D’Qwell Jackson | WaitingForNextYear

D’Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong and Eric Barton join Athlete Ally

May 10, 2013 by Scott 7 Comments

Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and former teammates Chris Gocong and Eric Barton have become ambassadors for Athlete Ally, an organization dedicated to ending homophobia in sports, the trio announced via press release on Friday.

Per the release, the addition of these three new Athlete Ally Ambassadors is part of an ongoing effort to empower professional athletes to help make sports a welcoming environment for all. Former Browns linebacker and Athlete Ally Ambassador Scott Fujita directly helped grow the movement in Cleveland with these new additions.

“I believe that everyone should be treated the same,” said Jackson. “That’s my thought as a person and as a teammate. Joining Athlete Ally is my way of letting it be known that I would respect any teammate – gay or straight – it just doesn’t matter.”

Chris Gocong, a member of the Browns for the past two seasons prior to being released earlier this spring, added that Fujita was a “pioneer” in the movement to create an inclusive environment in the NFL. ”I feel it is my duty to help continue that work as the league moves from tolerance to acceptance,” he said. ”I want to support any athlete to feel more comfortable and confident being himself.”

As Athlete Ally Ambassadors, Jackson, Gocong, and Barton join the NFL contingent of Fujita, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Chris Kluwe, Donte Stallworth, and Connor Barwin, as well as tennis greats Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, NBA star Kenneth Faried.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: browns, Chris Gocong, D'Qwell Jackson, NFL News, Scott Fujita

Craig and Rick talk Browns – WFNY Podcast – 2013-03-22

March 22, 2013 by Craig Lyndall 2 Comments

Craig and Rick of Waiting For Next Year discussed the Cleveland Browns’ off-season so far.

Rob Chudzinski and his talk with Mike Florio
Phil Dawson and the Browns communication about his departure
Jordan Cameron and the Browns’ tight end situation
The Cleveland Browns’ signing of former Chicago Bears tight end Kellen Davis
D’Qwell Jackson and his value to the organization
Josh Cribbs and his value going forward
Joe Haden and just how much he’s worth on an extension
The pre “rookie wage scale” draft picks and if they’re in for a rude awakening

Much much more. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Jordan Cameron, Josh Cribbs, Phil Dawson, Rob Chudzinski

Banner Report: The Linebackers

March 4, 2013 by Rick Grayshock 42 Comments

You may remember back in 2010 (you know the last time there was a complete overhaul in Berea) we wanted to give incoming President Mike Holmgren a hand evaluating the roster. We are nothing if not equal opportunity. The Browns have a completely new group in charge this year. Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi, Rob Chudzinski, Norv Turner and Ray Horton take over a 5-11 team. They have plenty of important decisions to make about the roster between now and the 2013 NFL Draft. WFNY wants to offer our assistance with The Banner Position Reports.

Today, we kick things off with a look at the linebacking position. The Browns will be moving from Dick Jauron’s 4-3 to Ray Horton’s 3-4. Due to injuries and Bountygate suspensions, the 2012 linebacking corps was in a constant state of flux. The 2013 Browns will not only require more from the linebackers, but could potentially look like a completely reformed group when it’s all said and done.

What do we have on the roster, and what players might be available to add? Let’s dig in and see.

D’Qwell Jackson’s contract officially fully guaranteed for 2013

February 9, 2013 by Ben 1 Comment

If you were wondering if Browns inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson would survive the move from Dick Jauron’s 4-3 defense to Ray Horton’s 3-4 scheme, wonder no more. Since Jackson – unlike 4-3 defensive end Frostee Rucker – remained on the roster past Wednesday, February 6th, his $3.6 million base salary is fully guaranteed for the upcoming season. If Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi and Rod Chudzinksi didn’t think Jackson would fit in Horton’s multi-front schemes, odds are he would’ve been released before Wednesday’s deadline.

Jackson, who led the AFC in tackles in 2011, was the leader of the Browns defense second leading tackler on the Browns last season (behind corner back Buster Skrine) with 63 total tackles (to go along with 55 assisted). Jackson finished the 2012 season with two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and two picks. His 3.5 sacks placed him fourth on the team. After missing 26 games over the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Jackson bounced back in 2011 and signed a 5 year, $42.5 million ($19 guaranteed) before last season.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: browns, D'Qwell Jackson

D’Qwell Jackson: I wear No. 52 because of Ray Lewis

February 4, 2013 by Scott 14 Comments

When a linebacker comes into the NFL, it’s like a receiver who wants to wear 80 because of Jerry Rice, or a running back who wants to wear 22 because of Emmitt Smith. I always wanted to wear 52 because of Ray Lewis. Ask Patrick Willis why he wears 52. It’s a tribute to the best we’ve ever seen. Just seeing his passion for the game, every game, was enough for me. Anytime I see a player wear number 52, I know that guy has something to him. You can’t wear that number and not be a passionate football player. [...] It hasn’t always been easy because we’ve been losing here in Cleveland. But Ray will say things to me, or maybe send me a text, about how this won’t last forever. A couple of years ago, he said to me, ‘Stay the course. Things are beginning to change. I had to go through the tough times too, to appreciate the great time. You’re going to be part of the change.’ Just what an older player should say to a younger player like me. To me, he’s the best. The game’s not going to be the same without him.

– Cleveland Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson on the impending retirement of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Housed within Peter King’s latest “Monday Morning Quarterback,” Jackson waxes nostalgic of his time in college and initial fear of Lewis’ persona which turned into a desire to play in the AFC North so he could play against Lewis’ Ravens.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: Browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Ray Lewis, Super Bowl

Pluto: The 3-4 Switch And Where Guys Fit

February 3, 2013 by Kirk 10 Comments

Terry Pluto in his Sunday morning’s “Terry’s Pluto’s Talkin’” column, he outlines some of the thoughts from the Browns’ front office about current players and how they may fit into the Browns’ switch to new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4 attack-style defense.

“On the line, the Browns believe Phil Taylor can play over center. He did that at Baylor in a 3-4. Ahytba Rubin played a lot on the line in Eric Mangini’s 3-4 in 2009-10. So he can do the same here.”

This seems to make sense, as hopefully the Browns can find a way to get two playmakers like Taylor and Rubin together on the field as much as possible and maintain some sort of flexibility.

“The new coaching staff loves Billy Wynn as much as the old staff, and believes he can easily be a 3-4 end. They also believe 320-pound John Hughes can add depth at tackle or end.”

With just three defensive lineman in most sets, it’s really going to showcase the team’s depth there, especially with the third and sixth round selections from last year in Hughes and Wynn.

“In the traditional 3-4, the nose tackle is directly over the center and the two ends are lined up against the offensive tackles. In that setup, the guards are free to block the two inside linebackers. That’s why D’Qwell Jackson struggled in the 3-4, compared to being in the middle in the 4-3 and could use his speed because he wasn’t hit on his first step.”

This has long been one of my biggest concerns with the 3-4 switch, neutralizing D’Qwell Jackson as he tries to keep blockers off of him.

“Horton’s 3-4 often has a nose tackle lined up on the shoulder of a center, either right or left. The hope will be that Jackson can “hide” a bit behind a massive player such as the 335-pound Taylor, then make plays. I still wonder if Jackson will be as effective.”

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Ray Horton

Josh Cribbs added to AFC Pro Bowl Roster

January 21, 2013 by Rick Grayshock 5 Comments

Josh Cribbs knew he would be named to the Pro Bowl after the AFC Championship game. He just didn’t know whose place he would be taking.

Cribbs was the first alternate for either Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones (kick returner) and New England’s Matthew Slater (special teamer). With the Ravens’ win over the Patriots, Jacoby Jones will not be participating in the Pro Bowl as he prepares for the Super Bowl. That means Cribbs will become the AFC’s kick returner-

“Cleveland Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs has been named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster, the league announced today. Cribbs replaces Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones on the team.

This marks Cribbs’ third career Pro Bowl selection as he also earned the honor following the 2007 and 2009 seasons as the AFC’s kick returner. He finished fourth in the NFL this year in kickoff return average (27.4) and sixth in punt return average (12.0). He also added nine special teams tackles. Cribbs also became just the sixth player in league history to total 12,000 or more career kick and punt return yards.

Cribbs joins Joe Thomas (tackle) and Phil Dawson (kicker) who were previously named starters on the AFC Pro Bowl squad. With three players selected to the Pro Bowl, this marks the most the Browns have had since the 2009 Pro Bowl when the Browns also had three players named to the team. The 2013 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 27 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and televised by NBC in prime time at 7:00 p.m. ET.”

D’Qwell Jackson was the first alternate to replace Jerod Mayo if the Patriots had won. The loss means Jackson will likely not make the club, unless an injury replacement is needed.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: AFC Pro Bowl, browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Josh Cribbs, NFL Pro Bowl

NFL News: Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson named to the 2013 Pro Bowl

December 26, 2012 by Scott 11 Comments

Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson and offensive tackle Joe Thomas have been named to the 2013 AFC Pro Bowl squad, the league announced today.

In addition, Joshua Cribbs was selected as a first alternative as both a kick return specialist and as a special teamer, D’Qwell Jackson was named a first alternate at inside linebacker and Alex Mack was named a first alternate at center.

“I was happy that Phil and Joe were recognized for having Pro Bowl seasons,” said Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur. “Phil has been one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL throughout his career, and this year he was near-perfect, including many long-range field goals. I believe it is very appropriate that he is getting his due credit after 14 years in the league. Joe has established himself as one of the top left tackles in the game, and he has played at a very high level once again this year. He was a big part of the improvement that I felt we made as an offense.”

Dawson is the first Browns player to be selected to the Pro Bowl as a kicker (Lou Groza was selected as tackle). Dawson’s 96.6 (28 of 29) field goal percentage this season leads the AFC and he is 6 for 6 on field goals from 50 yards or longer, which is tied for the most in the AFC. With 112 points, he extended his team-record to six 100-point seasons in his career. He also set a career-high with 29 touchbacks this season, surpassing his previous best of 12 in 2008. The longest tenured member of the Browns, Dawson owns an 84.2 career field-goal percentage, which ranks first all-time in NFL history among the 25 kickers with 300 or more field goals.

Thomas has been selected to the Pro Bowl in all six of his NFL seasons. He has not missed an offensive snap since joining the Browns as the third overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, starting all 15 contests at left tackle this season. Thomas joins Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown (1958-66) as the only Browns selected to the Pro Bowl in each of their first six seasons in the league. The last Browns player to be named to six consecutive Pro Bowls was Hall of Fame running back Leroy Kelly, who earned the honor for the 1967-72 Pro Bowls. Thomas is one of six Browns to earn Pro Bowl honors six or more times. He joins Richmond Webb (Miami Dolphins, 1991-97 Pro Bowls) as the only NFL offensive linemen to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of their first six seasons since 1970.

The 2013 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 27 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and televised by NBC in prime time at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: Browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Joe Thomas, Joshua Cribbs, NFL News, Phil Dawson

Browns NFL Draft Needs: Guard or Defensive Playmaker?

December 20, 2012 by Jacob Rosen 90 Comments

To keep up the flow of roundtable conversations this week, I bring to you a discussion I’ve had with long-time friend and occasional writer Jordan Marks, who blogs for Dawg Pound Daily. We tackle the major NFL Draft needs of the Browns and a number of prospects that could be a good fit. Let’s hear your take in the comments.

Jacob: Copied below is a lil spreadsheet of some NFL draft big boards — I picked eight different ones. You’ll see the top 19 guys; the clear players that separated themselves from the rest of the pack.

Position breakdown: 1 QB; 1 WR; 5 O-linemen; 2 LB; 2 CB; 4 DT; 4 DE

Video: D’Qwell Jackson Mic’d Up Against Steelers

December 2, 2012 by Kirk 1 Comment

It’s game day, so perhaps you’d like to hear Browns captain and middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson mic’d up in the victory last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The video can be found over at the Browns’ official site.

The Browns take on the Raiders at 4:25 this afternoon in Oakland.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: Browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers

WFNY Podcast – 2012-11-29 – Craig talks Browns with DP

November 29, 2012 by Craig Lyndall 1 Comment

After talking to Denny earlier in the week, I wasn’t satisfied only talking to one former WFNY’er. So, I decided to track down DP to talk about the Browns and their upcoming matchup with the Raiders. We did talk ever so briefly about the NHL lockout because DP writes about the Blue Jackets for SB Nation, but I promise it’s only a few minutes at the beginning. We get into the Browns very quickly.

The Browns vs. the Raiders and how to beat them
Would you trade spots with some of the other teams like the Raiders that are at the bottom of NFL power rankings?
Where are Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and other guys?
Are disappearing players indicative of an overmatched coach?
The Steelers’ fans didn’t like the way they were treated last weekend. Craig and DP weigh in. (Spoiler alert, we’re not sympathetic.)
Tom Heckert and his teaching Browns fans the true value of draft picks.
Is he gone just the same?
And much much more…

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: Brandon Weeden, Browns, Colt McCoy, D'Qwell Jackson, Josh Gordon, Montario Hardesty, Pat Shurmur

Browns’ D’Qwell Jackson named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

November 28, 2012 by Scott 10 Comments

The NFL has announced that Cleveland Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for games played on November 22-26.

Jackson tallied a team-high nine tackles and had a hand in two turnovers as he forced one fumble and recovered another during the team’s 20-14 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium last Sunday. Jackson led the Browns’ defensive unit which limited the Steelers to 242 total net yards, including just 49 rushing, which marked Cleveland’s lowest rushing total allowed since 2003. In total, the Browns defense forced eight turnovers, which were the most by an NFL team since 2001 and the most by the Browns since 1989.

This is the first AFC Defensive Player of the Week award forJackson. He is the first Brown to win AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors since linebacker David Bowens in Week 7 of the 2010 season. Jacksonwas named AFC Defensive Player of the Month in September of 2011.

“I’m not about personal accolades,” said Jackson of the award. “It’s great, don’t get me wrong. I put a lot of pride into what I do and I’m passionate about what I do. I love what I do and I love playing here in the city of Cleveland. It’s all about everyone in this locker room and the coaches. It’s a little bit better when you win games and as you guys know, there have been some rocky years at times. We had a great week last week hopefully we can carry it over to Oakland, get another win and start a streak here.”

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers

D’Qwell Jackson: Poor execution is “tale of the Browns’ season”

November 4, 2012 by Scott 14 Comments

It’s the tale of the season so far: We get so close and we start the week off with so much confidence and, for whatever reason when the game’s on the line, whether it’s defensively or offensively, we can’t seem to make that play. For a while, in the first half, it got out of our hands defensively, but we were able to settle down, make some corrections and adjustments, and were able to play solid second-half football. When the game was on the line and they needed to make a play, [the Baltimore Ravens] made it. It’s that simple. We just couldn’t stop them and they were able to score and win the ballgame.

– Cleveland Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson after his team squandered a fourth-quarter lead to drop yet another game to their division rival Baltimore Ravens, this time 25-15. The Browns defense allowed three touchdowns on the day.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: Baltimore Ravens, browns, D'Qwell Jackson

Bengals vs. Browns 2 – Reader Survey

October 11, 2012 by Craig Lyndall 16 Comments

The Browns and Bengals will be back at it this Sunday, this time in Cleveland. Feels like a long time ago already. Joe Haden’s back. D’Qwell Jackson is practicing today. We’ll see about Ahtyba Rubin, but go ahead and call your collective shot!

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: bengals, Browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Pat Shurmur, Trent Richardson

Pics: What happened on D’Qwell Jackson’s unnecessary roughness penalty?

September 17, 2012 by Craig Lyndall 10 Comments

Editor’s note: Let me just say how much I like D’Qwell Jackson as a player. This is the second post in two days that is seemingly picking on him, and I don’t mean to do that.

There was some mystery surrounding a penalty in which the TV broadcast didn’t do a good job of going back to show you what happened. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was wrapped up and sacked, and then all of a sudden there was an unnecessary roughness call on linebacker D’Qwell Jackson.

What happened was away from the ball.

So that’s what happened. D’Qwell saw an opportunity to put a crushing shot on Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham. Whether the call was just or not, Jackson certainly laid Gresham out, but as you can see it is within the first five yards so contact should be allowed. Not so sure just how much or what kind of contact constitutes a personal foul, but the replacement refs certainly thought it was a problem as Jackson was flagged for fifteen.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: browns, Cincinnati Bengals, D'Qwell Jackson, Jermaine Gresham

Could D’Qwell Jackson’s Hit On Armon Binns Draw Scrutiny?

September 16, 2012 by Craig Lyndall 8 Comments

D’Qwell Jackson put a heck of a pop on Bengals receiver Armon Binns during the second quarter of Sunday’s loss. Binns was attempting to make a catch and Jackson came in and stunned him badly with a shot into the chest. Instant reaction was that Jackson (despite not being penalized) could very well receive a fine for that hit.

Former NFL official and FOX TV employee Mike Pereira disagreed with this assessment via Twitter.

I’ll be the first one to take an expert’s word on things and I do recognize Pereira as an authority to be sure. Even still, I’m not so sure that I totally agree with his conclusion.

The reason that I thought Jackson was going to be under a microscope for the hit is because the player was seemingly defenseless, and it appeared to me that Jackson effectively launched himself in an upward manner into the receiver. Whether or not he led with his helmet is up for debate and I think it might be subject to discipline.

I might be wrong, but I’m trying my best to keep up with the new NFL. We’ll all be better off when we all (players and commentators included) understand the rules completely and totally. And no, I’m not rooting for Jackson to lose money. I’m just looking to understand all the rules as they continue to morph and change.

The NFL used this language to “clarify” the defenseless player rules a year ago.

(b) Prohibited contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture is:
(1) Forcibly hitting the defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, regardless of whether the defensive player also uses his arms to tackle the defenseless player by encircling or grasping him; and
(2) Lowering the head and making forcible contact with the top/crown or forehead/”hairline” parts of the helmet against any part of the defenseless player’s body.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: Armon Binns, browns, Cincinnati Bengals, D'Qwell Jackson, Mike Pereira

Cleveland Browns Game 1: Winners and Losers

September 10, 2012 by Rick Grayshock 40 Comments

Who caught your eye? Did someone stand out? Who blew it? That’s what were interested in this morning. Winners and losers.

The Browns were one-point losers on Sunday. Why does it feel like so much more…

WINNER: The linebackers. Hey, I’ll be the first to stand up and applaud this group, mostly because I thought this was going to be a disaster. Think about this- Robertson, Maiava, Jackson and Maiava combined for 21 tackles, 3 interceptions, a sack and 3 tackles for a loss. Oh, and the Browns only touchdown. In addition, they played the screen game beautifully. Yes, I’m aware that had Fort caught the ball in the end zone, the Browns would have won. But they never would have been in a position to win without Fort and the LB play. Very impressed with what this group did. Cannot overstate this. Like. I would give a gameball to all 4 of them. Ok. Moving on. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: Brandon Weeden, browns, Craig Robertson, D'Qwell Jackson, LJ Fort

Browns Veterans Return, Continue to Praise the Kids

August 20, 2012 by Scott 6 Comments

Greg Little is laying in the end zone. The second-year wide receiver, face up with his legs and arms spread, looks as if he is attempting to make a snow angel on a day when the weather is approximately 80 degrees and sunny. Seconds earlier, he would juke teammate Buster Skrine out of his taped-up cleats with an absolutely disgusting double move, leaving the lightning quick defensive back in his wake for what would be a sure-fire touchdown delievered beautifully from rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden. At least until the ball ricocheted off of Little’s hands, falling to the earth amid a flurry of audible sighs from the crowd in Berea.

Roughly eighty yards west from a sprawled out Little, rookie defensive linemen Billy Winn, John Hughes and Ronnie Cameron are driving the sled before releasing with swim moves and encountering teammates with a half-speed blow. In between the two parties, rookie linebackers James-Michael Johnson and LJ Fort join first-year linebacker Craig Robertson were running drills focusing on lateral quickness.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: Brandon Weeden, browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Frostee Rucker, Greg Little, training camp

D’Qwell Jackson: New Contract is a “Blessing”

February 27, 2012 by Scott 5 Comments

It’s definitely a blessing. As I sit here today, I can remember dating back over a year ago when I didn’t know whether or not I was injured, I was rehabbing, I was doing the necessary things to get myself prepared for an upcoming season and when Coach Holmgren and his staff gave me an opportunity to come back and plays that’s all I needed. I just wanted an opportunity. Now, I sit here, I’ve been through a lot, prepared for and ready to lead this team into a postseason and carry the young guys on this team. [...] It’s just to live within the moment and I’ve got to understand with a contract a lot is expected, and that’s fine as well. Me being here and going into my seventh year, it’s important to lead guys in this locker room. Over the years, we’ve had a lot of guys moving around – young guys – and now we have guys that are in the building for the long haul. Now, we can pass on what we’ve learned over the years and what we’ve been through over the years so we can make that next step.

- Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson who was the recipient of a new five-year contract that will pay him up to $42.5 million. Prior to starting all 16 games in 2011, Jackson had missed the bulk of the two prior seasons due to injury.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: Browns, D'Qwell Jackson

Browns Sign LB D’Qwell Jackson to a Multi-Year Deal

February 27, 2012 by Scott 23 Comments

With news that parties representing the Cleveland Browns and linebacker D”Qwell Jackson spent a portion of the past weekend discussing contracts, it comes as good news that the two sides have officially come to a multi-year agreement. The contract is said to be five years and will pay the player $42.5 million with $19 million guaranteed.

Jackson, who led the AFC with 158 tackles while setting a career-high in sacks with 3.5, had reportedly desired to not only sign a multi-year contract with the team but retire as a member of the Cleveland Browns. He had missed considerable time with two different pectoral injuries, but surpassed all expectations in 2011 by starting all 16 games at middle linebacker, finishing second in voting for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

The team had been reportedly willing to use the franchise tag on the veteran linebacker, but can now consider reallocating it to either placekicker Phil Dawson or running back Peyton Hillis.