjamin provides speed on the outside. This group will be even better next season.

There’s no doubting that the Browns receivers have a lot to prove, but it still seems a little bit odd that the Ravens could be ranked ahead of them without Anquan Boldin. Torrey Smith is a dynamic, young receiver who I definitely think is on an upward career arc, but he’s only entering his third season in the NFL. He’s caught nearly 50 balls in two straight years. He’s covered 841 yards and 855 yards while catching seven and eight TDs. All that being said, he accomplished that playing with Joe Flacco and alongside Anquan Boldin.

We’ll obviously see how it all plays out on the field this year, but Gordon didn’t start the entire season for the Browns and had 50 catches for 805 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie with no established veteran anywhere to be found on the Browns roster. Greg Little added 53 catches for 647 yards and four TDs as he seemed to get over his butter fingers in the second half of the season. The Browns also add Davone Bess who caught 61 balls a year ago for 778 yards from rookie QB Ryan Tannehill.

[Related: Browns thoughts on Armonty Bryant, Jimmy Haslam’s apology and Garrett Gilkey]

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Browns thoughts on Armonty Bryant, Jimmy Haslam’s apology and Garrett Gilkey

May 8, 2013 by 1 Comment

armonty-bryant-mugjpg-487a2f287eb2968bWe’re deep into the off-season now that the draft is over, but that doesn’t mean it’s quiet now in and around the Cleveland Browns. In the case of this week and the things that are happening, quiet would be a relief. So let’s get on with it.

On Armonty Bryant…

Let’s just say that a seventh round draft pick shouldn’t be making noise in the press a week prior to showing up for rookie camp. Armonty Bryant was arrested for driving under the influence. Scott already weighed in wondering aloud where the line should be drawn on character concerns. Terry Pluto also weighed in yesterday indicating that he didn’t think there was any place for a guy like this with his troubles compounding on top of previous troubles that pushed him so very far down the draft board. [Read more...]

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Browns’ Ward listed among PFF’s top 101 players for 2012

May 6, 2013 by 12 Comments

ProFootballFocus has recently released their top 101 players of 2012. While the list is not exactly littered with members of the Cleveland Browns, one of the two to be given a mention is strong safety TJ Ward ((Joe Thomas, “gold standard among pass protecting left tackles,” comes in at 34)). Slotted three spots ahead of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Ward gets love for being one of the more underrated players in the game.

Playing in Cleveland doesn’t always lend itself to having your performances rewarded with nationwide praise. So while you don’t often hear the name of Ward mentioned among the better safeties in the league, don’t think that’s a reflection on what he did in 2012. A real force in the box, Ward is more than just adequate in coverage, allowing just 12 receptions into his coverage all year.

Best Performance: Week 12 versus Pittsburgh, +3.7

Key Stat: Missed just one tackle for every 17.5 he attempted in 2012. That was the second-best number of all safeties.

Over the last two seasons, perhaps due to injuries coupled with poor team play, Ward has drawn some criticism for his difference-making in the passing game. While the number listed above does not indicate how many times the ball was thrown Ward’s way, it is refreshing to see that he only allowed 12 balls to be caught by his man over the course of the season. The missed tackles number is just a bonus.

[Related: Which Browns veteran is most likely to be replaced?]

(h/t MGBode)

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NFL News: Browns’ Chudzinski won’t name starting quarterback

May 3, 2013 by 66 Comments

The Cleveland Browns did not draft a quarterback last weekend, but that has apparently not cemented the starting job for last year’s rookie Brandon Weeden.

In an interview with 92.3 The Fan, Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski said that he expects the recently added Jason Campbell to compete with Weeden for the starting job.

“We’ll just see as we go forward,” said Chudzinski. ”I expect both of these guys to compete. I don’t know any other way.”

Chudzinski added that Weeden’s approach—in the wake of all of the turnover in Berea—has been “outstanding” and that the second-year quarterback has shown solid progress. The team appears to be working on Weeden’s mechanics (the quarterback recently discussed his “patting” of the ball) and speeding up his delivery.

In 2012, Weeden threw for 3,385 yards to go with 14 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, totaling to a quarterback rating of 72.6. Weeden is expected to be in the shotgun exponentially more often this season under Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner than he was in 2012 under Pat Shurmur.

[Related: Michael Lombardi: Two different interviews, one set of answers]

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NFL Free Agency News: OT Winston Justice to visit the Browns

April 29, 2013 by 14 Comments

Veteran offensive tackle Winston Justice will be visiting the Cleveland Browns this week, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Justice was the 39th-overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, smack in the middle of current Browns CEO Joe Banner’s tenure with the team. He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts last off-season where he started at right tackle. After leaving the 2012 season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, Justice’s replacement allowed 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries to current Brown linebacker Paul Kruger. Justice would likely provide depth at the right tackle spot in Cleveland.

Justice is visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday and would conceivably have to leave without signing a contract to make it to Berea.

[Related: WFNY weighs in on the Cleveland Browns’ 2013 draft]

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NFL Rumors: Browns listed as one of six possible landing spots for Tim Tebow

April 29, 2013 by 45 Comments

The Cleveland Browns are considered to be one of the few landing spots for quarterback Tim Tebow.

NFL.com’s Mark Sessler believes that Tebow, recently cut by the New York Jets in the wake of their selection of West Virginia’s Geno Smith this past weekend, believes that Rob Chudzinski‘s offense would make sense for the versatile Tebow if he could get past the hurdle of the cold weather.

“It’s a long way from sunny Florida,” writes Sessler, ”but coach Rob Chudzinski ran an option-fueled offense with the Carolina Panthers; none of Cleveland’s current quarterbacks bring that flavor. The Browns didn’t add a passer in the 2013 NFL Draft and appear married to the idea of giving Brandon Weeden another chance this season, but Tebow would give this young team some flexibility.”

A sideshow of epic proportions, Tebow has been erratic at best since stepping behind center with the Denver Broncos. On the field for just seven percent of the plays run by the New York Jets in 2012, it appears that Tebow‘s days as a passer could be over—many anticipate that he will have to change positions if he is to forge a career in the NFL going forward. This said, Tebow‘s ability to run the read-option offense could land him in a place where quarterback is a position of need.

Through three seasons, Tebow has a completion percentage of 47.9 percent, throwing 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has added 12 touchdowns with his feet, none of which occurred in 2012.

[Related: 2013 NFL Draft – “Did the Browns win or lose?” with Scott Raab – WFNY Podcast]

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NFL Draft: Browns trade 4th round pick to Steelers for 3rd rounder in 2014

April 27, 2013 by 13 Comments

For the first time since 1968 the Browns and Steelers are trade partners. Cleveland traded pick 111 to Pittsburgh for the Steelers’ 3rd round pick in 2014. The Steelers used the pick to select safety Shamarko Thomas out of Syracuse. Pittsburgh was reportedly very high on Thomas who has drawn comparisons to former Colts’ safety Bob Sanders.

While the Browns are in need of a safety, trading a fourth round pick for a third rounder in next year’s draft is a no brainer. Browns C.E.O. Joe Banner has said that all of the team’s holes will not be filled this offseason,  so with no one jumping out at them at pick 111 Banner opted to add an asset for next year.

Let it be noted that the Giants traded up to 110 right ahead of the Browns to select Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib. Cleveland then traded their pick to Pittsburgh. The Browns have been widely rumored to be in the market for a quarterback with Brandon Weeden not receiving the full vote of confidence from the new regime in Berea.

[Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

 

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NFL Draft: Davone Bess to Browns rumors heating back up

April 26, 2013 by 6 Comments

The Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins are continuing their discussion revolving around the trading of wide receiver Davone Bess.

With the first round of the  2013 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, teams are looking to address their needs be they in terms of additional picks or players. NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport reports that the Browns and Dolphins are haggling over what picks would be exchanged in return for the veteran receiver. There is an alleged deadline due to the logistics of getting Bess to Cleveland in the event a deal is indeed consummated.

On Thursday night, the Dolphins traded up to the third-overall spot to land outside linebacker Dion Jordan, a rumored target of the Browns at No. 6. In doing so, the Dolphins lost their second-round selection but still have a second-rounder (54th overall) due to a previous trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The Browns do not have a second-round pick due to selecting wide receiver Josh Gordon in last year’s supplemental draft.

Bess, 27, is scheduled to make $2.6 million in base salary in 2013. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2014. A possession receiver, he had 61 catches for 778 yards and one touchdown last season. Rumor of the Browns’ interest began surfacing earlier this week.

[Related: Adding Mingo adds an identity in Berea]

 

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Cleveland Browns Draft Reset

April 26, 2013 by 36 Comments

Mingo Draft nightWith their first pick in the draft, number six overall, the Cleveland Browns selected OLB/DE Barkevious Mingo. The Browns do not own a second round selection, but do have six draft picks left.

Third round, sixth pick- (68 overall)

Fourth round, seventh pick- (104 overall)

Fifth round, sixth pick- (139 overall)

Fifth round, thirty-first pick- (164 overall)

Sixth round, pick seven- (175 overall)

Seventh round, twenty-first pick- (227 overall)

The second and third rounds will take place tonight, starting at 6:30 pm. Saturday will be the remaining 4 rounds, beginning at noon.

Team needs: CB, S, TE, G, WR, ILB

[Read more...]

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Mingo: A lifelong dream to play for a city that loves football

April 26, 2013 by 8 Comments

I’m very excited. I’m a national football player, it’s a lifelong dream. Now, I get to play for a team and city that loves football. Coming from my visit and sitting with coach Horton, he informed me of the tradition of the organization and how much the fans love their city. It really made me want to play there. [...] My goal is to be starting week one and help win games. That’s what they are bringing me in here for and that’s what I’m committed to doing.

– Cleveland Browns first-round draft selection Barkevious Mingo, via conference call shortly after being selected sixth-overall. Mingo is a highly-athletic edge rusher who will play outside linebacker in the team’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

[Related: Joe Banner and Rob Chudzinski on first round draft pick Barkevious Mingo]

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NFL Draft Rumor: Browns trying to trade up to land Geno Smith

April 25, 2013 by 45 Comments

The winds could be shifting in Berea as the Cleveland Browns are now rumored to be considering a trade up to the third spot in the NFL Draft to select West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith.

Once thought to be in the market to be trading down to acquire an extra draft pick, assumed to be in the second round, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that there is a buzz building which would have the Browns attempting to leapfrog the Philadelphia Eagles to ensure that Smith is available when their helmet is on the clock.

The Eagles are rumored to be enamored with Smith while the Browns are reportedly not sold on Brandon Weeden as their quarterback of the future. The Browns traded up to the third spot in 2012 to draft running back Trent Richardson. Not owning a second-round selection in 2013, a trade up would ensure that the Browns—without a subsequent trade—would not be selecting at all on Friday night as a third-round pick would be needed to make the jump.

ESPN’s Todd McShay recently pegged the Browns with Smith, but doing so via their sixth-overall selection. The Eagles are the former employer of current Browns CEO Joe Banner.

[Related: WFNY Roundtable: Browns draft predictions for the 1st round]

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NFL News: Browns LB Quentin Groves arrested in prostitution sting

April 24, 2013 by 49 Comments

Newly signed Cleveland Browns linebacker Quentin Groves was arrested on charges of soliciting prostitutes, Cleveland Scene’s Vince Grzegorek reports. Groves was caught in a sting run by the Orange and Beachwood police along with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department.

Per Grzegorek, Groves responded to an advertisement and requested “full service” from an officer posing as a prostitute. According to the records, a price was agreed upon during the call before he arrived and nearly $200 was taken as evidence.

The Browns signed Groves to a two-year, $2.8 million contract this past offseason. He and new Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton spent last season together in Arizona where the linebacker was a useful reserve, tallying 46 tackles and four sacks despite starting just seven times. He played in all 16 games in 2012, and has played in no fewer than 15 during his five years in the NFL.

One of 15 men arrested in the sting, Groves’ court date is reportedly set for May 10.

[Related: Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal talks about being a beat writer and the Browns draft]

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Brendan Leister from DraftBrowns.com with some pre-draft knowledge – WFNY Podcast – 2013-04-23

April 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

WFNY Podcast LogoBrendan Leister has been working his tail off since December getting all the draft info together that you can possibly handle at DraftBrowns.com – He shares a little bit with us.

  • Kenny Vaccaro from Texas

  • Tyler Eifert and whether the Browns could take him

  • Dion Jordan and just how good he can be

  • Barkevious Mingo and whether he’ll be a better pass rusher than Jordan

  • Bust potential in the top ten Sharrif Floyd

  • Value later in this draft?

  • Tight end, safety and corners

  • Offensive skill positions and what the Browns might do

  • Andy Dalton and quarterback purgatory

  • Dee Milliner and the injury situation

  • Honey Badger and where you would consider taking him?

Check out this episode [Read more...]

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NFL News: Scott Fujita to retire as a New Orleans Saint

April 22, 2013 by 20 Comments

Scott Fujita’s career in Cleveland went out with a whimper as he missed significant time due to injury, but he apparently wanted to be remembered as a Saint anyway. Fujita reportedly signed a one-day deal with the team that he helped to win a Super Bowl so he could retire there.

In the end, Fujita’s time in Cleveland will be marred by his lack of play due to injury and unfortunately bringing the New Orleans bounty scandal with him. In the end, Fujita was fully exonerated, but it sure did bring an unwanted distraction to the team last year, at least for fans who follow team news all year long.

In the PFT post, Mike Florio talks about what kind of an impact that Fujita can make in his life after football, and even as Fujita wasn’t my favorite Browns player over the last few years, I can’t disagree. Fujita shines in the public eye when dealing with issues. Whether he chooses to move into politics or commentary on TV, he will be served well.

In fact, considering what we’ve seen over the past few years from the higher ups in the NFL Players’ association, it might even be wise to keep Fujita involved as a spokesman for NFL players as a labor group going forward.

[Related: Hooray! NFL Network and ESPN agree not to tip draft picks via Twitter]

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