Why Haven’t The Cleveland Browns Extended Peyton Hillis’s Contract Yet?

The Cleveland Browns have not extended Peyton Hillis’s contract as of yet. Why not? The team has no problem extending the contracts of others on the team. Hillis is looking at his as a chance to really go out each game and prove himself.  Hillis says he isn’t really concerned with the fact he hasn’t received the extension as of yet. Maybe the Cleveland Browns are looking to see if Hillis can make it through a 16 game season. Hillis is a good runner for the Browns and he looks good on the Madden cover too.

However if you look at Peyton Hillis’s numbers from last year they seem to drastically fall off over the last five games of the season. Hillis’s numbers for last season were only a 73.5 yards rushing per game average.  If you think about premier running-backs in the NFL you think  10o yard rushing games as the measurement if great runners. Hillis has yet to prove himself as a great runner in the NFL. Peyton Hillis came into this season with some back problems that caused him to miss a couple of per-season games.

Is it possible the Cleveland Browns don’t see Hillis lasting much longer in the NFL? Maybe the team knows something we don’t. Lets face it last week when Hillis missed the Miami game last Sunday Hardesty went out there and ran the ball and he ran the ball fairly well. Hardesty’s rushing average passed Hillis in yards per carry. Yes it may be true having Hardesty and Hillis in the same backfield could give the Browns the 1-2 punch they need. Much like the days of Kevin Mack and Ernest Byner in the same backfield.

It will be interesting to see if the Cleveland Browns offer Hillis any kind of contract extension at all this season. I think the team is playing it smart by waiting. When you run the ball like Hillis you don’t have much longevity in the National Football League. This could be a fact the Cleveland Browns already know…..

Original story:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/why_havent_the_cleveland_browns_extended_peyton_hilliss_contract_yet/7114129

The Terrorists Have Officially Won: Browns Fan Kicked Out for “Excessive Standing” in Dawg Pound

by Cleveland Frowns on September 28, 2011

Well, sayonara everybody. It was a good run. I suppose I won’t be the only one on my way to the desert by way of Put-in-Bay to see what I can get done before the whole thing goes completely to dust, so maybe we’ll see ya.

As it turns out, Best Reporter of All Time will go to Adam Wright of The Lorain/Elyria Chronicle Telegram, for breaking the news on the last brick having fallen:

Rob Stipe is your typical, bleed orange-and-brown, season tickets in the Dawg Pound-holding Browns fan.

He wears a wig, paints his face like a helmet, dons shoulder pads and screams until his throat feels like sandpaper when his favorite team is on the field.

So you can imagine his feeling after being kicked out during Sunday’s game, missing a come-from-behind win, but not for being drunk, violent or disorderly. No, he says security was called to remove him because — get this — he was standing too much. 

. . .

“We do not stand all the time,” the 35-year-old explained, referring to the as many as 12 friends and family who share season tickets. “We stand on first down, we stand at the beginning of this game, we stand at kickoff. We stand. We are standers, but we’re also courteous to other people. If somebody says, ‘Hey man, will you sit down?’ Sure, I will love to sit down for you. No problem.”

He said the head of security told him last year that fans can only stand during third and fourth downs and whenever there is a stoppage in the game, like a time out.

. . .

His brother, Matt Stipe, who was also kicked out Sunday (he said security didn’t like when he complained about his brother’s treatment), said the clampdown on standing that day came early when the Browns got a first down. He said an usher ran down to their section, yelling at everyone to sit, even though the scoreboard told everyone to “Get Loud, Make Noise.”

Rob Stipe got his first warning to park his keister during a third down in that same first quarter, but said everyone behind him was also standing.

In the middle of the third quarter, Stipe said he was scolded again for standing, but this time it was during a TV timeout. He was asked to leave for what he learned from one of the stadium employees was a new policy enacted for this season that after the first warning, offenders are removed from the stadium.

Neal Gulkis, vice president of media relations for the team, said the policy on “excessive standing” can be somewhat subjective.

. . .

According to the “Fan Code of Conduct” on the Browns’ official website, a fan can be removed from a game for excessive standing. The policy explained: “Please be aware that when you stand, you block the view of the fans behind you. We do not wish to diminish your ability to cheer and enjoy the game; however, your continued standing can interfere with others’ ability to enjoy the game from their seats.”

Happy end days, everyone. At least it’s good that we’re getting some lag time before we turn to grease spots. Um, thanks for reading. Enjoy one last look at what things were like before the sun burned out.

Article source:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_terrorists_have_officially_won_browns_fan_kicked_out_for_excessive_standing_in_dawg_pound/7088665

Drunk Browns fan celebrates in Endzone with players

Last weekend, the Cleveland Browns were able to pull off a win in the final minute of play to stun the Miami Dolphins and improve their record to 2-1.
The game winning touchdown came courtesy of Browns quarterback Colt McCoy when he threw a  touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi and everything seemed to be normal as his teammates celebrated around him.
Then suddenly, a random Browns fan joined the celebration for a quick second and was caught on camera for a brief moment until CBS panned to the crowd:

Drunk Fan Celebrating

I was at the game. What the camera didn’t show you was the fan being escorted out of the stadium in handcuffs by two rather beefy Cleveland Police Officers.

Busy day for the CPD.  I had the displeasure of having a drunk Miami fan sitting three rows ahead of me.  In the fourth quarter, he also received a personal escort out of the stadium courtesy of the Cleveland Police Department.  The cheers from the crowd in my section (147) were second only to the game winning touchdown.

See You Next Week

Heading to Cleveland to catch the Browns Game.

Cleveland Browns face a Miami Dolphins team that is glad to hit the road

Since taking over 95 percent ownership of the Miami Dolphins in 2009, Stephen Ross has tried to reclaim the South Florida sports market that used to be the exclusive property of Don Shula's former football team.

He's talked of making the team more "fan friendly" and of improving "the game-day experience."

He's added some high-profile ownership partners from the entertainment world embedded in the South Florida culture, such as Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Serena and Venus Williams, and Fergie.

But the Dolphins are losing fans because they don't win at home. They were 1-7 last year and began this season with two home losses. Attendance fell off 15,000 for the second game.

All of which makes their trip to Cleveland this weekend a welcome relief to them.

"All I know is when I go on the road I have my team's full attention," coach Tony Sparano said this week. "I'm with them longer, I get to be around them longer, they get to be around the coaches longer. That's what I know. If that's a good thing then that's a good thing.

"We're going to take the team on the road and we're going to do everything. It doesn't matter where we're playing. We can be playing in the middle of the street this week. We need to find a win and that's what we're going to try to do."

Sparano has been on the "hot seat" since Bill Parcells bailed out as chief football executive last year. Parcells put the management team together that transformed the Dolphins from 1-15 to 11-5 seemingly overnight. But they're 7-9, 7-9 and 0-2 since.

After last season, Sparano dangled in the wind as Ross courted Stanford's Jim Harbaugh to replace him. Sometime during this awkward period, Ross took a call from fired Browns coach Eric Mangini to arrange a meeting. It was reported in South Florida that Mangini would "consult" with Sparano and General Manager Jeff Ireland about the franchise's "vision" going forward.

Ultimately, that meeting was canceled and Sparano was retained and given a two-year contract extension. He wound up replacing retired offensive coordinator Dan Henning with Brian Daboll, who was Mangini's coordinator two seasons with the Browns.

The offense hasn't been the problem through two games. The Dolphins' defense has been strafed by the likes of New England's Tom Brady (517 passing yards) and Houston's Matt Schaub (230).

After their visit to Cleveland, the Dolphins have games at San Diego and then at the Jets before returning for the next home game Oct. 23 against Denver. Yes, you can call this a big game for them.

Original article:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/09/post_97.html

Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur learning a lot about his team

Berea, Ohio -- Browns coach Pat Shurmur met his new players only about seven weeks ago, and he's learning things about them every day. Some of those things make him laugh (see Greg Little), and some of those things make him want to cry (see Bengals' quick snap in Week 1 and receiving the game ball from Colt McCoy in Week 2).

Every game is an adventure, and he never knows exactly what he's going to get from this newly assembled group of players -- especially considering that 24 of them -- or 45 percent of the roster -- are in their first or second year in the NFL.

But coming out of Sunday's 27-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Shurmur learned four things that will help this fledgling team moving forward:

1. Use Hardesty earlier: Shurmur realized he needs to get Montario Hardesty involved in the game sooner to keep Peyton Hillis explosive throughout. Hardesty saw the field only two times before he was thrown into a crucial red zone situation in the fourth quarter with the Browns clinging to a 14-12 lead.

Hardesty struggled, losing 1 yard, fumbling (Joe Thomas recovered) and then gaining 2 more yards to the 2. Hillis then came back in for the crucial third-and-2, an incompletion in the back of the end zone, and the Browns kicked a field goal.

"We wanted to get him in the game," said Shurmur. "I wish we could have gotten him in the game sooner. He needs to play. Peyton is a bruising-type runner that needs relief at times. That's what we'll try to do a better job of next week."

He had no regrets about using Hardesty in place of Hillis in the red zone/goal-line offense.

"Well, I think it's OK," Shurmur said. "Regardless of where you put a player in, you don't want him to put the ball on the ground. Fortunately, we got it. The more critical the situation, the more heightened the awareness from everybody's standpoint. I feel like he's made huge progress in training camp, and for us to win over a consistent time frame, we're going to need him. So I need to play him some."

2. Keep Sheard on the left: After the Bengals ran at rookie defensive end Jabaal Sheard on the right side in week one, Shurmur flip-flopped his ends in Indy, returning Sheard to his more natural left side and moving Jayme Mitchell to the right. In his new spot, Sheard made five tackles -- and hit the trifecta with a sack-strip-recovery in the fourth quarter.

"We flipped the ends, and I think that's probably the way we're going to go with it now," said Shurmur. "Keep Jabaal on the defensive left, offensive right. Watching him compete, we felt like he was more effective playing on the left than the right. I think [Sheard and fellow rookie Phil Taylor] did a good job and they're getting better. I'm seeing improvement each week."

3. Focus on Greg, Josh, Mo: Shurmur identified Little, Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs as his playmaking receivers and focused on getting them the ball.

Little caught four passes for 38 yards, Massaquoi caught three for 45 and Cribbs caught three for 41, including a 25-yarder on a third-down bubble screen that led to a touchdown.

"I did like the way Josh, Greg and Mo all performed," said Shurmur. "I felt like it was important to get the ball in [their] hands, and we found a way to do that and I think we got some results from it."

On Little, he said: "He's grown a lot in my eyes. He's one of those guys who loves Sunday. His eyes get real big when the lights are on. He's very excitable. He had his chances [Sunday] and did some good things. We'll try to build on that. He's a very competitive guy. He sees things well. He, like some of the other receivers, comes to the sideline and says: 'Hey coach, we can get them on this. He can't cover me on this.' For a young guy, he gets right in there with the mix with all those suggestions."

On Cribbs, Shurmur said: "He can make big plays, and it's just a part of his nature. The third down, we had time to talk about it on the sideline, and I had one thought in mind, and then we had a quick screen up just to get the ball out, and I said, 'You want it?' And he said, 'Just throw it to me,' and he did it."

4. Dust off Alex Smith: Tight end Alex Smith was hauled Sunday out of cold storage, where he spent most of last season with Cleveland. Smith, a four-year starter in Tampa Bay, played only three games for the Browns last season and was inactive for 11. Shurmur not only loves his blocking ability (he helped spring Cribbs on that 25-yard screen), but also likes his hands. McCoy threw to him five times, and he caught three for 19 yards.

"He's a steady player, and I really have a strong appreciation for what he is," said Shurmur. "He's primarily a blocker, but we threw him the ball a couple times, and he made big plays. In games where you're battling it out for 5-yard chunks, that's when you see a guy like Alex show up, and I think he did that."

Of course, Shurmur might stumble upon a whole new set of ideas this week against the Dolphins while he continues to learn his new crew.

"There were some real good things to build on, and keep in mind that this is a sport that as you go through the season, you try to find ways to improve each week," said Shurmur. "I feel like that's the direction we'll go."

Article source:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/09/post_95.html

McCoy, Cleveland Browns have successful trip

A trip that began with the Cleveland Browns' plane getting stuck in the mud ended with their first-year coach tripping on the steps to the interview-room podium.

Because the Browns were able to achieve their objective with a 27-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Pat Shurmur had the poise to catch himself before falling and take the misstep in stride.

"I'll handle that after that (game)," he said.

While Colts fans bemoaned their team's 0-2 plight without injured quarterback Peyton Manning, the Browns were able to celebrate in large part because of their passer, Colt McCoy. The second-year pro from the University of Texas shook off taking an early hit in the back from Dwight Freeney on a sack to lead the Browns with a steady hand.

McCoy rolled out more, found open receivers and never lost sight of the importance of handing off to bruising 250-pound running back Peyton Hillis. Yeah, the visitors added to the Colts' misery with guys named Colt and Peyton.

McCoy completed 22-of-32 passes for 211 yards with one score. Held in check most of the day, Hillis broke loose late when the Colts blitzed both safeties inside to put this one away on a 24-yard TD run. Hillis finished with 94 yards rushing on 27 carries with two scores.

"The thing I was proud of today was Peyton ran the ball hard, especially there at the end, and the receivers showed up," McCoy said. "They made some big plays; they got open. That's when things start to click."

While the Colts were settling for field goals on their best scoring drives until the final possession, the Browns made the most of their best chances with touchdowns. McCoy rolled out to avoid the rush, bought time and found tight end Evan Moore for a 16-yard touchdown pass and a 7-6 lead in the second quarter.

When the Colts nudged back in front, McCoy and Hillis drove the visitors 80 yards in 10 plays to go ahead 14-9 at halftime. McCoy passed to convert a pair of third downs -- the Browns were 8-of-16 on that important statistic -- and set up a Hillis 1-yard scoring run with a 28-yard pass to Mohamed Massaquoi.

"Boy was moving, wasn't he?" Hillis said of McCoy. "Looked like he was running for his life there a couple times, but Colt is a playmaker; he's a great athlete."

A Browns team that had a defensive lapse late in a 27-17 loss to Cincinnati at home last week didn't buckle this time. Shurmur credited his red-zone defense, which limited the Colts to four field goals until the hosts made it closer in the final minute with a Kerry Collins touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Clark.

"We knew he was not going to run the offense like Peyton (Manning) does, so we knew we could rattle him after we hit him a couple times," Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor said of the 38-year-old Collins, who was sacked twice, lost a fumble and threw one interception. Collins had but 96 yards passing before the last quarter.

McCoy presented the game ball to Shurmur, who was emotional about his first NFL coaching victory.

"It's special, very special," a teary-eyed Shurmur said. "Listen, I'm just the guy answering the questions. This is a team thing. They'll all get one."

The Browns, delayed 31/2 hours by the stuck-in-the-mud plane that necessitated boarding another flight Saturday, looked forward to enjoying a smoother trip home.

Original article:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20110919/SPORTS03/109190317/McCoy-Cleveland-Browns-successful-trip

Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts Preview : 0-1 Browns Find Themselves In A Must-Win Game.

It is not often that a team that loses its first game in the NFL finds itself in a must-win situation in game two—enter the Cleveland Browns.

With an up-and-coming quarterback in Colt McCoy, an early favorable schedule which includes the NFC West and AFC South, Cleveland was picked by many media outlets as a possible AFC sleeper.

Combine that with their first two games against the likes of rookie Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and Indianapolis Colts stop-gap quarterback Kerry Collins, there is no valid reason why Cleveland should not be 2-0 right?

Clearly the Browns did not get the memo.

In losing to the rebuilding Bengals 27-17, Cleveland looked more like the team that was rebuilding and inept as they would commit 11 penalties—10 in the first half— than Cincinnati who looked like a team on the rise.

The rookie Dalton outplayed the second-year McCoy and looked more confident in the pocket, Dalton would go 10-of-15 for 81 yards and one touchdown before leaving the game with a sore right hand.

McCoy would go 19-of-40 for 213 yards and throw two touchdowns passes—both to tight ends—Evan Moore and Ben Watson. McCoy would also be intercepted by Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson.

For Cleveland, it appears that they have serious issues on the offensive line, McCoy would end up being sacked twice and hit often.  If Cleveland is going to improve to 1-1 on Sunday, they must do a better job of protecting McCoy from the Colts speedy defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Cleveland—despite their promise on offense and defense can ill afford to drop to 0-2 in the rugged AFC North which features Super Bowl contenders and AFC heavyweights, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

For the Colts, who were routed in Houston by the Texans, 34-7, they are clearly a mere shell of themselves without Peyton Manning under center.

Indianapolis looked lost and could find any rhythm on offense as Houston would force two fumbles and sack Collins three times—led by linebacker Mario Williams two—the Colts looked completely hapless.

The lone bright spot for Indianapolis, wide receiver Reggie Wayne would score the lone touchdown for the Colts—a six-yard pass from Collins—in garbage time.  Wayne would finish the game with seven catches for 106 yards.

Cleveland may be able to exploit the Colts smaller defensive line with running back Peyton Hillis. The Colts gave up 167 yards on the ground—116 of them to second-year running back Ben Tate—how much could a power-run team in Cleveland with a tough bruising back like Hillis get?

This Browns-Colts match-up may be decided by which team can establish its identity on offense first, while the Colts are at home, they look like a glorified junior varsity team with Manning, while Cleveland has a hungry and motivated young team that desperately wants to get its first win.

Cleveland’s offense will feature a heavy dose of and McCoy on rollouts to negate Indianapolis’s speed on defense.

Hillis and the Browns defensive line look like it will make it a long day for Collins on Sunday.

Prediction – Browns 28 Colts 10

First published by Robert Cobb at:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/cleveland_browns_at_indianapolis_colts_preview_winless_browns_find_themselves_in_a_must_win_game_at_indy/6828694

Follow Robert Cobb on Twitter, @RobertCobb_NFL

A few suggestions ... OK, 10 of them ... to make the Cleveland Browns better: Terry Pluto

By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio — After the Browns' discouraging 27-17 loss to the Bengals, coach Pat Shurmur said that teams can often make major improvements between their first and second games. Seeing a team in regular-season action brings clarity and creates opportunities for adjustments.

With that in mind, I wrote down some ideas to make the team better and asked fans on my Facebook page to do the same. They had to be realistic changes that could be made this week as the Browns head to Indianapolis to face the Colts on Sunday.

Here are my top 10, not necessarily in order:

1. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron wisely took the blame for the failure to call timeout when the Browns gave up a 41-yard touchdown pass on a quick-snap play by the Bengals. But a couple of veteran defensive players said they should have called a timeout.

He empowered two of them -- perhaps D'Qwell Jackson and Scott Fujita -- to quickly call a timeout when the team isn't ready. Don't wait for a word from the sideline.

2. This suggestion came from Randy Tolen and others: Less Brian Robiskie, more Greg Little. I would also add Joshua Cribbs. Little was on the field for more snaps (57) than any other receiver. Then came Robiskie (47), Mohamed Massaquoi (41) and Cribbs (26).

Robiskie and Little each were thrown three passes. Only one was caught -- for 12 yards by Little. The coaches should write down these four names: Massaquoi, Little, Cribbs and Robiskie. Rate them as playmakers. Put the most talented guys on the field for the most snaps, then try to get them the ball.

3. Ken Keller pushed for more passes to the tight ends to create less defensive attention on the receivers. But Ben Watson and Evan Moore were thrown 13 passes (caught six). The four receivers were thrown 16. Not sure that is the answer.

I would prefer to see the accent on getting the ball quickly to the receivers on short, quick slant patterns -- some of the crisp passing shown early in the preseason. Go for the YAC -- yards after catch.

4. Jason Liphniak suggested more formations with two tight ends and two running backs. Moore (a poor blocker because of his knee problems) is really a wide receiver in a tight end's body. That should be easy to pair him with tight end Watson.

Chris Holko wanted "more Evan Moore." He played only 13 snaps but was targeted with six passes. He caught three, but he also failed to come up with a rather catchable -- and possible touchdown -- pass. He did catch a TD pass and is a valuable weapon.

As for two backs, I would like to see more of Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty together. Hardesty played only 14-of-73 snaps.

Some fans complained about Owen Marecic, but the rookie fullback played only 25 snaps, and I had no real problems with his performance.

5. Chuck Segall suggested some help in terms of position for right defensive end Jabaal Sheard, who was run over by Bengals blockers and back Cedric Benson. I would suggest more playing time for Marcus Benard (11 snaps). Sheard was on the field for 62-of-69 defensive plays, probably too much for the rookie.

The Browns must make some adjustment to bolster the right side of the defensive line, as the Bengals ran that way about 70 percent of the time.

6. Myles Simmons, Joe Murdock, Michael Shreffler and millions of other Browns fans stated the obvious, but it must be repeated every day at practice: Cut out the dumb penalties -- false starts, illegal formations, jumping offsides, too many men on the field. Of their 11 penalties Sunday, seven would be considered "unforced errors," not committed in the middle of a play.

7. Colt McCoy needs to get rid of the ball quicker when the heat is on. He was sacked twice and took six other hits after he threw the ball. He has to stay healthy and away from the rush. His two best passes were when he rolled out, and he may have to do more of that with the offensive line being so shaky on the right side.

8. Michael Eadeh, Adam Bertoni and thousands of Browns fans want more of a commitment to the run. Shurmur said the team had a respectable run/pass balance heading into the fourth quarter -- 27 passes, 21 runs. In the final period, it was 13 passes, six runs.

A big problem was the ridiculous first quarter, in which three false starts and Shurmur accidentally bumping into an official near the sideline created long-yardage situations and took away possible running plays.

9. I would simply suggest using Hillis better. Shurmur talks about "touches" for a

player, and Hillis had 23: 17 rushes and six catches (he had two other passes thrown in his direction). He didn't seem to have much room to run. The Colts ranked No. 24 against the run last season and gave up 167 rushing yards in last week's opener, so they are vulnerable.

In his two years calling plays for the Rams, Shurmur found a way for Steven Jackson to run for more than 2,600 yards. So he does have a sense of a running game and creating space for a back to work. He needs to implement it.

10. Several fans suggested to "fix" the offensive line. I'm all for it, just not sure how to do it. Shurmur mentioned center Alex Mack and rookie left guard Jason Pinkston as having the best days on the offensive line. Shawn Lauvao had two false starts at guard. Right tackle was split between Oniel Cousins (28 snaps) and Artis Hicks (45). According to profootballfocus.com, those two allowed seven "quarterback pressures."

Somehow, the Browns have to simply accelerate the learning curve for their two young guards (Pinkston and Lauvao) and figure out something that works at right tackle. They can help with a fullback and/or tight end as extra blockers. But this is a major challenge.

To reach Terry Pluto: terrypluto2003@yahoo.com, 216-999-4674

Bill Belichick, Head Coach Of The Cleveland Browns Remember?

The Cleveland Browns had Bill Belichick as their head coach from 1991-1995. Belichick even took the Browns to the play offs in 1994. Oh how the fans in Cleveland wish they had a coach like Bill Belichick now. When Belichick was here people couldn’t wait to fire him.  The Fans couldn’t stand the guy. Now the Browns are going through more coaching pains. The Browns fans hopefully learned a lesson with Belichick. With the New England Patriots Belichick has evolved into one of the best coaches in the National Football League.

Belichick has taken the Patriots to the super bowl not once, not twice but four times winning three of them. If only Browns fans and the Browns front office knew what they had then. Belichick is the kind of coach that even finds fault in winning. Belichick always seems room for improvement with his team. Last weekend Belichick’s Patriots beat the 38-24 win over Miami Monday night. The game was one of the best offensive productions in the New England Patriots 52 year history.

Tom Brady the New England quarterback threw for 517 yards the best in his career and he has had a good one. The total offensive output was a whopping franchise-record 622 yards in the game. Belicheck still sees room for improvement. This guy is just one of those people who always wants to strive for perfection. Belichick isn’t happy unless everything goes just right. Could you imagine of the Cleveland Browns had Belichick now? Just think if the Browns could have went out and hired this guy after last season? People wouldn’t even be able to control themselves in Cleveland.

The fans would be thinking Browns to the super bowl and why not Belichick knows how to get them there after all he did it in New England, why couldn’t he do it in Cleveland.

Well, it wasn’t the case, Browns president Mike Homgren went out and got us a guy some have never heard of. A guy that was an offensive minded coach, a guy who has a way developing young quarterbacks. A guy named Pat Shurmur. He may not be Bill Belichick but even Bill Belichick wasn’t Bill Belichick when he was in Cleveland. Lets use a bit of patients people. Lets give Shurmur a chance. He may not be Belichick but Mike Holmgren sees something in this guy that he liked well enough to put him in charge.

And Mike Holmgren knows a thing or tow about getting a team to a supper bowl too……

Original article:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/bill_belichick_head_coach_of_the_cleveland_browns_remember/6775870

Lets Face It, The Browns Stunk Up the Field In Game One, Whose Fault is It?

I was one of many Cleveland Browns fans that witnessed the debacle that was the Browns VS. Bengals on Sunday.

I have to tell you that  everything inside me told me to forget this team and move on.  But being a Browns fan for my entire life caused me to reflect.  Granted, it is only one game however, it was a must win game. The Browns owe an apology to every fan that they have for fielding such a poor underachieving team on Sunday.  At one point I wanted to duck into a back alley and remove my Browns shirt.  I was that embarrassed.  OK, I feel better for saying that.  There is nothing we can do about the past so we must look forward.

Cleveland Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur stated in recent articles that the loss on Sunday was his fault…well no duh!  Way to go in understating the obvious.

A couple of questions…Hey Pat…why did you not hire an offensive coordinator?  What makes you think that you can be the head coach AND call all of the offensive plays?  Worked out really well in the season opener didn’t it.

I miss Rob Ryan as the Defensive Coordinator.  What we have now is no match.

Being the President of a Browns Backers Club, I receive updates from the Browns organization on current events, etc.. 

Today I received an email from the Browns Backers Org promoting events, etc. Nowhere did they mention the game on Sunday (I guess they were also embarrassed).

Lets just acknowledge that the Browns have a long way to go to keep countless people like me as fans.  On Sunday they did nothing to deserve my loyalty.

With that being said, I am still a loyal Browns fan and I guess I will always be.

Arizona State's night to live up to the hype

By Tyler Bassett/Arizona Sports
Published: September 10, 2011 @ 12:29am

The night finally arrived.

The night for Arizona State to live up -- or down -- to the hype that has been placed upon them.

Fair or not, since last season ended with their win in Tucson over rival Arizona, it has always been about "wait until next year."

Brock Osweiler had shown promise. The skill positions were returning fast - - extremely fast. The defense is full of talent.

The team has finished a practice with a "BCS" chant. They talked a bit about the Sugar Bowl at their media day.

Fan expectations are high. Media members have marked them as the team that could make a serious run after not going to a bowl last year and starting this season outside the AP Top 25.

If you go by wins and losses -- and you should -- they lived up to the hype for this one night. The Sun Devils defeated the Missouri Tigers 37-30 in overtime.

This was the night they had to. A home loss on national television in front of a near capacity crowd in the highly promoted "Blackout" atmosphere would have been more than just one loss.

This was nowhere near a "pretty" win, but in the end it was a win.

Arizona State had to beat Missouri to gain credibility and show everyone they can be looked at as a team that moved on from a bowl-less season full of heartbreak and close losses -- sans the Arizona game.

They needed to prove to themselves they could beat a formidable opponent. It was their first win over a ranked team since 2007 -- Erickson's first year in Tempe and the year they won 10 games and went to the Holiday Bowl.

This game was talked about as Arizona State's "measuring stick" for the season. It was amplified when they announced it would be a "Blackout" and were hoping for a sellout.

For the game itself the Sun Devils started off fast with four of their five drives in the first half resulting in scores or scoring chances (a missed field goal was how their first drive ended).

Less than a minute into the fourth quarter they took a 30-16 lead and looked every bit the hype. It takes 60 minutes to win a football game and not 46.

A slew of penalties, a muffed punt and two bad possessions tied in with two Missouri touchdowns and you could see it on the fans' faces, "here we go again." Games like this were lost way too often by this team in 2010.

Friday night ended differently. The Sun Devils went to overtime and did what they had to do.

Is this a sign of things to come?

Only time will tell. They lived up to the hype in the most important game of their season. Now, next Saturday at Illinois is the most important. This big win against a ranked Missouri team won't feel as sweet if the momentum isn't carried on to another week.

Source:

http://arizonasports.com/category/bassett-blogs/20110910/Arizona-State%27s-night-to-live-up-to-the-hype/

Browns Favored By 6-1/2 Points Over Cincinnati Sunday

The Cleveland Browns may be getting the respect they have been looking for.  The Browns are favored over the Cincinnati Bengals by 6-1/2 points this Sunday. Josh Cribbs the Cleveland wide receiver thinks it is about time.  The Browns with new Head Coach Pat Shurmur may just be getting some respect Cribbs said in a news conference earlier today.  Why won’t they be? The Browns have Mike Homgren in the front office steering the ship..  They have a new young quarterback in Colt McCoy who is a natural born leader and one of the all time winningest quarterbacks in his Collegiate career. The Cleveland Browns defensive front four could also prove to be one of the best in the National Football league this year.  Sunday will tell the tale.

What, Colt McCoy worry? Cleveland Browns quarterback is calm, collected as season opener looms

BEREA, Ohio -- Nothing seems to be ruffling Colt McCoy as he heads into his first season opener as the Browns' undisputed field leader.

"It's been like that since we came back [from the lockout]," McCoy said after Wednesday's practice. "I'm really honestly past that. I understand it's my job to go out and play well and lead my team."

Not even uncertainty at two positions on the offensive line is a concern.

The starters at left guard and right tackle remain in flux. Rookie Jason Pinkston continued to take sidelined stalwart Eric Steinbach's spot at left guard, though coach Pat Shurmur wouldn't name him the starter Sunday against Cincinnati. At right tackle, starter Tony Pashos missed another day with his left foot in a walking boot. Newcomers Artis Hicks and Oniel Cousins are competing there. John Greco could show up at either spot.

"We're moving some guys around trying to figure out what's the best lineup, where do we get the best explosion off that front line," McCoy said. "But there's some secure guys on that front.

"[Center] Alex [Mack] makes a lot of calls, does a great job. [Left tackle] Joe Thomas, obviously. Shawn [Lauvao] is in there now [at right guard]. Hopefully we'll have Tony, but we'll see. It's just football. Somebody goes down, somebody's got to step up. The good thing is we have options. They'll be OK."

McCoy's calmness is another reassuring sign that he is in total control as the real season draws near. He will be the Browns' 10th different opening-game starter at quarterback in 13 years.

"I think the players have responded to him pretty well," Shurmur said. "That's a natural part of his personality, to take charge. But you can't take charge unless you know what you are doing. I think he has displayed to his teammates that he knows what he is doing and I think that's where the confidence continues to build."

Shurmur said the one thing he's learned about McCoy while coaching him the past six weeks is that he tries so hard "to do everything right." He cited McCoy's initiative in organizing the workouts with teammates during the owners lockout and his visit in Mississippi with former Packers quarterback Brett Favre. When training camp finally opened, McCoy "was trying to gobble it all up the best he could."

"I think that's important when you're learning a new offense," McCoy said. "So many things go into each day. We're still putting things in. You can't afford to make the same mistake twice. It sets you back. Today we put in some new things. Then it should be ingrained in your mind. That's part of being the quarterback. These guys don't want to see me messing up the same play twice."

Another example of McCoy's work ethic was the way he progressed during camp.

"You saw him in practice a little bit rusty, and then he'd fix some errors," Shurmur said. "Then he got an opportunity to go in and be pretty efficient in the first preseason game. He went through the process of training camp and basically did what we wanted. Now the next step is to do it for 60 minutes in a regular-season game.

"He's kind of been passing the tests in my mind as we've gone along and so Sunday will be the next test."

The first reaction among Browns faithful is that Cincinnati is a safe opponent to springboard a fast start. But McCoy looks over the Bengals' defense and sees an aggressive scheme, athletic linebackers, experienced cornerbacks -- and no rookies.

"They're veterans across the board. When you look at tape, you can tell. They don't bust coverages. They don't mess up," he said.

When McCoy was given his NFL baptism by fire as a rookie last season, he opposed some of the sport's most accomplished quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Tom Brady were the first three. For the first time in his short NFL career on Sunday, McCoy will be the older, more-experienced QB on the field. Rookie second-round draft pick Andy Dalton will be making his NFL debut for the Bengals.

Both are Texas natives and grew up too far away in that huge, football-mad state to meet in high school. But after McCoy enrolled at Texas and Dalton at Texas Christian, they opposed each other in a game in 2007. It was Dalton's second career start.

"I was a sophomore, he was a freshman," McCoy remembered. "They came to us and we beat them pretty bad [34-13]. I think it was close at halftime."

Source:

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

Cleveland Browns' new look deserves a long look from fans: Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I can tell you that Pat Shurmur is the fifth man to coach the Browns on opening day since 1999.

That Colt McCoy is the 10th opening day starting quarterback since 1999.

That the Browns have not employed this form of the West Coast offense since 1999, while the new 4-3 defense hasn't been used for six years.

But I can't tell you much about the Browns. That's because we really haven't seen the Browns with even most of their key players in a preseason game.

Think about it.

It's great that Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown return at cornerback, but T.J. Ward and Usama Young are projected to start at safety. They never played together before this season, and both have battled hamstring injuries in training camp.

The starting linebackers are supposed to be D'Qwell Jackson, Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong. Only Jackson has been healthy all camp -- a major plus as he's played only six games in the last two years. But this group in the new defense has not played together at all as Gocong is battling a pinched nerve in his neck.

The injuries to the offensive line are scary.

It's never a good sign when a player is claimed off waivers and is immediately a candidate to start at left guard, as is the case with Artis Hicks. Right tackle Tony Pashos has his foot in a walking boot. The Browns indicate this is not a big deal. But Pashos has played only 11 games in the last two years because of injuries.

If Pashos is out, then Oniel Cousins (recently cut by Baltimore) will start.

Need some good news?

McCoy is the ideal quarterback for the new offense thanks to his precise passing and his ability to move around the pocket. This is a minority opinion, but the Browns seem to have enough receivers and pass-catching tight ends to give McCoy the targets he needs. Don't be surprised if Joshua Cribbs finally has his breakout season as receiver.

The running game should be strong, Peyton Hillis gaining 1,177 yards last season. In his two years as the Rams offensive coordinator, Shurmur called enough plays for Steven Jackson to rush for 2,657 yards.

But Montario Hardesty had only five preseason carries as he comes off knee surgery. The other backup runner, Brandon Jackson, is out for the season with a foot injury. In order to prevent Hillis from becoming a 250-pound walking bruise by Thanksgiving, Hardesty has to stay healthy or the Browns must find another viable running back.

So the offense can be effective, if the blocking is adequate ... but that's a huge IF. Yes, many teams seem to have the same onslaught of injuries -- but I hate thinking about them before the Browns have played even their first game.

In terms of rarely seen continuity in training camp, the starting defensive line of Jayme Mitchell, Phil Taylor, Ahtyba Rubin and Jabaal Sheard have stayed healthy. Marcus Benard could end up leading the team in sacks, even though he doesn't start at defensive end. There is some talent here.

Shurmur has wisely stayed away from any hint of concern about not having the vast majority of his key players practicing -- but that has to be a real concern for a new staff making so many changes in offense and defense. Rarely have the Browns opened a season where so little is known because so few of the main actors have been on the preseason stage. This is an indictment of the depth, but not a general slam at the talent of the starters. Some of these guys are a real upgrade over what we've watched the last few years.

We do know the team is much younger. That's a good direction for a franchise that has had two winning records since 1999 -- the last being in 2007. Since then, they are 14-34.

But how will they play? Who knows?

But I'll say this much -- all the changes have me very curious to find out.

Original story:

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/09/cleveland_browns_new_look_dese.html

Artis Hicks could start at left guard in the Cleveland Browns' opener if he can learn the offense in time

BEREA -- If only new Browns guard Artis Hicks could remember the offense he ran in Philadelphia from 2002 to '05 when he was there with current Browns coach Pat Shurmur and current Browns General Manager Tom Heckert, starting at left guard Sunday against the Bengals would be a no-brainer.

Instead, the Browns will have to see how quickly the 10th-year pro can refresh his memory before they decide whether or not to start him in place of rookie Jason Pinkston.

"He's a very veteran guy that's played guard and tackle, so we're going to get him up to speed as quickly as possible," said Shurmur. "Right now, we've got Jason Pinkston in there, but we'll see. There's a little bit of work left to do, and we're really not saying right now who the starter's going to be."

Hicks, who signed his one-year deal and practiced with the team Monday, worked at both guard and tackle. He was needed some on the outside because starting right tackle Tony Pashos showed up at practice in a walking boot.

But Shurmur indicated Pashos, who missed 10 games with a right ankle injury that required surgery last year, will be fine for the opener.

"He's got a sore foot, and we're just letting it settle down, which is not uncommon," said Shurmur. "I wouldn't read into that yet. Those boots are magical sometimes."

Hicks, who's started 68 of his 109 career games with the Eagles, Vikings and Redskins, admitted that being thrown into the lineup Sunday would be a challenge.

"I've never been through that situation before," he said. "I know today was my first day of practice, and hearing some of the plays, right now it sounds like a foreign language to me. But give it a couple days, and it'll start to make a lot of sense. It's a work in progress."

Despite his four years in this system, he hasn't played in it since he was traded to the Vikings in 2006.

"It feels like it's been a millennium ago," he said. "But once you've been in a system and you've heard the terminology, it's just like having a toolbox. You put those things away in a toolbox, and later on you might have to go back and pull them out. Yeah, they're gonna be rusty, but you grind them a little bit, polish them up and you're ready to go again."

Hicks, who was released by the Redskins on Saturday after starting 10 games for them at right guard last season, has not been told he'll be the starter with the Browns.

"No, I have no expectations," he said. "I just came in knowing that I have a chance to contribute, and that's all you can ask for."

Pinkston, who's been gearing up for his NFL debut ever since Eric Steinbach was placed on injured reserve last week with a back injury, knows he might have to wait his turn.

"That's understandable," Pinkston said. "It's a business. They're going to put the more experienced guy in there if they need to. We're all here trying to win, we're one team. I'd be disappointed not playing, but I understand it for the team."

Left tackle Joe Thomas is confident Hicks can step right in if need be.

"It's different, but he's been in the league long enough that wherever they put him, he's going to pick it up fast," said Thomas. "He's played in Philly and Minnesota, so this West Coast stuff is not new to him. I think he'll probably know the offense better than us in a week or two."

But he's all for Pinkston starting if that's the way it goes.

"He's improving every day, and he's working hard at it," said Thomas. "We're going to have tremendous confidence in him if he's the guy."

Thomas acknowledged, though, that there's no time like the present to pick a guy and get him in there.

"I don't know how long it's going to be, but obviously as soon as we can get that done, the better," he said.

Shurmur said he'll base his decision on several criteria throughout the week.

"We put our best players out there at any position, if it's a first-year guy or a 12th-year guy," he said. "We factor in how they competed, what we think of them physically and how they work as a unit. There's a lot that goes into it."

Could Hicks be plugged in at right tackle if Pashos' sore foot lingers? Of his 68 starts, eight have come at left tackle, 27 at left guard, 30 at right guard and three at right tackle.

"Anything's possible," said Hicks. "I just got here. We'll just have to see and let it play out, and whatever happens will happen."

But in some ways, it already feels like home to Hicks, who grew up a Browns fan.

"I have family that's from this area here in Cleveland, a bunch of aunties, uncles and cousins," he said. "So I used to come up here in the summer sometime. I always used to hear about the Cleveland Browns, and it just kind of carried on as I grew older. I've watched them from afar and see what they're building here, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Source:

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

Browns GM wants to add players

General manager Tom Heckert isn't exactly sure where the Cleveland Browns have improved.

Heckert is certain, however, that he and new coach Pat Shurmur are trying to enhance the roster with younger players, adding depth and energy to a club that went 5-11 a year ago.

''We want to try and get the best possible players in here for our guys to coach,'' Heckert said Sunday after claiming three players on waivers. ''I don't know if we're done. I think we'll make one or two more moves.''

Concerned by injuries depleting depth at some spots, the Browns claimed linebacker Quinton Spears from Miami, defensive tackle Emmanuel Stephens from Atlanta and quarterback Thaddeus Lewis from St. Louis.

Lewis' availability caused the Browns to change course from carrying only starter Colt McCoy and veteran Seneca Wallace at quarterback.

''We really like this kid,'' Heckert said of Lewis, who was on the Rams' practice roster all last season when Shurmur was St. Louis' offensive coordinator.

''He's very accurate, has a strong arm and is a good athlete,'' Heckert said. ''He completed over 70 percent this year.''

Lewis went 23 of 32 for 266 yards without a touchdown or interception in exhibition play this summer for the Rams. In 2010, he was 22 for 28 (78.6%) for 255 yards, two TDs and one interception to earn an opening-day roster spot.

Lewis set school records as a four-year starter at Duke, throwing for 10,065 yards and 67 touchdowns.

Heckert said adding Lewis does not indicate any displeasure with McCoy running the new west coast offense installed by Shurmur.

''He's picked up the offense really well and I think you'll see him gain as the season goes on,'' Heckert said, adding that McCoy's already effective leadership qualities have become even stronger.

The general manager is hopeful that Spears, who played wide receiver and defensive end at Prairie View A&M, can transition to linebacker, where the Browns need help. Titus Brown is out with a high ankle sprain, though veteran Chris Gocong is expected back for the season opener Sunday against Cincinnati after missing most of the exhibition season with a neck injury.

''We are thin there,'' Heckert said of the linebacking corps. ''We think (Spears) can play, rush the passer. He can run. We're excited to have him.''

Heckert is continuing to look for help on the offensive line, where starting left guard Eric Steinbach is out for the season after having back surgery Tuesday. Rookie Jason Pinkston is in line to start the opener against the Bengals.

''We do like Pinkston a lot and think he can do it,'' Heckert said. ''We think (John) Grecco can do it. That's not to say we;re not going to add somebody.

It may not be an experienced player, either. Heckert has repeatedly said that he wants to build the Browns through the draft and that claiming younger players falls in line with that philosophy.

''I don't know if we're better or worse, but we are younger,'' Heckert said. ''We wanted that. We want guys that are going to practice every day.''

Defensive tackle Phil Taylor and wide receiver Greg Little, the Browns' first two draft picks, are getting plenty of action.

''A rookie starting in the NFL is not the easiest thing to do, but we drafted Phil to come here and play,'' Heckert said. ''We want to see more of Little. He's got a big body and can catch the ball. He's going to play.''

To clear roster room, Cleveland released defensive lineman Derreck Robinson and waived linebacker Benjamin Jacobs and defensive lineman Auston English. The Browns also signed six players to their practice squad. All six had been waived by the team Saturday: offensive linemen Dominic Alford and Jarrod Shaw, fullback Tyler Clutts, running back Quinn Porter, defensive lineman Brian Sanford and wide receiver Rod Windsor.

Source:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_gm_wants_to_add_players/6562948

Colt McCoy should flourish in Cleveland Browns offense, former NFL coach says

A Browns scouting report. . .

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Terry Pluto talked to a former NFL head coach whose job now is to pay special attention to the AFC North. Here's what he said about the Browns:

1. Colt McCoy should do well in the West Coast offense -- McCoy's strengths (accuracy and intelligence) match the scheme.

2. McCoy has to "be careful not to try and be the hero -- just throw the ball away and live to call another play."

3. Jason Pinkston will have a hard time at left guard. Moving from tackle (where Pinkston played at Pitt) to guard as a rookie is a major challenge.

4. He believes it's wise for the Browns to give second-year man Shawn Lauvao the right guard spot to lose, but wonders how the Browns will do with two guards who are basically rookies.

5. The Browns may be right when believing the new offense can improve the receivers. The main thing will be holding on to the ball, and most have good hands. He thinks Mohamed Massaquoi will thrive, the only negative being the receiver has missed most of training camp and all of the preseason games with a foot injury. He is supposed to be healthy for the opener, but has he developed much chemistry with McCoy?

6. Peyton Hillis is the real deal because of his strength, receiving skills and ability to block. The foot injury to Brandon Jackson is a big deal, because he would be an ideal blend with Hillis. Who knows what to expect from Montario Hardesty because he has played so little. The key is not wearing out Hillis.

7. Trading down and drafting Phil Taylor "was the absolute right thing to do." The former coach said if the Browns are now committed to the 4-3 defense, they must act like it. That meant pairing up veteran Ahtyba Rubin with Taylor in the middle of the line.

8. Since the Browns are not a playoff-ready team, adding draft picks and getting younger "just makes sense."

9. He has doubts about Jayme Mitchell over the long haul, and believes Marcus Benard will emerge as the best pass rusher at defensive end. He has not seen enough of rookie Jabaal Sheard to develop a strong opinion.

10. D'Qwell Jackson is a "terrific leader, a tough guy who should do much better in the 4-3 than the 3-4. I just hope he stays healthy."

11. The 4-3 defense with Rubin and Taylor along with Jackson at middle linebacker could improve the run defense -- especially since safety T.J. Ward will play closer to the line. Ward is a "very good tackler."

12. But if Ward is helping against the run, that puts a lot of pressure on cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Joe Haden "to hold up in one-on-one coverage." That could be "a real challenge." That's a concern because whether it's Mike Adams or Usama Young at the safety spot next to Ward, neither is known as a major playmaker. No NFL quarterback worries about those guys picking off passes at safety. Nor is Ward known for his strong pass coverage.

13. Much like the linebacker spot, there is talent in the defensive backfield -- but not enough depth. The Browns need more cornerbacks, more linebackers.

14. If Chris Gocong's pinched nerve lingers, "that can be a real problem, he's very solid and underrated. And who replaces him?"

15. He believes linebacker Kaluka Maiava "will look much better in the 4-3 than the 3-4," but he's not an impact player at linebacker. This also is the second year in a row Titus Brown has dealt with an ankle injury.

Original article:

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/09/colt_mccoy_should_flourish_in.html

Browns Sign TE Evan Moore to 3-Year Contract

Following the pattern of locking up would-be core players to longer-term contracts, the Cleveland Browns have reportedly inked tight end Evan Moore to a three-year contract extension.

The Browns had signed offensive tackle Joe Thomas to a lucrative seven-year deal and has reportedly been in talks with running back Peyton Hillis. Moore’s deal, worth approximately $3 million per season, is a two-year extension coupled with a revamp of his 2011 tender.

Current starting tight end Ben Watson is entering his age-30 season and is set to enter free agency in 2013. The 6-foot-6-inch, 250-pound Moore end has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited time with the Browns, proving to be a mismatch for both linebackers and defensive backs. In 17 games with the Orange and Brown, Moore has hauled in 28 passes for 480 yards and one touchdown. Despite having occasional bouts with the injury bug, Moore, 26, looks to be the team’s tight-end of the future.

Source:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_sign_te_evan_moore_to_3_year_contract/6528661

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

Peyton Hillis promotes new website

Browns running back Peyton Hillis either really likes Chuck Norris and his former TV show "Walker Texas Ranger," or he's trying to promote his website PeytonHillis.com.

Peyton Hillis