May 22, 2013

In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense

May 14, 2013 by 18 Comments

Kruger jerseyThe off-season isn’t over, but it’s not time to look at what the Browns have put together to try and figure out how they’re going to compete in 2013. When you’re caught up in all the details of free agency and the draft it’s much more difficult to get the overall picture, but now more than ever it seems readily apparent what the Browns are trying to do. It’s also apparent what this team could look like in 2013 as they look to improve on their 5-11 season with a whole new coaching staff and brand new looks on offense and defense.

It starts with the defense. The Browns spent almost all of their resources in free agency and the draft on defense. The combination of switching schemes and the defensive performance in 2012 demanded some serious attention. The Browns were second-worst in the NFL in terms of number of offensive plays that opposing teams ran against them. The Browns allowed opposing teams to run 1095 plays showing an inability to get off the field. They gave up the fifth-most number of first downs and the 14th most points. The Browns were truly middle of the road in terms of pressuring the quarterback with their 38 sacks and 6.0% sack rate. 1

So take that group of defenders, put them with an aggressive coordinator, add Desmond Bryant, Paul Kruger, Quentin Groves and sixth overall pick Barkevious Mingo and all of a sudden I think we’ve seen pretty much exactly where the Browns hope to be able to compete in 2013. [Read more...]

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  1. Sack rate is the number of sacks divided by pass attempts + sacks [back]

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NFL Free Agency: Players on five year deals last 2.9 on average

April 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The Big Lead has a fascinating report out today that analyzes the results of free agent deals from the years 2005 to 2010. It points out the obvious that we’ve also pointed out here all-too-frequently that the years and numbers on NFL contracts are pumped up and almost false with the way the final years are structured.

Anyway, the whole report is well worth a read, but the thing that stuck out to me was that players who signed 5-year deals only last 2.9 years on those deals by average. So, keep that in mind with the Browns’ signees Desmond Bryant and Paul Kruger this year. If the Browns did their homework and the two stay healthy, they should last longer than 2.9 years with the team. If not, well, they’ll be in good company.

And for those who are concerned about Joe Thomas and his eight year extension, pay no mind. These stats were for free agents, not player extensions with existing teams.

[Related: NFL Draft Day Contest]

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As the highest-paid player on the Browns, is Joe Thomas’ value diminishing?

April 9, 2013 by 25 Comments

DSCN0904Joe Thomas is the poster boy. Sure, he is the stalwart left tackle who has yet to miss a game since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2007. He has has been named to the NFL’s All-Pro team five times and has made six trips to the Pro Bowl. Thomas is workmanlike—many recall the fishing trip he opted to take instead of the glitz and glamor of New York on draft day. He says little, a Teller in a room full of Penns. When he does speak, it is often with his hands, leaving would-be pass-rushers left to merely try again. Yet, Joe Thomas is the poster boy.

In Dave Flemming’s latest story in ESPN The Magazine, Thomas stands as one of the league’s preeminent players at his position—ranked fifth last season by Pro Football Focus—anchoring an offense that has ranked above 24th only once during his tenure with the team. The left tackle was once thought to be a building block, the cornerstone by which offenses thrive or fail. It was even the subject of an award winning book and, later, a movie by the same name. But just as the game has evolved, so has philosophy by which success is predicated. And thus, as Flemming writes, the Browns have themselves a player who every team would love to employ, but one who has the biggest cap hit out of any player ranked in the top 10, and one who has not correlated to offensive production or wins though it may be no fault of his own.

[Read more...]

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Banner Report: The Offensive Line

March 13, 2013 by 19 Comments

Banner Report LowYou 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. Previous reports:LB, QB, RB, DBs, DL, WR/TE.

The last of the Banner position reports. Of course we saved the glamor position for last- the offensive line. There are conflicting opinions about the state of the Browns’ offensive line. They seem to be highly praised outside of the area. Do we have a hangover from previous years of poor play? Is the guard play bad enough to warrant an elevated Banner Report status?

The 2012 Season [Read more...]

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Fun with Numbers

January 28, 2013 by 4 Comments

Mario's Early Years - Fun With NumbersEveryone likes numbers right? Every once in a while I like to see what story the numbers tell. Some of them may surprise you. Some of them you may already know. Sometimes they explain a lot. Let’s have some fun-

950- Trent Richardson finished the season with 950 yards rushing. He broke Jim Brown’s rookie rushing record, but didn’t get to that infamous 1,000 yard mark. He carried the ball 267 times and averaged 3.6 yards per carry. Now, I don’t have access to Richardson’s contract details, but I would be surprised if there wasn’t a bonus of some sort for hitting 1,000 yards. Between the injuries and that 8 carry Colts game, you would think that another 14 carries would have been possible along the way to get Trent to 1,000 yards. Next year I guess.

24th- The Browns offense ranked 24th in scoring this season. Since their return in 1999, the Browns have finished higher than that only twice. In 2007 they were 8th, and in 2002 they were 19th.

.281- Looks like a batting average no? Actually it is Pat Shurmur’s winning percentage in Cleveland. Since the team returned, three coaches have been given exactly 32 games to coach- Shurmur, Mangini and Palmer. Palmer had 5 wins, Shurmur 9 and Mangini 10. The highest winning percentage among ‘new’ Browns’ coaches? It’s not Romeo, even though he had the best single season since ’99. Try Butch Davis with a .414 winning percentage.

11- The Browns finished the season with 11 players on the disabled list. 8 of those were defensive players. 4 were linebackers. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Senior Bowl targets, Francisco Lindor, Colt’s raise

January 27, 2013 by 2 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.

WWW_Refrigerator_Cavs

“Over the past two weeks or so, several draft-related websites have made note of players who have confirmed that someone affiliated with a certain team has met with team. Between the East-West Shrine game and the North-South Senior Bowl, here are the players the Browns have reportedly reached out to:

  • TE Josh Hill, Idaho State – EW
  • OT Earl Watford, James Madison – EW
  • DL Will Pericak, Colorado – EW
  • LB A.J. Klein, Iowa State – EW
  • OLB Cornelius Washington, Georgia – Senior Bowl
  • LS Carson Tinker, Alamaba – Senior Bowl

The list of players that the Browns’ scouting staff talked to is probably far greater than this, but at least this can get the discussion rolling on a couple of select players.” [Pokorny/DawgsByNature]

[Read more...]

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Joe Thomas named a finalist for NFL’s Man of the Year award

January 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Cleveland’s Pro-Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas has not missed a snap in his six year NFL career. That is an amazing achievement. On Sunday, he added another achievement to his resume- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year finalist-

“Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the NFL announced today. Renamed in 1999 after legendary Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, this honor is the only league award that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service activities as well as his playing excellence. Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Dallas tight end Jason Witten join Thomas as the three finalists. The winner will be announced the night before Super Bowl XLVIII, at the “2nd Annual NFL Honors,” a star-studded football and entertainment event. The two-hour prime time awards special from the Mahalia Jackson Theatre in New Orleans will air nationally on Saturday, February 2, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. (ET) on CBS.

 “I am honored and truly humbled to be recognized as a finalist for this award,” said Thomas. “Walter Payton wasn’t just a Hall-of-Fame player, he was also one of the best people that ever played in the NFL and made a difference in so many lives. Giving back is something that is extremely important and the Cleveland community is very special to me.”

 “Since he joined the Browns in 2007, Joe Thomas has been a tremendous ambassador for our franchise and Northeast Ohio,” said Browns CEO Joe Banner. “Not only has he established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the game, but his philanthropic work has had an extremely positive impact on numerous people. Community involvement is one of our top off-field priorities, and Joe epitomizes these efforts. On behalf of everyone at the Cleveland Browns, we would like to congratulate Joe on this outstanding and well-deserved honor.”

Thomas made headlines earlier this year for comments that seemed out of character for the generally reserved and quiet All-Pro. Before the Browns game against Kansas City this season, Thomas called former teammate Peyton Hillis “toxic”.

[Related: Lombardi has a lot to prove to Cleveland fans]

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Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson named to AP All-Pro Second Team

January 12, 2013 by 2 Comments

For the first time since 2009, the Browns have had two players voted to the Associated Press All-Pro Team. Kicker Phil Dawson joins tackle Joe Thomas as the Browns representatives on the 2012 AP All-Pro Team.

Joe Thomas was selected to his fifth straight All-Pro team (just two votes shy of his fourth consecutive First Team selection) and this marks Dawson’s second time on the team (2007).

The last time the Browns had two representatives on the All-Pro team was in 2009, when kick returner Josh Cribbs joined Joe Thomas on the AP’s First Team.

[Related: Kelly, Chudzinksi, & Plan B. Was there one?]

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

December 26, 2012 by 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.

[Related: Reggie Hodges wrote an open letter to Cleveland for Phil Dawson]

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Joe Thomas has high praise for Denver’s Von Miller

December 20, 2012 by 1 Comment

Joe Thomas has blocked the best the NFL has to offer in his career. When asked about the challenge facing the offensive line this week in their game against the Denver Broncos, Thomas had nothing but high praise for outside LB Von Miller-

“He may be the fastest guy on their defense, corners and safeties included. I don’t know if he runs a 4.5 or a 4.4 or whatever he is, but there’s nobody that’s quicker or faster at outside linebacker, that’s for sure. He may be one of the fastest linebackers in the league. When you talk about the combination of speed, quickness and you put him out there rushing the quarterback at 240 pounds or whatever he is, that’s a tough group of talent to deal with.”

In speaking of Denver’s pass rush in general Thomas added-

“It’s tough to say definitively, ‘Yes, they are the best.’ They’re certainly in the top couple of tandems. They’re definitely different than a lot of the guys that we face. We have a lot of respect for the guys in Cincinnati and some of those other groups that have outstanding defensive ends, but when you’re talking about 3-4 outside linebacker, get after the quarterback on third down guys, it’s hard to find anybody who’s better.”

[Related: The Banner takeover- worrisome from the jump?]

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Game 13 : Browns vs. Chiefs open thread

December 9, 2012 by 18 Comments

The Browns possess their first winning streak of the year heading into Sunday’s matchup vs. Kansas City. Cleveland has won two in a row, and four out of their last seven.

The Brownies are 6.5 point favorites against the 2-12 Chiefs. The Chiefs have been the NFL’s worst team, but played their best game in a 27-21 win last week over Carolina. [Read more...]

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Crennel told players not to respond to Joe Thomas comments

December 9, 2012 by 1 Comment

ESPN Cleveland’s Chris Fedor is reporting that in a team meeting this week, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel specifically instructed players not to respond to comments made by Browns all-pro Joe Thomas.

Thomas described Chief’s running back Peyton Hillis’ time in Cleveland as “toxic”.

Hours after the meeting, Hillis went to the Kansas City media and fired back at Thomas’ comments.

This isn’t the first time a story has broke of Hillis ignoring team leaders. In 2011 Hillis drew criticism for leaving the Browns midweek to attend his own wedding back in Arkansas.

Read all about the Hillis and Thomas soap opera at WFNY.

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Chiefs vs. Browns Reader Survey

December 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It’s a good thing I won’t be doing the pre-game television production for this game.

Peyton Hillis (cannon sound effects.) Joe Thomas (fireworks noises.) Pat Shurmur (kazoo.) Romeo Crennel (sad trombone.)

It’s the Chiefs and the Browns! Only on CBS!

That’s just for the national audience. I know Browns fans are amped for this game. The Browns are coming off two wins in a row and are looking to make it three. It would be the first three game winning streak (I think) since Eric Mangini was fighting to keep his job on the heels of Mike Holmgren’s Berea employment. Just like then, there are lots of jobs on the line. More importantly, this is a young Browns team that is looking to get experience and get a taste for winning, even if in less-than-spectacular fashion.

So now’s your chance. Weigh in! [Read more...]

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Peyton Hillis to Browns’ Joe Thomas: “Get over it”

December 6, 2012 by 21 Comments

Former Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hilis fired back at All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thomas on Thursday, responding to allegations that the former Madden coverboy created a toxic situation during his contract dispute with the team.

“He can have his opinions, but it’s kind of like a crazy ex-girlfriend,” Hillis said of Thomas’ remarks. “It’s been over a year. Get over it. I guess when you get paid over $100 million by one team, it’s kind of easy to point the finger at other guys and try to hate on them for trying to get another contract.’’

Hillis’ mention of Thomas’ hard-earned contract may speak volumes as 2011 provided a year where the Browns extended the left tackle for seven years and $84 million while Hillis reportedly shot down an offer that would net him $3 million guaranteed. Thomas stated that Hillis created a tough situation for the entire Browns locker room by leaving them depleted at running back while other players nursed legitimate injuries.

“It was just the fact, he decided his contract was more important than coming out and playing and helping his team win,” said Thomas.

During the offseason heading into 2012, Hillis signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs, netting him $3 million. On the season, he has 59 carries for 193 yards and one touchdown.

“I don’t have any bitterness or resentment or regrets,” said Hillis. “I did what I did.”

[Related: Joe Thomas’ Peyton Hillis comments just felt like the truth | Hillis photoshop]

(Source: Kansas City Star)

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Joe Thomas’ Peyton Hillis comments just felt like the truth

December 6, 2012 by 49 Comments

I was glancing through the headlines yesterday and today of all the places covering Joe Thomas’ comments on Peyton Hillis and something just didn’t sit right with me. ESPN said Joe Thomas “blasts” Peyton Hillis. Dawgs By Nature said that Thomas “Rips Into” Peyton Hillis. ESPN Cleveland said Thomas “tees off” on Peyton Hillis. This is not to criticize any of these outlets either as many of them (especially Dawgs by Nature) are great sources who do valuable work. Even when Scott headlined the news yesterday he used the word “venom” to describe Thomas’ comments. These comments could easily be viewed as venomous or cutting or blasting or ripping or any other adjective you might be able to think of, but they still didn’t feel like that to me. Something about Joe Thomas’ comments seemed too truthful and pure to be as salacious as any of those other words would describe.

It’s the source of the comments as much as anything. Joe Thomas doesn’t hop up and down angry ranting and raving about anything. In fact, he rarely speaks at all in front of the microphones. Thomas is quietly known for his leadership on the offensive line including under-reported stories of him hosting the unit at his house for cookouts and unofficial team-building. He’s also been known to do this very early on in the off-season to include undrafted free agents who are unlikely ever to make the team. The one thing that it seems everyone has gotten right in this story is that when Joe Thomas speaks it means something because he doesn’t flood the universe with quotes on a weekly basis. [Read more...]

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Browns’ Joe Thomas calls Peyton Hillis’ time in Cleveland “toxic”

December 5, 2012 by 23 Comments

Hall of Fame-bound offensive lineman Joe Thomas pulled no punches this afternoon when describing his time with former running back Peyton Hillis, stating that the big-biceped back created a toxic environment in the Browns’ locker room.

Per essentially every beat writer and radio/television reporter in Cleveland, Thomas stated the following:

“I think it was better for both sides [that Hillis left]. At that point the situation with him here was toxic, and he didn’t want to be here and players didn’t want him here. It was better for a fresh start at that point. [...] It was just the fact, he decided his contract was more important than coming out and playing and helping his team win, and it left us without a running back and then we had a few injuries that hurt us further, with Montario [Hardesty] being down and Brandon Jackson, losing him in training camp. He went about trying to get a contract a certain way, and it ended up hurting the other 52 guys in the locker room. That was his decision.”

Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealerhas a fairly lengthy transcript of what Thomas had to say in addition to the venom spewed above. There were multiple rumors that surrounded Hillis falling out of favor with the Browns, going as far as stating that the team had to have an intervention of sorts on a flight back from a game. While the opinions surrounding Hillis are not surprisng, these words coming from Thomas will raise some eyebrows as the left tackle is typically very reserved.

Hills was acquired in a deal that sent then quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver. After rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2011, Hillis was a monumental disappointment in 2012, leading to his departure to Kansas City this past summer, uniting both players.

[Related: Tom Heckert’s future may rest in his own hands]

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Shurmur: Solid Browns offensive line continues to be its biggest critic

November 29, 2012 by 4 Comments

The offensive line played together now for a long time. Offensive linemen have to work together and the longer they play together the smoother it goes. I think kind of adding John Greco to the mix there midway through the season has been good. John’s done a pretty good job for us and I think the challenge for them is just to continue. Although statistically there were some things that we did well last week, there were some plays in there when they watched the tape they said, ‘Gosh darn we can’t…’ They’re a unit that works well together, they’re very critical of their mistakes and they take great pride in having a runner that’s efficient and a quarterback that stays on his feet.

– Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur on his offensive line which includes the only four players on the team who have been on the field for every snap. Their play, per Shumur, has been a large factor in the team’s offensive improvement between 2011 and 2012.

[Related: Cleveland Browns Film Room: Game 11, What a catch]

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While We’re Waiting… Browns battle Cowboys in Dallas

November 18, 2012 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.

Strategies for the Browns to implement moving forward, beginning with today’s game: “Run the Ball More on 3rd Down: When I did my midseason review for the Browns’ offense, I talked about the disparity with the playcalling on third down compared to the rest of the division. Cleveland runs the ball on 3rd-and-1 only 50 percent of the time, when that figure should be closer to 75 percent. They rarely run on 3rd-and-2. Cleveland needs to establish the ground game in these type of situations, and I’m praying that is a strategy the coaching staff worked on during the bye week.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs By Nature]

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Odd facts about the Cowboys and Browns, brought to you by a Dallas blog: “The last time these two teams met was in 2008 in Cleveland. The Cowboys are only starting 4 players from that last encounter (Romo, Witten, Ratliff, and Ware), while the Browns are starting two (Joe Thomas and D’Qwell Jackson).” [Steven Mullenax/The Landry Hat]

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Looking at some other keys to victory for Cleveland today: “Get to the flat footed Romo early. Each Browns’ defensive lineman must step up to another level this week. Find a way to get to Romo and force him to make the consistent bad decisions he has been making all year long. Romo leads the entire league with 13 interceptions. The Browns’ secondary should be licking their chops as one of Romo’s duck passes are sure to float their way. A turnover through the air will increase Cleveland’s chances of pulling off the upset.” [Ryan Ruiz/Rant Sports]

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Starting to dream about the draft and waxing sentimental about the future already in Cavalier land: “Still though, I feel this team’s parts are greater than the whole. Prior to this season, Kyrie and Tristan played around 500 minutes together; Andy and Kyrie, only 23 games. Varejao and Tristan shared the court for 47 minutes last year, and Dion Waiters is a rookie. Other than the Kyrie to Varejao pick-and-roll, the team barely looks like they run an offense, making it amazing that heading into last night’s game, Cleveland’s starters owned the best plus/minus in the league. I can not wait for two years from now, when this group forms a well-oiled machine.” [Kevin Hetrick/Cavs: The Blog]

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This Cavaliers storyline is likely the most contentious in town these days. Take that Browns! “Trade the Wild Thing. Varejao as an All Star, I’d love it. Would I love a playoff run? Of course. Who wouldn’t? But getting into the playoffs as the 7th or 8th seed does this team nothing. The Cavs need another lottery pick, and honestly, they probably need more than that. They have no bench, and aside from Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, anyone on this team should be able to be had for the right price.” [Nick Mancini/Stepien Rules]

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What an odd, odd finish against the Badgers, but the Buckeyes finished it off somehow: “With no shot to play for the Big Ten championship, a BCS bowl game or any bowl game, Ohio State’s most ambitious goal was to go undefeated, even though that seemed pretty improbable before the season started. The Buckeyes are one game from finishing that task. Despite giving up a game-tying touchdown with eight seconds left in regulation to Wisconsin, Ohio State stayed focused and scored on the first possession of overtime, then held to get the 21-14 win.” [Frank Schwab/Dr. Saturday]

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Tony Lastoria looks at a number of possible Indians targets in free agency, and this former Tribe guy certainly intrigues me too: “Jeremy Guthrie, SP: The Indians lost Guthrie to the Orioles over five years ago on waivers, and it is a decision that probably haunts the Indians to this day as he has turned into a solid middle-to-backed rotation starter. He has been durable and averaged close to 200 innings over the last five seasons, and his consistency with his numbers and health should be attractive to the Indians. He will probably command a two year deal for $12-16M.” [Tony Lastoria/Indians Prospect Insider]

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Cleveland Browns Film Room: Game 1, Richardson’s Debut Part 1

September 13, 2012 by 11 Comments

Like we did last year before it became fashionable, we’ll take a seat each week in our very own WFNY Browns film room and break down a little tape from the game, with a specific focus.  Do enjoy.

Finally. Some actual football to break down. With so many question marks surrounding this team, we should have endless topics for the film room this year. I was curious about several aspects of this game, and debated several topics. Ultimately, my curiosity about Trent Richardson and the struggles of the running game won out. What exactly did happen to the number three pick in the draft, and should we be concerned about his 2.1 yards per carry average?

Let’s start at the beginning- [Read more...]

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Browns Offer a ‘Taste of the Browns’ for the Cleveland Foodbank

September 11, 2012 by 2 Comments

Joe Thomas and Al “Bubba” Baker were the honorary co-chairs for the 14th annual Taste of the Browns last night at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The event is a yearly fundraiser mimicking the national Taste of the NFL event, in which Clevelanders help provide the Foodbank with funds to provide meals for families and children around the city.

This year, the event raised $158,000 before the doors were opened. Corporate sponsors and ticket purchases helped make that possible. Tickets were $150 per person.

Several top restaurants and chefs were on hand and provided amazing food for the event’s participants and volunteers. From braised beef shin sliders to sushi to lobster mac and cheese, the event had a little something for every palette.

Several other current and former Browns were on hand as well. Alex Mack and Colt McCoy were there supporting the cause and meeting with patrons. It should be noted that McCoy received an extended ovation from the crowd. Back-up quarterbacks are always very popular the day after the starter throws several interceptions. [Read more...]

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