Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien on Browns ‘short list’ for head coach

Some bad information given to Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien could be part of the reason he is being wooed by the Cleveland Browns.

O’Brien, in his first year at Penn State, took over a team that was in flux and led them to a successful 2012 season.

However, O’Brien could be eyeing a return to the NFL as soon as 2013, he’s a hot coaching candidate and some bad information given to him before he took the Penn State job could quicken the process.

O’Brien was told that the Sandusky scandal was a criminal violation and the school football program wasn’t going to be penalized.

Significant penalties against Penn State and its football program included a $60 million fine and a four-year postseason ban, in the wake of the child sexual abuse scandal involving the former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

O’Brien thought he wouldn’t have to work under a restricted program, thus taking the job.

However, with NFL teams calling O’Brien is the one calling the shots. All indications are O’Brien is on a few teams short list and could be interviewing as soon as the NFL season is over according to Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com.

http://www.60maxpowero.com/patriots/content/penn-state-head-coach-bill-o%E2%80%99brien-browns-%E2%80%98short-list%E2%80%99-head-coach

Cleveland Browns beat Baltimore Colts to win NFL championship on Dec. 27, 1964

Forty-eight years ago today the Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Colts, 27-0, to claim the NFL Championship, the last time a Cleveland team has won a championship in any of the major sports.

Charles Heaton was covering the game for The Plain Dealer, and wrote of the team's performance:

"The Browns are the National Football League champions after what well may be the best performance ever in the sparkling history of this football club.

"They stifled the Baltimore Colts, highest scoring team in the league this season, 27-0, before 79,544 on a windy, chilly afternoon at the stadium yesterday."

According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, the Browns finished the 1964 season with a record of 10-3-1 while Baltimore went 12-2. The Colts and Browns were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively in total points and were the only two teams in the league to tally 400 or more points.

Baltimore was led by Johnny Unitas, the AP and UPI Most Valuable Player and the Bert Bell Award winner for the Player of the Year, and Lenny Moore, the Newspaper Ent. Assoc. MVP.

The Browns were paced that season by Jim Brown's 1,446 rushing yards and Frank Ryan's 2,404 passing yards.

But, according to Heaton, it was the defense that won the day for the Browns:

"Despite the fact that he had a hand heavily encased in a cast, Galen Fiss played what must be the finest game of his career. The captain and linebacker from Kansas made tackles that rattled the teeth of fans in Row Z.

"And if there was any doubt about this defensive showing being a team effort it was dispelled in the jam-packed Cleveland dressing room. You'd congratulate Larry Benz and he'd mention Jim Houston. Houston would mention Ross Fichtner and Ross would mention Vince Costello.

"So it went right down the line."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/12/cleveland_browns_beat_the_balt.html

BROWNS FANS SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL “OK I WAS A BIG WEEDEN SUPPORTER. I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT”

“He just plain out sucks!” That is starting to be the consensus in the Cleveland Area. Fans that jumped on the Brandon Weeden band wagon are ready to jump off. They didn’t like the ride and they have seen nothing but regression coming from the 29-year-old failing quarterback who already failed to make a career for himself in major league baseball. The Cleveland fans were let down by the Browns management once again. Mike Holmgren who is the former President of the Cleveland Brownsforced Tom Heckert to take Brandon Weeden with the teams 22nd pick in the 2012 draft. Holmgren was relieved of his duties as team president as soon as Jimmy Haslam took control of the team. Some think taking Weeden with the teams 22nd pick helped seal the fate of Homgren. Mike Holmgren filled the fans with empty promises coming into the 2012 season. He promised the fans and the media the team would be far better than the 2011 Browns.

Brandon Weeden is failing to find his way in the N.F.L., his performance in his last game showed he continues to struggle when faced with pressure. The Cleveland Browns have started Brandon Weeden in 14 games, why is anyone’s guess. Weeden’s T.Q.R. has him listed at 35 of the 37 guys listed. Weeden is the worse of the Rookies playing in the NFL this season. Andrew Luck who many try to compare Weeden to has a T.Q.R. of 65.5 which is a far cry from Weeden’s 26.1. RGIII has a T.Q.R. of 71.3, Tannehill has 52.5 and Russell Wilson who was drafted in the 3rd round 75th overall hase a T.Q.R. of 68.7. No other rookie quarterback has played worse than Brandon Weeden.

The Browns are one of the most supported teams in the N.F.L. when it comes to the fans. They gave the fans another losing season of football and now they are left wondering why Pat Shumur just gave the starting quarterback spot to Brandon Weeden when it was clear that Colt McCoy was playing better coming into the 2012 season. Is Shurmur’s own personal feelings towards Colt McCoy more important than giving the fans of the Cleveland Browns more wins? We all can see the answer to that question, all you have to do is look at the teams record.

If you compare Colt McCoy’s number from 2011 to Brandon Weeden’s numbers in 2012 you will see in every category McCoy has an advantage over Brandon Weeden. McCoy only played 13 games in 2011 and he had a overall quarterback rating of 74.6. Weeden has a rating of 72.4 after 14 games. McCoy threw 14 touchdowns in the 13 games he played and Weeden has thrown 14 touchdowns in 14 games played. It took Weeden one more game to tie McCoy’s 2011 number of touchdowns. McCoy only threw 11 interceptions in 2011 and Weeden has thrown 17 this season.

Colt McCoy didn’t have the supporting cast that Weeden is surrounded by this season. McCoy had no running backs that were healthy. Weeden has had a number one draft pick a healthy Hardesty and the use of Chris Ogbonnaya. Brandon Jackson has also been available and healthy too, why Shurmur hasn’t played him this season is anyone’s guess. Weeden has also had the benefit of a better offensive line than McCoy had in 2011. The line has protected Weeden far better and given him more time to find a receiver than Colt McCoy ever had.

It is no wonder Browns fans are starting to see the light. The facts are the facts and Brandon Weeden shouldn’t be the Browns starting quarterback. Why a guy who gets paid a ton of money to be a head coach in the N.F.L. couldn’t see it is one more thing that should seal his fate as a head coach. Not only do the Cleveland Browns need to correct Mike Holmgren’s poor choice of a head coach, they need to correct his awful choice of a starting quarterback too…..

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_fans_see_the_writing_on_the_wall_ok_i_was_a_big_weeden_supporter_i_have_seen_the_light/12492694

Browns Brandon Weeden Takes A Severe Beating By A Colt McCoy Clone Named Kirk Cousins

Browns 29-year-old rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden showed the home town fans who attended the last home game of the regular season he still can’t win the tough games. Weeden did something most fans thought he outgrew, he threw a couple of interceptions in the game that helped the Washington Redskins in their cause to make the play-offs this season. The fans who wished to see Colt McCoy this season got the next best thing today. The fans were able to witness first hand the kind of play McCoy would have been capable of this season. Kirk Cousins another guy who has huge success in his college career was able to roll out of the pocket all day long to find his open receivers while doing his McCoy impersonation.

Weeden struggled again in the first half of the game. The Browns defense which has played great in the 2012 season help the Browns do something that Weeden failed to do, they got the Browns into the red zone to help Richardson score the first of his 2 touchdowns. Weeden continues to show he is incapable of making good decisions. He struggled against a defense that is not rated very highly this season in the NFL and Weeden continued failing to convert on 3rd down. The Browns were only 4-12 in 3rd down conversions.

Brandon Weeden fails to demonstrate the kind of consistency it takes to win in the N.F.L. Weeden who was drafted 22 overall in the first round of the 2012 N.F.L. draft was out played by a guy that wasn’t taken until the 4th round in the 2012 draft. In his first rookie start at quarterback, Kirk Cousins outplayed Brandon Weeden by leaps and bounds. Cousins out played Weeden who has started every game this season for Cleveland. This is a further example of why Tom Heckert didn’t want to take Brandon Weeden as the Browns other first round draft pick. Weeden got beat by a back up rookie quarterback that was starting his first game.

It was almost humorous to hear the television commentators talk about the Cleveland Browns being in the hunt for the play-offs. Obviously they haven’t see Mr. Weeden play in a game when he has tough competition.  Sure the Cleveland Browns won three games in a row, the competition level was no where near what it was today.

Brandon Weeden is a great athlete, he has already failed at a M.L.B. career and he continues to struggle with his N.F.L. career. He can’t compete against a well organized team that doesn’t make a ton of mistakes to hand the Browns the win. Weeden continues to miss wide open receivers and his accuracy that we heard about leave little to be desired. There is a reason Brandon Weeden couldn’t make it as a M.L.B. Pitcher and we continue to see that wildness with his throws in the N.F.L.

Yes Brandon Weeden is a rookie. He faced a rookie today that hasn’t even started a game until today. So wake up people and realize there was a reason Heckert didn’t want to take Weeden. We are seeing in every game when the going gets tough. Brandon Weeden only completed 21 of the 35 passes he threw for 244 yards. The guy is not the future of the Cleveland Browns offense.

He has 13 more starts than Cousins and he still couldn’t get his team a win when it mattered. His mistakes continue to coat the Cleveland Browns wins….To sum it all up Weeden made major mistakes today, those mistakes just cost the Browns a run at the play offs…..

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_brandon_weeden_takes_a_severe_beating_by_a_colt_mccoy_clone_named_kirk_cousins/12447292

There's plenty of pleasure in watching these Cleveland Browns grow up: Terry Pluto

By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the Browns, it's three wins in a row. So let's not talk about who should be the coach or general manager next year. At least, not this week.

Let's consider this fact: The Browns are one of the NFL's youngest teams, playing hard for a coaching staff with huge question marks next to their futures. They've won three in a row, are 5-3 in their last eight games and are 4-3 at home.

This game began with Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles bolting 80 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage -- and the Browns scored the next 30 points.

That's right, it was a blowout on this gray, sometimes soggy, Sunday afternoon on the lakefront. By the middle of the third quarter, the Browns owned this game. They treated Kansas City like a 2-10 team as the Chiefs didn't cross midfield in the second half until fewer than nine minutes were left.

Are the Browns a playoff team? Not yet. Not with a 5-8 record. But they made Kansas City look like a bad team. They will force any opponent watching tape of recent games to pause and think, "These guys are dangerous."

They are a team packed with rookies and second-year pros who think they should win every week.

"I knew when I came here two years ago, there would be some tough days," said coach Pat Shurmur. "But once you see [winning] happening over and over, you begin to think, 'We can do this.' It's an easier sell [for the coaches]."

Or as quarterback Brandon Weeden said, "We don't have a bunch of knuckleheads. ... We have good guys."

You can pick at the performance. The Browns should have scored even more points. They spent much of the game in the Kansas City end of the field. But one of the key themes coming out of this season is that while the Browns were losing games, the coaching staff never lost the team.

This Sunday, the Browns not only won -- they won big. They won big with a defense that racked up five sacks on former teammate Brady Quinn, and they hit him nine other times. They won big by holding the Chiefs to 1-of-11 on third-down plays. They won big with a deep defensive line, and an emerging secondary.

Did you see that sweet interception by Tashaun Gipson, the undrafted rookie from Wyoming? Or the franchise record 93-yard touchdown punt return by Travis Benjamin, another rookie. He was the No. 100 pick in the last draft.

Rookie Josh Gordon had eight catches. Rookie Trent Richardson had a rough day running the ball (42 yards on 18 carries), but still scored two touchdowns. "He has a nose for the goal line," said Shurmur.

Richardson has nine touchdowns rushing, another one on a pass.

"When [Richardson] gets the ball in his hands, he's on a mission to get across the goal line," said Weeden.

One of the most exciting developments is second-year receiver Greg Little, who went from dropping passes most of last season and early this year to a very dependable target in the last six weeks. He had four catches Sunday, and ran the ball for 17 yards on a pitch.

Offensive coordinator Brad Childress and Shurmur had fun paging through the playbook. They ran two wildcats for Josh Cribbs. They ran a reverse for Benjamin and a pitch sweep for Little.

Second-year running back Montario Hardesty had 52 yards on 10 carries.

"We continue to march forward," said Weeden, who had a solid day with 17-of-30 passing for 217 yards.

The Browns continue to march forward.

Who would have dreamed anyone would say that after this team started 0-5?

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2012/12/theres_plenty_of_pleasure_in_w.html

Joe Thomas completely rips Peyton Hillis

by Paul Jackiewicz

“I think it was better for both sides (that he left),” said Thomas. “At that point the situation with him here was toxic, and he didn’t want to be here and players didn’t want him here. It was better for a fresh start at that point.”

Thomas attributed it all to Hillis’ botched attempt at trying get a new deal.

“It was just the fact, he decided his contract was more important than coming out and playing and helping his team win, and it left us without a running back and then we had a few injuries that hurt us further, with Montario (Hardesty) being down and Brandon Jackson, losing him in training camp.

“(Hillis) went about trying to get a contract a certain way, and it ended up hurting the other 52 guys in the locker room. That was his decision.”

Thomas told reporters in training camp that if the team chose up sides, no one would choose Hillis.

“He wasn’t real popular around here the way he went about his business,” said Thomas. “Not that they didn’t like him as a person, but just the way he hurt the team from not coming to play.”

Was that out of character?

“Yeah, no question, he was everything people knew about him: hard-working, blue-collar tough,” said Thomas. “The next year all he cared about what trying to get his new contract. I think he was getting poor guidance on how to go about his business. The way he chose it really hurt the team.”

Thomas said: “I don’t know, you guys tell me. I don’t know if strep throat and whatever other injuries he had should keep you out of an NFL game or several. All I know is Alex Mack’s appendix blew up and he played. A lot of guys tried to help him and give him guidance, and he wasn’t listening.”

Thomas added: “It was a strange year. Everyone here is glad we’re beyond it, and I’m sure Peyton’s glad he’s past it too because it was a strange season.”

What’s really sad is that Hillis ruined a opportunity to get the one big contract every NFL running back desires and now he’s on a short-term deal with the Chiefs and making noting compared to what he would have receive if he had just behaved in Cleveland.

Is this the beginning of a Browns running committee?

December 3, 2012 By Craig Lyndall

The NFL really doesn’t seem to care a lot about the lives of fantasy football “owners.”  How else can you explain the multiple teams that seem to run the ball almost exclusively without exclusivity? Running by committee is a clichéd statement around the NFL, but the committee has pretty much completely avoided Cleveland since 1999. Even when it seemed like the Browns had accidentally found their way into two running backs with breakout performances by Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis, it seemed that the Browns could never find a way to mix and match the opportunities for both backs. Yesterday with Montario Hardesty and Trent Richardson, it seemed like the beginnings of something that might just take hold if the Browns’ coaching staff trusts in it.

I made a Twitter joke after Montario Hardesty sat with one carry for 19 yards for an extended period of time. Hardesty came in on the first drive of the game for the Browns and followed up Trent Richardson’s nine yard gain with a much speedier 19 yard run around the left side. The joke, of course, was what the Vegas odds were that Montario Hardesty would complete the game with one carry for 19 yards. My joke was almost completely based in truth. After Hardesty’s 19-yard run in the first quarter, he didn’t receive another carry until giving Trent Richardson a break in the fourth quarter. What a break it was.

Hardesty ran on first down from the Browns’ 22 for 4 yards. He followed that up with a 13-yard run, and then a 3-yard run. Yes, Weeden was sacked for an 11-yard loss on 2nd down and the Browns failed to convert on 3rd and 18, but Hardesty is the point here. All said and done, Hardesty gave the Raiders a different look and the contrast was successful. In the end, Hardesty finished with five carries for 39 yards and a 7.8 yard-per-carry average. Even more than the numbers, the contrast looked obvious on TV like when Pedro Martinez could dial up mid-90′s fastballs before hitting you with the 78 MPH changeup. Well, maybe not that good, but you get my point.

Trent Richardson is still far and away your number one running back. He had a workmanlike day with 20 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown and three receptions for 23 yards. His 3.6 yard-per-carry average isn’t gaudy and neither is his 9-yard long.  And if we’re being quite honest, eight of those yards came when Shawn Lauvau practically willed Richardson eight yards with the game on the line in the fourth quarter.

But Richardson is still a guy that teams have to worry about and account for at all times. Even when they’re successful doing so, this is where the committee comes in. If the Browns can turn to Montario Hardesty, a speedier option, it gives the Browns a contrast in their attack that will only serve to make everyone more effective.

They say when you have a quarterback controversy between two quarterbacks, it really means you don’t have any good quarterbacks. As a follower of the Browns, I couldn’t possibly agree with that more. That isn’t the case with running backs though. When it comes to running backs more is better provided the coaching staff believes in it and can effectively dole out the workload. With Sunday’s successes, here’s hoping Shurmur will continue to pepper Hardesty in. Done well, it could make the Browns entire offense – including Trent Richardson – more effective.

And to think, some fans wanted to see Hardesty cut at various points since he was drafted…

Cleveland Browns: Backup QB Colt McCoy Rolls With Punches And Awaits Opportunity

As we move to the final quarter of the season, Cleveland Browns back up quarterback Colt McCoy can only watch from the sidelines. Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden was deemed the starter in training camp and McCoy never had a chance.

Few know that McCoy is the winningest quarterback in NCAA history. From pee wee to high school to college, McCoy has always been known as “the man”. His good ole’ country boy demeanor and love for the game of football makes him a very likable guy. Unfortunately, pee wee, high school, and college is not the same as the National Football League.

After he was drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, McCoy instantly became a fan favorite. McCoy doesn’t cause problems and is a great teammate. Despite his size, McCoy shows moxie and has the ability to escape the pocket for positive yards. So what’s the problem?

In today’s NFL, a starting quarterback has to be able to throw the ball down field and hit precise routes, all while putting some zip on the ball. Championship caliber teams do not dink and dunk. The Browns and 31 other teams simply believe McCoy does not meet that criteria. This is why Cleveland drafted the 29 year old rookie Brandon Weeden with their second first round pick. Weeden, the failed minor league baseball player, resurrected himself at Oklahoma State University.

Soon after this past NFL Draft when the Browns selected Trent Richardson, McCoy tweeted “Congratulations Trent Richardson! Glad to have you in Cleveland.” It was a sign that McCoy would actually have some help in the backfield. Little did he know, the Weeden selection was soon to follow. Everyone including McCoy knew right then and there, the Browns had a new starting quarterback.

In week one, Weeden looked like a boy lost in the woods and accumulated a 5.1 QB rating while throwing four interceptions. The entire time, McCoy watched, listened, and tried to help from the sidelines.

The one thing Cleveland fans have to ask themselves is; if Weeden goes down to an injury or plays terrible, can no. 12 lead the youngest team in the NFL to be competitive and win football games? That scenario may have come after Weeden suffered a concussion in last week’s victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Maybe a change of pace at quarterback is what the Browns need. Maybe it is not. No matter what though, at what point do we say, it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, let’s just win and finish football games?

Ryan Ruiz – Cleveland Browns Writer

What Does Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur Have To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving Season?

The Cleveland Browns are now 2-8 and many Browns fans are probably wondering what a guy like Browns head coach Pat Shumur has to be thankful for this holiday season. For the fans that lived through the 2011 season you probably already know what coach Shurmur has to be thankful for, for those of you that may be new to the Cleveland Browns you probably think Shumur has very little to be thankful for. That would be your first mistake. Shurmur is thankful that the Cleveland Browns started a new quarterback for the 2012 season and now he can blame all the teams losses on his rookie quarterback, yes Pat Shumur loves to play the blame game. Even when the team loses a game because of Shurmur’s own short-comings as a head coach in the National football league he still likes to blame the team’s quarterback.

This Holiday season head coach Pat Shurmur will pin all of the Browns losses on his rookie. This is what Shurmur does best, he has already made several comments stating that you can only evaluate the teams starting quarterback on how many wins his has.  Shurmur is a pros pro when it come to shifting the blame for losing. Last season Colt McCoy was made the scape goat, this season it will be his rookie starter. Needless to say there was no reason to start a rookie for the Cleveland Browns at the quarterback position, the Browns had a seasoned veteran returning a guy who knew the offense Shurmur enjoys calling the plays for. But what fun would that be if the head coach messed up getting the plays into the game, who would he place the blame on?

So this thanksgiving when you;re sitting down at the Thanksgiving dinner table remember Pat Shurmur the head coach of the Cleveland Browns has plenty to be thankful for, he has a new guy to point the finger at.

http://clevelandsports360.com/wordpress/what-does-browns-head-coach-pat-shurmur-have-to-be-thankful-for-this-thanksgiving-season/

Cleveland Browns' Josh Cribbs tells Plain Dealer: 'I feel caged' because of lack of opportunities on offense

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns kick returner Josh Cribbs, who has touched the ball only eight times on offense this season, vented his frustration as the Browns prepared to face the Cowboys on Sunday in Dallas.

"I feel like I'm trapped," Cribbs told The Plain Dealer. "I feel like a caged athlete."

Cribbs, who's third in the NFL in kickoff return average and fourth in punt return average, is miffed he hasn't been used more on offense, especially after catching a career-high 41 passes for 518 yards and four touchdowns last season. The four TDs tied a team high.

This season, he has six catches for 54 yards and two runs for 8.

"Me going from being able to run the wildcat, to playing receiver last season and catching 41 passes and four touchdowns to nothing -- I can't believe it," said Cribbs. "By me not playing, I feel like they think I'm not good, that I've lost it. But I haven't. I feel when I'm out there I can contribute, but I'm not able to."

Cribbs, in the final year of his contract here, said he talked to coach Pat Shurmur about it earlier this season.

"There's no point," he said. "Obviously they feel like everybody that's in front of me is a better athlete. I disagree. I feel a different way than the coach feels about me. They must feel I can't produce. We have a difference of opinion."

Shurmur, who's stressed since the offseason that he values Cribbs as a returner, made a point this week of complimenting him for his superb play in all aspects of the kicking game.

"We know what kind of an impact he has on special teams, which can't go unnoticed," said Shurmur. "He does more than just the average returner because he's involved in all the coverage units and he's an outstanding competitor in that phase. I really appreciate it."

Shurmur feels Cribbs' return numbers are up this year and coverage units are better because he's focusing on special teams. Cribbs already has four kickoff returns of 40-yards or more this season and leads all active players with 33. Overall, the Browns are second in the NFL with both punt- and kick-return average. From a coverage standpoint, the Browns are third in the NFL in average field position (19.9) after a kickoff return.

"He's made a major impact on one-third of the game and he's doing a great job," said Shurmur.

Offensively, the Browns have turned to younger receivers such as rookies Josh Gordon, Travis Benjamin and Josh Cooper, but Cribbs feels he has more to offer and it's killing him not to prove it. Cribbs admitted it's even more frustrating considering it's his contract year and neither the new Browns' regime nor other teams are getting to see what he can do.

"There's something wrong when one of your best athletes doesn't get the ball," he said. "I'm tired of people saying they don't know how to use me. Get creative. Find ways.

"I can't even showcase myself. I'm more than a special teams player. I've proven that. I belong on the field more than this, more than what they're allowing me to do. I've tried to not to say much, but it's upsetting. We're nine games into the season and I haven't gotten a chance."

He insisted that his anger stems from the fact the Browns are 2-7.

"If the team were winning and we were successful every week on offense, I wouldn't say a word," he said. "Something needs to change. We've got find a way to win. You've got to think outside the box."

And although Shurmur hinted this week that some players might get more time down the stretch, Cribbs doesn't think he's one of them.

"There's no indication that things will be different over the last seven games," he said. "I'm a special teams player. My guys are rallying behind me and trying to send me to the Pro Bowl. I'm trying to ride that and get in the end zone. I'm going to keep trying to lead the league in returns and keep balling out and contribute as much as I can."

Cribbs, 29, said it's hard for him to watch the team lose week after week, which is why he stalked out of the locker room after the Baltimore game without talking.

"I look at the game film and it's hard for me to compose myself," he said. "I've got so much fight in me. I've been through it all here and I know how important it is for these fans to win and I want to be doing everything I can to help."

Despite his frustration and the perennial losing, Cribbs wants to finish his career here.

"It's because of these fans," he said. "I'm going to try to stay here. If Mr. (Jimmy) Haslam will have me, I'll stay. If not, I'm sure I'll be playing football somewhere else."

He said his agent hasn't talked yet with new CEO Joe Banner.

"No, we're just going to let it play out," he said.

In the meantime, he'll focus on being the best special teamer he can be.

"We feel like we're the best unit in the league and we take a lot of pride in that," said Cribbs. "I'm trying to do everything I can on special teams -- more than ever before -- because it's the only avenue I've got."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/11/cleveland_browns_josh_cribbs_i_3.html#incart_river#incart_2box

Cleveland Browns CEO Joe Banner tells The Plain Dealer that team must determine if Brandon Weeden is the guy

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio — Browns new CEO Joe Banner, in a wide-ranging interview with The Plain Dealer on Thursday, acknowledged that he and new owner Jimmy Haslam must decide by the end of the season if Brandon Weeden is their quarterback of the future.

"It's right to put Brandon on the list of important things we have to figure out and we have seven games left to do that," Banner said. "It's an extremely important question for this organization to get right."

With the Browns 2-7 at the bye, they're likely to end up with a high enough pick to draft a premier quarterback, which makes the last final seven games pivotal.

"The only reason I'm leaving he door open is, you could think he's the right answer and a year from now go, "Oh, gee, I thought he was but he isn't,' " Banner said. "So it's not like you're etching it in stone, but you certainly have to at least for your next off-season plan, make a determination as to whether in two years from now, when we're trying to be a championship-caliber team, is he good enough to lead us there?"

Banner said Weeden's age -- he'll be 30 in their first full season -- isn't as much a factor as his ability.

"In a perfect world he isn't 30, but you've got to deal with reality," Banner said. "It's not a yes or no because of his age, it's a yes or no because of how good he is or how good he's going to become."

He said he'll rely on the current staff to evaluate Weeden's potential and that they'll weigh factors such as youth at the skill positions.

"Anybody can see he throws the ball well," Banner said. "The more crucial evaluation are the other issues that drive the best quarterbacks in the league such as huddle presence, feel, intelligence, and leadership.

Banner said the quarterback decision is tied for No. 2 with general manager and behind head coach as the most important decisions a team must make.

"You can't win big without a great coach and a great quarterback," he said. "And frankly, if you have a great enough coach and quarterback, you can afford to make a few more personnel mistakes. You've got to lock them in."

Banner addressed a number of other topics including his role, his philosophy on changes, and what he's looking for from coach Pat Shurmur and General Manager Tom Heckert:

Q: Do Shurmur and Heckert need a certain number of victories to stick around?

A: No. We're not going to say, "If you win four games . . ." We want to see if they have the qualities that will lead this organization to a championship-caliber level. I know Pat [from our Eagles days] but I've never known Pat as a head coach. I've never known Pat where he was expected to demonstrate his leadership skills. You may have an opinion about some play call, but that's not what we're scrutinizing. If they have the qualities we're looking for, let's move forward.

Q: What are those qualities?

A: When we hired Andy Reid in Philadelphia we did a study on every coach who had led a team to two Super Bowls to find the common denominator. We went in looking for things like offensive philosophy, did they come from defense, did they come from college? Had they been a coordinator? We found nothing. Then we accidentally realized they were all exactly the same when we took football out of the equation -- they were all incredibly strong leaders, they all had hired great staffs, they managed them well and were all very detail-oriented.

Q: So that's how you found Reid?

A: I found Andy when he was working for [former Packers GM] Ron Wolf in Green Bay. Ron was hiring a head coach and didn't even interview Andy. I got a list of candidates based on those qualities we found. Eight teams were hiring head coaches and no one else interviewed Andy. It worked out pretty well [five NFC championship games and a Super Bowl].

Q: Do Shurmur and Heckert have a realistic shot, or will you want your own people regardless?

A: They have a realistic chance. I like them both. I do feel like I have a head start. I know a lot about Pat, so I'm not really starting from scratch. There's just elements of evaluating Pat that I need to see more and know more before I could come to a conclusion. I've always had a good rapport with Tom. I come in with a positive view of Tom and we'll see when we get to January how we feel about that. Tom left the Eagles because he wanted more input. It wasn't a negative thing.

Q: Who will have final say on the 53-man roster?

A: We'll determine that officially when we see who's in those roles. My bias is for the coach to make those decisions. Now, we may end up with somebody in personnel who's so good that I tweak that, but going in, my bias is that the coach will have the most say on the 53-man roster and the 45 who dress for games.

Q: What will your role be in football decisions such as the draft?

A: I will be one of the four or five people in that room. I'll have a voice. In some instances, it will go through me, but our goal is always to drive a consensus. That's always been my role as it related to the football part of the operations.

Q: Will Jimmy Haslam be one of those four or five people?

A: Yes, absolutely because he's smart and he has common sense. The right decisions don't necessarily come out of someone who's been a traditional football guy. Sometimes they come more from common sense than anything. He watches football and he's going to have perspectives on what's most important. Will he be the guy watching the film and writing the report? No, although I'd be surprised if he doesn't watch some film because that's the best way to kind of see what you're seeing.

Q: Speaking of football guys, you're perceived as more of a business/salary-cap guy than a football guy. Is that accurate?

A: I think that definition has properly evolved over the last five or 10 years. There's a lot of examples of smart, hardworking guys running successful teams that are not thought of as football guys. You can't hire an Andy Reid without knowing something about football.

Q: But do you watch film and do some scouting?

A: I don't think the Eagles drafted a guy that I haven't watched. I'll watch all of the top guys and any free agent we're thinking of signing. Later in the draft, they might give me five guys to watch that could be available in the sixth round. I also go to the Senior Bowl and the Indianapolis combine, but I'm also there to develop relationships with agents and people in the league.

Q: Who will report to you?

A: The coach and the GM will report directly to me. In Philadelphia, the director of player personnel reported to Andy, who was the general manager, and Andy had a direct report to [owner] Jeff Lurie and a dotted line to me. It's slightly different than what we did in Philadelphia because Jeff was more involved. But I was the one most directly working with the football people or negotiating contracts, negotiating the trades. I worked directly with and supervised the football people.

Q: Who will decided if a change at head coach/GM is necessary?

A: I will lead on all of the day-to-day type of things including if we're going to make a change and really be responsible for putting together the right list of people to consider for the change. I don't care who you are in the NFL, the owner has final say on everything. I'd put together a list of three or four people. He may say, "Who's your first choice?" Hopefully that'd carry some weight. I'll have a list of qualified candidates because of how well I know them or the people I can trust know them. Jimmy will have more ideas of who we should look into and obviously I will and then we'll kind of put that into a first list kind of thing.

Q: With your best people either already here or locked in with the Eagles, where will your list come from?

A: One of big weaknesses in the league is people's inclinations to hire people they know or they feel safe with. I know people through the league in all categories -- salesmen, marketing people, position coaches, general managers. I have good people in mind in every area and they won't be my friends or at least that's not what will drive it. It won't be driven by people I've worked with. For me, the pool of potential talent is the entire league and all the relationships I've developed over the years. I'm not just going to be plucking people out of my past. You see coaches come in and the whole staff is somebody they used to work with. They're not hiring the best of the best when they do that.

Q: You're firmly entrenched in the West Coast family. Will this continue to be a West Coast team?

A: My criteria has nothing do with what scheme they play or that they philosophically line up with me or Jimmy or anyone. I have my personal biases, but it won't have anything to do with who we pick.

Q: Will you assume the title of president or hire one after Mike Holmgren leaves?

A: CEO is more than enough. Everybody in the building reports to me. If I do hire a president, it won't be for the football side. Will there be a president, a COO, an executive vice president? That's part of what I'm deciding. I'm really trying to stay open-minded about the organizational structure and hope to decide that in the next one to three or four weeks. Right now I'm 60-40 on not naming a president, but that could change.

Q: Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports reported you're considering former Browns personnel executive Mike Lombardi. True?

A: Since I haven't even decided whether I'm keeping the people that are here, at best it's wild speculation and in this case it's unfounded. Somebody's taking a shot in the dark.

Q: Did you leave on good terms with Reid and would he be on your list of coaching candidates if you make a change?

A: I had a great relationship with Andy. He's still a close friend. [But] I'm not going to answer that. That's speculation of course.

Q: Your biggest strength?

A: Being able to evaluate potential hires and put together really good people regardless of what area. I think it's my greatest strength and I think my history would back it up. You won't bat 100 percent. But you pick good people , create an environment for success and keep them together for a long time.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/11/cleveland_browns_ceo_joe_banne_1.html#incart_2box

Hurricane Sandy Caused Pieces of Cleveland Municipal Stadium to Wash Ashore

Hurricane Sandy may have crippled the Eastern Seaboard, but it looks like Cleveland had to deal with an odd situation caused by the "superstorm".

Sandy caused bits and pieces of the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium to be thrown out of Lake Erie and wash ashore in nearby Bratenahl, Ohio.

Why was the wreckage of the stadium in Lake Erie you ask? Simple. When the former home of the Cleveland Browns was demolished in 1996, the debris from the stadium was deposited into Lake Erie to create three artificial reefs.

It could have been from Sandy, but I think it was the ghost of Art Modell seeking revenge on the city. Maybe, I don't know, I'm just asking the questions.

http://tmgsportsblog.yardbarker.com/blog/tmgsportsblog/article/hurricane_sandy_caused_pieces_of_cleveland_municipal_stadium_to_wash_ashore/12115960

Cleveland Browns' Brandon Weeden eager for second shot against Ravens

BEREA, Ohio -- Brandon Weeden watched the Browns' first meeting against the Ravens on his iPad Tuesday night, but fast-forwarded right past the 63-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Cary Williams that proved to be the game-winner.

Why spoil a good action flick, right?

"I didn't watch it," Weeden said. "It came at a crucial time in the game and you can't miss them there. You have to throw it toward the boundary more, toward the sideline. That was a costly play in the game."

But his review of the Browns' 23-16 loss, minus the pesky pick-six, left Weeden with a skip in his step heading into heading into Sunday's rematch.

"Josh Gordon hadn't really come into his own yet and I was doing some uncharacteristic things, missing some throws," he said. "We had some drops. We're not making the same mistakes and we've come a long way. After watching it ... it's very, very encouraging."

That first meeting, played with 26 first- and second-year players adjusting to the pro game, has Weeden dreaming of what might be on Sunday.

"I think this team is good enough to beat anybody in the league," he said. "Baltimore is a team with guys that have played in the Super Bowl and done good things for numerous years, so for us to be able to go down to the wire with a team like that with a bunch of young guys, it gives us confidence."

That, coupled with victories in two of the past three games, is putting the NFL on notice, Weeden said.

"I don't think teams really take us lightly anymore," he said. "We've got guys that have really raised some eyebrows and really make you stay on your toes. You can't just come to Cleveland or when you show up on Sunday, you can't just fold your tent. We're going to compete and play hard and it shows. Our defense is unbelievable. Having a defense like that, for an offensive player, that's something that I don't take for granted."

What's more, Weeden has made strides since that game. The pick-six was his seventh interception in four weeks, and he threw two more in New York the following week for nine in his first five outings. Since then, he's thrown only one in three games -- on a tipped ball against Cincinnati. In the past two games, he's been interception-free.

"I'm making a huge emphasis on it," he said. "I had four in the first game, then I bounced back. I saw how important it is. You cannot turn the ball over and I'm taking a lot of pride in that. They're going to happen every once in a while because I'm an aggressive thrower. But if I can limit those, I put our team in a lot better spot."

"The one [vs.] Cincy was batted at the line of scrimmage. That sucks. You just tip your hat and move on to the next play. Other than that, the last three games I've done a fairly decent job."

Coach Pat Shurmur stressed that Weeden should've learned from the first outing to "throw the ball accurately and on time. [The interception] was a good play by them. You need to be aware there are certain corners in the league that tend to jump routes and if you're throwing a controlled route, kind of a timing route toward the boundary, you've got to be aware of that."

Next on Weeden's to-do list is to raise his completion rate from its current 55.2 percent, which is tied for second-worst in the league.

"At Oklahoma State before my senior year, my goal was to be a 70 percent passer," he said. "[I want to] just raise that completion percentage to where I can give my guys a better chance to make plays."

He also hopes to improve in red zone offense. The Browns are tied for last with only 13 trips inside the 20 -- despite 16 takeaways by the defense. Of the few times they've gotten there, they're not punching it in. They're second-last in the league with only six red zone TDs, and their 46.2 percent TD rate is 23rd in the NFL.

"It's nice to complete balls, but it's also nice to complete balls in the last 10 yards in the end zone," he said. "Those are probably my two main focuses."

But Ravens coach John Harbaugh has noticed Weeden's progress -- enough to declare that the Browns have joined the ranks of their division foes with a premier passer.

"I'm very impressed with him," Harbaugh said on a conference call. "There are four really good quarterbacks in this division and that makes it a tough division.

"It looks like [Weeden's] really smart, he's got a nice arm and he's got good poise back there. He's got a really good feel for the rush and getting the ball out and those kind of things. One of the main thing is just not turning the ball over much and he's done a good job with that."

Especially when you hit fast-forward.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/10/baltimore_ravens_coach_john_ha.html#incart_river

Browns notebook: Jim Brown upbeat about Trent Richardson

By Marla Ridenour,
Nate Ulrich and Ryan Lewis
Beacon Journal sports writers

CLEVELAND: Hall of famer Jim Brown was upbeat about the Browns’ future after a 7-6 home victory over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. And his excitement seemed to have more to do with the players than new owner Jimmy Haslam, who won his first game.

“My feelings are great. That’s why I stopped here,” Brown said in the locker room after the Browns improved to 2-6. “I’ve seen the improvement in the team.

“You’ve got a quarterback, OK? You’ve got some other pieces; you’ve got a couple defensive guys that are really good. You’ve got two or three spots you’ve got to get somebody to fill, but you’ve got a young team. I think we’re the youngest team in the league. We’re looking towards a good future, no doubt about it. The foundation is being built properly.”

The temperature at kickoff was 44 degrees with the wind out of the north-
northeast at 19 mph, and the game was played in constant rain. Brown knew the conditions well.

“This is Cleveland weather. What do you mean do I remember? Of course I remember,” Brown said.

Brown was waiting at the locker of running back Trent Richardson after the rookie from Alabama recorded a career-high 122 yards on 24 carries and scored a 26-yard touchdown.

“A great running back breaks tackles. And when a running back breaks tackles, then you have someone who can control the ball,” Brown said. “On the TD run, I think he broke about four tackles. That’s the sign of a real fine running back.”

Although he once called Richardson “ordinary,” Brown no longer thinks that way.

“He’s done everything I thought he should do. He never took anything that I said the wrong way,” Brown said.

Asked what Richardson can do for the Browns, Brown said: “You eat the clock up, you can throw the ball in the last two minutes. The offensive line likes the fact that they can do some run blocking. They don’t like to just sit back and do pass blocking. It makes the defense feel bad when they’re being controlled by the running game and a great runner. Absolutely that choice was a good choice.”

Richardson was thrilled that Brown was waiting for him.

“It means a lot. He’s always been an icon,” Richardson said. “With him being here today, it shows a lot of how he feels about us.”

Asked what Brown told him, Richardson said: “He said, ‘Keep doing what you do. Keep preparing and don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do. Just keep fighting.’ ”

Cornerback Joe Haden having comeback season: Cleveland Browns Insider

By Jodie Valade, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Joe Haden kept count. A year ago, the Browns cornerback had five chances at intercepting the ball. Five times, he dropped it.

"I've always had good hands," Haden said, shaking his head. "I don't know what happened."

His disappointing zero-interception season came on the heels of his six-interception rookie year. He vowed to improve.

This season? Haden has two interceptions, and the Browns' team total of 10 through seven games already surpasses last season's total of nine. It comes after a renewed emphasis on forcing turnovers and it comes with just a bit of good luck, too.

Haden chooses to believe the interceptions -- he, Usama Young, D'Qwell Jackson and Craig Robertson all have two apiece -- are a result of Browns defenders playing better this season.

"People are just trying to make plays," said Haden, whose two INTs have come in just three games played this season. "People just doing their part and basically trying to make a play for the team, not being afraid to take chances."

It helps that defensive coordinator Dick Jauron has spent most days since the spring reminding his squad that turnovers are essential to the Browns' success. Jauron reminds to not only try to make a hard tackle, to smack the quarterback with a sack -- but to also try to dislodge the ball.

That's exactly what cornerback Sheldon Brown said he did Sunday in Indianapolis when he homed in on quarterback Andrew Luck from his blind side. Brown focused on trying to time his hit precisely when Luck drew back the ball to throw, he said. And while the timing was a bit off, Brown did manage to force the fumble -- the team's fourth this season -- and recovered the ball. Last season, the team had 15 forced fumbles.

"Last year we missed out on a lot of opportunities to get interceptions," Jackson said. "This year we've been able to capitalize on those balls early. There are some things we do during practice to work on stripping guys, and getting interceptions is really a focal point on our side of the ball. If we can create those turnovers and give Brandon [Weeden] and the offense more opportunities, it just makes us better as a team."

The defense has even spent extra time working catching drills this season, another part of the renewed emphasis on coming up with interceptions.

"If you don't catch it, clearly, it's not an interception. We're catching the ball," Jauron said. "It's a big part of it every year. Every year, when you go back at the end of the season, you look at it as an individual player or as a football team and say, 'If we had only caught our chances.' Some of them are really difficult, a lot of bodies around, a lot of contact at the ball so you're not going to catch every one of those. Some of them are not that hard, the ball surprises you. You've just got to make your catches, and make your plays."

Then again, Brown isn't completely sure the higher interception numbers are all about the catches.

"Turnovers come in bunches," he said. "People say it's luck. Who knows."

Sold: The sale of the Browns to new owner Jimmy Haslam officially closed Thursday with his payment of $700 million of the $1 billion price tag. Per the agreement, another $300 million will be paid in four years.

Although the sale was final, new CEO Joe Banner did not officially start Thursday. He was in Boston with his father, who is ill.

Understatement: Defensive tackle Phil Taylor practiced again Thursday, his second full day of practice since returning from pectoral surgery in the off-season. He reported no soreness after .

"It's weird," Taylor said. "I expected to be sore."

Browns coach Pat Shurmur wasn't sure what to expect, but was surprised by what he saw out of the 6-foot-3, 355-pound defensive lineman.

"He looked big," Shurmur said. "I'm not used to seeing him out there. I'm not saying he's fat, I'm like, 'Wow.' It reminds you how big he is. I watched him quite a lot and he moved around fine."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/10/cleveland_browns_haden_haveing.html

Browns Fans Are Screaming For Haslam To Make A Move & It Doesn’t Include Starting Colt McCoy

Posted by LG on October 22, 2012 at 9:18 am.

The Browns fans have reached their last straw. Seeing Pat Shurmur let his team lose to the Indianapolis Colts was more than the great people of the City of Cleveland could handle. The die-hard fans got a glimpse of a pissed off Jimmy Haslam III from the owners box at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis when the Browns were trying to score the game winning touchdown only to see the targeted receiver drop the ball. The good people of Cleveland are calling for action from the Browns new billionaire owner. The fans want Pat Shurmur fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

If Haslam is listing to the fans, he can hear the screams of that’s enough. The play calling the Browns head coach uses during the games is just not getting it done. The fans can see the problems for the Cleveland Browns comes from the team’s head coach. Nothing would make the fans happier than to see Jimmy Haslam make a move to replace the team’s head coach. Sure it would be like starting over for the team. The fans I have talked with don’t care they want action and they don’t want to wait for Shurmur to be evaluated at the end of the season, they say they have seen more than enough to know Pat Shumur isn’t the guy to lead the Cleveland Browns where the team should be.

The Cleveland Browns are 1-6 under the direction of Shumur, the fans say this is the wrong direction and the team has far too much talent to have a record this bad. Since Shurmur has taken over the head coaching job of the Cleveland Browns his record is  5-18. The fans are tired of this guys poor performance and they want a change and they want it now. The main problem is Shurmur has now fire to get his team motivated. His attitude is rubbing off on the players and he offers no inspiration. Some fans say they can’t even imagine a 330lbs guy listening to anything Pat Shurmur says and take him seriously.

This head coach has lost his team and the fans want Jimmy Haslam III to make a change now. They want a head coach that can bring some fire to this team….

http://clevelandsports360.com/wordpress/browns-fans-are-screaming-for-haslam-to-make-a-move-it-doesnt-include-starting-colt-mccoy/

VP Candidate confuses Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy

They both are on the roster for the Cleveland Browns. It’s just that one of them is the starter at quarterback and one of them was the starter. Vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan does not seem to know the difference between Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy.

Hoping to help his tickets cause, Ryan was visiting the Cleveland area today. One of the stops just happened to be the practice of the Cleveland Browns.

While talking to players on the Browns, Ryan took a moment to praise Weeden recalling his time at Oklahoma State. The problem is that Ryan was pointing at Colt McCoy when he was speaking.

When Ryan realized his mistake he began to backpedal as only a politician can.

“You always had your helmet on,” he said of the redheaded Weeden according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. It may seem like a tough sell considering anyone who watched an Oklahoma State game last season would have been able to point out Weeden but perhaps Ryan convinced the quarterback that it was a mistake.

Ryan appeared with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who is an actual Browns fan and native of Alabama. Rice even had her photo taken with running back Trent Richardson.

“She told me she was a big fan and she said, ‘Roll Tide,’ ” Richardson told ESPN. “She mentioned my name when she was talking to the team, so that was an honor.”

The Browns won their first game last week upending the Cincinnati Bengals.

http://tireball.com/nfl/2012/10/17/vp-candidate-confuses-brandon-weeden-and-colt-mccoy/

Cleveland architecture and engineering firm suggests geodesic dome could cover Browns Stadium

By Leila Atassi, The Plain Dealer

The Ralph Tyler Companies conceptualized this geodesic dome to potentially cover the Cleveland Browns Stadium. Ralph Tyler Companies

Cleveland Browns fans, who have been asked to imagine a football team winning under new ownership, can now also fantasize about enjoying those victories in a stadium impervious to Northeast Ohio weather.
In reaction to incoming team owner Jimmy Haslam’s recent intimations that he might consider building a dome over the lakefront stadium, local architecture and engineering firm Ralph Tyler Companies has dreamed up a way to possibly make it happen.

The idea: A free-standing, glazed geodesic dome — 1,100 feet wide and 380 feet high — could straddle the stadium, shielding it from the elements, the company’s director of architecture, Geoffrey Varga, said in an interview Friday.
The dome, which Varga estimates could cost anywhere from $150 to $200 million, could open a world of possibilities for the facility’s off-season use and likely break a few world records while at it, he said.
“It would be like putting a giant umbrella over the entire stadium,” Varga said. “It’s just a fun idea we’ve been playing with. But it’s one we thought could really work. And the greatest economic benefit is that you could use the stadium more than eight times a year.”

The concept, at this point, is merely that — a tantalizing idea to feed the imaginations of Clevelanders, who have loyally cheered their team from often frigid or damp stadium seats. Hardy, true-blooded fans might argue that weathering storms, both literally and figuratively, is fundamental to Dawg Pound culture.

But the harsh Cleveland weather has taken its toll on the city-owned stadium, which opened in 1999 and requires yearly cash infusions for its upkeep. The Browns have a 30-year stadium lease that calls for the city to pour money into repairs. That money comes from a countywide tax on alcohol and tobacco sales. But the so-called sin tax expires in 2015.

Earlier this year, contractors did more than $5 million in stadium repairs, including refurbishing seats and replacing, repairing and waterproofing concrete.
That deterioration would slow substantially if the facility were sheltered, Varga said. The structure, however, was not designed to withstand the weight of an added roof. So if one were to be considered, it must envelope the 73,000-seat stadium while relying on its own supports.

The dome of Varga’s dreams would meet that criteria, without losing seats or obstructing views, he said. A geodesic dome is a partially-spherical shell structure comprised of tilting triangular tiles set on a lattice that looks similar to a playground climber. The mathematics underlying the structure were conceived decades ago by legendary architect R. Buckminster Fuller, under whom Varga studied at the University of Detroit School of Architecture in the early 1970s.

Northeast Ohio is home to a Fuller-designed dome that is part of the headquarters of ASM International in Russell Township. The largest dome of its kind in the country is the Desert Dome & Kingdoms of the Night in Omaha, Neb., which houses plant and animal life from desert climates. Built in 2002, the dome is 230 feet in diameter and 137 feet tall at its highest point. The largest similar dome in the world spans about 750 feet across a baseball field in Japan. Child’s play compared to Varga’s vision.

The Browns Stadium geodesic dome, despite its eye-popping price tag, would be more cost-effective than its traditional alternatives that rely on steel beams and girders, because it would require far fewer materials, Varga said. He likened each triangular tile on the dome to a leaf on a tree — “completely efficient, grows only as large as it needs to be and is structured to support itself.”

The dome boasts environmental sustainability, too, he said. The project could incorporate a variety of recycled materials. The glazed top not only would act as shelter, but would allow rain to be harvested for other uses, such as in the facility’s toilets or the field’s built-in sprinkler system. Some of the dome’s tiles also could be equipped with solar panels.

Varga said the dome would be made of light-weight, cutting-edge materials, such as carbon fiber instead of steel and aluminum. The lattice likely would measure between six and eight feet thick, and the panels could be made of insulated glass, composite plastics or materials so revolutionary they have yet to be invented, he said.
“It has to be investigated,” Varga said, as a disclaimer on his architectural offering. “This has not been engineered at all. The images are just fun to consider. And it certainly would add a beautiful element to Cleveland’s skyline.”

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/10/cleveland_architecture_and_eng.html#incart_river_default

Dilemma for Cleveland Browns coaches: How much Trent Richardson is too much?

By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- The winless Browns have multiple problems, few of them good and none as enviable as one conundrum: How much is too much of Trent Richardson?

There are lots of NFL coaching staffs that would like to be saddled with such a dilemma. From the helmet-ejecting hit on Kurt Coleman in his NFL debut to his streak of four games with a rushing touchdown, Richardson leaves many fans clamoring for more.

Wouldn't it be great, for instance, if the Browns gave their muscular halfback as many opportunities as the Baltimore Ravens did Ray Rice? Believe it or not, they do. Each has 81 rushing attempts. The All-Pro has just three more receptions (23) than Richardson, who ranks third among running backs in catches and times targeted.

"I'm very impressed with Trent Richardson," said NFL on CBS analyst Dan Dierdorf. "When you're taken No. 3 overall as a running back when some teams are finding good backs lower in the draft, you had better be special. He warrants that pick.

"I just don't see where the kid has a weakness."

Such glowing commentary does nothing to mute the criticism of coach Pat Shurmur and his staff for not having him on the field during the game-changing third-and-1 play against the New York Giants last week that resulted in an interception and ignited the Giants' rally in a 41-27 victory.

Richardson participated in a season-high 84 percent of the snaps Sunday. He ranks seventh among all NFL running backs with 242 snaps, according to ProFootballFocus.com.

"He has to get a drink of water sometime too, you know?" Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress said.

When it comes to Richardson's playing time, Browns coaches find themselves in a similar predicament to that faced by Cavaliers coaches last season with NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving. The halfback seems good enough, strong enough and productive enough to never leave the field.

"I love Trent Richardson," ESPN analyst Damien Woody said. "I love how hard he runs and how he doesn't take plays off. It will be interesting to see how (the Browns) develop him."

Richardson, who ranks 13th in rushing attempts, said he has no concerns about hitting the proverbial rookie wall. He leads the Browns in rushing yards (303) and receptions (20), and is second in receiving yards (169).

Beyond the check-downs, the Browns are making an effort to get him the ball in space with short passes.

"I feel like I have a full head of steam and I can do more in space and I like making guys miss," Richardson said of screen passes. "Lot of people think I'm here to just run over people. I don't have to run over people. That's part of being a complete back. . . . It's having a lot of talent and being blessed with a lot of the skills that God gave me."

Dierdorf, who served as the analyst for the Browns-Giants game, appreciates the confidence Richardson exudes and the willingness to speak his mind. The Alabama product inherited the candor from his mother (Katrina) who he said taught him, "don't hold anything in because that can kill you inside."

Woody and Dierdorf believe Richardson can handle an increased number of carries, although the CBS analyst is quick to note a coaching staff would know what's best for their player. Dierdorf envisions the 5-foot-9, 230-pound back becoming a terror against nickel packages and thinks Richardson could get 25-plus carries per game. The Hall of Fame offensive lineman is eager to dispel the notion that running the football is a dying art form in the NFL.

"The last two games I've done, New England ran all over Buffalo and the Giants ran all over Cleveland," he said.

The Browns rank 29th in total rushing attempts (94) – 97 carries behind the Patriots – in part because they are often trailing. They also aren't giving the ball to a halfback other than Richardson. Chris Ogbonnaya has two attempts – or two fewer than receiver Travis Benjamin.

Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden finds himself second in passing attempts (202) and tied for the most interceptions with nine.

Woody, who spoke to the Plain Dealer before the Giants game, sees improvement in Weeden and said the biggest problem with the Browns' passing game is its receiving corps.

As pigskin pundits debate how much is too much for Richardson, the player seems to trust in his coaching staff – making for one less problem for Shurmur.

"As a football player and an athlete you always want to play every play of the game . . . in due time that's going to come," Richardson said. "I know coach has a plan and he's doing what he knows best. He's going to get everyone in and make sure he puts me in the right position to score touchdowns or gain yards and make a first down. The game is much bigger than me and we have other guys out there with a lot of potential."

Just not as much as Richardson.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/10/cleveland_browns_coaches_dilem.html

OK It’s Time For Mike Holmgren To Stop Counting His Money & Save Shurmur,He’s Failing Miserablely

Posted by LG on October 9, 2012 at 10:17 pm

Remember last season when Mike Holmgren came rushing to the rescue of his boy Pat Shurmur when the Cleveland Browns didn’t handle the Colt McCoy brain concussion correctly? It is now time for the resurgence of Mike Holmgren, his friend Pat Shurmur the head coach he hand picked is about to have a nervous break down.   Shurmur is already to the point of verbally abusing the  Cleveland media. He is in way over his head and has no business being a head coach in the National Football League. Holmgren knew that when he hired the guy who couldn’t cut it in St. Louis.

Funny thing about the St. Louis Rams, they turned things around, could it be because Shurmur is no longer with the team? Mike Holmgren hired Pat Shurmur in a awful hurry after he fired Eric Mangini. Could this have been another example of Holmgren’s exploitation of  Randy Learners check book? It is bad enough they are paying Mike Holmgren 8 million dollars a year for not doing much, now the Cleveland Browns have a head coach on the  payroll that takes handfuls of money I am sure for not doing much. These guys are like thieves, they take money for not doing anything.

Could you imagine going to work and not getting your job done correctly week after week after week? How long would you be employed?  Now we have Pat Shumur taking his failures out on the Cleveland Media. When Shumur was asked about Trent Richardson’s absence last Friday he lost it and started dropping F bombs all over the place. Holmgren better get in here and save his buddies nephew.

But no, Mike Holmgren is letting Pat Shurmur hang himself alone. He is nowhere to be seen these days. Is it because he knows his days are numbered in Cleveland too? I really doubt Jimmy Haslam is going to put up with one of his people responding to the Cleveland Media the way Pat Shurmur is doing it. Shurmur is on way over his head and he has Mike Holmgren to thank for that. Holmgren threw Shurmur into the fire and has done very little besides collecting his 8 million dollars a year. It is way past time to clean house in the Browns front office.

http://clevelandsports360.com/wordpress/ok-its-time-for-mike-holmgren-to-stop-counting-his-money-save-shurmurhes-failing-miserablely/

Browns Owner, Jimmy Haslam III, Not Planning Immediate Changes

Cleveland Browns incoming owner, Jimmy Haslam III, has stated that he doesn't plan on making any immediate changes once the sale of the team is final. This comes after weeks of speculation that he will immediately replace team President Mike Holmgren with rumored part owner, Joe Banner.

Additionally, given the Browns 0-4 start and 10 game (and counting) losing streak dating back to last season, many fans and media members believe Head Coach Pat Shurmur is on his way out as well.

The $1 Billion sale will be final on October 16th as the NFL owners will vote on the matter. Haslam stated today through a team spokesman, that changes "are not something we will discuss until the end of the year".

Does this mean no changes will occur during the season? Maybe. Maybe not. But what do you expect the new owner to say? It would be extremely unprofessional to say anything other than what he said and to potentially distract the team and sabotage their chances at turning this season around. However slim they may be.

http://rawsports.yardbarker.com/blog/rawsports/article/browns_owner_jimmy_haslam_iii_not_planning_immediate_changes/11886040

If only the Cleveland Browns could find a receiver

By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself about the Browns and receivers.

Question: Why did you do it?

Answer: Do what?

Q: Look at the Browns' recent history of drafting receivers? Do you like to suffer?

A: What do you think? I've been writing about Cleveland sports full-time since 1980.

Q: Isn't that the last time the Browns had good receivers?

A: Yes, the 1980s were everyone from Dave Logan to Reggie Rucker to Brian Brennan to Reggie Langhorne to Webster Slaughter. And Ozzie Newsome was one of the great pass-catching tight ends.

Q: Weren't those the days?

A: The answer is Webster Slaughter and Braylon Edwards.

Q: What's the question?

A: The last two Browns receivers to make a Pro Bowl: Slaughter in 1990 and Edwards in 2007.

Q: Well, at least that's two.

A: That's two in 22 years. That's one since the team returned in 1999.

Q: Don't you think the quarterbacks are to blame, at least to some extent?

A: They don't help, but let's consider what has happened since 1999.

Q: You mean: Besides the losing . . . besides quarterbacks being replaced along . . . besides coaches and general managers being fired?

A: We're talking receivers, right? Well, since 1999, the only one picked in the first round is Edwards. He had one superb season in 2007 with 16 touchdown passes. Two years later, he was traded to the Jets. He's had some decent years. In the last two years, he has 20 total catches . . . 15 with San Francisco in 2011 and five this season with Seattle.

Q: Meaning what?

A: The Browns have taken eight receivers in the second round since 1999. That's right, EIGHT. Guess who has been the best of that group?

Q: Kevin Johnson?

A: He led the Browns in receptions from 1999 to 2002. For four years, he caught the ball. The longer I watch Browns receivers, the more I appreciate Johnson and guys with good hands. But after he left the Browns, he only caught 52 more passes and retired after the 2005 season.

Q: The point?

A: They took Dennis Northcutt (2000), Quincy Morgan (2001) and Andre Davis (2002) in the second round. Northcutt had value as a slot receiver and returner. Morgan often appeared to be trying to catch the ball with two pingpong paddles for hands. After he left the Browns, he caught only 31 more passes. Davis was a sprinter, a returner and a marginal receiver. He played five more years after leaving the Browns, catching a total of 63 passes.

Q: I repeat, the point?

A: Brian Robiskie was a second-round pick in 2009. He was cut by the Browns, cut by Jacksonville. Travis Wilson was a third-round pick in 2006. He caught two passes for the Browns, was cut and hasn't played since.

Q: What are you trying to say?

A: It's not as if these receivers leave the Browns and become stars, as Keenan McCardell did in the middle 1990s. Most of them had their best seasons here, and most of those years were mediocre or worse. So it's not as if the Browns mishandle their receivers, who then figure out the NFL when they play for another team. They just draft the wrong guys, over and over.

Q: Why are you trying to depress everyone?

A: It hasn't mattered who did the drafting, who was the coach and who threw the passes -- the Browns have picked nine receivers in the first or second round since 1999 . . . and they rarely get it right.

Q: Didn't the current Browns regime seem to think the West Coast offense would help the receivers?

A: Yes. Along with changing quarterbacks. But Greg Little dropped balls for Colt McCoy, and now he's dropping them for Brandon Weeden. He has 17 drops in 20 NFL games.

Q: Should the Browns have picked Justin Blackmon instead of Trent Richardson?

A: Josh Gordon (a supplemental second-round Browns pick in 2012) is having a similar start to his pro career. He's caught seven passes for 93 yards. Blackmon has 10 catches for 79 yards. Jacksonville traded up to pick the Oklahoma State star at No. 5, and they want him to make an impact. So far, nothing.

Q: What about Gordon?

A: Other than having the obvious size (6-3, 220 pounds) and speed that make him look like he could be a viable NFL receiver, it's hard to know. Just as Little was a risky pick in 2011 because he didn't play the season before the draft, the same was true of Gordon. Browns General Manager Tom Heckert sees these two as having the athleticism needed by a receiver. Gordon started one year, catching 42 passes in 2010 for Baylor.

Q: And what about Little?

A: He was a star high school running back and played that position in his first two seasons at North Carolina. In 2009, coach Butch Davis switched Little to receiver, where he caught 62 passes. Then Little sat out 2010 for taking money from an agent. He did not come into the NFL with the reputation of having questionable hands -- something that was said about Braylon Edwards and Quincy Morgan in pre-draft reports.

Q: That history says what?

A: Little hasn't played much receiver. Yes, he had 12 drops but also caught 61 passes as a rookie, leading the team. Like Gordon, he hasn't played that much receiver in college or the pros. So, who knows? The key for both will be the coaching staff, along with their desire to improve.

Q: Wasn't Mohamed Massaquoi a second-round pick?

A: Eric Mangini took him (along with Robiskie) in 2009. Massaquoi caught 34, 36 and 31 passes in his first three seasons. He has nine catches this year, by far his best start. But then he missed the last game with a hamstring injury. He has been the team's most consistent receiver. Travis Benjamin (fourth round, 2012) has shown some promise, but it's so early in his career.

Q: Should the Browns have picked Julio Jones instead of making that trade?

A: In 2011, the Browns gave up the No. 5 pick to Atlanta for Jones. In return, they have these players to show for it: Phil Taylor, Brandon Weeden, Little and Owen Marecic. They also tossed in a third-rounder to move up and take Taylor, the defensive tackle who had a promising rookie season but has been injured this year.

Q: How has Jones played?

A: He caught 54 passes -- eight for touchdowns -- as a rookie. He has 16 catches and three touchdowns this season. He is receiving good reviews. He also plays with four-time Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White and a good quarterback in Matt Ryan.

Q: Was the deal worth it?

A: Too soon to know. A lot depends on Weeden. If he can establish himself as an effective quarterback, the Browns were smart to make it. If Taylor becomes a Pro Bowl-type defensive lineman as the Browns hope . . . if Little can catch the ball . . . lots of IFs. But I'll say the trade doesn't bother me because it did bring a lot of young talent to the Browns.

Q: Aren't you missing something?

A: What?

Q: Why don't the Browns sign a veteran free-agent receiver?

A: Fans have asked that for years. They have signed only one significant free-agent receiver since 1999 -- Joe Jurevicius. He's one of my favorite Browns of the new era. He caught 90 passes over two seasons (2006 and '07). But then he had a knee injury, a staph infection and several surgeries that ended his career. He was a good player, and these Browns could use someone like him now.

Q: So what's the bottom line?

A: Over and over, the Browns have dropped the ball when it comes to receivers. Maybe Massaquoi will stay healthy and develop a chemistry with Weeden. Maybe Little, Gordon and/or Benjamin will figure out the NFL. But definitely, the Browns should consider adding a veteran receiver in the off-season, no matter what happens with their young guys.

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2012/09/if_only_the_cleveland_browns_c.html