Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Web site targets stadiums

Cleveland is 1 of 7 football arenas on attackers' list, but security experts are skeptical

From staff and wire reports

A Web site is claiming that seven NFL football arenas, including Cleveland Browns Stadium, will be hit with radiological ``dirty bombs'' this weekend, but the government Wednesday expressed doubts about the threat.
The warning, posted Oct. 12, is part of an ongoing Internet conversation titled, New Attack on America Be Afraid. It also mentioned NFL stadiums in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston and Oakland, where games are scheduled this week.
The Homeland Security Department alerted authorities and stadium owners in those cities, as well as the NFL, about the Web message but said the threat was being viewed ``with strong skepticism.'' Officials at the NCAA, which oversees college athletics, said they also had been notified.
Officials from the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Police Department could not be reached for comment.
Mark Metz, 40, of Medina County's Montville Township, a Browns season-ticket holder in the ``Dawg Pound'' since 1999, said the Internet threat will make him cautious but will not keep him from Sunday's game. He said security at the game always has been tight, with fans being patted down and their bags searched before they reach the turnstile.
``I imagine we'll talk about it at the tailgate and look around a little bit, but it's not going to stop us from going,'' he said.
The Browns want fans to share Metz's outlook.
``We are aware of the report and have met with the appropriate federal and local authorities,'' the team said in a written statement. ``We take the safety of our fans very seriously and will remain vigilant with all of our security procedures.
``We would like to emphasize that our fans should continue to feel comfortable attending Cleveland Browns Stadium.''
Browns Vice President for Communications Bill Bonsiewicz said the team doesn't comment about specific security procedures ``because it would defeat the purpose.''
``But we will react appropriately to information as we get it and continue to communicate with our fans,'' he said.
Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke said there was no intelligence indicating an imminent attack. He said the alert was ``out of an abundance of caution.''
``The department strongly encourages the public to continue to go about their plans, including attending events that involve large public gatherings such as football games,'' Knocke said.
The FBI also expressed doubt about the threat.
Officials were made aware of the Web posting on Oct. 16. The attack was threatened for Oct. 22, the final day in Mecca of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month.
``The death toll will approach 100,000 from the initial blasts, and countless other fatalities will later occur as result from radioactive fallout,'' according to a copy of the posting obtained by the Associated Press.
According to the posting, the bombs would be delivered to the stadiums in trucks. All but one of the stadiums -- Atlanta -- are open-air arenas, the posting noted, adding: ``Due to the open air, the radiological fallout will destroy those not killed in the initial explosion.''
Explosions would be nearly simultaneous, the posting said, with cities specifically chosen in different time zones.
The posting said that al-Qaeda would automatically be blamed for the attacks and predicted, ``Later, through al-Jazeera, Osama bin Laden will issue a video message claiming responsibility for what was dubbed `America's Hiroshima.' ''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Browns' future Favre?
Thursday, October 19, 2006

By Steve Doerschuk REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA Favre and Frye?

Mike Shanahan, who coached against Brett Favre in Super Bowl XXXII and is scheming to stop Charlie Frye on Sunday at Cleveland, used their names in the same sentence Wednesday.
The Denver coach was asked late in a conference call if Frye reminds him of any quarterback who has been around a while.
Without pausing, Shanahan said, "He kind of reminds me of Favre a little bit, with his scrambling around and his ability to make plays."
Several writers in the press room here exchanged little "that-was-a-bombshell" glances.
Frye, after 2,041 NFL passing yards and a 3-7 record as a starter, compared to Favre, who has passed for 54,890 yards in regular seasons and is 11-9 in the playoffs.
Those bombshell glances changed to something else later in the day. Someone found a two-paragraph bulletin that said Cleveland Browns Stadium is a possible target for a terrorist dirty bomb.
Startling? Sure.
But dark humor took over.
"I'll call the paper," one writer said, "and tell the desk they should get this in the sports briefs."
At any rate, Brown-turned-Bronco Kenard Lang doesn't think Shanahan was crazy to compare Frye to Favre.
Lang is the only "Brownco" with a real grip on the Crennel-era Browns. He seems to have genuine respect for Frye.
"Shoot," Lang said, "to me, Frye is a gunslinger. He's gonna try to make things happen. He's not gonna settle for less. He'll take some massive hits, and he's gonna come back."
Head Coach Romeo Crennel reiterated his commitment to Frye on Wednesday.
"We think we can win with Charlie," Crennel said.
For now, Frye is on a 1-4 team facing a 4-1 team that recently smothered AFC North rival Baltimore's offense.
"They're a bend-but-don't-break-mentality defense," Frye said. "I think they've allowed just one touchdown. But, you know, I see some holes also. There were some holes in the defense on Sunday night (against the Raiders). Oakland just didn't capitalize on them."
Prior to the 2005 draft, nfldraftscout.com listed Favre as the veteran quarterback comparable to Frye.
Browns report
Boding well
Cornerbacks Leigh Bodden and Gary Baxter, who haven't played together since Sept. 17 at Cincinnati, both practiced Wednesday, although Bodden was limited.
"I probably will play," Bodden said. "I shouldn't say that, because I told you all that last time, but ... the bye week helped me out tremendously."
Bodden sat out the team's most recent game, at Carolina, and was replaced by Brodney Pool.
Dennis Northcutt missed Wednesday's practice with a rib injury. He is likely to be replaced by Joe Jurevicius as a starting receiver and by Joshua Cribbs as punt returner.
Brian Russell is questionable with an ankle injury. He is hopeful about playing, but if he can't, Pool figures to start at strong safety, with Sean Jones moving from strong safety to free safety.

Extra points
n Kellen Winslow Jr. won't address the media at length until today. During a quick stop at his locker, Winslow accepted expressions of sympathy from a few media members on the recent death of his brother, Justin. "It was real tough," he said. The tight end seemed to take comfort in kidding around with his teammates, many of whom reached out to him at intervals during the bye week. He attended the funeral in Kansas City on Tuesday.
n Buckeye-turned-Brown Simon Fraser will be the guest of the Canton Browns Backers from 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Winking Lizard restaurant in Jackson Township. The public is welcome, and there is no admission charge. STEVE DOERSCHUK

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

FINDING A HOME
Four ex-Browns are shining on Broncos? stingy defense

Thursday, October 19, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

</IMG> DAVID ZALUBOWSKI ASSOCIATED PRESS Broncos defensive lineman Michael Myers, tackling LaMont Jordan of the Raiders, is one of four former Browns anchoring Denver?s defensive line.


BEREA, Ohio ? They left Cleveland with labels such as "outcasts," "busts" and "underachievers."
They return Sunday spearheading the NFL?s top-rated defense, which has allowed just one touchdown all season.
The Denver Broncos? starting defensive line of Gerard Warren, Kenard Lang, Michael Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban, all former Browns, used to be a symbol of what was wrong with the post-expansion team. As a unit, they were paid a lot of money and produced few victories.
The careers of the foursome, nicknamed the Browncos, have been resurrected in Denver, and Cleveland faces them Sunday.
"Sometimes a change of scenery and atmosphere helps a player," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "In that case, it helped them to get a different start. I think you see that happen around the NFL quite a bit. Teams have players who are not thought well of for a reason and then they are traded or cut and go to another team. Then that gives their career a boost."
Many around the NFL thought it was a joke that Denver would take in so many underachievers from a losing team. But the team believed it could coach the group to become productive players.
"They probably (criticized) me 100 times every game for maybe six months," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. "But I think that goes with the territory, doesn?t it? Until people prove themselves, handled themselves the right way and you win football games, I don?t care where you?re at in the NFL. If you don?t have success, you?re going to be taking some shots."
Now the Browncos are the ones giving the shots. Could the same players, brought to Cleveland under former coach Butch Davis, have produced under Crennel?
The Browns? reasons for jettisoning the four defensive linemen ? five, counting Courtney Brown, who was injured ? vary, but overall the team didn?t think they would perform well in a 3-4 defense.
Warren, a former No. 3 pick, was the most talented but had character issues in addition to a high salary. Nicknamed "Big Money," Warren drew ire from Browns fans with four less-than-stellar seasons.
He also had a way with words, often saying things that would get him in trouble. One of the final examples in Cleveland was a threat Warren made to Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, saying he would hit him in the head.
Ekuban had played in a 4-3 defense his entire career and was more a pass-rushing end than a run stuffer. Myers might have been a good fit but was a throw in with Ekuban in the deal for running back Reuben Droughns.
The Browns tried to convert Lang to outside linebacker, but he failed to lose weight and the team cut him in the offseason. He rejoined his former teammates in Denver.
"The mind-set here is different, because they?re winning all the time," Lang said.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Cornerbacks set to return Sunday
Bodden, Baxter say they?re over injuries

Thursday, October 19, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH




BEREA, Ohio ? The Cleveland Browns expect to have both starting cornerbacks ready for their game Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Leigh Bodden (ankle) and Gary Baxter (pectoral) are listed as questionable, but both said this week that they will play. Bodden missed the Browns? most recent game, Oct. 8 against the Carolina Panthers, and Baxter has been out since Sept. 17.
The two have played together in just two of five games this season.
"Everybody?s been wanting that," Bodden said. "I think (the media) has been wanting it, we?ve been wanting it as a team, and me and Gary are just happy to be back out there working together and making our secondary productive."
Mr . Versatility

Coach Romeo Crennel is giving offensive lineman Lennie Friedman a difficult assignment this week. Crennel wants Friedman to be ready to rotate at guard and center, but Friedman will not start at either position.
Friedman, an eight-year veteran, has never played center and guard in one game during the regular season, but he rotated at the positions during the preseason and said he is ready for the challenge.
"As a backup in the NFL, you never know what may or may not happen," Friedman said. "I don?t know exactly how it?s going to play out this week, but every week I?m one play away from three different positions. So I?m not really looking at it as anything different from what I?ve done the first five weeks of the season."
Bye week diagnosis

Crennel said he spent the past two weeks trying to figure out how to improve the team?s turnover margin. The Browns are minus-9 in that category, and quarterback Charlie Frye has had nine interceptions and two lost fumbles.
"It impacts the whole team," Crennel said. "The ratio is what the defense can take and what the offense gives. We?re minus-9. I know if we can improve that number, it will probably win a couple games for us."
Brownie points

Starting safety Brian Russell (ankle) and receiver Dennis Northcutt (ribs) are questionable. ? Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. returned to practice yesterday after attending the funeral for his half-brother Tuesday. ? The Broncos have won the past six meetings with Cleveland.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Browns' top back gives Q answers

Droughns not pleased with Morgan talking about time in Cleveland

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

BEREA - Reuben Droughns has nothing but good feelings for his former teammates with the Denver Broncos.
He has a not-so-good feeling for former Browns receiver Quincy Morgan.
``For him to come out and say what he said, that's pretty much disrespectful,'' Droughns said Thursday. ``Who is he? That's how I feel about that.''
What did Morgan say?
Morgan told the Rocky Mountain News that personal agendas got in the way of winning with the Browns.
``A lot of guys were more into women,'' Morgan told the paper. ``We had guys having a competition to see who could bring the best-looking chick to the game. That's true, man.
``We had one to see who had the nicest car. It was a mess.''
Droughns heard part of what Morgan said, and the part that he heard did not sit well.
``I don't know the whole thing that he said, but I heard that he said the reason we're not winning is we're buying nice cars and things like that,'' Droughns said. ``But he doesn't know anybody in this locker room but about three people.
``For him to make a comment like that is really disrespectful. And you've been with 10 different teams in six years? Who are you?''
Morgan was a Browns second-round draft choice in the Butch Davis era in 2001.
Davis traded him to the Dallas Cowboys for Antonio Bryant in the middle of the 2004 season.
Morgan finished the season with Dallas, then went to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005 and signed with the Broncos on Sept. 18.
After catching 30, 56 and 38 passes for the Browns his first three years, Morgan has been used mainly as a kick returner since. He caught nine passes for the Steelers last season and has no receptions for the Broncos.
Not many players are left from Morgan's time with the Browns, but none remembered the ``bring-a-chick-to-the-game-contest.''
``I'm a married man,'' linebacker Andra Davis said. ``I don't remember that.''
``I don't remember any of that,'' kicker Phil Dawson said. ``I wasn't part of any crowd that did that.''
Neither did defensive end Orpheus Roye, who bristled at Morgan hinting that the Browns had interests other than winning.
``I'm here to win,'' he said.
Another former teammate asked how Morgan knew about the contest.
``If he's talking about it, doesn't that mean he was doing it?'' he said.
``I don't know the guy,'' Droughns said. ``He doesn't know half the players in here. There's probably three guys in here that he still knows.''
Droughns' remarks came during an interview when he talked about how much he liked the players still on the Broncos from his days in Denver, and how much he'd like to get the Browns' running game going.
After running for 1,200 yards the past two season (2005 with the Browns, 2004 with the Broncos), Droughns has averaged just 3.3 yards per carry in gaining 224 yards through five games (with 100 of those yards coming in one game against the Oakland Raiders).
Droughns said he hopes the Browns stay aggressive on offense, but coach Romeo Crennel has talked about being more basic to become more consistent. That might involve relying more on the running game, which gains more importance as the weather grows colder.
``It's going to take all of us to get something going,'' Droughns said. ``But if it has to start with me, then it has to start with me.''
The Browns acquired Droughns for defensive linemen Ebenezer Ekuban and Mike Myers after their bid to sign Chester Taylor as a restricted free agent failed.
Droughns was coming off a big year, but the Broncos also had Tatum Bell and Mike Anderson. And coach Mike Shanahan said Droughns wanted his contract torn up.
``Definitely,'' Droughns said of his request for a new deal. ``Any time you come off a nice season and you're making fullback money, you want to make tailback money.''
Droughns said his request for a raise was ``one of the reasons'' the Broncos traded him.
``At the same time, from what I hear, he wanted to give me a chance to go out there (and find a team),'' Droughns said. `` 'Cuz they didn't have to trade me.''
Droughns got his raise and new deal in the spring, but he's playing for a 1-4 team and his former team is 4-1.
``I miss winning a lot,'' Droughns said. ``That's the whole reason to come here. It looks that much better when you come to a team that's not doing well and help the team improve.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Winslow still doesn't

BEREA - seem satisfied in role
Kellen Winslow leads all NFL tight ends with 30 catches and is on pace for 96 receptions.
Does Winslow now believe he is being utilized properly in the Browns offense?
``Sometimes,'' he said Thursday.
He continued.
``But I got to do what the coaches say,'' Winslow said. ``That's what is in the game plan, and move on.''
Winslow also was asked if the Browns would make many changes on offense after the bye week.
``I don't think so,'' he said. ``I think we're trying to do what we do best. Find the plays that work, and go out there Sunday and do them.''
BROTHER'S DEATH -- Winslow said he is trying not to mourn the loss of his brother Justin, who was buried Tuesday in Kansas City. ``I look at the situation like I'm celebrating his life,'' Winslow said. ``Trying not to mourn. Keep the family spirit up and try to move on.''
WITH THE `ONES' -- Joe Jurevicius probably will be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Dennis Northcutt missed practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday, which moved Jurevicius to the first team.
``The odds are pretty good that he'll play and be a starter,'' coach Romeo Crennel said.
If Northcutt can't play, Joshua Cribbs will return punts and kickoffs.

-- Patrick McManamon​

​

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

[FONT=arial,sans-serif]Thursday, October 19, 2006[/FONT]

[FONT=arial,sans-serif]Browns update: Bodden still iffy

12:30 p.m.

* Of all the Browns injured starters on defense, cornerback Leigh Bodden is the most iffy. Bodden did not participate in team drills on Wednesday because of his sore ankle. If he doesn?t go today ? and it?s 50-50 ? he probably won?t play on Sunday.

* If Bodden can?t play, don?t expect to see safety Brodney Pool assigned to Denver receiver Rod Smith. More likely, the Browns would return Daven Holly to the cornerback spot opposite Gary Baxter. Coach Romeo Crennel doesn?t like a Pool-vs.-Smith matchup.

* In the brief period of practice open to reporters, the Browns lined up a lot in a three-receiver formation featuring Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius and Josh Cribbs.

* Dennis Northcutt probably won?t play because of bruised ribs. Cribbs would handle kickoff and punt return duties.

* Despite leading all NFL tight ends in receptions, Kellen Winslow Jr. didn?t sound enthusiastic about the direction of the offense. He said he just does what the coaches tell him to do.

By Tony Grossi, [email protected]
[/FONT]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

MorningJournal

Sense of urgency comes from bye
JEFF SCHUDEL, Morning Journal Writer
10/20/2006


BEREA -- Hard as it is to believe, the Browns could be in the thick of a sluggish race in the AFC North if everything falls their way Sunday.


The Browns host the Denver Broncos at 4:05 p.m. By that time, they will know the result of the game between the Steelers and Falcons in Atlanta and the one between the Panthers and Bengals in Cincinnati. The Ravens, in first place at 4-2, have a bye

Cincinnati started the season 3-0 but has since lost two straight. The Bengals will try to stop Panthers end Julius Peppers by using a patched up offensive line. The game in Atlanta will provide clues whether the 45-7 whipping the 2-3 Steelers gave Kansas City last week was real or a mirage.

Of course, what happens to the division rivals won't mean anything if the Browns do not hold up their end of the bargain. They are 1-4 and five-point underdogs against the Broncos. Denver, 4-1, has allowed a scant 37 points and just one offensive touchdown. The last four opponents have scored just 19 total points, yet the Browns are convinced they can be the ones to crack the Denver defense.

''We need to win a game,'' Kellen Winslow Jr. said flatly. ''This would the best time to do it vs. a great team like this. The situation we're in now is we have to find an identity and stick with it. We have to turn it around now, or else it's going to be a long season.''

The danger of talking about ''must games'' in October is getting geared up to play 10 more times if the ending is not a happy one. Nevertheless, a sense of urgency pervades the locker room this week.

Some of the urgency comes from the belief the Browns played well enough to beat Baltimore and Carolina but came up short both times. Also, coach Romeo Crennel told his team about how Browns fans have loathed the Broncos for 20 years, ever since John Elway robbed the Browns of a spot in the Super Bowl with The Drive in the final two minutes of the 1986 AFC championship game.

Former Browns receiver Quincy Morgan, now a Bronco by way of Dallas and Pittsburgh, fueled the fire by telling reporters in Denver the Browns had their priorities messed up during his time in Cleveland.

''A lot of guys were more into women,'' Morgan said. ''We had guys having a competition to see who could bring the best-looking chick to the game. We had one to see who had the nicest car. It was a mess.''

Morgan seems to forget his priority must not have been holding onto the ball when it was passed to him.

Then there's the fact the Browns are playing at home. They are 0-2 in Cleveland Browns Stadium this season. The last home game was against the Ravens, and for the first time in a long time fans stayed until the end only to have their spirits crushed by Matt Stover on a 52-yard field goal with 20 seconds left. In that game, Charlie Frye was sacked seven times and hit after throwing a pass an astonishing 19 more times.

''You always want to win at home,'' Frye said. ''That's something we need to start. We didn't win a lot of games last year (they were 4-4) at home. It makes you play better when everybody gets behind you.

''I remember how loud it was in the Miami game last year (a 22-0 Browns victory). The Baltimore game this year reminded me of the games at the old stadium because the fans were so into it. When I got hit one time and they started chanting my name -- I'm going to get up if I hear that. I'm not going to lay there. We have two of them in a row at home. These next two games are real important.''

The Browns host the Jets a week from Sunday and then play in San Diego and in Atlanta in back-to-back weeks. After that they, play home games against the Steelers, Bengals and Chiefs before playing three of their last four games on the road.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Droughns set to go against former team
Browns could use a big game from running back vs. Broncos
Friday, October 20, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

</IMG> RICK HAVNER ASSOCIATED PRESS The Browns are 3-1 when Reuben Droughns, right, runs for more than 100 yards in a game.


BEREA, Ohio ? Despite a lingering shoulder injury and a slow start to the season, Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns is walking around with a little extra energy this week.
Coming off a bye and two weeks of rest, Droughns gets an opportunity to play the Denver Broncos, the team that traded him last year after providing Droughns his first major opportunity in the NFL.
Droughns said he has no ill feeling toward the Broncos but looks forward to banging heads with his former teammates. He still has an offseason home in the Denver area.
"It?s like when you?re in high school and you go to college and play against some of your old mates," Droughns said. "I still know a lot of guys over there and it?s one of those exciting situations where you get to go over there and show your type of talent and what you?ve got to them."
Browns players know it?s "Reuben Droughns Week" and want him to have a big game. His best performance this season has been 100 yards against the Oakland Raiders in a 24-21 victory Oct. 1.
In Droughns? two seasons, the Browns are 3-1 when he rushes for more than 100 yards, which is why it is important to get him the ball this week. Last year around this time, he began to hit his stride with three 100-yard games in five weeks.
This would be a great time for Droughns to get going again for the Browns (1-4). The Broncos have the NFL?s top-rated defense and should be a tall order for the motivated Droughns.
"I think he has something to prove to them that they let a good back get away," Browns quarterback Charlie Frye said. "He proved that last year when he rushed for all those yards, and he?ll be ready to go this week."
Droughns said he enjoyed his time in Denver. In fact, he credits the Broncos for his ability to catch on as a tailback in the NFL. Droughns, 28, spent his first four years as a fullback and kickoff returner, which took a toll on his body.
After injuries in Denver?s backfield in 2004, Droughns was inserted at tailback. He had a career year with 1,240 yards and it changed the course of his career.
"In 2003, when I signed my new contract with Denver, I figured that was going to be my last contract, to be honest, if I continued playing fullback," Droughns said.
Money and opportunity were the reasons the Broncos made the trade with Cleveland.
Droughns wanted a significant raise and Denver already had former tailback Mike Anderson and current starter Tatum Bell. The Browns also were looking to get rid of defensive linemen and shipped Michael Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban to Denver, who both start for the Broncos.
The trade has been productive for both parties.
"I thought it would work out best for him to be ?the guy? (somewhere else) with the type of year he had," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "In return, we could get some more depth on our defensive line. I hated to lose Reuben because he was a quality guy as well as an excellent football player."
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Bronco?s talk catches heat
Friday, October 20, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH



BEREA, Ohio ? A new Brown had strong words for an old Brown a couple days after the former Brown ripped his old team.
Denver Broncos receiver Quincy Morgan, who played for the Browns from 2001 to 2004, told Denver reporters this week that the Browns didn?t focus on winning and the players were more concerned with "women" and the "nicest cars." Cleveland running back Reuben Droughns said Morgan insulted the Browns organization.
"He doesn?t know anybody in this locker room but about three people, so for him to make a comment like that is really disrespectful," Droughns said. "And you?ve been to what, 10 different teams already in like six years? So who are you? "
Morgan has zero catches in three games. The Broncos are his fourth team in seven years.
No fear

Quarterback Charlie Frye says he will not be afraid to throw in the direction of Champ Bailey. Offenses have rarely tested Denver?s elite cornerback this season, and when they have it usually results in a turnover.
"If the game plan calls for me to challenge that side of the field, I will," Frye said. "I think Braylon (Edwards) is going to be over there. It?s going to be a good test for Braylon. Champ is respected as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL."
Edwards is leading the Browns with 351 receiving yards and an average of 17.6 yards per catch. He has been the team?s primary deep threat.
Coach Romeo Crennel said it is virtually impossible to avoid one player. His philosophy is to plan with that player in mind and take shots when available.
"We can?t guarantee where Champ is going to be all the time," Crennel said. "He plays on the left side primarily, but what?s to keep them from putting him on the right or matching him up on a wide receiver? Then what are you going to do?"
Brownie points

Receiver Joe Jurevicius has practiced with the first team all week and will get his first start of the season Sunday, Crennel said. Dennis Northcutt (ribs) has missed practice and was struggling with dropped passes when he was healthy. ? During the bye week, center Hank Fraley was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Robert Morris, his alma mater.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Browns aren't set at center

Bentley may not be ready when next season begins

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal sportswriter

BEREA - The Browns cannot count on center LeCharles Bentley being back by the start of 2007 training camp after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee, coach Romeo Crennel said Friday.
That likely will be an issue that Crennel and General Manager Phil Savage must consider when they begin planning for next season.
``They told me this is going to be an injury that's going to take some time. They said it's going to be at least a year before we would know anything,'' Crennel said.
``Going into the offseason, we have to be cognizant of the fact that he may or may not be back when we want him back.''
The top-rated player in this year's free-agent class, Bentley went down July 27 on the first day of contact drills in training camp. The loss of the Cleveland St. Ignatius High School graduate and Ohio State University All-American sent the Browns into a circus-like quest for a replacement. Hank Fraley, acquired in a Sept. 2 trade with Philadelphia, has held the job throughout the regular season for the Browns (1-4), who host the Denver Broncos (4-1) on Sunday.
Crennel did not paint a rosy picture when asked about Bentley's progress. He said Bentley was still at home and would be seen more at team headquarters in a week or so.
``The progress is slow. That's the best I can say right now. It's slow progress, but it's progress,'' Crennel said. ``The way they did the reconstruction, the flex in the knee, they kind of had to immobilize it for a while. Now they're working on getting that flex back.
``You work it and work it and gradually it comes along. He hasn't been able to run or anything like that, so I can't say whether it's on schedule or not. They said it's going to be a long process.''
Crennel said receiver Braylon Edwards' relatively quick return after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Dec. 4 showed how hard it can be to predict a player's recovery.
Bentley's rehab will make for some interesting offseason discussion.
``You approach it the same way you approach any other injury,'' Crennel said. ``They said it was going to be October before Braylon would come back and he played in the first game (in September). I think each situation is different, each injury is different, guys recover from them differently. We'll have to play it by ear and see how it goes.''
Cribbs excited
Joshua Cribbs is ready for his biggest role in two years in the NFL as the third receiver and punt and kickoff returner against the Broncos. Receiver/punt returner Dennis Northcutt looks unlikely to play with a rib injury, elevating Joe Jurevicius to No. 2 and the former Kent State University quarterback Cribbs to No. 3.
(Northcutt did nothing in practice Thursday and Crennel expected him to be working out on a stationary bicycle Friday.)
``I asked Josh yesterday if it was going to be too much for him, and Josh told me, `Give me about five more things to do, then I'll talk to you,' '' Crennel said. ``Sometimes in the NFL the more you can do the more we ask you to do.''
Cribbs was obviously pumped.
``I'm excited that my roles have expanded. Give me more,'' he said.
As for his progress at receiver, he said, ``I had a great practice yesterday, complimented a lot by my coaches and players. I feel I'm doing really well.''
Quarterback Charlie Frye confirmed Cribbs stood out this week.
``Cribbs has been real impressive this week in practice. He has caught the ball and made a lot of guys miss, just like on punts and kicks,'' Frye said. ``If we can get him the ball, he's going to make something happen. He's a tough guy to match up against, especially when he's in the slot and has a linebacker on him.''
Cribbs leads the NFL in kickoff returns with a 28.2-yard average. After Northcutt was hurt Oct. 8 at Carolina, Cribbs also returned two punts for a 21.5-yard average.
``I feel like I can help the team and we won't miss a beat,'' Cribbs said of punt returns. ``I'm confident we'll step it up a notch. I'm backing up Dennis and until he's well, I'm going to be the man.''
Injury update
Starting cornerback Leigh Bodden (ankle) was still in a boot at practice and was limited along with free safety Brian Russell (ankle). Crennel said cornerback Gary Baxter (pectoral) was making good progress.
Crennel said a doctor didn't think right tackle Ryan Tucker should be around the team Thursday because of an illness, but he was back in the building Friday. He was downgraded to questionable. ``It's the time of the year stuff goes around,'' Crennel said.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BROWNS NOTEBOOK
Crennel feeling safe, secure
Saturday, October 21, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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BEREA, Ohio ? Coach Romeo Crennel said he will worry only about football when the Cleveland Browns take the field Sunday against the Denver Broncos, and he hopes players and fans will follow suit.
A Web site this week listed Cleveland Browns Stadium as one of seven potential terrorist targets for "dirty bombs" Sunday. Authorities now believe it was a hoax and have arrested a man in Wisconsin in connection with the threat.
"We?ve been assured the stadium is safe and the precautions that we normally take for the games cover a lot of areas," Crennel said. "The fans should feel safe coming to the games, and we as coaches and players feel safe. Our security is on top of the matter and local and federal security is on top of it, as well."
Future is now ?

With quarterback Jake Plummer and the Broncos struggling to score on offense, there have been whispers in Denver that the organization is getting closer to giving the reins to rookie Jay Cutler.
Plummer has had an up-anddown career in Denver. The Broncos traded to move up in the draft and take Cutler with the 11 th pick in April. Coach Mike Shanahan was reluctant to update the Cleveland media on the status of his quarterbacks this week.
"I think Jay has an excellent future," Shanahan said. "He?s got great arm strength and a feel for the system. He is very mature and played a lot of football at Vanderbilt in the SEC and played some good competition. If he has to play, I think he?ll play at a high level."
Brownie points

Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. leads NFL tight ends with 30 catches. ? Starting cornerbacks Leigh Bodden (ankle) and Gary Baxter (pectoral muscle) and safety Brian Russell (ankle) remain questionable but are expected to play. ? For the Broncos, fullback Kyle Johnson (ankle) and backup running back Cedric Cobb (ankle) are questionable.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Crennel presses forward on faith

Browns coach believes in Carthon and players

By Patrick McManamon

Two offensive coordinators were relieved of their duties this week.
Neither was in Cleveland.
This sudden dismissal of an assistant coach during the season is starting to become a trend in the NFL.
Well, a trickle maybe.
A year ago, Houston Texans Dom Capers fired Chris Palmer after two games.
This year, Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick dismissed his best friend in coaching, Jim Fassel. And Arizona Cardinals coach Dennis Green continued the wacky week by firing Keith Rowen after Monday night's devastating loss.
Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, meanwhile, presses on.
And make no mistake: There is dissatisfaction in the player ranks with the offensive coordinator. To date, only one person has gone public with his concerns, and that was tight end Kellen Winslow.
Winslow at least was honest in his assessments, but he came back a few days later and said he shouldn't have gone to the media. That virtually assured that most other players won't go on the record with their feelings.
Privately, though, they wonder about the play-calling, about Reuben Droughns getting just 11 carries in the opener (a mistake, coach Romeo Crennel admitted), and about the offensive identity, or lack thereof.
Players will always complain about play-calling, no matter the calls.
Sometimes their complaints are related to their numbers and touches, which can relate to incentives in contracts. Guys might forget where to line up or the snap count, but they can remember every line in their contract -- right down to the periods and semicolons.
Carthon's biggest issue with the players might be his style, which is gruff, straightforward and, at times, confrontational. Stories leak out of him berating players -- he once told running back William Green it was evident why the Browns were trying to run him out of town for years -- but one player shrugs it off.
``If you can get by Mo, you can get by anyone,'' fullback Terrelle Smith said.
Reading between the lines, it seems that Crennel has decided that tearing down a coaching staff five games into the second year of a building process is not proper.
The Texans gained nothing a year ago when Capers fired Palmer. They finished 2-14, got the first pick in the draft and Capers was fired.
Evidently, keeping Palmer would have meant a 1-15 season.
With the Ravens, Fassel seemed more interested in trying to be a head coach again than coordinating, so Billick will call the plays. That might or might not change things. Billick seemed to be a masterful play-caller as a coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, but with the Ravens, he never has built the same kind of offense.
With the Cardinals, Green clearly seemed to be making someone the scapegoat for the Monday night debacle, when they lost a game in the most tortuous of ways (worse than some Browns losses). Green is now on his third coordinator in a little more than two years.
Billick's mentor in Minnesota? Green.
The Cardinals' problem is that they have too much money in skill players and not enough in offensive linemen, and four different coordinators this season would not change that fact.
Both of those coaches are in a save-your-job mode.
Which brings us to the Browns.
Crennel is going status quo, with a tad more influence from him. He apparently thinks that he will be given time to build a team, and that right now the team is still building.
Bruce Arians used to say that he loved calling plays because he was right in the midst of all the action -- on the field and off. A play-caller, he said, was always in the cross hairs.
Arians ran the last successful offensive system with the Browns, and Butch Davis fired him.
A new coordinator this season won't change the offensive line, though it might change the mood of the team and the focus of the play-calling. Some players seem to favor Jeff Davidson, who was named assistant head coach in the offseason to prevent him from taking the coordinator's job with the New York Jets.
Crennel, however, wants to stick with Carthon, his guy. He stated such with firm faith in his entire staff. He hopes that faith will be rewarded.
He'd better hope he's right.
Because as Crennel knows, in the NFL, the consequences are harsh when you're wrong.
On the money
A few public stories illustrate some of the struggles that Gerard Warren went through when he was with the Browns.
There was the cheap shot on quarterback Mark Brunell in Jacksonville, the ejection from a game in Seattle (when he was overheard on a cell phone in the locker room saying he wanted to get thrown out because the Browns were getting blown out), the arrest in Pittsburgh with the infamous ``Percy Blue,'' the rap-song statement ``Kill the head and the body's dead'' and on and on and on.
But it was behind the scenes that Warren lost support from some of his teammates. Many of those stories have stayed behind closed doors, but with Warren getting new-found positive vibes in Denver, some are starting to be told.
? During one two-minute drill, Warren thought he had a ``sack.'' Butch Davis ruled his sack was a completion, so the ball was placed on the field and the teams rushed to continue the drill. Warren grabbed the ball and punted it while cursing that he had a sack, stopping a drill that was supposed to be crisp and fast.
? The Browns give the players wax, which is supposed to aid their joints. During one drill, Warren didn't like a defensive call, took the wax and made it into a ball and fired it over Dave Campo's head and against the field house wall. It splattered against the wall, falling on Campo and other players standing nearby.
? When Warren missed a practice after a bye week because he had missed his plane, the media caught wind of it and started to ask around. One veteran called Warren to warn him, and Warren told a teammate: ``Yeah, the media is asking around about that practice I missed.'' The point: He was more concerned that it was getting out than he was about missing practice.
? Finally, there was the time Warren showed up late to a post-practice defensive meeting and walked into the meeting room naked. He sat down and used a small wash-rag type of cover-up before several veterans berated him, saying they didn't want to try to concentrate in a meeting with him undressed.
Individually, these might be nothing more than stories. Collectively, they got old to players who said the incidents happened over and over. One former teammate wouldn't divulge any tales, but said he could tell 50 of them.
Certainly some of the responsibility for Warren's actions falls on those who did not hold him accountable. Davis called veterans into his office to ask how to deal with Warren, but then never said anything to Warren in front of the team when things happened.
Some people who knew Warren -- like Andra Davis -- shrugged it off as `` `Money' being `Money.' '' But clearly his approach did not sit well with everyone.
Bottom line: Warren might have found a new home with the Broncos, where there might be more discipline, but things were just not going to work for him with the Browns.
The Browns had to trade him.
Brownies . . .
? Broncos coach Mike Shanahan on Warren: ``You can't speak for what someone has done in the past or his perception, I just can tell you that since he's been here, he's been great for our organization.''
? Two former Browns who have the respect of their former teammates are Courtney Brown and Kenard Lang, a man who seems to be universally liked.
? Crennel said he attended the pre-draft workouts of Warren and Richard Seymour. People in the Browns' front office when Warren was drafted insist to this day they had Seymour rated higher and were shocked when Davis chose Warren. Did Crennel get the guy he wanted when the Patriots took Seymour? ``Probably,'' Crennel said.
? Much is made of the ``Browncos'' -- the former Browns now starting on the defensive line for the Broncos -- but their defensive success comes as much from their speed at linebacker and from Champ Bailey, a corner who shuts down one side of the field.
? Shanahan raised some eyebrows in the media room when he compared quarterback Charlie Frye's ability to make plays on the run to a young Brett Favre. Pressed, he did not back down: ``When Brett was a young guy, he had a strong arm. He would make plays when there was nothing there. That is what top quarterbacks do. There is always a growing curve with any system.''
? Said Frye: ``I've only had 10 starts and (Favre) has more consecutive starts than anybody who ever played the game.''
? Players have a way of showing their feelings toward other players. When Braylon Edwards called the Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas ``a guy,'' he might not have understood how personal that was. Lucas certainly took it as an insult. So it was this week when Reuben Droughns referred to Quincy Morgan as ``No. 11.'' Shows what Droughns felt about Morgan's comments on his former team.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

BROWNS
Broncos? potent rushing offense built on quickness
Sunday, October 22, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH



BEREA, Ohio ? Their principles are simple, yet no team in a copycat league has been able to emulate it.
Their style goes against the grain of the modern professional football, but it works every year, world without end.
It is the Denver Broncos? running game, one of the final mysteries in a league where there are few secrets. Today, the Cleveland Browns will look to solve one of the NFL?s most prolific systems, which has churned out 10 1,000-yard rushers in 11 seasons under coach Mike Shanahan.
Cleveland has had one 1,000-yard runner in 21 years, which happens to be Reuben Droughns, a former Bronco.
Last season, the Broncos nearly had two 1,000-yard rushers in Mike Anderson (1,014) and Tatum Bell (921). Bell is second in the AFC this season with 470 yards.
Denver?s scheme focuses on smaller offensive linemen, zone blocking, and plugging in various running backs to be productive. Former 1,000-yard rushers through the years include Terrell Davis, Orlandis Gary, Clinton Portis and Mike Anderson.
"We have been fairly consistent and I think it?s a credit to our players," Shanahan said. "They believe it (the system), enjoy what we are doing and take pride in it."
Shanahan says his scheme is not as complicated as people believe. Here is his blueprint of understanding Denver?s vaunted running game:

? Smaller is better. Most teams believe the opposite for offensive linemen. The Broncos believe plodding offensive linemen provide less movement and versatility. They prefer linemen instead in the range of 280 to 290 pounds who can get to spots faster.

? Block zones. This is another way Denver differs from most NFL teams. The blockers attack zones along the offensive line, not necessarily the player in front of them. They want to use their speed to beat teams to certain spots and gain yards. It?s the equivalent of playing a zone defense in basketball.
"Everyone has more of an area to pick up slants," Shanahan said. "If you do commit eight people (to stop the run), then you have a lot of one-on-one coverage. You want to take advantage of that sometimes with your quarterback. ? to throw one-on-one down the field. It?s not very complicated."

? One cut and go. NFL linebackers get off blocks easily and are just as fast as running backs, Shanahan says. So making more than one cut usually becomes a wasted effort, because "the linebackers can catch you pretty quickly."

? Creases are just as good. With smallish offensive linemen, the Broncos often do not have the benefit of making huge holes. The Broncos focus on creating creases for running backs to slip through. That?s why it?s so important for backs to be decisive. The Broncos also get a lot of rushing yards from teams not protecting the back side for cutbacks.
Cleveland has been quietly confident this week. Despite a 1-4 record, the Browns have reasons for optimism.
The Browns are coming off a bye week and should be the most prepared and well rested they?ve been since the season opener. Coach Romeo Crennel also is familiar with the Broncos (4-1), although lately Denver has gotten the best of Crennel-coached defenses.
Shanahan is 2-1 and averaging 27 points per game in his past three meetings against Crennel, all when he was defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. Crennel hasn?t faced Shanahan?s run-heavy offense since 2003.
"I feel like I know what they are going to do," Crennel said last week. "I feel like I know how they are going to run the ball and run their bootleg and play-action passes. They are pretty consistent in what they do and they don?t change a lot."
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

OH NO, NO O

Offensive woes linger. Browns fall to Broncos

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal sportswriter

CLEVELAND - Scoring only the second touchdown against the Denver Broncos in six games seemed like a footnote.
After a bye week for rest, reevaluation and revamping, that won't be enough to satisfy the rumbling masses in what is looking more and more like a season of discontent for the Browns.
For the better part of Sunday's 17-7 loss to the visiting Broncos, the Browns dropped passes and interceptions, muffed punts and took sacks. The allegedly revamped product looked no better as the Browns (1-5) managed just 165 total yards, 34 rushing.
``When you're losing, every play is a critical play,'' Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. ``If you're ahead and you drop one, it's not quite as bad. If you're behind and you're on a losing team, every one gets magnified. I know these guys can catch. In the past they have made plays. Sometimes when you're trying to make a play you forget your fundamentals.''
Those clamoring for more action for Joe Jurevicius, elevated to starter when Dennis Northcutt was inactive with a rib injury, saw Mentor native Jurevicius drop back-to-back balls in the fourth quarter for what he said was the first time in his nine-year career.
Former Kent State quarterback Joshua Cribbs, taking over for Northcutt as the punt returner, lost a fumble on his first chance and had a miserable day.
Quarterback Charlie Frye suffered a concussion on a futile fourth-and-1 rollout in the first quarter but missed only one play. He might have wished for a longer rest after being sacked five times, three by rookie Elvis Dumervil and once each by former Browns Mike Myers and Kenard Lang. He was hit six more times.
Frye completed 19-of-33 for 149 yards with a touchdown. The score, a 6-yard pass to Jurevicius with 11:49 remaining, was set up by linebacker Andra Davis' interception and 19-yard return to the Broncos 18. Frye threw one interception, a fourth-quarter floater to Braylon Edwards in the end zone that was picked off by cornerback Champ Bailey.
In a flashback to the days of Tim Couch, doctors advised Frye to answer only two questions afterward. Asked if the concussion affected him, Frye said,``I don't think so. I was hit trying to get a first down. I got clearance to come back in the game.''
Said Jurevicius: ``I think he did a pretty good job considering. Once again he showed the tenacity and toughness that he possesses.''
Those who hoped the Browns could cure what ails them during the bye week might have come to a sobering realization. The remaining 10 games and an offseason might not be enough time.
In fact, the Browns' lackluster performance raised a bigger question. Will owner Randy Lerner need more of a scapegoat for a 7-15 record the past two years than offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon?
``We're going to try our best to stay together and try to get this team better going down the road,'' Crennel said. ``We still have several games to play, and if we hang together, we'll give ourselves a chance. If not, if things start coming apart, there will be no chance at all.''
The problems mounted as starting cornerback Gary Baxter, playing only his third game of the season, suffered what appeared to be a serious injury to his left knee with 50 seconds left in the first half. Covering receiver Javon Walker, Baxter's knee seemed to give out before he leaped to try to break up the pass that fell incomplete. Crennel said he would know more about Baxter's status today.
The Browns got another scare on their first series when they failed to convert on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 from the Broncos 46. On the latter, Frye scrambled left and was dropped by Myers for a 1-yard loss, his chest landing on the ball. Frye was replaced by Derek Anderson for only one play.
``That play, he seemed a little wobbly,'' left tackle Kevin Shaffer said. ``After that, you couldn't tell anything. He looked composed and he was still the leader in the huddle.''
The Browns will need a leader in a seven-game stretch that includes the Jets, Chargers, Falcons, Steelers, Bengals, Chiefs and Steelers again. Shaffer doesn't think the team will start pointing fingers.
``We have a mix of older and younger guys and we've all come together. We all believe in the same task and same goal ahead of us,'' Shaffer said.
``It's frustrating. It feels like there's talent on this team,'' free safety Brian Russell said. ``We feel like we have coaches who are trying to put us in the right positions and we're not getting the job done. We left some opportunities out on the field. You only get so many chances and obviously we didn't do enough with those chances.
``I've been on some other teams that I think would have been a challenge to stay together, but not this team. This team has a great group of guys. We're definitely going to stick together and work hard to find ways to finish games and play 60 solid minutes.''