The new DPL.

September 15, 2013. Browns. Ravens. They were enjoying a beautiful afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium when a crucial penalty was called on Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor.

On the game?s first possession, Taylor tackled Ravens running back Ray Rice. A second later, Taylor says, ?something happened? that changed us in a deep and profound way from that day forward.

Taylor didn?t scream, ?I?m hit!? But he did hint after the game that his slap came only after Rice spat on him.

Unfortunately, John Harbaugh has viewed the Zapruder-like film of the incident, and he says the film contradicts the whole premise of Taylor?s account.

?I watched it,? Harbaugh said. ?I didn?t see that on the tape at all.?

It?s unclear whether Taylor said something to provoke Rice, like, ?Nice game, pretty boy,? but whatever happened caused Taylor?s head to turn back and to the left. Maybe there was a second spitter behind the bushes over by that gravely road.

The sad thing is we may never know the real truth

 

lmao!

fortunately the Browns have become so irrelevant that embarrassing little stories like that don't even make it to mainstream America....so we got that going for us! *THUMBSUP*

 

By Fred Greetham
OBR Senior Browns Reporter
Posted Sep 16, 2013




The Browns offense, in desperate need of someone to make a play, welcomes No. 1 wide receiver Josh Gordon back this week. Gordon has served his two-game suspension and is ready to be a key contributor in Week 3.

1 Comment


BEREA--The Browns could use a jump start in their offense--to say the least.

Josh Gordon has served his two-game NFL suspension for substance abuse and he spoke to reporters directly on Monday about his situation.

"I'm excited to be back," he said. "I want to make as big of an impact as I can possible. We have a sense of urgency on offense to make some plays and that is what I'm going to try and do.

Gordon confirmed that he might be on his last chance with not only the Browns, but the NFL, as a whole.

"I feel like it's a last chance opportunity for the league," Gordon said. "Nobody wants a problematic type of person in their program or in the organization because how it perceives to be. I definitely want to stay away from any controversy for as long as I can, forever. That's definitely my number one priority."

Gordon was asked if he had another misstep with the NFL if it would lead to a one year suspension from the NFL.

"I think that's what it is," he said. "I believe so."

Gordon said he's got the message.

"For the simple fact that there's no room for mistakes," he said. "It's get it right and that's it."

The Browns offense has been non-existent and many feel Gordon's ability to stretch the field will help as teams have to game plan for him. He caught 50 passes for 805 yards as a rookie, including five touchdowns. His 16.1 average per catch is what the Browns are looking for. The Browns receivers had just 10 receptions in Sunday's loss to the Ravens.

"I definitely think I can go out there and put my talent to the best use for the team," he said. "Hopefully, we can go a long way with it. I don't want to say it's just about me or anything like that. We have a great offense and a bunch of great guys. I just want to be an extra piece of the puzzle to help us put it all together.

"I can't just say it's myself," he said. "i definitely want to go out there and help and go 100 percent. At this point, the guys just struggled through the last two games. It's early in the season and I definitely think the rhythm will get there and we'll be clicking, with or without me being the reason why. I think it's one of those things where we just need to regroup."

Rob Chudzinski is looking forward to having another weapon.

"I'm looking forward to having him back."

However, Chudzinski knows the offense needs more than just having him back.

"Josh will help but we need to improve in other areas," he said. "My experience with offenses is it take s a little time, but then you get confidence going and things start to roll."

Gordon said he doesn't feel any extra pressure to make something happen.

"That's not the case at all," he said. "There's no real pressure at all. I want to just go out there and play like I've played (in the past), make some big plays and hopefully, every thing gets back on track. It's not about me, it's about the team effort."

Gordon is relieved to have the suspension behind him, for himself and the team.

"It's a big deal. I know it was a looming cloud behind me of negativity," he said. "I'm glad to be back on the field and hopefully, more people can focus on that."

Gordon said his time away has helped him realize what football means to him.

"It definitely has," he said. "Just being taken away from it is a humbling experience for me. I found a new appreciation for the game. The absence of it makes the heart grow fonder, in a sense, so that's what it really is all about for me right now.

"The absence from (the game) definitely touches you and makes you appreciate it a whole lot more, especially in a situation like that with time away from it.

Gordon was allowed to be at the Browns training facility, working out and staying plugged in, just not able to practice. He said that was extremely helpful for him. In the past, the NFL didn't allow suspended players to be around the team.

"To be able to work out in the facility and be around the team and stay in the same rhythm and the normal routine that every one else was going through was a great benefit for me."

Gordon said he spent his off days at the Boys & Girls Club in Cleveland.

"I spent some time with the young kids from the inner city that are less fortunate," he said. "To be around them helps you humble yourself and come down to earth a little bit and how much of a blessing it is to do what you do for a living."

Gordon said he has realized that it's up to him to take charge of his life and learn from his past mistakes.

"I feel as though the guidance is really on me, I don't think anybody should be a caretaker for me at this point in my life," he said. "I want to be seen as a grown man and have the responsibilities for myself. I have to look at it that way and can't expect to always have someone in my ear telling me to do this or to do that. You just have to know the difference between right or wrong."

Gordon knows he must earn the trust from the team and the organization.

"I hope that the trust is there from before, but I'm definitely going to have to earn it back by making plays and showing how hard I go at practice and during the games and being committed to it as a whole, not just myself but as a whole we need trust from everybody," he said. "It's a big commitment thing from me and they have to see it from me."

Paul Kruger goes up against Gordon every day in practice and he thinks he will be a huge asset to the offense.

"I think (Josh) can make a big difference," Kruger said. "He's a special player. We need him out there."

EXTRA POINTS

Weeden in Question: Chudzinski said it's wait and see on QB Brandon Weeden and his sprained thumb.

"It's a sprained thumb and we'll see how it responds in the next couple of days," he said. "That will give us a good indication."

Chudzinski didn't want to speculate on who would step in if Weeden can't play against the Vikings.

"I want to keep (options) open to see where Brandon is," he said. "Like I mentioned before, I'm confident in all them. I just want to have to best chance to win."

QB Jason Campbell has taken all of the second team reps and it's assumed he would start, but Chudzinski wouldn't commit to him leading to speculation that QB Brian Hoyer might get the nod.

"We're all on the same team," Campbell said. "You have to be a pro."

Campbell was in for one series and was one-of-4 for 6 yards.

Hoyer said he stays ready every week, even though he was inactive as the third quarterback in the first two games.

"I prepare every week like i'm the starter," he said. "You never know in this league and that's how I prepare this job. That's how this business is."

Weeden was 21-of-33 for 227 yards, but was sacked five times by the Ravens. He had a rating of 83.8.

Delay Problems: The Browns had three delay of games on offense and were forced to call a timeout on another occasion.

"It starts with getting the plays in and getting more consistent," Chudzinksi said. "We're working hard on that. Some of that is coaching, some is players, some is technical issues with headsets. We're going to streamline the process but there's no excuse use for those things to happen."

Little Trouble: WR Greg Little got himself into trouble again with his driving. Chudzinski said he is dealing with the situation.

"I'm aware of that situation and will address that with him."

Chudzinski was asked if he will be suspended or disciplined.

"Any of those things I'm going to keep in house."

Little has had more trouble catching the ball, as well. He was targeted 12 times against the Ravens, catching four passes, but he also had three drops.

"He's had some opportunities to make plays and he's the first one that sees he needs to make those plays," Chudzinski said.

Chudzinski said he expects Little to improve.

""I've seen guys improve," he said. "From his standpoint, it's not from lack of work ethic. It's getting it done in game situations and gaining the confidence in himself. You keep working at it and keeping working at and some time you break through."

"He's working at it. He's got to gain the confidence in himself and has to believe in himself."

Lauvao Back?: OL Shawn Lauvao said he did some running last week and really wants to play this week. He said he didn't know if he'd practice on Wednesday.

Groves Out: LB Quentin Groves sprained his left ankle against the Ravens and Chudzinsk said he is 'day to day'.

Mingo's Numbers: Rookie LB Barkevious Mingo played 25 plays on defense and 10 on special teams. That amounted to 35 percent of the defensive plays and 38 percent of the special teams plays. Mingo had a sack on his first play of his career and had two tackles, one hurry and one pass batted down.

Opportunity Missed: One of the key plays in the games was when QB Brandon Weeden missed RB Chris Ogbonnaya wide open down the sideline with 2:38 to play in the third quarter. The Browns were trailing 7-6 and were facing second-and-7 from their own 38 and Ogbonnaya broke free and Weeden's pass was just off the finger tips of Ogbonnaya, who was outstretched for the ball.

"It was a combination of both," Chudzinski said. "Both of those guys readily admitted that Brandon had to get the ball out quickly and he led him more than he should've those are the types of plays you have to make in critical situations."

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The city of Cleveland will pay a firm nearly $400,000 to determine what repairs must be made at FirstEnergy Stadium before the city considers the Cleveland Browns? projected $120 million wish list of renovations.

Cleveland City Council tonight approved a contract with URS Corporation to conduct the capital repair audit between now and January, when work is slated to begin on the city-owned stadium.

The city?s lease with the Browns requires that the city conduct a repair audit every five years. So far, however, the city has not done so since the lease was signed in 1999, said Ken Silliman, chief of staff for Mayor Frank Jackson, during a City Council Finance Committee meeting today.

?Arguably, we should have done one in 2009,? Silliman said. ?But at that point the stadium was still new enough. We felt that the annual work that was being done was adequate, and then-Browns ownership did not suggest anything different.?

But now, under the stewardship of new owner Jimmy Haslam, the Browns are expected to submit a formal proposal to the city in the next month, outlining improvements to the ?fan experience? at the facility, including a new scoreboard, audio equipment and physical changes that would allow fans to move more freely within the stadium, Silliman said.

Before the city can get a grip on what kind of contribution it can make toward those luxury improvements, the comprehensive repair audit will identify the necessary upgrades that must take precedent, Silliman said.

The lease calls for the city to contribute $850,000 a year to the repair budget for the stadium. The money comes from a countywide tax on alcohol and tobacco sales, known as a ?sin tax.? However, the tax is set to expire in 2015, unless voters approve an extension. And it is yet to be determined whether the Cuyahoga County Council will submit a ballot issue to renew the tax.

The city is obligated to cover the expense of all emergency fixes or repairs of the stadium?s roof, foundation, structure or utilities, whether or not the money is within the repair budget. When it comes to capital improvements ?- defined as modifications and amenities that would rank the facility among the top NFL stadia -- the lease only requires the city to pick up the tab if the money is available, Silliman said.


Last year, repairs to the stadium totaled about $5.8 million, and included refurbishing seats and replacing ramps, bridges and other concrete. Silliman said that picking up that expense allowed the city to forgo its contribution to the repair fund for about seven years.

If the city cannot afford the improvements that the Browns describe in the expected proposal, Silliman said, the team is free to pay for them.

After listening to Silliman?s presentation today, City Councilman Mike Polensek cautioned administrators against doing too much to appease Haslam and the Browns.

?They got $102 million for naming rights,? Polensek said of the Browns? deal with FirstEnergy Corp earlier this year. ?And we got squat. We should do what we?re legally responsible for under the lease and nothing more.?

 

Maybe, well obviously I am in the minority, but Weeden hit on 21 of 33, and there were "how many" drops?

I agree there seemed to be a lack of urgency, no running game to speak of, etc...., but I actually thought Weeden did a credible job yesterday. I thought he showed some balls, throwing into tight windows at times, but not getting picked, and frankly if we had receivers who know how to position themselves and fight for a contested ball, we may have had a pretty decent game.

Yeah he missed a wide open Oby. Crap, that hurt, but it doesn't sum up his day. The guy gets sacked 5 times, and still hits on 60% of his passes after drops. I don't know, but that doesn't sound like the QBs failure.

We"ve got plenty of issues with the O, and Weeden isn't going to carry them on his back, but c'mon man, can we get a play called before they turn out the lights. That isn't on Weeden either. In fact that was a stated goal, getting the play in and allowing the QB 15 secs to get the team up to the line and have a chance to read and react. Not so much......

OK so start bashing. I am dissapointed that Weeden is going to miss the game / games when Gordon is back, and what we hoped is an O with some punch, finally takes the field. So if we look better this week is that because Weeden is not the QB?

2 games in, and life sucks as a Browns fan. I get it and I feel it, but I can't surrender to draft discussions, until I get to see this team with it's #1 WR, an NFL starting guard, and our best QB on the field. So sue me for not folding my Brownies pup tent on Sept 15th.

 

You know there was a time I would have agreed with you. For me it is MUCH more to do with leadership than stats.

At a point in the game when we could have pulled this out, Weeden walked to the locker room with a sprained thumb...ouchy, poor baby.

There are leaders in this league that would have told trainers to screw themselves if they wanted him to go in the locker room...OUT TAPE ON IT AND LET ME BACK IN THERE!! That is what I expect from my leader...He doesn't have that trait and that is the moment I gave up on Brandon Weeden.

Not folding my tent either, but after these two games...I am either bitching or talking draft...I choose to be productive with my talk, that's all.

 

Irish I understand that. But besides Jacksonville who has a worse offense in the league? I get your a Browns fan so I'm I. But for 14 yes 14 years it is not getting better. Talent!!! This year already looks like the 13 years prior. This team is like The Steve Miller Band...... Take the money and run!!!! Winning hasn't been a priority. In Jacksonville they are rallying for Tebow! Bring him in. I also agree that the line is terrible. But this team has had 13 years to build a line and has failed to do so. Kevin Costner made a movie talking about the Browns being laughing stocks of the NFL. Things need to change. Enough is enough!!!

 

The Akron Beacon-Journal reports Brandon Weeden (right throwing thumb) will likely be sidelined for Sunday's Week 3 game against the Vikings.
Beat writer Nate Ulrich says it "wouldn't be surprising" if coach Rob Chudzinski ruled Weeden out in the next couple of days. The Browns want to see how Weeden "responds to treatment" before doing so. Weeden underwent an MRI on Monday, while X-rays came back negative after he injured the thumb in the fourth quarter of yesterday's loss to the Ravens. One of Jason Campbell or Brian Hoyer is expected to start the game in Minnesota. Our money is on Campbell.

 

I think most of the NFL world knows what Jason Campbell is, and it excites nobody....Give Hoyer the ball if Weeds can't go.

 

the way the sorry ass line is blocking we will see them both and some guy they sign off the street *HELP*

 

One more strike, and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon said he's out of the NFL.

Gordon, who was reinstated from a two-game suspension for testing positive for codeine, said Monday he faces a one-year suspension and a petition for potential reinstatement if he fails another test.

"For the simple fact that there's no chances,'' Gordon said. "There's not too many chances really left out there, no room for mistakes for me. It's either get it right or that's it."

Gordon reportedly failed three marijuana tests in college and has two violations since entering the NFL as a second-round supplemental draft pick in 2012.

"It's a big deal,'' he said. "I know it was a looming-type cloud just behind me of negativity, so I'm glad to be back on the field and hopefully more people can focus on that."

Gordon said he's relying mostly on his family for support, but has also encountered other trouble off the field. During training camp, Gordon was ticketed for driving 98 mph in a 60-mph zone.

The Browns need his speed on the field.

Gordon became quarterback Brandon Weeden's favorite target last season, helping open running lanes because defensive backs had to track him 20-30 yards from the line of scrimmage. Gordon caught 50 passes for 805 yards as a rookie in 2012, averaging 46 yards on his five touchdowns.

But he's brand new to offensive coordinator Norv Turner's system and must earn his way into the good graces of first-year head coach Rob Chudzinski.

"It's important that Josh understands what my expectations are. I've talked to him about that," Chudzinski said. He understands accountability and I expect him to work and do everything he can to be the very best player he can be in the meantime and we'll go from there." ..

 

I Understand that Gordon has had his issues but what about Von Miller ? he has screwed up IMHO worse than Gordon and there is no chatter of that knucklehead being banned form the game if he screws up again ? *SORRY*

 

Just heard Fox and Bull on the radio. That Bull dude made a good point. He said I'm tired of the Holcombs he's tired of the Frye's, Garcia's, Wynn's, McCoy's and yes Weeden. When I got home I turned on ESPN and the 1st question they asked? Was Weeden the guy in Cleveland? The answer was NO! He wasn't chosen the 22nd pick to perform like this. The guy also said the Browns WILL BE looking to make a change next year. 2 media outlets and both negative about the Browns. 1 local, 1 national. I have to agree with that Bull guy. I want a young stud.I'm tired of the retread's coaches/QB. Look at what Reid is doing in Kansas City. 2-0. They won 2 games all of last year. I'm beginning to think the NFL is playing a sick joke on all us. This year its suck for Bridgewater or Boyd. With our line the way it is Manziel wouldn't have a chance here. Although he is mobile. lol!

 

That chatter will start in 2 weeks when he is eligible to return...out of sight, out of mind. I think Gordon was the only one to get the shortened suspension, so he is getting the press.

 

Through two games, the Cleveland Browns have scored one touchdown. Browns players have had nearly as many traffic mishaps as the offense has had productive drives. They've played two competitive games against two teams that might end up being pretty good, but despite the new start and the new names and the new coaches they've looked too much like the same old Browns.


Injuries. Delay of game penalties. Quarterback ratings lower than the posted side-road speed limits the wide receivers have trouble observing. A gifted yet totally unproven receiver coming off suspension just in time to see his starting quarterback get hurt. Bad decisions. Bad luck.


It's all been there. And it's just been two games.


Below are 10 suggestions, observations and fixes that might help at least a few of these remaining 14 games go a little better than the first two have and chart the course for what all involved want ? a better, more competitive future...


1. Driver's education classes.


2. Trade for a running back. Trent Richardson is clearly in a funk, and whether that's because of offensive line woes or trouble catching on to the new system or something none of us know about, that's a big problem. Through two games, no other running back on the current roster has gotten even a single carry, even as Richardson has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. The Browns called 19 straight pass plays in a stretch of the second half last week; they quit even trying to run. Somehow, some way they have to add a running back who can -- at very least -- catch a few passes out of the backfield, pose some sort of threat to opposing defenses and light some sort of something under Richardson, who's way too gifted to not be getting more on at least some of these runs. The Dion Lewis injury in August was a crushing blow because Lewis had been really good through the start of camp and looked to be the perfect complement to Richardson's style. But injuries happen all over this league, and good teams adapt.


3. Get a fullback. A real fullback. The second coming of Lorenzo Neal may not be available, but someone who can play fullback and try to help create holes and running space is. The days of the true fullback may be limited, but it's hard to believe the species is already totally extinct.


4. Which would lead to the next change: Brandon Weeden is a shotgun quarterback. Richardson is probably best as an I-formation runner following a fullback. We don't have official word from inside the building yet, but it's reasonable to expect Weeden to miss at least this week's game (and possibly much longer) with the thumb injury he suffered last week. Hello, transition point.


5. If a real fullback is not available, how about using Billy Winn in some situations? Winn is big and tough and mobile and since necessity is the mother of invention, why not give it a shot? The Bengals use Domata Peko in a (very) part-time fullback role and have used receiver Mohamed Sanu at running back and at quarterback in spots. For the sake of a shakeup and the sake of survival, it's time for the Browns to look at using what they have both better and differently.


6. Whether Weeden is out one week, four weeks or eight, it's pretty clear the Browns quarterback of the future is not currently in the building. It's also pretty clear that the team's top decision makers thought that before this season and went ahead with this crew anyway, so in that regard having to go with Campbell or Hoyer the rest of the way isn't a total deviation from the long-term plan. However, if those decision makers were going to be satisfied with saying they used 2013 to build and develop a stout defensive front seven and simply to evaluate everywhere else, they might want to be really careful with leaving that group on the field way too long over the next 14 games. How not trying to upgrade the quarterback spot/the offense in general after this miserable start might play in the locker room could be a concern as well. Players see things and know things. They've seen very little work so far, and even though 0-2 is far from the end of any road, hope is not a strategy.


7. About the whole quarterback mess, even if all resources are already in on getting thorough evaluations of Johnny Whatshisname, Teddy Bridgewater, Tajh Boyd and the rest of the potential 2014 draft class, that's all a long way away. And a really big gamble. It's worth picking up the phone now to at least explore other options at the NFL's most important position. If the rumors about Josh Freeman wanting out of Tampa Bay are true, the Bucs would probably give him up for a late-round pick in this, the final year on his contract. Even if he's not the answer, having a discussion and making a phone call to hear the validity of the rumors and the potential asking price would be worth the time. The Raiders would probably trade Matt Flynn for a case of footballs and some new facemasks, so maybe clean out the equipment room and free up another phone line on that? The Browns offense doesn't scare defenses. It will scare defenses even less with a quarterback who barely even got any -- and quite possibly zero -- first-team reps throughout the entire offseason.


8. I know, I know. The 2013 Browns aren't going to the playoffs with Josh Freeman or Matt Flynn anymore than they're going with Brian Hoyer or Jason Campbell or Brandon Weeden. It's OK if it's all about the future. It's just a lot easier to evaluate a competitive team than one that might not win more than a couple games in its current state. If the plan really is to play for the future with this new administration's guys, maybe Mike Lombardi could shoot his old friend Bill Belichick a text message: "If Gordon and a QB for Mallett and Dobson would make you call me back, this is my number. BTW this is Mike."


9. It's time for a sitdown with Greg Little about both making plays and abiding by traffic laws. He's either going to have change his ways on and off the field and start helping the team, or he's going to have to go. There are player's association rules about suspensions and fines and discipline and the like, but he can sit. There are 53 guys on an active NFL roster and only 46 dress each Sunday. His 93 parking tickets in college and what's starting to seem like that many dropped passes in his first two NFL seasons and two games of 2013 didn't change anything, but threatening his job might.


10. Starting Sunday in Minnesota, the Browns play three games in 11 days. They don't play Jacksonville until Dec. 1.


BONUS: The 2014 NFL Draft begins May 8.


Just in case two games in to the season was a good time to wonder.

 

Bluez I'm liking it man. I can agree with a lot of what you are saying up there. Little needs more than a sit down! yes we need a FB and you are right the QB of the future is not in the building. I'm in a FBB league on CBS. It's been going on for about 5 years now and I'm in the championship. But they already have a mock football draft on there. Here's what they are saying.

Jacksonville- Bridgewater QB/Louisville
Cleveland- Hundley QB/UCLA
Bucs- Clowney DE/S. Carolina
Raiders- Lee WR/ USC
Jets- Barr OLB/UCLA


Mariota they said could also go to the Bucs they said. I got to watch a little bit of that Hundley kid this weekend. He can ball. Strong arm and can move. But I'll admit I haven't watched a lot on him. But I like what I see. They also had Boyd going around 8-10. I heard people on the radio talking about this Hundley kid. Good things were said. It looks like everyone is saying what we are saying. So now I don't feel as bad. QB and guard my 1st 2 picks. I'll admit I like Lee from USC but we need that QB, guard and then WR.

 

Since I have my wish list for QB's I figured why stop there. Round on me.

Guards
1. David Yankey Stanford Sr
2. Cyril Richardson Baylor Sr
3. Gabe Jackson Mississippi St. Sr
4. Spencer Long Nebraska Sr

WR's
1. M. Lee USC Jr
2. A. Cooper Alabama So
3. S. Watkins Clemson Jr
4. T. Reese Baylor Sr
5. D. Adams Fresno St. Sr
6. J. Mathews Vanderbilt Sr

 

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Owen Marecic joined the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, signing a one-year contract two weeks after being released by the Cleveland Browns.

If San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh had his way, Marecic would have been with the 49ers on draft day in 2011.

Marecic won't be rushed into the starting lineup. Bruce Miller remains the 49ers starter at fullback. Harbaugh will find a way to use Marecic, perhaps in ways he used him when they both were at Stanford.

The 49ers are looking for ways to tweak their offense. Marecic, who also played linebacker in college, enjoys physical contact with his opponents.

Miller looks at the addition as another competitive challenge.

''Competition is always great,'' said Miller, who was called for holding in the end zone Sunday's loss to Seattle, resulting in a safety. ''You're always going to compete at that spot. I've watched him on film. He's a good football player. I'm just going to worry about me.''

Marecic worked out for the 49ers soon after his release from the Browns. He's been in Portland, Ore., near where he grew up, continuing his own workouts.

''There's nothing specific,'' Marecic said of his possible role with the 49ers. ''I'm going to work hard every day to do whatever role I can fill. They told me I would be on offense, as the backup fullback, and contribute on special teams.''

Marecic was the inaugural winner of the Paul Hornung Award, presented to college football's most versatile player.

''It feels good to have the opportunity,'' Marecic said. ''I look forward to finding a way to contribute.''

.. ..Miller, who played defense before switching to fullback, said Sunday's 29-3 loss to Seattle showed he still had a long way to go.

''I have to be better,'' he said. ''Turnovers, drive killers, penalties, that forced us into a lot of third down and long situations. We have to be more focused on what we're doing.''

The 49ers were limited to 100 yards rushing, 87 by quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Frank Gore was limited to 16 yards on nine carries.

''Frank is a great back, but when we don't execute, it breaks down,'' Miller said. ''Frank can be the greatest running back of all time, but we still need to block for him.''

That may be where Marecic makes his biggest contributions. When he blocks, he doesn't consider it successful unless he flattens his defender.

''Frank Gore is a great running back,'' Marecic said. ''Bruce is a great fullback too. Those guys are very talented football players and I have to work hard to improve my game.''

NOTES: NT Ian Williams was placed on injured reserve with a broken left ankle. ... DT Ray McDonald (sprained ankle) remains day to day. ... The 49ers may not know if S Eric Reid (concussion) will be available this week until the last minute. ... Rookie TE Vance McDonald said the noise in Seattle ''hyped me up; kudos to Seattle fans, they're loud.'' McDonald has caught one pass in each of his first two games. ... There was no additional word on TE Vernon Davis' hamstring injury.

---

 

i am one of the few who liked Marecic .i wish him the best . Harbaugh is no dummy he knows Marecic from his time at Stanford. dont be surprised to see the real Marecic show up in San Fran

 

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Browns third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer will start Sunday against Minnesota in place of Brandon Weeden, who sprained his right thumb last week. Cleveland surprisingly decided to go with Hoyer over more experienced backup Jason Campbell.

Campbell came in for one series in the fourth quarter against Baltimore after Weeden injured his thumb when he banged it on a teammate's helmet. Campbell has 71 career starts for Washington, Oakland and Chicago.

Hoyer was informed early Wednesday of the plan by first-year coach Rob Chudzinski, who will explain his decision at a morning news conference.

It's not yet known how long Weeden will be sidelined. He has already been sacked 11 times this season.

X-rays taken after the game were negative, and Weeden underwent an MRI on Monday. Chudzinski said he would consider starting either Hoyer or Campbell in place of Weeden if his second-year starter couldn't play.

The starting call is a dream assignment for Hoyer, who grew up in Cleveland rooting for the Browns. He signed with his hometown team in May after spending last season with Arizona.

Hoyer made one start with the Cardinals after spending the three previous seasons in New England as Tom Brady's backup. Hoyer was third on the Browns' depth chart all summer and inactive in Cleveland's first two regular-season games.

The 27-year-old Hoyer started the exhibition finale after Campbell fell ill before the game in Chicago. Hoyer completed 24 of 35 passes for 307 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.

With Cleveland's offensive line struggling in protection this season, it's possible Chudzinski and his assistants feel Hoyer's mobility will give them a better chance to win against the Vikings. The Browns will also have back top wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was suspended from the season's first two games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

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