By Fred Greetham OBR Senior Browns Reporter Posted Jul 23, 2013 The success of Turner's offense will be predicated partly by the play of two main cogs in Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson. 0 Comments BEREA-- Offensive coordinator Norv Turner is confident that the players will grasp his offense by the time the Browns open the season on Sept. 8 against the Dolphins at First Energy Stadium. "That?s the challenge," Turner said in a session with the media prior to the start of training camp Tuesday. "There?s a lot of things we can?t control, but if we can get the practice time in, our guys can stay healthy, our guys can make the kind of progress they made during OTAs and minicamps, I think we can be ready to be a good offense when the season starts." However, Turner said there are some challenges still ahead in training camp. "But we have a lot of work to do and we have a lot of guys that have to get a lot better in terms of understanding what we?re doing," he said. "Then the better you get at what you?re doing, the faster you play. and that?s what our goal is, to be playing at a real high rate of speed, a real high level when the season starts." The success of Turner's offense will be predicated partly by the play of two main cogs in Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson. The latter missed most of the OTAs and minicamp installation on the field of the system being held out with a lower leg injury.Turner isn't concerned that RIchardson is behind. ?I think the running back position is a little bit unique," he said. "Those guys rely so much on their physical skills, their natural ability. I think he can overcome the time he missed. He?s sharp. The mental part was no problem. He?ll get reps. He?ll get his share of reps. The best runners I?ve been around, they start off and stay within the system and they let their natural ability do a lot of the damage. Their natural ability is a lot of reason for their success.? Turner said he's not concerned with over loading Richardson in training camp. ?I don?t think he?ll take a beating at all in our training camp practices," he said. "I think Coach and our trainers and our doctors have put together a really good plan for Trent. I think he?s going to get as much work as he needs to get ready and then we?ll make sure he?s fresh and healthy, but he?s going to get his share of the work in this camp like every player. When I started this thing off, you have to put a lot of time in. It takes a lot of work to be ready to play in this league. He needs to go through the same process everyone else does.? Turner knows the NFL is becoming more and more a passing league, but if Richardson is the offense's best weapon, he could envision him carrying the ball 300 times, if healthy. ?Obviously the trend in the league is to not do that, but I think it depends on your team and everyone around it," he said. "If that player is your best player, then I think it?s probably a good thing to have him in the game and give him the ball. So I would hope Trent would have that many carries. That means he?s playing healthy and playing at a pretty high level if we give him the ball that much.? It's well documented the success that Turner's system has produced in terms of running backs and he thinks Richardson has the chance to be mentioned among the top running backs. ?Just watching him and seeing him against us when I came here in October (with the Chargers) and then watching the tape, yeah, he?s that type of runner," he said. "Obviously, he was the third pick in the draft. I think he has a lot of great days ahead of him. I always have a problem comparing players because each guy has his own unique style, but I think he?s capable of doing great things.? Maybe more important to the Browns offensive success will be the play of the quarterback. Weeden is expected to start the season for the second-straight year for the Browns. Turner was asked if he expects Weeden to make a big jump from his rookie season to year two. "To me, it?s totally based on number one, the guy, and then the situation he was in and so many people get caught up in where a guy is," he said. "A lot of it depends on the situation he?s put in, the offensive line, the playmakers around him, how good a defensive football team you have, there?s so many things that go into it. "But I think Brandon is fortunate," he said. "He?s had the experience of starting 15 games in this league, that?s a plus when you start working with a player who hasn?t played a lot. and then I think he?s taken to what we?re doing and I expect him to play at a high level." Turner documented the success of some of the quarterbacks that have played well in his system. "This system is really a quarterback-friendly system and I know guys look to a year and say, well, this guy in this system had this many turnovers or whatever, but I go all the way back to Jim Everett, guys that people forget. We had Gus Frerotte go to the Pro Bowl in 1996, Trent Green had a breakout year in 1998. Brad Johnson took us to a playoff win and threw for 4,000 yards in '99. "I can go on, Alex Smith, we?ve had a lot of quarterbacks play at an awful high level, and we?ve had some guys not have great years in this system, because that?s part of this league," he said. "But I think the system?s proven, I think our players are buying into it and I think our fans will enjoy watching what we do. because we want to be productive, we want to be explosive and we want to score points. and that?s obviously why you come to games." Turner's system utilizes the shotgun formation, something that is expected to help Weeden since he played mostly out of the shotgun in college at Oklahoma State. "I think the thing the shotgun has done for some of these guys, and everyone thinks the shotgun is the runners, but it?s (Peyton) Manning and (Tom) Brady and Philip Rivers," he said. "I think those guys are helped by being in the shotgun because it gets them away from the rush a little bit and this league has become a pressure league, and it?s such a league that?s based on trying to disrupt the quarterback. "Being in the shotgun will help our quarterback," he said. "So, yeah, we want to be in the shotgun a percentage of the time. Then the test for us and the goal for us is to make sure we?re balanced and that we can run the ball and throw the ball out of the shotgun and we?ll be under center when it?s appropriate." There was some speculation that Turner was instrumental in helping the front office decide to go with Weeden for a second season. "It starts with Chud," Turner said. "He and Joe (Banner) spent a lot of time together and we looked at a lot of quarterbacks. I think the combination of what we felt about Brandon and then what the options were, the alternatives. and obviously, we helped our quarterback situation a great deal getting Jason and getting Brian. I like our quarterback situation, and I?m going to say it again, we have a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be, but I think we can be successful with this group."
i dont think i have anything you would want for Lee . #7 scoring player to date . i might " miss " the draft next year maybe autodraft will do me better ..naw i cant do that i have to pick my own be true to form and make my own mess . i had a very good teal last year that went South when it mattered the most . injuries & bad play can happen at any point in the season . just hope it's not during the playoffs .
By Site Staff Browns Press Release Posted Jul 23, 2013 OG John Greco agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Browns on Tuesday. Greco has been working with the first-team offense and appears poised to be joining the starting ranks. 0 Comments BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns on Tuesday agreed to terms on a five-year contract with offensive lineman John Greco, the team announced. ?One of our goals,? said CEO Joe Banner, ?is whenever possible to develop and keep our own players. We?re glad in this case that it worked out, and was mutually beneficial.? ?John is a solid, all-around teammate, on and off the field,? said Head Coach Rob Chudzinski. ?He was given an opportunity to play last year and really showed well. He?s respected in the locker room for his approach, consistency and team-first attitude.? Greco, a 6-4, 315-pound veteran in his sixth NFL season out of Toledo, is now signed through the 2017 season. He has seen action in 55 career contests with 14 starts. In 2012, he appeared in 14 games, including a career-high 10 starts, all at left guard. Last season, the Youngstown, Ohio, native was a part of an offensive line that helped pave the way for Trent Richardson, who rushed for a 950 yards, and protected for Brandon Weeden, who threw for 3,385 yards, both franchise records among rookies. Originally selected by St. Louis in the third round (65th overall) of the 2008 draft, Greco was traded to Cleveland prior to the start of the 2011 season. The Cleveland Browns on Tuesday signed free agent Naaman Roosevelt, the club announced. Roosevelt, a 6-0, 200-pound wide receiver in his third NFL season out of the University at Buffalo, has appeared in 16 NFL games, all with the Buffalo Bills. His first name is pronounced NAY-man. An undrafted free agent, Roosevelt initially signed with the Bills in 2010 and has recorded 25 career receptions for 396 yards with one touchdown. He set career highs in 2011 after appearing in 10 games with 16 receptions for 257 yards with one touchdown. He spent training camp with the Bills last season. While in college, Roosevelt set school records in receptions (268), receiving yards (3,551), touchdown catches (28) and all-purpose yards (5,341). A native of Buffalo, N.Y., he graduated from the city?s St. Joseph?s High School.
By Don Delco OBR Browns Reporter Posted Jul 23, 2013 For all the moves the Browns made in the front office and with player personnel, nothing was bigger than what happened at the Pilot Flying J headquarters on April 15. 0 Comments Although there are still many weeks until the games actually count, training camp is almost here and that signals the end of the long, but busy NFL offseason. This was the first offseason for the reorganized Cleveland Browns led by owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner. Boy, was it anything but boring. As is the case with anything Cleveland Browns-related, the offseason ranged from a few highs to a few lows and a few ?what-the-hell? kind of stories that left you uttering, ?Only the Browns.? For all the moves the Browns made in the front office and with player personnel, nothing was bigger than what happened at the Pilot Flying J headquarters on April 15. The FBI and IRS showed up in Knoxville, Tenn. that morning. While most of us were glued to what was going on with the Boston Marathon bombings, federal agents were running roughshod through Haslam?s company. As it stands, Haslam maintains he knew nothing of the shady dealings of his underlings. Reports to the contrary say that Haslam did know. Less than 10 days before the official opening of training camp, news broke that Haslam agreed to a class-action settlement with the companies Pilot J cheated out of fuel rebates. Why does this take precedent of the drafting of Barkevious Mingo, the hiring of Toledo-native Rob Chudzinski as head coach or the signing of a free agent like Paul Kruger? Regardless of the settlement, the situation remains volatile and Haslam?s future and his company?s future are uncertain. Sure, Haslam has ?no plans? on selling the Browns, but if his legal troubles get worse, he may not have a choice. This takes precedent over a draft pick or free agent signing because this is exactly what the Browns didn?t need. They need stability, security and the knowledge that their new owner and front office will be around for the foreseeable future. They don?t have that. Andrew Schnitkey of the must-read WaitingForNextYear.com wrote about how Browns fans supporting owner Jimmy Haslam is a tricky proposition. ?First off, whether Haslam knew about it or not, the money he used to buy the Browns came from Pilot Flying J, a company that shrewdly defrauded less sophisticated customers out of money that was owed to them. ?Second of all, if this all happened under Jimmy Haslam?s nose without his knowledge, it sort of sets a bad precedent of oversight and leadership. I realize no two companies work exactly the same, but in talking with several people who have worked in sales for large companies, they are pretty unanimous in asserting that sure it?s possible to have a CEO not know something like is going on. Maybe even plausible. But they also felt pretty strongly that a CEO who is a strong, hands-on leader would know about this at least to some degree.? Circumstantial evidence isn?t very favorable for Haslam. And this is Cleveland. Only a team like the Browns would have their brand, spanking new owner embroiled in controversy with federal agencies. It has been less than a year when the news broke that Randy Lerner was selling the team. You were hard pressed to find a Browns fan that was disappointed in the news or a fan that didn?t like how Haslam presented himself. Since Haslam took over, the Browns have been in a constant state of flux. A few months before the Halsam news broke, the Browns fired and hired a new rookie head coach ? again ? and added new offensive and defensive coordinators. At least the coordinators came with impressive r?sum?s. From there, the upgrades to the defense began in earnest with a few offensive additions to boot. It?s a Browns offseason. It?s going to have massive amounts of turnover, but the hope is the front office and coaching staff turnover would be kept to a minimum with Haslam now in charge. But if he is forced to ditch the Browns, the reboot begins anew and new owners will have different ideas on how the team should be organized. Haslam?s troubles haven?t been the only off the field issues that haven?t been favorable for the Browns. There were the attempted murder charges on undrafted rookie defensive lineman Ausar Walcott (who has since been cut). And who could forget the joke in the Mansfield Browns fan?s obit that made national news? What is going on with Haslam shouldn?t matter to the potential upgrades the Browns made by drafting pass rusher Mingo, trading for veteran wide receiver Davone Bess or signing veteran linebacker like Kruger in free agency. Even bringing in an offensive coordinator like Norv Turner to maximize the potential of quarterback Brandon Weeden and running back Trent Richardson was seen as a positive move. As has been the case, despite the front office or coaching turnover the Browns experienced, there is some renewed hope for the current edition of the team. Overall, the Browns? talent level seems to be improved from a 5-11 team that lost at least three games because of dumb coaching last season. (Hi, Pat Shurmur!) Unfortunately, while the desire to create some stability within the organization is still in doubt, the Browns will have a first-year coach paired with a starting quarterback who needs to step up or he will be sent packing. Regardless of what happens on the field, the collective breath of the Browns organization will continue to be held until the Haslam matter is fully resolved. Why? It goes back to finding continuity within the Cleveland Browns organization. I leave you with Schinikey?s words. ?Short of selling the Browns tomorrow, the best thing for the franchise would be to move forward with Jimmy Haslam remaining as owner. For Haslam to never face charges or have evidence brought up proving his direct knowledge. If that happens, this could all be over in a year or so. ?The worst case scenario for fans and the franchise itself would be for the owner to fight and scramble to hang onto the franchise, only to eventually have to give it up a couple years from now. It would mean prolonged doubt, dwindling resources, and general confusion for a couple years, only to start all over again at a later time.?
?Short of selling the Browns tomorrow, the best thing for the franchise would be to move forward with Jimmy Haslam remaining as owner. For Haslam to never face charges or have evidence brought up proving his direct knowledge. If that happens, this could all be over in a year or so. ?The worst case scenario for fans and the franchise itself would be for the owner to fight and scramble to hang onto the franchise, only to eventually have to give it up a couple years from now. It would mean prolonged doubt, dwindling resources, and general confusion for a couple years, only to start all over again at a later time
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed running back Peyton Hillis. Hillis, who played for the Chiefs last year, signed shortly after working out for the Bucs. Tampa Bay will be the fourth stop in the 27-year-old Hillis?s career, having previously played for the Broncos, Browns and Chiefs. Hillis had one outstanding season, in 2010 in Cleveland, when he carried 270 times for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns and added 61 catches for 477 yards and two touchdowns. But in his other four seasons he?s been a mediocre player. In Tampa Bay, Hillis will have a chance to earn the No. 2 running back job behind starter Doug Martin. Hillis will be competing in camp with veteran Brian Leonard, rookie Mike James and all-name team candidate Michael Smith.
By Fred Greetham OBR Senior Browns Reporter Posted Jul 23, 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. 0 Comments Defensive Backs: Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Buster Skrine, Chris Owens, Tashaun Gipson, Johnson Bademosi, Leon McFadden, Trevin Wade, Akeem Auguste, Josh Aubrey, Kent Richardson, Abdul Kennah, Jamoris Slaughter, Kenronte Walker Haden (5-11, 190, 24, 4th year) -- Haden missed four games in 2012 serving an NFL suspension from games 2 through 5 in which the Browns lost all four games. He also missed a game later in the season with an oblique injury and the Browns also lost. The 0-5 record with Haden out of the lineup demonstrates his value to the defense. Haden finished 2012 with 51 tackles, three interceptions and 10 passes broken up. The Browns are counting Haden to take the next step to a Pro Bowl level player. Ward (5-10, 200, 26, 4th year) -- Like Haden, Ward is entering his fourth season with the Browns. Ward played the first 14 games in 2012 at strong safety before finishing the season on injured reserve with a knee injury. Ward finished fourth on the team with 68 tackles. He forced three fumbles, added a sack and an interception. The Browns are hoping Ward becomes the dominant safety needed for a team to have a top tier defense. Skrine (5-9, 185, 24, 3rd year) -- Skrine was thrust into playing in 2012 due to injuries and suspensions. Skrine played in all 16 games, including six starts. He finished the season with 73 tackles, which was third on the team. He also had 11 passes broken up. Skrine was picked on throughout the season, but is best suited in the slot and the Browns are hoping that McFadden can come in and play quickly on the outside allowing for Skrine to play as the third or fourth cornerback. Owens (5-9, 180, 26, 5th year) -- Owens was signed as an unrestricted free agent. Owens has the most years in the NFL as he enters just his fifth NFL season. He played last year with the Falcons and is expected to battle with Skrine and McFadden for the starting cornerback spot opposite of Haden. He also will be in the mix in the nickel and dime packages. Gipson (5-11, 205, 22, 2nd year) -- Gipson made an impression as an undrafted free agent (UFA) rookie in 2012. He played in 10 games with three starts. Gipson missed six games with a knee and foot injury, but ended up working his way into the starting lineup in place of Eric Hagg and finished the season as the starter at free safety against the Steelers and had six tackles. Gipson is the projected starter at free safety as training camp opens, but is expected to be in a battle with Bademosi and possibly, Slaughter for the job. Bademosi (6-0, 200, 23, 2nd year) -- Bademosi made the Browns roster in 2012 as an undrafted free agent (UFA) rookie. He appeared in all 16 games in a reserve role at cornerback with three tackles. However, Bademosi made his mark on special teams with 18 tackles, leading the team. The coaching staff used him at safety in the OTAs and minicamp and he is expected to battle Gipson for the starting free safety position. Wade (5-10, 190, 23, 2nd year) -- Wade appeared in 13 games as a rookie in 2012 after being drafted in the 7th round. He had 11 tackles with a pass broken up as a reserve. He made a mark on special teams with 6 tackles. He will be in the mix for a spot in the oration at cornerback. McFadden (5-9, 195, 22, Rookie) -- McFadden was drafted in the third-round (68th overall) and is expected to compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite of Haden. McFadden's father played baseball in the major leagues and so the rookie has been around the big lights. Browns think highly of him, as he was the second player they drafted (without having a second-round pick). McFadden signed the day the rookies were to report to camp, thus he will be able to compete for a job from Day One. Slaughter (6-0, 195, 23, Rookie) -- The Browns selected Slaughter in the sixth-round despite him missing the majority of last season at Notre Dame with a ruptured Achilles tendon. He missed a lot of the OTAs and minicamp, but is expected to be ready for training camp. Auguste (5-10, 185, 23, Rookie) -- The UFA from South Carolina is one of seven rookie defensive backs trying to make the roster. Aubrey (5-10, 200, 22, Rookie) -- Aubrey is an UFA rookie from Stephen F. Austin. Richardson (5-11, 200, 26, Rookie) -- Richardson is another UFA rookie from West Virginia. Kennah (5-10, 185, 22, Rookie) -- Kennah is also an UFA rookie from New Mexico Highlands. Walker (6-0, 210, 22, Rookie) -- Walker is an UFA from Missouri.
BATTLES OF BEREA: QUARTERBACKS Players to watch: Jason Campbell (6-foot-5, 230 pounds, ninth year); Brian Hoyer (6-2, 215, fifth year); and Brandon Weeden (6-3, 220, second year). 2012 stats: Campbell (with Chicago Bears ? six games played, including one start, 0-1 record, 32-of-51 passing, 62.7 percent, 265 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, 72.8 passer rating, seven carries for 28 yards, six sacks, two fumbles); Hoyer (with Pittsburgh Steelers ? did not play; with Arizona Cardinals ? two games played, including one start, 0-1 record, 30-of-53 passing, 56.6 percent, 330 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, 65.8 passer rating, one carry for 6 yards, four sacks, one fumble); Weeden (15 starts in 15 games, 5-10 record, 297-of-517 passing, 57.4 percent, 3,385 yards, 14 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 72.6 passer rating, 27 carries for 111 yards, 28 sacks, six fumbles). Analysis: The starting job is Weeden?s to lose heading into camp. He took all of the first-team reps during organized team activities and minicamps, threw fewer interceptions than he did last spring as a rookie and displayed better footwork while dropping back. He also appeared to be far more comfortable in the downfield, vertical passing game installed by new coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner than the West Coast offense used by ex-Browns coach Pat Shurmur. Barring injury or an epic meltdown in the preseason, Weeden will retain his starting job and receive a one-year trial under the new regime, which will need to see significant progress from him this season because he?ll turn 30 on Oct. 14. With Weeden on track to start, the real competition is between his backups. Campbell took the majority of the reps with the second-team offense during spring practices, but Hoyer received some as well. So even though Hoyer, 27, is No. 3 on the depth chart entering camp, he?ll get a legitimate opportunity to surpass Campbell, 31. Campbell, who signed with the Browns in March, has a better arm than Hoyer. Still, Hoyer was sharp in team drills despite his late arrival. He signed with the team May 17 in the midst of OTAs. Of course, the backup quarterback job is vital, especially in Cleveland. No Browns quarterback has played a full 16-game season since Tim Couch in 2001. Weeden came close to ending the streak last season, though he missed the finale with a sprained throwing shoulder. Click here to read or leave a comment on this story.
Every customer of Pilot Flying J that had money essentially stolen from it over the past eight-plus years will have its legal rights lumped in with the settlement of a class action filed earlier this year in Arkansas ? unless the customers raise a hand and says, ?I?m out.? A website detailing the settlement that was approved by a federal judge last week contains a link to a notice explaining (via 31 questions and answers) the rights of every customer of the company run by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam. If the customers don?t opt out of the settlement by October 15, 2013, they?ll be stuck with whatever they get from the nationwide settlement. And what they get from the nationwide settlement may not be much more than what they?ve already received. The formula consists of all unpaid rebates and discounts (as defined in the documents) from January 1, 2005 through July 15, 2013 plus six percent simple interest and minus any payments previously made by Pilot Flying J under its ?Voluntary Payment Program.? Customers can either exit the settlement or challenge it. A fairness hearing on the settlement will be held on November 25. The problem, as a practical matter, is that the judge already has decided that he believes the settlement is fair. It will take some convincing and/or new information to get him to throw it out. That?s why the best approach for any customers who believe that their legal rights extend beyond compensation plus interest would be to opt out and sue on their own. The problem, however, is that the customers may lack the sophistication to realize that they have rights to other damages beyond getting the money that was essentially stolen from them. Which sort of got them into this problem in the first place, given that the company allegedly preyed on customers deemed to be too estupid to realize they were getting screwed. Indeed, the named plaintiff in the case that sparked the settlement ? National Trucking Financial Reclamation Services, LLC ? reportedly is a company that has bought up the rights up multiple Pilot Flying J customers, possibly at pennies (or close to it) on the dollar. For that specific entity, a settlement that pays out 100 cents on the dollar plus interest of the money that essentially was stolen will be a windfall. But it may not be justice, especially if as the settlement notice suggests the scam began in 2005.
Browns captain D'Qwell Jackson said suspended WR Josh Gordon "doesn't have that many lives left." Gordon tested positive for marijuana three times in college and will sit out the first two games of this season after testing positive for codeine. "He's got one more time to really straighten things up before he's got to leave," Jackson said. "I think he is starting to realize that." If Gordon violates the substance abuse policy again, he'll be facing a one-year ban.
BEREA ? Browns CEO Joe Banner says he can?t envision a scenario in which owner Jimmy Haslam sells his NFL franchise. Haslam, who bought the Browns last year, is under federal investigation for fraud at his Pilot Flying J truck-stop chain. He recently reached a settlement with some customers who were cheated out of rebate money. Banner said the ongoing investigation has not interrupted day-to-day operations of the Browns. Banner said Haslam remains engaged in completing his vision of rebuilding the Browns, who have only made the playoffs once since 1999. In an interview on the eve of the Browns opening training camp, Banner said ?I don?t see that scenario? when asked if Haslam would have to sell the team. Banner said the league is satisfied the Browns are running smoothly and confident how Haslam is leading despite his legal troubles.
BEREA, Ohio ? One of the Browns most respected players has a message for talented yet troubled teammate Josh Gordon: He?s running out of football ?lives.? Inside linebacker D?Qwell Jackson said the team supports the second-year receiver, who will miss the season?s first two games due to drug suspension, but that he?s exhausting chances at a young age. Another failed test might produce a season-long ban for a 22-year-old who?s an integral member of the franchise?s new vertical passing attack. Jackson?s comments were part of a wide-ranging interview about leadership and the upcoming season. ?No matter how many bodies you put in front of him or people who speak to him, Josh has to be willing to make a change for himself,? said Jackson, the team?s defensive captain, in a phone interview. ?I could talk to him all day if I wanted to. (Coach Rob Chudzinski) could talk to him all day if he wanted to, but it?s not going to do any good unless he takes that next step. ?He doesn?t have that many lives left . . . He?s got one more time to really straighten things up before he?s got to leave. I think he is starting to realize that.? Gordon, who tested positive for marijuana three times in college, said again Monday the codeine that triggered his latest failed test was unintentionally ingested through cough syrup prescribed to him for strep throat in February. The league does not reveal the substance when announcing suspensions and fines. The Baylor product said he didn?t take codeine recreationally and stressed that he?s staying clean. He apologized to the organization and it?s fans, noting he has much to prove. He also was contrite for Tweets of support for LeBron James and Miami Heat last month that irked some Cleveland fans. Jackson, a 2006 second-round draft pick and the team?s most tenured player, believes Gordon is doing everything coaches are asking of him right now. Gordon enters training camp off a solid rookie season that saw him finish with five touchdowns and rank eighth in the NFL with a 16.1 yards per catch average. But the suspension coupled with the failed college drug tests are coming to define Gordon as much as his talents. ?These mistakes he?s making early on in his career people are watching,? Jackson said. ?Players and coaches are watching. We all wish him the best. People make mistakes. He doesn't have that many lives left ... I think he is starting to realize that.?If he wants to last in this league and be successful and productive and have his word mean anything to anyone over his career I think right now would be the time to straighten those things out . . . He?s young and he?s going to have to learn quick in this business.? Jackson does not just dispense advice to first and second-year players. A season ago, after Joe Haden drew a four-game drug ban, Jackson made reference to the star cornerback?s lifestyle and fleet of luxury cars. ?He?s a flashy guy,? the eighth year veteran told reporters. ?Hopefully he?ll correct that issue with the cars one of these days. Get rid of ?em.?
By Fred Greetham OBR Senior Browns Reporter Posted Jul 24, 2013 Only time will tell if Banner's vision for the Browns will pay off, but there's no question he has a plan. 0 Comments BEREA -- Browns CEO is very optimistic that the Browns are poised to turn things around for the long haul. In a meeting with the local media on the Browns practice field in Berea, Banner answered questions for over 20 minutes regarding the Browns this year and the future. He also talked about the lawsuits against Pilot Flying J and his perception on how that will affect Jimmy Haslam and the Browns moving forward. Banner said he is excited as the Browns take the field to start training camp on Thursday at 4 p.m. for the first official practice of training camp, which is open to the public. "I think it's the effort, the quality of the coaching staff, the caliber of the people we added," Banner said. "I think you start with the minicamp. There's a real pace, energy and work ethic and that makes a difference. That's the culture that Chud (Rob Chudzinski) has instilled, along with the scheme, those are the types of things that will help us." Banner was asked about what type of season he thinks the Browns will have in 2013, but he didn't want to give a number of wins or losses, rather choosing to focus on the bigger picture. "My focus is really on wanting to see the shift in the culture that we've talked about, the effort, wanting to see the schemes that the coaches are putting in," he said. "That the players get better as the season goes in what we're doing. Seeing the young players develop that we're talking about and hoping that they are all what we think they could be. That's really my focus, wanting to see the work ethic and the pace that you saw in the spring stay through the whole season. So I think if we see those things then we're on the right track." Despite, the legal problems with Haslam and Pilot Flying J, Banner said he feels the Browns have been able make solid strides in the team's perception. "We're about where we thought we'd be," he said. "It's been a little overlooked, but we got two free agents that a lot of teams were interested in. The fact that they chose to come here is an important message to our team and around the league. The fact that we signed John Greco yesterday and the fact that players don't sign early unless they are optimistic and it's a place they want to be. I think that was bigger than the fact that he was from here, although that helped. I think those things kind of feed on themselves and if you want to be a winning organization and a place where teams want to come to that means they feel good about the people who are going to coach them and that they are optimistic about winning. There is an economic component, as well, but those other factors are in there when you're competing for those types of players. "I think that is a really good sign on how the league is adjusting their thinking about what it would be to come and play here or coach here," he said. "That's a thing that will help us in the long term." Banner knows that regimes have come and gone with the Browns since 1999 and all have said they were going to turn things around. Banner was asked why he feels his regime will succeed. "I don?t want this to sound the wrong way, but I think the key to the answer is the people leading the organization really have to sell that message and vision, and just sell it hard enough for people to believe us," Banner said. "I mean, I come from having a track record, worked with Andy Reid for 14 years. That?s about as long a partnership is during the league and had Howie Roseman, who?s the general manager there, 14 years. "Don Smolenski, who became the president when I left, was there 14 years," he continued. "Our directors of revenue were there seven or eight years. One of them, Len Komoroski came here and became President of the Cavaliers. I think the fact that they?ve seen that my belief, and it may be kind of clich?-ish, is you don?t want to have continuity until you?ve got the right people in place because that?s the fastest way to really (do it), but once you have the right people in place, continuity is the most important, valuable thing that you can do. "We just have to sell that vision," he said. "We?ve got to get them to buy it and trust it. I think we?re in very good shape with that. We?re starting to re-sign some of our own players, the kind of people we brought in here helps with all that, but some of it is just they?re just going to have to see it in action." Banner knows the Browns weren't able to address all of their needs in this past off-season. "This is actually the hardest part of where we?re at," he said. "Because whether it?s Jimmy or Chud or myself, we?re really impatient and we?re really competitive. So to have the discipline to do this the way we think you?ve got to do it if you?re going to sustain success is really, really hard right now. We?re trying to stay very disciplined about taking steps forward as opposed to fooling ourselves into trying to do everything at once, frankly signing too many free agents that are hard to integrate. "The track record on free agents, in terms of the success rate isn?t as high as you?d like, so you?ve got to be really selective and careful," he said. "I can?t wait till we get to the point where we go into a season feeling like we?ve at least got solid players at every position, and hopefully some really dynamic difference-makers at some positions. It takes a lot of discipline, but having studied the teams that have done this well, having been part of a turnaround in Philadelphia, it?s really clear that the teams that have done this and sustained the success have taken the approach where for the first year or two they go into it knowing there are still some things left to do in terms of the roster, but been willing to build it that way on the way in so once they get there they can keep it there." Only time will tell if Banner's vision for the Browns will pay off, but there's no question he has a plan. Other questions that Banner addressed: Q: How have Haslam?s legal problems affected the Browns front office?: Banner: "It really hasn?t affected us at all. We have a team we put together here of really, really good people, whether we?re talking the coaching staff, the business side, even our foundation. We?re really excited about the team we put together. Jimmy really had a vision. He spoke hereabout what his priorities were around creating a phenomenal fan experience and being focused on winning fans again. He hired me. We put together a team on a day to day basis to accomplish that. We?re free and clear to do all that. Nothing has happened to impact our ability to do that or frankly given us any reason not to be successful.? Q: Is there anything you can say to fans to re-assure them concerning the Browns stability?: Banner: ?I don?t know what we can say beyond what we?ve said. And I understand why that doesn?t give everybody total peace of mind, believe me. But I don?t know what we can say more than we?re operating the team exactly as we would whether this had happened or not. Jimmy is here and incredibly supportive and a huge asset to us. I think he?s made it clear and I?ve tried to make it clear without any ambiguity at all that he?s not going to sell the team. But I understand why until that actually happens and this thing plays itself out that it?s a legitimate question.? Q: Has he talked to you about this and said anything differently?: Banner: ?We?ve certainly talked about it privately. He?s been extremely open with me and felt it was appropriate I knew what was going on and reinforce the very same messages he said publicly. We certainly discussed it, but I know him. I have a lot of confidence in him. I wouldn?t say I had to be reassured.? Q: Is there uncertainty in the Browns building?: Banner: ?I think when it first started people had questions about it, but I think fairly quickly they got answers and felt comfortable. They know me. They know Jimmy. I think they trust what we told them and we?re right back focused on exactly what we?re doing.? Q: What was your reaction when Pilot got raided?: Banner: ?It was a surprise. Obviously, it wasn?t anything anybody was anticipating, so I was surprised. But I got the chance to know Jimmy and we talked about how we were going to run the Browns. The focus of his was doing things the right way, doing things with integrity from the first moment I met him. It certainly wasn?t anything I anticipated, but I felt comfortable with his responses. And as I said, we?ve been free to operate the Browns exactly the same way whether this happened or not.? Q: Do you have more responsibility now that Jimmy is dealing with the legal issues?: Banner: "No, as I say, the plan was for him to create this vision, for him to be involved in it, but to trust myself and the team we were going to put together to kind of implement it on a day-to-day basis, so we've continued to do that and I hope well. And as I say, I don't think we're doing anything differently here than we would've been doing if this had never happened." Q: The perception was that Jimmy was going to be a very hands on owner. Has that changed?: Banner: "The vision he told me he had for how he wanted to be an owner, which included him talking about some of the other owners in the league that he respected and that he wanted to operate in a similar manner to, is exactly the way things have gone, so whatever terms may have been used in terms of being hands on, how he defined that to me and how we've operated are totally in synch." Q: Do you see a scenario where the Browns could be sold?: Banner: "I don't see that scenario." Q: Thoughts on Brandon Weeden?: Banner: "I don't know in terms of final answers, but we're excited he has come in and met with Chud extensively. He has worked extremely hard and has done everything he has been asked to do. He obviously did a lot of work in the spring at the position. I think everyone is encouraged on how hard he is working and how badly he wants to do well." Q: Do you see all three quarterbacks here at the start of the season?: Banner: "In terms of evaluating them and how they're going to be used and stuff like, I want to leave that stuff to Chud. In terms of roster, we'll see what happens and you're always looking for any chance to upgrade any position on the team, so we'll keep our eyes open, but I think we feel pretty good about those three guys." Q: What's your assessment of Josh Gordon in light of his 2 game suspension?: Banner: "He spent a fair amount of time talking to Chud and he?s got to do some work and he understands he?s going to be held accountable and he gets the rope that?s left isn?t long. In working with the coaches they need to see that commitment, that work ethic. Obviously, off the field he needs to make good choices." Q: Has there been any hesitation on sponsors? parts because of the investigation?: Banner: ?Not that they?ve expressed, and I don?t mean this to say the wrong way but we?ve sold more season tickets than the Browns have sold since at least the return here. This offseason, more suites, more club seats, more new marketing partnerships. So there?s a lot of optimism and positive feeling about where the franchise is heading and I think it started with him taking over, leading the team and the vision he had and the team we?ve put together to run it.? Q: Do you think part of that was your decision to do away with PSLs?: Banner: ?I think it?s a combination of things. But we did that because we view that as something that was very friendly. I know some people misinterpreted and didn?t get that, but it is actually a very fan-friendly decision. So it did open the door for some people. But I also think there?s a lot of energy, even increased energy and optimism about what things we?re doing now and where the franchise is headed. I think that?s the main reason you see that happening.? Q: What is the renewal of last year's season ticket holders?: Banner: ?I think we?re at 94 percent renewal rate. So season-ticket holders came back, which is an extraordinarily high number historically here. When I say that, a few percentage points actually makes a big difference. So that?s very exciting. Then as I say, we only direct back to 1999, and we?ve sold more new season tickets than has been sold in any year since 1999. For us, those are the tips of the iceberg where people are starting to feel optimistic and encouraged by what they?re seeing and wanting to be even more of a part of it than they?ve been.? Q: Will cell phone service be better at the stadium this year?: Banner: "Cell phones will work."
Browns signed LB Justin Cole. Cole dressed in all 16 games for the Rams last season, but made just two tackles. He'll be a special teamer and depth if the cracks the Browns' final roster as well.
The Browns signed fullback Brock Bolen and linebacker Justin Cole and waived offensive lineman Dominic Alford and wide receiver Keenan Davis, the team announced today. The 6-foot, 232-pound Bolen has appeared in 20 NFL games, all with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his career, he has compiled two rushing attempts for 14 yards and three receptions for 21 yards to go along with 16 special-teams tackles. Bolen missed the entire 2012 season with an injured knee. A native of Germantown, Ohio, he signed with the Jaguars in 2009 as an undrafted free agent from Louisville. He has yet to start an NFL game. The 6-3, 243-pound Cole has appeared in 20 NFL games, all with the St. Louis Rams. He has totaled two career tackles on defense and seven stops on special teams. Cole, a native of Pasadena, Calif., appeared in all 16 games last season with the Rams and played in four in 2011. He has not started an NFL game. Cole signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent from San Jose State in 2010 and spent five weeks on the team?s practice squad his rookie season. Alford, a Shaker Heights High School graduate, spent the entire 2011 season on the Browns? practice squad and the final four weeks of this past season on the Carolina Panthers? practice squad. Davis is an undrafted rookie from the University of Iowa.
I was pretty worried two weeks ago. But, if there was any truth to it, either the Browns or Gordon would know by now and he wouldn't have been made available to the press this week. I don't think that one was accurate. Anyway... TIME FOR SOME FOOTBALL!! WELCOME BACK BROWNIES, WELCOME BACK! WOOF WOOF!! 4:00PM signifies the start of a new era and I am excited as always... Drinks on Irish for the rest of the day!! *DRINK* Anyone going to camp this year? I intend on taking my daughter one of the days, but I haven't figured out when just yet. I will let you all know in case anyone wants to meet up...time to put some faces to the names around here!
We are still looking to add a Cleveland Browns contributor for this upcoming season. If you have an interest you can PM or email me for more information. With all the knowledge I see kicked around here on a daily basis I know somebody here would like to get their opinion on record!
