Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/27/06

EDWARDS RETURNS; BROWNS GET WIN

Receiver makes a tough catch, proclaims self ready to go after knee surgery

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - It was all about starts and the finish Saturday night for the Browns.
The result was a 20-17, last-play win for the Browns over the Buffalo Bills in Ralph Wilson Stadium.
But as in any preseason game, the big picture was overshadowed by the smaller pictures.
And the biggest small picture belonged to receiver Braylon Edwards, who got 16 plays -- more than the coaches had planned for him -- and pronounced himself absolutely ready to go for a full game in the season opener Sept. 10 against the New Orleans Saints.
``It feels great,'' Edwards said of his surgically repaired knee. ``You guys saw. Sept. 10 we will be going.''
In addition, linebacker Willie McGinest got his first start of the preseason, and Charlie Frye got the offense off to a good start with a drive that was hard to top.
The Browns moved 68 yards on 11 plays, with Frye completing six throws for 66 yards -- the last a 2-yard touchdown to Steve Heiden.
Frye spread the ball around on the 6:59 drive, completing passes to six different receivers, including Edwards.
``If you could draw up a first drive or any drive, you'd make it look like that,'' Frye said. ``The ball wasn't on the ground. We looked real crisp.''
McGinest started at outside linebacker, made the first tackle and put good pressure on J.P. Losman.
``They didn't run around his corner too much and he showed up in the backfield one or two times in pass rush,'' Browns coach Romeo Crennel said.
The finish was regular-season exciting.
In the fourth quarter:
• Rookie safety Justin Hamilton intercepted a Craig Nall pass in the end zone, ending a Bills scoring threat with the score tied at 10.
• Joshua Cribbs broke through several tacklers to score on the tail end of a 28-yard pass from Derek Anderson with 4:12 left.
``That was a nice throw and a nice catch and a little extra effort to get in the end zone, which we needed,'' Crennel said.
``Once I caught it I knew I was in the end zone,'' Cribbs said. ``From who they had to defend me, I was going to get in the end zone.''
• When Buffalo came back to tie with 2:08 left, Anderson led the Browns on a two-minute drive that ended with Jeff Chandler's 35-yard field goal on the last play of the game.
On that drive, Anderson hit Kendrick Mosley for 21 yards on third-and-15, recovered a bad shotgun snap and had the presence to throw the ball away and hit Travis Wilson for 11 yards.
Anderson played the final 7:30 and completed 4-of-7 for 83 yards and the touchdown -- and had the game-winning drive.
Both Anderson and Ken Dorsey looked much improved from the first game. Combined, the two were 7-for-13 for 117 yards. Frye finished 12-for-16 for 76 yards.
The negative with the first unit was that 55 of Frye's yards came on the first drive. After that drive, Frye was 6-for-10 for 21 yards.
``We got a little lackadaisical,'' Edwards said. ``The energy and enthusiasm and execution wasn't there.''
Making it a little more of a concern is the fact that the first 12 plays are scripted -- meaning players know what is going to be called.
``We have to be able to execute the rest of the plays as well as the scripted ones,'' Frye said.
Edwards' return was the brightest note of the evening.
He needed three Bills defenders to bring him down on his 9-yard reception, and bounced right up after being flipped when he left his feet to catch a slant.
``I was glad to see him get up,'' Frye said. ``A guy gets hurt and hit like that... He gets up, that's kind of a sign that this guy is ready to play now.''
Edwards said his night was based not on what he could do with his knee, but what he usually would do.
He was not heavily involved in the passing game -- he ran decoy routes on many of his 16 plays -- but was active blocking at the line of scrimmage and downfield.
As for the 16 plays, Edwards said he knew he'd get that much time, even though coaches had told him he might play a half-dozen.
``I agreed just to agree with them, but I thought I'd take more, if possible,'' he said.
Edwards played the first quarter with a knee brace, but took it off in the second quarter and said his knee felt better, adding: ``Everything that you could ask for in an evaluation happened.''
Brownies . . .
First-round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley had an active night, pressuring Buffalo passers several times and once forcing a fumble by Craig Nall on the pass rush. ``Wimbley is a young player,'' Crennel said. ``And they make some plays and give up some plays... Hopefully he'll come around and start making all good plays and no bad plays.''... Brodney Pool got the start at safety ahead of Sean Jones, and played well. Crennel said Pool started to give him a chance. ``Jones had been starting,'' Crennel said. ``I tell everybody all the time what I tell them: All three safeties (Pool, Jones, Brian Russell) are going to play.''... Rookie running back Jerome Harrison had another big night, with 70 yards on nine carries. He had consecutive runs of 11 yards to set up Chandler's game-winning field goal.... The Browns' defense gave up just 2.5 yards rushing.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/27/06

Winslow, Edwards together on field before expected

By Terry Pluto

<!-- begin body-content -->ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Scribbles in my notebook while watching the Browns beat the Buffalo Bills 20-17 on Saturday night...
• For Browns fans, the best news from Saturday's preseason game in Buffalo was Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow on the field at the same time -- and the Browns still have two weeks until the regular season begins. Not even the Browns would dare to have predicted having Edwards and Winslow healthy enough to play so soon. Both are coming off major knee surgeries.
• Winslow caught one pass for 8 yards. I'm hoping the Browns are holding back the plays for their talented tight end until the regular season, because he's not been used much so far.
• Early projections had Edwards not ready until the end of September. But he was well enough Saturday to catch his first pass of the preseason, a gritty grab over the middle between two defenders. Edwards was blasted after the catch, but hung on as he was tackled on the 2-yard-line for the first down.
• That was the only catch of the game for Edwards, who was on the field for 15 plays. He delivered a couple of decisive blocks, and the impressive part was that he seemed to relish the physical contact -- and showed no signs of any physical problems. At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds with long arms, Edwards makes for a very inviting target.
• The best Browns player on this night was Kamerion Wimbley, who had a sack and forced a fumble. He had several other rushes where he forced the quarterback to throw early. He chased runners all over the field. This year's first-round pick is quickly making the adjustment from defensive end in college to outside linebacker. He appears to be the type of pass rusher the Browns have needed for years.
• The second-best player was Jerome Harrison, the fifth-rounder from Washington State who sprinted for 70 yards in nine carries. In the preseason, he has 123 yards in 16 carries, winning the No. 2 running back spot behind Reuben Droughns. Harrison also has caught 10 passes for 77 yards in the three games. He will be used in passing situations, not only because he's an effective receiver but he's also very good on draw plays.
• I know that Sean Jones is starting over Brodney Pool at safety right now, but I like Pool better -- especially considering how Pool comes up to the line and tackles. Pool led the team with five tackles Saturday.
• The Browns scored in the first quarter when quarterback Charlie Frye faked to a running back, then found tight end Steve Heiden wide open for a 2-yard touchdown. The tight end is almost always open in those short-yardage situations, yet few offensive coordinators call that play. Let's hope Maurice Carthon remembers it come the regular season.
• On his first series, Frye was confident and strong. He shrugged off one tackler, then fired a perfect strike down the middle to Dennis Northcutt for 22 yards. But I don't think Northcutt will make much of an impact on offense this season. I do hope the Browns try him on some reverses.
• I believe if the Browns work with Joshua Cribbs, he can become a more dynamic offensive weapon than Northcutt. Cribbs caught a nice pass from Derek Anderson and burst through the defense for a 28-yard touchdown. Cribbs looks good on returns. The Kent State product is one of the real pure athletes on the team, and let's see if the Browns can use him more in the regular season. Give General Manager Phil Savage credit for signing Cribbs as an undrafted free agent.
• Overall, the offense was a series of stutter steps after the terrific opening touchdown drive when the Browns covered 68 yards in 11 plays, and Frye was 6-of-6 passing to six different receivers. After that, the offensive line opened few holes and had some trouble protecting Frye. Left tackle Kevin Shaffer had a hard time with Bills end Aaron Shobel.
• Willie McGinest played for the first time in the preseason. It really was a non-issue, because the veteran has been practicing. He'll be ready when it counts.
• Seventh-rounder Justin Hamilton will probably make the team. He had a superb interception, and has been strong on special teams. Chaun Thompson played a lot at inside linebacker over second-rounder D'Qwell Jackson, but Jackson just seems more comfortable at that spot.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/27/06

Fast start tails off for Browns
Sunday, August 27, 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]

Browns tight end Steve Heiden (right) scores a touchdown catch in front of teammate Darnell Dinkins on Saturday against the Bills.


BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Browns brought out all their weapons during preseason game No. 3, but Saturday night was not necessarily all right for fighting.
Charlie Frye came out of the gate on fire, but the door quickly slammed shut during his most important stint as The Man for 2006.
On balance, the Browns were competitive in a 20-17 win, clinched with Jeff Chandler’s 35-yard field goal on the final snap.
They got some more high-octane juice from rookie first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley. Joshua Cribbs delivered a 28-yard catch and run for a go-ahead touchdown with 3:18 left. Quarterback Derek Anderson had a second straight dramatic fourth quarter.
The touchdown play was designed to go to Cribbs, who said Offensive Coordinator Mo Carthon challenged him before the final series.
“He said, ‘Let’s see what you’ve got. You haven’t done anything yet.’ ”
Optimism should be weighed against the fact the Bills are a 5-11 team that is winless this preseason — and that pesky slam factor.
Handed a game plan intended to get some buzz going, Frye marched the Browns to a touchdown on the game’s first series.
Notably, Frye threw a 9-yard completion to wideout Braylon Edwards on Edwards’ first play of the preseason, setting up a 2-yard touchdown pass to Steve Heiden. Frye also went over the middle on consecutive plays for slick completions to Dennis Northcutt and Joe Jurevicius.
After the 64-yard drive, though, Frye netted just 53 more yards in four additional first-half series.
The Edwards-Kellen Winslow Jr. tandem was on the field for the first time, but its potency remains just a theory. The two former high first-round picks totaled two catches for 17 yards.
Frye wasn’t discouraged.
“I feel real confident,” Frye said. “It makes it easier when you have (Edwards) out there and (Winslow), and ... .’ ”
He basically went on to name all of the Browns offensive skill players.
Head Coach Romeo Crennel said, “I thought the story of the first half was sacks, ones that stopped us and ones we could have had and didn’t get.”
Frye played the entire first half and one short-lived series in the third quarter, finishing 12-of-16 for 72 yards. The good part of that was going 5-of-5 for 53 yards on the first series.
The subsequent tailspin included two sacks, one of which seemed the result of Frye holding the ball too long.
Running back Reuben Droughns also played into the third quarter but didn’t get far, gaining 17 yards on eight carries.
Rookie whiz Jerome Harrison did have another nice first half, rushing five times for 28 yards and cementing his place as the change-of-pace back. Harrison also made three long runs for first downs in the game’s final two minutes, setting up the game-winning field goal.
Anderson and Ken Dorsey are fighting for the right be Frye’s top backup.
Dorsey engineered a drive to a field goal for a second straight week. Against Detroit, it was in a two-minute drill capping the first half. At Buffalo, it was a 47-yard march that tied the game at 10-10 late in the third quarter.
Phil Dawson missed a 52-yard field goal try but got a second chance on a penalty and barely connected from 47 yards, banking the ball off the left upright.
Bills backup Craig Nall drove the Bills into the red zone in the fourth quarter, but rookie Justin Hamilton ended the threat with an interception.
Anderson led a march that ended with a completion over the middle to Cribbs. The former Kent State quarterback caught a pass in stride on a dig route, sprinted into a seam and leaped over rookie Ko Simpson, landing in the end zone.
But then Lionel Gates scored from the 3 with 2:08 left to create a 17-17 tie.
Earlier, Wimbley made his second sack in as many weeks. The Browns showed a promising outside linebacker trio of Wimbley, Willie McGinest and Matt Stewart. McGinest played in his first game as a Brown, having been held out of two games because he had offseason elbow surgery.
The inside linebacker group also could be strong. Mainstay Andra Davis had a sack. Fourth-year pro Chaun Thompson showed signs of fending off rookie D’Qwell Jackson’s charge for a starting job.
Of Wimbley, Crennel said, “He’s a young kid. He makes some plays, and he gives up some plays. Hopefully, he’ll start making all good plays.”
Left tackle Kevin Shaffer said a win is always valuable. “I guarantee you this week will go better than it would have if we would have lost,” he said. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/28/06

Positives shine through for Browns

Cribbs, Harrison showing talent in sparking offense

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The Browns gave a little more reason for hope Saturday night in a last-play win over the Buffalo Bills.
Braylon Edwards returned.
Charlie Frye ran the opening drive like a veteran.
Kellen Winslow was on the field.
The team had some fire.
In short, the first preseason game is looking like an aberration, not the second two.
Coach Romeo Crennel continues to state that the first game against the Philadelphia Eagles was the Browns' first and the Eagles' second, and the evidence of the past two games supports his claim.
The Browns don't appear to be Super Bowl-worthy, but they do appear to be far more competitive than they were in the opener.
At this point, several questions seem closer to answering than not answering:
• Will Braylon Edwards play in the opener?
Consider that during his postgame news conference Saturday, Edwards stopped when receivers coach Terry Robiskie walked by.
``I thought you were going to say something,'' Edwards said.
Responded Robiskie, ``How about if I say something when you do something?''
Edwards promised that would take place in the season opener, when he would play a full game.
His recovery from reconstructive knee surgery borders on the remarkable. That he could be taking part full speed and full time in a game 10 months later defies most odds.
Edwards has yet to do that -- the opener is two weeks away -- but he is to the point where he told trainers and coaches he wanted to remove his brace, which he did in the second quarter.
``I just told them I couldn't do what I fully want to do with it on,'' Edwards said. ``I took it off and they just said, `Hey, congratulations.' ''
• Will Frye continue to develop?
Through three games -- which equals about one game of playing time -- Frye has completed 70 percent of his throws with two touchdowns and one interception.
He has looked comfortable when not forcing a bad throw -- his one interception -- and spread the ball around.
The game will change in the regular season with defenses doing more game-planning and blitzing, but so far, so good.
One concern: The offense was sharp as can be when it ran the scripted plays Saturday night, but went to sleep after.
Teams are not going to win many games scoring seven points in a half -- and shutting down after one touchdown.
It was only one game, but the Browns can't allow that kind of thing to happen consistently.
• How will the addition of Ted Washington and Willie McGinest help the defense?
Washington consistently takes up two blockers, sometimes three. It's no secret Andra Davis has run around more actively this preseason than he has since he was a rookie.
McGinest played for the first time Saturday, and he looked every bit the veteran he is. Made the tackle on the first play. Crashed inside to stuff a running play (though he jumped prior). Chased down the quarterback.
Davis has maintained that the pair's addition has made a huge difference in team morale and outlook.
Time will tell if that matters on the field, but there's reason to think at this point that their contributions will help.
Other positive developments of the past two weeks include:
• The play of Joshua Cribbs at receiver. He clearly seems to be the team's fourth-best wideout, and perhaps could challenge for the third spot. Coaches talk about ``explosion,'' having a guy who can ``explode'' and make plays. It sounds odd, but it's a big tackle, a burst that leads to an interception, a run that goes from four yards to 14.
Cribbs ``exploded'' after he caught a pass in the fourth quarter and scored. It's been a long time since a Browns receiver showed that ability after the catch.
• The play of rookie running back Jerome Harrison. He's averaging 6.8 yards per carry, and brings an element the team has lacked -- quickness and elusiveness at running back.
• The play of first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley. He looks, plain and simply, like a football player.
Concerns remain.
Edwards and Winslow have to prove they can get through a season. Frye has to grow and stay healthy. The offensive line has to hold up.
And someone has to step forward at cornerback in the absence of Gary Baxter and Daylon McCutcheon.
Ralph Brown gave up a big play in the first half, and that has been the defense's preseason Achilles' heel.
Finally, the progress that has been made in two games has come in practice games. So that must be tempered.
But if the Browns were not showing good signs, the stories would be negative and critical.
If the negative can't be ignored, the positive can't either.
And the preseason is more about impressions and feel than specific wins or losses. The past two games, the Browns have carried themselves much better.
The Browns have a ways to go to show they are what Davis said they are -- a playoff team -- but at least the signs in the second and third games were better than they were in the first game.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/28/06

Frye is making strides
Monday, August 28, 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 - Nervous about Charlie Frye?
Many Browns fans are restless.
Frye didn’t bomb in the three games in which he needed only to be stable to go into the season as The Man.
Coming out of the 20-17 win at Buffalo on Saturday, Frye seemed the opposite of nervous.
“We’re coming together as an offensive unit, and also as a team,” he said. “I tell you ... we’re close.”
Frye says all the right things, but he’ll have to do more of the right things. He was kicking himself about an incompletion that went off Braylon Edwards’ hands. The timing and direction of the throw caused Edwards to get twisted and fall, a nervous proposition for a guy coming off knee surgery.
“I was just glad to see him get up,” Frye said. “That was my fault. I threw the ball behind him. That’s a big first down.”
It became a field-goal attempt from 56 yards. Phil Dawson’s attempt was wide right.
Frye’s preseason completion percentage is a glowing 70.6, but his average yards per pass is a dim 4.1.
He led a touchdown drive in each of the last two games, but ...
Against Detroit, his good drive was sandwiched around his own fumble and an interception.
At Buffalo, his first drive netted 68 yards. His next three netted 3, minus-4 and 0.
In keeping with the theme of managing Frye’s confidence and showing solidarity, though, Head Coach Romeo Crennel said next to nothing about the three stalled series.
“Charlie did a nice job on that first drive,” Crennel said. “He spread the ball around. That makes it hard on the opponent.”
ANDERSON’S PLAY
Derek Anderson has made it hard for Crennel to hand the No. 2 quarterback job to the more experienced Ken Dorsey.
Anderson has pulled out two straight games in the fourth quarter, and has three-game totals of 14-of-20 for 187 yards, with no interceptions and a 132.7 rating.
Dorsey is 19-of-32 for 157 yards and a 59.0 rating. Frye is 24-of-34 for 140 yards and an 85.4 rating.
“(Anderson) did a nice job last week, and he did a nice job this week,” Crennel said, while declining to say who Frye’s top backup will be.
Thursday’s Chicago game will give most starters a quarter or so to maintain rhythm. It also gives Anderson and Dorsey a final forum.
Winning the No. 2 role stays on Anderson’s mind.
“It’s got to,” he said. “As a competitor, you want to do what you can do, show your abilities.”
Anderson led a 75-yard drive to a touchdown and a 64-yard drive to a field goal in the second half of Saturday’s fourth quarter. The latter drive resulted in a game-winning field goal as time expired.
“I really didn’t want to go to overtime,” Anderson said. “Preseason or whatever, it’s a game. You play to win. If you don’t, you’re in it for the wrong reason.”
OFFENSIVE MINDSET
Meanwhile, Frye thinks the offensive players are building the right mindset.
“I have a lot of confidence in them,” Frye said. “I think they have a lot of confidence in me.”
Kevin Shaffer, the expensive new free-agent left tackle, gave Frye a little verbal protection.
“It’s hard to say how everything is gonna click in preseason games,” Shaffer said. “It’s just dress rehearsal. Charlie’s doing real well.”
Running back Reuben Droughns wasn’t singling out Frye, but he hated that Saturday’s rehearsal was a one-act play.
“On the first drive,” Droughns said, “we felt confident. We felt like we could make plays on that defense.
“For some reason, after that ... we can’t get too complacent. We have to stay on top of our games.
“Whether it’s not making the right reads, the right plays, or not catching the ball ... we just kind of fell apart.” Anderson got it back together with dramatic flair. But that was against Buffalo players trying not to get cut. For now, Anderson doesn’t even know if he’s more than a No. 3 quarterback. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Canton

8/28/06

Cribbs shows receiving ability
Monday, August 28, 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 - Josh Cribbs already was a slam dunk to make the Browns’ roster.
His game-bending 35-yard touchdown catch Saturday made it a two-hand slam.
Cribbs goes into the season as the top kick returner. As an undrafted rookie in 2005, he was among the league leaders with a 24.3-yard average. After three preseason games, he is averaging 26.2 yards.
Throughout training camp, coaches explored what the former Kent State quarterback might offer as a receiver.
Late in Saturday’s game, Cribbs said he was approached by Offensive Coordinator Mo Carthon.
“Mo told me, ‘You ain’t done nothin’ yet ... what you gonna do?’ ” Cribbs said Carthon asked him.
The Bills were close to breaking a 10-all tie, but on third-and-3 from the Cleveland 7, quarterback Craig Nall threw an interception to rookie safety Justin Hamilton, who ran the ball to the Browns’ 25.
Before quarterback Derek Anderson led the offense on the field, Carthon said his piece to Cribbs. So did the wide-receivers coach.
“Terry Robiskie grabbed me and said, ‘I’ll give you one more series ... show me what you got,’ ” Cribbs said.
At that point, Cribbs had one 7-yard catch in the game, and three catches for 31 yards in the preseason.
The drive got moving with a 23-yard catch by Frisman Jackson down the right sideline, followed by William Green’s 15-yard run.
Eventually, the Browns needed to convert a third-and-3 from the Buffalo 28. Carthon sent in a play for Cribbs.
“It was a 16-yard dig route,” Cribbs said. “During the week, we kind of messed it up. In practice, I was on the ball, and Frisman was off the ball. He has to clear it out for me, but his man went into me.
“We got that fixed in practice. Now we were running it in the game. And it came off right.”
Cribbs lined up left, caught Anderson’s pass in stride, and made a swift cut to the center of the field. Over the last 10 yards, he had one man to beat, rookie safety Ko Simpson.
“He was hesitant,” Cribbs said, “so I made the choice for him.”
Cribbs opted for a direct route to the end zone on which he had to hurdle past Simpson. Both men landed hard, with Cribbs scoring.
“When you’re as athletic as Cribbs is,” Anderson said, “you can do a lot of things. He learns everything, he tries hard, and like I said ... Cribbs is an athlete.”
Cribbs had some thrills as a four-year starter at Kent State, but he said Saturday’s practice game felt real enough.
“Just because it’s the NFL,” he said. “It was my first receiving touchdown in the league. I know it’s just preseason, but it does matter, because it shows what I can do.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news_room/news/arts/5673.0.html

Browns waive 10 players
By Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
August 28, 2006

The Browns waived 10 players on Monday in order to meet the NFL-mandated roster size of 75 prior to the final preseason game.
The Browns close the preseason Thursday at home against the Bears, then must cut to the regular-season roster size of 53 by Saturday.

Those released Monday were WR Brandon Rideau, CB James Thornton, LB Kenny Kern, OL Atlas Herrion, DL J’Waren Blair, QB Lang Campbell, RB Chris Barclay, TE Paul Irons, K Jeff Chandler and P Kyle Basler.

DB’s Shawn Mayer and Jeremy LeSueur were placed on the injured reserve list, and injured DB DeMario Minter, a fifth-round draft pick, was placed on reserve-PUP.

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

The Kansas City Chiefs have waived QB Jeff Smoker.

I'd consider grabbing Smoker...

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/29/06

Baxter vows he'll be ready for opener

Cornerback will miss final exhibition game, remains one week away from contact on left pectoral muscle

By Tom Reed

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Cornerback Gary Baxter probably won't be able to use his left arm to initiate contact for another week.
Most defensive secondaries would consider that a cause for concern. The Browns, meanwhile, aren't sweating the details.
A one-armed Baxter might be an upgrade from what the Browns have put in his place through three preseason games.
Injuries to Baxter (strained left pectoral muscle) and Daylon McCutcheon (right knee) have left the Browns vulnerable at cornerback. Preseason opponents have capitalized with a handful of big plays.
Baxter vowed Monday he will play in the regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 10, even as he expects to miss the final exhibition game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
The cornerback returned to practice for the first time since suffering the pectoral injury on the first play of the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Baxter participated in non-contact drills and caught balls without pain.
``I didn't do any contact, it's too early,'' said Baxter, who missed the second half of last season with a torn right pectoral muscle. ``I just wanted to get my feet up under me. Sometime before next week I've got to use my left arm and press up against it to see how the muscle feels.''
For all the discussion about the lack of depth at center, the absence of Baxter and McCutcheon has been more glaring. The latest example came Saturday in the Browns' 20-17 win over the Buffalo Bills as Peerless Price beat cornerback Ralph Brown for a 54-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.
Brown, signed during training camp, and Pete Hunter have been victimized by big pass plays.
``We talked to (the defensive backs) about not giving up long passes, but during the preseason, we seem to give up a pass or two a game,'' Browns coach Romeo Crennel said.
``If we can get a Gary Baxter back on the field, I think it would help solidify the position.''
The Browns' run defense has been the most improved facet of the team.
Until they can stop the pass, however, opponents will continue to attack the weakness, especially in three wideout sets.
McCutcheon ran on the side Monday, but whether he will return for the opener remains in doubt.
Baxter expects to be ``full go'' for the Saints, and isn't worried about his spate of injuries since joining the Browns last season. ``The day I start hesitating is the day I lay up my cleats,'' he said.
Chaun's return
Linebacker Chaun Thompson (calf) was pleased with his effort in his first preseason action Saturday. He registered three tackles playing inside in the 3-4 alignment. Thompson is battling rookie D'Qwell Jackson for the starting job.
``He went into the game and made plays,'' Crennel said. ``He didn't give up plays. Sometimes, when you come back after being gone for a while, you have a tendency to give up plays. He didn't.''
Frye's backup
Crennel feels ``decent'' about his backup quarterback situation, but said Monday he hasn't ruled out the option of signing a veteran (read: Vinny Testaverde).
Derek Anderson completed 4-of-7 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. He leads all Browns quarterbacks with a 132.7 passer rating. Despite Anderson's solid performance in the past two games, the coaching staff is not prepared to name him the No. 2 quarterback over Ken Dorsey. Crennel said that designation could change throughout the early part of the season.
Safety first
Crennel said Sean Jones still has the edge at starting safety, but that Brodney Pool closed the gap slightly with his play Saturday against the Bills.
Parting ways
The Browns made their first round of cuts Monday, with receiver Brandon Rideau qualifying as the biggest name among the 10 players waived.
Rideau, an undrafted free agent signed a season ago, did little to impress in training camp and never became a factor at the position.
Others waived Monday included: running back Chris Barclay, punter Kyle Basler, defensive lineman Ja'Warren Blair, quarterback Lang Campbell, kicker Jeff Chandler, offensive guard Atlas Herrion, tight end Paul Irons, linebacker Kenny Kern and cornerback James Thornton.
The Browns put cornerback Jeremy LeSueur and safety Shawn Mayer on injured reserve. Cornerback DeMario Minter was placed on physically unable to perform.
The team must trim one more player by today at 4 p.m. to reduce the squad to a league-mandated 76 players prior to the final exhibition game.
Brownies . . .
Rookie offensive lineman Isaac Sowells returned to practice Monday after missing considerable time with an ankle sprain.... Crennel said Ross Tucker remains the leading candidate at center.... Crennel likes what he sees in free-agent receiver Kendrick Mosley, who caught two passes against the Bills. ``He doesn't take your breath away, but he catches the ball,'' Crennel said.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

The headline is wrong, it is supposed to be Chandler...

Canton

8/29/06

Dawson fired after winning game
Tuesday, August 29, 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]
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 10px -3px 15px 5px; POSITION: relative" width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>

Browns place-kicker Jeff Chandler jumps after his game-winning field goal against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s preseason game at Buffalo. Chandler was among the cuts announced by the Browns on Monday.​

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

BEREA - Win the game Saturday. Get fired Monday.
Thanks for the memories, Jeff Chandler.
The Browns, Chandler’s seventh NFL team, provided his latest thrill. He rifled a game-clinching 35-yard field goal at Buffalo as time expired. Then he got cut.
Chandler was one of nine players the Browns released a day before they had to slice the roster to 75.
Maybe someone will want him. Maybe someone will remember that he gave the Redskins four field goals, including a 49-yarder, at San Francisco on Dec. 18, 2004.
His Browns fate, though, was more obvious than the outcome of a race between Ted Washington and Dennis Northcutt.
Everyone knew Phil Dawson’s roster spot was safe. Now that Dawson has made the team an eighth straight year, he would like to see them come up for air.
“I feel like I’ve been on a pretty good run,” said Dawson, whose career 83.8 percent success ratio on field goal tries ranks second in NFL history. “I feel like I’ve made tremendous strides the last three seasons (69-for-79 in that span). But ...”
It was a big but.
“I’m getting older,” Dawson said. “I just want to win. Man, I’ve been here so long, and we’ve had one winning season.”
Dawson was 24 when he caught on with the Browns in the comeback season of 1999. He delivered a thrilling, wind-blown, game-ending, game-winning field goal at Pittsburgh in that first season. Coming off the field that day, quarterback Tim Couch exclaimed, “First of many.”
There haven’t been that many.
Dawson is 31 now. He has kicked through seasons of 2-14, 3-13, 7-9, 9-7, 5-11, 4-12 and 6-10.
His numbers indicate Pro Bowl talent. He was 27-of-29 on field goals last year. His leg strength on kickoffs is criticized, but over the last five seasons, his placements have helped the Browns rank fifth in average kickoff returns against, 20.6 yards.
“I don’t care what the numbers are,” Dawson said. “I want to make the kicks the team needs to win games.”
Dawson missed twice Saturday at Buffalo, but his attempts from 56 and 52 yards had plenty of distance. He banked a 45-yarder off the left upright and through.
In early August, Dawg Pound fans got a show from Dawson when the team scrimmaged at Cleveland Browns Stadium. With most of the stadium crowd watching team drills on the west end of the field, Dawson practiced kicking field goals into the Dawg Pound.
An isolated cheer went up when he connected on a Howitzer shot from 63 yards — that’s the distance of the NFL record shared by Tom Dempsey and Jason Elum.
“I have the utmost respect that Dempsey and Elum did that in a game,” Dawson said. “That’s a long way to make a kick with a snapper and a holder and a rush.
“A lot of guys can come out in the summer when it’s hot, the footballs are soft, the legs are fresh and bomb the ball, but a lot of guys fall off. It’s such a long season.
“Whether I’m stronger than in years past, I don’t know. I do expect is to maintain what strength I have throughout the year.”
Dawson dislikes being perceived as a kickoff man with a below-average leg.
“If people really pay attention, check out how the guys who lead the league in touchbacks do when they come into our stadium,” Dawson said. “You see those guys kicking off to the 5 here.
“That’s one of the areas I feel I’ve gotten a lot better. Hopefully people will notice this year.
“I get labeled as a guy who can’t get the touchback. Opposing kickers had one touchback against us here last year. Watch us when we go to Houston (in a dome on Dec. 31). The ball will be flying.”
Chandler and punter Kyle Basler were among Monday’s cuts.
Dawson isn’t going anywhere, except, he hopes, to the playoffs.
What was a veteran like Chandler doing in camp? Head Coach Romeo Crennel said one purpose was to show the Browns he can do the job if anything happens to Dawson.
“But don’t even talk about that,” Crennel said. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

8/29/06

BROWNS INSIDER
Road to backup QB takes turns


Tuesday, August 29, 2006 Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

The backup quarterback battle is so close that coach Romeo Crennel might alternate Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson at No. 2 from week to week.
"That could be close throughout the season," said Crennel. "One game, one guy might be No. 2, and the next game, that might change."
Crennel said the team is comfortable heading into the season with Dorsey and Anderson as the backups.
"We feel decent about those guys," said Crennel. "They continue to flash and do things that show they might be able to run the team if something happens to Charlie [Frye]."
He didn't rule out bringing in another veteran. The Titans' Billy Volek could be available now that Tennessee has signed Kerry Collins.
"Nobody's played well enough to rule out bringing in somebody else," said Crennel. "We could bring somebody in at any time, and I tell them that."
Anderson kept things close with good production in the past two preseason games, where his rating shot up to 132.7. However, Dorsey (59.0 rating) has 10 NFL starts, and Anderson has none. The two will play a lot Thursday against the Bears.
Pool closer:
Brodney Pool closed the gap a little on Sean Jones in the strong safety battle with a solid performance against the Bills. Making his first preseason start, he led the team with five solo tackles, broke up a pass and had good coverage on an incompletion in the end zone. "Pool did a nice job," said Crennel. "Sean still had a slight edge, but [Pool] made that battle closer."
Crennel said he's leaning toward a rotation.
"All of those guys [including Brian Russell] are going to play," he said. "It's like I've got three starters there."
Thompson comes on:
Chaun Thompson (calf) started his first game at inside linebacker and is giving rookie D'Qwell Jackson a push. Jackson still is slightly ahead, but Thompson has the edge in experience. Against the Bills, he had three tackles and a near-interception.
"He made it a competition," said Crennel. "He should've had an interception, and he didn't give up plays. He made a specials teams tackle and made a tackle on a cutback that would've gone for a long way. He played pretty decently."
Thompson said, "I'm bigger, faster and most of all, I'm smarter."
First cuts:
The Browns waived running back Chris Barclay, punter Kyle Basler, defensive lineman Ja'Waren Blair, quarterback Lang Campbell, kicker Jeff Chandler, offensive lineman Atlas Herrion, tight end Paul Irons, linebacker Kenny Kern, receiver Brandon Rideau and defensive back James Thornton. They placed defensive backs Jeremy Lesueur and Shawn Mayer on injured reserve and placed defensive back DeMario Minter on the reserve physically unable to perform list. The Browns have to make one more move by today to get to 75.
Center battle:
New center Lennie Friedman will soon get a look with the first team. Crennel was asked if Ross Tucker will start the opener and said, "I don't know about opening day, but he's the starting center. We added the kid, Lennie Friedman, and we have to see what he can do before we can make that determination." Frye took some snaps from Friedman and said it went well.
Injuries:
Linebacker Clifton Smith (hamstring), Mason Unck (swollen knee) and Daylon McCutcheon (knee) rode the bike.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4670

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/30/06

BROWNS
Ex-mainstays Suggs, Green in roster battle
Wednesday, August 30, 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></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA, Ohio — The numbers game can be cruel in the NFL.
Just ask running backs Lee Suggs and William Green.
Both were collegiate stars. Both came to the pro ranks with promising careers. Now, both are fighting for their jobs with the Cleveland Browns, who will trim their roster to 53 players by Sunday.
Suggs and Green will be on the hot seat in the final exhibition game Thursday against the Chicago Bears. With the roster now at 75, the Browns have a combination of eight running backs and fullbacks. Most teams carry only five into the season.
Starters Reuben Droughns and Terrelle Smith are locks to make the team, along with rookie Jerome Harrison.
The team probably will keep a backup fullback, most likely rookie Lawrence Vickers, leaving Suggs, Green and secondyear running back Jason Wright battling for one roster spot.
The Browns saw the logjam ahead of time, one reason they attempted to trade Suggs to the New York Jets earlier this month. Suggs failed a physical and was sent back. If the Browns cannot work out another deal, they might release him.
"It’s possible that I can get cut, you know, but what can I do?" Suggs said after practice yesterday. "I’m just going to go out Thursday, play the best I can, showcase myself, and if I’m not here, wherever I go I’m going to make the best of my opportunity."
Suggs received zero carries Saturday against Buffalo, as Green (three carries, 19 yards) and Harrison (nine carries, 70 yards) took the bulk of the work. The team could be using the strategy of protecting Suggs in an attempt to make a trade by the end of this week.
Green’s position with the team is not safe, either. The former first-round pick had minus-1 yard on seven carries in the first two preseason games.
"I think I made the most of what I have, and hopefully this game I can get some things done, too," Green said.
There was a time when each players was the featured running back in Cleveland. Green carried the offense during the second half of his rookie season in 2002, leading the team to the playoffs. Suggs finished the 2004 season with three consecutive 100-yard games.
General manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel, both entering their second season, never saw the best of either player.
"When they don’t go on the field in the game, you don’t know whether it’s their best or not," Crennel said. "In practice they work hard. They’re into the offense and into their assignments and trying to do their jobs. Sometimes you don’t have the opportunity to show what you can do."
Brownie points

The Browns made one more move yesterday, releasing offensive tackle Walter Stith to get under the mandatory active roster of 75 players. … Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon and linebackers Mason Unck (knee) and Clifton Smith (hamstring) missed practice and will not play Thursday.
[email protected]

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/30/06

Rookie linebacker rushes, learns fast

Wimbley has two sacks, level head as season nears

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - It's hardly cause for celebration when a team gets eight sacks in three preseason games.
And Browns coach Romeo Crennel knows it.
``We have gotten a few sacks,'' Crennel said Tuesday as the Browns prepared for Thursday night's preseason finale against the Chicago Bears. ``But I don't think we're putting fear in anyone's hearts with our pass rush.''
Maybe not.
But when two of those sacks belong to one player, and that player is the team's first-round draft pick, it's worth noting.
Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley said he's not completely comfortable, but he has been impressive with his speed around the corner.
``I think it gets better every game,'' Wimbley said. ``I don't know if I'm at a 10, but I'm getting there. As every game goes by, I feel a little bit more comfortable. When I'm out there I don't feel pressured.''
Crennel agreed, saying Wimbley learns something new every game.
The past two games he's shown something with his speed -- especially in Buffalo.
In the first half, Wimbley lined up at right end and forced a holding penalty on a third down.
In the second half, he lined up on the left side and flew to quarterback Craig Nall, hitting him and forcing a fumble.
Wimbley detailed the play this way:
``I was coming off the left end and I pretty much did a speed rush. They tried to use the guard to back up and block me. I just came off as fast as I could and I was around him before he was able to get back. The quarterback just happened to still have the ball in his hands. I got him and the ball just flew out.''
Wimbley didn't know prior to the play that the tackle would turn in and the guard out, but when he saw a guard trying to catch him Wimbley said his eyes got big.
``Any time you see a straight line to the quarterback, you're telling your legs to move as fast as they can to get there,'' Wimbley said.
Wimbley was drafted to provide that kind of speed rush. It's an element the Browns lacked a year ago when they finished last in the league with 23 sacks. He and free-agent signee Willie McGinest were brought in to improve the pass rush.
Crennel said he knows Wimbley can come up with big plays. The coach wants him to eliminate the bad ones.
Wimbley did not disagree. One example: He said on one third down he mistakenly rushed, leaving a tight end open to make a first down.
``They did a boot and hit the tight end and he made a play that sustained a drive,'' Wimbley said. ``I don't think they ended up scoring on that, but we could have gotten off the field earlier.''
Wimbley could have blamed what happened on complications involved in moving from college defensive end to pro linebacker.
He didn't.
``It was just a mistake,'' he said.
It's that kind of attitude that has helped Wimbley impress. He's not the kind of player who will draw attention to himself, and he's not a jump-around-the-field kind of player either.
He just wants to be successful in the NFL with the things that enabled him to be successful at Florida State.
``You were successful in college with some things in pass rushing; you come to the league and hopefully you can be successful here,'' he said. ``I've gotten a couple sacks. Hopefully I can keep that momentum going.''
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end --><HR class=tagline color=#cccccc SIZE=1>

ABJ

8/30/06

Notebook

Eager Tucker hopes to get in the game

Tackle anxious to play after surgery on knee

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Ryan Tucker wants to play, but Browns coach Romeo Crennel isn't sure if the team's right tackle will be on the field Thursday night in the preseason finale against Chicago.
``We will have to look at that because he hasn't had any playing time for a while,'' Crennel said.
``He wants to get some time. I don't know how much time I'll give him, if any.''
Tucker has missed much of training camp and the preseason after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee.
He said he'd be ready for the opener, but first he's lobbying for playing time against the Chicago Bears.
``He wants to get his timing down,'' Crennel said. ``I think his knee has been coming along and he has been doing a little more at practice each day. There is a difference between practice and going full speed against an opponent.''
A decision will be made the night of the game.
Not the cornerbacks
Cornerbacks Gary Baxter (shoulder) and Daylon McCutcheon (knee) will not play, though.
Crennel said neither player is ready to play in a game.
Of the two, Baxter seems to have the best chance of being ready for the season opener, but that seems iffy.
Brownies . . .
Crennel said Braylon Edwards had no complaints about soreness in the days after he took part in 16 plays against the Buffalo Bills.... Asked if the team is interested in quarterback A.J. Feeley, released by San Diego, Crennel said: ``I think we will take a look at him to see how much interest we have. I'm not going to say if we have interest or not. I think we have to do due diligence.''... Lennie Friedman, acquired from the Bears a week ago, should get some playing time behind Ross Tucker at center. Friedman remains on the team despite rampant reports that he had been released. The Browns did release him, but only briefly so he could sign a new contract. It's not an uncommon occurrence in the NFL.... Crennel would not say how long the starters would play, only that he told everyone to be ready to play a full game.... Running back Lee Suggs on whether this is make or break for him: ``This is real important. I didn't get any carries last week, didn't get to show anything. This may be my last chance.''
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

8/30/06

Wimbley has the edge
Wednesday, August 30, 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]
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 10px -3px 15px 5px; POSITION: relative" width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>

Repository Bob Rossiter READY, SET, GO Browns rookie linebacker Kamerion Wimbley is a converted defensive end from college but is picking up the pro game quickly, teammates and coaches say. The hope is he can add some punch to Cleveland’s anemic pass rush.
​

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

BEREA You watch rookie Kamerion Wimbley and wonder. Isn’t this the pass rusher Courtney Brown was supposed to be?
The knee-jerk answer: Absolutely.
It’s not just that Wimbley has a sack in each of the Browns’ last two preseason games. It’s the magic in his first step, his Gumby-like body bend, his red-hot burst.
You always got the idea Brown left his “A” game at the Combine.
Something about Wimbley’s look this preseason has fans buzzing.
Brown, the No. 1 overall pick in 2000, played the equivalent of three seasons during his injury-plagued five years with the Browns. He produced 16 sacks in 47 games.
Wimbley, the No. 12 overall pick in April, is all about shooting for 16 right now.
“You set goals,” Wimbley said after Tuesday’s practice. “Everybody who’s a rusher would like to get double digits.
“I’ll hopefully get a sack in every game. If that’s possible, of course you’ll be looking at some incredible stats.
“But ... really, I’m just going out doing my assignment.”
A sack a game would add up to 16. The Browns teamed for a league-low 23 sacks in 2005.
Drafting Wimbley spoke to that embarrassment, but Head Coach Romeo Crennel is all about “show me the money.”
The overall pass rush, he said, has made “a slight improvement.” He emphasized the word slight, adding, “I don’t think we’re putting fear in anyone’s hearts.”
There certainly are a lot of new bodies.
Nose tackle Jason Fisk, inside linebacker Ben Taylor and outside linebacker Kenard Lang were key men in last year’s front seven. They’re on other teams now.
Important additions include nose tackle Ted Washington, rookie inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, outside linebacker Willie McGinest and Wimbley.
The Browns will try to milk two or three seasons out of the NFL’s all-time postseason sacks leader, McGinest. Wimbley, meanwhile, is what Brown was intended to be in 2000, a projected cornerstone.
Don’t get Wimbley wrong when he talks about getting a sack a game. His delivery is self-effacing and somewhat reminiscent of Brown’s. Wimbley, though, is a good deal more flexible with his answers during interviews and not quite as quiet.
“I feel like I’m doing pretty good,” Wimbley said. “My speed is good. My body feels good. I’m doing a better job or reading offenses.
“When I watch film, I’ve made a couple mental errors. Nothing crazy that got us beat or anything like that .... nonetheless, errors that can get us beat down the road.”
Wimbley’s fellow rookie, Jackson, doesn’t envy Wimbley’s road, which covers a lot more than pass rushing.
“He played D-end at Florida State,” Jackson said. “Now, he’s playing outside backer. He’s learning little things, like dropping into pass coverage and knowing what a zone turn is compared to a man turn.
“I’ve heard it for years. A D-end never hears it in college. To make the progress he has made, my hat goes off. You can tell he’s a good kid.”
The Browns seem headed for a system where McGinest, Stewart and Wimbley will get fairly equal playing time at the two outside linebacker spots.
Seldom does Stewart’s name come up, but it should be remembered he had an strong 2005 preseason before a sprained knee fouled his first year as a Brown.
“Matt’s one of those sound guys who is not gonna get you beat,” Wimbley said. “Overall, he’s a pretty good football player.”
Crennel said Stewart is versatile and will be “a productive player.”
Stewart is a relatively young sixth-year pro who turns 27 on Thursday, when the Browns play host to Chicago.
On the other hand, the 34-year-old McGinest is a outside linebacking guru in Crennel’s 3-4 scheme — they won three Super Bowls together. Wimbley is slightly in awe, calling McGinest “definitely one of the best players that’s ever played the game.”
“He’s a charismatic guy,” Wimbley said. “A lot of people are drawn to him ... from every position.”
Wimbley, meanwhile, is the rookie who draws comparisons to Brown.
The early returns suggest he’ll provide more juice from a lesser first-round draft beginning. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

Canton

8/30/06

BROWNS REPORT
Wednesday, August 30, 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
Battle scars
Right tackle Ryan Tucker has missed three games in the wake of arthroscopic knee surgery but is expected to play in the Sept. 10 opener against the Saints.
There is debate as to whether he should play in Thursday’s preseason game against the Bears.
“He wants to get some time,” Head Coach Romeo Crennel said. “I don’t know how much time I’ll give him if any. His knee has been coming along and he has been doing a little more at practice each day.”
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards remains on course to play in the season opener after playing 16 downs at Buffalo.
Edwards was in several collisions that gave him a good test for his surgically repaired knee.
“He wasn’t complaining about any soreness,” Crennel said. “He says he feels pretty good.”
Cornerback Gary Baxter vows to come back from a pectoral injury in time for the Sept. 10 game, but forget about the Bears.
“He will not play Thursday,” Crennel said. “He’s not ready.”

Nervous record
The Browns will trim the roster to the regular-season limit of 53 Saturday. They go into Thursday’s game with 75 players.
Many decisions are already made, leaving certain players in a dead-man-walking situations.
“There are about four positions which will take considerable discussion,” Crennel said.
It’s unclear whether one of the young veteran running backs, William Green or Lee Suggs will go.
“I may be here. I may not,” Suggs said. “I don’t know.”

Extra points
Shawn Mayer’s bid to make the team as an extra defensive back ended with a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve. “Shawn made an effort on a tackle and blew out his knee,” Crennel said. “If he didn’t make the effort on the tackle, he’d probably have a good knee, but might not have a job. You play full speed, and that’s the best way to prevent injuries. But sometimes they happen in this business.” Linebacker Matt Stewart has been solid this preseason, but he lost a few style points when he failed to turn a clear shot at Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman into a sack. “He missed the tackle, which cost us a touchdown in the long run,” Crennel said. “We coach them on what to do and what not to do to be under control.” Stewart committed too soon, allowing Losman to step up and complete a third-down pass. Crennel’s view of why Charlie Frye’s anticipated brief playing shift against the Bears on Thursday is important? “If he went out and bombed, then you guys would be saying, ‘What’s wrong with Charlie? Why did he play so bad?’ That goes for any player I have. I want them to play at a good level and continue to improve and progress.”
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Scout.com (free)

8/30/06

Berea Notes: What About Cornerback?

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Jobs on the line for Browns

Last preseason game will determine position battles, final roster spots

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

Ed Suba Jr./ Akron Beacon Journal
Cleveland quarterback Ken Dorsey prepares to throw a pass 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.

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - Browns coach Romeo Crennel said several positions will be sorted out after tonight's exhibition season finale at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
He also said he's not saying what the positions are.
``You can guess,'' Crennel said as the 8 p.m. game against the Chicago Bears approaches.
It doesn't take a genius to make an educated guess: Tonight's game will be important for the backup quarterback, backup running back, inside linebacker and safety spots.
For those players and for the guys ``on the bubble'' at the bottom end of the roster, tonight is meaningful. For the rest, the key is to get out of the game healthy.
``The next game counts,'' Crennel said.
For those at the key positions, this one counts almost as much.
• The backup quarterback position could be settled, although it's just as likely the Browns will go on a week-by-week basis with either Ken Dorsey or Derek Anderson as the backup.
``You want to see them produce, perform, and how they handle and manage the game while they are in there,'' Crennel said. ``You want to see them run the team. The guy who does the best might get an edge. They are close. It is a competition.''
• The backup running back spot is a complicated mosh pit. Either William Green, Lee Suggs or Jason Wright will be the No. 2 man behind Reuben Droughns -- with Jerome Harrison used as the change-of-pace back.
Earlier in camp, Suggs found himself in the unenviable position of being traded to the New York Jets, then sent back to the Browns when the Jets said he failed his physical. The Jets acquired running back Kevan Barlow from the San Francisco 49ers a few days later.
``I never heard of that happening before,'' Suggs said.
Suggs seems to have more elusiveness and speed than Green, but Suggs' laid-back personality makes it seem as if he lacks fire.
Too, he has never been able to stay healthy.
In the third game in Buffalo, Suggs did not even get a carry.
Those are all factors that might point to Green staying and Suggs leaving.
``I don't know what's going to happen,'' Suggs said. ``I may be here, I may not. I have no control over that.''
• Rookie D'Qwell Jackson seems to have a leg up on the spot alongside Andra Davis, but Chaun Thompson did some things well in his first preseason game in Buffalo (a calf injury sidelined him for the first two games).
Jackson is listed as the starter, so the job could be his to lose.
If he starts, the Browns could start with their top two draft picks in the lineup at linebacker -- Jackson and Kamerion Wimbley.
• The safety competition between Sean Jones and Brodney Pool has been close throughout camp.
Jones started the first two games and still is a bit ahead, Crennel said. But Pool has come on.
Crennel said only four roster spots are up for grabs, and they're near the lower end of the roster (positions 50-53 probably). Final cuts will be made Saturday

BROWNS SCOUTING REPORT

<!-- begin body-content -->Browns vs. Bears
When: 8 tonight.
Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium.
TV: WKYC (Channel 3).
Injuries: CBs Daylon McCutcheon (knee) and Gary Baxter (shoulder), LB Clifton Smith (ankle) and LB Mason Unck (shoulder) probably will not play.
Players to watch: QB Charlie Frye gets his final preseason tuneup for a brief period of time.... C Lennie Friedman should get his first playing time as the backup to Ross Tucker.... SS Brodney Pool and Sean Jones get their final chance to win the starting job.... The backup QB position could be settled between Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson.

-- Patrick McManamon​

​