By Fred Greetham OBR Senior Browns Reporter Posted Aug 10, 2013 Benjamin had just three punt returns in 2012, but had a 93-yard return for touchdown against the Chiefs.If you count the preseason score, Benjamin has scored on two of his four returns. 2 Comments BEREA, Ohio -- There's no question that Travis Benjamin has big play ability on special teams as evidenced by his 91-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first preseason game last week against the Rams. Benjamin said he knew he was going to score a touchdown once he turned the corner. "(I was thinking) just get in the end zone," he said. "I know if I can get the edge on anybody and get a key block to get to the edge I can get to the end zone." Benjamin is replacing Josh Cribbs as the team's punt returner. Cribbs sent a twitter message to Benjamin congratulating him on his touchdown. "Josh was a great mentor while he was here," Benjamin said. "(I learned) just by watching him and learning things he did helped me with my game. "He always had great advice for me." Benjamin had just three punt returns in 2012, but had a 93-yard return for touchdown against the Chiefs.If you count the preseason score, Benjamin has scored on two of his four returns. However, Benjamin continues to make plays in practice every day as a receiver and is being counted upon to be one of the key contributors on the receiving corps. "I feel with my speed on offense or special teams, any time I get on the field I can make a difference," he said. "I feel great and feel that I'm coming out here every day and getting better. I feel slowly but surely I'm getting into the offense." Rob Chudzinski said he's counting on Benjamin to not only return punts, but as a receiver, as well. He will be very important in the first two games while Josh Gordon serves a two-game suspension. "We'll use (Benjamin) as a receiver," Chudzinski said. "Whether Josh is there or not, we'll use him as a receiver during the course of the season. He's a guy with a really unique skill set with the speed that he has. He's definitely somebody we want to take advantage of and find a role for. He will be more important in those first couple games." Benjamin caught 18 passes for 298 yards (16.6 average) with two touchdowns in his rookie season, including a 69-yard touchdown reception against the Redskins. He caught one pass for 12 yards against the Rams in the only ball thrown his way. Benjamin is not looking to just be used as a replacement for Gordon. "I'm going into Game One looking to have a great game to fill in for Josh and in Game Two and Game Three just play the best I can." Benjamin is a slight 5-10, 175 pounds and some wonder if he can hold down being a receiver, as well as the punt returner. However, Chudzinski is not one of them. "I really don't (worry about that)," he said. "I've been around some smaller guys as receivers, who have done the dual roles. We'll keep those guys fresh enough." Brandon Weeden said that Benjamin had the most catches among receivers in the spring practices. Chudzinski didn't know that, but said Benjamin has been performing well. "He has really caught the ball well," he said "I haven't checked (practice reception totals) lately, but he's up there as one of the top guys (in receptions)." Benjamin spent the off-season training in Boca Raton, Florida with some NFL veteran receivers, including Anquin Boldin. "I spent time just training and working on my routes every day with guys like Anquin Boldin and guys like that who have been in the league awhile," he said. Benjamin was asked what he told him to do. "(He said) stay focused and be on top of your technique because you are the only one who knows where you're going on your route." Chudzinski said he looked at Benjamin from last year's tape and feels he has improved immensely. "He's gotten a lot better," Chudzinski said. "He's using his speed better in his routes as opposed to last year where he was just a guy who ran deep. Up to this point, he's shown the ability to run the shorter (routes) as well and get in and out of breaks real well." Chudzinski also likes that he and Weeden are developing chemistry. "I've noticed more and more working extra with Weeden," he said. "I'm pleased with that and some of that chemistry is developing between the receivers and the quarterback." Benjamin had a nice touchdown grab from 14 yards out in Saturday's practice from Brian Hoyer. "We had zero coverage (no safety) and anytime you have zero coverage you have an advantage," he said. "We had a great play call and they got me open in the corner." EXTRA POINTS T Rich Update: Chudzinski was asked about Richardson playing against the Lions next Thursday after Saturday's practice. "Trent's been practicing," he said. "He's been back, but we'll wait until later in the week on that." Chudzinski said Richardson has not been receiving treatment for the shin and he probably wouldn't have played against the Rams regardless. "It's part of the overall plan," he said. "We want him ready to go opening day." Richardson was in individual drills, but remained out of team drills. Super Joe : CB Joe Haden continues to have an outstanding training camp. He intercepted QB Brandon Weeden on two passes in Saturday's practice, including one for a touchdown. "He made a really nice break on a couple of balls," Chudzinski said. "His approach has been aggressive and he continues to work at it." Haden said the coaching staff has allowed him to play aggressively. "The coaches have let me jump routes to see what I can get." Later in practice, Weeden did hit WR Greg Little in the end zone with Haden covering. Lauvao Out: OL Shawn Lauvao will miss the start of the regular according to Chudzinski. Lauvao had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle and some reports said it is estimated that he'll miss about six weeks, which would include two to three regular season games "He'll miss some time early in the regular season," he said Friday. "I don't have any definitive dates and times on that. We'll just have to see how that goes from the results of the scope and how he'll progress over the next few weeks." Lauvao has started 32 straight games over the past two seasons at right guard. He will be replaced by OL Jason Pinkston, who missed the final 10 games in 2012 with a blood clot in his lung. Pinkston started all of 2011 and the first six games of 2012 at left guard. "Jason has had experience there and been effective there," Chudzinski said. "So that's definitely a high hope for us." Lauvao was injured near the end of practice last Monday during one-on-one blocking drills with DL Phil Taylor. Seventh-round draft pick Garrett Gilkey (6-6, 320) is the most likely backing up Pinkston at guard. Chudzinski said Gilkey played pretty well in his debut against the Rams in the preseason opener last Thursday. "Gilkey was pretty solid in there in the protections and his effort was really good finishing blocks," Chudzinski said. "He shows some physicality and I'm pretty sure no mental mistakes, so I think he didm a good job." Injury Update: The Browns had 14 players inactive for the Rams game, but Chudzinski expects to get some of them back for next week's game with the Lions.. DB T.J. Ward and DB Jamoris Slaughter were back at practice Saturday. "It was good to get a couple of guys back in T. J. and Jamoris Slaughter." However, WR Jordan Norwood (hamstring) was not practicing along with CB Leon McFadden (groin), CB Chris Owens (foot), WR David Nelson (knee), OL Chris Faulk (knee), OL Ryan Miller (head), RB Montario Hardesty (hamstring), OL Oniel Cousins (ankle), OL Shawn Lauvao (ankle), TE Brad Smelley (hamstring) and FB Brock Bolen (calf). Chudzinski said Norwood slightly pulled his hamstring in the game with the Rams. DL Dave Kruger returned to practice after missing some time with a concussion. DL Hall Davis left practice with his hamstring taped. Friendly Competition: Near the end of practice, Chudzinski yelled out that the loser on the final goal line play would eat peanut butter sandwiches for supper. On the play, Weeden threw a pass to RB Dion Lewis who dove for the end zone and the referee called it a touchdown. However, Chudzinski said that one of the linebackers got to Weeden before he threw the ball. "It depends on who you talk to," he said. "I called it a sack. I put myself out on that one." The second unit had the same situation and DB Abdul Kennah intercepted a pass in the end zone intended for WR Naaman Roosevelt from QB Jason Campbell. Mayock Visits: NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock was at Browns practice Saturday
By Site Staff Browns Press Release Posted Aug 10, 2013 Chud: ?One of the things I was pleased with during the game was the way our guys competed, played hard and played fast." 0 Comments Opening statement: ?It?s good to get back and get going with practice. We were able to get a couple guys back that we haven?t seen in a while. T.J. Ward was out in practice today and Jarmoris Slaughter also was out and got a chance to do some team work. We are excited about having those guys back. ?One of the things I was pleased with during the game was the way our guys competed, played hard and played fast. One of the things I wanted to challenge them with was coming back to practice and competing and working to get better. That?s one of the things we need to do to be the team we want to be is we?re going to have to work and scrap for everything we do and everything we get. The competition in practice was good. We had a good spirited practice. The tempo was good and we got some things done today. We worked a lot of situations and are really focusing on improving on situational football.? On if Trent Richardson will play Thursday: ?He?s been practicing. Last week he was practicing, as well. He?s been back. Again, I will wait until later in the week and let you guys know on that.? On if Richardson had been treated for his shin injury: ?No.? On if Richardson would have sat out the opening game if he didn?t sustain the shin injury: ?It is part of the overall plan. We want him ready to go opening day.? On Joe Haden?s interceptions in practice: ?He had a real nice break on a couple balls and picked them off. Like I said before, Joe?s approach has been outstanding. He is hungry to become the kind of player he can and reach his potential. He continues to work at it and he?s making plays out here every day. Those things and what I have been pleased with is the guy?s ability to take things from the meeting room to the practice field and then from the practice field to the games.? On Buster Skrine recording many passes defensed in practice: ?He has. He has really improved from the spring. He?s a young guy and a guy that just works every single day. He?s one of the hardest workers on the team and is a super competitive guy. He takes a lot of pride in what he does. You can see it show on the field. He had a number of times where he got his hands on the ball today.? On Skrine being more comfortable defending the slot receiver: ?I?ve seen him make plays and he looks good in all those areas to me.? On needing to re-evaluate the fullback position due to Chris Ogbonnaya?s performance: ?I don?t think that is accurate. I was pleased with what he did and what he brings to the table. He?s not your typical blow-it-up fullback. He functions well enough. As he learns and gets better from a technique standpoint, that will help him. Obviously, guys like that can cut and find ways to get on guys and their athleticism helps them get on guys as opposed to just knocking guys over.? On placing an offensive lineman in the fullback position: ?It really depends on the guy. They (San Francisco) happen to have a guy or two that can do that. Right now, we are just focused on our guys learning the base offense and base defense. Those types of things like crossing guys over on offense and defense we can get to a little further down the road.? On Travis Benjamin playing offense and special teams early in the season: ?We will. We will use him as a receiver, whether Josh (Gordon) is there or not, during the course of the season. He?s a guy with a unique skill set with the speed that he has. He?s definitely somebody we want to take advantage of and find a role for. He will be more important in those first couple games.? On Benjamin running better routes than last year: ?He is. He has gotten a lot better. He?s using his speed better in his routes. As opposed to last year, where he was just a guy that ran deep, this year up to this point he has shown ability to run the shorter routes as well and get in and out of breaks really well.? On if Jordan Norwood got hurt during the game: ?He did he had a slight tight hamstring. It was tight after, I think late yesterday, or he reported it after the game. We held him, but it should be a day-to-day thing.? On if he looks at Norwood as a fragile player: ?I don?t. He?s put weight on and he?s stronger. He has really worked on his flexibility and those types of things. I?m expecting him back in the next couple of day so I don?t see it as a problem.? On Mingo developing a diverse skill set, specifically his moves inside: ?I think he is doing a good job. He did some of that in college. He wasn?t just strictly a speed rusher. Obviously, the guys that have that kind of athleticism coming off of the edge present problem for tackles. His continued developing a repertoire of moves, at least from a starting point, knowing that he can speed rush and threaten the edge in that way will be key for him. As you guys know from being around him, he is made of the right stuff. He is really working on his trade.? On if Brian Baker is concentrating that with him: ?Brian has done a great job of working with that whole group of outside linebackers. Particularly when you are look at the fact that a number of them were defensive ends who are converting to outside linebacker, some of the basic things such as dropping into coverage and rushing standing up in a two-point where maybe they hadn?t done as much of that. I think Brain has done a great job with those guys making transitions, as well as those guys like Paul Kruger who continually gets better as well.? On if there was any doubt on the sack during the goal-line competition: ?It depends on who you talk to. Brandon (Weeden) came right over and said there was no way, but we will see and check it out on film.? On who is eating peanut butter tonight from the challenge: ?The offense ended up with the peanut butter tonight. The whole group will. It?s just a competition between the offense and defense on that one play.? On if the referees called it a touchdown but did not give it to them: ?No, they didn?t. I called it a sack. I put myself out there on that one. We will have to check the film. There is no review so we?ll have to check the film [laughter]. We will check the film later.? On if he worries about Benjamin?s size playing wide receiver and returning kicks: ?I really don?t. I?ve been around some smaller guys that were receivers that have had dual-roles, We will keep those guys fresh enough that I don?t expect any issues from that standpoint.? On if he is impressed with Benjamin?s hands: ?He really has caught the ball well.? On if he tracks receptions during practice: ?We do.? On if Weeden?s comment that Benjamin had the most catches since spring: ?It ties into the number of reps. I haven?t checked it lately. Those totals get high, but he is up there and is one of the top guys.? On the chemistry between Weeden and Benjamin: ?Yes, I watch and I?m at the point with Greg Little and Weeden working out here after practice. I?ve noticed more and more guys start to do that. That?s ultimately what we want to create here, that type of culture we want to create in this pursuit to be the best. I?m pleased with that and the extra work that guys are doing.?
1-0 baby!!!!! Weeden looked great. As did the whole first team unit in my opinion. Im excited for the new playbook. The only play I saw that looked like SAhurmur called it all night was that end around by little. These kids are going to be pumped to play for this offense.
Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has spent a lot of time apologizing and/or explaining himself since the end of last season. There?s the suspension for violating the league?s substance abuse policy, which Gordon said was triggered by codeine in medicine for a sore throat, and the decision to hang out with Cleveland public enemy No. 1 LeBron James after the Heat won the NBA title this year each led to acts of contrition from Gordon. Gordon took a more defensive stance on Saturday when asked about criticism that he loafs during practice and doesn?t work as hard as he should to become a better player. Gordon said that those who criticize him for not spending extra time working with Brandon Weeden after practice don?t see that he?s in the trainer?s room to get treatment for his patellar tendinitis. ?[As for] loafing, I mean certain people see different things when they look at me run or look at me move,? said Gordon, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. ?It might look slow ?cause I?m a little bit larger to play at my position. So it might be a little bit deceptive, hard to look at it. It looks like, compared to everybody else, a little bit shorter strides, shorter movements, but I go out here 100 percent every day I come out here.? While team CEO Joe Banner has made it clear that there?s only so much rope left for Gordon after getting suspended on the heels of positive drug tests in college, the wideout says he hasn?t heard any complaints from the coaching staff about his practice habits. If those habits help produce a strong season post-suspension, Gordon will likely be able to take a break from defending himself from criticism in the future. If not, that rope will be even shorter for Gordon in Cleveland.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Browns have told former quarterback Bernie Kosar to ''watch his words.'' On Sunday, team CEO Joe Banner condemned Kosar for harsh on-air comments he made about the St. Louis Rams during Thursday night's TV broadcast of their exhibition opener against Cleveland. Kosar, working as an analyst, was brutal in his assessment of third-string quarterback Kellen Clemens, the Rams' receivers and receivers coach Ray Sherman. Banner said Kosar's conduct was unacceptable. ''We don't condone the personal and unprofessional approach that Bernie took with some of his comments during the broadcast Thursday night,'' Banner said in a statement released by the team. ''We've spoken to Bernie, he understands that, and we would expect the situation is resolved moving forward. We've also reached out to the Rams organization and have shared those same sentiments.'' The Browns said Kosar called Rams coach Jeff Fisher personally and apologized Sunday. The Browns also said Kosar will continue to work the preseason games along with play-by-play announcer Jim Donovan. Kosar, who is scheduled to work this Thursday's telecast of the Browns' home game against Chicago, did not immediately return messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. Fisher first noted the Browns were ''a first-class organization'' on Saturday before saying he had lost a lot of respect for Kosar, and was disappointed he would target Clemens. ''I feel bad for them (the Browns) that they had someone doing the broadcast feel the need to speak that way about players, specifically on our team and coaches for that matter,'' he said. ''I'm just surprised that Bernie has such a lack of respect for players and this game. To be honest with you, I lost a lot of respect for him. It's highly unlikely he knew anything about our football team, but felt the need to make those comments. I don't think they were justified.'' ''I'm just surprised that Bernie has such a lack of respect for players and for this game. So, to be honest with you, I lost a lot of respect for him. This game is a preseason game. Players are playing hard. It's highly unlikely that he knew anything about our football team but felt the need to make those comments. I don't think they were justified.'' After Donovan relayed a story during the telecast that Clemens had recently met the Pope, Kosar said, ''Bless me father for I have sinned. I have to watch him the whole fourth quarter.'' Later, Kosar called the Rams' receivers ''horrible'' and said of Sherman, ''I'm checking through the itinerary here of guys, of coaches to see who the receiver coach is, to make sure I don't know this guy is,'' Kosar said. ''Because he's not doing very good, either.'' Clemens didn't take the chance to fire back at Kosar when the St. Louis Post-Dispatch asked for a comment. ''He gave us a lot of great examples throughout his career of what it's like to play quarterback, and how to do it at a high level,'' Clemens told the paper. ''Unfortunately, he also gave us a couple of examples in his commentating career of what not to do.'' This isn't the first time Kosar, one of the most popular players in Cleveland history, has come under scrutiny for his on-air behavior. He has publicly talked about how head injuries sustained during his NFL career have affected his speech, making him sometimes slur his words. He has also been addicted to pain medications, gone through a divorce and had financial troubles. Fisher referred to some of Kosar's problems while defensing Clemens. ''Bernie's got his issues, they're well documented,'' Fisher said. ''Kellen played well. He played hard and made plays. He got guys deep and had a drop. He played well.''
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...y-impression-arizona-cardinals-174607563.html Does anyone think it was a mistake for the Browns not to draft Mathieu? I would have loved to see them snag him with the 3rd round pick. Does his past off the field antics trump the potential? The kid has a nose for the ball and somewhat remonds me of Ed Reed in that sense.
I kinda thought he was just a tad over the top while I was watching the game. Hope Bernie wasn't "chemically induced" while working in the booth.
You know Lym, I felt he was over the top as well. He did take it to extremes and seemed to pile it on. However, the biggest stink seems to be from the what "National Reporters" Spoiler Peter King are quoting him as saying these players parents should be embarrassed. That is a direct misquote of the conversation between him and Jimmy. After Kosar said "the receivers were playing horrible", Jimmy said "What if some of their parents are watching" to which Bernie responded "I would be embarrassed"....NOT Their parents should be embarrassed of them as has been perceived by the national spotlight. This is a non-story made worse by Banner coddling Jeff Fisher/Rams in reprimanding Kosar. Should he be a little less straight forward? I believe he should, but I really enjoy his insight and break down of the plays. It's one of the reasons I watch preseason games more than once. The bias is simply not there. He makes comments on both sides of the ball against both teams. It just happened that the Browns played better than the Rams on Thursday...I have heard him being pretty darn harsh against the Browns in the past though and it was justified then...difference is the Browns fans didn't criticize him for it.
I liked Mathieu coming out and was behind them taking a flier in the 4th on him. I really didn't think any one would take him so early in the 3rd. After taking McFadden though, I am pretty sure the Browns didn't have him on their draft board. IF he stays out of trouble, I think he will be a pretty good CB in this league.
In related news, it has been reported that Bernie is under investigation for using performance enhancing drugs...
i felt he was overboard with his comments . they need to find someone else to pair with Jimmy for the Browns games . Kosar was good on the field but in the booth, my apologises but Bernie has no bussiness in a booth with a mic nearby . he sounds like he is either buzzed or *HI*
Actually bluez, I think his speech is head and shoulders better than it used to be. He has been working with a head doctor doing treatments for his concussions over the past year or so and it has seemed to improve his speech in my opinion. He used to be almost unintelligible. That is when everyone started saying he was drunk on the air. While Bernie has had his fights with alcoholism and pain meds...supposedly that is in his rear view and he has been sober for like 3 years now. I think the preseason games would be even more boring without him...imho
Not sure how this is a story anywhere but in a few twisted media minds who can milk some points out of it. Jeff Fisher ought to be more concerned with how poorly his team looked against a below-average Browns team rather than what an ex-quarterback color commentator had to say about his players. Evidently, Cleveland fans have thicker skin. Listening to Dan Dierdorf (pronounced "deer-Douche") or Cris Collinsworth talk about the Browns is like getting a lecture from a mean-spirited teacher on how you'll never amount to anything.
Actually, I don't believe the Browns will be bad forever. You're obviously too busy getting off the down-votes than actually reading anything I say, so I'll forgive your ignorance, but I don't constantly dump on the Browns. Also, I don't have a national audience for my opinions.
Well... the Browns finished 5-11 last season. The average, by definition, is an 8-8 season. Ergo, the Browns are literally below average. In fact, a 5-11 season last year puts them in the bottom quintile (20%) of the League. Up-and-coming, promising, any of those fun "buzz words" all mean the same thing -- a bad team getting better. So really, do you have a problem with the fact? Or the with the fact that I'm the one saying it?
Last Season they were a 5-11 below average team, THIS SEASON however, they are 1-0 in the preseason and 0-0 in the regular season, just as good as anyone else!!! So, as of right now, it is not "fact", it is opinion... The only question I have to ask you about this is... Spoiler How painful was that for you to type? And now, it has nothing to do with "who's saying it" it has to do with, I dislike negativity towards the Browns (especially when it from a "Fan" and before they've even had one snap of a regular season game... not to mention that they looked pretty good in they're one preseason game! Even Weeden looked pretty good, don't you think SAS? *THUMBSUP* What's wrong with being positive?
