May 25, 2013

Top Five Non-Essential Things Jimmy Haslam Should Do With the Browns

September 19, 2012 by 73 Comments

There is a whole Tumblr page dedicated to these Browns jerseys. It is funny, but also embarrassing.

There are some really important decisions to make about front-office personnel, coaching and stadium issues, but I have some less relevant things that Jimmy Haslam should probably tackle when he finally officially becomes owner of the Browns. Here they are in non slide show format…

5. Start an obsolete Browns jersey trade-in program

I don’t know what the appropriate denominations are to make this program work, but it is high time that Cleveland Browns fans everywhere be given special amnesty for the hosts of bad jerseys that have been purchased over the years. Even a fan favorite like Chris Spielman is an utter debacle from the perspective of consumerism. Additionally, and more seriously, the obsolete jerseys running around the circles of Cleveland Browns fans is reinforcing the exact culture that Jimmy Haslam is coming in to change. It doesn’t do anyone in the world any bit of good to be at the same tailgate with some guy wearing a much-too-bright-and-clean Jake Delhomme jersey. Even worse, what team with Trent Richardson needs to be reminded of the failures of William Green, Travis Prentice, and even Peyton Hillis? Offer a voucher to get at least a high percentage of those bad boys off the street. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , , ,

Pat Shurmur 2.0: A No-Nonsense Approach to the Head Coach’s Second Season

August 23, 2012 by 8 Comments

A year older, a year wiser and giving just as much — if not more — than he is taking, Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur appears to be a mentally improved version of the man who attempted to construct an entire make-over on a limited budget within a limited amount of time just one season earlier.

He takes in training camp from the same spots on the practice field. He wears the same practice field uniform; Pat typically opts for the khaki pants which house a tucked in team polo or long-sleeve t-shirt. He still focuses primarily on the offensive side of the ball, allowing the veteran coordinators to fine tune the defensive players. While play calling and clock management within the regular season remains to be seen, the coach’s demeanor, both with his team and with members of the media, is noticeably different.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Browns Veterans Return, Continue to Praise the Kids

August 20, 2012 by 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: , , , , ,

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report: 8/13/12

August 13, 2012 by 15 Comments

Injuries continue to be the big story coming out of Berea. No, there weren’t any new ones Monday morning, but the fifteen players who sat out practice on Sunday were all still out for Monday’s practice as well.

Don’t expect to hear any updates from the Browns until they absolutely have to give one either.

Missing from the first team defense are D’Qwell Jackson, Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong, Phil Taylor, Frostee Rucker and Usama Young. That is if Young will even be a starter at this point. Throw in Patterson, Benard and Paxson from further down the depth chart as well.

Here is a little perspective on what that means. During practice the senior players- the starters and most experienced at each position lead the rest of the group through drills. Today at the LB drills, the first reps were being taken by Kaluka Maiava. In 11 on 11 drills, Maiava was joined by James-Michael Johnson and LJ Fort. (Fort by the way had a new fan at practice today. Someone pulled the old duck tape and sharpie marker trick with a Hillis jersey.)

The plus side to the small injuries is that young players get plenty of reps in practice. The downside, well is obvious. This team is trying to get ready for the season. They are treating this second preseason game as the dress rehearsal because of the Eagles game scheduling fiasco. (For the record, Pat Shurmur said today that he thinks everyone is making the situation with Philadelphia to be more of a big deal than it needs to be.) [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , ,

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Photos

August 9, 2012 by 17 Comments

More photos from training camp to enjoy…

My favorite of the group. Worthy of a ‘Caption This!’

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , ,

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report: 8/6/12

August 6, 2012 by 8 Comments

Colt McCoy rolled right and threw a pass that found it’s way through the hands of at least three defenders before bouncing off of WR Rod Windsor’s hands and into the end zone turf.

It may have been the most Colt McCoy moment ever. You can only imagine what was going through his head having been told just hours earlier that Brandon Weeden would be the starting quarterback.

Pat Shurmur named Weeden the starter following the afternoon practice, saying “Weeden will start in Detroit and will be the starter going forward.”

Shurmur said that he had spoken to all of the quarterbacks about the decision, and that they all were very professional about the decision.

McCoy would say after practice that he loves the Browns, the city and the fans. He feels like he gives the best he has every chance he gets. “I’m the first one on the field and the last one off.” He added nothing about that will change whether he is the starter or the second string.

“I would like to say, that I haven’t taken any snaps with the first group.” McCoy would also add “I thought coming in it would be a competition.”

The inference of course is that Colt doesn’t feel as if he was really given a shot at the starting job. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , ,

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report: 8/4/12

August 4, 2012 by 4 Comments

Buster Skrine had a pick and a big hit

Update:Reports from Berea are that Gocong has a torn achilles and will have season ending surgery as early as Monday.

The big story coming out of training camp today is obviously the injury of LB Chris Gocong. The injury occurred on a goal line 11-on-11 drill. Gocong was covering TE Jordon Cameron. Cameron and Gocong both went up for the ball, and when they came down Gocong was in immediate pain. It did not appear as if Gocong stepped on Cameron, but rather hurt himself on the way up.

He was on the field for several minutes before the trainers finally helped him to the cart and took him off the field.

The Browns will have an MRI performed on his right ankle/foot. The buzz around camp after practice was a possible achilles injury, and a serious one at that. Browns players certainly are hoping for the best, but fear the worst. Shurmur would call the injury unfortunate and “an unitended consequence of the game.”

Kaluka Maiava said that the loss of Gocong would definitely hurt the team- “He’s a great leader on the defense. A positive guy. The defense just works better with him in there.”

Maiava would be one of the players that would see more playing time if Gocong is out for an extended period. With the Fujita suspension, he and James-Michael Johnson could both be pressed into starter’s duty. Kaluka added he felt like he was in the best shape of his life, and has a good grasp of the playbook. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , ,

NFL CBA Affords Players Early Day Off

July 31, 2012 by 10 Comments

There is no practice in Berea today.

The complete Browns roster has been in camp for three days, and had two full pads practices, and will enjoy a mandatory day off today. This is not your father’s NFL.

Gone are the ‘dog days’ of August with two-a-days practices. No more three straight weeks of camp with maybe a day off if the team has been working and practicing hard.

Browns’ coach Pat Shurmur said yesterday that the team had an off day, “but not a vacation day.” He reiterated that he expected them to act like professionals; to take care of their bodies and prepare themselves for practice on Wednesday.

That practice will focus on Red Zone offense and defense according to Shurmur. The team installed the information in team meetings and walk-throughs yesterday afternoon. By design, the team will have more meetings and a walk-through on Wednesday morning to “review what was installed” before going full contact at practice (open to the public) tomorrow afternoon.

That type of schedule will be repeated throughout training camp to accommodate the off days. While the Browns would prefer to do their full pads practicing in the morning, they will switch it up and go in the afternoon following an off day.

You have to wonder if the front office and coaching staff don’t have a little bit of fear about these off days. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , ,

Browns Training Camp Report 7/30/12

July 30, 2012 by 18 Comments

The Browns had a rather spirited practice this morning, complete with some goal-line drills, two minute offense and even a couple of minor scuffles. A couple of rookies stepped up, while others struggled and a veteran receiver looked good.

LB James-Michael Johnson looked very good in drills and in the two minute situations. He picked off two passes, one of which was tipped. He was in the right place at the right time, and whether that was good fortune or by design he made the plays when they came to him. Including a big time stop on a goal line situation. He stood a running back straight up and held him there for his teammates to polish off. When I asked him who it was that he stood up, Johnson said “I don’t know, someone had their head down and I blew him up.” [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Browns’ Josh Gordon Hoping Watchful Eyes Change from Scrutiny to Awe

July 26, 2012 by 16 Comments

Josh Gordon’s story has been told many times. To former coaches, NFL coaches, NFL general managers, various media members, and, quite frankly, anyone else who asks. The young wide receiver’s collegiate career arc — the one that didn’t quite arc at all as much as it did ascend rapidly before being up-ended in a Taco Bell parking lot, plummeting into hydroponic abyss of unknown — understandably troubles the emotionally invested and morally conservative. But after Gordon’s first day in a Cleveland Browns helmet 1 , it’s clear that not only is the second-round supplemental draft selection willing to discuss his troubled past while showing zero signs of mental fatigue or irritation in doing so, he’s ready and willing to prove any doubters wrong by staying clean and helping the Browns’ otherwise woeful offense improve as best he can.

Already months behind his peers due to missing rookie minicamps and symposiums, the 6-foot-3-inch Gordon knows what has to be done in order to catch up. Several days prior to his decision to make the unexpected leap to the NFL, Gordon thought he would be clicking punch cards at a run-of-the-mill “9-to-5″ in order to work his way back into school. Several hours after finding out that the Cleveland Browns had made him one of the highest-drafted supplemental players in the history of the league, the 21-year old found himself in Berea, Ohio where he would work on his conditioning, weight lifting and countless hours of absorbing his first National Football League playbook.

[Read more...]

___________________________________

  1. Pads will be donned on Sunday [back]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , ,

Cleveland Browns Quick Training Camp Stories I’ll Be Following

July 25, 2012 by 36 Comments

Training camp is upon us, and there are a ton of interesting story-lines to the Browns this season, but here are the five I will be watching closest during camp-

1. Is the turnstile closed?

The right tackle position has been a black hole of death for years. I’ve been hard on the gentlemen that have manned the position, but let’s be honest- they started it! The Browns spent a second round pick on Mitchell Schwartz to make this problem go away. I am in full agreement that a second round pick was worth it to get the RT of the future. Even with as many holes as the team had to fill. The only question now is if Schwartz is the right pick.He certainly has Joe Thomas’ endorsement early on.

We should get a good idea of what we have early on. Schwartz will be matched up against Jabaal Sheard. The knock of Schwartz was his footwork, especially against a speed rush. Sheard can certainly help him practice that. He will have to have proper footwork and not just agility though because Sheard can go around tackles, but he also loves to jab step outside and then dart inside. Should be a fun match-up, and a good way for both players to get better before the season starts. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , ,

2012 Cleveland Browns Training Camp Schedule

June 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Cleveland Browns released the dates that training camp will be open to the public. There are fifteen practice sessions in Berea open for fans to see, as well as the usual family night at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Date Attire Time
Sat., July 28 Helmets 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Sun., July 29 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Mon., July 30 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 1 Full Pads 2:00 – 4:30 p.m
Thur., Aug. 2 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 3 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Sat., Aug. 4 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Mon., Aug. 6 Full Pads 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 7 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 8 Family Night at Cleveland Browns Stadium 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 10 BROWNS AT DETROIT LIONS 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 12 Full Pads 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 13 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Tues., Aug. 14 Shells 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Thurs., Aug. 16 BROWNS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Sun., Aug. 19 Full Pads 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Tue., Aug. 21 Full Pads 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Wed., Aug. 22 Shells 8:45 – 11:15 a.m.

The Browns have two preseason games in Cleveland after camp is closed to the public. On August 24th they play the Eagles, and on the 30th they play the Bears.

All practices at Berea are free.

 

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , ,

Cleveland Browns Training Camp in Pictures

August 18, 2011 by 18 Comments

We sent our favorite photographer Jon Cole out to Berea yesterday to capture some images for us. We think you’ll like what he came back with. Here are a few of the almost 700 images he sent to us. His photo studio site is Envisioned Memories. Thanks again Jon!

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , ,

Browns Training Camp Notes – 8/16/2011 – Jim Tressel and Lloyd Carr Edition

August 16, 2011 by 7 Comments

Berea was buzzing because Jim Tressel and Lloyd Carr were visiting Browns practice.  It was actually quite funny to me that everyone was dying for a photo op of Tressel and Lloyd Carr talking to each other as they were about 40 yards apart for most of practice.  I’m not sure what, exactly, they thought was going to happen.  When Tressel found his way to Lloyd Carr, he smiled, shook his hand, patted his shoulder warmly with the other and they chatted pleasantly.  Not sure why anyone expected anything else other than that.  Then again, here I am talking about it.

As for the Cleveland Browns and what is happening there, we’ll start with the injuries.  The Browns have a lot of minor injuries that are affecting the practice field.  Usama Young, Scott Fujita, and Chris Gocong were all out today.  Fujita and Young are nursing minor leg injuries and Gocong continues to rest after his week-old stinger.  Coye Francies was banged up in the first pre-season game and he appeared to be fighting hard through some limping on the practice field.  With the exceptional amount of competition among the corners, it makes some sense.  Mohamed Massaquoi was in regular shoes again today and doing lots of pushups, for whatever reason. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Notes From Browns Walk-Through Practice, August 4

August 4, 2011 by 21 Comments

The big buzz in camp today was first rounder Phil Taylor’s first practice with the team. Taylor appears to have come to camp in shape, and at the weight the Browns want him to be at (330 pounds). He’s wearing number 98, and stepped in right away with the first team unit.

-Speaking of that first team unit, the front four were (from left to right) Schaefering, Taylor, Rubin and Sheard. Sanford and Schaefering seemed to be rotating frequently though. It will be interesting to see who is in that starting spot this evening, as the newly signed free agents should be able to practice for the first time. Will Jayme Mitchell jump right in at that left end spot?

-On the offensive side, the starting 5 was Pashos, Lauvao, Mack, Steinbach and Thomas. Steinbach continues to take part in all of the walk throughs, but has yet to be in on full contact practice. He took every rep with the first team today. I get the sense that they are anticipating him being ready for the season, and are just being cautious. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , , ,

Cavaliers Waiting on Jawad Williams as Training Camp Approaches

September 15, 2010 by 13 Comments

Don’t look now, basketball fans, but the Cleveland Cavaliers open training camp in just a couple weeks. In fact, for those of you who follow the Cavs players on Twitter, you may have noticed that several players are already in town and working out at Cleveland Clinic Courts. The air is beginning to cool, the leaves are turning, football is on TV, and basketball will finally be here before we know it. This is one of the most exciting times of the year.

For the Cavaliers, before they can head into camp, there is still one unanswered question that is lingering. Will Jawad Williams be a part of this team in 2010-11? The restricted free agent small forward has yet to accept the qualifying offer the Cavaliers on the table for him, and time is running out for him to make up his mind on what he wants to do. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cavaliers Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

While We’re Waiting… More Trick Shots, Braylon’s Disorder and Buckeyes Camp

August 11, 2010 by 1 Comment

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

Those mid-Ohio trick shot kids are back with some more Black Keys and even more long-range buckets.  Check it out above.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , , , , ,

Browns Training Camp Notes: Eric Wright is Ready

August 9, 2010 by 17 Comments

Friday afternoon in Berea, the White and Brown squads went through some tune-ups before Saturdays scrimmage at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Family Day intra-squad game was supposed to resemble an actual football game, except with no tackling. One player who looks like he is ready to shed the practice uni’s already is cornerback Eric Wright.

As the White squad’s offense was trying to get their act together, Eric prepared himself for the day’s practice close to the sidelines within earshot of the crowd. He stretched a little and danced a little to the music blaring from the speakers nearby. He made some small talk with the fans standing around. Then came the question- “Eric, who is the best cornerback in the league?’ With little hesitation, Wright pounded his thumb on the two and then the one on his own jersey, drawing roars of laughter and cheers from the nearby fans. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Browns Tagged With: , , , , ,

While We’re Waiting… Hafner’s Shoulder, Training Camp Eve, and Cleveland Fan Hatred

July 30, 2010 by 7 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

Who had July 29th in their Pronk shoulder injury office pool? “Travis Hafner was scratched from tonight’s lineup with … say it with me… right shoulder soreness. This is the first time this season that the Indians have announced that the shoulder is bothering Hafner. It’s doubtful that it’s actually the first time it’s bothered him, though. We’ve already seen how much Hafner has altered his swing to account for the shoulder. Apparently, last Friday’s game against the Rays, twice delayed and then restarted because of rain, exacerbated the issue. Does not look like this shoulder thing is going away, and that, of course, only makes a bad contract look worse.” [CastroTurf]

[Read more...]

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , , , ,

While We’re Waiting… Sabathia’s Teammates, Training Camp Battles, and Mo Clarett’s Future

July 29, 2010 by 11 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

On Sabathia’s latest quotes of only “knowing three guys” on the current Tribe roster: “To get back on track: there are 12 players still in Cleveland that CC Sabathia played with in 2007, including the men who played directly behind Sabathia in the 2007 playoffs at 2B, SS and CF. Also remaining are the starting DH, the obvious number two and three playoff starters and a reliever that CC watched become, briefly, the best in the world. So when Sabathia looks back and thinks there are only three players left from his era and one of the three he remembers fondly is a player that wasn’t even on the playoff roster in 2007, that CC played with for, at absolute most, a couple months in his career, it pisses me off. At least acknowledge your middle infielders.” [Lets Go Tribe]

[Read more...]

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , , , , , ,
«Older Posts