Cleveland Browns pondering new contract for Peyton Hillis, who says team, city 'represent who I am'

BEREA, Ohio -- Now that the Browns have secured left tackle Joe Thomas with a new contract for seven years, next up for a long-term deal could be running back Peyton Hillis.

A league source said the wheels have begun turning for talks about a new contract for Hillis. Browns GM Tom Heckert has said he intends to invest in "players we like and want to be here." The club has more than $18 million in salary cap room, according to latest figures reported by NFL.com, eighth-most in the league.

Heckert declined to be interviewed for this story.

Hillis recently changed agents for the second time in five months. He is in the last year of his original rookie contract and is scheduled to earn the NFL four-year minimum of $555,000. By comparison, the Browns gave running back Brandon Jackson a two-year deal for $4.5 million in free agency. Jackson was earmarked to be a role player and currently is sidelined with a toe in a cast. His return is indefinite.

Hillis obliterated the parameters of his existing contract last year when he saved the team's running back situation and burst out for 1,177 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, and 61 catches for two TDs.

Hillis accounted for 71.5 percent of the team's rushing yardage, 36 percent of the team's total yards from scrimmage, and 50 percent of its offensive touchdowns. Along the way, Hillis' fearless, downhill running style gave last year's Browns a much-needed identity and endeared him to a blue-collar city starving for a football hero. Fans expressed their gratitude by helping Hillis become the cover boy of the ultra-popular Madden 12 video game in a nationwide vote.

Hillis was drafted in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos in 2008, and then was underused for three years by two coaches. He was practically an afterthought in the 2010 trade that sent quarterback Brady Quinn to the Broncos. Six weeks later, the Browns traded up in the second round to select running back Montario Hardesty.

Hillis came to his first Browns camp as a backup fullback. Now he is the undisputed centerpiece of the running game and one of the most popular athletes in Cleveland. Hillis said he believes he has finally found his professional home.

"Most definitely. I think this team, this city, even the colors, represent who I am. As an individual, as a person and as a player," Hillis said Tuesday. "So I would love to be here as long the Browns want me here."

The only question perhaps about a new deal -- how big -- depended on Hillis' fit in the West Coast offense implemented by new coach Pat Shurmur. For four months while the owners locked out players in a labor dispute, all Shurmur had to go on was game video of Hillis blasting through -- and sometimes leaping over -- defenders.

"It doesn't take many snaps to see that he's a terrific runner," Shurmur said. "He's also a physical blocker just by his sheer physique. I think he does a good job of catching the ball. It didn't take long. He's one of the guys last year that got a lot of touches, so it was easy to see him perform."

Hillis shrugged, "Just because he says that doesn't mean anything to us. I know me and the O-line are really focusing on this running game. We always got to. We're in the toughest division in the NFL."

Hillis has carried the ball only eight times for 34 yards in three preseason games as Shurmur has devoted the games to polishing his timing-based passing attack. Although Hillis probably will not play in the practice game finale Thursday in Chicago, there is little doubt in his mind that the team will preserve its smash-mouth mentality in the running game.

"Especially with the guys that we have," he said. "You can always try different things, but what you're good at is what you're good at. You eventually come back around to that. There's no doubt we have to pass the ball. And we have the guys to do that. We're working on that and getting slowly better at that."

Hillis said he doesn't intend to rest on his laurels and is not overly concerned about a new contract.

"Whenever's my time, whenever the Browns feel like they want to take care of me, they will," he said. "I'm going to do my best, try to prove myself to them. This is a business and you still have to produce every day, every year. That's going to be my outlook from here on out."

Source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_pondering_new.html

Madden Smack Shack – Peyton Hillis Baking Cookies

Peyton Hillis has baked a mom some cookies because her son is no good at Madden. In this video edition of the Madden Smack Shack, Hillis shows off his comedic timing while wearing an oven mitt and apron. It’s a hilarious look for him, but don’t let it fool you…he is a beast on the football field. Very entertaining commercial from the Madden 12 cover boy. As a side story, Hillis gave his Cleveland Browns teammates advanced copies of the game this week. Thanks for sending me a copy Peyton!

Peyton Hillis Baking Cookies

Free Agency Inactivity Coming Back To Hurt The Browns

The Cleveland Browns will have some huge decisions to make over the next week as teams around the NFL will be looking to cut their rosters down to 53 active players. Cleveland has been hit by the injury bug harder than most other teams, but will be forced to move on with or without many of their starters as the regular season opener draws closer.

One of the biggest positions that will require the most overhaul is the offensive line. Starting left guard, Eric Steinbach, is likely going to miss several weeks if not the entire season due to a disk injury in his back. Jason Pinkston is currently in position to take Steinbach’s position as the starting guard, but will add to Cleveland’s concerns as the team will look to protect Colt McCoy and open holes for Peyton Hillis. John Greco will also be in the mix as a bit of a utility lineman as the team will likely rotate in certain players in red zone packages.

Cleveland will also be weak at the wide receiver position as the team has already cut two players in anticipation of the active roster deadline. Starting wideouts, Mohammed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs, have been sidelined for most of the preseason and have not gotten an extensive amount of work in with Colt McCoy.

The Browns have been completely inactive throughout most of the free agency period of the 2011 season and now the team may be regretting their decision to stay with their undrafted rookies and veterans. There were plenty of players on the free agency list that could have helped this team and added a significant amount of depth for the upcoming season. Now, as the injuries continue to pile up, the Browns will be forced to play their young starters and may ultimately suffer in the win/loss column for their decisions.

It will be interesting to see if Cleveland will be active as more teams begin to cut talented players for the upcoming season. Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren have always preached their willingness to find players that will help the team win games, but have not really shown that ability throughout their two years with the organization.

Source:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/free_agency_inactivity_coming_back_to_hurt_the_browns/6414418

Sorting out the facts as the Cleveland Browns wind down preseason preparation: Tony Grossi analysis

BEREA, Ohio -- In NFL preseason, nothing is as good or as bad as it seems. Then again, team deficiencies don't get magically corrected simply by turning the calendar to the regular season.

As the Browns head into their final week of preseason practice, their injury list poses new hurdles for the coaching staff. Issues of sloppy play abound, while decisions on the makeup of the final roster wind down.

Here's a primer on frequently asked questions about the Browns with the season opener fast approaching.

1. What's with all the injuries?

Currently, seven key players could open the season unable to play or having played no more than a quarter in the preseason. This is a theme throughout the league. Blame it on the four-month owners lockout.

While the new collective bargaining agreement softened the practice schedule in the name of player safety, the dead period broke up the off-season training routine, leaving the players more vulnerable to injuries.

2. Is the depth at linebacker a concern that no longer can be ignored?

Yes. Weakside linebacker Chris Gocong hasn't played in a preseason game because of a neck stinger. Backup middle linebacker Titus Brown will miss a few weeks with a high ankle sprain. Those injuries leave Steve Octavien as the most experienced backup on the roster with 18 career NFL games.

The Browns need to bring in a linebacker who has experience in the 4-3 defense at more than one position.

3. How is the receiving corps breaking down?

Brian Robiskie probably held down a starting spot with a good outing Thursday night. When healthy, Josh Cribbs appears to be the other starter. Rookie Greg Little would join the mix in three-receiver sets.

Mohamed Massaquoi hopes to practice this week for the first time after reporting to camp with a fracture in his left foot. Carlton Mitchell's broken finger set him back a few weeks. Jordan Norwood has had his moments and Demetrius Williams is not out of the picture.

4. Are the special teams getting enough attention?

Three breakdowns occurred in Philadelphia. League-wide, kickoff units are still grappling with the controversial rules changes. The Browns have not used league record-holder Josh Cribbs at all and are still breaking in Richmond McGee, who has never punted in a regular-season game.

It's safe to say this area of the team will suffer from the philosophical differences of the new regime. The former coaches were obsessed with special teams. The present regime -- starting with President Mike Holmgren at the top -- simply devotes more time, energy and resources to offense and defense.

That's the way it's going to be. While special teams rarely win games by themselves, no matter how dominant (see: 2004-08 Bills, 2009-10 Browns), it's important to note that bad special teams can submarine a season (2010 Chargers).

5. Why don't the Browns run the ball more in preseason?

If the game in Philadelphia were played in the regular season, the Browns would have dialed the run more to stabilize an offense out of synch. Peyton Hillis looked like he could have had a big game smashing through the center of the Eagles' defense, but he carried only three times (for 18 yards).

"Believe me, there's reasons for doing what I'm doing," coach Pat Shurmur said. "We have the ability to run the football here. I'm trying to use the preseason as a way to develop the team, and you really need to develop the passing game as well as the running game. I think that's important for the preseason, especially for a bunch of guys that have only been together for less than a month."

6. Are there more problems on the offensive line than meets the eye?

When this unit struggles as it did in Philadelphia, everything on offense gets out of whack. Colt McCoy doesn't have the natural ability of Michael Vick to make plays on his own when his line fails him, so it has to be consistently good.

Left guard Eric Steinbach figures to open the season still nursing a back injury. Steinbach's absence enabled the Browns to force-feed rookie Jason Pinkston with the No. 1 unit. Pinkston has responded well enough for the Browns to commit to him to open the season.

Considering that right guard Shawn Lauvao played sparingly as a rookie, that puts two untested guards in the starting lineup. Lauvao, though, has had a very good camp.

7. How will the final roster shake down?

Here's one guess, with the caveat that we may see two to four new players added after the final cuts:

Specialists (three): Phil Dawson, McGee, Ryan Pontbriand.

Quarterbacks (two): McCoy, Seneca Wallace.

Running backs (five): Hillis, Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson, Owen Marecic, Armond Smith.

Wide receivers (six): Robiskie, Cribbs, Little, Massaquoi, Norwood, Williams or Mitchell.

Tight ends (four): Benjamin Watson, Evan Moore, Alex Smith, Jordan Cameron.

Offensive linemen (nine): Joe Thomas, Steinbach, Alex Mack, Lauvao, Tony Pashos, Pinkston, Branndon Braxton, John Greco, Steve Vallos.

Defensive linemen (eight): Jayme Mitchell, Phil Taylor, Ahtyba Rubin, Jabaal Sheard, Derreck Robinson, Marcus Benard, Brian Schaefering, Travis Ivey.

Linebackers (six): Scott Fujita, D'Qwell Jackson, Gocong, Brown, Kaluka Maiava, Brian Smith.

Cornerbacks (six): Joe Haden, Sheldon Brown, Dimitri Patterson, Buster Skrine, James Dockery, Ramzee Robinson.

Safeties (four): T.J. Ward, Usama Young, Mike Adams, Ray Ventrone.

Source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/sorting_out_the_facts_as_the_c.html

Eric Steinbach's season in doubt because of disc problem; same for RB Brandon Jackson with toe injury

BEREA, Ohio — The seasons of Browns starting left guard Eric Steinbach (disk) and third-down running back Brandon Jackson (toe) are in doubt because of their injuries, a source said Friday.

Both players could end up on injured reserve for the season depending on how their injuries progress over the next few days or week. The Browns must trim their roster from 90 to 80 on Tuesday and to 53 on Sept. 3.

Steinbach, who suffered the injury in his back during practice Aug. 17, recently received a second opinion and is trying to determine whether or not to have surgery on the disk, the source said.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur indicated it's uncertain if Steinbach, who has started the past four seasons with the team at left guard, will be able to play this year.

"At this point, he's going through some treatments that we're hoping will get him back, and there's no real final call yet on whether he'll be back -- or when, actually," Shurmur said.

As for Jackson, Shurmur acknowledged he will be out "for an extended period."

Steinbach, a ninth-year pro, should have a better idea by Monday whether the treatments will be enough, or if he'll need the surgery. If he opts for the latter, he'll most likely go on injured reserve for the season. The loss of Steinbach would be a big blow for the Browns, because he has formed a formidable duo on the left side with four-time Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas.

If Steinbach is out, he'll most likely be replaced by rookie Jason Pinkston, a fifth-round pick who started at left guard Thursday night against the Eagles and graded out well. If Pinkston beats out a veteran such as John Greco for the job, the Browns would have two young starting guards in Pinkston and second-year player Shaun Lauvao.

"I'll tell you what, Jason Pinkston has made huge, huge strides in three-plus weeks," said Shurmur. "It's one thing to be out on the perimeter running routes as a rookie, but when you're in there in the thick of it, it's very challenging for those big guys. It takes development and seasoning, and I think he's making huge progress."

Jackson, who was signed as a free agent from Green Bay, suffered the toe injury during the second preseason game against the Lions and is wearing a cast. At first, the injury was described as turf toe, but now, Shurmur is calling it a more generic toe injury.

"I don't know the actual term for it," said Shurmur. "He does not have a broken toe, but it's going to take some time to settle down."

The Browns will continue to monitor Jackson to see if he can contribute at some point this season. If not, he'll also be a candidate for injured reserve.

Fortunately for the Browns, running back Montario Hardesty is on the mend and passed the first test of his surgically repaired left knee Thursday night in Philadelphia. Hardesty ran five times for 15 yards in one series in the first quarter before Shurmur sat him down.

"Hopefully I'll get a little more next week," said Hardesty after the game. "It was definitely a game to build on. It was fun getting back out there again. I feel fine."

In addition to the serious injuries to Steinbach and Jackson, backup middle linebacker Titus Brown suffered a high ankle sprain on the opening kickoff in Philadelphia and may be out for some time, according to Shurmur. Brown was on crutches after the game and most likely will miss several weeks. High ankle sprains are usually a two- to six-week injury.

The Browns were already a little thin at linebacker with Chris Gocong still recovering from his neck stinger.

But Shurmur said the Browns' many injuries are not out of the ordinary in this post-lockout preseason.

"The coaches that I interact with behind the scenes, I think we're all dealing with the same types of issues in terms of injuries," he said.

Source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_guard_eric_st.html

Montario Hardesty gets some work, leaves game healthy

PHILADELPHIA -- Montario Hardesty withstood the first test of his left knee in almost a year Thursday night against the Eagles.

Hardesty, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the final preseason game of last season, gained 15 yards on his five carries on one drive in the first quarter – emerging unscathed. Coach Pat Shurmur wanted to get Hardesty's feet wet but not soaked, and he was out of the game by the time the heavy rains came at the end of the second quarter.

"It was fun getting back out there," Hardesty said. "I didn't do some things I wanted to. I maybe wanted to play a little longer but it was good.

"Hopefully I'll play a little more next week and carry it on into the season.''

On his first carry, Hardesty was stopped cold by rookie linebacker Casey Matthews, the son of former Browns linebacker Clay Matthews. But he rebounded on his second attempt and plowed five yards up the middle to the Eagles 30.

His third carry showed some burst in churning out four yards behind Joe Thomas for a first down. He gained three yards on his final two attempts for a 3.0 average on the evening. If the average was unspectacular, Hardesty got through without incident to the knee, to the relief of everyone in the organization.

"I think it was good for him to get out there and get hit a couple of times,'' said Colt McCoy. "He needs to get in there and get his fits, get his timing down and I thought he did well.''

Hardesty's return is more pivotal considering Brandon Jackson is out indefinitely with what was diagnosed as turf toe. Jackson has not been seen at practice since he suffered the injury against the Lions last week.

"Regardless of whether or not (Jackson is healthy), I just want to go out and do the best I can for this team," Hardesty said. "It feels good to get back into live action.''

Peyton Hillis rushed three times for 18 yards and caught two passes for 35 yards, including a nifty one-handed grab and a 22-yarder near the end of the half.

Making an impact: Top draft pick Phil Taylor was eager to go up against his former Baylor teammate, Danny Watkins, the Eagles' first-round pick and starting right guard. He wound up dominating Watkins and rattling Cleveland Heights native Jason Kelce, the sixth-round pick who started at center.

On the Eagles' third play, Taylor stormed up the middle, sacked Michael Vick and forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive end Jayme Mitchell at the Philly 18. The Browns didn't capitalize, as Phil Dawson's field goal was blocked.

But Taylor set the tone. He got consistent pressure in the first half.

"It was my first sack, so I was pretty excited about it,'' said Taylor. "I got past the center (Kelce). I think I did well. Every week I try to work on my pass-rush craft. I think I'm getting better.''

There will be better days: Receiver Jordan Norwood was looking forward to facing his former team, but it didn't go as well as he had hoped. On a first-quarter punt return, Norwood was tripped by Sheldon Brown on a fair catch attempt and lost the ball. The Eagles converted it into a TD.

In the second quarter, Asante Samuel stepped in front of Norwood and picked off a Colt McCoy pass and returned it 17 yards to set up a field goal.

The walking wounded: Linebacker Titus Brown limped off the field in the first quarter with the help of trainers. He didn't return, and left on crutches with an apparent ankle injury. The Browns are already without Chris Gocong (neck stinger) and can ill afford more injuries.

McCoy falters: After two stellar performances, McCoy had his first poor outing of the preseason, completing nine of 18 attempts for 89 yards with an interception. His 41.2 rating compared to his 132.6 over the first two games.

McCoy didn't get much help. The Browns were plagued by penalties and dropped passes, including one on a deep ball to Evan Moore.

"We didn't play like we wanted to," McCoy said afterward. "We couldn't gain momentum. we couldn't get back on track. We've got to figure out that, but we're okay. There's no panic in this locker room.

"We understand the mistakes we made. If anything, this can be a good thing. It will be a bad day (Friday). But good teams will watch the team and learn from it.''

Added Shurmur: "If you ask him, there were a couple of plays he'd like to have back, namely the pick. For the most part he battled. This was a good defense and we just have to perform better.''

"We had some unfortunate things happen," McCoy said. "I just feel like we were behind the eight-ball a lot. You're playing second-and-long, third-and-long so much, it catches up with you.

"We had a few opportunities, I had Evan (Moore) down the sidelines once, had Robo (Brian Robiskie) down the field and we got a pass interference call, we had Peyton (Hillis) in the end zone and when you don't capitalize on those opportunities, you're all of a sudden behind and then you try to force things in there.

"There were some good things in there, but for the most part, we're not pleased.''

Pivotal call: An interception by Mike Adams was wiped out by a roughing call against D'Qwell Jackson. The referees ruled that Jackson made contact with Vick's chin on the hit, but he didn't. The 15-yard roughing call led to an 8-yard TD run by Vick that made it 17-0.

"I was conscious not to lead with my helmet, but the official felt I did,'' said Jackson. "They made the call and said it was illegal and we'll see how it looked on film. I'm not going to change the way I play because I thought it was a nice hit.''

Browns inactives: Receivers Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), Josh Cribbs (hamstring) and Carlton Mitchell (finger), safeties Eric Hagg (knee), T.J. Ward (hamstring) and Usama Young (hamstring), running back Jackson (foot), linebackers Gocong (neck) and Steve Octavien (unspecified), guard Eric Steinbach (back), defensive lineman Jabari Fletcher (knee) and cornerback Dimitri Patterson (unspecified).

Extra points: Shurmur, who spent 10 seasons as an Eagles assistant, spent 10 minutes chatting with his mentor and Eagles coach Andy Reid before the game and was greeted warmly by Eagles owner Jeff Lurie.

Original story:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/montario_hardesty_gets_some_wo.html

Cleveland Browns will have at least six starters miss game in Philadelphia because of injury

BEREA, Ohio — Because of injuries the Browns' "dress rehearsal" game Thursday in Philadelphia will feature plenty of understudies, but the team still hopes to get a good idea where it's at as starters will get their last significant playing time of the preseason.

The Browns' offense will be without receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), guard Eric Steinbach (back) and running back Brandon Jackson (toe). Receiver Josh Cribbs (hamstring) and running back Peyton Hillis (sore back) might not play and tight end Evan Moore could be limited after suffering a mild concussion last week.

The Browns' defense will be without starting safeties T.J. Ward (hamstring) and Usama Young (hamstring) and starting linebacker Chris Gocong (neck).

"It's tough, it's challenging," said quarterback Colt McCoy, who will play at least a half and possibly into the third quarter with the rest of the starters. "But that's football. You'd like to have those guys every day so you can develop a rhythm, but that's how it is and you've just got to keep playing."

Even Browns President Mike Holmgren weighed in on the revolving starting lineup this week.

"I'm going crazy so I can only imagine what [coach] Pat [Shurmur] is dealing with," Holmgren said. "It's frustrating because you know they're losing valuable teaching time. It's part of the game but it's never easy."

On the bright side for the Browns, running back Montario Hardesty will play for the first time since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the final preseason game last year. Hardesty's return is even more pivotal now that Jackson is out indefinitely with the toe injury.

"We'll get [Montario] some work and see how he holds up," said Shurmur, who spent 10 years as an assistant with the Eagles. "I do think too much sometimes is as bad as not enough. We'll feel it out. He'll probably appear in the first half at some point."

Hardesty has held up well the past week despite plenty of contact in practice.

"I knew it was going to be a battle to get back and I wanted to take it full force," he said. "I've taken every rep at game speed, whether I've had pads on or not. I've been working hard since last year to get to this point, so it's time to go now."

Browns receiver Jordan Norwood, who figures to get plenty of playing time Thursday, is looking forward to playing his former team. He spent most of 2009 on the Eagles' practice squad and dressed for one game.

"I'd like to think I bring something unique as do all the other receivers," Norwood said. "I'm still on the road, still trying to head in that direction [of contributing]. I haven't stepped on the field in a regular season other than once in Philadelphia, so I'm still working on it."

The Eagles' offense, which the Steelers crushed last week, will have something to prove against the Browns. Quarterback Michael Vick threw three interceptions, no touchdowns and completed only five attempts for 47 yards. Vick was without starting receiver Jeremy Maclin and the Eagles' other starting wide receiver, DeSean Jackson, was coming off an injury and was limited.

Still, the Browns are gearing up for the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

"Playing against Michael Vick is when you realize dreams do come true," Browns rookie defensive end Jabaal Sheard said. "Just getting a chance to play him, it's going to be crazy. But as much as I'm excited, I'm scared too. He's a fast guy and I'm on his front side so I've got to hold contain. It'll be a challenge."

Browns No. 1 pick Phil Taylor is excited to play against his former Baylor teammate Danny Watkins, the Eagles' No. 1 pick and starting right guard.

"It'll be fun, a good test," Taylor said. "I feel like I'm doing well. I think I caught up from the four days [of holding out] in the first two days I was here. I think our whole front is working well together."

The game also marks a homecoming for Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown, who played eight seasons for the Eagles before signing with the Browns last season.

McCoy, who had led the Browns to five touchdowns in his nine preseason possessions, hopes to build on the first two exhibition games.

"Obviously, it's a huge challenge with Philadelphia," McCoy said. "They're a good football team. We all know who's on their team. We have our hands full for sure."

Original story:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_will_have_at.html

Shurmur's turn to cure Browns

s the NFL's lockout dragged on, Pat Shurmur often went unrecognized when he ventured out in public. At one local restaurant, the Browns' first-year coach was approached by a flustered waitress who apologized for not realizing she was serving ''the coach.'' She thought he was Jim Tressel, Ohio State's exiled coach. ''Nobody knew who I was,'' Shurmur said, cracking a smile. He can't hide any longer. Not in this football-freaky town, where the man in charge of the Browns is under constant watch and scrutiny. Hired in January, Shurmur is Cleveland's fifth coach since 1999, a loathsome 12-year stretch in which the Browns have been nothing but brutal. They've made the playoffs once, had two winning seasons and lost 10 games or more nine times. There has been almost constant change in the front office, coaching staffs and players have cycled through at an exhausting pace and nothing has been permanent besides the club's plain orange helmets and the unwavering loyalty of Cleveland's fans. ''It's been nuts,'' said four-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas, who begins his fifth season under a third coach. ''But there's now a very solid plan. Everybody in this organization is rowing the ship in the same direction - for once.'' And Shurmur has the wheel. This is his first head coaching gig - at any level - but the 46-year-old Shurmur, who is succeeding Eric Mangini after two 5-11 seasons, built an impressive pro resume by developing quarterbacks. As an assistant under Andy Reid in Philadelphia, Shurmur helped Donovan McNabb blossom into one of the game's top QBs, and as St. Louis' offensive coordinator, he molded rookie Sam Bradford, who turned the Rams around last year. Shurmur's new project is Colt McCoy, who was impressive last year after being thrown to the Steelers and Ravens as a rookie starter because of injuries. McCoy has flourished during the preseason in Shurmur's new West Coast offense, which puts a premium on accuracy, timing and smarts. Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown played eight seasons with McNabb, and has seen enough of McCoy to believe he has what it takes to succeed. In fact, Brown feels McCoy's ability puts him at another level. ''Second to none,'' Brown said. ''You can see his poise. You can see he's never flustered in the game, no matter the situation. He runs the offense efficiently. You can tell he's a guy that's been groomed to be a quarterback. His demeanor, he never panics, you always see him calm, even when he was thrown in those situations last year. No one gave him a chance. He was cool as ice. On the bus ride to the stadium, you never could tell. That's just him.'' McCoy went 2-6 in eight starts, completed 60 percent of his passes and threw more interceptions (9) than TDs (6) last year. But he showed he toughness, leadership qualities and insatiable drive to get better. During the lockout, McCoy sought out Brett Favre for some advice on running the West Coast on Ohio's North Coast. McCoy understands to be considered among the game's best will require work. ''I'm always impressed by other quarterbacks, whether it's Tom (Brady) or playing against Aaron (Rodgers). Just in the short time that I've been a starting quarterback, I realize how hard it is. I realize the time commitment, I realize you have to be a little lucky at times and so for a guy like Aaron or Tom or anyone who can go out and win successfully year in and year out and play well. I have all the respect in the world for them. This is not an easy thing to do.'' The Browns are hoping battering ram running back Peyton Hillis can build off his breakout season (1,177 yards), which earned him acclaim and the cover of Madden '12, the popular video game. Hillis isn't one dimensional either. He had 61 catches and became the first back in Cleveland history to rush for 1,000 yards, catch at least 50 passes and score 10 TDs. Take that, Jim Brown. On defense, the Browns are switching to a 4-3 scheme under new coordinator Dick Jauron, the former Chicago and Buffalo coach who can draw on 27 years of NFL experience. The Browns will start two rookies - first-round pick Phil Taylor and second-rounder Jabaal Sheard - up front, and they're counting on D'Qwell Jackson to bounce back after missing last season with a chest injury. Cornerback Joe Haden could be the Browns' best player. He had six interceptions in just seven starts as a rookie, and the gregarious 22-year-old, who spent the offseason endearing himself to Clevelanders with appearances at Cavaliers games and charity events, has superstar potential. Linebacker Scott Fujita has already taken the uneven road to success that the Browns are attempting to travel. Fujita spent three difficult seasons in New Orleans before everything fell into place, capped by the Saints' storybook run to a Super Bowl title. Fujita can sense the tide turning for the Browns. ''It's all very professional,'' he said. ''We do have a lot of guys who have been in the league for a long time. Guys like Dick Jauron and (senior assistant) Ray Rhodes. I like the way Pat goes about his business. It's about doing the right thing. If we have a meeting, we don't meet just to meet. ''They know what they're doing.'' And that's welcomed news to kicker Phil Dawson. The only player remaining from Cleveland's '99 expansion team, Dawson left after last season thinking his days in Cleveland were over. He said his goodbyes and prepared for the next phase of his career when the Browns placed their franchise tag on him and signed him to a one-year deal. He's back with the Browns, and Dawson, the team's career leader in field goals and one of the most accurate kickers in league history, believes it's somehow meant to be. He's seen it all in 12 rollercoaster seasons. ''I'll tell ya, it's surreal being back,'' he said after a recent practice. ''I thought last season was it. But here I am, and here we go again.''

Original Story: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Sh...

Joe Thomas, Cleveland Brown For Life

CLEVELAND (AP)

Joe Thomas' goal when he entered the NFL was to spend his entire career with one team. The Cleveland Browns have made that possible.

The team locked up its steady Pro Bowl left offensive tackle on Monday by reaching agreement with Thomas on a seven-year contract extension.

Agent Peter Schaffer told The Associated Press on Monday night that the sides had been working on the deal for some time and that he was pleased his 26-year-old client will have long-term security with the Browns.

''This is all Joe wanted,'' Schaffer said.

Schaffer would not provide financial terms of the deal, but according to ESPN.com, citing anonymous league sources, the package is worth $84 million and includes $44 million in guaranteed money.

A Browns spokesman said the team has no announcement planned.

Thomas said he's thrilled to be staying in Cleveland.

''I am just so excited that I get to continue my career with the Cleveland Browns,'' Thomas said in an email to the AP. ''I think something really special is happening here and it makes me very happy to get to start and finish my career in front of the best fans in the NFL. I love the city, fans, and the organization, and I just want to thank coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue to play for this great and storied franchise.''

Thomas, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his four NFL seasons, was entering the final year of the rookie contract he signed after being taken with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2007 draft. Last week, Thomas said he was excited about the direction the Browns were headed under president Mike Holmgren, Heckert and Shurmur, the Browns' first-year coach.

''There's now a very solid plan,'' Thomas said. ''Everybody in this organization is rowing the ship in the same direction - for once.''

Schaffer said Thomas did not want to make a big deal about his extension, and chose to keep it private.

In only a few weeks of training camp, Thomas has been pleased with the Browns' improvement under Shurmur, his third head coach in less than five seasons.

''I've been really impressed," Thomas said. ''The staff they have put together is phenomenal with the number of guys who have been head coaches in the league. A lot of different experiences, and they've coached in a lot of different styles, a lot of different schemes and systems. They're really focused on teaching and I think that's the thing that has impressed me most about coach Shurmur. He's a really hands-on teacher. He's on the field coaching (quarterback) Colt McCoy up for every read and every throw. He's talking to the receivers. He's talking to the offensive linemen and tight ends. He's throwing his two cents in there on defense.

''It's been great.''

Thomas has started all 64 games and has not missed an offensive snap since joining the Browns, a fact not lost on a fan base that admires hard workers. The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder first endeared himself to Browns fans on draft day four years ago, when instead of joining the other top draft picks on stage at New York's Radio City Music Hall, Thomas instead went fishing with his father and some buddies in Wisconsin.

Thomas' work ethic and leadership skills are what set him apart for Shurmur.

''Joe is a steady guy, which you need from an offensive lineman,'' he said. ''He's a guy that comes out here every day and works. Every once in a while he can be vocal, I wouldn't say that's his nature to just be exerting himself verbally. There's time within a practice or within a day when something needs to get said and he'll step right to the front and say it. I have a great appreciation for what he is as a player and a man.''

Montario Hardesty Set to Return Thursday

Montario Hardesty will make his season debut Thursday night when the Cleveland Browns travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in the team’s third preseason game of the year.

Hardesty’s season ended last year, when he tore his ACL against the Chicago Bears in the Browns final preseason game. The former University of Tennessee runningback was drafted by the Cleveland Browns during last year’s NFL Draft. GM Tom Heckart and team President Mike Holmgren traded up into the second round to draft Hardesty, despite Hardesty’s history of knee injuries.

Hardesty was once thought to be a potential starter for the Browns prior to his season-ending ACL injury. However, with the emergence of Peyton Hillis, Hardesty will now have to wait his turn to crack the starting line-up. First year head coach, Pat Shurmur, has been extremely cautious with Hardesty’s surgically repaired knee. After experiencing pain in his knee after practice on August 1st, Shurmur decided to keep Hardesty out of pratice. What was supposed to be a “few days”, turned into two weeks. Hardesty returned to practice on August 15th.

The return of Hardesty is great news for the Browns. One of the Browns (few) free agent signings, Brandon Jackson, injured his toe during Saturday’s 30-28 loss to the Detroit Lions. Head coach Pat Shurmur said after the game that Jackson’s injury appeared to be a turf toe injury. Jackson was having his toe reevaluated Sunday. Last year’s starter, Peyton Hillis, missed Saturday’s game due to a tweaked hamstring, but did return to practice Sunday.

Source:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/montario_hardesty_set_to_return_thursday/6282394

When it comes to his new hometown, Browns' Joe Haden is everywhere in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Like most newcomers to a city, Joe has spent the past few months trying to learn the details of his new home. He's explored the streets, eaten at loads of restaurants, been to plenty of sporting events, and made oodles of new friends. Some of those pals, he's even invited to share lunch with him at his favorite joint down the street. His treat.

Normally, all of this would be unspectacular.

But the fact that he's Joe Haden, the second-year Browns cornerback, makes it notable. Not many professional athletes inject themselves into their community promptly upon arriving to play for a new team. Fewer do it in a town where they have no ties. But the gregarious 22-year-old Haden now rivals teammate Josh Cribbs, a Kent State product, for the title of Mr. Cleveland in his first off-season, with a schedule that has included:

• Attending Cavaliers games dressed as Anderson Varejao (with a springy-haired wig) and Baron Davis (with a painted-on beard);

• Making celebrity appearances at the Rite-Aid Cleveland Marathon and Lee Evans Celebrity Flag Football Game;

• Buying lunch for several dozen of his closest Twitter friends at Sushi Rock;

• Shooting hoops with fans at Cedar Point;

• Attending several Indians games, one in which he dressed as reliever Tony Sipp;

• Agreeing to every autograph request and generally becoming the most visible athlete in town.

If it seems like Haden is everywhere, it's probably because he is.

• Cleveland fans' photos with Joe Haden.

"You'd think all kinds of marketing guys were behind it, but it's just Joe being Joe," said Joe Haden Jr., the football player's father. "He's a good kid and he likes to have fun. He's done a better job than any marketing firm could."

None of the fan interaction and high visibility has been calculated, Haden swears. He just doesn't like being alone, never has. He likes to have fun, always has. Haden is the oldest of five boys in his family, the talkative clan leader whose wide, toothy smile draws people to him like kittens to a saucer of milk.

When he attended Florida, where he first began to play defensive back after a high school career as quarterback, he was the first on the dance floor at clubs, the first to make friends with a simple trip to the grocery store.

Said Sean Cabble, his college buddy and business manager: "If he's awake, he's doing something."

"What else would I be doing -- sitting at home by myself?" Haden said. "It's all about giving back, and at the same time, it's so much fun."

Especially for fans on the receiving end of Haden's generosity. Stephen Marini Garvin saw Haden's tweet offering to buy a meal at Sushi Rock this summer, and merely shrugged until his brother argued, "Why wouldn't we go?"

Garvin and his brother were the first to arrive out of about 75 people who received free sushi, and had a short conversation with Haden about their alma maters -- Garvin attended Florida State. Garvin was impressed.

"For me as an FSU alum to say that means he truly is performing above and beyond expectations both on and off the field," he said. "The way he continues to show support for Cleveland's other professional teams and members of the community should be a blueprint to athletes everywhere. He's a welcome change to the last guy we thought loved Cleveland as much as we loved him."

That's a not-so-subtle dig at one local product who never seemed to embrace Cleveland in the same way during his seven years as a Cavalier.

"When LeBron James was around here, you didn't know it," said Haden's personal assistant, Jason Simmons. "Joe's a really good guy for the city because wherever he goes, he talks to everyone."

Added Theresa Bolinger, a friend of Haden's: "LeBron was from here and he couldn't even do all the stuff Joe does."

Despite Haden's on-the-go schedule, he makes his job with the Browns his priority. He revels in the nickname "Lockdown Joe" that has been replicated on T-shirts by a local company. He logged six interceptions in his rookie season, and became known as a fast-learning speedster who has star potential.

Dedicated Browns fans appreciated his interaction via his Twitter feed @joehaden23, which declares he's "No Ordinary Joe."

John Rozak, a 21-year-old from Medina, was the sole fan sporting Haden's jersey at Browns training camp one day last week. Rozak received Haden's autograph last year after a game, and has been a devoted follower ever since.

"I like the fact that he's active in the city," Rozak said. "You see him at Cavs games and Indians games all the time. You always see Cribbs and Haden on TV, and they're always tweeting."

Haden contends he has yet to deny an autograph request, and is quick to accept most appearance offers. At a recent celebrity football appearance before the start of training camp, he grinned and signed every item shoved in his path. The hot, summer sun beat down, but the signing continued for anyone who asked for his scrawl.

"I say yes a lot more than I say no," Haden said. "I like interacting with people. Sometimes it can be overwhelming with everyone coming up all the time. It can be a little much. But you still do it. You've got to take the bad with the good."

Said Haden's father: "He hasn't had to be prepped on any of this. This is him. What you see is what you get."

Haden wants this season to be his breakout year, when he proves he can cover anyone on the football field for the Browns. But that doesn't mean he plans on curtailing his social nature. He still plans on his weekly bowling outing at Corner Alley, even if he hasn't seen his scores improve.

"It's really easy to do, honestly," Haden said. "Even if I didn't play football, I'd be doing all this stuff. I'm just trying to have a good time and make sure everyone knows I care about this city and appreciate the fans."

Source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/when_it_comes_to_his_new_homet.html

Evan Moore shines early, leaves with possible concussion

Evan Moore caught two touchdown passes in the first half, but left the game late in the second quarter with a possible concussion.

Coach Pat Shurmur said Moore "got dinged'' and is undergoing further evaluation.

A concussion would be a concern, because Moore suffered one last year, in week two against Kansas City. The NFL is taking concussions very seriously, especially multiple ones. Moore came up slowly after a 17-yard catch over the middle and went to the locker room before halftime. He did not return and was not available after the game.

Before he left, he caught the two TDs, including an acrobatic, over-the-shoulder catch on a 21-yarder in the end zone from Colt McCoy in which he managed to keep his feet inbounds.

"That guy by far has the best hands on the team,'' said receiver Greg Little. "That catch was amazing.''

Moore caught a 2-yarder in the end zone to open the scoring and the 21-yarder that put the Browns ahead, 14-10, in the second quarter. The latter was first ruled an incompletion and then reversed after further review.

"Evan is definitely a weapon,'' said McCoy. "He's a big target and he creates mismatches. I thought he played excellent. He got some good balls and then we got him out of there.''

Moore's preseason success has been even more welcome considering that Ben Watson has been bothered by injuries. Watson suffered a concussion the first week of camp and sat out Friday with a hamstring injury. Watson was the Browns' leading receiver last season with 68 catches for 763 yards.

Act like you've been there: Little had a superb first half, making a leaping 12-yard catch on the opening TD drive and then catching 13-yard TD to increase the Browns' lead to 21-10. But Little celebrated the score by kicking the ball into the Dawg Pound, about eight rows up.

That prompted Shurmur to give Little a lecture on the sideline, placing his hand on his shoulder and presumably setting him straight about the kick.

"I told him, 'you tarnished a great effort by booting the ball in the stands,''' said Shurmur. "I don't expect to see that again.''

Little said he regretted it, but was just so excited to be back playing and scoring again.

"I do regret it because of the negative scrutiny it brings,'' said Little, who wasn't flagged. "I want to be known as a team player.''

Another hobbled back: Backup running back Brandon Jackson left the game in the third quarter with turf toe and did not return. The injury is a concern because Peyton Hillis is nursing a sore hamstring and Montario Hardesty is still easing his way back in from his knee surgery. The Browns play Thursday night in Philadelphia.

After Friday's game, Shurmur indicated Hardesty will play against the Eagles. "We'll put him back in live action with a solid week and a half (of practice) under his belt.''

Sheard's big play: Jabaal Sheard showed flashes of the big-play ability the Browns projected when they drafted him in the second round. On the Lions' opening drive, Sheard not only forced running back Jahvid Best to cough up the ball after a 1-yard gain, he recovered the ball to set up a TD.

Sheard also forced an incompletion on the next drive when he chased Matt Stafford out of the pocket. He chased Stafford again on the next play, but it was wiped out by a holding call.

Source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/evan_moore_continues_a_preseas.html

Cleveland rookie guard Jason Pinkston could play more than planned against Detroit Lions in place of injured Eric Steinbach

BEREA, Ohio — One member of the Browns' rookie draft class who hasn't aroused much conversation may come under the microscope very soon. He's Jason Pinkston, a fifth-round pick from Pittsburgh.

Pinkston is listed at third-team left guard, but he was the first one in with the regulars Wednesday when stalwart Eric Steinbach left practice early with a tightened back. Steinbach missed the first week of practice with a knee issue.

The extent of Steinbach's back injury wasn't immediately known. He was not seen at the afternoon walk-through. Before then, coach Pat Shurmur indicated Pinkston should receive more playing time than planned Friday night against Detroit.

The day before, Shurmur said of Pinkston: "He's done some things that you need to see in an offensive lineman, as far as coming off the ball, finishing blocks. He's a real heavy-body, lower-body guy. He's got an anchor. He knows how to play the game. We're pleased with his progress."

Pinkston said it took him a while to be confident with the Browns' offensive concepts.

"It's gone pretty well considering the lockout, and we didn't have a chance to get in and learn the playbook," he said. "Kind of just picking up the mental things so I can react faster. I was a little slow at first, but I'm picking it up now, recognizing things faster."

Pinkston knows he has big shoes to fill if Steinbach doesn't play.

"The weight's on me now, and I have to step up and be able to do what he does," he said. "Watching him on film, he doesn't mess up too much, and he's doing good things."

Former Browns tackle Corey Williams lines up over the left guard for the Lions with rookie No. 1 pick Nick Fairley out for a few weeks after foot surgery.

Detroit's Ndamukong Suh, the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2010, would line up over Browns right guard Shawn Lauvao. Suh reportedly was fined $20,000 for an illegal hit on Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton last week. Suh was fined $7,500 last summer for a similar hit on then-Browns QB Jake Delhomme in a preseason game.

Article source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_rookie_guard_jason_p.html

Is the Madden Curse Already Effecting Peyton Hillis?

Is the Madden curse already effecting Peyton Hillis?  It may seem that way as  Hillis felt something in his hamstring today in practice according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Could this be the beginning of an injury plagued season for Hillis?  This is something the Browns did not want to hear about their brusing running back. Is Hillis the next Victim of the Madden curse?  Or is this just a freak accident the media and bloggers will blow up into something bigger then it is?  Some people say the Madden curse is not real while some say if you look at the history of who has been on the cover and how they performed that season you can’t say there is not a curse. Here is to this hamstring scare being nothing and hoping Hillis has a great season for the Browns.

Maybe Josh Cribbs can be the play-making wide receiver

Much has been made, rightfully so, of the Cleveland Browns' lacking a big-time playmaker at wide receiver.

Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi have done little to justify being second-round picks, as they both were, in the 2009 draft.

A second-rounder last April, Greg Little, apparently owns some of the qualities necessary for an impact wideout. Bottom line is, he's a rookie.

Several young wide receivers are trying to earn roster spots, and though maybe one or two could emerge as contributors, it's unlikely that any will be a game-changer.

And, there's Josh Cribbs, the ace kickoff/punt returner who has not flourished in his opportunities as a wide receiver.

Craig Lyndall writes that Cribbs might still become a key to the Browns' passing game. Cribbs and quarterback Colt McCoy connected twice for 37 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown, in Cleveland's 27-17 exhibition game win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.

Lyndall writes:

Josh Cribbs continues to get better and better as a receiver. This is really only Josh Cribbs’ third year playing wide receiver, and much of last year he was plagued by injuries. So far this season Josh has been healthy and he is really starting to put some polish on his game. He has shown some really great hands and is running his routes more crisply than ever before. In addition to that, there is nobody on the field who is more friendly to the QB on broken plays. Cribbs is always wary when McCoy has been flushed out of the pocket and he seemingly always gets himself into a decent position to bail his QB out in space. We don’t expect NFL players to continue to improve into their late 20′s, but it seems that Cribbs might be an exception to the rule.

The Browns play their second preseason game on Friday night, meeting the Detroit Lions at Browns Stadium.

Source:

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_pm_links_8.html

Colt McCoy pleased with results of workout with Brett Favre

BEREA, Ohio -- In his quest to excel in the West Coast offense, Browns quarterback Colt McCoy couldn't think of anyone better to help teach it to him this off-season than future Hall of Famer Brett Favre.

McCoy called Favre and asked if he could come to his hometown in Hattiesburg, Miss., to work with him on the precision scheme, one that Favre ran for 20 years. Favre obliged, and the two spent about four days together pouring over the offense and throwing passes.

"Since I couldn't get coached, it was a great opportunity to pick the brains of a guy who's played in this system for 20 years," McCoy said through a team spokesperson. "It was a chance for me to get a lot of questions answered. We worked on footwork, progressions, reads and things like that. It was definitely a positive trip."

Favre, an 11-time Pro Bowler, spent seven seasons perfecting the West Coast offense in Green Bay under Browns President Mike Holmgren, then the Packers coach. The offense run by Pat Shurmur was handed down from Holmgren to Eagles coach Andy Reid to Shurmur, so it's as close as McCoy could get.

During four of Favre's seven seasons with Holmgren, he earned a passer rating in the 90s. He also threw an average of 35 touchdowns and 16 interceptions during five of those seasons. Together, Holmgren and Favre rode the scheme to a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in 1996.

McCoy, who organized four lockout workouts to help teach the offense to his teammates, also spoke on the phone with former NFL head coach and Holmgren protege Jon Gruden about the scheme.

McCoy saw some early results from his work. Despite just 11 practices before the preseason opener, McCoy completed nine of 10 attempts for 135 yards and a touchdown. He earned a 152.1 rating, which is not far off a perfect 158.3.

Original story:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_quarterback_c_15.html

Did You Know?

The Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship in 1950; their first year in the league, beating the Los Angeles Rams who had previously been the Cleveland Rams.

45 Years Ago Today

7.30pm, Sunday 14 August 1966 (45 years ago), I was at Cleveland Municipal Stadium anxiously waiting for the Beatles to take the stage that was located on top of second base.

The third date of The Beatles' final tour took place in Cleveland, Ohio, where they performed one concert before 20,000 people.

Support acts for the entire tour were The Remains, Bobby Hebb, The Cyrkle and The Ronettes. The show was temporarily halted during The Beatles' fourth song, Day Tripper, when 2,500 fans invaded the baseball field. The group spent some time backstage before order was restored.

 

August 14, 1966

One of the wildest shows took place at the Municipal Stadium in Cleveland - where the crowd broke loose, crashed through a four-foot security fence and invaded the field during Day Tripper. Hopelessly outnumbered and overwhelmed, the local police simply gave up and stood back while hordes of fans took control of the stage and the 'secure' grassy area around it. The boys rushed off to their makeshift dressing room - a caravan/trailer parked behind the stage - and the concert was stopped for 30 minutes while private guards and police reinforcements restored order. At the end of that show roadie Mal Evans had to stop fans from stealing the boys' instruments from the stage as souvenirs.

Tony Barrow
John, Paul, George, Ringo & Me

The Beatles' standard set throughout the tour consisted of 11 songs: Rock And Roll Music, She's A Woman, If I Needed Someone, Day Tripper, Baby's In Black, I Feel Fine, Yesterday, I Wanna Be Your Man, Nowhere Man, Paperback Writer and I'm Down. During the tour they occasionally substituted the final song with Long Tall Sally.

After the concert The Beatles stayed in Cleveland. The following day they flew to Washington, DC.

Cleveland Stadium, also known as Lakefront Stadium and Cleveland Municipal Stadium, was normally used for baseball and American football matches. It was demolished in 1995 and the Cleveland Browns Stadium was built on the site.

Browns Offense Shines – First AFC North Team to Win

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thrown together in two weeks and still missing some parts, the new Browns' offense made an impressive preseason debut Saturday night.

Colt McCoy engineered two touchdowns in three possessions and the backups made them hold up in a 27-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers, making a winner of Pat Shurmur in his first exhibition game as an NFL head coach.

The Browns also scored on a 43-yard fumble return by linebacker Titus Brown after a strip-sack of Green Bay quarterback Graham Harrell by undrafted rookie linebacker Brian Smith. Camp kicker Jeff Wolfert added field goals of 46 and 44 yards.

Shurmur even scored his first victory on a coaches challenge, overturning a Green Bay reception.

"It was fun. It was very exciting," Shurmur said. "I learned from Andy Reid a long time ago it's hard to win in this league. So even though this game didn't count, that feeling you get for winning a game is something we all long for."

The Packers, fresh off a White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl championship, left their first teams in for only two series. So it's dangerous to read too much into what you see in August, particularly in the first practice game. But considering their non-existent off-season caused by the NFL lockout, the Browns were surprisingly sharp and in sync in their passing game.

They looked, in a word, coordinated. There was a sense of purpose in what they tried to do and a tempo that was faster than we've seen here for a while. The trigger man, Colt McCoy, was on target.

McCoy was almost perfect on his two scoring drives. He was 9-of-10 for 135 yards, tossing a 27-yard touchdown pass to Josh Cribbs and setting up a Peyton Hillis TD on a 37-yard seam pass to tight end Benjamin Watson.

Six players caught passes from McCoy, including four by wideouts Cribbs, Brian Robiskie and rookie Greg Little. It wasn't dink and dunk.

"For the first time out, I thought we did pretty well," said running back Peyton Hillis, who had a 3-yard scoring run and 16 yards overall on five carries.

McCoy's only incompletion was a pass batted at the line of scrimmage by Green Bay second-team nose tackle Howard Green.

There were some hiccups -- a defensive timeout on the first play because of 12 men on the field and a brain cramp by rookie fullback Owen Marecic on the first offensive play. Marecic let an incomplete backwards pass -- technically a lateral -- lay on the ground when coaches were hollering to him to pick up the live ball. Watson had a false start.

"(McCoy) came right back and said, 'Coach, I should have just run with it,'" Shurmur said. "As he gets more comfortable with his players and this system, I think he'll progress."

McCoy overcame those miscues on the first series and marched the offense 71 yards in eight plays against the No. 1 Green Bay defense. Packers coordinator Dom Capers didn't throw many of his exotic zone blitz schemes at McCoy, but so what? The timing and rhythm that McCoy worked on all week seemed to come together.

Once McCoy crossed the 50 on a blitz-beating pass to Peyton Hillis, he thirsted for the end zone. He connected in the middle of the field on a 15-yard pass to Robiskie and then tossed a perfect ball to Cribbs' outside shoulder over cornerback Pat Lee near the right pylon at the goal line.

"That's the mark of a quarterback, getting you in the end zone," Shurmur said.

After a three-and-out sequence in his second possession, McCoy was allowed to stay in as his final series stretched into the second quarter. He teamed with Watson for successive gains of 19 and 37 yards -- firing over linebacker Erik Walden on the latter -- to set up Hillis, who rammed it in behind right tackle Tony Pashos from three yards out.

"I thought he was pretty sharp," Shurmur said of McCoy. "He executed well. He was pretty efficient with his throws. He worked us down the field twice."

McCoy called the night "pretty good."

"I thought the operation went well. We wanted to create a tempo and I think we did that early on," he said. "We're nowhere where we need to be. It was fun just to see where we are as an offense."

Defensively, the Browns forced a punt after three plays to lead off the game, then fell victim to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' no-huddle attack. Rodgers completed all six of his passes on a 73-yard scoring drive. He connected with Greg Jennings for a 21-yard touchdown on a laser throw that beat cornerback Sheldon Brown at the left pylon.

After Rodgers was pulled, the Browns got a sacks of backup Matt Flynn by Jayme Mitchell and Marcus Benard. Brian Sanford and Austin English also notched sacks of Grahame Harrell.

Flynn put together an 89-yard touchdown drive at the end of the first half against the Browns' second team. The TD was scored on a pass deflected jointly off the hands of intended receiver Tori Gurley and Browns defensive back Ramzee Robinson and caught by tight end Spencer Havner.

In the third quarter, a blindside hit by Smith of Harrell popped the ball free and Brown rumbled 43 yards for the winning points.

Two Browns players were seeing their first action in a competitive game in over a year. Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who last played 22 months ago because of two torn pectoral muscles, made a hit and wrapped up Green Bay running back Ryan Grant after a short gain. Also, rookie Little, who last played a college game 19 months ago, had two catches for 20 yards.

In relief of McCoy, Seneca Wallace was 11 of 17 for 99 yards. He was intercepted once when he threw high for Jordan Norwood. Wallace accounted for three points. No. 3 quarterback Jarrett Brown also suffered an interception in the fourth quarter, and put three points on the board.

Ex-Packer running back Brandon Jackson carried eight times for 28 yards in relief of Hillis.

The Browns' backups also had a defensive stand at their 2-yard line when Harrell fumbled a snap. He recovered to complete a pass but the Browns mobbed the receiver for a 3-yard loss.

Shurmur also scored his first victory on a coaches challenge, which nullified a Green Bay reception at the Browns' 3.

Original story:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_look_sharp_in.html

Browns ready for exhibition opener against Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers

 

BEREA, Ohio — Browns coach Pat Shurmur cautioned that tonight's preseason opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Packers might not look like a sneak preview of February's Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.
"To start the year out against the Super Bowl champs will be a good gauge," Shurmur said. "I know they're not going to come in here and flop around. My sense is we're going to find we have a long way to go."
The Browns, who will play their starters for one quarter, will face a Green Bay team that's returning 10 starters on offense and 10 on defense, although some of their defensive starters might not play tonight. They'll face the Super Bowl MVP in quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Clay Matthews.
They'll face a top-10 offense and the league's second-stingiest defense (15 points per game). The Packers' defense finished second in the league with 47 sacks, including 13 1/2 by Matthews.
"I'm going to see how they respond in this game," said Shurmur. "You're looking at a situation where 90 players and 20 coaches have gotten together for the first time for two weeks. I told them, 'Make it as hard on us as we can to decide on who the 53 guys are going to be.' I hope a lot of guys show up and make plays. That's what we're looking for."
Browns quarterback Colt McCoy warned that the Browns' edition of the West Coast offense -- one that's had a total of 11 practices together -- might not look as polished as Green Bay's, a top-10 finisher in each of the past four seasons.
"We're still installing some plays and looking for consistency," McCoy said. "The biggest thing wide-receiver wise is we haven't really developed a rhythm with everyone. Some guys get nicked up, they miss a couple practices, then they come back, another guy gets hurt. So it's been a challenge. But I will say this: The receivers are working their tails off and there's a lot for them to learn."
The game marks the debut of second-round pick Greg Little, a receiver who hasn't played since 2009 because he was suspended last season at North Carolina. Over the first two weeks of camp, Little has made substantial improvement.
"I wouldn't be surprised at all [if I started]," Little said. "But if I don't start I'm perfectly fine with that, too. I've only been in this thing a couple of weeks. I'm just happy to be here, happy to be getting into a game again. But I hope that I do get early reps because you want to compete against the better half."
The Browns will also get a good look at new running back and former Packer Brandon Jackson, who will see action as a third-down back with the starters and as the featured back with the second string.
Jackson is excited to team with Peyton Hillis.
"It brings more confidence and more of a competitive edge to the game," he said. "Peyton had a great year and he's on the cover of Madden. I'm coming in with a Super Bowl ring and five years of experience. The backfield is going to be great this year. I feel it."
The game also marks the debut of the Browns' two new starting rookie defensive linemen, No. 1 pick Phil Taylor at tackle and No. 2 pick Jabaal Sheard at right end.
"I'm excited about it but I'm humble, too, because it's a big learning step for me," said Taylor, who is catching up after a four-day holdout. "I'm going to take all the coaching I had last week and this week and go in and play hard every play. I think I'm coming [along] real well. I've got the defense down pat and it's just getting the little things better."
Sheard, who has been learning from four-time Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas every day in camp, will try to muscle past Packers two-time Pro Bowler Chad Clifton and sack the Super Bowl MVP.
"That'd be awesome," Sheard said. "I'll have to count on the rest of my D-linemen to hold up with Joe Haden back there and that would be great. My mom will be at the game, my family will be there. That would be just crazy, [against)] the Super Bowl champs."
Shurmur admitted he's excited for his NFL head coaching debut.
"I'm trying not to show it, but it's down in there," he said. "I wouldn't call it anxiety or being nervous. For us, this is very fun to go out there and compete and see how good we are."
Original story:
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/post_85.html

Browns Preseason Week 1: Starters To Play Entire First Quarter, Fans To Get A Look At Jarret Brown

Accoridng to ClevelandBrowns.com, Pat Shumur and the rest of the Browns coaching staff have agreed to play their starting rosters for one quarter against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.

Although many fans will be holding their breath as the starting rosters try to avoid injury, this can be a very good tool for Cleveland to build off of moving forward. Reports out of training camp seem mixed from a day-to-day basis as both the offense and defense are going through the growing pains of learning new systems. This will be especially good for the offense that has been decimated by injuries throughout the first two weeks.

The other positive thing that Cleveland can gain this Saturday is the comparison between their starting rosters and the Packers first/second strings. Green Bay is coming into Cleveland fresh off their Super Bowl victory and the Browns are trying to use the same franchise model in order to find their own success.

Jarret Brown will be a third reason to watch this game against Green Bay. Brown has gotten rave reviews during his first two weeks of camp for his tremendous ability to move around the pocket and deliver some hard throws. Brown will likely play the majority of the fourth quarter, depending on how many reps Seneca Wallace takes in the second and third.

Greg Little, Phil Taylor, and Jabaal Sheard are also expected to get significant playing time.

Original story:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/cleveland_browns_preseason_week_1_starters_to_play_entire_first_quarter_fans_to_get_a_look_at_jarret_brown/6095479

Browns feel no need to be defensive about their offensive line

BEREA, Ohio -- Everyone knows the Browns are a young team with many unanswered questions. One of the questions may surprise you.

Could the offensive line be one of the best in the NFL?

"It's going to be a work in progress, but all the potential is there to be one of the best in the league. There's no doubt about that," said right tackle Tony Pashos.

Nobody doubts the quality of three-fifths of the starting unit -- left tackle Joe Thomas, left guard Eric Steinbach and center Alex Mack. The right side has been the problem. The Browns addressed that problem this off-season by ... doing nothing. Well, they did subtract veteran tackle John St. Clair and failed to re-sign free agent Floyd Womack. But, essentially, they stood pat as second-year guard Shawn Lauvao and Pashos came back from injuries.

Lauvao suffered a high ankle sprain a few days before the 2010 season opener. He was never right in a trying rookie season. Pashos tore a tendon in an ankle early in the first Pittsburgh game in October and was shut down for surgery.

As a result, the Browns suffered four different guard-tackle combinations on the right side.

"Last year we kind of lacked that cohesiveness and stability," Lauvao said. "At the same time, you want guys comfortable with each other."

Lauvao clearly was uncomfortable in his first rookie camp.

"It's definitely night and day with Coach [Pat] Shurmur compared to Coach [Eric] Mangini, just the way things are run and the way people are picking things up," he said.

Was it a culture shock for the third-round pick from Arizona State?

"Not necessarily culture shock," he answered. "But just kind of the atmosphere of what was expected. It was pretty physically demanding and it was frustrating my body didn't hold up the way I wanted to. People have different philosophies and views of things."

Pashos was out of sight and mind after his first season with the Browns was submarined by the ankle injury. It was the second NFL campaign in a row Pashos failed to stay healthy. Critics howled for a new right tackle in the draft or free agency, someone to depend on.

"I think my coaches and guys around me know I'm definitely that guy," Pashos said. "Now it's up to me to get back in the groove of things, set my feet and go. Hopefully I've got that [injury] bug out of me."

The starting unit has been intact for two weeks at practice. There is depth with versatile veterans Billy Yates, John Greco and Steve Vallos, and young up-and-comers like Branndon Braxton and Jason Pinkston. The line is one area of comfort for the new coaching staff implementing the West Coast offense, one less thing to worry about.

"They are the strong point on our offense," said quarterback Colt McCoy. "They are the foundation of what we need to do. Those guys are playing well."

Last year's offense was an unsolved Rubik's cube. Whatever was installed was eroded by multiple injuries at the quarterback position. But the one thing last year's Browns were able to do offensively was create a smash-mouth mentality running the ball.

Now that the Browns have joined the modern era and are attempting to throw the ball, you wonder if the gains made in the running game will carry over.

"Oh yeah," Pashos said. "You can't lose that. That's in the bank. That's the foundation now. That's stored away. Peyton Hillis ain't going away and neither is the running game.

"We have the ability to do what we're geared to do -- pound it and throw it when we need it. Peyton's a stud, you know that. Then when teams have to address that, then we can go to the outside."

McCoy points out, "For this offense to work, we've got to throw and catch the football. That's the bottom line."

McCoy is not concerned about weakening the running game by emphasizing the new pass offense in camp.

"I think the great thing about this offense is it plays to your strengths," he said. "Part of the West Coast is throwing and catching the football. But you've got a guy like Peyton in the backfield. You've got an experienced offensive line. And you've got coaches who've won a lot of games. So they're going to put us in situations based on what we do well and we're going to make it work."

Offensive line as a team strength? It can be if the right side comes through.

Original story:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_feel_no_need.html