Cleveland Browns (2008 Season)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

BROWNS
New defensive line faces first big test vs. Giants


Saturday, August 16, 2008 Chris Herring
Plain Dealer Reporter


The Browns' run defense could blind itself by looking too far ahead or behind.
Looking ahead, it would likely find the bright light at the end of the tunnel. Looking back, it'd find a scene best described as an eyesore.
Browns coach Romeo Crennel, regarded as one of football's best defensive minds, addressed his defensive line when asked about stopping the run.
"It's a momentum thing," said Crennel after his team finished its second-to-last practice of training camp Friday in Berea. "If your team can run the ball, it demoralizes the opponent."
Too often last season, the Browns were the ones being demoralized.

Continued.......

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Browns Insider: Cribbs flashes a strong arm

by Mary Kay Cabot Friday August 15, 2008, 8:57 PM


Xiaoming Chen/The Plain DealerWith a gadget play that resulted in a 50-yard pass completion, Josh Cribbs is enjoying a training camp designed to give him more opportunities in the Browns offense.

The old Flash showed Friday that his arm is still golden.
Josh Cribbs, the former Kent State quarterback, took a shotgun snap after Brady Quinn split left and launched a 50-yard TD pass to a streaking Travis Wilson down the right side, over rookie cornerback Gerard Lawson.
Cribbs, who's been begging for chances to throw the ball and harken back to his QB days, jumped up and down like a kid at a birthday party when the pony shows up.
"At the end of it, I was like 'go Flashes,'" said Cribbs. "The personnel package is called Flash. Whenever you hear Flash, I'm at QB. I was quarterback up there, of course, so I'm pretty sure they named the package after that."
It was Cribbs' flashiest pass of the preseason and most exciting completion since he's been here. He had one attempt in 2006 that fell incomplete and then hit Kellen Winslow on a two-point conversion in Arizona last season.

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[LitlBuck]

Now we are opening up the playbook for Cribbs and other teams will have to be very aware of that when scheming for the Browns offense

 

[ashlandbuck]

Now we are opening up the playbook for Cribbs and other teams will have to be very aware of that when scheming for the Browns offense

And they are wasting a roster spot on Ken Dorsey. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Cribbs would be a better third Qb than Dorsey.
I'd love to see an extra Wide reciever such a Paul Hubbard or Syndric Steptoe make this roster.

 

[LitlBuck]

PD

Browns Insider: Shaun Rogers takes it easy, but should play vs. Giants
by Mary Kay Cabot
Saturday August 16, 2008, 11:04 PM
Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer

A security guard has the thankless task of holding back a crush of people who want an autograph push to get to Browns tight end Kellen Winslow as he signs autographs after Saturday's final public training camp session.Nose tackle Shaun Rogers missed his second straight day of practice on Saturday, staying inside to work with the trainers on the final session open to the public.

Rogers also missed a day of camp earlier in the week with soreness in his knees, according to coach Romeo Crennel.

"He has several things that are a little sore and sometimes we give him a day off and put him in there and let him do the elliptical and low impact machines," said Crennel.

But Crennel said he hopes Rogers will play Monday night against the defending Super Bowl champion Giants in the Meadowlands.
"The trainers [may] tell me otherwise, but I expect he's going to play," said Crennel.

Rogers played only one series with the rest of the first team defense against the Jets before the downpour, but made his presence felt. He made the first tackle of the game after a three-yard gain by Thomas Jones and was part of a defense that stopped quarterback Kellen Clemens cold on a 4th-and-1 sneak at the 37.

Crennel said the starters would play into the second quarter, meaning Rogers and defensive end Corey Williams would get some significant action against quarterback Eli Manning and the Giants' fourth-ranked running game from 2007 if Rogers can play.

If he rests, Shaun Smith, who rotates with him and also plays end, would replace him at nosetackle.

Two excused: Cornerback A.J. Davis and quarterback Ken Dorsey were both excused from practice Saturday for personal reasons, but Crennel said he expects both to play Monday night.

Davis made a few plays this week, including a big breakup and interception in one afternoon, but Crennel said the situation hasn't changed at backup corner. "The guys are working hard and have gotten better," said Crennel. "That doesn't prohibit us from looking around to see what may be available."

Continued

 

[LitlBuck]

PD

NFL Insider: With a year's experience, fullback Ali developing into a force for Browns
by Tony Grossi
Saturday August 16, 2008, 9:46 PM

One of the most improved second-year players on the Browns is Charles Ali, who was the only undrafted rookie free agent to make the team in 2007.

He looks like a different player from the wide-eyed kid who walked on from Arkansas-Pine Bluff a year ago as a raw, bruising fullback.
In fact, Ali lost 10 pounds and is playing now at 255. He got invaluable playing time in the offense when starting fullback Lawrence Vickers missed two weeks with a hamstring injury.

"He's a smarter player," said Jamal Lewis. "You can tell how dedicated he is as far as what he's learned, picking things up about what fullbacks are supposed to do, and trying to build a chemistry with the running back, asking questions, getting feedback."

Lewis truly appreciates his blocking backs, Vickers and Ali. He said "it's something special" when the fullback and tailback have the right chemistry.

He said the chemistry is right when "[the fullback] knows where you're going, knows what it's going to take on a given play. A lot of times, it doesn't take a kill shot. Lots of times it just takes getting in the way [of a defender]."

"Last year, [Ali] was a big fullback, a big bruiser, which all running backs love," Lewis continued. "But it was kind of hard learning that position because there's so much to learn, being able to run through traffic and read through traffic. He wasn't as good last year as he is now doing that."

Ali's weight loss also earned him an enlarged role on special teams, including on kickoff returns. This year, Ali was moved from the front line of blockers to the next wave as an upback. That next wave may get more action in the return game as teams elect to kick short of Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs.

Continued

 

[LitlBuck]

PD

He's down with being No. 1 --- Browns' Anderson takes charge in training camp
by Mary Kay Cabot
Saturday August 16, 2008, 8:55 PM

Derek Anderson has clearly enjoyed this first training camp as a starting NFL quarterback.Today's Browns coverage

"My overall understanding of things this year has given me a lot more confidence," said Anderson. "Obviously, the situation was a little bit different last year and I was a little unsure of things. This year, I have a better grasp of the big picture."

Last preseason, Anderson was learning Rob Chudzinski's new scheme while also trying to beat out Charlie Frye -- who had the loyalty of teammates such as tight end Kellen Winslow. The combination had Anderson wound tighter than a roll of trainer's tape and he couldn't cut loose in camp.

"Derek just seems way more confident this year, not having to worry about a quarterback controversy or losing his spot," said receiver Josh Cribbs. "He knows he's got it and that we're leaning on him and depending on him to have a good season. He seems so much more comfortable in that role."

Cribbs has noticed that Anderson is directing traffic more than he did last year, helping the receivers know where to be and huddling with them after every rep.

Continued

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

Browns not used to such little drama, so few injuries

Associated Press

Sunday, August 17, 2008
BEREA ? The Cleveland Browns officially closed their training camp Saturday, Aug. 16, although head coach Romeo Crennel said the team will continue practicing under a camp-like schedule through the Aug. 28 preseason finale against Chicago.
Bleachers and hospitality tents were taken down minutes after the afternoon practice was completed, the last time this season fans will be allowed to watch the Browns undergo drills. But players will remain in the team hotel under curfew, Crennel said.
This training camp was different from its predecessors in two major ways. The Browns opened it with expectations of a playoff spot, and the only talk of a quarterback controversy was that there wasn't one.


Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

ABJ

Browns thrilled to enter spotlight Preseason game tonight against Super Bowl team is tuneup for prime time
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer

Published on Monday, Aug 18, 2008
BEREA: On Saturday, Browns coach Romeo Crennel cited a couple of instances of overexuberance in practice.
And he wasn't referring to quarterback Derek Anderson dancing a jig to Alabama's Mountain Music or linebacker David McMillan copying Michael Jackson's Thriller routine as Crennel used music to simulate crowd noise.
Rather, it was the effects of prime time on the long-starved Browns.
Cleveland plays five nationally televised games in the regular season, three on Monday night, one on Sunday night and one on Thursday night. It will mark the most prime-time appearances for the Browns since the 1988 and '89 seasons. They have not made a Monday night appearance in the regular season since 2003 against St. Louis.
The bright lights (and big city) atmosphere begins tonight when Cleveland (0-1) takes on the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants (0-1) at 8 p.m. (ESPN) at the Meadowlands.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

Cleveland Browns primed to play New York Giants

Tonight's matchup is test on big stage'
Monday, August 18, 2008 Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

It's lights, cameras and action for the Browns tonight against the Super Bowl champion New York Giants on ESPN, the perfect dress rehearsal for the five prime-time games they'll play during the regular season.
"We're excited," said receiver Josh Cribbs. "A lot of teams have looked at Cleveland and looked the other way. We're usually the team that other teams have their highlights on -- but no more.
"I've seen a highlight reel of Braylon [Ed wards] catching the ball and me running for touchdowns. We're not the team to look over anymore. Cleveland is in the house. Put us on prime time and let's see what we can do."

Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

Cleveland Browns to debut new-look pants

Monday, August 18, 2008
For the first time in team history, the Browns will wear brown pants during tonight's nationally televised preseason game at Giants Stadium, the team announced Sunday on its Web site.
The pants are plain, dark brown, with no stripes or markings. They'll be paired with their traditional white jerseys and orange helmets. They'll also wear dark brown socks and the black shoes they introduced in 2006. No plans have been made to wear the brown pants for any other road game this season.
"I think the new brown pants and socks mixed with our traditional jersey and helmet is an exciting new look," receiver/returner Josh Cribbs said on the Web site. "It's exciting to experience any kind of 'first' with this storied franchise, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Canton

Browns try to answer questions vs. Giants
Monday, August 18, 2008
By STEVE DOERSCHUK
[email protected]

After three weeks of camp, the Browns still face questions galore heading into their second preseason game.

Here are some of their issues swirling through the Meadowlands as they take on the host Super Bowl champion Giants tonight.

RUNNING BACK

Issue: Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison are fighting to give coaches a reason to lighten Jamal Lewis' workload.

Harrison (eight carries for 31 yards) ran better than Wright (seven for 17) against the Jets. Wright was the only one to catch a pass (for 12 yards) and has looked smoother as a receiver in camp.

Educated guess: Harrison will finally get a season when he is on the 45-man roster every week. The extra-back role, filled well by Wright in 2007, will be split between him and Harrison. Coordinator Rob Chudzinski will be creative about fitting in the extra backs week to week.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Canton

CDA' and 'BQ'
Monday, August 18, 2008
BY Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

An ongoing look at training camp through the eyes of

quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn:

Throughout camp, Brady Quinn's body language never stopped saying, "I'm good enough to start."

Romeo Crennel never stopped saying, directly or indirectly, "Derek Anderson is 'The Man.' "

"He's been improving ever since camp started," Crennel said by way of further cementing Anderson's grip on the job.

? How are Anderson and Quinn getting along?

"It's a good relationship," Crennel said Saturday. "There's no negative part that I see. They work very well together. They're in the classroom together. They try to help each other. That's what you want."

? Anderson won 10 games as a 2007 starter. Quinn played 10 snaps.

"When a guy has proven he can do it, it's hard for jealousies to get in the way," Crennel said. "Let's say they both had won 10 games for us. Then they both felt like they deserved a shot ... that's something different.

Cont...

 

[txbuckeye1983]

ESPN

Good update by James Walker.

 

[LitlBuck]

For the first time in team history, the Browns will wear brown pants during tonight's nationally

I don't care if they wear brown pants, white pants, or orange pants in the regular season as long as they win their conference and win a few games in the playoffs to the Super Bowl. In fact, they could wear no pants at all and I would not care:).

It will be a good test tonight for a little while for the Browns run defense since the Giants have quite a few big backs and their wide receivers are injured. Will be interesting for a while.