Cleveland Browns go through the motions, end exhibition season with 24-14 loss to Chicago Bears

 

CHICAGO -- The Browns must be ready for the regular season, because they sat out their final practice game Thursday against the Chicago Bears.

Well, not entirely. But coach Pat Shurmur may have set a record by keeping 18 of his 22 starters out of the game. They watched in full uniform as the outer limits of the 80-player roster spent the evening trying to impress the coaches one last time. Final cuts have to be made by 6 p.m. Saturday.

There weren't a lot of plays made.

Running back Armond Smith had a 6-yard touchdown run. Defensive end Auston English and tackle Scott Paxson had two sacks apiece. Jarrett Brown tossed a 38-yard touchdown pass to receiver Rod Windsor in the fourth quarter. And Quinn Porter had a 30-yard punt return.

Otherwise, this was a group exercise in avoiding injury.

The Bears, who lost in the NFC Championship Game last season, obviously have the deeper roster. Their backups prevailed, 24-14, in a contest that challenged the interest of the most fanatical of fans.

"The final preseason game, you want to walk away without any major injury, and I think we accomplished that," Shurmur said.

The lone Browns starters who played were rookie linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard on defense, and rookie guard Jason Pinkston and receiver Brian Robiskie on offense. The defensive guys got the second quarter off. Pinkston and Robiskie played the entire first half.

Sheard made his presence felt on his second defensive series when he made contact with the helmet of Chicago quarterback Caleb Hanie and was flagged for roughing. He followed that with an offsides call on the next play. As it turned out, penalties would be a secondary theme on the night.

The Browns committed five defensive penalties on the Bears' three scoring drives in the first half. They had 10 penalties overall. Three were called on James Dockery, the undrafted cornerback who told reporters this week he didn't think he had a roster spot sewn up. It was said out of humbleness, but may prove to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

On Chicago's first offensive series, Dockery interfered with ex-Ohio State receiver Dane Sanzenbacher while giving up an 8-yard reception and then was beat for a 22-yard reception by Sanzenbacher.

In the second quarter, Dockery intercepted a pass from Nathan Enderle, but was penalized for illegal contact, giving the Bears a first down. Five plays later, Dockery's pass interference penalty gave the Bears a first down at the 6. They scored two plays later on a two-yard run by Robert Hughes.

Despite the rough night, Shurmur gave Dockery a strong endorsement after the game.

"I don't know if it affects his roster status," Shurmur said. "He challenges every play. I like the way he plays. His style of play is something I'm fond of."

Dockery wasn't the only young Browns defensive back victimized. Rookie Buster Skrine lost coverage in the end zone on a 19-yard pass from Hanie to Johnny Knox that beat a swipe from late-arriving safety DeAngelo Smith.

Meanwhile, the offense directed by backup quarterback Seneca Wallace labored through four successive three-and-out possessions to start the game, netting 19 yards. With attention more focused on the season opener against Cincinnati, there wasn't a lot of creativity and preparation devoted to game-planning the Bears. And it showed.

The offense finally broke through on its fifth possession. Robiskie had three receptions for 39 yards, and Smith, battling hard for a roster spot, added 13 after a catch. From the Bears' 6, Smith wriggled through the middle and bounced off a tackle attempt for the touchdown. It was Smith's second TD of the preseason. He also led the team in rushing with 47 yards and didn't fumble.

"Armond Smith took advantage of his opportunity," Shurmur said.

Another bubble player to impress was English, whose two sacks gave him a team-high four in the exhibition games. English was battling Derreck Robinson and Brian Sandford to join Marcus Benard for two backup end spots.

Brown, who is trying to convince the Browns to keep a third quarterback, had his second straight decent outing. He put together a long drive of 79 yards to start the third quarter, but it stalled at the Bears' 1. The Browns failed on four snaps inside the Bears' 5. Rookie fullback Owen Marecic was stopped in his tracks for no gain from the 2 and then the 1 after a Bears penalty.

Brown showed some resiliency by taking the offense the length of the field again on his second possession, scoring when he got the ball to Windsor, who beat rookie cornerback Ryan Jones.

On the drive, receiver Demetrius Williams took a vicious hit to the head while leaving his feet for a high pass. Williams was nailed by the helmet of safety Winston Venable, who vaulted into the defenseless receiver like a missile. Shurmur said Williams' shoulder was injured on the play.

Brown, who completed his first seven passes after going 4-for-4 last week, threw an interception in the fourth quarter. It set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Chicago rookie Robert Hughes.

"I'm not sure where I stand, but this is where I want to be," said Brown, who was 10 of 15 for 92 yards. "I think I've gotten better each game."

Source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/09/cleveland_browns_go_through_th.html

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

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

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.

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

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

It’s Not the Wildcat, but Browns Are Looking to Be Creative with Josh Cribbs

Josh Cribbs may not be taking direct snaps and running off-tackle, but the Pro Bowl return man-turned wide receiver will have the football in his hands an awful lot if all goes according to plan.

On Friday, Cribbs’ return to the field after being held out of contact portions through the duration of this past week, last year’s team captain was featured in several sets as a receiver, but also was the quarterback on a pass to Brian Robiske down the right sideline. Taking a pitch from quarterback Colt McCoy, Cribbs turned into what could be Cleveland’s version of Antwaan Randle El circa 2009.

“[Coach Pat Shurmer] is not a big fan of the Wildcat, but he is a big fan of giving me the football,” said Cribbs following the practice session. “Every way he can, out of the pocket – I don’t know if you saw me at quarterback when Colt [McCoy] pitched the ball to me – he is going to do everything he can to put the ball in the hands of guys that can make plays.”

Back in March, WFNY penned a piece which called for the death of the Wildcat (or Cyclone) package that featured Cribbs as the lead rusher. The basis of said piece was for the Browns to build an actual offense, one spearheaded by a pass-happy Pat Shurmur, that does not have to rely on gimmick plays. With the team now looking to develop rookie quarterback Colt McCoy within a West Coast system, falling back on plays that typically rely on blown defensive assignments is not the way to go through a 16-game season.

Naturally, Cribbs will also be featured in the return game which the receiver says will result in “deeper sets” due to the new kickoff rules that will be implemented. The responsibility to draw up successful schemes for Cribbs and company will exist in the hands of special teams coach Chris Tabor of Chicago Bears and Devin Hester fame. While many feel that highly-skilled return men will be moot, Cribbs says that he’s considering this to merely be “another hurdle” for him to get over en route to success.

One other hurdle that Cribbs will have to overcome is the injury bug that has plagued him for most of the last 12 months. Eliminating the Wildcat package will not only relieve the Browns offense of telegraphed plays leading to third-and-longs, but it should also subsequently lead to less pounding on the receivers 215-pound frame.  Despite the ground he has made in the receiving ranks, Cribbs’ bread and butter contnues to be in the return game.  Keeping him healthy will provide Pat Shurmur’s offense considerably better field position throughout the year, something that will be even more integral as the season wears on.

“It’s good to have him back out there,” said Shurmur.  “I think it [will be] important that we keep him in a position where he can be explosive as a returner as well.”

2011 Preseason

Original article:

http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2011/08/its-not-the-wildcat-but-browns-are-looking-to-be-creative-with-josh-cribbs/

Holmgren: No Excuses Heading into 2011

Despite the rest of the world casting lights of ill fortune on the team with a completely new coaching staff and a slew of young players on the roster, Browns team president Mike Holmgren is not making any excuses heading into the 2011 season. With the NFL offseason now in semi-full swing, Holmgren and the Browns appear to be hitting the ground in stride with the continually growing list of undrafted free agents being added to the Orange and Brown stable. Roughly 16 hours prior to the free agent floodgates creaking open, Holmgren joined award-winning NFL writer Vic Carucci on a local sportstalk network to discuss the upcoming days - a stretch of time expected to fall somewhere between utter chaos and pandemonium with a special cameo by Jim Ross and the Spanish announcers table. "I think there are challenges that other veteran teams might not encounter early, but were not making any excuses," Holmgren said. "I told the coaching staff and Pat [Shurmur] before we left on vacation, "it is what it is." We’re coaches. We’re teachers. We have some young people that really want to learn and get better and let’s just roll up our sleeves and do the best we can." Holmgren reiterated how much he appreciated his players getting together for voluntary workouts including the much-discussed camps held by second-year quarterback Colt McCoy. In the interview, Holmgren referred to McCoy as a "natural leader" with the "want to" to be successful within the NFL. Per the team's president, the only thing missing is experience, something he's primed to get an awufl lot of in the coming months. Something else McCoy could potentially use is additional help on the offensive line as well as a potential big-play wide receiver that he could target in the pass-happy West Coast Offense. The Browns are one of a handful of teams with considerable cap space (while teams like the Baltimore Ravens have been forced to release players like Derrick Mason and Todd Heap), so Holmgren and his staff will have the chance to put all of their downtime research to good use. "The league year begins August 4,, so there is a lot of stuff they still have to do and different things, but Tom Heckert, Matt Thomas and all the guys, they are all primed and ready to go," said Holmgren. "We have been talking about the plan and the players we want to go after for a long, long time. Now, the good thing is it’s here and we’re going to get this done."

Original story:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/holmgren_no_excuses_heading_into_2011/5734486

Berea prepares for Cleveland Browns training camp, lockout or not

BEREA -- The four-month NFL lockout did not shut down the city’s need to prepare for the Cleveland Browns training camp.

“We know what we need to do and have already done some of those things,” said R. James Brown, the city’s service director.

Negotiation talks continued this week with team owners and the NFL Players Association. This week a U.S. magistrate judge entered the talks. The lockout began March 12. The Browns first game is set for Sept. 11 in Cleveland against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Training Camp historically begins at the end of July. Last year the camp started July 31.

According to a Cleveland Browns spokesperson, the organization will not release training camp dates until they are firm, and that is “dependent” upon the “resolution of the labor situation.”

Brown said he is “confident” the lockout will end this week.

“We will probably get a call as soon as possible from the Browns. We are ready for them and the camp,” Brown said. “I am a huge fan of the training camp. We are the only city in Ohio that hosts a training camp. Cincinnati goes to Kentucky.”

The city owns the Browns facility in Berea. Brown said the city paints the striping in the facility’s parking lots and refresh the crosswalk on Lou Groza Blvd. as well.

“We are in the process of doing that right now,” he said Monday. “Most of it is already completed.”

The Browns provide banners that the service department hang on Bagley Road, Beech Street and other localized areas.

The Front Street overpass, which opened in November, has poles to hold the banners, if needed.

“We’ve had conversation about that,” Brown said. “This year is the first time we are able to use Front Street in quite a while. It will be neat to see traffic coming over and entering the city for the camp.”

A major change this year is the reconstruction of Beech Street between Bagley Road and East Fifth Avenue. Camp visitors often use Beech Street north of Bagley to park in the Baldwin-Wallace College’s Kleist parking lot as well as walk down its short length to the camp’s gate. That stretch of Beech Street is expected to be completed Aug. 17.

Brown said the contracting company must provide some type of access for pedestrians should the camp occur while that portion of Beech Street is closed to traffic.

“Whether is a gravel walkway or allow them to go on the grass, they will have something to make it safe to walk,” Brown said.

Karen Husak, B-W’s director of parking services, said the college gladly permits training camp visitors to use its lots.

“We allow use of our lots as long as camp runs and school is not in session,” she said.

Husak also said Kleist parking lot will be available for parking but traffic must enter through its Bagley Road access, not the one on Beech Street, which is under construction.

‘We are preparing for training camp as well,” she said. “We gladly allow use of our parking lots as long as training camp runs, provided school is not in session.”

B-W’s first day of fall classes is Aug. 29. Husak said the lots are available for training camp until Aug. 24.

The city will post signs on streets around the training camp entrance, such as Third, Fifth and Beech, saying parking is for residents only. Those who live in these area receive stickers from the Browns organization to place on their windshield showing permission to park on the street.

Brown said he enjoys the thrill of training camp.

“We stand alone in Ohio in providing a summer training camp for a professional sports team,” he said. “I think it’s a big deal. And we want others to know how important and thrilling this is to our city.”

Article source:

http://blog.cleveland.com/newssun/2011/07/berea_prepares_for_cleveland_b.html

Cleveland Browns defense a quick study on the 4-3 scheme, says linebacker Scott Fujita

AUSTIN, Texas -- New Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron will happy to know that getting a defensive playbook into the hands of linebacker Scott Fujita on the one day the lockout was lifted was well worth it.

"Based on what we did this weekend and what we have, we could play a game next week if we had to," said Fujita on Tuesday's conclusion of Camp Colt IV. "It's not an ideal situation, but it's basic enough where we can just go play."

Fujita has been to the Browns' new 4-3 defense what Colt McCoy has been to the new West Coast offense: a player-coach. On the one day this off-season that players were permitted to receive coaching materials, Fujita called a friend in Cleveland who went to the Browns facility in Berea to pick up an abbreviated version of the defensive playbook.

"I then came into town a couple of days later for a charity event and got my hands on it," he said. "It was important to get it because it's a whole new defense for us. Some guys on this team have played in the 3-4 their entire careers, so it's definitely a transition."

Over the past several months, Fujita -- a member of the NFL Players Executive Council -- has alternated between keeping players informed on the lockout and his defensive teammates apprised of the new 4-3 scheme.

"At times, it can be a burden to have the one and only playbook, but it was important for one of us to have it," he said. "We're all just trying to make the best of a crappy situation."

During this camp, the first one that included defensive players, Fujita was able to put some of the new scheme up on the chalkboard and on the field. He also enlisted the help of cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong, who ran the same scheme in Philadelphia.

"It's one thing to talk to guys on the phone and tell them what to expect in the transition, but to actually get in and draw it up on the board for the first time and pass out some materials, it was invaluable," he said. "With me, Sheldon and Chris, we were able to put our heads together and say 'this is how it will play out.' At one point we were going through some of our coverages and someone had a question and Chris immediately jumped up on the board and said this is how you do it, this is a possible check."

Fujita said he sent a playbook to fellow linebacker D'Qwell Jackson just a few weeks ago, who dug right in.

"He came in and he already knows it from front to back, so it just makes it so much easier," said Fujita, who predicts Jackson will shine in the new front.

"I think a system like this is tailor-made for a guy with his skill set, his body type," said Fujita. "It lets guys just play fast. I'm talking about the hybrid Eagles/Chicago Bears defense. That's the kind of system I think [Jackson] was born to play in because his range sideline-to-sideline is so good.

"He doesn't have to two-gap and take on offensive guards who outweigh him by 120 pounds sometimes. He's going to have a chance to use his athleticism, run around, avoid blocks, shoot gaps, and make way more plays than he's ever made before -- and he's already a tackling machine."

Fujita, who passed out more playbook materials here, said McCoy appreciated having the defense on hand for the first time.

"For the offensive guys to go up against more than air and to actually be able to run some plays was great," said Fujita. "When camp finally starts, we'll be ready to go."

Article source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/07/cleveland_browns_defense_a_qui.html

Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy to host full-squad camp Sunday through Tuesday in Texas

Browns linebacker Scott Fujita is eager to get the defense together for the first time this off-season at "Camp Colt IV" Sunday through Tuesday in Austin, Texas.

The first three camps, which quarterback Colt McCoy also hosted, were offensive skills sessions. An estimated 40 players are planning to attend Camp Colt IV.

"Colt has done an outstanding job with his guys on offense and their workouts have been very successful," Fujita said over the phone. "We'll be following the same basic format with the addition of some of our guys on defense."

Fujita said he has heard from a number of rookies planning to participate, including first-round pick Phil Taylor, the nose tackle from

Baylor, and second-round pick Jabaal Sheard, the defensive end from Pittsburgh. Veteran players are helping some of the younger guys pay for some or all of their travel expenses to Texas.

"We're really looking forward to working with the young guys," Fujita said. "It will be a great opportunity to get them acclimated to us and the defense."

Fujita said it's important to get the defense together because of the new 4-3 scheme defensive coordinator Dick Jauron is installing.

"Fortunately, I was able to get some materials and I'll be able to get up on the chalkboard a little bit," Fujita said.

"All the guys I've talked to are really excited to get back to the X's and O's and getting ready for this season."

This is the third camp being held in Austin, where McCoy attended college and now lives. One was held at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea.

"Austin was equal distance for everyone because we have guys coming from all over the country," Fujita said.

While Fujita will help introduce Jauron's defense, McCoy will continue instructing the offensive players on the new West Coast offense. McCoy recently said he knows the offense really well now and feels comfortable teaching it to the others. Quarterback Seneca Wallace, who played in a West Coast offense for seven seasons, also helped instruct players during the previous camp.

In addition to on-field drills, the players will watch films and lift weights. They will also have a team dinner and do other things together to build camaraderie.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur, who is not permitted any contact with players during the lockout, recently said he's thrilled the players are getting together to get a jump on the season.

Busy guy: McCoy is putting perhaps his final days of summer vacation to good use.

Before the Browns players-organized workouts beginning Sunday, he is hosting a boys and girls football game in Austin today and Saturday.

After the conclusion of Camp Colt IV in Austin, McCoy will return to Cleveland for his inaugural Cleveland-area youth camp at Strongsville High School. That camp, for boys and girls age 7-14, is July 16-17. Information is available at ColtMcCoyCamp.com online

By then, the NFL labor dispute may be resolved and Browns training camp could be just a few weeks away.

Article source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/07/cleveland_browns_qb_colt_mccoy_6.html

Browns 2011 Preseason Slate Released

The Browns’ 2011 preseason opponents were announced Tuesday, and the list features matchups against three teams that qualified for the 2010 playoffs, including the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. For the third consecutive year, the Browns will open their preseason campaign against Green Bay as they host the Packers on the weekend of August 11-15. For the 10th consecutive season, the Browns will face Detroit in preseason action, when they welcome the Lions to Cleveland Browns Stadium during the weekend of August 18-22. Cleveland then travels to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles on the weekend of August 25-29. It will be the first preseason meeting between the two clubs since 2006. The Browns will conclude the preseason September 1-2, when they travel to Chicago to meet the Bears. The contest marks the eighth straight year that Cleveland and Chicago have met in the preseason finale.