The Cleveland Browns, and you. Is it an abusive relationship?

Are you, or someone you know in an abusive relationship as a Cleveland Browns fan? Do you, or someone you know constantly defend the Cleveland Browns in conversations? If you think you, or someone you love is trapped in the relentless cycle of abuse from the Browns, there are some things, or “red flags” that you can keep your eyes out for.

Abuse can be psychological:
Abuse is not just physical, it can also be psychological. This is a classic case of the someone being abused defending the abuser. Each week the “abused” suffer due to a loss that hurts psychologically. Then they will defend their beloved Browns by claiming things such as:
· The Cleveland Browns don’t mean to hurt me.
· They don’t mean to lose the game.
· They are doing the best they can.
· They got screwed by the referees and that’s why they lost.
· The other team cheated.
The “abused” will look for any, and every excuse they can to defend their team. And even after an entire losing season they will not give up hope that there are brighter days ahead. “Just wait til next year.”

Abuse can lead to financial loss:
This is a case in which the abused gives the abuser financial assistance at their own peril. In the case of being a Cleveland Browns fan, this can manifest itself in several ways. The purchase of:
· Game tickets.
· Merchandise.
· Subscription to magazines, or cable packages.
The abused spend their hard earned money each year on these items. And in return the Browns will react in ways such as changing quarterbacks from year-to-year. This causes the abused to once again, purchase newer “up-to-date” items such as jerseys. Despite the hundreds, and thousands of dollars they spend on the Browns, the team will repay them with nothing but a cellar dwelling team.
So now if you, or someone you love experiences any of these warning signs, then please let us know immediately.

Michael W. Youngman
(Lead Analyst C.B.R.)

http://www.clevelandbrownsreport.info/2012/03/cleveland-browns-and-you-is-it-abusive.html

Report Browns Show Interest In Rams Sam Bradford Will Trade No 4 Pick?

Posted by LG on March 29, 2012 at 7:05 am.

The Cleveland Browns may be in talks with the Rams to acquire Sam Bradford the injury rattled second year Rams Quarterback. The talk on the street is the Browns may even be willing to trade their number four pick to get Bradford who played for the Rams when Browns coach Pat Shurmur was on the coaching staff for the Rams. Just days ago the Browns said Colt McCoy was their quarterback. Now reports coming out saying Browns inquire about Sam Bradford.

So much for McCoy getting a clear message from the Browns top brass. Reports were Mike Homgren even called McCoy to let him know reports could be over-reacting to what the Browns are going to do. How about now Mr. Holmgren? Are the Browns willing to trade the number four pick to get their hands on Sam Bradford?

This is the Cleveland Browns, you never know what these guys are thinking, this could be a smoke screen as to what the team is going to pull off come draft day. Tom Heckert has said numerous times the Browns were happy with their position in the up-coming NFL draft.

http://clevelandsports360.com/wordpress/report-browns-show-interest-in-rams-sam-bradford-will-trade-no-4-pick/

Cleveland Browns fan letter to team

The Cleveland Browns and the NFL Draft, Looking beyond the first round.

Just because a player is a top 10 draft pick, it does not mean that they will be a top 10 player. And the same goes for later round draft picks. Just because you draft a guy in the 4th round, it does not mean he is just a backup player. As almost any coach, General Manager, or team President will tell you, a team is built on the later rounds of the NFL draft. Some of the NFL’s greatest players were selected in later rounds. Players like Tom Brady (6th round), Terrell Davis (6th round), and Shannon Sharpe (7th round) were all selected late, yet they have had outstanding NFL careers. So let’s take a look at some of the players that H&H (Holmgren, and Heckert) appear to be interested in beyond the 1st round.

Brandon Boykin CB Georgia
Boykin is an interesting player. He is a 5-foot-10, 184-pound corner-back from Georgia. He has the skills necessary to, at the very least, start as a nickel corner in his rookie year. He had 3 interceptions, and 3 pass break-ups in the 13 games he played in his senior year. He is also a kick return specialist. Boykin had the best kick return average in the SEC at 24.3. He was also named Georgia’s defensive MVP in their appearance in the Auto Zone Liberty Bowl.
If anything hurts Boykin in the draft, it will be his size. At only 5-foot-10 he could have difficulty in those “jump-ball” situations. However, he can offset this issue with an improvement of his man-to-man corner skills. He is not as polished as some of the other corner-backs in the draft (i.e. Morris Claiborne), but he has a great deal of upside. The Browns met with him at the combine, and like what they see.

David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
For being considered the 2nd best running back in the draft, it’s surprising how little you hear of Wilson. He ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard-dash at the combine (He also ran a 4.35 at the VT pro day), and is considered a “banger” type of back with some elusiveness. He was the ACC player of the year and is expected to be picked up in the second to third round of the NFL Draft.
He rushed for 1,709 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2011. But the most intriguing stat for me is that out of that 1,709 yards, 1,000 of his yards came after contact. It is believed that the Atlanta Falcons are possibly interested in Wilson at their pick in the 2nd round (55th overall). Cleveland is planning on bringing him in for a visit prior to the draft in April.

Isaiah Pead RB Cincinnati
Pead is a “project” prospect. He is a 5-foot-10, 197-pound running back that could be designed for the West Coast offense with his speed and pass catching ability. He has good hands out of the backfield, but does need to work on his pass-blocking game. He shows elusiveness, and quick, one-cut ability. Pead's senior year was his best with 1,259 rushing yards, and 12 TD’s.
The questionable side of his game however is the mental side. Many scouts find him immature with questionable football aptitude. They also feel that his character at the pro level may cause issues, and should be studied more closely. The Browns plan on spending extra time with him prior to the draft according to Mary Kay of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Pead is projected to go late 3rd or early 4th round.
So with the Browns having a total of 9 picks in this NFL draft, combined with the draft history of Mike Holmgren, and Tom Heckert. I am confident that they will find the right players to make the Browns Competitive once again.
Do you have some other players in mind for the late rounds? Tell us what you think.

Michael W. Youngman
(Lead Analyst C.B.R.)

http://www.clevelandbrownsreport.info/2012/03/cleveland-browns-and-nfl-draft-looking.html

The Cleveland Browns, “Roadblocks”, and Colt McCoy

Each year the debate starts over. Each year the Cleveland Browns fan-base calls for change at quarterback. And the 2012 NFL offseason is no different. We should have seen it coming back in 1993 when Bernie Kosar was replaced by Vinny Testaverde. We should have known something horrible was about to happen. We all just assumed it was the loss of our franchise to Baltimore. But in reality it was a warning that for the next almost 18+ years, we would be metaphorically wondering the wilderness of the NFL without a franchise QB. 20 quarterbacks have stood under center since Bernie Kosar, (16 since coming back into the league in 1999) and we have yet to find “our guy”. Well actually, maybe we have and we just don’t know it yet.
Admittedly the Cleveland Browns had a dismal offense in 2011. They were at, or near the bottom in almost every conceivable category. But I truly do believe that the performance of the Cleveland Browns has less to do with Colt McCoy, and more to do with what Mike Holmgren called “roadblocks”. So let us examine what obstacles were in the way of Colt McCoy during the 2011 season.
The Running Game:
The lack luster running game of the Browns in the 2011 season was headlined by Madden cover-boy Payton Hillis. His inability to stay healthy (or happy) was the catalyst that stalled the offensive engine of the ground game. The Browns were 31st in the league in yards per attempt (3.7), and 28th in the league in yards per game (95.7). Without an effective running game the passing game will suffer. The opposing defense is able to play the pass much more efficiently.  The really sad news is that backup quarterback Seneca Wallace had the team high in yards per attempt (10.0). He of course did not run by design rather he ran out of necessity.

Receiving Corps:
The receiving corps of the Browns led the league in dropped passes (43), and did little (no pun intended) to help their quarterback. The Browns have no real deep-threat receiver. This allows the defensive secondary to focus on a shorter field making it much more difficult to complete passes. With less ground to cover the holes in a zone defense are almost non-existent. Route running also appeared to be an issue with some of Cleveland’s receivers, also recognizing a blitz and breaking off their routes was also an issue which attributed to the team being rank 16th in sacks allowed. However that should improve with experience. It is also clear that the receiver corps needs a serious upgrade which will “hopefully” be addressed in the draft.

New System, New Coach, and NO offseason:
It’s hard being a young quarterback in the NFL. According to Bernie Kosar, “50+ percent of all quarterbacks coming into the league ultimately fail at the NFL level.” But when you couple the inexperience at this level along with a new coach, new offensive system, and no offseason to learn it and a difficult prospect becomes almost impossible. These are all points made by Mike Holmgren in his various media appearances within the last few weeks. I particularly believe (like Holmgren, and Pat Shurmer) that the “West Coast” offense takes time to install, and execute successfully. The key to being successful in this offensive scheme is time in the scheme. It is unlike the basic philosophy taught in most offensive schemes, so it takes time to become successful.
Now as long as these issues are addressed in this offseason, (as I believe they will be) the Cleveland Browns will be a more competitive, and offensively successful team. The team and the Holmgren/Heckert regime has asked us to be patient. And with the success that Colt has had at every other level of competition, I am willing to give the Browns and Colt the opportunity to prove themselves.

Michael W. Youngman
(Lead Analyst C.B.R.)

http://www.clevelandbrownsreport.info/2012/03/cleveland-browns-roadblocks-and-colt.html

Las Vegas says that the Cleveland Browns are 150-1 to win the Super Bowl

n Las Vegas, you can bet on almost anything including who will win Super Bowl XLVII (47), even before the NFL draft next month. So what are the odds that the Cleveland Browns win it all next season? According to the Vegas line it’s not good. As of March 19^th the Browns are 150-1 odds against the Browns winning the Super Bowl next season. Now there is essentially two ways of viewing this, and for the sake of argument, I will look at the glass half full. Here are five things less likely to happen than Cleveland winning it all.

#1. Odds of injury from fireworks: 19556-1

Yes we have all seen the videos on youtube. Someone has a brilliant idea after having a few too many. They decide to light the night sky with a brilliant fireworks light show. The only problem is alcohol impairs your ability to properly operate a lighter. Each year, approximately 10,000 people are injured by fireworks in the United States. So if you know anybody nick-named lefty, then you must like the Browns odds.

#2. Odds of catching a ball at a MLB baseball game: 563-1

This seems like a long-shot if you look at the odds (Especially considering everyone around me always seems to get one), but there is an average of 14 foul balls hit into the stands at each MLB baseball game. Multiply that by 2,430 games played in the MLB regular season and you end up with an average of 34,020 foul balls taken home by fans. And that’s not even counting balls hit into the stands that are home runs. So after examining the facts I am encouraged.

#3. Odds of being audited by the IRS: 175-1

We have all heard the horror stories from a friends, neighbors, or relatives. Everyone knows at least someone who was audited. On average the number of IRS tax audits conducted each year is about 1.5 million. Most IRS audits are due to mathematical errors, and some are due to non-deductible items. So in the future make sure you use a calculator. And if you were thinking of claiming that brand new plasma TV as a business expense think again.

#4. Odds of finding a four-leaf clover on your first try: 10,000-1

I found this one extremely shocking. But statistics say that for every four-leaf clover, there are 10,000 three-leaf clovers in a clover patch. When I was a kid growing up, I never had trouble finding one. And I really do not know of anyone who hasn’t found one before…… Well actually, I take that back. As it turns out I know of no one who has ever found one in Cleveland. I guess people there just aren’t very lucky.

#5. Odds of finding out your child is a Genius: 250-1

This particular one is also surprising to me. I knew from the get-go that my kids were not going to re-write the laws of physics, but every one of my friends who have kids SWEAR that their kids are the next Albert Einstein. If you don’t believe me, just ask some of your friends with kids. They will tell you how unbelievably brilliant their kids are.

So Browns Fans, if you are depressed about the odds going into the 2012 season don’t be. As you can see now there are things that happen every day that are even less likely to happen. If you have anything to add please let us know.

Michael W. Youngman

(Lead Analyst: C.B.R.)

http://www.clevelandbrownsreport.info/2012/03/las-vegas-says-that-cleveland-browns.html

How Manning's Decision Trickles Down to the Cleveland Browns QB Situation

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Now that Peyton Manning has settled upon the Denver Broncos, there's a ripple effect in the NFL quarterback pool that extends all the way to Northeast Ohio.

Will it result in a big splash for the Browns? Or just another pebble in the pond? Here are some scenarios and some ramifications from Manning's decision.

1. Tebowmania: The Broncos are reportedly exploring a trade for 2011 sensation Tim Tebow. Will the Browns bite? It seems doubtful.

For now, the Browns appear set to go with Colt McCoy as their starter, or perhaps draft a quarterback such as Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. During a conference call with season ticket holders on Thursday, Holmgren said "it's a little unfair to write [McCoy and Seneca Wallace] off right now and I'm not willing to do that."

Holmgren praised Tebow at his Pro Day in 2010, saying "he's going to make some team very happy." But would he take a chance on him? It'd certainly shake things up around here. But would the Browns be willing to overhaul their offense to suit the hybrid running back/quarterback?

The Dolphins and Jaguars are early candidates to land Tebow.

2. Flynn and Kolb set: When the Seahawks knew they had no shot at Manning, they signed former Green Bay backup Matt Flynn to a three-year contract worth a reported $26 million. The Browns had checked out Flynn, Holmgren told Seattle radio station KJR on Monday, but didn't pursue him. When the Cardinals were eliminated from the Manning derby, they paid former Eagle Kevin Kolb his $7 million bonus and kept him out of circulation.

3. The Dolphins Effect: Having lost out on Manning and Flynn, the Dolphins spent six hours Monday with 49ers free agent Alex Smith. But he left without a deal and re-opened talks with the 49ers. The Dolphins, in turn, signed former Jaguars quarterback David Garrard to a one-year deal.

Will the Dolphins -- who have the eighth pick in the draft -- try to land Tannehill, widely regarded as the third-best quarterback behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III? Their offensive coordinator, Mike Sherman, coached him at Texas A&M. Do they like him enough to try to trade up to No. 4 to get him?

4. Hasselbeck out: With Manning snubbing the Titans, long-time veteran and Holmgren-protege Matt Hasselbeck will stick around and not be an option for the Browns.

5. Tannehill and Weeden: Will the Browns spend one of their premium picks on the third- and fourth-ranked QBs? It appears the Browns will either start McCoy or try to draft one of these two. They might also try to find a developmental quarterback later, and give McCoy another year to prove he can win with a better supporting cast.

6. Manning vs. the AFC North: Manning will play the AFC North this fall. If he's anything like his former self, he'll wreak havoc. Manning is 22-4 against the division, including playoffs (20-3 regular season). He's 5-0 vs. the Browns, who will play him on the road, with two TDs and six interceptions. He's 7-0 against the Bengals, 8-2 against the Ravens (including 2-0 in the playoffs) and 2-2 vs. the Steelers.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/questions_remain_unanswered_fo.html

The Cleveland Browns and the “West Coast” Offense.

There has been a great deal of speculation over whether or not the “West Coast” offense can be a successful philosophy in the AFC North. Many are convinced that in a run-heavy division like the AFC North it is simply not a favorable philosophy. But what is the “West Coast” offense? And where did it come from? The answers may surprise you.
The common philosophy in many offensive schemes is as follows. To be a successful offense, you must establish the run in order to be successful in the passing game. But the West Coast philosophy differs.
The basic philosophy which has come to be known as the “West Coast Offense” is to execute short horizontal passes in order to stretch the defense. This can cause the defense to become vulnerable to deeper passes and longer runs. Many attribute this philosophy to Bill Walsh who successfully implemented his offense in San Francisco. But it was former Cleveland Browns, and hall of fame head coach Paul Brown that was the originator of this playbook. Paul Brown’s success in the NFL is well documented, not only in Cleveland with the Browns, but he was also the founder of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Walsh’s exposure and implementation to this offensive philosophy came while he was an assistant coach at Cincinnati under Paul Brown from 1968-1975. Walsh later took a modified version of this offense to San Francisco when he became a head coach. Walsh won three Super Bowls with this offense, but It was not until 1985 after a playoff loss to the New York Giants (17-3) when the term “West Coast” was applied to Walsh’s offensive scheme. Then head coach of the Giants Bill Parcells made a comment after the game poking fun at Walsh’s scheme, “How do you like that West Coast offense now?”. Later in 1993 Bernie Kosar used the term to describe the offensive system used by the Dallas Cowboys as the “West Coast” offense in an article published in Sports Illustrated. Although he was referring to the “Air Coryell” style of offense (Similar offense popularized by Don Coryell with the Chargers in the 1970’s & 80’s), it was mistaken that Kosar was referring to Bill Walsh’s philosophy and the term stuck.
Needless to say this style of offense has become popular among many coaches over the years such as George Seifert, Mike Shanahan, and Mike Holmgren just to name a few. And as each coach who is taught this philosophy, they will take it, and make their own variation. It has been wildly successful for many teams and in various weather conditions. Current head coach of the Cleveland Browns Pat Shurmur uses this philosophy, and as time goes by, and as players become familiar with the system we will hopefully see success in the future.
Michael W. Youngman ( Lead Analyst )

http://www.clevelandbrownsreport.info/2012/03/cleveland-browns-and-west-coast-offense.html

Cleveland Browns let Peyton Hillis agree to deal with Kansas City Chiefs; guard Eric Steinbach released

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio — The Browns let free-agent running back Peyton Hillis sign with the Chiefs on Wednesday without making him an offer and released longtime starting left guard Eric Steinbach, who was set to make $6 million this season.

They also agreed to terms with former Bengals starting defensive end Frostee Rucker, a league source said. The Browns won't announce the Rucker deal until he's signed, which will most likely happen today.

Rucker, a seven-year pro, agreed to a five-year deal worth $21 million, including $8 million guaranteed, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The lucrative deal means Rucker will be a strong candidate to take over the right end job opposite Jabaal Sheard.

Hillis' departure ends his star-crossed, Madden 12 cover-cursed 2011 season in Cleveland. He agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million and hopes to rehabilitate his career -- and his image. Hillis wanted to play in Cleveland Browns Stadium next season, but now he'll do so for only one game, as a member of the visiting Chiefs.

Hillis hoped to re-sign with the Browns -- and even said he'd take a hometown discount to do so -- but the Browns never made him an offer, a league source said. They talked to his agent, Jimmy Sexton, but no proposal was made.

After the Chiefs announced the deal, Hillis Tweeted: "Appreciate all my fans in Cleveland for the support given to me in my time there. Can't wait to get back on the field and go to work in K.C."

In Kansas City, Hillis will be reunited with his former Browns and current Chiefs offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll.

He'll also play for former Browns and current Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel.

Under Daboll in 2010, Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns and finished second on the team with 61 catches for 477 yards and two TDs. It was the breakout season of his four-year career, and it landed him on the cover of Madden 12. But like others before him, Hillis' cover season was a disaster.

It began with concerns over not getting a new contract extension and went downhill from there. The season included Hillis sitting out a game with strep throat, his toughness being questioned by some fans and teammates, a lingering hamstring injury and ultimately his teammates calling him in for a team meeting to help him get his priorities straight. Hillis rebounded at the end of the season, rushing for 99 yards in Arizona and 112 in Baltimore.

But it was apparently too little, too late, and the Browns decided to put the saga behind them. With Hillis gone, the Browns still have running backs Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and Brandon Jackson on their roster. They might have a chance to draft Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the No. 4 pick, or they can look for a back later in the first round. They can also look to the second wave of free agency for a back, including former Bengals running back Cedric Benson.

As for Steinbach, the Browns didn't want to pay an almost 32-year-old player coming off back surgery $6 million this season, especially considering that Jason Pinkston has replaced him at left guard. However, they could re-sign him after he tests the market.

"These types of decisions are the difficult part of this job, especially when it involves a player such as Eric Steinbach," Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said in a statement. "Eric exhibited tremendous leadership and passion for the game during his time here. We want to thank him for his contributions."

Steinbach's release gives the Browns $6 million more under the cap. His agent, Jack Bechta, told NationalFootballPost.com -- a website he's part of -- that the Browns tried to reduce Steinbach's salary.

Bechta said in a statement on his site: "Asked to take a significant salary reduction in late February, the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement on a new deal, so Steinbach has asked for his release. However, the two sides will keep talking while Steinbach will simultaneously explore the free agent market."

Bechta said Steinbach had surgery to remove a disk fragment from his spinal nerve.

"He is on schedule for a complete recovery and wants to play for four more years. He should be fully cleared to perform all football-related tasks by April 15th," Bechta said.

Steinbach's release comes one day after the release of right tackle Tony Pashos.

Source: Browns cut punter Richmond McGee

by Aaron Wilson of Scout.com, March 13, 2012 at 12:55 am ET
Richmond McGee Profile
The Cleveland Browns have cut punter Richmond McGee, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
McGee signed with the Browns on Aug. 3, 2011 and was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 13, 2011 following an injury and Brad Maynard being signed.
McGee, 28, was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles four years ago after playing collegiately at the University of Texas.
He has also played for the Chicago Bears.
He punted eight times for a 36.0 average last season.
For more coverage of the NFL, go to profootball.scout.com.

Ht: 6-4 Wt: 203

Position:
P

Date of Birth:
04/25/1983

Birthplace:
Garland,  TX

Experience:
1

High School:
Garland HS
(Garland, TX)

College:
Texas

Browns To Offer RB Peyton Hillis An Incentive-Rich Contract

As reported by Kevin Zoul of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are expected to offer RB Peyton Hillis an “incentive-rich contract” while he tests the open market. The Browns have made it known that they’ll allow Hillis to field offers from other teams in order to establish a more reasonable price tag However, Zoul adds that the Browns have offered Hillis a contract that would have paid him “$16 million over the first three years” This report does not surprise most, as Hillis is coming off a season that was plagued by injuries which hampered his overall production. Allowing Hillis to receive offers from other teams will make it easier for the Browns to offer him a deal closer to fair-market-value which is essentially what he’s looking for.

http://gridironfans.com/forums/latest-nfl-headlines/184021-browns-offer-rb-peyton-hillis-incentive-rich.html

Tough Luck For Browns Fans Redskins Pull Off Massive Move For RG3

For Browns Fans that had hoped the team would be able to draft Robert Griffin III there hopes were dashed tonight as the Washington Redskins pulled off a massive trade with the St. Louis Rams to get the 2 pick in the first round of the up-coming NFL Draft. The Redskins gave St. Louis their 6th pick this year, their first pick in 2013 & 2014 and this years second round pick to gain the second pick in the 2012 NFL draft where many are thinking RG3 will be picked.

The Rams certainly took a lot from the Redskins who must really want RG3. The Cleveland Browns have way to many holes to fill on their offense to have given up so many picks for the Rams 2nd pick in the first round. The Browns may have been thinking they could land someone in free agency that will be able to help the team at the quarterback position.

Some think the Browns could be interested in Green Bay’s Matt Flynn if the Browns are indeed thinking quarterback change it looks like free agency is going to be the way to go.  The Washington Redskins certainly must feel that RG3 is worth throwing in the kitchen sink for, that is what they did tonight…..

http://clevelandsports360.com/wordpress/tough-luck-for-browns-fans-redskins-pull-off-massive-move-for-rg3/

Peyton Manning's departure was not like Bernie Kosar's

By Starting Blocks

he emotional release of Peyton Manning by the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday wasn't close to how Bernie Kosar left the Cleveland Browns many years ago.

It was the complete opposite.

Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald writes how Manning's departure was a complete  contrast to Nov. 8, 1993, when Bill Belichick, cut Bernie Kosar because of what Belichick said were Kosar's "diminishing skills."

Belichick turned Kosar, already a hero in the eyes of Browns fans, into a martyr that day. Headlines in newspapers the next morning were as big and bold as "Japan Bombs Pearl Harbor," and that is no exaggeration.

Two hours before Belichick and Browns owner Art Modell met with the media, they met with Kosar to deliver the news. Cutting Kosar was Belichick's idea, but Modell backed it 100 percent.

The departure of Kosar began early that season when stories of Kosar and Belichick disagreeing on offense in the 2 1/2 years Kosar played for Belichick were legendary, but Belichick said that is not why he benched and then cut Kosar.

"I've even heard I sat Bernie because I don't like him," Belichick said a week or so later in a Sports Illustrated story. "Anyone who thinks I'd do all this work and then sit some guy because I don't like him — that's insane. All the decisions I made are for what I feel gives us the best opportunity to win."

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2012/03/cleveland_1.html

Cleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert says the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND -- Browns general manager Tom Heckert said today the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning, who was released Wednesday by the Colts.

"Not really,'' said Heckert in an informal meeting with the media today. "That's probably not a direction we're going to go.''

Heckert also re-iterated what he said at the end of last season: that the Browns are unlikely to sign a big-name free agent quarterback. That would seem to rule out a strong pitch for Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn, one of the biggest names set to hit the market on Tuesday.

He said the Browns like four quarterbacks in this draft, including the obvious top three of Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill. The fourth appears to be Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, who's 28, because Heckert gushed about him.

"I really like him a lot,'' said Heckert. "We're going to see him (throw) tomorrow. "He's mature and he's telling you it's a positive. He's a really interesting guy. He's super smart.''

But he emphasized that the Browns are still high on Colt McCoy and haven't made the decision to replace him.

"We still think Colt can play in this league and it's our job to help him out,'' said Heckert. "If we catch more balls, if we protect him more'' he can be much-improved.

Heckert addressed a number of other topics during his 30-minute interview, his first since undergoing heart surgery last month and his first with the media since the end of the season. He said:

* Even though the Browns are up for anything with their No. 4 pick, all the talk about the Browns moving up to No. 2 to draft Griffin III "is crazy. We feel comfortable staying at No. 4 and getting a really good player. We feel comfortable moving back and getting extra picks too.''

* Right tackle Tony Pashos underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday and he's not sure how that position will shake out out.

* The Browns will try to re-sign Peyton Hillis, but probably not until after he hit the market on Tuesday.

* The Browns will stick to their philosophy on free agency. "We're not going to sign a ton a free agents. We're not going to go crazy.''

* The Browns haven't ruled out trading their No. 22 pick. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the Browns currently don't want to surrender that pick to move up to No. 2. "Never say never,'' Heckert said.

* His ultimate goal with franchised kicker Phil Dawson is to sign him to a long-term deal. He said he hasn't talked to him since applying the tag last week,

* He's still discussing what to do with left guard Eric Steinbach, who's coming off back surgery and set to make $6 million this year.

* He wants to re-sign free agents Mike Adams, Dimitri Patterson and the other players set to be free on Tuesday.

* Linebacker Marcus Benard is under contract and doesn't need to be tendered.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/cleveland_browns_gm_tom_hecker_11.html

NFL Free Agency Rumor: Hillis back to original agent, Sexton

By Craig Lyndall

The Hillis game of musical chairs appears to be coming to an end once again and Jimmy Sexton seems to have found a chair again. According to a source who talked to ProFootballTalk, Hillis will welcome back his old agent.Now, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Hillis plans to re-hire Jimmy Sexton, who has since joined CAA. Per the source, Ben Dogra of CAA also will be involved in the representation.

Again, nobody knows exactly what any of this means for Peyton Hillis and his future with the Cleveland Browns. All we know is that the Browns will have an “exclusive” window to negotiate before next Tuesday March 13th. Of course exclusive goes into quotes because there is all sorts of alleged tampering that takes place in supposedly exclusive negotiating windows, so we’ll see.

The curious case of Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis

by Eric Schmidt

his has been a strange year for Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis. In 2010, Hillis became a fan favorite with a cult-like following in Cleveland but in 2011, Hillis fell out of favor with the same fans and his coaching staff. The season started with the power back suffering a case of strep throat which led to him sitting out for a game, that led to rumors that he was advised to sit by his agent in order to gain leverage to gain a new long-term deal. The season went downhill from there. The offseason has been no easy go for Hillis either with ESPN reporting last week that he was contemplating retirement and joining the CIA.

The ESPN report was immediately dismissed by Hillis and he fired yet another agent, his third this season. Speaking to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Hillis said regarding the rumor, “That’s ridiculous. I never one time mentioned anything to any coach about retirement or joining the CIA or anything like that. It’s 100 percent false. I don’t know who came up with a story like that, but they should’ve come up with a better one to make it sound legit.”

Hillis has spent the season lobbying for a new long-term contract with the Browns but the franchise has stated that they are willing to allow him to test the free agent market. Free agency begins on March 13th.

Hillis said that he would like to remain with the Browns and that he’d be willing to take a discount in order to remain with Cleveland. “I’ve always loved this city, and I still love it, and I still want to play for the Cleveland Browns. ” In regards to taking a hometown discount, “Yeah, of course I would. It depends on what they want to do. When free agency gets here, I’d love to hear them out,” Hillis told reporters.

The use of the franchise tag on Peyton Hillis is out of the question now for the Browns. The club placed the franchise tag on veteran PK Phil Dawson.

Hillis is coming off a very disappointing season. He recorded his lowest yard per carry average of his career (3.6) and only recorded one 100-yard performance, 112 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. If the Browns do not make an attempt to re-sign Hillis, they could pursue a new back in free agency or perhaps draft one in the upcoming draft.

Cleveland currently has three backs on their roster. The oft-injured Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya.

Eric Schmidt is the owner/editor of thepigskinreport.com.

http://www.thepigskinreport.com/2012/03/the-curious-case-of-cleveland-browns-rb-peyton-hillis/

Cleveland Browns put franchise tag on longtime kicker Phil Dawson

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The one constant for the Browns since they returned in 1999 has been kicker Phil Dawson bracing fierce winds on the lakefront and nailing his kicks.

Fortunately for them, that won't change in 2012.

The Browns franchised Dawson for the second straight season, which will be his 14th in a Browns uniform. He will make about $3.8 million, which represents the requisite 20 percent raise for a second straight tag. Last season, he made $3.125 million.

The Browns can continue to work on a long-term deal with Dawson, 37.

But for now, they're happy to have wrapped up Mr. Automatic, who's coming off what he considered to be the best season of his career.

"I certainly gave my heart and soul to this team this year," Dawson said after the season. "I feel pretty good about how I kicked the ball. I really missed one kick all year. I feel pretty good about that. I'll let it all sink in and make that decision when the time comes."

Dawson played in all 16 games last year, converting 24-of-29 field-goal attempts and all 20 PATs for a team-high 92 points. He also made seven field goals of 50 yards or more, which tied for most in the NFL and fell one shy of the league record.

What made his season even more impressive is that he adjusted to three holders and two long-snappers after Ryan Pontbriand was released. Two of his kicks were blocked, and another was deflected after the snap went off a lineman's foot. He missed a 38-yarder but contends it was good because it sailed over the upright.

Dawson nearly tied the NFL record with eight kicks of 50 yards or more but was 1 yard shy on his final kick of the season, a 49-yarder in the season-ending loss to Pittsburgh.

"I wish I was thinking a little clearer," he said. "I might have moved it back an extra yard. One yard from history."

Dawson returned to the Browns last season despite the fact he sold his house in Westlake and moved back to Austin, Texas, where his wife, Shannon, and their three children lived during the season.

But it didn't stop Dawson from moving into second place on the Browns' career points list with 1,155, second only to Hall of Famer Lou Groza's 1,349. Dawson also stands first on the Browns' all-time field-goal list with 276, and is first in team history with an 83.1 percent conversion rate, 10th best in NFL history.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/breaking_cleveland_browns_fran.html

Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis parts ways with agent Kennard McGuire, his third agent in a year

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND -- On the eve of free agency, Browns running back Peyton Hillis has parted ways with his agent, Kennard McGuire, a league source confirmed for the Plain Dealer.

It's the third agent Hillis has dumped in a year. The first two were Jimmy Sexton and Kelli Masters.

The news was first reported by Josina Anderson of ESPN.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert told Anderson today, "If we can work something out with Peyton (Hillis) we will. Did he have some rough patches during the season? Yes. Were there stretches where things were blown out of proportion? Yes. Honestly, I feel like a lot of that was blown up in the media. Now, of course things will still come down to the money, but we'll just have to wait and see."

Hillis' new agent is not yet known. A player must wait five days after he sends a letter of termination to the NFL Player Association before he can sign with a new agent. 

The Browns would like to re-sign Hillis before he becomes an unrestricted free agent Mar. 13.  They are not expected to franchise him, which would pay him $7.7 million for 2012. Deadline for franchising players is Monday.

Hillis and McGuire had a tumultuous season together in 2011. McGuire said he was the one who advised Hillis not to play against the Dolphins on Sept. 25 because he was too sick with strep throat and the flu.

Some of Hillis' teammates took exception to him sitting out and ultimately had an intervention-style meeting with him to help him get his priorities straight.

Hillis climbed back into the Browns' good graces with a strong end to the season, both on and off the field, including a 112-yard game in Baltimore Dec. 24.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/02/cleveland_browns_rb_peyton_hil_18.html