Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

8/22/06

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."

Dispatch

8/22/06

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Patriots upset ex-star
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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BEREA, Ohio — Browns linebacker Willie McGinest is not upset with any particular player or coach. But McGinest said yesterday that he’s disappointed the New England Patriots organization made "another business decision."
Newly signed linebacker Junior Seau is wearing McGinest’s No. 55 jersey in New England this season, a number that likely will be retired by the team sometime soon.
McGinest views it as a sign of disrespect from his former organization. He said Patriots coach Bill Belichick seemed uncomfortable calling him and asking for his permission. Seau, who like McGinest is a Southern Cal alumnus, also left McGinest a message.
"I don’t think that was a decision that Belichick should have had to make or Seau," McGinest said. "It’s not even a position I should have been in to even answer that question. That’s an executive, organization thing.
"If you pose the question to me, I had a chance to sign with San Diego in the offseason and what if I would’ve gone to San Diego? I don’t even think that would have been an option for me to even ask for No. 55."
Seau’s No. 55 with the Chargers will soon be retired and no player currently wears the jersey. McGinest believes the Patriots’ front office should have given him the same courtesy, considering the impressive career and the championships he’s won with New England.
"If I’m somebody who embodied what they represented in the past and helped them get to and win championships and so forth, I think that should have been a situation where ownership should have taken charge," McGinest said. "Belichick has a lot of things going on. That’s not something he needs to spend time on."
Edwards ’ return possible

Because of an impressive showing in practice the past couple of weeks, the Browns are thinking about playing Braylon Edwards on Saturday in an exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills.
The second-year receiver is recovering from a torn ligament in his right knee but remains well ahead of schedule. Edwards has been fairly confident that he can return by the season opener Sept. 10, and getting some playing time this weekend would be a significant step.
"We’ll have to see how the practice week goes," coach Romeo Crennel said. "If the week goes well and he is feeling good, we might have to give him one or two reps to see if he can move around against some different competition."
[email protected]

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

I'd still wager in a vbet.. that the player that starts the majority of the games at center is not on the roster now... and that the next couple cuts from other teams or a trade will dictate who our center will be...

 

[Buckin' A]

The Cleveland Browns announced Tuesday, Aug. 22, that they have traded WR Carlton Brewster to the Green Bay Packers for CB Therrian Fontenot, pending both players passing their respective physicals.

 

[buckeye247]

The Cleveland Browns announced Tuesday, Aug. 22, that they have traded WR Carlton Brewster to the Green Bay Packers for CB Therrian Fontenot, pending both players passing their respective physicals.

Ill take it,

 

[Buckin' A]

...but wouldn't it have been nice if it said AJ HAwk instead?....

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/23/06

VIRTUAL MADDENING

Browns players Kellen Winslow Jr., Frisman Jackson and Leigh Bodden have been talking about the arrival of the game for weeks. Daylon McCutcheon bought 20 copies and passed them out to his teammates.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Josh Moss
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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The Cleveland Browns’ 2006 season-opener is still 2 1 /2 weeks away. The 07 opener was yesterday, though, and eagerly welcomed by many Browns players.
Madden NFL 07, the wildly popular video football game, hit store shelves yesterday, much to the delight of serious gamers, and even those who play the game. Among Cleveland players, tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., defensive back Leigh Bodden and receiver Frisman Jackson had been talking about the game’s arrival for weeks. They even adopted a challenging slogan soon after arriving at training camp — "Will you be ready? "
Oh, they were ready.
"We got it this morning," Jackson said. "(I) beat down on Kellen a couple times already. We’re getting off to a fast start."
The Browns had plenty of copies of Madden to go around thanks to cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, who purchased some 20 copies of the game yesterday morning.
"He passed them out to everybody on the team, and we all had to give him money for it," Jackson said. "We’ll probably get a game in tonight before we have to check in for bed. My team is ready to go."
Many big-time fans of the game purchase their copy of Madden and then call off work for a few days or more to celebrate what EA Sports, the game’s creator, has dubbed "Maddenoliday."
The Browns can’t skip camp, but they are among the devoted following. In their free time, players host tournaments — sometimes for money, most often just for bragging rights — in the team lounge or each other’s homes.
Winslow prefers his home turf.
"You have to watch Kellen, because he’s going to cheat nine times out of 10," Jackson said. "He does whatever he has to do. He turns the volume up on his TV ridiculously loud. His girl comes down and asks you if you want something to drink during crucial moments in the game."
Similar tactics are used in friendly competitions and tournaments across the country. The control and the competition is part of the fun.
Of course, NFL players differ from ordinary fans in that they are the game, a reality that still shocks cornerback Ralph Brown.
"It’s amazing that somebody would make a video game of me. I’m not the biggest name, but it’s just something I can tell my kids and my family about," said Brown, a seven-year NFL veteran who signed with the Browns this month.
"It’s kind of fun and cool when someone says, ‘I’m starting you,’ but sometimes people will call me and be like, ‘Ralph, man, you got burnt on the deep ball and lost my Madden game.’"
Some players work to make sure that their video images don’t get burnt or blow games. Winslow, for one, took note that in the Madden 06 edition, Virtual Kellen’s hands were rated "like an 88" out of 100 and his speed was "like 85." Winslow believed the game underestimated his ability, so he altered the numbers.
"My hands have to be 99, and my speed has to be 90," he said.
Other athletes simply steer clear from playing as their virtual counterparts.
"You don’t play with your own team," running back Reuben Droughns said.
"You don’t want to see yourself get blasted."
That’s not why Jackson avoids playing as Virtual Frisman.
"The only reason I don’t play with the Browns is because I’d throw it to myself every play and end up losing," Jackson said. "So I play with the Jaguars just because they have all-black uniforms."
When an NFL player does use his virtual self, the game plan seems to change. Backup quarterback Ken Dorsey admits he passes more when he plays as Virtual Ken.
If he throws an interception, though, he doesn’t have to worry about coach Romeo Crennel’s reaction.
"You restart the game," Dorsey said.
Whatever their skill level or experience, many Browns players claim to hold the muchdiscussed, imaginary "Madden Belt" as the team’s unofficial champion.
Droughns, who stopped playing Madden about two years ago, still thinks he would dominate if he picked up a controller again.
"I used to play a lot until I started losing all my money," Droughns said, laughing. "Winslow just talks himself up. I’m probably still the best."
[email protected]

Dispatch

8/23/06

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Fans yet to warm to rookie receiver
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Josh Moss
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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BEREA, Ohio — It doesn’t take much for receiver Braylon Edwards or tight end Kellen Winslow to ignite cheers at practice. Even their routine catches stir the crowd.
Other receivers have to work harder to get noticed.
Toward the end of the Cleveland Browns’ afternoon practice yesterday, rookie Travis Wilson slipped and fell to the grass as he sprinted toward a pass that backup quarterback Ken Dorsey bulleted in his direction. Wilson quickly gathered himself, leaped back to his feet and made the catch as defensive back Jeremy LeSueur tried to swat the ball to the ground.
The crowd remained silent.
"I just have to keep making plays to earn their respect," Wilson said.
He is starting to do that with coach Romeo Crennel.
"The thing that (Wilson) has done is he’s been able to make some plays on the ball even in practice and in the games, so that’s a good sign," Crennel said. "And he is trying to make a contribution on (special) teams."
Wilson, whom the Browns signed in July to a four-year deal, is prepared to play wherever needed.
"In any situation I’m put in, whether it’s special teams or offense to make catches, I just want to make the group more complete. I want to make us more dangerous," Wilson said. "(I’m) just another weapon."
At Oklahoma, Wilson finished his career with 105 receptions for 1,315 yards and 17 touchdowns. In two games this preseason, Wilson has three receptions for 47 yards.
He knows he needs to improve, running sharper routes and picking up blitzes, and he is trying to learn from teammates.
"Everyone on the receiving corps has a little something to add," Wilson said. "You can (only) learn so much from one person. You take pieces from this person and pieces from that person and put it all together and make something good."
Back from court

Running back Reuben Droughns returned to practice, a day after he pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges. His trial is set for February.
Droughns was upbeat after practice and happy to be back on the field.
"I heard it got a little physical out here (on Monday), so I wish I could have been a part of that. It’s just good to be back focused on football," Droughns said.
Crennel said that the February trial date will benefit the team because Droughns will not miss any practice or games.
"Now he can kind of clear his mind a little as far as that situation goes, and he can wait until after the season and start worrying about it again," Crennel said.
Brownie points

The Browns traded receiver Carlton Brewster to the Green Bay Packers for defensive back Therrian Fontenot. ... During a practice drill, cornerback Leigh Bodden intercepted a pass from quarterback Darrell Hackney and took it to the end zone.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/23/06

Droughns returns, focuses on football

Trial set for February for Browns running back

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Reuben Droughns returned after missing a day in Denver and had the same happy-go-lucky attitude he has shown since he joined the Browns.
A February trial that could result in jail time seemed as bothersome as the training camp beard he had grown.
``I was trying to focus on the season, regardless,'' Droughns said Tuesday. ``Now it's a little bit easier.''
Droughns faces some serious charges following an argument with his wife, Kellie.
He pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges of harassment and one misdemeanor charge of assault. He faces jail time on each charge.
Neither Droughns nor the Arapahoe County district attorney is interested in a plea bargain.
``Definitely no attempt to make a plea bargain,'' Droughns said.
Though the issue has lingered throughout camp, Droughns has run well and hard in games, gaining 65 yards on 11 carries (almost 6 yards per carry).
``He was jumping over piles and running through arm tackles,'' Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. ``That's encouraging. We feel good about it.''
Droughns said he's more comfortable. He also is carrying himself differently.
A year ago in practice he had to go all-out to win a job. He knows now that the job is his, and though he works in practice, Droughns saves his best for games.
He has succeeded despite the fact the most publicized story in Cleveland has been that the team's center position has been decimated. Droughns said the line is more cohesive this season, but Crennel admitted losing LeCharles Bentley will hurt in the long haul.
``I don't care what we do, you can't replace a two-time Pro Bowler,'' Crennel said. ``We don't have that yet. You never know how Bentley would have fit in and exactly how much he would have brought to the table.
``You have to feel like he would have brought a lot to the table with the talent he has. He would have been able to solidify some things on the inside, and now we're just not as solid.''
Droughns topped 1,200 yards last season with a line the team felt needed offseason upgrading. He chuckled when someone mentioned 1,500 yards to him Tuesday.
Droughns has this habit of laughing. A lot.
He even laughed when it was mentioned that his Feb. 7 trial date is shortly after the Super Bowl.
Added Crennel: ``I had nothing to do with it. I don't know if the judge is a Browns fan or not.''
Will he or won't he?
Crennel said he has not decided whether Braylon Edwards would play against the Bills in Buffalo on Saturday.
Edwards got a lot of work in Monday's two practices as he continues his comeback from knee surgery, but he scaled back Tuesday.
Monday, Crennel held out the possibility Edwards might get a few plays. He seemed a little more restrained Tuesday.
``We feel good about his progress, but we're going to be cautious and conservative as far as he's concerned,'' Crennel said.
Edwards said he would address the media today.
``The biggest thing,'' Crennel said, ``will be what the medical staff tells us after talking with Braylon about how he feels. How he looks as the rest of the week goes on.''
Trade news
The Browns made a trade for a defensive back, sending receiver Carlton Brewster to the Green Bay Packers for defensive back Therrian Fontenot.
Fontenot, who will add depth to the secondary, was on the Packers' practice squad last season.
Brewster was deep on the depth chart and faced an uphill challenge to make the team.
``We have a need for corners because we have a couple of them banged up,'' Crennel said. ``Green Bay was looking for a receiver, and they liked some of the things they saw in (Brewster) the other night.
``We made that move to take a look at the cornerback position.''
Brownies . . .
Cornerbacks Gary Baxter (shoulder), Daylon McCutcheon (knee) and offensive tackle Ryan Tucker (knee) all missed practice.... Linebacker Chaun Thompson should get his first playing time of preseason in Buffalo. He missed the first two games with a calf injury.... Of rookie wide receiver Travis Wilson, Crennel said: ``He has made decent progress. He has made plays on the ball in practice and in games. That is a good sign.''
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Canton

8/23/06

Does he belong?: LB Thompson still battling for spot
Wednesday, August 23, 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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Repository Scott Heckel MAKING HIS OWN WAY Browns linebacker Chaun Thompson helps defensive back Leigh Bodden bring down Detroit’s Scottie Vines during a 2005 game. Thompson, a former No. 2 pick out of West Texas A&M, still is trying to show he belongs as he battles for a starting outside linebacker spot with rookie D’Qwell Jackson.
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BEREA Chaun Thompson thoroughly enjoyed doing business as an outside linebacker behind defensive tackle Orpheus Roye in Butch Davis’ 4-3 defense.
“Orpheus hit people in the mouth,” Thompson said. “He was good.”
Life has changed in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4. Roye is a 300-pound end on a three-man line. Thompson is an inside linebacker playing behind a nose tackle, Ted Washington, roughly as heavy as a Lincoln Navigator.
“The offense can either let the running back get hit by somebody my size,” the 249-pound Thompson said, “or they can get hit by Ted.
Meaning what to Thompson?
“So, they’re gonna double down on Ted and let me run.”
There’s a catch. Crennel is in the latter stages of deciding whether Thompson or rookie Round 2 pick D’Qwell Jackson will do the running opposite Andra Davis, who has a vice grip on the other inside linebacker job.
Jackson has the edge because he is more instinctive and has had a strong training camp, whereas Thompson is adapting to his fourth different role in as many NFL seasons, and is coming off a calf injury.
Both players will be under the microscope in Saturday’s preseason game at Buffalo.
“It’s real important,” Thompson said. “Since I missed two preseason games, I’m really playing catchup.”
Thompson’s edge is being bigger, stronger and at least as fast as Jackson. Thompson is obviously pouring himself into the challenge of proving he’s not overmatched just because he played college ball at West Texas A&M.
“(Jackson) played a lot of better competition (while at Maryland),” Thompson said. “Me? I just have a dogfight. I have to practice well, play well.
“He’s got a little more instincts, but whoever wants to work the best ... he wants it ... I want it .. that can’t do nothin’ but make us better.
“I want it because I want to win. If it’s to go out there and be backup, be a starter, whatever makes us win, that’s what I want to do.”
JACKSON’S VIEW
Jackson keeps scoring points with coaches. On Friday, he racked up some more with an interception against the Lions.
“The competition is out of my hands,” Jackson said. “It’s out of Chaun’s hands. We help each other as much as we can. If both of us can be strong, it’ll be better for the team.”
It’s possible Crennel will opt for a system in which Davis, Jackson and Thompson all play a lot in an inside linebacker rotation.
One school of thought has it that Jackson, exciting a prospect as he is, shouldn’t be fed too much too soon.
“Coach Crennel is a stickler about details, doing everything right,” Jackson said. “Up here, guys know the ins and outs of techniques. Me being a rookie, if I’ve got man coverage on a back, I have to stay on that back.
“I can’t afford to look in the backfield. Whatever slight mistake you might make up here is gonna show.”
And it has. Jackson has been burned a few times in coverage this month.
TAKING OVER FOR TAYLOR
Thompson and Jackson are competing for the spot manned by Ben Taylor last year. Taylor ranked second on the 2005 Browns with 139 tackles, and the team liked him to a degree, but only enough to offer a modest contract. He bolted to Green Bay.
“Ben started 16 games,” Crennel said. “Everyone who was here last year and is back is a better player because they understand the defense better.
“If Ben were still here, he would be a better player in the system. Only time will tell if these guys are better fits than Ben.
“Hopefully, they will be real good. You don’t know until you start playing games.”
If Thompson doesn’t win the job, that means the Browns will open the season without two of their top three tacklers from 2005 in the starting lineup.
Thompson ranked third on the team behind Davis and Taylor with 102 stops. That was as an outside linebacker. The Browns wanted more juice on the outside, so they signed Willie McGinest and spent a Round 1 pick on Kamerion Wimbley.
Thompson had to move.
“I didn’t resist it,” he said. “If they want me to do it, I’m willing.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

8/23/06

An offense of optimism

Edwards, Winslow, Harrison show positive signs on the way

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

Reuben Droughns returned to the Browns on Tuesday with his mind clear, his legs fresh and his head turned just a bit at the rookie back seemingly gaining on him.
"The guy's got talent. I know I have my resume ready in my locker," Droughns said with his customary chuckle.
He was speaking of Jerome Harrison, who had 107 rushing and receiving yards in four quarters of action against Detroit last week.
"You never know what can happen. I could be moved back to fullback and special teams," Droughns said. "I think he's good. I think he's a great talent and will only help this team."
Droughns returned from Denver on Tuesday after having a trial date on misdemeanor domestic charges scheduled for Feb. 5.
"From the start, there wasn't going to be a dis traction in the season because I'm not going to put my team in jeopardy like that," Droughns said. "I was trying to fo cus on the season, re gardless. It's a little bit easier now."
Besides Droughns be ing cleared to play with out interruption this season, the following developments might prove this is the week the Browns' offense makes it over a very large hump:
On Friday, Harrison emerged as the change-of-pace back in passing sets the team sought in the draft.
"I thought you saw a little bit of what he can do, especially that three-wide receiver set with him catching the ball and running screens," quarterback Charlie Frye said.
"I think he's a multidimensional back and he'll be able to improve our offense."
Also on Friday, newly acquired Ross Tucker took a major step in solidifying the troublesome center position. Tucker officially has held the starting job longer than anyone in camp.
On Monday, receiver Braylon Edwards was tested hard in both practice sessions. In the morning, he threw a block on linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. In the evening, he tumbled several times to the ground after making catches.
Edwards was back on the practice field Tuesday, none the worse for the wear from what his recovering right knee took the day before.
"When he takes a tumble and he gets up, you feel good about it," coach Romeo Crennel said. "So far he's been getting up. We feel good about the progress. But still we're going to be cautious and conservative."
Crennel said Edward's status for Saturday's exhibition against Buffalo will be evaluated in the next two days. Edwards, who declined to speak with reporters Tuesday, said earlier he would like to see his first game against Buffalo.
On Tuesday, Frye seemed to amp up the looks for tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. Winslow has caught only two balls from Frye in the two exhibition games.
"Kellen's always going to look good just because of the way he's built and the way he runs routes," Frye said. "You're going to see Kellen make more plays during game situations in the regular season. He's going to break a lot of tackles."
Frye said the offense will continue to add to its repertoire in this third exhibition game. After a dink and dunk passing game against Detroit, there has been more emphasis on the deep ball at practice.
Without question, the instability at center has slowed the development of the offense. But the perception that the running game and defense would have to carry the team into the first month of the season is not one shared by the offense.
"I think Charlie's coming around," Droughns said. "I think the only person on offense who needs to get his timing down is Braylon. Everybody else has it."
Frye sees a new weapon now in Harrison and more unpredictability in the offense.
"I hope so," he said. "Not just because of [Harrison], but because of Kellen and the mismatches he can bring. And the running game will open up the passing game. So I'm really excited about getting out there when the season starts."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670

DDN

8/23/06

Browns' Cribbs one of a kind


By Carlos 'Big C' Holmes
Contributing Writer


Tuesday, August 22, 2006


Cleveland Browns special-teams standout/wide receiver Josh Cribbs has often been compared to Washington Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El, and for obvious reasons. They both played quarterback in college, both were converted to the wide receiver position once they got to the pros, and both have been exceptional special-teams players while in the league.
Although the similarities are there, Cribbs, the second-year man out of Kent State, appeared determined when I talked to him in Browns camp to distance himself from the comparisons to Randle El.
Not that it's a bad thing, but Cribbs has other things on his mind, like making a name for himself and showing the rest of the league that he is indeed one of a kind.
High standards
With one year under his belt, Cribbs is primed and ready to make his presence felt and not just on special-teams.
"Everything is going good and I am right where I want to be," Cribbs said. "I'm rotating in amongst the starting receivers and look to set the standards high for myself this year."
Cribbs has high expectations for the season and appears to be a man on a mission.
"I'm a special-teams guru and look to dominate that even more this year," he said. "I want to set new standards and new high records there, and I'm looking for that third or fourth receiver spot going in.
"If one of the starters needs a breather I'm right in there. I don't want to miss a step. I don't want the coaches to feel like they have to call different plays because I'm in there. That's what I'm working on now, getting all the plays down."
Making it easier
Although Cribbs has been a special-teams stud and has shown lots of potential at the receiver position for the Browns, things have not been easy for the former quarterback who is making the transition to receiver.
"It's been a rough road with my fundamentals," Cribbs said. "I'm going against corners that have been doing it their whole life. These are pro corners and for me to just get out there and do it, it's been tough.
"But the quarterbacks have started to make it easy for me, the wide receivers are making it easy for me by giving me a lot of pointers, and I feel right now that I'm at the top of my game."
When asked how he would best describe himself as a player Cribbs wasn't shy.
"Just hard-nose," he said. "Do everything the coach tell me to do with the full ability of my body. I characterize myself as an athlete. I can do it all. I don't want to set any limits to myself because as soon as I set a limit that's when you start to fall off. I just want to reach for the stars."
There is no question what the driving force is behind Cribbs' determination to be an impact player and that is improving upon the numbers he posted a year ago in his first season with the Browns.
In 14 games as a rookie, Cribbs racked up 1,094 yards and one touchdown on kick returns. He averaged a modest 24.3 yards a return with a long of 90 yards.
Cribbs said he just wants the ball in his hands and he will take it from there. His goal this year is to make the Pro-Bowl on special-teams.
The sky is the limit for Cribbs. He's an electrifying force on special-teams and a threat to go the distance whenever the ball is in his hands, which could translate into many happy returns for the team. Cribbs is definitely one to watch because he could turn out to be one of the league's brightest stars on special-teams. As he put it, he wants to be a legend.

More NFL coverage: Catch the latest NFL news, subscribe to the RSS feed, or get automatic e-mail notification of the latest news for your teams at BigCProFootball.com.

 

[Bucklion]

Longtime Brown Gene Hickerson was one of two senior nominees for next year's HOF class...he is one of the only people on earth who can claim he blocked for 3 HOF RBs on the same team (not at the same time, of course).

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2558909

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/24/06

HE DESERVES IT' -- Jim Brown
Hickerson on list to enter hall

Former Browns standout guard is senior nominee for enshrinement in Canton; Sanders also finalist

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Gene Hickerson finally might get that long-due spot in Canton.
On Wednesday, Hickerson was one of two senior nominees to the 2007 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hickerson and former Detroit Lions tight end Charlie Sanders will join 13 others on the list of 15 finalists for the class, which will contain three to six members.
Voting takes place Feb. 3, the day before the Super Bowl.
``It's been long overdue,'' former Browns guard Robert Jackson said. ``I've watched players get in, and there are a lot of politics. Gene Hickerson is never going to be a political guy. To the contrary, he's going to hurt himself.
``On pure talent, not promoting yourself, as far as any lineman I've seen, he should definitely be there.''
Hickerson played guard for the Browns for 15 years and was named to the NFL's All-Decade team of the 1960s.
``He was the best I've ever seen at doing it,'' said Hickerson's former teammate and the Browns' current radio analyst, Doug Dieken, ``and that's counting guys who are in the hall of fame.''
Hickerson's spot in Canton is not guaranteed, but recent history is in his favor.
The hall's senior nominees have gained enshrinement in each of the past five years.
``I want it to come to finality,'' Jim Brown said.
``He deserves it. He was the best blocker on a great offensive line that blocked for three hall of famers.''
Those were Brown, Leroy Kelly and Bobby Mitchell.
As Dieken pointed out, when Hickerson retired in 1973, Brown was the NFL's all-time leading rusher and Kelly was fourth.
``Granted, Jim Brown was Jim Brown and Leroy was a great player, but there has to be a common factor in those two guys,'' Dieken said.
Hickerson joined the Browns in 1958 and played in Cleveland from 1958 to 1960 and 1962 to 1973. He was a key member of the 1964 championship team, and was the NFL's first true pulling guard.
``He could run with a running back,'' Dieken said. ``A running back wouldn't have to slow down for Gene Hickerson. He'd have to catch up.''
Most pictures of Hickerson show him downfield, running ahead of a linebacker. In his last season, Hickerson even led Greg Pruitt around end for a 16-yard last-minute touchdown that beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-16.
Dieken said Joe Greene once told him that Hickerson ``schooled him'' when Greene was a rookie. ``I don't put a lot of faith in what Steelers say, but that's one statement I believe,'' Dieken said.
Brown's faith in Hickerson is unwavering.
``We had the best downfield blocking line in the history of football,'' Brown said. ``Our team, led by Gene Hickerson because he was the best blocker, was the best downfield blocking team in history.
``So he naturally should be in the hall of fame.''
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/24/06

Browns notebook

Patient Edwards says he feels ready to play

Receiver, recovering from knee surgery, might go against Bills, but just hopes to be in season opener

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Braylon Edwards continues to practice regularly, but he insisted Wednesday no decision had been made on whether he will play in Saturday's exhibition game in Buffalo.
``It doesn't matter,'' said Edwards, who is coming back from reconstructive knee surgery. ``I'm pretty much ready to get on the field. So if I go, it's cool; if I don't, it's cool. As long as they have an open mind for Sept. 10, that's all I'm worried about.''
Which is certainly encouraging for the opener against New Orleans.
Coach Romeo Crennel said he had yet to decide whether the wide receiver would play.
``We are going to take a look at him (today) and see if he gets a couple plays or not,'' Crennel said.
Crennel said Edwards has looked good in practice, but if he plays, it won't be for long.
``Even if I'm leaning in a certain direction and decide to play him, I think he'll only be in for a couple of plays or a series to see how he does,'' Crennel said. ``We'll let him take some contact and stuff like that.''
Edwards took part in two practices on Monday, and the afternoon work was physical and spirited.
He has continued to work, though the team is requiring he wear a knee brace.
``I don't have a problem with (the knee),'' Edwards said. ``Like I've said before, they told me I was fine, so I believe I'm fine.''
The team must decide whether it will help Edwards get a series or two at game speed before the regular season. There is some thinking that a taste of game speed will prepare him for the season.
``It doesn't matter to me,'' Edwards said. ``I've been playing football my whole life. To get hit is to get hit.''
Backup shakeup
Crennel said it's possible Derek Anderson could get the second stint at quarterback in Buffalo.
Charlie Frye will play the first half and part of the third quarter, and depending on the situation, Anderson could follow him.
``Depending on how the game goes and how long Charlie is in there might determine who the next guy is to get in,'' Crennel said. ``I would still like to see both (backups).
``We'll see how much time is left and available. Sometimes, it depends on the game situation too. Ken Dorsey got a two-minute situation last week. If I can get Anderson one, that will be good.
``We'll play that by ear.''
Brownies . . .
Cornerbacks Gary Baxter (shoulder) and Daylon McCutcheon (knee) and guard Isaac Sowells (ankle) missed practice.... Today's 2:30 p.m. practice marks the final practice of training camp.... The team will travel to Buffalo on Friday, and practices will then be closed to the public and media.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/24/06

Browns look for continuity at WR
Thursday, August 24, 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 The 2005 season was almost half done. The Browns were at Houston when it was becoming clear they had a problem.
The Texans were in a miserable run that left Dom Capers unemployed. The Browns were in a domed stadium with the only wind coming from air conditioning. Yet, their passing game was just an intermittent breeze.
The wide receiver situation was turbulent. Antonio Bryant caught four passes for 98 yards and was developing a “throw-it-here” mentality that curbed the development of rookie phenom Braylon Edwards.
Head Coach Romeo Crennel thought Edwards needed to pay some dues and was bringing him along slowly. Edwards caught only two passes against the Texans.
Dennis Northcutt was starting opposite Bryant, but could not get open. He went without a catch for the second straight game.
Steve Heiden was a nice complementary receiver — he had four catches — but lacked the punch injured Kellen Winslow Jr. was supposed to bring.
The Browns lost 19-16 behind quarterback Trent Dilfer.
That was then.
Now, Charlie Frye has the ball. Now, the Browns head into their third preseason game thinking that Joe Jurevicius, Travis Wilson, Edwards, Winslow, Northcutt, Heiden and maybe Joshua Cribbs or Frisman Jackson could add up to something good.
“I think that we are better overall (at wide receiver) this year,” Crennel said after Wednesday’s practice. “That quality might make us able to exploit some things, whereas last year, we had two guys and had trouble getting the ball to one of them.
“We didn’t have enough diversity. This year, I think we can diversify more.”
Frye is already sold on Winslow.
“He’s going to open up a lot of things for us,” the new QB said.
Rookie running back Jerome Harrison leads the team in preseason receptions with eight. Winslow is next with five.
Edwards remains a mystery. His preparation load is increasing, but he has missed both preseason games.
“I’m doing everything in practice,” Edwards said. “The competitor is there.”
Even if he plays Saturday at Buffalo, though, there will be limitations.
“He’ll only be in for a couple of plays or a series to see how he does,” Crennel said. “We’ll let him take some contact and stuff like that.
“He’s been doing well in practice. The issue is the contact and where it occurs. ... If he runs a crossing route and gets hit in the knee and gets up from that, then he’ll feel better and we’ll feel better.”
The Browns might have the kind of depth that allows Edwards to make some big plays without trying to do too much too soon.
“I see some different roles evolving,” Crennel said. “You might be able to put a guy in for a series, bring him out, and put another guy in. There wouldn’t be much of a drop off.
“If you have that flexibility, you can keep everyone fresh and everyone can go at a high level.”
As a former No. 3 overall draft pick, Edwards is a carefully managed property.
He hopes he won’t be ordered to play with a knee brace, but ...
“That’s all on them ... Romeo, Phil Savage, Randy Lerner,” Edwards said. “That’s all their decision. They’re protecting me until the last possible second before I can begin to fight.
“If I play (Saturday), it’s cool. If I don’t, it’s cool. As long as we have an open mind for Sept. 10, that’s all we care about.” That’s the day the Browns open the regular season against the Saints. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

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Canton

8/24/06

BROWNS REPORT
Thursday, August 24, 2006

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


BROWNS REPORT
Harrison history
Three years ago, rookie whiz Jerome Harrison was getting ready for a season at Pasadena City Junior College.
He never thought his dream of playing in the NFL was getting buried.
“The NFL has been a focus since I came into this world,” Harrison said. “It was when I was in junior college.
“You have to realize, junior college football is huge on the west coast.”
After a big year in Pasadena (1,059 rushing yards, 6.1 per carry), Harrison fielded assorted NCAA Division I offers.
“I prayed on it,” he said. “It became clear to me Washington State was the right place.”
With the Pac-10 school, he rushed for 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns over the 2004 and ’05 seasons. That was quite an achievement for a 5-foot-9 back who intended to play at Eastern Michigan, but was academically ineligible.
Harrison has spent much more time in this region than he did in California. He grew up in Kalamazoo, Mich.
“I wouldn’t change nothing,” Harrison said. “The route I took made me more humble. It gave me a broader outlook on life.”
In two preseason games, Harrison leads the Browns with 132 rushing-receiving yards. He was the only member of the offense to play all four quarters Friday against the Lions, one clear indication he is one of the most important projects of the preseason.

Extra points Romeo Crennel said Charlie Frye is likely to play quarterback into the third quarter Saturday at Buffalo. Where does that leave Derek Anderson and Ken Dorsey in their fight for the top backup job? “Depending on how the game goes and how long Charlie is in there might determine who gets in next,” Crennel said. “I would still like to see both. We’ll see how much time is left. We’ll play that by ear.” It’s closing day for training camp. After today’s 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. practice, fans will not be allowed back into the team complex until next July.


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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

8/24/06

<H1 class=red>Ready to take the hit

</H1>WR Edwards says knee not a problem


Thursday, August 24, 2006

Jodie Valade

Plain Dealer Reporter

Braylon Edwards isn't making promises. His knee feels good, he feels confident, but the second-year receiver isn't ready to make proclamations about whether he will absolutely, positively make his preseason debut with the Browns on Saturday at Buffalo.
"It's not cer tified, con firmed or any thing," Edwards said Wednesday.
Romeo Crennel isn't making guar antees, either, but the Browns head coach hinted that if he were, by chance, leaning toward playing Edwards for the first time since the flashy receiver suffered a torn ACL in a game last December, it wouldn't be for very long.
"It will be for just a couple of plays, maybe a series, to see how he does," Crennel said. "We'll let him take some contact and see how he does."
Crennel said he and the medical staff will continue to evaluate Edwards in the next two days, and will not decide on his playing status until before the game against the Bills.
One thing is certain: Edwards is ready. He'll leave this decision up to the coaching and medical staff, but if his playing time comes Saturday, that's fine.
If he doesn't play until next Thursday in the preseason finale against Chicago, he's OK with that, too. But just don't count him out for the season opener against New Orleans.
"It doesn't matter," Edwards shrugged. "If I go, it's cool. If I don't, it's cool. As long as we have an open mind about [the season opener] Sept. 10, that's all I really care about."
Always outspoken, always confident, Edwards has professed his readiness throughout training camp, even while limited to no-contact drills until about the last week to protect the right knee surgically repaired in January. This week, he participated in two-a-days without incident, and Wednesday he was one of the prime targets in offensive drills, with the brace blanketing his knee.
"It's not like I'm on the sideline watching practice," Edwards said. "I'm out there participating in individual drills, I'm going full speed, I'm doing everything. The competitor's out there."
He has yet to see negative effects from the full-speed effort, either. Edwards said his knee hasn't swollen or prevented him from participating in practices, yet.
Still, Crennel said he was eager to see Edwards' response in a full-contact game, and how he will respond to getting hit by an opponent.
"The issue is the contact and where it occurs," Crennel said. "Let's say he runs a crossing route and gets hit in the chest. He'll be able to get up from that and it shouldn't be a problem. Now, if he runs a crossing route and gets hit in the knee, we want to see him get up. If he gets up from that, then he'll feel better about it and we'll feel better about it."
Edwards, for one, isn't concerned about that, either.
"I've been playing football all my life," he said. "To get hit is to get hit."
"I'm fine with it," Edwards said of his knee. "They [doctors] told me I was fine, so I believe I'm fine."
Said Crennel, laughing: "He's never been reluctant. He's all there mentally."

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

cnnsi.com

8/24/06

The next step

Browns' Frye, Edwards put in the work to be stars


For all the things that have gone wrong around the Cleveland Browns lately -- specifically, all the uncertainty surrounding their center position since LeCharles Bentley sustained a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp -- there are still some positives worth noting. One is the growing chemistry between quarterback Charlie Frye and wide receiver Braylon Edwards. The second-year players spent an entire offseason getting to know each other in Cleveland, and there's a good chance that time together will pay major dividends during the regular season.
Some of Frye's and Edwards' peers in the 2005 draft class have already shown how dominant they can be in the league, such as Tampa Bay's Cadillac Williams and San Diego's Shawne Merriman. Others are a long way from realizing their potential, like San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith and Detroit wide receiver Mike Williams. And then there are those second-year players who fall into the category of Edwards and Frye: guys who need a huge leap in production if their teams are to improve significantly this season.
You probably know the more popular names on this list, like Miami running back Ronnie Brown and Dallas outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware. But most people don't mention Frye and Edwards, because they play on a team that has made one playoff appearance since 1999, and Edwards is returning from a torn right ACL that ended his season last December.
The reality, however, is that Frye and Edwards are doing just as much work to take advantage of the lessons they learned in their rookie campaigns. They both know what they have to do to improve to have a breakout season; now they have to see how quickly they can turn last year's education into this year's elevation.
Both players spent their offseasons in Cleveland (Frye because he grew up nearly an hour away in Willard, Ohio, and Edwards because he was rehabilitating after knee surgery). When they weren't lifting weights, they were buried in their playbooks, comparing notes on defensive adjustments and discussing what they'd like to do against certain looks this season. They played golf in their downtime and often hung out with teammate and third-year tight end Kellen Winslow, who's looking to show what he can do after injuries limited him to two games in his first two seasons.
These are the kind of things that make Browns head coach Romeo Crennel smile. They're indications that his young players -- the key elements in whatever success the Browns' offense will enjoy in coming years -- get it. As Crennel says, young players usually enjoy breakout years not because their talent improves but because their attitude adjusts.
"The players who usually make that big leap [in productivity] between their rookie and second years have the proper focus and dedication," Crennel says. "They watch the extra film. They spend more time with their coaches. They study longer. Once they know the price that has to be paid to become a great player, they decide that they're willing to pay it."
Edwards, the third overall pick in the 2005 draft, started learning what it takes to thrive in this league after becoming a regular starter midway through last season. Though he faced several defensive backs who didn't possess his combination of size (6-foot-3, 211), speed or leaping ability, he soon realized that those same opponents weren't struggling to cover him. "They knew the game better than I did," Edwards says. So after finishing last season with 32 receptions, 512 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games, he entered this offseason eager to rebuild his knee and retool his preparation.
Along with asking for advice from any Pro Bowl receiver he bumped into -- and that list included Carolina's Steve Smith and Cincinnati's Chad Johnson -- Edwards also learned the difference between studying film and watching it. "I started really focusing on what I was seeing on the tape," Edwards says. "When I was in college [at Michigan], I'd watch film with the coaches but I wasn't paying attention like I needed to. That's because I knew I could go out and just ball on Saturdays. On this level, you've got to do whatever you can to get that edge."
Frye, a third-round pick who replaced Trent Dilfer as the starter late last season, tried to get an edge by watching how Dilfer prepared, how he talked with coaches and teammates after plays, how he always found a way to show his linemen that he appreciated them, often by treating them to dinner. But while Frye gained useful wisdom on how to prepare for the games, he needed the ups and downs of experience to show him where to improve.
This offseason Frye has dedicated himself to developing more patience. "I don't want to just look at the first or second read on a play and just take off if there's nothing there," says Frye, who threw four touchdown passes and five interceptions in five starts. "I want to be able to find that third receiver when I have to. Other players have told me I'll start seeing the game slow down in my third year, but I also want to do what I can right now."
The advantage that Frye and Edwards have right now is familiarity. Along with spending their offseason together, they also roomed together at training camp during their rookie years. They've developed a feel for each other, an undeniable trust. Frye says he already knows Edwards will be on the same page as him once Edwards is ready to play in real games again, which could be as soon as Week 1. (Edwards says he remains ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.)
These might not sound like big things, but they're exactly the type of factors that dictate whether young players will slip closer to a bust label or begin making a name for themselves around the league.

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

"Friedman, the eighth center to join the Browns' roster this season, will have the chance to compete with Tucker for the starting job, Crennel said.

The Browns also waived center Mike Mabry on Thursday."

It's OK really... Mabry is starting for Hoban tonight against Garfield