Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

8/18/06

BROWNS
Quarterback Frye eager to go deep

Cleveland's first-unit offense stayed basic in its first preseason game at Philadelphia.

By Sean McClelland
Staff Writer

BEREA — The Cleveland Browns will be looking for progress in all phases tonight in their home preseason debut against the Detroit Lions.
Fans would settle for a hint of offense, maybe a couple of passes that travel more than 10 yards. You get the impression quarterback Charlie Frye also would like to see that.
Since the dawn of this bizarre training camp, Frye has talked about how he's itching to take some shots down the field. For a while there, he and receiver Dennis Northcutt were hooking up deep on a daily basis.
But in the first preseason game, last week's 20-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the first-unit offense stayed basic in two series, doing nothing that would stretch a defense.
In front of the home crowd, maybe it's time to open up the playbook a little bit?
"We have to get better from last week," Frye said. "We have some new guys in the lineup, so we kept it pretty simple. Every week we learn more stuff, and there will be more in the game plan this week."
It's been a tumultuous few weeks for Frye, through no fault of his own. The second-year pro from the University of Akron hasn't even begun his first season as the full-time starter, and he's about to put his hands under his fourth center tonight when Ross Tucker, an emergency pickup from the New England Patriots, gets the start.
Two days into training camp, the Browns lost All-Pro center LeCharles Bentley for the season with a ruptured knee tendon. Last week, backup Bob Hallen abruptly retired for reasons still unclear.
Alonzo Ephraim, who played the first half against the Eagles, remains with the team but there's no urgency to get him ready because he's been suspended by the NFL for the first four weeks of the regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Tucker, on the job for only a week, once played in 14 games for the Buffalo Bills. Now he gets a chance to prove the Browns don't need to trade for a starting center.
"I think he'll go out there and do a relatively good job," Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said. "He's not going to do the same job that a Pro Bowler is going to do, but he'll handle himself well."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or [email protected]
.


Browns theater of the bizarre
Strange things have been afoot at training camp:
• All-Pro C LeCharles Bentley lost for the year. Torn knee tendon. Second day of practice.
• OT Ryan Tucker has arthroscopic knee surgery. Lost for preseason.
• CB Daylon McCutcheon has arthroscopic knee surgery. Lost for preseason, at least.
• Backup C Bob Hallen abruptly retires, leaving team "in a vise," as General Manager Phil Savage put it.
• CB Gary Baxter strains pectoral muscle in first preseason game. Might be back for opener.
• Savage lectures media on relative unimportance of early preseason games.
• Owner Randy Lerner, in the midst of the turmoil, bids to buy Aston Villa FC, a soccer team in Birmingham, England.
• RB Lee Suggs is traded to the Jets for CB help but fails physical and is sent back.
• C Alonzo Ephraim is suspended four games for violating NFL's substance-abuse policy.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

cnnsi.com

8/18/06

He's Fryed

Injuries have Browns QB already facing uphill battle


A couple weeks back I sent a postcard from Cleveland Browns training camp in which I enthused about their young quarterback, Charlie Frye. I may have to scale back on that enthusiasm a bit. No fault to Frye, but....
Cleveland seems to be having a hard time finding someone to snap the ball to the future of its franchise. You may have missed the bulletin earlier this week, as it was agate-type news about a player you've never heard of, but it is the stuff around which a season swivels:
"NFL suspends Browns center Alonzo Ephraim four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy."
Ephraim had been with the Browns for less than a month, after having played the previous two seasons with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles. Beyond having an elegant name, he had not stood out in any particular way during his career.
But here's why he is important: At the center position, he is strike three for the Browns. Already.
The Browns only signed Ephraim as an emergency measure on July 29, two days after LeCharles Bentley, the team's prize free-agent signing of the offseason, was lost for the season with a knee injury. Ephraim was going to back up Bentley's former backup, veteran Tom Hallen. But soon thereafter Hallen told the Browns he was retiring from football with a back injury. Great. Thanks for coming.
So the job went to Ephraim, who started the Browns' first preseason game against Philadelphia. But then the league dropped the hammer. Ephraim can still practice and play in exhibitions, but he will miss the first four games of the regular season.
So now the job goes to Ross Tucker, whom the Browns picked up from the Patriots for a conditional draft pick.
The losers amid the tumbling dominos are many. There's Bentley, a Pro Bowler with Ohio roots who was psyched to play for Cleveland. And Ephraim, a journeyman who blew his golden opportunity. But the real loser is Frye -- and, by extension, the entire franchise that has invested so much hope in him. A few weeks ago I was talking to an NFL insider (we were in a cave, and I was never allowed to look at his face under threat of evisceration). The subject of the Bentley injury came up. He told me the real reason the Bentley injury was a killer was that it made Frye's job so much tougher. Frye is a second-year player who has five NFL starts coming into 2006. The standard wisdom is that if you've got an inexperienced quarterback, you don't want to break in a center at the same time. Bentley was new, but at least he was an elite player and had the whole offseason to work with Frye.
When we had that conversation, the Browns were on their second center. Now they are on their fourth. Instead of having a steady hand at center, they've had as much unsteadiness as one could imagine.
The nightmare of training camp for coaches is not only injuries, but injuries that afflict one position disproportionately. Coaches would rather have five injuries spread around the team that three injuries afflicting one unit. Before playing even their second preseason game, the Browns have lost three players at one position -- two to injury, one to suspension.
What everyone likes most about Frye is that he doesn't panic under fire. He can make plays when things break down. He'll certainly have his chance to prove that this season.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Scout.com (free)

8/18/06

McMillan Taking Advantage of Opportunity.........

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/19/06

Rookies come through

Draft picks stand out as Browns improve in second preseason game

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - The second practice game turned into rookie night for the Browns on Friday night.
A 20-16 win over the Detroit Lions provided a little more reason for hope for the 2006 season, and allowed several Browns' draft picks to distinguish themselves.
Chief among them was running back Jerome Harrison, who has stood out during training camp with his quickness and elusiveness.
Harrison was used extensively all night (with the starters and backups), and he responded with a big night. Harrison ran nine times for a team-high 53 yards and had a team-high six receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown, a 31-yarder in the fourth quarter that put the Browns ahead.
Harrison was one of many draft picks by General Manager Phil Savage to come through on a night when the Browns looked much more like an NFL team than they did in their preseason opener.
First-round choice Kamerion Wimbley showed speed in sacking Jon Kitna in the second quarter. Second-round draft pick D'Qwell Jackson had a second-half interception. Third-round pick Travis Wilson made a tough catch on a slant to convert a third down. Sixth-round pick Babatunde Oshinowo came up with a late sack as Detroit tried to take the lead.
``We are pleased they were able to make contributions to help us win,'' coach Romeo Crennel said.
``If they continue to do that, hopefully we can continue to win.''
Harrison was the star, juking and darting his way to more than 100 total yards.
``He's made a lot of improvement since training camp started,'' Crennel said. ``He has that element that we talked about, quickness and change of pace. I think he might be a good change-of-pace guy for us going down the road.''
Overall, the Browns also got a better running game, more spirited play and some good plays from quarterback Charlie Frye.
They also got two bad turnovers from Frye, one that gave the Lions their first touchdown.
All told, though, the Browns had a much more workmanlike and NFL-like performance in the second game than they did in the first.
``Offensively we were playing with more confidence and better precision,'' Crennel said. ``We hurt ourselves with turnovers and that's something we have to improve on. Defensively we were into the game.''
``We did some good things,'' Frye said. ``There's just a couple little things if we get corrected. The penalties and two turnovers really stopped us. We stopped ourselves.''
Frye played into the second quarter and completed 8-of-11 passes for 41 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
He started the game with a 9-yard run, and scooped a low shotgun snap before eluding two tacklers to hit Dennis Northcutt for a 5-yard touchdown.
``I had to bend down to get the snap so I couldn't get a read on what the original play was,'' Frye said. ``I just tried to make a play and rifled it in to Dennis and he made a nice catch.''
But Frye also threw a poor interception on a pass intended for Northcutt, and had the ball stripped, with the Lions recovering at the Browns' 16-yard line.
Reuben Droughns ran well. His night included a 27-yard run and 44 yards on seven carries.
In the first half, Droughns and Harrison combined for 70 yards on 13 carries (a 5.4-yard average).
Backup quarterbacks Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson had better nights.
``I thought each of those guys did something positive,'' Crennel said.
Dorsey led the team to a field goal on the two-minute drill, and looked much more comfortable.
He finished 11-for-16 for 75 yards, but threw a third-quarter interception, a slant that was behind rookie fullback Lawrence Vickers.
Anderson threw the 31-yard touchdown to Harrison and finished 7-of-9 for 83 yards.
Finally, Ross Tucker played the entire first half at center, and seemed to play fairly well.
Tucker was called for a leg whip on a screen pass -- a call that looked strange -- but held his own otherwise.
``I got all the snaps clean,'' Frye said. ``I don't get a chance to see how the line does, but I felt comfortable with him out there. He's an experienced guy.''
The Browns ran for 144 yards and converted 11-of-17 third downs. Lee Suggs ran well, Kellen Winslow had three catches and the Browns held Lions starting running back Kevin Jones to seven yards on six carries.
Overall, things were not perfect, but given the debacle that was the opening exhibition game, things were much improved.
``One of the things we wanted to do was improve the running game on both sides of the ball,'' Crennel said. ``And we did that. We wanted to improve third down on both sides of the ball, and we did that tonight.
``If we can continue to improve on the things we need to work on, then this team can come along and be a decent team.''
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ABJ

8/19/06

Browns give fans reason to be excited

By Terry Pluto

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - If you're a Browns fan, there's reason to smile.
That's because your team actually looked as if it had a clue in Friday's exhibition game at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Yes, it's preseason. Yes, it's the Detroit Lions. Yes, yes, yes -- there are asterisks everywhere.
But the fact is the defense held the Lions to three yards rushing in the first half, and Detroit ran for 119 yards against the Browns a year ago.
To repeat, THREE yards! That's THREE yards on NINE carries. THREE yards for a defense that has been savaged by the run ever since the Browns returned in 1999.
The Browns brought more heat on the quarterback than in any game a year ago. Take a bow, first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley. He had one impressive sack and was in the backfield several other times.
Veteran defensive end Orpheus Roye was a force on the line. Part of the reason is that Ted Washington is the kind of massive defensive tackle the Browns have not had in decades. At 6-foot-5, 380 pounds, he chews up two blockers. That makes it easier for Roye and the linebackers to roam and make tackles.
Rookie D'Qwell Jackson was beaten for a big pass play but otherwise had a solid day at inside linebacker. Jackson also had an interception in the second half. The performance of top two picks Wimbley and Jackson shows that General Manager Phil Savage did his draft homework.
When Washington wasn't in the game, the Lions found huge holes up the middle. It also shows the Browns have to keep the 38-year-old Washington healthy, as he can be one of Savage's most important free-agent signings.
The first-string defense allowed only one touchdown, and that came when Browns quarterback Charlie Frye fumbled and gave the Lions possession on the Cleveland 15-yard-line.
The offense was better, but still a bit rocky. Frye is at his best when he scrambles and throws on the run. Frye had an interception when he threw the ball into triple coverage.
Frye could have just run for a gain but tried to make a big play.
Everyone needs to remember that Frye started only five games a year ago. He is still figuring out his strengths -- and yes, his limitations.
What he does well is move to evade the rush, and he wiggled to his left, waggled to his right, then returned to the pocket to deliver a 5-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Northcutt in the first quarter.
That was Frye at his best, and his mobility should help the Browns when they are in the opponent's red zone.
Frye played into the second quarter and was 8-of-11 passing for 41 yards.
Good news is the line opened up some sizable holes for Reuben Droughns, who rumbled for 43 yards on seven carries. That's expected from a guy who has rushed for more than 1,200 yards in each of the past two years.
Showing off was rookie Jerome Harrison (5-9, 200 pounds), who is a little like Greg Pruitt in that he's small and quick but stronger than he appears. He will be a very effective back in third-down situations -- and could be a real steal in the fifth round. For the second game in a row, he caught a touchdown pass -- and will force coach Romeo Crennel to find him playing time.
But Harrison is more than just a scatback who can be a receiver. This kid gained 1,900 yards last season at Washington State, and he's an effective runner.
Ken Dorsey has had an underwhelming training camp but had some nice moments in this game to put himself in position to hold the backup-quarterback job. He was 11-of-16 for 75 yards. He had a poor interception. He doesn't move well, but he did seem far more confident than in the past. There are still questions about how he'd play if forced to start.
At this stage of the preseason, the Browns defense is far ahead of the offense. That probably will be the case for much of the regular season, but the good news is the offense showed signs of life.

Dispatch

8/19/06

BROWNS 20 LIONS 16

Offense shows improvement

Saturday, August 19, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>JEFF GLIDDEN ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Browns receiver Dennis Northcutt holds the ball aloft after catching a 5-yard touchdown pass against Lions safety Terrance Holt. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


CLEVELAND — It was a mixed bag for Charlie Frye and the Browns offense last night. In less than two quarters of work, the first unit showed flashes of potential in addition to two sloppy turnovers in the Browns’ 20-16 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Frye certainly had his moments. He drove the Browns 67 yards in 10 plays for the team’s first touchdown. The drive was capped by a 5-yard pass from Frye to receiver Dennis Northcutt.
But Frye followed some good plays with bad ones in what could be a precursor to the regular season for the inexperienced quarterback. He threw into double coverage and the pass was intercepted by Lions cornerback Dre Bly on the team’s first possession. The Browns scored on their next drive, then Frye fumbled deep in Cleveland territory on the Browns’ third possession.
Overall, Frye’s numbers were solid. He finished 8 of 11 for 41 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
"Offensively, we were playing with more confidence and better precision," coach Romeo Crennel said. "We hurt ourselves with turnovers, and that’s something we have to improve on."
The Browns looked much improved from their ugly display last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. They had 334 yards of total offense, and with the exception of Frye’s fumble, the defense limited the Lions to three field goals.
Despite much of the focus centering on the failed trade this week of running back Lee Suggs, the game proved to be a showcase for teammate Jerome Harrison.
The rookie made an impression by leading the Browns in rushing (53) and receiving (54). His 107 total yards also included a 31-yard touchdown reception, which was Harrison’s second score of the preseason.
The coaching staff showed some faith in Harrison, working him in for some plays with the first team, spelling starter Reuben Droughns. Harrison might be the favorite as the team’s third-down running back.
"When my number is called, I just try to go out there and make a play," he said. "I’m just trying to do something to grab the coaches’ attention. I don’t care if it’s blocking, running or catching."
Lions quarterback Jon Kitna completed 7 of 12 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Receiver Roy Williams had 54 yards on two catches.
Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. had three catches for 37 yards in limited playing time. Droughns also rushed for 44 yards on seven carries, and rookie first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley had his first sack.
"We made some progress and that was one of the things we wanted to do here at home in front of our fans," Crennel said. "We wanted to have a better showing than we did last week. Last week was our first preseason game and we were a little bit rusty. We polished it up tonight."
Linebacker Willie McGinest (elbow), receiver Braylon Edwards (knee), tackle Ryan Tucker (knee) and cornerback Gary Baxter (pectoral) were the inactive starters last night. Cleveland returns to the practice field Sunday and will next play next Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/19/06

Browns improve, beat Lions
Saturday, August 19, 2006 <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By Steve Doerschuk repository sports writer[/FONT]


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Browns running back Reuben Droughns is swallowed up by a host of Lions defenders during Friday night’s NFL exhibition at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Droughns ran seven times for 44 yards to go with another 53 rushing yards on nine carries from rookie running back Jerome Harrison in a 20-16 victory. Bob Rossiter photo
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CLEVELAND - The Browns still didn’t look ready to take a giant leap from 6-10.
They did, however, throw the Dawg Pound a few bones Friday in the amusingly named “Great Lakes Classic,” beating Detroit, 20-16.
n First-round pick Kamerion Wimbley put a lightning strike on veteran left tackle Jeff Backus en route to sacking Jon Kitna.
n Reuben Droughns and Jerome Harrison broke off some nice runs on a 67-yard touchdown drive, and Harrison made a 31-yard catch-and-run with backup units in the fourth quarter.
n Ken Dorsey gave evidence the Browns won’t lose 41-0 games if he has to play.
n Joshua Cribbs returned a punt for a touchdown — OK, so it was called back because of penalties against Brodney Pool and Justin Hamilton.
n Charlie Frye looked resourceful en route to 8-for-11 passing, covering three series.
Frye, though, stayed a long way from proving he can be a winning NFL quarterback so soon after being a third-round draft pick. He made two turnovers and averaged only 3.7 yards per completion.
Head Coach Romeo Crennel opted not to throw Frye under a bus barely out of the garage.
“We played with better confidence and precision on offense in the first half,” said Crennel, who was displeased eight days earlier in Philadelphia. “We did hurt ourselves with the turnovers. We have to improve that.”
Wimbley’s sack was the highlight of a strong early defensive showing, in which the Lions got little other than scoring off a Frye fumble.
“The defense was into the game,” Crennel said. “We gave up one pass play.”
That pass play, 35 yards to Roy Williams, did raise concerns about the depleted Browns secondary. Williams beat emergency starter Ralph Brown.
Harrison was the story of the night on offense. The rookie Round 5 pick played in all four quarters, finishing with 53 yards on nine carries and 54 more yards on six receptions.
The game fell well short of a sellout — the Browns said 68,112 tickets were distributed. That’s an indication the customers are sick of losing.
The prospect of winning did stir some buzz among those who stuck around to see the Browns improve to 1-1 in the preseason. There were about 10,000 fans left when Josh McCown failed to spike the ball inside the 10 as time expired.
Developing Frye remains a focus.
The plan is for Frye to create with his legs, but he only made trouble during a first-series scramble. On second-and-11, Frye bought a few seconds while rolling right. He could have gained at least 5 yards by running but opted to force the ball downfield to Dennis Northcutt, who was double-covered. Veteran cornerback Dre Bly got position on Northcutt and intercepted.
The plan worked to perfection, though, after the defense forced a three-and-out and Frye got the ball back.
The Browns got moving behind Droughns and his new sidekick, Harrison. In shotgun formation on first-and-goal from the 5, Frye was rushed, got away, darted into an opening and saw Northcutt open over the middle. He threw a strike for a 7-0 lead.
Moments after the defense forced another punt, Frye fumbled during a pass drop, trying to throw at the same time he was getting blasted by defensive end James Hall.
Detroit took over on the Browns’ 15 and scored quickly.
Dorsey found some rhythm after replacing Frye in the second quarter. He drew some groans with a third-quarter interception but finished the first half 9-of-13 for 65 yards.
The Lions pulled to a 16-10 lead in the third quarter, having received a decent first half from veteran QB Jon Kitna (7-of-12, 94 yards).
Harrison’s 31-yard catch and run on a pass from No. 3 quarterback Derek Anderson gave the Browns a 17-16 lead. Harrison was strong on a subsequent series that ended with a Jeff Chandler field goal.

EXTRA POINTS
n The run defense was outstanding. The Lions netted 3 yards on nine attempts in the first half.
n Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. is making a move. He caught three passes for 37 yards.
n Droughns doesn’t seem to be bothered by an imminent date in a Colorado court. He rushed seven times for 44 yards, not bad considering he played only into the early part of the second quarter,
n Brandon Rideau has been a forgotten man in camp, but it’s apparent the Browns still think he might be a player. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

Canton

8/19/06

Rookie Harrison impresses with runs, TD catch
Saturday, August 19, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]BROWNS NOTEBOOK STEVE DOERSCHUK[/FONT]


BEREA - You didn’t need to spot No. 35 under the Friday night lights to know you were watching Browns rookie Jerome Harrison.
You looked for the shortest guy on the team, the one with a stubby upper body that makes him look like all legs.
The way those legs were churning against the Lions, you’ll see Harrison plenty as the offense continues to reveal itself.
Technically, he’ll be the third-down back, but ...
The first time Harrison touched the ball, with the No. 1 offense on the field, he raced 12 yards on a second and 10. Later in the same series, on first down, he scooted over left tackle and gained 9 yards.
This helped set up a touchdown.
He also scored on a 31-yard touchdown pass and run from Derek Anderson in the final quarter.
It wasn’t all good. On four subsequent carries in the first quarter, Harrison rushed for just 5 more yards.
He showed enough, though, to help everyone understand why Head Coach Romeo Crennel smiles when he talks of the rookie’s “little something extra.”
Harrison’s size allowed the Browns to wait until Round 5 to get him in April, and his fast progress this preseason allows them to suspect they got a steal.
On draft day, General Manager Phil Savage said the Browns were “real fortunate” to get Harrison where they did.
“He just had a really strong two years at Washington State,” Savage said, citing a 1,900-yard season in 2005. Aside from size, Harrison flew a bit under the radar because he bounced from Eastern Michigan to Pasadena City Junior College before landing at Washington State.
Harrison’s strong training camp was one reason the Browns were willing to trade Lee Suggs to the Jets this week. Suggs was sent back after failing his Jets physical and faced the Lions.
Suggs played in the third quarter but didn’t help his cause when he lost a fumble. Only recently, Suggs had “a toe up” on Harrison in the race to be the third-down back, Crennel said.
Stay tuned.

TUCKER TAGGED New No. 1 center Ross Tucker was flagged for a leg-whipping penalty that stalled the Browns’ third series. Tucker dove and upended 34-year-old defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson. Tucker was on the field for the Browns’ first touchdown by the first unit this preseason, via a 10-play, 67-yard drive. Tucker played three series before getting relieved by Dave Yovanovits. Yovanovits, who was a Round 7 pick (Jets) out of Temple in 2003, has gone from longshot to making the roster to potential key man. He got a start at guard in last year’s season finale, a 20-16 win over the Ravens. Alonzo Ephraim got some playing time despite learning this week that he is suspended for the first four games of the season.
SIT IN A CORNER Center is not the only jinxed position this preseason. The Browns played without cornerbacks Daylon McCutcheon (knee), Gary Baxter (pectoral strain), DeMario Minter (knee) and Antonio Perkins (groin). Recently signed journeyman Ralph Brown started at cornerback opposite Leigh Bodden. Pete Hunter was the nickel back.
AMONG THE MISSING Right tackle Ryan Tucker (knee) and his potential backup Nat Dorsey (ankle) both missed the game. Third-year pro Kirk Chambers started. Rookie guard Isaac Sowells, who was supposed to be groomed as a possible 2007 starter, has missed both preseason games with an ankle problem. Wideout Braylon Edwards missed a second straight game and is unlikely to play until the Aug. 31 preseason finale at the earliest.
ALMOST IN ORANGE Edge rusher Kalimba Edwards was in Cleveland on the verge of signing a contract in March. He surprised the Browns by leaving town and re-signing with the Lions. One attraction was new Head Coach Rod Marinelli, who made his name as a defensive line coach with Tampa Bay. This week, Edwards told the Detroit Free Press, “Marinelli may be able to turn me into one of the top pass rushers in the years to come.”
Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]


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[Buckin' A]

Yes. But who's fault?

It doesn't matter. The Browns might as well get that fat fuck from Varsity Blues.

And Billy Bob cried, cause Billy Bob's a bit of a cryer......

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/20/06

Browns only have one option: moving on

Troubled preseason does not necessarily foreshadow season

By patrick McManamon

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - While fans and media were hyperventilating the past few weeks over the loss of centers and the Lee Suggs trade, the Browns kept plodding on.
They had no choice, really.
As coach Romeo Crennel said when he started one news conference: ``I'm hanging in. I have to.''
The season is scheduled to start in September and nobody is about to change it based on the Browns' preseason troubles.
That's trite to say, of course. But it's true. It also sums up the attitude that the front office and coaching staff is trying to convey to the team.
Maybe it's the half-full look, but it's their look and they are sticking to it. And it goes like this:
Assuming tackle Ryan Tucker and either Gary Baxter or Daylon McCutcheon are back for the opener -- Tucker will be, Baxter and McCutcheon are slightly bigger question marks -- the Browns still will have 21 of 22 starters on the field against the New Orleans Saints.
The only one missing is a big one in center LeCharles Bentley, but the Roman Empire fell for a lot of reasons, none of them because it was missing a center.
There's been a lot of half-empty talk this camp, and not all of it is unwarranted.
But the half-full view from the team says this:
• Charlie Frye has given no reason to think he cannot play. Yes, he made a silly throw that was intercepted Friday against the Detroit Lions, but his meandering scramble and touchdown throw to Dennis Northcutt showed what he can do when he is able to move.
A key component of relying on Frye this season was his ability to use his feet and move out of the pocket -- a skill he learned at the University of Akron.
• The offensive line without Bentley a year ago still blocked well enough for Droughns to top 1,000 yards.
• The voiding of the trade of Suggs was a blow to Suggs, but not the Browns. He merely comes back and they make a decision on him -- and yes, that decision might mean he is released (though why Suggs would be released in favor of William Green is a bit confusing).
• Alonzo Ephraim will be suspended for the first four games of the season, but nobody with the team ever expected him to be the starting center in September or in May. Even if he's not suspended, there's still a good chance the Browns acquire Boss Ross Tucker.
Have the Browns had problems? Sure.
Are they big problems? Yes, but the team would still quietly point to that 21-of-22 starters fact.
Are they insurmountable? Not completely.
Will they affect the final record? The loss of Bentley will, but Boss Ross can do something about that if he so chooses.
Right now, the Browns seem like Team Calamity, but the team would say that if calamity is going to hit, better it's during training camp than the regular season.
And if that's re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic... so be it.
Brownies ...
• Reuben Droughns has run like a pro. A year ago in practice, Droughns was a dynamo. But he had to be because he had to win a job. This year, he knows he has the job so he's not as active in practice. But he also knows he can mess it up and lose the job so he plays in games, and in the two he's played he's been outstanding.
• Droughns will spend Monday in court at a pretrial hearing for his domestic violence case. Look for his lawyer to push for a court date after the season.
• Jerome Harrison might work out as the alternative back. He's small, quick, nimble and durable. There were times Friday night when it looked like big plays were coming, but Harrison was caught from behind. This might be a case of faster defenders in the pros turning 30-yard college gains into 8-yard pro gains. But that's quibbling; Harrison can play.
• Amazing the difference a week can make. The Browns looked like a bunch of stumblebums in the preseason opener, and they looked sort of OK in the second game. It's not time to hoist the AFC North title flag, but Crennel was right when he said: ``If we hadn't been able to do that (in game two), it would have been distressing.''
• Interesting, isn't it, how preseason is viewed? One of the common themes coming out of the offense's woeful performance in game one was that ``we only played two series.'' So what? In the third and fourth quarters, guys' careers are judged on eight or nine plays. While it might not matter if a team wins in preseason, how it plays in those two series does matter.
• Only the Browns have this kind of luck... or do you make your own luck? Three ex-Browns are starting at center for other teams: Jeff Faine for the Saints, Melvin Fowler for the Buffalo Bills and Shaun O'Hara for the New York Giants. When O'Hara was with the Browns, offensive coaches always said he was the best center on the team -- yes, better than Faine.
• Back when Bob Hallen played for the Atlanta Falcons, he became a free agent. The previous regime led by Butch Davis and Pete Garcia checked into Hallen's interest in coming to Cleveland. They discovered he had struggled with a bad back, and decided against signing him. It got to the point in the meetings that when another free agent came up, Garcia would ask: ``This isn't another Bad Back Bod, is it?''
• When listening to this story, the immediate reaction was to say: Then how can... But that line of questioning was immediately cut off because, as the speaker said, that was a few years ago and Hallen played more for the Falcons than he did recently with the San Diego Chargers so it's possible the back was bothering him more.
• Suggs was baffled at the New York Jets' treatment of him. To have an intern tell him he failed his physical on the way to the hospital was not proper, but the Jets apparently found something they didn't like in Suggs' left knee. He ran fairly well Friday -- reviving some hope the Browns can trade him. It won't be easy, though, not with everyone in the league thinking Suggs is damaged goods.
• Either Suggs' knee looked really bad in the MRI or the Jets have a better offer they will accept soon. Suggs' agent was so eager to get his client a chance with the Jets that he offered an injury waiver. The Jets turned it down.
• Best player on the team this preseason and training camp: Cornerback Leigh Bodden.
• Braylon Edwards said he understands his return is important to the Browns: ``When you are brought here as a guy to make plays and be a game changer, it's an automatic responsibility. You have to do those things in times of downness. You have to be the light at the end of the tunnel.''
And finally ...
Dennis Northcutt spoke to about 40 kids from Cleveland, East Cleveland and Warrensville Heights after practice this week.
His message:
``Being from low-income housing or ghetto areas, they think the only route for them is out selling drugs or robbing people. I told them, `Even if you do live in urban cities, that's not the only way out.' Basically, I gave them the analysis that the only way out is to believe in yourself. You have to take the initiative. You have to say, `If I believe in myself, then I will make it out.
`` `There will be hard times, but no matter how difficult it gets, no matter what obstacles I have to overcome, I will be successful.' You are the only person that can make yourself be successful.''
Northcutt spoke to kids who are part of Gang Resistance and Training Program (GREAT) developed and led by Peter Elliott, U.S. marshal for the Northern District of Ohio. That program is now being used as a model around the country to help keep kids out of gangs.
Northcutt speaks from experience. He grew up in the streets of Los Angeles amidst the worst of gang activity. His brother was shot in the head, and he now is in jail for life for attempted murder.
``It seems like I have a lot of stories to tell, but I've been through a lot,'' he said. ``None of them are made up. It's real.''
Said Elliott: ``After hearing Dennis (speak), I can't think of a better role model for youth. I saw those kids listening to him. It makes a difference in those kids' lives.''
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/20/06

Browns tight end ready to get loose
Sunday, August 20, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By Steve Doerschuk repository sports writer[/FONT]


BEREA - After bringing up the NFL rear in scoring, the Browns will take any new offensive juice they can squeeze.
Oddly, one of their best new weapons might have to stay as quiet as a World War I cannon rusting in a Parma park.
That would be the passing hookup of Ken Dorsey, who spent the last three seasons with the 49ers, to Kellen Winslow Jr., who isn’t new to the Browns but might as well be.
“Our camaraderie on the field is there. Our timing is on,” Winslow said. “It always will be.”
The prized tight end was talking close to midnight, a while after catching three passes during the first half Friday against Detroit. One was delivered by Charlie Frye, the No. 1 quarterback. Two came after Dorsey replaced Frye in the second quarter.
Winslow and Dorsey were University of Miami teammates. Their last college game together nearly was good enough to beat Ohio State with the 2002 season’s national championship on the line.
Their second game as Browns teammates featured a 63-yard drive that ended with a field goal in a 20-16 win over the Lions. On back-to-back plays, Dorsey threw short completions to Winslow that turned into gains of 10 and 12 yards.
Asked to compare the Dorsey he remembers to the Dorsey he sees, Winslow said, “He’s exactly the same. He commands presence in the huddle. He’s a leader type of guy. I mean, he’s exactly the same.”
For Winslow, Dorsey is an old friend. Frye is a new friend. There’s no sign of dissension or controversy.
They all know Frye is being groomed as The Man for 2006. That doesn’t mean Frye understands Winslow the way Dorsey does.
Frye didn’t find Winslow until his fourth and final series Friday, when Winslow turned a short completion into a 15-yard gain on third-and-9.
“Charlie and I are getting there,” Winslow said. “We’ve just got some work to do ... just the whole offense, just the first team in general. But we’ll be there.”
Winslow has lost 30 of 32 regular-season games as a pro to injuries. Is he convinced, after two preseason games, that he can have a comeback season that would please him?
“Yeah ... oh yeah,” he said. “I’m looking to dominate.”
Dorsey seems the competitive type who isn’t satisfied to beat out young Derek Anderson for the No. 2 job.
His training camp, though, hasn’t been strong enough to make anyone think he’s putting heat on Frye.
This isn’t Miami, where Dorsey had one stretch of 193 straight passes without an interception. With the 49ers, he threw 11 interceptions and just eight touchdown passes.
He has thrown some picks in Browns camp, and he threw one against the Lions.
“He just has to get used to the offense, the new system,” Winslow said. “It takes him a little while to get going, as with any quarterback in a new offense.”
The offense isn’t as new to Anderson, who spent 2005 as the Browns’ No. 3 quarterback. While Dorsey showed signs of life Friday, Anderson hardly went away, going 7-of-9 for 83 yards and tossing what amounted to a game-winning, 31-yard TD pass to rookie Jerome Harrison.
Harrison was impressed, saying he turned around and found a “perfect” pass from Anderson in his hands, in stride.
Head Coach Romeo Crennel might announce this week whether Dorsey is his No. 2 quarterback.
“I don’t worry about what I can’t control,” Dorsey said. “I just want to get better and feel more comfortable in the offense every day.”
If anything happens to Frye, the Dorsey-to-Winslow combination could re-emerge as a potential season-saver. “(Winslow) provides a great security blanket ,” Dorsey said. “He’s just that special type of player. ... I think he’s gonna open up a lot of great things for our offense.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

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Canton

8/20/06

Preseason victory gives Browns a break from bad news
Sunday, August 20, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]SUNDAY SPECIAL BY TODD PORTER[/FONT]


There was a sense of relief around the Browns late Friday night. Meaningless game? Not a chance.
In their first preseason game in front of the hometown fans, the Browns won. Judging by the looks on some of the faces, it was a much-needed win.
Owner Randy Lerner smiled and shook hands. General Manager Phil Savage, who looked like a draft day genius Friday night, pumped his fists when the game ended with Detroit in the red zone and the Browns a 20-16 winner.
Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown wore a Syracuse University sweatsuit and sandals. He wandered past a media contingent with a smile on his face and a told-you-so look in his eye.
“They looked good, didn’t they?” Brown said.
Think anyone was going to pick a fight?
“There was a lot of good stuff out there tonight,” said Brown, who serves as an adviser for the franchise.
All gentle intimidation aside, Cleveland did look good Friday. The Browns didn’t look like a playoff team, but they didn’t look like the team from a week ago against Philadelphia.
It was what the Browns needed.
Let’s face it. August has been a weird month. Training camp started on a sour note when LeCharles Bentley was lost for the season. Browns’ fans, deservedly so, looked to see if the sky was falling.
When is a preseason win more than a preseason win? When a team needs something positive in the worst way.
“Absolutely,” wide receiver Dennis Northcutt said. “The preseason is still a football game. It doesn’t count (in the standings), but it counts for our football team.”
Head Coach Romeo Crennel told the team before the game how important it is to play well at home. He told them about the loyal fans. He told them to turn Cleveland Browns Stadium into a homefield advantage.
“When you win, it’s a great feeling,” rookie linebacker Kamerion Wimbley said. “It helps everything out. The team chemistry ... feels a lot better after a win.”
The offense moved the ball, despite two turnovers from quarterback Charlie Frye. Cleveland had 334 total yards, converted 11-of-17 third downs and had 20 first downs.
Reuben Droughns ran hard, as always. Center Ross Tucker held up. Rookie running back Jerome Harrison was a steal. More on him later.
Offensively, minds were put to ease until next week.
THE BAD
Frye’s opening-possession interception on a pass to Northcutt was awful. The pick was a combination of a well disguised coverage by Detroit and miscommunication between Frye and Northcutt. Frye saw Dre’ Bly jump Northcutt’s route. The receiver never saw the backside cornerback rotate.
Consequently, Frye thought Northcutt would break off the route, and Northcutt thought Frye would loft it over the top. Bly picked it off.
Frye’s fumble isn’t on him as much as the offensive line. He was sacked trying to throw, and the ball was stripped. It was a millisecond from being an incomplete pass.
As bad as cornerback Ralph Brown looked, one of the glaring problems with Cleveland’s special teams last year was penalties. Its ugly head returned Friday night.
The Browns were flagged for holding on the opening kickoff. It erased a decent return by Joshua Cribbs, and Cleveland started at its 15 instead of the 25.
Cribbs later had a 76-yard punt return called back because of a holding penalty on Justin Hamilton. Holding on Brodney Pool on the same return was declined.
TICKY TACKY
After watching the replay of a tripping penalty on Tucker, we’re left with the impression it should have been a no call.
Tucker went for a chop block on a screen pass to Harrison. Tucker missed but was flagged based on anticipation.
THE ROOKIES
First-round pick Wimbley had a sack. Second-round pick D’Qwell Jackson had one interception and dropped another. Third-round pick Travis Wilson had two nice catches for 21 yards. Sixth-rounder Babatunde Oshinowo had a sack at the end of the game.
But it is the fifth-round pick, Harrison, who is stealing the preseason thunder. He had 107 combined yards and gives the third-down offense an added dimension.
“I think it shows the ability of Phil Savage and the Browns organization to bring in players they felt could contribute,” Wimbley said. “Hopefully, we keep proving they did a good job picking us.”
ROOKIE LINEBACKERS
Wimbley is going to be a regular, and it is looking more and more like Jackson will take over the starting weakside linebacker spot from Chaun Thompson, who did not play for the second week in a row because of an injury. Wimbley’s speed-rush sack of Jon Kitna was letter perfect. He blew past veteran tackle Jeff Backus on third down. “It’s an addiction to get to the quarterback,” Wimbley said. “If you go for a long time without a sack, you don’t feel right. You get that buzz and excitement from the Dawg Pound. ... I want to get that next big play to get that next buzz, that next big feeling.”


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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

8/20/06

BROWNS
Rookie talks the talk, now set to back it up


Sunday, August 20, 2006

Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

No one should be surprised by what Browns fifth-round pick Jerome Harrison can do. He's been telling folks since last year that he's one of the best - if not the best - running back in his class.
Oh, and by the way, that includes No. 2 overall pick Reggie Bush from Southern Cal.
"You put in the film of the best running back, and then put in my film, and I think you'll all have the same judgment I have," Harrison said during Browns rookie camp.
In his opinion, he should've won the Heisman Trophy last year, which went to Bush. Asked who should win it on a conference call last year before discovering that he wasn't a finalist, Harrison said, "I've got to go with myself."
Later, he said, "DeAngelo Williams [of Memphis] and Reggie Bush are good running backs, but I think I might have had a better season."
His self-confidence never wavered even after he tumbled to the fifth round, where he was the 13th running back taken overall. During rookie camp, he told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that he thought he'd play right away, and "I won't be surprised if I win Rookie of the Year."
Based on his numbers at Washington State, it's hard to argue with him.
He led the Pac-10 with 1,900 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2005. He was third in the nation in rushing (172.73 yards) and ran for 100 yards or more in his final 14 games.
On Friday night against the Lions, he backed up his words by combining for 107 yards rushing and receiving - including a 31-yard TD catch - in his new role as the third-down back during the Browns' 20-16 preseason victory.
"He's made a lot of improvement since camp started," said coach Romeo Crennel. "He has that element of quickness and change of pace. He showed he can run with the ball and he can catch it out of the backfield, and that's going to cause some problems for some people."
So how does a player that good fall all the way to No. 145 in the draft? For starters, his size. Harrison found out the hard way on draft day that football is a game of inches. If he had a couple more on his 5-9 frame and maybe even a few more around his waist - he's a double-cheeseburger shy of 200 pounds - he probably would have gone on the first day.
"I was told I'd go early in the second round, no later than early third," he said. "But things happen for a reason. I can't complain. Some of the people that passed me up, we'll meet up with them, and they'll have to deal with it."
A native of Kalamazoo, Mich., Harrison grew up idolizing 10-time Pro Bowler Barry Sanders, who's almost the same size at 5-8, 203 pounds.
"I'm fine with my size," Harrison said. "I've never had a surgery or a serious injury. People will say what they want, but it doesn't bother me. There's guys in the NFL that are littler than me being very successful."
He also emulates San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson (5-10, 220), a three-time Pro Bowler.
"I think we have similar styles, but he's probably the premier running back in the NFL, and I'm just a rookie, so I can't compare myself to him," said Harrison. "I wouldn't be doing his ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^name any justice. Give me three or four years, and we'll try it again."
After the Lions game, surrounded by reporters, Harrison wasn't ready to vote himself into the Pro Bowl.
"I'm not too satisfied or excited," he said. "I made a lot of mistakes and have a long way to go. I'm my own worst critic."
He did make one obvious rookie mistake in the second quarter when he dropped a key third-down pass on which he was wide open. Afterwards, Charlie Frye brought over the photographs and went over it with him.
"I think I started running before I caught the ball," he said. "I've got to get on the [passing] machine and keep working with the quarterbacks."
Although he wishes he went higher in the draft, there's nowhere else he'd rather be.
"I knew God would bless me with the opportunity to play, and that's all I needed," he said. "I think I'll be able to do the rest."
Vinny update:
Vinny Testaverde's agent, Mike Azzarelli, said the Browns have not yet contacted him, but Testaverde is in shape and ready to go. Crennel said he'd have to evaluate the film before deciding if the Browns need to bring in another veteran backup. The team was off Saturday. . . . The Browns continue to try to trade for a center, but nothing was imminent Saturday.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670

Dispatch

8/20/06

Humble Harrison makes splash
Not one for bragging, rookie uncorks a 107-yard game
Sunday, August 20, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>JEFF GLIDDEN ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Browns running back Jerome Harrison, left, outpaces Lions safety Vernon Fox on his 31-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter Friday night. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


CLEVELAND — It would be hard to tell that Jerome Harrison just had the first breakout game of his NFL career.
There were no smiles, no bragging and no chest pounding from the rookie running back. Harrison was all business in the locker room Friday night after the Browns’ 20-16 preseason victory over the Detroit Lions, just like he was on the field.
Being humble is part of Harrison’s demeanor. It’s something he learned from his parents, Debbie and Jerome Purcell, and part of what drives him to want to succeed in the NFL.
"My mother would kill me," Harrison said of bragging. "In games in high school, I’d run for 300 yards and start talking, and my mom would be like, ‘Why didn’t you have 400?’ My parents have humbled me and there are 10 other guys out there on the field. So what do I sound like taking credit when there’s 10 other guys? "
For weeks, Harrison, 5 feet 9, 199 pounds, has been the Browns’ best-kept secret in training camp. He impressed the coaches so much in practice that the team tried to part ways with fourth-year running back Lee Suggs.
Harrison played sparingly in the first preseason game but caught a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter for the Browns’ only score.
With an increased role Friday, Harrison led the team with 53 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving. He also caught another touchdown pass, a 31-yard play on which he exploited a mismatch against a linebacker across the middle of the field.
The Browns are hoping Harrison can provide similar matchups during the regular season.
"He’s made a lot of improvement since training camp started," coach Romeo Crennel said. "He has that element that we talked about: that quickness and change of pace. He showed he can run with the ball, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, so that’s going to cause some problems for some people."
With Harrison as the catalyst, the offense was more effective than in the first game. Harrison’s 107 total yards spurred the team to 334 yards of total offense, and his production eased the pressure on all three quarterbacks.
Starter Charlie Frye and backups Derek Anderson and Ken Dorsey completed 68 percent of their passes. Frye and Anderson led touchdown drives, and Dorsey pieced together a solid two-minute drill that led to a field goal before halftime.
The all-around performance — and no significant injuries — should inject the Browns with some much-needed optimism heading into another week of practice before their preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
"We came together this week," Frye said. "When the offense starts to come together, the defense comes together and we start pulling for each other. The sky is the limit for this team."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/21/06

Browns moving in right direction

But Crennel says team still has long way to go

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Browns coach Romeo Crennel ticked down the list of things he wanted to accomplish in the second exhibition game Friday night against the Detroit Lions.
Improve the timing. Check.
Do better running and defending the run. Check.
Do better on third down. Check.
Score points. Check.
All told, Crennel was pleased to say the Browns had done ``a little bit better.''
``But we have a long way to go,'' he added.
There was even a small bit of good news Sunday as offensive tackle Ryan Tucker returned to the field for individual work.
Tucker had arthroscopic surgery on his knee Aug. 1 and was on the field for the first time since.
``Just taking it day by day,'' Tucker said.
Tucker said he will not play until he's 100 percent, but Crennel said his rehab is right on target.
Tight end Kellen Winslow also said he felt pretty good after two preseason games. Winslow has played as he attempts to return from a nasty knee injury caused by a motorcycle accident.
He has caught five passes in two games and practiced, but admitted he's not where he wants -- or needs -- to be physically.
``It's coming back slowly,'' Winslow said. ``I think I'm still learning things. These upcoming (two) games will help me out before the season.''
Crennel said Winslow can improve.
``He knows he can,'' Crennel said. ``Like we said before, we ask him to do a lot.''
The backup quarterback situation even looked a little more palatable Sunday after Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson combined to complete 18-of-25 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown.
``Both guys did enough to warrant another look, so we'll give them another look,'' Crennel said.
At center, Ross Tucker came through fairly well.
``I thought he represented himself pretty well,'' Crennel said.
Tucker played decently -- especially considering he started after having been with the team a little more than a week.
``He's a veteran guy and he worked in a similar system in New England,'' guard Joe Andruzzi said. ``To step in here right away, I thought as a group we did well. There's still things we have to work on. Protections and runs and how we jell together. Where we can just say each other's names and know that means a certain block.''
``He did a heck of a job,'' Ryan Tucker said. ``He came in with not having a whole lot of practice and picked right up on the system. I think he had a lot thrown on his plate and he is doing an excellent job for the team.''
Crennel said the Browns will continue to be open-minded about acquiring another center.
Droughns to Colorado
Running back Reuben Droughns will be in Colorado today for a pretrial hearing on his domestic violence case.
Droughns and his attorney no doubt will push for a trial date after the season.
``He's going to leave, and whenever his court proceeding is over, he'll be back,'' Crennel said.
Brownies . . .
Of Jerome Harrison's big game (107 total yards), Crennel said: ``Even though you take it with a grain of salt, you don't mind having it.''... Crennel shrugged off Willie McGinest missing the first two preseason games after undergoing offseason elbow surgery. Of McGinest practicing and not playing in games, Crennel said: ``In practice, your teammates know what your issues are, whereas your opponents don't care what your issues are.''... Crennel's comment on the play of quarterback Charlie Frye: ``He ran the offense better because it looked better. I thought that was a good step. He still has command of this team. He was able to make some plays when nothing was there. He had to improvise a little bit, but we knew he could do that from last year. Hopefully, he doesn't have to do that a lot. When he does have to do that, he can get us out of trouble and make a play.''
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/21/06

Running back, cornerback are issues yet to be resolved
Monday, August 21, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By STEVE DOERSCHUK[/FONT]


BEREA - The last week of Browns training camp opened Sunday with some issues clearing up, and others as clear as mud.
Here’s a look at where three of those issues stand as the Browns run through their final practices open to the public today through Thursday.
1, Running back.
Reuben Droughns has a vice grip on the No. 1 job, but no guarantee on how he’ll emerge in a court date today in Colorado to address domestic violence charges.
He sprinted off the practice field Sunday before being intercepted for a few questions. First, he said he intends to plead not guilty.
If there is a trial, he said, “We’re gonna try to push for it to be after the season.”
Another possibility is a plea bargain.
Droughns rushed seven times for 44 yards in basically a quarter’s worth of work against Detroit on Friday.
“He’s looked pretty decent in practice and he’s looked decent in the games,” Head Coach Romeo Crennel said. “I think he’s on schedule.
“I’m sure he’s concerned about the court proceedings, but to this point it hasn’t affected his play.”
Droughns said he hoped to fly to and back from Colorado in time to practice Tuesday. He will miss today’s final double practice of training camp.
“This my cathedral right now,” Droughns said, glancing to the practice area. “When I’m on the football field, I leave all my outside problems alone.”
Lee Suggs is back in the picture less than a week after getting traded to the Jets, who said he failed a physical and sent him back to Ohio.
Suggs carried eight times for 26 yards against the Lions.
“It’s around the league that I was hurt,” Suggs said. “Obviously, you like to get out on the field and prove nothing’s wrong with you.
“I felt I ran OK. I’d like to do better.”
Jerome Harrison seems headed for a meaningful regular-season role, but Crennel isn’t one to overreact the rookie’s 107 total yards against the Lions.
“You kind of take preseason games with a grain of salt,” Crennel said, “but he was productive running and catching. He showed quickness.”
2, Cornerback.
The Browns are getting welcome reports regarding veterans Gary Baxter and Daylon McCutcheon.
Baxter is recovering from a pectoral strain suffered Aug. 10 at Philadelphia.
“I think I’m way ahead of schedule,” Baxter said after Sunday’s practice, in which he was held out of team drills.
Can he play in the Sept. 10 opener against the Saints?
“I’m 100 percent sure I will,” Baxter said. “I doubt if I’ll play in the last preseason game, but I’m definitely gonna play in the first game.”
McCutcheon, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, said he is “very optimistic” about playing against the Saints.
McCutcheon probably won’t play Saturday at Buffalo or in the preseason finale against the Bears on Aug. 31.
This projection would leave Baxter and Leigh Bodden as the starters and McCutcheon as the third corner for the opener.
Bodden is in his fourth NFL season and enters his first as a designated starter.
“Leigh has had a really good camp,” Crennel said. “He plays that way in the games.”
3, Right tackle.
Ross Tucker, who had arthroscopic knee surgery early in camp, will miss his third straight preseason game, but has resumed doing limited work in practice.
“Scopes today aren’t as intrusive as they once were,” Tucker said. “I mean, guys can come back really, really fast.
“You’re not talking about a lot of muscle, ligament or bone damage. They’re basically doing a defragmentation, pulling loose stuff out, smoothing some edges, letting the portals heal.”
Tucker’s brother, Rex, has about two weeks left in his recovery from a broken leg with the Lions.
“Somebody was thrown into his left leg,” Ross Tucker said. “He hyperextended and had a tibial plateau fracture. Dude ... I should be a doctor.”
Tucker, 31, has played in 112 NFL games, mostly at right tackle.
“I’m gonna wear a knee brace the rest of my career,” he said. “I think every right tackle should wear a brace on his left knee. That’s where all the heat’s coming from.”
Charlie Frye made all five of his 2005 starts at quarterback with Tucker on the field.
“He’s one of the better right tackles in the NFL,” Frye said. “It’s more of a comfort zone, because he plays so consistent.”
If Tucker’s return is delayed, the right tackle would be Kirk Chambers or Nat Dorsey. Dorsey is not yet 23, but he has been in the NFL since 2004, when he started seven games for the Vikings.
Dorsey has gotten most of his work with the Browns as a left tackle since arriving in a trade with the Vikings last Sept. 4. Tucker’s injury threw him into competition with Chambers, 27 “I think I’ve done a pretty good job at right tackle,” Dorsey said. “I’m getting used to it.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail [email protected].

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Canton

8/21/06

Anderson, Dorsey still competing to be No. 2
Monday, August 21, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By STEVE DOERSCHUK [/FONT]


BEREA - You look around among the NFL’s arms of August and wonder what it means.
Former Round 7 pick Matt Cassel leads the league with 421 preseason passing yards. Have the Patriots found another Tom Brady?
Jay Cutler has passed for 291 yards and has a 111.3 rating. Would he have been a good pick had he dropped to the Browns at No. 12 overall, rather than getting plucked by Denver at No. 11?
Anthony Wright, 30, has given the Bengals 200 yards with no interceptions. Is he the kind of veteran who might have fit in Cleveland, instead of signing with Cincinnati on April 20?
You wonder what it means that the Browns don’t have a quarterback with more than Ken Dorsey’s 123 preseason yards ... what it means that Charlie Frye’s two-game totals include 64 yards and a 67.8 rating ... what it means that young Derek Anderson has a through-the-roof passer rating of 125.2.
It means enough, or little enough, that Head Coach Romeo Crennel hasn’t decided whether Dorsey or Anderson will be the No. 2 quarterback.
“I think both did enough (against Detroit on Friday) to warrant another look,” Crennel said after Sunday’s practice. “They are still in competition right now.”
Dorsey drove the Browns to a field goal in a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, but he threw a second-half interception.
Anderson played in the third and fourth quarters against lesser defenders, but he lit it up to the tune of 7-for-9 for 83 yards and a go-ahead touchdown.
Fans weren’t the only ones impressed by Anderson on Friday. Longtime observers with NFL backgrounds thought he showed talent, arm strength and poise.
The problem with the 6-foot-6 Anderson, and a reason he wasn’t drafted until the sixth round last year (by Baltimore), is that he is slow on his feet.
The Browns claimed Anderson off waivers last Sept. 21, thwarting a chance he wound go to the Ravens’ practice squad. Anderson didn’t get in a game with the Browns, but he relies on tons of experience at Oregon State, where he passed for 11,249 yards and 79 touchdowns.
Granted, preseason stats can be misleading, but it is interesting to note that Anderson leads the Browns with 8.0 yards per passing attempt. Dorsey is at 4.7, Frye at 3.6.
Frye remains on course to be the No. 1 quarterback into the regular season.
What of his low yardage per throw?
“That doesn’t matter right now,” he said. “We don’t even look at the stats in the preseason.”
Frye has followed a dink-and-dunk diet, although he did go downfield after a scramble that turned into an interception Friday.
“I’m sure we’ll take some more shots down the field in September,” he said.
The Browns are following a strategy of building Frye’s confidence.
Crennel didn’t like the fact Frye lost a fumble and threw an interception Friday, but the coach focused on a 67-yard touchdown drive.
“He ran the offense better,” Crennel said. “It looked better. I thought that was a good step.
“He still has command of this team. He was able to make some plays when nothing was there. He had to improvise a little bit, but we knew he could do that from last year.
“Hopefully, he doesn’t have to do that a lot ... If he can move around and improvise to make a play, he should.”
Frye figures to play most of the first half Saturday at Buffalo. Crennel hasn’t said how he’ll divvy up Dorsey’s and Anderson’s time, but it would not be a surprise to see Anderson play first.
Of the overall play against Detroit, Crennel concluded, “The quarterbacks looked more like quarterbacks.”
Which means ... what?
Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail:
[email protected].
BROWNS REPORT
CENTER UPDATE Head Coach Romeo Crennel said new No. 1 center Ross Tucker played “pretty well” Friday against the Lions. Crennel doesn’t rule out pursuing another center: “If there is someone better, we’ll go get him.”
WINSLOW AT WORK Kellen Winslow Jr. doesn’t look like his father in his prime just yet. “I don’t think he’s where he wants to be,” Crennel said. “He has looked decent. He’s making good progress.” The elder Winslow progressed to the Hall of Fame.
ACTION JACKSON Rookie Round 2 pick D’Qwell Jackson remains on course to start at inside linebacker after a solid Friday that included an interception. “He played pretty well in two games,” Crennel said. “It’s not like he’s in over his head.”
ON MCGINEST Willie McGinest hasn’t played in either game, but the Browns don’t seem concerned about the 34-year-old coming back from minor elbow surgery in time for the regular season. Crennel said there’s a difference between McGinest going hard in practice, as he often has, and being subjected to games: “Your teammates know what your issues are, whereas, your opponent ... they don’t care what your issues are.” JONES IN THE POOL Sean Jones maintains a lead over Brodney Pool in the race for the No. 1 strong safety job. Jones is doing an excellent job of revealing only the obvious. “Brodney Pool and I come out and work hard,” he said. “We just want the team to win. The coaches will make the best decision.” STEVE DOERSCHUK


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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

8/21/06

BROWNS NEWSWATCH
Crennel likes talent he has backing up Frye


Monday, August 21, 2006

Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson have prevented a Browns quarterback search for at least another week.
"I think they both did enough to warrant another look," coach Romeo Crennel said. "They're still in the competition right now."
Crennel said he'd feel comfortable going into the season with Dorsey and Anderson as backups "if they can make progress this week like they made last week."
Dorsey, who's slightly ahead of Anderson for the No. 2 job, completed 11 of 16 passes for 75 yards and one interception against the Lions. What's more, he was 7-of-10 for 52 yards on a two-minute drive late in the first half that resulted in a 32-yard Phil Dawson field goal for a 10-10 tie.
On that drive, he completed passes of 10 and 12 yards to former Miami teammate Kellen Winslow Jr. and a 12-yarder to Corey McIntyre.
Dorsey, a fourth-year pro, looked better in the game than he has in practice.
"I think his experience helps him," Crennel said.
Dorsey said he felt better this week than last week against the Eagles, when he went 5-of-10 for 48 yards.
"Last week we got some bumps and bruises," he said. "This week, we were able to do some great things. It was a good step in the right direction for myself - and for this team to get the win."
He said he hasn't gotten a progress report from Crennel about his status.
"And to be honest, I kind of prefer it that way," he said. "I don't want to worry about things I can't control. I just want to prove myself and that's what I'm trying to do."
He said he hasn't read or listened to the criticism this preseason.
"You go through highs and lows and stuff like that, but I feel like I'm excited to be here, I'm excited about this situation and I'm excited about this city," he said. "I feel like I'm making progress every day."
Anderson, the hardest thrower of the top three quarterbacks, completed 7 of 9 passes for 83 yards and a 31-yard touchdown to running back Jerome Harrison. He earned a stellar 142.1 rating.
"They both moved the team and put points on the board," Crennel said.
Kosar helps:
One reason the Browns might think they can go without a longtime veteran mentor for Charlie Frye is because Bernie Kosar is now working with the team about two days a week, assisting Frye and some of the other players. Kosar, the preseason analyst on WKYC Ch. 3, has been able to provide some of the insight for Frye that Gary Danielson did for him as a rookie. "It helps to have him around," Frye said.
Tucker practices:
On a day in shorts and no pads, right tackle Ryan Tucker (knee) participated in individual drills but was held out of team drills. He said he doubts he'll play in Buffalo Saturday and is still taking it one day at a time. "I'm trying to strengthen the quad as much as I can," he said. "I'm not going to play until I'm 100 percent." He said he'll wear a brace on his left knee the rest of his career.
Pool determined:
Safety Brodney Pool, who worked with the first team Sunday, said he's not discouraged Sean Jones is slightly ahead of him at strong safety.
"I'm going to keep coming out here and practicing hard," Pool said. "I'm not going to let that get to my head. We have the whole year to change it, so I'm not worried."
Baxter progress:
Cornerback Gary Baxter started running and lifting Sunday - and still vows to play in the opener. "The rehab is going great," he said. "I'm a fast healer and I'm way ahead of schedule."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670

Dispatch

8/21/06

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Backup QBs improve stock against Lions
Monday, August 21, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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BEREA, Ohio — The most relieved players in the Browns’ 20-16 preseason win over the Detroit Lions were backup quarterbacks Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson.
The two have been under scrutiny for having poor training camps, but their lukewarm competition to be the No. 2 quarterback suddenly heated up with a pair of solid performances Friday night.
Dorsey completed 11 of 16 passes for 75 yards and led an impressive two-minute drill to set up a field goal before halftime. Anderson was 7 of 9 for 83 yards, which included a 31-yard touchdown pass to rookie running back Jerome Harrison.
Both quarterbacks had their best showings of the preseason, quieting at least for now the cries to bring in a veteran behind starter Charlie Frye.
"Both guys probably did enough to warrant another look," coach Romeo Crennel said. "So we’ll give them another look and see. They’re still in competition right now."
Tucker making strides

Starting right offensive tackle Ryan Tucker returned to practice yesterday for the first time since having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
Tucker, who is unsure whether he’ll play in the preseason, didn’t take part in team drills but did participate in some light individual workouts.
"I think the important thing right now is to get it healthy," Tucker said. "I definitely don’t want to rush it early on and delay my return. So we’re going to play it safe, and I’ll just take it day by day and work as hard as I can and strengthen that quad as much as I can. But I’m not going to come out until I’m 100 percent."
Droughns in court

Running back Reuben Droughns was scheduled to be in a Colorado court today for a pre-trial conference concerning charges of domestic violence. Droughns caught a plane last night so he could make today’s court date.
Droughns said he expects to be back in Cleveland tonight. He’s scheduled to miss only one day of practice, but that could change as the legal process plays itself out.
"I have no idea how that is going to go, because the court decides what is going to happen there," Crennel said last week. "If they say, hypothetically, that he can’t come back for however long it is, I still have two running backs; I still have Jason Wright and I still have Jerome Harrison. We’d go forward with those guys. I don’t think that will be the case, but I can’t control that."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ESPN.com

8/21/06

Droughns pleads not guilty to assault, harassment



CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns pleaded not guilty Monday to misdemeanor harassment and assault charges stemming from a disturbance with his wife. <!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (BEGIN)--------------------->

Droughns
​

<!---------------------INLINE HEADSHOT (END)--------------------->

Droughns, who attended a pretrial conference at Arapahoe County Court, was expected to miss practice Monday but return Tuesday. A trial was set for Feb. 5 in Arapahoe County Court. A motions hearing will held Oct. 25.


Droughns is accused of throwing his wife, Kellie, to the ground and onto a bed before throwing her outside and locking the door during a May 12 altercation at their suburban Denver home.


Droughns, who played for Denver until a trade last year, could get six to 18 months in jail if convicted of assault and up to six months in jail if convicted of harassment.


Days before his arrest on the domestic charges, a jury in the Cleveland suburb of Medina acquitted Droughns of drunken driving, finding he was not impaired by alcohol when a state trooper stopped him Nov. 1.

Droughns, who rushed for 1,232 yards last season, apologized in June for "bringing this negative attention to the team once again."
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/22/06

Browns' run defense showing signs of life

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

Ed Suba Jr./ Akron Beacon Journal
Cleveland defensive lineman Orpheus Roye makes a tackle during the Browns 20-14 defeat of the Detroit Lions in an exhibition game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Friday Aug. 18, 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio.

• Trial date set for Droughns
• NFL notebook: Colts might have to find new backup for Manning

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - One year ago, alarm bells were sounding in Berea after the first preseason game.
In that game, the New York Giants ran through the Browns' defense like it wasn't there. Brandon Jacobs, then a rookie, had 73 yards on 12 carries; the Giants as a team ran for 154 yards.
Those numbers turned out to portend bad things: The Browns finished 2005 ranked 30th in the league in run defense, giving up 137.6 yards per game on the ground.
So even though preseason should be taken with a grain of salt, the offseason emphasis on improving the run defense seems to be helping.
The Philadelphia Eagles ran for 104 yards on 39 carries in the preseason opener. That's 2.7 yards per carry, and any defensive coordinator would be happy with a per-carry average below 3.
In game two, the Detroit Lions ran for three yards in the first half. Starting running back Kevin Jones gained seven yards on six carries.
This is an improvement by almost any measure. It came with three key players -- linebacker Willie McGinest and cornerbacks Daylon McCutcheon and Gary Baxter -- not in the lineup.
``Anytime you give up three yards in the first half, that's a great job,'' McGinest said.
The defense's role is likely to be important all season. Crennel will always stress team, but the Browns might be as good as their defense allows. With a growing quarterback and an unknown at center, the Browns will need the defense to keep them in games, then avoid mistakes on offense.
If the defense caves early, the offense might not have the firepower to come back.
That's why there's an emphasis on stopping the run, a key to winning in the NFL.
Last season, the top eight rush defenses in the league had winning records.
Six of them went to the playoffs, four won divisions and three went to conference championship games.
So the Browns will take improvement, but they also will take it with a bit of skepticism.
``It's preseason,'' new nose tackle Ted Washington said. ``It goes up another level when the regular season starts.''
The Eagles' top backs all were hurt for the opener, and the Lions were playing with the immortal Ross Verba at left guard and two other starting linemen missing because of injury.
But if last preseason was an indication that the run defense would struggle, this preseason at least is an indication there is hope. Crennel listed several factors for that optimism.
``I think the guys who were here last year understand the defense better,'' Crennel said. ``I think the addition with Ted Washington in the middle helps. Everyone has a part in it. Even those young guys are able to do relatively well to this point.''
Washington was touted as a key player when he signed. He's a massive presence who is nearly impossible to block. As McGinest said, he creates a wall that allows the middle linebackers, especially Andra Davis, to run.
``He is demanding and takes pride in the opponent not being able to run the ball inside, or to run the ball period,'' Crennel said. ``He will press and demand that the guys around him be on point and do their job.''
At 38, Washington has seen his share of training camps and preseasons. Yet he has not missed a practice or a game with the Browns.
``Nobody likes training camp,'' he said. ``It's just something you have to do. You're going to be in full pads. You have to go out and fight it and get it done.''
McGinest has been held out of games to help heal his surgically repaired elbow, but he has not missed a practice. Holding a veteran out of preseason is not uncommon, especially one like McGinest who knows the system well and who has shown he can play.
A year ago, Bill Belichick held Deion Branch out of preseason games, and Branch went on to catch 78 passes for 998 yards. Veterans who know how to play don't need preseason.
``I don't know what the state of emergency is,'' McGinest said. ``I can assure you that everything is going great.''
That sentiment should bode even better for the future. But McGinest, Washington and Crennel aren't willing to assume the defense is ready.
``I don't think we scratched the surface of how good this defense could be,'' Washington said. ``We have two more games to tune it up, and we will find out how good it is when we play the Saints (in the season opener Sept. 10).''
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/22/06

Washington brings more than just size
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By Steve Doerschuk repository sports wRITER[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Tuesday, August 22, 2006 [/FONT]

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Browns nose tackle Ted Washington, signed as a free agent in the offseason, is expected to be a key in Head Coach Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defense during the 2006 season.​

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BEREA - At 6-foot-5, 365 pounds, old Ted Washington looks slow.
But think fast.
Reporter: Does anybody ever try to intimidate ...
Washington: Nope.
Reporter: ... you?
Washington was hired to intimidate opponents who want to run on the Browns.
The Detroit Lions looked tame enough against him.
In the first half Friday, Kevin Jones rushed six times for 7 yards. Arlen Harris got a carry on the Lions’ first possession and lost 2 yards. Previously, Washington had a similar effect on Philadelphia.
He’s not just some blob who needs to be double-teamed merely because he blocks out the sun.
“Size sometimes can be deceptive,” Head Coach Romeo Crennel said. “You can still have a quick first step when you have size.
“That’s one of the things that has allowed Ted to play as long as he has ... size, strength and initial quickness.”
One way you know the titanic nose tackle has been around forever: He was a No. 25 draft pick the year Bill Belichick was a rookie head coach in Cleveland.
The Raiders picked quarterback Todd Marinovich with the No. 24 overall pick. Belichick had the 29th pick, using it on guard Ed King.
Belichick did wind up with Washington years later, as head coach of the Patriots in the Super Bowl season of 2003.
In 2004, Washington jumped to the Raiders and wound up starting 32 straight games before moving on to Cleveland.
He is something of an entertainer in his infrequent interviews, one of which he did after Monday morning’s practice. He puts on a massive-angry-man persona, as if to see if it scares anyone.
He acted particularly steamed when asked how heavily his age weighs on him.
“If I feel good at 38, 39, 40 ... if I can still move and the coaches are satisfied, then Ted Washington will continue to play,” he said.
Why?
“Because I love the game,” he said with hot inflection. “You like your job, right?”
The reporter said, “It’s all right.”
Washington shot back, “Well, keep holding that recorder until you are 90.”
Washington won’t turn 90 until 2058. He’ll turn 39 on April 13.
“He has a little sense of humor ... he’s shown that to you,” Crennel said. “He’s a good guy.”
Young defensive lineman Simon Fraser said Washington will “motivate guys in private, maybe grab a guy on the side.”
Crennel seems convinced Washington is motivated to help the Browns.
“He wants to do well, be the best at his position,” the coach said. “He wants the guys around him to be good.”
Washington has played for the 49ers, Broncos, Bills, Bears, Patriots and Raiders.
His longest run was 1995-2000 with the Bills, with whom he went to three of his four Pro Bowls.
He figures he started becoming a team leader type during the Buffalo years.
Who taught him how to be a leader?
“A lot of guys, legends, Pro Bowlers, Hall of Famers,” he said. “The Joe Montanas, the Steve Youngs, the Bruce Smiths, the Jim Kellys, the Andre Reeds.
“I played with all of them.”
Legends? If this guy somehow helps lead the Browns to a Super Bowl, maybe they’ll build a new Washington Monument on Lake Erie.
Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

Canton

8/22/06

McGinest has plenty to prove
Tuesday, August 22, 2006 <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By Steve Doerschuk Repository sports writer[/FONT]


BEREA - For assorted reasons, Cleveland sports fans are wary of stars from the East.
Back when Indians fans were starved for even a retread hero, they latched onto a hope that New York Mets icon Keith Hernandez at least represented credibility. Hernandez arrived exuding indifference. He became one of the most reviled blowhards in franchise history.
Walt Frazier, who strutted through the New York Knicks’ golden era, wasn’t as bad as Hernandez in his shift with the Cavaliers, but he was a real dud.
Bill Belichick did it to Browns fans, who hoped for more from the New York Giants coordinator than four losing seasons and a move to Baltimore.
It remains to be seen whether Willie McGinest will be different, now that his time in New England has passed.
It’s clear he wants to be.
It’s clear by the way McGinest insinuates disgust that the Patriots not only let him go, but thought little enough of his 12 seasons and four Super Bowl runs to let drive-by Patriot Junior Seau take his No. 55.
It could be argued that McGinest is petty to suppose his number should be retired.
It also can be argued that it reflects an intense and useful pride that will transfer to his new team. He signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Browns after it became clear the Patriots’ would offer much less.
The day McGinest was introduced as a Brown on March 15, he hoisted a No. 55 jersey. Seau “retired” from the NFL on Aug. 14, signed with the Patriots four days later and has been assigned No. 55.
Belichick, of course, has emerged as the superstar coach of the Patriots. He was McGinest’s coach from 2000-05.
“Belichick called me and asked my permission (for Seau to wear No. 55),” McGinest said Monday. “Later, Seau called. We didn’t speak, but he left a message.
“I don’t think that’s a decision Belichick should have had to make. Or Seau. ... It’s not even a position I should have been in, to even answer that question.”
The McGinest-Seau number story is older than many Browns fans.
Seau played in 11 straight Pro Bowls as a Charger, compared to only two for McGinest.
McGinest, though, has played in four Super Bowls, three more than Seau.
Both wore No. 55 at Southern Cal.
Seau was a No. 5 overall draft pick, by the Chargers, in 1990. McGinest was a No. 4 overall pick, by the Patriots, in 1994.
Seau played in his only Super Bowl in that 1994 season. McGinest played in Super Bowls capping the 1996, 2001, 2003 and 2004 campaigns. He clearly sees his contribution to the Patriots as on par with Seau’s to the Chargers.
“What if I would have signed with San Diego?” McGinest said. “I don’t think it would have even been an option to ask for 55.
“I think they would have said ... like, ‘You know what, you’re a great player and we respect you, but we’re kind of putting this number to the side because of Junior. I probably would have gone back to my high school number (95).
“Junior started (No. 55) at S.C. He made it what it is today, and he passed it down to me. He had his legacy with it where he was. I created mine where I was, so ...”
McGinest said Belichick was “kind of uncomfortable” when he called regarding Seau wearing No. 55.
“I don’t want to repeat exactly what I said,” McGinest said, adding he and Belichick “have a great deal of respect for each other.”
McGinest bristled at the New England company line that letting McGinest go was a business decision. Of letting Seau have No. 55, he said, “That’s just another indication that they were making a ‘quote-unquote’ business move.”
McGinest spoke of the issue with passion, with sweat rolling off his forehead after the Browns’ Monday morning practice.
Some of the old worries about stars from the East have attached to him, in that he will turn 35 in December, is coming off surgery to remove bone chips from an elbow and has been held out of both preseason games.
He seems convinced he will be the kind of outside linebacker the Browns were hoping for. He doesn’t promise he’ll play in either of the remaining two preseason games. He is focused on the Sept. 10 season opener against the Saints
“I’ll be out on the field,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 13 years. I’m working hard, getting my reads, getting stronger.
“Everything’s getting better every day. I mean, I don’t know what the state of emergency is.
“I assure you, everything’s going great.”
McGinest ranks first in NFL history with 16 playoff sacks, including a 4 1/2-sack game earlier this year against the Jaguars.
Was that proof to him that old Willie still can be the Willie of old?
“I don’t need a good day in the office to know I’ve still got a lot left in the tank,” he said. “If I feel like I’m not being productive, I wouldn’t be signing multiyear deals here or anywhere else.” If only he begins to play as forcefully as he talks. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]



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Canton

8/22/06

BROWNS REPORT
Tuesday, August 22, 2006


Droughns in court
Browns running back Reuben Droughns pleaded not guilty Monday to misdemeanor harassment and assault charges that stemmed from a disturbance with his wife.
Droughns attended a pretrial conference. A trial was set for Feb. 5 in Arapahoe County Court in Centennial, Colo.
Droughns is accused of throwing his wife, Kellie, to the ground and onto a bed before throwing her outside and locking the door during a May 12 altercation at their suburban Denver home. He could get six to 18 months in jail if convicted of assault, and up to six months if convicted of harassment.
The team expects Droughns to return to practice today after he missed both sessions Monday.
Lee Suggs and William Green had heavier work loads in his absence.

Suddenly ... Smack!
No more two-a-days until 2007. Monday was the last double practice of training camp.
“The guys were a little lethargic to start off,” Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel said, “but then we woke up.”
One of the biggest hits of the summer was delivered by free safety Brian Russell, who popped young wideout Kendrick Mosley after a pass over the middle. Wrap tackling was off limits. Russell did his damage with a body bump.
“You walk a fine line,” said Russell, conceding he might have gone overboard. “You don’t want to hurt a teammate.”
On another play, wideout Braylon Edwards smashed into linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. It appeared Edwards’ bell was ringing, but it was an indication he is making his way back from knee surgery.
Crennel said Edwards might see his first 2006 game action Saturday at Buffalo.
“If the week goes well and he is feeling good,” Crennel said, “we might have to give him one or two reps to see if he can move around against different competition.”
Edwards made two spectacular catches in the evening session, drawing a roar from fans and heightening speculation he will play at Buffalo. Edwards wore a knee brace for part of the practice but just a sleeve for another part. Crennel says he will wear the brace if he plays at Buffalo.
On another play during team drills, running back William Green had a loud smash-up with linebacker Matt Stewart.
Training camp runs threw more days. It’s starting to sound like football season.

Extra points
n Over the next few weeks, key men Gary Baxter, Ryan Tucker, Daylon McCutcheon and Edwards will be coming back from injuries into games. Is there any element of NFL opponents attacking vulnerable areas against such players? “They might attack that particular player,” Crennel said. “They might not think a player could run as fast or jump as high. I don’t think they intentionally go after player’s body parts.”
n Starting defensive end Alvin McKinley skipped Monday morning’s practice with a sore toe. Second-year pro Simon Fraser took McKinley’s place with the No. 1 defense. “Al was just getting a breather,” Fraser said. The former Ohio State standout was encouraged nonetheless. “Hopefully,” he said, “it’s a sign of good things to come.” Crennel said Fraser is “bigger” and “more physical” than he was as a 2005 rookie.
n Chaun Thompson, recovering from a calf injury, is expected to see action at Buffalo. His injury has helped rookie D’Qwell Jackson to emerge as a likely starter at inside linebacker.
n Joshua Cribbs has impressed coaches as a punt returner to the extent he might get that job if Dennis Northcutt winds up in a big role as a receiver. If Edwards comes back strong, Northcutt would stay on as the main punt returner. STAFF, WIRE REPORTS