This is not your Grandfathers Cleveland Browns offense, they are “Brand New”

July 30, 2012 By Djranell Henderson

This is not your Grandfathers Cleveland Browns, or your fathers for that matter.

They are not even the Cleveland Browns from last year…They are “Brand New”

The signing of Brad Childress is huge. Last year first year Head Coach Pat Shurmer thought that he could handle both the Head Coaching duties as well as the offensive coordinator job. Anyone who knows anything about football knows that was a mistake. Shurmer barely scratched the surface of being an offensive coordinator in the NFL, but for some reason thought he could do both with the Cleveland Browns.

No I don’t think so.

Coach Childress is a former head coach for the Minnesota Vikings; he helped his team to two playoff appearances in a five year span. The Vikings have Adrian Peterson as the feature back, something the Browns plan to do with Trent Richardson.   Coach Childress will not call plays that will be Pat Shurmer’s job. What he will do is help with practice and game plan schedules for the offense. This is a huge step in the right direction for the Browns. This will allow Coach Shurmer time to evaluate both sides of the ball including special teams.

Nolan Cromwell was hired as the senior offensive assistant; he has helped the Packers and Seahawks with offensive development and really brings another person to help with the players and the game plan.  Nolan is one of the most vocal coaches on the team and is usually identified in articles as someone who is really pushing the development of the wide receivers.

The Reality of the Situation

The Cleveland Browns finished with the 29^th offense in the NFL in 2011 and that is pitiful. There are not many positives to take from last season. So we are going to let the Cleveland Browns start the season, Brand New. The past is the past and this is the new Cleveland Browns offense

We will have improved play from the Quarterback

• Brandon Weeden is a quarterback that is a big guy; he can really sling the ball all over the field, and he beat all of the elite QB competition in college. His size to look over the line and the ability to stretch the field is something sorely missed from the Cleveland Browns offense. Defenses can no longer put 8 players in the box and play man to man on the perimeters. They have to play us straight up because Brandon can make all the throws. I don’t really expect Brandon to come in and struggle. Tom Heckert has made great decisions in the draft and I can’t see him missing on Brandon Weeden.  With the way rookie QB’s have come in and played well, I can only see Brandon coming in and playing well. He will throw some interceptions and may get smacked around in the pocket, but that’s development. No matter what his age is, he is a rookie.
• Colt McCoy should be the backup, even though I think they are going to just release him. Seneca Wallace is not great, he cost us more money than Colt and he is not great, BUT what do I know.

Cleveland Browns have a Stallion at the RB position, and some Thoroughbreds to help out

In today’s NFL, The 3 down back is almost non-existent. Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Ray Rice may be the only ones that carry the load for their teams. But the New York Giants employ a multiple back system, and it turned into a Super Bowl.

• Trent Richardson was the best player in college football in 2011 hands down; no questions need to be asked. To be a running back in the SEC and dominate the competition reminds me of what Cam Newton did to similar competition, and we see what he did in the NFL. I know they play two different positions but, can you name the QB on Alabama, or name a receiver on that team. That same team that won the BCS National Championship. Exactly. His size is similar in muscle build to Adrian Peterson. But he has the low center of gravity like Ray Rice and a Maurice Jones-Drew that will allow him to hide behind blockers and because of low center of gravity maintain balance as he runs through running lanes. You have to make a commitment to tackle Trent Richardson, and that is something I don’t think a lot of people will want to do one-on-one
• Montario Hardesty is hopefully healthy, the positive is we don’t really need him to do anything other than just be able to provide some reps.  Brandon Jackson was the running back on the Super Bowl Green Bay Packers in 2010. Injury sidelined him last year but this year he is healthy and ready to provide depth. He is very familiar with the west coast offense and will help Trent understand concepts. Chris Ogbonnaya played decent enough in relief to push Montario if he does not play better.
• Owen Marecic was a two way player at Stanford, where he played FB and LB. He has to be smart, but never looked the part last year. The concussions did not help him. He reconditioned his body in hopes to hold off 7^th round pick Brad Smelley from Alabama. Smelley has versatility and great hands coming out of the backfield. I think they will keep both players because of Smelly versatility and Marecics history of concussions

There is something that goes on in the NFL and everybody does it…its follow the leader. If you do it, we will do it to. Right now a team like New England has TE’s that are the staple to their offense. The Two TE set is taking he league by storm.

• Ben Watson is a concussion waiting to happen, I don’t hope it happens to him but it’s something that could happen. Watson has always seem committed to the team and is a Super Bowl champion so he knows what it takes to get there. Jordan Cameron has done nothing but make a name for himself in the offseason. Pat Shurmer has done nothing but praise Jordan for his development in the offseason. We all know about Jordan’s former basketball career.  Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham turned into studs after a second season in the NFL. We can only wish that he turns out to be half as good.
• Evan Moore is one of my favorite players on the team. One play that stands out to me was a game against the New York Jets. Evan Moore was lined up man to man vs. Revis Island and caught a quick slant for a TD. His size is a mismatch for many defensive players; I don’t know why he did not get on the field especially after being given a new contract. Maybe it was his blocking and the addition of Mitchell Swartz will allow Evan to get more playing time. I can see Jordan Cameron and Evan Moore causing trouble for many a defense in the NFL. Alex Smith is a great blocker and can be an asset with that skill set, but he may not have a home with the Browns.

Everybody was calling the Cleveland Browns Wide Receivers a joke. It’s weird what the addition of one player will do to change the mindset of an entire group

• Greg Little played better than anyone could have or would have expected last year. He finished statistically right up there with Julio Jones and A.J. Green. I’m not worried about his drops, he missed an entire season of football and he only caught passes 10 yards and in, so he always had to worry about getting hit. That’s a bit of a shocker for a rookie who did not play for a year. Greg lost weight and looks ready to explode into a very good receiver.  Josh Gordon is the addition that has changed the landscape of the view people have of The Cleveland Browns wide receivers. Josh is similar to Greg Little in the fact that they are big receivers who enjoy catching the ball and turning into big plays
• Mohammed Massaguoi is barely holding onto a position. He has not ever been productive but has the full support of the coaches and front office. I believe he can make his own bed this year, if he does not play well, josh Gordon will take his playing time away. Something that I think will happen anyway. Josh Cribbs wants to be a receiver, even I want him to get some time at receiver but he is so special to the Special teams. I want to see him add on the performance he started last year when he had his best year as a receiver. Cribbs makes plays and catches the ball in traffic and has big play potential. He is a talent that needs to be utilized on offense. Period. Let Norwood and Benjamin handle the Kick return duties
• Jordan Norwood is really turning into a pretty good receiver. He is small but he makes plays in the open field. There is competition for him to keep that spot so he must show improvement. Travis Benjamin could be a slot guy but more than likely will be used as a downfield threat. He has impressed with his route tunning and sure hands
• Carlton Mitchell is tall and fast and the fans hope that he gets better, but it wont happen. Josh Cooper is Brandon Weeden’s buddy from college. He has nice hands and knows how to find the soft spot in zones. He is another fan friendly player that probably wont make the team

About the Offensive Line…I am happy that we have added depth and know it is being considered strength. I have never really been too interested in writing about offensive lineman. So I took a great article from Chris Pokorny at Dawgs by Nature that gives a great breakdown of what people have been saying about The Cleveland Browns and the offensive Line      

http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2012/7/18/3168704/high-praise-coming-everywhere-for-browns-offensive-line

Breakdown

This offense will not be a juggernaut of an offense like the Green Bay Packers this year, but they will be much improved. I fully expect the offense to finish in the Top 10 in rushing and the Top 15 for passing.  

The Browns may have only won 4 games last year, but it’s not like they were blown out of all the games. There were 6 games that we loss by 7 points or less.

I’m not the type to look at a schedule and start counting wins and losses, but I have heard that the Browns have one of the toughest schedules, but you never know what a team is going to bring on any given Sunday.

I am sure that the Cleveland Browns will be a ground and pound offense. I am not getting caught up in the hype of Brandon Weeden and Josh Gordon coming to town and suddenly making us into the New England Patriots or the Saints. We are Cleveland, and we play in the AFC North.  

If anything those moves are in place so that the running game can excel. As I stated earlier no one can put 8 men in the box anymore because of the threat that Brandon can make a throw that will hurt them. In turn there should be running lanes and space for Trent to play. 

The Browns have a multiple back system, which includes a beast in Trent Richardson. He never has to come off the field but can you imagine what a fresh legged Trent could do in the 4^th quarter of games.

The Browns have multiple TE’s that can stretch the field and play in multiple sets. Remember Ben Watson came from New England where it all started.

The Browns have built an offensive line through the draft and has depth.

The Browns have a mature strong armed rookie QB that is ready to prove doubters wrong.

And lastly, The Browns have a WR crew that has been underestimated and undervalued. But since the addition of Josh Gordon no one has been complaining about the depth.

I would like to say that some people are thoroughly missing what the Browns are doing here, but maybe I am a homer.

Only Time will tell.

Here is my story on the Cleveland Browns defense

http://isportsweb.com/2012/07/26/the-cleveland-browns-defense-ready-to-repeat-as-a-top-10-defense-in-the-nfl/

http://isportsweb.com/2012/07/30/this-is-not-your-cleveland-browns-offense-they-brand-new/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+isportsweb+%28isportsweb%29

Randy Lerner close to selling controlling interest in Cleveland Browns to Jimmy Haslam III

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Randy Lerner has been a part of the Browns family and a diehard fan since the 1970s, when he was a teen growing up in Shaker Heights and his father, Al, purchased a nine percent share in the team.

But his dreams of fulfilling his late father's plans to bring a Super Bowl to Cleveland will apparently never materialize.

Lerner is very close to selling the team to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, currently a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a source close to the situation told The Plain Dealer. Haslam, President and CEO of Pilot Flying-J Travel Centers, the nation's largest retail operator of travel centers and truck stops, is believed to be seeking full ownership of the team.

In a press conference in Berea on Friday before the full squad took the field for the first time this preseason, Browns President Mike Holmgren confirmed that Lerner "will give up controlling interest in the team." He said he didn't know if Lerner would retain a stake in the franchise, which is worth $977 million, according to Forbes.

But Browns fans needn't worry about reliving the anguish of 1995, when Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore. Lerner, who inherited the team when Al died of brain cancer in 2002, refused to even enter into negotiations with Haslam until he had a personal guarantee he'd never uproot the team.

"[Lerner] has an unequivocal commitment from Haslam to never move the Browns," said Fred Nance, a senior advisor to Lerner. "He made that a prerequisite before entering into negotiations." Nance added that Haslam "provided the commitment without hesitation."

When asked what would stop Haslam, 58, from moving the team, Nance replied, "read the lease."

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson also stated in a release that the Browns are tied to a 30-year lease through 2029 with Cleveland Browns Stadium and that the city would pursue legal options if there was any attempt to break it and move the team.

Holmgren also said fans have nothing to worry about.

"It's my understanding that from the get-go that's been one of the stipulations and both principals understand that," said Holmgren. "The Cleveland Browns aren't going anywhere. The Cleveland Browns are the Cleveland Browns and they're going to stay."

Lerner, who had denied a report in June from Howard Eskin of NBC 10 in Philadelphia that the Browns were for sale, released a statement Friday morning confirming that talks were underway. The statement, in response to "current rumors and press inquiries" was a surprising move for the exceedingly private owner -- one that further signals a deal is imminent.

"We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private," Lerner wrote.

Eskin also reported Friday that former Eagles President Joe Banner, who's been seeking part-ownership in an NFL team, is part of the Haslam group. Banner declined comment. He's currently a senior advisor to Eagles owner Jeff Lurie, his longtime friend. He also worked closely in Philadelphia with current Browns General Manager Tom Heckert, coach Pat Shurmur and offensive coordinator Brad Childress.

If Banner joins Haslam in Cleveland, what does that mean for Holmgren, who's in the third year of his five-year contract that pays him a reported $10 million a year?

"My future is bright," Holmgren said. "That will be answered down the road. You control the things you can control and do the best you can. I think we've done a lot of great things here in getting to this point. But we'll see."

Holmgren, who defended himself last month against critics that felt he wasn't committed to the Browns, added, "To me, a contract's a contract. I've tried to be honest with you about that. But we'll deal with those things as we go down the road. For right now, I'm the president of the team and that's how I'm operating."

Holmgren said he couldn't pinpoint when the deal will be finalized. "All I go is by league protocols and what has to happen there," he said. "I know nothing is finalized until the league votes on it."

League spokesman Brian McCarthy said the NFL is aware of the negotiations, but referred any specifics to the club. Haslam will have to sell his estimated five to 10 percent stake in the Steelers, which he's had since 2009.

Holmgren said Lerner decided to sell now because Haslam, whose younger brother Bill is the governor of Tennessee, was the right owner. The Haslam family is worth $3 billion, according to Forbes.

"Of course [Lerner] and I had a lot of discussions about this and he has a deep love for this team," said Holmgren. "He's been with this franchise since his father passed away in [2002] as you know, running it and trying his best to do the right things. I think as his kids have gotten older and his life has changed a little bit ... He was very, very concerned with and interested in the right person stepping forward if he was going to sell the football team and apparently all the stars aligned in the last few months."

Holmgren said he was in "California this summer and Randy contacted me and gave me preliminary reports. Since that point, we've been in constant contact, he's kept me abreast of every single thing that's been going on. He's been more than fair that way. Clearly there had to be some confidentiality involved in this thing. But I appreciate that from him, to be involved in this."

Holmgren said Lerner's No. 1 priority was to prevent the possible sale from becoming a distraction to the coaches and players.

"They have a hugely important job to do," said Holmgren. "We're in the business of winning football games and we have a good young team that I think is on the verge of becoming what you all wanted and what we all wanted."

Browns coach Pat Shurmur addressed his coaches and players Friday morning to deliver the news.

"I also informed them that the goals ... as we move forward this year have not changed not one bit, not one bit," Shurmur said, with an edge to his voice. "What we're trying to do as a football team should be unchanged by what was talked about today. We're a much better football team, we'll be much better prepared this season. I feel like we've got a better group to put on the field and I think we function better as a staff, so that's my concern and that's what I told the players."

In Lerner's nine full seasons as owner since his dad died in 2002, his teams have won four or five games in seven of those seasons. They haven't made the playoffs in those nine seasons and he's fired three coaches in Butch Davis, Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini.

Years ago, Lerner told The Plain Dealer he'd sell the team if he felt he wasn't getting the job done. Apparently, that time has come.

League approval process

The NFL has a specific policy on the transfer of ownership interest in a team.

• An owner can’t hold an interest in two NFL clubs at the same time, so prospective Browns majority buyer Jimmy Haslam, who owns a minority share of the Pittsburgh Steelers, will have to settle that issue first. The timing can be worked out as part of the process to buy the Browns.
• The process is reviewed by the NFL office and league Finance Committee and must be approved by a three-fourths vote of the 32 clubs.
• The process can take a few months, but circumstances vary by transaction.

Cleveland Browns' Pat Shurmur says there's no rush to thin QB ranks

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- Pat Shurmur likes the way Colt McCoy has handled himself on and off the field during this summer of competition with Brandon Weeden and thinks there's a realistic chance McCoy could be around come opening day.

"I don't think there's any hurry to get rid of anybody right now," the Browns head coach told The Plain Dealer Thursday during an appearance on PD SportsInsider on cleveland.com. "I guess the conversation becomes how he's going to handle it if he's not the starter. Colt's a professional and he's actually done everything that I've asked him to do. He's handled his work well, and in my opinion, he's handled his comments with the media well.

"He can't always control what gets said around him -- I think I've learned that as well. All you can worry about is what you say and do and I think Colt's functioned in a very professional way."

Shurmur was apparently referring to a recent tweet by McCoy's younger brother Case, who exclaimed that "Cleveland is only going downhill!" in response to a fake tweet that his brother had been traded to the Eagles.

That said, Shurmur acknowledged he can't predict how the backup QB battle plays out, where McCoy, Seneca Wallace and Thad Lewis are vying for the job. Despite speculation that McCoy will be traded, he said it's realistic that both veterans could return.

"I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't say exactly what's going to happen, but I do think they've made improvements, which is important," said Shurmur. "We've added some young talent around them that has helped make things look smoother."

He said he's noticed a difference in McCoy from last season, when he had no off-season to work with the new staff and learn the West Coast system.

"Colt made a couple of throws [Wednesday] where he threw to the fourth guy in the progression," said Shurmur. "Now, it's not obvious to anybody, but he would've gone 1-2-3 and ran last year. He went 1-2-3 and threw it to four pretty smoothly. That only happens because you go through the process and I think he's improved.

"At this point, I can see any of the scenarios that you're mentioning -- and again I can't wait to name the starter so we can stop talking about this."

He said McCoy and all of the quarterbacks on the roster fit his criteria for a backup: mobility and the ability to function without many reps during the week.

"I think [McCoy's] very smart," he said. "You're talking about all the guys we have on our roster. They're smart and they can move around and they can go out and execute without getting a bunch of reps."

He said all four are working well together.

"I watch that room closely," he said. "You need to have a good quarterback room, and I see a bunch of guys acting in a very professional way."

Shurmur addressed a number of other topics:

• On if the Browns knew about Josh Gordon's third failed drug test: "We were pretty aware of probably all of the things that have been talked about in his background. Josh has put himself -- through his own behavior -- through some adversity. We feel as though that's behind him.

"We've talked to numerous people. We have relationships with people around the college ranks at both schools that he attended. We visited with him at length. We did a lot of work behind the scenes to assure us that this type of behavior won't happen again. He understands the importance of what he's going to go through now as a pro athlete, and we're going to help him in every way possible to make sure it doesn't. We feel like this is behind him."

• On acquiring a veteran receiver/mentor: "I like the group we have. At this point we don't have our sights set on bringing in anybody specific. At the receiver position, even though you don't have great age or experience there, it doesn't mean that somebody doesn't know his job well and can't help a young person. Within the group that we have at receiver and other positions, we'll make sure those guys act like pros."

• On Josh Cribbs as a receiver: "I'm not going to try to minimize his role or say exactly what it's going to be, but we do know that he's an outstanding special teams player and we feel like that's where he's made his mark that's where we expect him to not only play well but show leadership. We'll continue to try to find ways to get him the ball on offense."

• On his camp message: "We're going to talk about doing what we can to win football games and win the division because that assures you a spot in the playoffs. And once you're in the playoffs, then you have a chance to play in and win the biggest game of them all.

"I can't control what gets outside this building or how what's happening inside this building is perceived. What I can control is helping these guys develop thought processes that keep this team together and keep us moving forward. It does me absolutely no good to worry about the rest of it."

• On finding reps for running backs Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson: "Every team uses more than one running back throughout the course of a game and the season. They have to have some of the same characteristics as the backup quarterback because throughout the week, they definitely don't get as many reps."

Practice update: The veterans reported Thursday and will practice Friday in a closed session. The first open practice is Saturday from 8:45-11:15 a.m. in helmets and shorts. The first full-pad practice is Sunday from 8:45-11:15 a.m.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_pat_shurmur_s.html

Trent Richardson signs 4-year contract with Cleveland Browns, 4 years, $20.5 million, $13.3 million signing bonus

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Trent Richardson won't miss a beat in his bid to become "the most dominant player" of all time.
The No. 3 overall pick in the draft out of Alabama, Richardson signed his four-year deal today, a source told The Plain Dealer. With Browns rookies due to report to Berea on Tuesday, Richardson avoided missing any time and will take the field for the first workout on Wednesday.

Richardson's fully-guaranteed deal is worth $20.5 million over the four years, with a $13.3 signing bonus, a source told the PD. He also has no offset language, which means he'll receive the whole $20.5 million even if he signs with another team before the four years are up.

Now that the Browns have Richardson's deal done, they'll turn their attention to quarterback Brandon Weeden, the No. 22 overall pick. The only issue there is the fourth-year guarantee which Weeden's agent, Sean Howard of Octagon, hopes to secure, according to a source.

The only holdup in Richardson's deal was the offset language, which the Browns wanted and Richardson's agent, Jimmy Sexton did not. Richardson won that final battle, which enabled the deal to get done Monday after a full day of negotiating.  The highest current 2012 pick with offset provisions is No. 10 Stephon Gilmore of the Bills.
During organized team activities in May, coach Pat Shurmur praised the Browns' top pick.
"Wow, he's a very powerful man and he's powerfully built,'' said Shurmur. "Don't let the 5-9 1/2 fool you. He's almost 230 pounds and that's a lot of muscle packed into that body. I think he's got a very powerful build, much like we thought when we drafted him and it shows up on the field.''
Shurmur said Richardson's thick, compact frame will dictate his running style.
"Trent can get his foot down and slash it up in the line of scrimmage and by the nature of his build, he is sometimes hard to get your arms around and tackle. That natural leverage that he has also gives him great balance and body control.''
Richardson told The Plain Dealer during OTAs that after overcoming so many obstacles in his life, "It's a miracle that I've gotten to this point. Now that I'm here, I want to be remembered as the most dominant player to ever play the game."
Shurmur said during minicamp that Richardson will be the starting running back, and that Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson will also get reps.
Weeden, who's expected to win the Browns' starting job, will receive a four-year deal worth about $8.1 million. Many players in the latter part of the round receive  three-year guarantees with a partial guarantee for the fourth year.

Browns veteran players report Thursday and begin practicing Friday, but the first practice open to the public is Saturday at 8:45 a.m.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/trent_richardson_signs_1.html

Cleveland Browns listed by Forbes as world's 30th most valuable sports team; $977 million value 20th among 32 NFL teams

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns, owned by Randy Lerner, are ranked by Forbes as the 30th most valuable sports team in the world, with a worth of $977 million.
The Browns' value, however, is just the 20th highest among the NFL's 32 teams.
Forbes ranks the 50 most valuable sports teams in the world. The two richest values belong to the famed soccer teams Manchester United ($2.23 billion) and Real Madrid ($1.88 billion).
The top American teams are tied at No. 3: MLB's New York Yankees and the NFL's Dallas Cowboys at $1.85 billion each.
The Browns, of course, have not been an artistic success in recent years, as Forbes notes.
About the Browns' ranking, Forbes.com writes:

The Browns have lost 67% of their games and made the playoffs just once since the franchise was reborn in Cleveland in 1999. The only team that has lost more games since is the Detroit Lions. Browns fans remain among the most loyal supporters in the NFL, allowing the team to charge one of the highest radio rights fees in football. The Browns hope stud running back Trent Richardson--the third pick in the 2012 draft--can turn around the team's fortunes.

The Browns were 4-12 last season; the Lions, with a team considered one of football's most promising, were 10-6.
MLB's Cleveland Indians and the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers are not included in the top 50. However, no team from the Indians' American League Central Division nor the Cavs' Eastern Conference Central Division are on the list.
The Browns' American Football Conference North Division rivals are all in the top 50: the Baltimore Ravens ($1.09 billion), 18th overall, 10th among NFL teams; the Pittsburgh Steelers ($1.02 billion), 21st overall, 13th among NFL teams; the Cincinnati Bengals ($875 million), 37th overall, 25th among NFL teams.
The Ravens, of course, were the original Browns. Former owner Art Modell moved the Browns from Cleveland to Baltimore following the 1995 season.

Cleveland Browns sign supplemental pick Josh Gordon to four-year deal

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns receiver Josh Gordon, eager to catch up with his fellow rookies, signed a four-year contract just four days after the Browns picked him in the second round of Thursday's supplemental draft.

The deal is worth $5.3 million, $3.8 million guaranteed.

The signing leaves No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson and No. 22 overall pick Brandon Weeden as the Browns' only unsigned draft picks, but General Manager Tom Heckert said last week that he expects both to be in training camp on time.

Rookies report July 24 and take the field the next day. Veterans report July 26 and also practice the next morning, but the first session open to the public in Berea is July 28 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Gordon played one full season at Baylor in 2010, catching 42 passes for 714 yards and tying Kendall Wright with a team-high seven touchdown. He was suspended indefinitely in July 2011 after failing his second marijuana test at the school, and transferred to Utah, where he had to sit out last season because of NCAA transfer rules.

Heckert said last week that Gordon (6-3, 224 pounds) has the makings of a No. 1 receiver and that he qualifies as an elite wideout. Art Briles, his coach at Baylor, told The Plain Dealer that Gordon definitely would have been a first-round pick this year had he played in 2011.

Gordon, who will challenge for a starting job opposite Greg Little, said he feels he will be ready to start this season if the Browns want him to.

In other Browns' contract news, Monday's 4 p.m. deadline passed without the Browns signing franchised kicker Phil Dawson to a multiyear deal. It means Dawson, heading into his 14th season with the Browns, will play out the year under the franchise tender for the second straight season, this time at $3.81 million. The two sides can revisit a long-term deal after the season.

Heckert said in March that he wanted to wrap up Dawson for the long haul, and Dawson said at minicamp last month that he wanted to finish his career here.

"I'd like to, I really would," Dawson said then. "I'm not thinking about my career being over at this point, but it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to go play somewhere else.

"We'll see what happens. Like I've told you guys before, I'm not very good at predicting the future, but I'm just gonna go to work like I always do and hope that things get worked out."

Dawson still has his sights on Lou Groza's 45-year-old team record of 1,349 points. He currently has 1,155.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_browns_sign_suppleme.html

Josh Gordon vows to stay clean and repay Cleveland Browns for using second-round pick on him

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- New Browns rookie receiver Josh Gordon promised Thursday to stay clean and repay the Browns for taking a chance on him in the second round of the supplemental draft.

"Despite everything I've been through, despite being a kid with a spotty background, the Cleveland Browns stuck their neck out and risked taking me and put their faith and belief in me, and I won't let them down," Gordon said in a phone interview. "I'm grateful, and I know I can't go back to being the person I used to be."

Gordon's arduous journey to the Browns began in October 2010 when he was in the midst of a solid sophomore season for Baylor. Following a big victory, Gordon attended a party with teammate Willie Jefferson, and the two later were arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana charge after falling asleep in a fast-food drive-through.

The next day, Gordon tested positive for marijuana, marking the beginning of the end of his Baylor career.

"From there, it was just a whirlwind of bad things," he said.

Gordon was permitted to finish the season because it was his first offense, but Jefferson was kicked off the team because it was his second. Still, Baylor, a strict Christian university, took Gordon's test seriously even though charges were dropped.

"They put sanctions on me and placed me on a probationary period, with community service and biweekly drug tests," said Gordon. "They weren't going to stand for it, and I understood that."

Gordon (6-3, 224) remained drug-free throughout the season and finished strong, catching 42 passes for 714 yards and tying teammate Kendall Wright with a team-high seven touchdowns. But when he returned to the school in June after summer break, he tested positive again for marijuana.

"That was the last straw for them," said Gordon. "We had to part ways that summer."

The farewell broke coach Art Briles' heart, because he loved Gordon as a person and a player.

"It killed me, it really did, because as a coach, I think we're in the kid-saving business," said Briles, who's remained in close contact. "I know Josh's character, I know his heart, I know his mind, I know his soul and it's all good."

Gordon transferred to Utah, but shortly before leaving, his family's apartment caught fire, and they were forced to evacuate. Gordon fled early for Utah, taking his mom's car and his brother with him. His mother stayed behind but had to live in a hotel and drive rental cars.

"It was hard for all of us," said Gordon.

At Utah, Gordon sat out the season but still practiced with the team and submitted to drug tests.

"I was in a rehabilitation program with group counseling, and I saw a psychiatrist, like, three times a week," he said. "I had to report back to the team while I was practicing. But I never tested positive at Utah."

Every Saturday, Gordon watched as Baylor took the college football world by storm and Robert Griffin III made his amazing run toward the Heisman Trophy and toward becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.

"It was hard watching ESPN every day, seeing the whole RG3 phenomenon take place, and I was like, 'Man, I was just there a year ago, this is crazy,' " Gordon said. "I was really happy for them, but it was hard."

After the year, Gordon had a decision to make. His brother couldn't find work, and they struggled to pay their rent. His mom was also back home struggling financially.

"I decided to go back home and try to enroll in the University of Houston," he said. "I wanted to alleviate the stress on my mom and brother."

As recently as June 27, Gordon still was trying to obtain a transfer hardship waiver to get into Houston. "But time was running out," he said. "I had to declare for the supplemental draft by June 29th. I had to make a lot of hard life decisions pretty quickly."

Coach Briles helped him make the decision to go pro.

"Having his belief in me and support helped motivate me," Gordon said. "I thought another year of college and film was what I needed and what everybody expected me to do."

The moment Gordon declared for the draft, the Browns pursued. They had already fallen in love with him during the 2010 season while scouting their 2011 first-round pick, Phil Taylor.

"Cleveland was the only visit I made," said Gordon. "I had a good feeling they were going to draft me, but I was still shocked when they jumped up to the second round."

The cost for the Browns was their second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert already had done his homework, talking to Briles, Taylor and Baylor assistant head coach Brian Norwood, the father of Browns receiver Jordan Norwood and a close associate of some in the Browns personnel department.

"I couldn't find anybody to say one bad thing about the kid," said Heckert. "I drilled him pretty hard when I was with him. He didn't back down, and he told me everything that I thought I needed to hear from him."

Gordon said he's not a drinker and never used other drugs.

"There was definitely a pattern there with the two failed tests, but marijuana has never had that strong of a hold on my life," he said. "I'm not an addict, and I shouldn't be treated as such. Being sober is not a struggle for me."

But he knows actions speak louder than words.

"I can tell people until I'm blue in the face, and there will always be naysayers that will say, 'I just don't believe him, I can't trust him.' But I know that I have no intentions or any ambition to try to go back and regress to what I was doing before -- testing positive or just being caught in a negative light."

He viewed fellow rookie receiver Justin Blackmon's recent DUI arrest as a cautionary tale.

"I've definitely learned from this," he said. "It's been a long road, but I'm seeing light at the end tunnel after today. Looking back, it was something that had to happen in order for this to even take place. I promise the Browns won't regret this."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/josh_gordon_cleveland_browns_n.html

Baylor's Josh Gordon impresses in workout before Thursday's NFL Supplemental Draft 2012

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Baylor wide receiver Josh Gordon, whom the Browns are considering bidding on in Thursday's supplemental draft, had an impressive pro day Tuesday in Houston and should have plenty of suitors this week.

According to NFL reporter Adam Caplan of Sirius XM radio, 21 of the 32 NFL teams, including the Browns, attended the workout and watched Gordon run a 4.52 in the 40, catch every pass thrown to him and record a 36-inch vertical leap.

Gordon pulled a left quad muscle on his second 40, Caplan said, but finished the workout.

One NFL executive told Rob Rang of cbssports.com that Gordon looked a little stiff running his routes but was otherwise impressive. "There's no question he has the physical skills to play at this level," the source told Rang.

"Scouts say you can see the physical tools he's been blessed with," Rang told The Plain Dealer. "He's a big, strong, fast, physical athlete."

But what are the Browns willing to part with for Gordon, who sat out all last season at Utah after being suspended indefinitely by Baylor following a marijuana arrest? “There are concerns about the arrest,” said Rang. “He’s also a very raw, developmental prospect, but an intriguing one.”

Caplan, who’s convinced Gordon will go in the third or fourth round, said the concern is he would need time to adjust to the West Coast offense. But the Browns have a recent history with drafting a talented receiver forced to sit out a year because of a behavioral issue. Greg Little was the team’s leading receiver in his rookie season after being picked in the second round. He did, however, run a similar offense at North Carolina.

The draft is almost like a silent auction, with teams submitting bids based on the pick they’re willing to sacrifice in the 2013 draft. The order within rounds is determined by how teams fared last season.

Nfldraftscout.com describes Gordon as "a long-striding runner with the build-up speed and fluidity to make plays after the catch.''

But Gordon also comes with baggage. He was suspended indefinitely by Baylor coach Art Briles prior to the 2011 season following a marijuana arrest, and transferred to Utah, where he sat out the season. Rather than play for the Utes this season, he declared for the supplemental draft for financial reasons, according to reports.

But he showed enough in his one full season in 2010 to impress pro scouts and coaches. That season, he caught 42 passes for 714 yards and seven TDs. The Browns also have some inside insight into Gordon from Baylor alum Phil Taylor and from their close associate Brian Norwood, who is Baylor's assistant head coach and father of Browns receiver Jordan Norwood.

Seven other players have declared for Thursday's supplemental draft, but none with the potential star power of Gordon. The last time the Browns selected a player in the special draft was Bernie Kosar in 1985.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/07/baylors_josh_gordon_impresses.html

Colt McCoy wants to finish what he started in Cleveland

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy told Joey Richards of ReporterNews.com that he wants to finish what he’s started in Cleveland.

“I really like Cleveland,” McCoy said Tuesday after wrapping up his two-day youth football camp in Abilene. “I’ve always been a guy that wants to finish what he starts.”

McCoy is ready to fight to be the Browns starting quarterback, when training camp begins later this month.

“That’s part of my nature,” McCoy said about his desire to fight for the job, per Richards. “You’re getting everything I have, whether that’s working, preparing, studying or practicing. Unfortunately, a lot of things are out of my control. The main thing for me is not to worry about those things I can’t control. I have to go in, do my job and have high character and compete my tail off, if the opportunity’s available. Other than that, there’s not much you can do. So that’s what I try to do every day.”

McCoy admits that things haven’t been easy since being drafted by the Browns just a few years ago.

“It’s been a rough ride thus far,” McCoy said. “We’ve had our ups and downs. I’ve had three (offensive) coordinators going into my third year. Two head coaches in two years. There’s been some ups and downs and things you have to fight through. Most are things out of your control. But for me, I would just like a little consistency. I love the town. I love the fans. I think they truly deserve a winning football team. That’s what I want to do. I want to be there for the ride of turning that thing around. We’ll see what happens.”

If McCoy wants to have a shot at being the Browns starter this season, he’s going to have to come out firing in the preseason.

http://profootballzone.com/nfl/colt-mccoy-wants-to-finish-what-he-started-in-cleveland/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ProFootballZone+%28Pro+Football+Zone%29

Browns Colt McCoy Says It’s Been A Rough Few Years In Cleveland

Posted by LG on July 4, 2012 at 8:08 pm.

The Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Colt McCoy did a story in Texas for the NFL saying it has been a rough ride in Cleveland the past three years. Make no mistake about this, McCoy likes Cleveland and he wants to stay here to help turn this Cleveland Browns team into a winner. McCoy went on to say, he has had a couple of coaches, three O.C.’s and the team really never had any stability. The Browns drafted Brandon Weeden, many think Weeden will get the starting job and the Browns may trade Colt McCoy. Some say the only way McCoy would start again for the Cleveland Browns is if Brandon Weeden got hurt in training camp.

Colt wants to be in Cleveland, even after the Browns told him he would be the guy this season and they went out and drafted Weeden in the NFL Draft. The Browns may have been a little less than truthful with McCoy and this kid still wants to stay in Cleveland. I get a kick out of all the people who think Weeden will take over as the Browns starting quarterback. I mean come on, Weeden has yet to play one down in the NFL and he has now idea how it feels to get hit by a NFL pass rush. Even Bernie Kosar had a learning curve coming from college into the NFL and we all know Bernie was one hell of a smart quarterback too.

The Browns should keep Colt McCoy. This kid has nothing but heart. The Cleveland Browns had Gary Danelson here to teach Bernie Kosar. Who did Colt McCoy have to help him? He had a guy on the side-lines that wouldn’t lift a finger to help him in Seneca Walllace. Wallace even said his job wasn’t to teach Colt McCoy and he wasn’t good at teaching, yet he jumped right up and offered to teach Brandon Weeden.

If the Cleveland Browns need to get rid of a quarterback and they do, they need to get rid of Seneca Wallace. Getting rid of Colt McCoy would be a big mistake. Just like drafting a 28-year-old soon 29 years old rookie quarterback is a mistake. Two wrongs have yet to ever equal one right. To get rid of Colt McCoy would be a serous mistake the Cleveland Browns can’t afford to make…..

http://clevelandsports360.com/wordpress/browns-colt-mccoy-says-its-been-a-rough-few-years-in-cleveland/

NFL Alters Blackout Rules

By Pat McManamon

Fox Sports Ohio
Posted Jul 2, 2012

The league has decided that a sellout now means 85 percent of tickets sold -- at least as it relates to a television blackout.

It may be a bit much to call it a “game changer,” but a recent decision by the NFL does raise the eyebrows ever so slightly.

The league has decided that a sellout now means 85 percent of tickets sold -- at least as it relates to a television blackout.

Instead of requiring all tickets be sold 72 hours prior to kickoff for a game to be televised locally, the league’s ownership has decided that 15 percent of the seats can be unsold. That is good for the guy sitting home who can’t afford a ticket, but might be concerning for the NFL as it assesses getting people out of recliners to watch games.

“Let’s face it, for years the NFL didn’t need a ticket sales department,” said Jim Kahler, executive director of the Center for Sports Administration at Ohio University. “They just picked up the phone and took orders.”

Any attendance study of the NFL is relative. The league drew more than 17 million fans last season and continues to be a television powerhouse.

But its stadiums are seeing more empty seats -- epitomized by the two Ohio teams in 2011. Cleveland Browns Stadium was barely half-filled for some home games, and in Cincinnati the Bengals offered a two-for-one ticket deal in the season finale as the team played for a playoff spot.

The Wall Street Journal reported that attendance at games is down 4.5 percent from five years ago, and teams now are offering new and unique deals.

This could be merely a sign of tough times, but for a league that wants to grow and squeeze every penny of revenue possible out of the consumers, it might be reason to pause.

In 2011, the Bengals filled Paul Brown Stadium to 75.2 percent capacity for their eight home games, down from 92.1 percent in 2010.

In Cleveland, the Browns were at 90 percent capacity, but that number was clearly the definition of “tickets sold” because actual people in seats was far lower.

It’s why teams are offering deals that in the past were unheard of -- like the Browns and Indians partnering for single-game suites and the Browns offering three-game ticket packages (starting at $99 and available on the website today). The Bengals' two-for-one offer sold out the finale, but the shaky reality was the team needed it.

“That’s a sport that’s been hit the hardest by what I call ‘Joe Six Pack’ folks,” Kahler said. “Those folks could afford the season tickets because it was just a multiplier of 10 (games). Because of the number of games in basketball and baseball, the cost was higher. When ‘Joe Six Pack’ starts losing his job, the NFL is going to get hit the hardest.”

It means he will watch his games in his family room.

“Look at what’s happened in the economy,” Kahler said. “The season ticket holder for many years loses his job. He and his wife say he’s not doing that (buy season tickets) anymore. The guy takes a year or two off, gets comfy with his man cave. Face it, man caves for guys in our age brackets are in. He’s got his recliner and big screen TV and the fridge is full and his friends are over.

“It probably is a better experience (than the stadium).”

Ohio attendance could be a reflection of the cities’ cultures -- the Reds draw in Cincinnati, but the Indians don’t in Cleveland.

But the NFL is paying attention.

In addition to lowering the “blackout” threshold, the league has loosened limits on instigating crowd noise, and will show the same replays at the stadium that fans at home see. In addition, the team wants wireless internet in every stadium.

Kahler said years ago the NFL “was selling every seat they could because the demand was there.”

It’s still selling a ton of seats -- 21 teams were at 95 percent of capacity or better, with nine at 100 percent or better and there were only 16 blackouts of 256 regular-season games in 2011 (in part due to teams and/or business buying tickets to avoid them). But seven were below 90 percent capacity -- an optimal figure for the league -- compared to three in 2008.

The league’s latest television deal is worth almost $28 billion through 2022 -- but Kahler said the fastest-growing employment area in professional sports is in ticket sales, and the Journal reported that full season-ticket packages are available on the websites of 20 of the league’s 32 teams.

The website teamworkonline.com shows that the Browns have an opening for a season ticket sales account executive; they are one of five teams advertising for a hire less than two months before training camps open.

“When the 50-plus age group exits with their season tickets,” Kahler said, “teams suddenly are selling to a new generation that consumes sports in a different manner than you and I and everyone of our generation consumed it.”

Pat McManamon appears courtesy of Fox Sports Ohio

http://cle.scout.com/2/1199746.html

Their futures ahead of them, Cleveland Browns rookies take moment to reflect on the game's past with HOF visit

By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer

CANTON, Ohio — Quarterback Brandon Weeden spotted his brown No. 3 jersey hanging in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.

OK, so it had a $99.99 price tag affixed to it and was for sale in the gift shop. As a rookie, you've got to start somewhere and NFL executives can't think of a better place than here.

The league's weeklong rookie symposium in Northeast Ohio concluded with a visit to the 85,000-square-foot time machine in which Walter Payton still jukes would-be tacklers and Otto Graham keeps cranking out world titles for Cleveland.

AFC first-year players -- who spent the previous three days attending seminars focused on their futures – immersed themselves in pro football's gladiatorial past.

Browns running back Trent Richardson snapped pictures of Jim Brown's bust with his camera phone. Browns defensive tackle John Hughes marveled at an exhibit of old helmets. Weeden and No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts chatted in front of the likeness of Dan Marino.

"It's a surreal moment," Weeden said of standing in the hall's gallery of bronze busts. "It kind of hits home that we are in this league and obviously every guy's dream is to be here sooner or later."

While the league-mandated rookie orientation stresses player responsibility and code of conduct, it also yokes past to present.

The NFL has required teams to send their rookies to Canton since former receiver Michael Irvin, in his 2007 acceptance speech, lamented not touring the hall as a young player and learning more about the game's history.

The league doesn't expect players to memorize John Madden's .759 career winning percentage, but it would like them to know he contributed more to football than a popular video game.

Hughes, who grew up in Columbus, admitted he didn't know the HOF was in Canton until he reached the University of Cincinnati. The bushy-haired tackle took his time in front of exhibits, making use of the many interactive displays. But Hughes, like so many of the players, said their favorite part was the circular bust gallery.

"The likeness is amazing," Hughes said. "It's like you are face to face with these guys."

A guide informed players that 15 of the 241 hall-of-famers were undrafted free agents. Being selected No. 1 overall, as Tim Couch discovered, doesn't guarantee success. Just 13 top picks have been inducted.

In the bust gallery, Weeden and Luck met up, providing a fortuitous photo-op for members of the public who were permitted to interact with the athletes. Weeden posed for countless pictures and signed autographs.

Mostly, he soaked in the history.

"I'm a huge fan of quarterbacks and I loved seeing the busts of all the great ones like Dan Marino, John Elway and Otto Graham," Weeden said.

Jim Brown might think Richardson is an "ordinary" running back, but the feeling is not mutual. Approaching the legend's bronze likeness, Richardson reached for his phone. He took a picture.

Then another.

And another.

He also delighted in capturing images of Emmitt Smith, who attended the same Pensacola, Fla., high school (Escambia) as Richardson.

Each rookie class had its photo taken alongside the encased Vince Lombardi Trophy. With the Browns examining a display of Super Bowl rings, a guide took an inopportune moment to remind them the Pittsburgh Steelers have won the most (six).

Several players designed virtual rings using an interactive display. As offensive lineman Ryan Smith added karats to his creation, Weeden barked: "You'll never work for Jostens."

The hall not only enshrines great players, but memorable moments. One display case features the white No. 16 jersey of teammate Josh Cribbs, who broke the NFL career record for touchdown kickoff returns in 2009.

After walking the corridors, the rookies watched an NFL Films presentation and were addressed by Hall-of-Famer Carl Eller.

"Remember the guys who paved the way and lit the path for you," Eller told the room.

Weeden said he went to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., as a kid but was too young to appreciate the occasion. The former minor-league pitcher conceded Saturday's trip to Canton was more meaningful.

His pro football career unfurling before his eyes, Weeden had another confession:

"I got a chill just seeing my jersey in the gift shop."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/06/trent_richardson_snaps_photos.html