We invite the BEST fans in the NFL to see a live practice at FirstEnergy Stadium on Saturday, August 3 for Cleveland Browns Family Night! DATE: August 3, 2013 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: FirstEnergy Stadium Exciting outside activities begin at 4:30 PM including music, games, & inflatable fun on Alfred Lerner Way! Kids will also have the chance to learn how they can give back and get their school involved in upcoming Browns opportunities this Fall. Admission to the event is FREE (non-ticketed) and includes live, in-stadium entertainment, laser & firework show and more! 4:30 PM ? Alfred Lerner Way Opens 5:30 PM ? Gates Open 6:30 PM ? Practice Begins 9:30 PM ? Laser & Firework Show Begins* *Time is approximate
bad night for the orange #17 of Horstman ..60 grand tore up on one corner . we were just to right of him when he flipped . we thought he was leaving the park . he walked away thank God for that.
Usually, the wheels of justice grind slowly. Sometimes, the process moves like grease through a goose. For Pilot Flying J and the torrent of lawsuits filed against it, the litigation already could be moving toward a conclusion. According to WEWS-TV in Cleveland, a federal judge has approved a proposed settlement agreement for a class action filed in the Eastern District of Arkansas. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam runs Pilot Flying J, a billion-dollar, family-owned truck-stop company founded by his father. If the settlement ultimately is approved after the mandatory period for notifying all class members and giving them a chance to object and/or opt out, the settlement would apply on a nationwide basis, covering more than 4,000 Pilot Flying J customers. ?If approved? is the key term. With well over a dozen class actions pending, other lawyers and other trucking companies surely will choose to exit the settlement and pursue their own claims. Others could object to the settlement on a variety of potential grounds, including most significantly the amount of money that each trucking company will receive. There?s also reason to at least be a little suspicious about the selection of a lawsuit filed in Arkansas as the one to settle. It?s entirely possible that the lawyers hand-picked that class action for settlement based on factors such as the likelihood that the judge eventually will approve the settlement, the demands being made by the named plaintiff, and the perceived negotiating skills and abilities of the lawyers representing the proposed class. In a case arising from alleged efforts to prey financially upon unsophisticated trucking companies, it would be fitting for Pilot Flying J to attempt to settle all claims with all customers by negotiating a fast and favorable settlement with lawyers perceived to be less sophisticated than the lawyers handling the various other class actions pending throughout the country.
Does this mean that this nightmare is overwith ? with the Pilot flying J settlement does that mean Haslam is in the clear now ? or does this nightmare continue ? i hope its overwith so we or more importantly the franchise can just concentrate on football . i have hopes for this season .i know 500 isnt asking for much but i feel they can go 500 this year and remain in the playoff hunt into December . that would be nice for a change instead of looking forward to next year in October as we have done in the past far to many seasons. lets play football .lets get back to football . Gooooo Browns .. WOOF WOOF WOOF !!!!!
ESPN Cleveland considers Montario Hardesty's roster spot in danger. This one's a bit out there, as Hardesty ran with the first team during Trent Richardson's absence in OTAs, drawing praise from coach Rob Chudzinski. He's averaged just 3.5 yards on his 153 career carries, however, and has been a liability as a pass catcher. Aware of that fact, Hardesty has been working on his hands. The Browns also have Brandon Jackson, Dion Lewis, Miguel Maysonet and Chris Ogbonnaya competing for roster spots behind Richardson. We still consider Hardesty the favorite for handcuff duties.
BATTLES OF BEREA: KICKERS AND PUNTERS Players to watch: Kickers ? Brandon Bogotay (6-foot-3, 207 pounds, rookie) and Shayne Graham (6-foot, 210, 12th year). Punters ? T.J. Conley (6-1, 215, second year) and Spencer Lanning (5-11, 200, first year). 2012 stats: Kickers ? Bogotay (did not play last season) and Graham (with Houston Texans, including postseason ? 37-of-44 on field goals, 84.1 percent, 48-of-48 on extra points, 102 kickoffs with 29 touchbacks). Punters ? Conley (did not play last season) and Lanning (did not play last season). Analysis: Graham earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2005 and ranks fifth in league history with a career field-goal percentage of 85.4 (245-of-297). However, resumes won?t matter as much as production in camp and preseason games while the competition to replace standout kicker Phil Dawson continues to unfold. Bogotay, who hasn?t played since his final season at the University of Georgia in 2011, has a stronger leg than Graham, giving him an early lead in the race. In practices open to the media this offseason, Bogotay had a slight edge on long field goals and a noticeable advantage on kickoffs. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor has indicated that he doesn?t expect to keep two kickers, so one job is up for grabs. Although Bogotay has impressed in the kicking duel, neither punter trying to succeed Reggie Hodges has clearly separated himself thus far. Conley was the New York Jets? main punter in 2011, but inconsistent performances last preseason led to him being cut Sept. 4. He then sat out all season. Conley and Lanning have actually competed against each other before. Lanning was with the Browns last year in training camp before being cut Aug. 26. The Jets claimed him off waivers two days later. Conley beat out Lanning but was then jettisoned in favor of Robert Malone, who held the job all last season with the Jets. It?s possible the Browns could still acquire other kickers and punters because several specialists throughout the league are released every year before the start of the regular season.
Browns running back Trent Richardson dealt with left knee and ribs injuries in 2012 and was sidelined with a right shin injury this offseason, but he?s healthy in time for training camp, he told Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer in a story published Tuesday. ??I?ll be full-go right from the get-go and y?all out there will see me flying around,? Richardson told the Plain Dealer. ?I can?t wait to get out there and I can?t wait for the first game. I?ve been waiting forever for this season and I know it?s going to be a good one for us.? The No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 draft, Richardson rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie. While he gained just 3.6 yards per carry, his potential was evident, and he toughed it out through injury, something for which left tackle Joe Thomas publicly praised him late in the season. If Richardson is full strength in his second NFL season, he?s going to be fun to watch, considering what he was able to do in Year One.
By Fred Greetham OBR Senior Browns Reporter Posted Jul 17, 2013 The Browns officially kick off their first training camp under Rob Chudzinski and staff on Thursday, July 25. We will break down each position in the weeks leading up to the start of camp with the players currently on the roster. The fifth position we take a look at is the offensive line. 0 Comments For years, Browns fans complained about the team?s offensive line. However, spending first and second-round draft choices on the two tackles and center have given the Browns a solid offensive line to build around. Perennial Pro Bowler Joe Thomas has anchored the left tackle spot since being the third player drafted overall in 2007. Alex Mack was a first-round pick in 2009 and has been to a Pro Bowl. Mitchell Schwartz was a second-round pick last season and played well as a rookie. The biggest question marks are at the guard position. Jason Pinkston, Shawn Lauvao and John Greco are expected to battle for the two starting spots with some push from rookie Garrett Gilkey. The Browns have 17 offensive linemen under contract and scheduled to report to training camp. Offensive Linemen: Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Mitchell Schwartz, Shawn Lauvao, Jason Pinskton, John Greco, Ryan Miller, Garrett Gilkey, Oniel Cousins, Caylin Hauptmann, Jarrod Shaw, Aaron Adams, Martin Wallace, Braxston Cave, Chris Faulk, Dominic Alford and Rashad Butler. Thomas (6-6, 312, 28, 7th year) ? What more can be said about Thomas, who has played every snap of every game since joining the Browns at left tackle. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his six NFL seasons. He is just entering his prime and there is no reason to believe his production will drop. Mack (6-4, 311, 27, 5th year) ? Another durable player, Mack has started all 64 games of his career, not missing a snap. Mack has made the Pro Bowl once and is in the last year of his initial contract. There has been some speculation that the front office wants Mack to become a more physical player this season before extending his contract. Schwartz (6-5, 320, 24, 2nd year) ? Schwartz stepped in and played every snap at right tackle as a rookie in 2012. He played well and appears to be the perfect bookend for Thomas on the opposite side. Lauvao (6-3, 315, 25, 4th year) ? Lauvao started all 16 games at right guard and didn?t miss a snap. Entering his fourth season, Lauvao has started every game the past two seasons. In the off-season, the coaching staff had him playing both right and left guard and it?s unclear if he will remain the starting right guard. Pinkston (6-4, 305, 25, 3rd year) ? Pinkston returns after a life-threatening illness after six games in 2012. Pinkston had started every game at left guard as a rookie and didn?t miss a snap at left guard until he was placed on injured reserve after six games last year. He was cleared during the OTAs and was working at both guard positions. Greco (6-4, 315, 28, 6th year) ? Greco was a backup at center and the two guard positions until Pinkston went down. When that happened, Greco stepped in at left guard and did a very good job over the final 10 games. He played so well some feel he will be one of the starters at guard going forward. Miller (6-7, 320, 24, 2nd year) ? Miller was a fifth-round draft choice in 2012 and he played in eight games as a reserve. He has the size to play guard and tackle. Cousins (6-4, 315, 29, 6th year) ? Cousins played in 14 games in 2012 in a reserve role. In 2011, his first year with the Browns, he played in four games with one start. Cousins has been the primary backup at tackle the last two seasons. Butler (6-4, 310, 30, 8th year) ? Butler is the oldest player on the offensive line at 30. The former Miami (Fla.) product came to the Browns as an unrestricted free agent from the Texans. He missed 30 of his last 32 games with two torn triceps. Butler was a third-round draft choice of the Panthers in 2006. He is expected to compete with Cousins to be a backup at tackle. Shaw (6-3, 316, 25, 2nd year) ? Shaw was on the practice squad until Pinkston was placed on injured reserve and Shaw was elevated to the 53-man roster. He was inactive for the final 10 games. Alford (6-3, 320, 25, 1st year) ? The native Clevelander has spent time on the Browns practice squad and will battle for a spot on a competitive line. Gilkey (6-6, 320, 23, Rookie) ? Gilkey was drafted in the seventh-round this year from tiny Chadron State. The Browns didn?t want to take a chance on him signing as an undrafted free agent elsewhere so they used a draft pick to acquire him. Gilkey was working with the second team already in minicamp. He has the size to develop into a starting lineman within a couple of seasons. Hauptmann (6-3, 300, 22, Rookie) ? Signed as an undrafted free agent from Florida International, Hauptmann will have a battle to find a roster spot. Adams (6-5, 305, 24, Rookie) ? Another undrafted free agent from Eastern Kentucky, Adams will vie to make the practice squad. Wallace (6-6, 305, 23, Rookie) ? Wallace signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent from Temple. Cave (6-3, 205, 23, Rookie) ? Undrafted free agent from Notre Dame will battle with several other rookies to make an impression during training camp. Faulk (6-6, 330, 23, Rookie) ? Faulk is one of the players to keep an eye on long term. The former LSU standout had a major knee injury in 2012 that knocked him out of the running to be a potential first-round draft choice. He wasn?t ready for the OTAs and minicamp, but the Browns can afford to be patient with him and he could be a find if he can rebound from the injury. Faulk might not start training camp on the field and could end up on injured reserve in 2013. Summary: The Browns have a very competitive group on the offensive line. They have good depth on the line and the position is one of the strengths on the team. Thomas is the oldest starter on the line and he is just 28, so the Browns should have a solid offensive line moving forward. They need to settle on the guards and let the group work together as a unit for most of the preseason. The line gave up just 36 sacks in 2012, which was the 6th fewest sacks allowed in the NFL. (Next up: We?ll start looking at the defensive side of the ball with the defensive line
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With Browns rookies due to report to Berea on Friday, the team and first-round pick Barkevious Mingo are still at odds over his contract, a league source told The Plain Dealer. Specifically, the Browns want offset language in the deal, and Mingo's side does not. Offset language addresses a player who is released before his fully-guaranteed four-year contract has expired. With such language, the original team only has to pay the difference between what it owed the player and what he'll make from a new team. With no offset language, the player receives the full amount from his original team and a new team. Mingo, the No. 6 overall pick out of Louisiana State, is one of three unsigned Browns draft picks. The other two are third-round pick Leon McFadden, a cornerback out of San Diego State, and seventh-round pick Armonty Bryant, a defensive lineman out of East Central University. The Browns are confident that all three will be in on time, according to a source. But "on time'' at least in Mingo's case might mean when the full squad takes the field for the start of training camp July 25. Mingo, who worked with the second team during minicamp, is set to make slightly more than his former LSU teammate, cornerback Morris Claiborne, received from the Cowboys last season. Claiborne, the sixth pick in 2012, received a fully-guaranteed four-year deal worth a total of $16.26 million, including a $10.3 million signing bonus. He does not have offset language. So far, only three of this year's top 10 picks have signed, and none have offset language in their contracts. They are No. 2 pick Luke Joeckel of the Jaguars (four years, $21.2 million), No. 5 pick Ziggy Ansah of the Lions (five years, estimated $18.6 million) and No. 8 pick Tavon Austin of the Rams (four year, $12.751 million). Last year, only one of the top nine players had offset language in his contract -- Miami QB Ryan Tannehill. During the rookie symposium last month in Berea, Mingo was eager to start camp on time. "I am ready,? he said. ?I?m just looking forward to it, being able to come out here, put the pads on for the first time and actually, I guess, measure up to the older guys and see where I am and see what I have to do to get better."
By Fred Greetham OBR Senior Browns Reporter Posted Jul 17, 2013 The Browns officially kick off their first training camp under Rob Chudzinski and staff on Thursday, July 25. We will break down each position in the weeks leading up to the start of camp with the players currently on the roster. We will now take a look at the defense, starting with the defensive line. 1 Comment Defensive Linemen: Phil Taylor, Ahtyba Rubin, Desmond Bryant, Billy Winn, John Hughes, Ishmaa?ily Kitchen, Brian Sanford, Hall Davis, Armonty Bryant, Nicolas-Jean Baptiste, Dave Kruger and Justin Staples. Switching from the 4-3 to the 3-4 will be an adjustment for the defensive line in Ray Horton?s defense. The two starting defensive ends from a year ago are elsewhere as Jabaal Sheard has been switched to outside linebacker and Frostee Rucker left the Browns via free agency. Desmond Bryant was a key free agent signing. He is expected to join Taylor and Rubin as starters up front. Taylor and Rubin were the two inside tackles in the 4-3, but one is expected to play end, most likely Rubin. Taylor (6-3, 335, 25, 3rd year) ?After missing the first eight games of last season, Taylor returned and started seven of the final eight games. He had 14 tackles and a sack after an impressive rookie season in 2011 when he started all 16 games and had 59 tackles with four sacks. The former first round pick is expected to line up over the center most of the time in the 3-4 scheme. Rubin (6-2, 330, 26, 6th year) ? Rubin started 13 games and finished with 44 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes broken up. Rubin has been a steady player and started his career in the 3-4 with the Browns. He was playing the end in minicamp but can also play nose tackle. Rubin is expected to be one of the starters in the front three. Desmond Bryant (6-6, 310, 27, 5th year) ? Bryant was the second-biggest free agent signing by the Browns after Paul Kruger. Bryant signed for over $34 million and is expected to start at defensive end. The Browns feel Bryant is just entering his prime and look for big things from him. Bryant has appeared in 63 games, missing just one game in his career. He has 124 career tackles, including 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Winn (6-4, 295, 24, 2nd year) ? Winn was a pleasant surprise in 2012 after being drafted in the sixth-round. He started 10 games and played in all 16 registering 26 tackles with a sack. He also had an interception, three passes broken up and two fumble recoveries. Winn is expected to be in the rotation at end. Hughes (6-2, 320, 25, 2nd year) ? Hughes played in all 16 games as a rookie last year, including two starts. He totaled 34 tackles with three sacks. His sack total was 5th best on the team. He is expected to play on the inside. Kitchen (6-1, 330, 24, 2nd year) ? The Browns picked up Kitchen after he was released in the final cuts from the Ravens and he ended up playing in 15 games. Kitchen had 18 tackles as a rookie. Sanford (6-2, 280, 25, 3rd year) ? Sanford has been with the Browns since 2010, spending most of his time on the practice squad. Although in 2011 he played in five games and had three tackles. Last season, Sanford was on the practice squad for the first seven weeks, but then was activated for one game before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Davis (6-4, 270, 26, 1st year) ? Davis joined the Browns after time with the Raiders. He was on the practice squad for six weeks in 2012 before being added to the active roster for the final two games and played in a reserve role with no statistics. Armonty Bryant (6-4, 265, 23, Rookie) ? The Browns used a seventh-round draft choice to take Bryant out of East Central (Oklahoma). He had brushes with the law while in college and one after the Browns drafted him. The Browns are hoping his troubles are behind him and think he has a big upside. Baptiste (6-1, 330, 24, 1st year) ? Baptiste was a fellow teammate of Taylor at Baylor and he joined the Browns as a free agent. Kruger (6-5, 285, 23, Rookie) ? The younger brother of Paul Kruger joined the Browns after a productive career at Utah as an undrafted rookie free agent. Staples (6-4, 245, 23, Rookie) ? Staples joined the Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent from Illinois after. Staples is from Lakewood. Summary: Arguably, the strength of the Browns in 2012 was the defensive line. Tom Heckert used a first-round pick two years ago to take Taylor and then added Sheard with a high second. In 2012, Hughes and Winn were drafted. When the Browns hired Horton to switch to the 3-4, it was assumed the team was already set up front going from four defensive linemen to three, but one of their first moves in free agency was to go after Desmond Bryant. Chudzinski and Joe Banner said they feel you cannot have enough defensive linemen. The trio of Bryant, Rubin and Taylor should be strong with solid depth behind them with Hughes, Winn and Kitchen. The front office thought enough of Armonty Bryant?s ability to use a draft choice on him, despite his legal problems and being from a small school. (Next up: We?ll take a look at the linebackers)
Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know that I just lost my Dad on Tuesday. He was a huge Browns fan who instilled his love of the team in me and all teams from Cleveland and not to mention that he made me love the city. I'm kind of a mess right now but Lyman and I will get the Fantasy League up and running, so don't worry about that.
