2007 Cleveland Browns Thread (1 Viewer)

[mr blond]

Points to ponder:1. Our secondary: Last year, this position was destroyed by injuries. Our top 3 CB's, Baxter, Bodden, and McCushion all missed most of the year. Bodden is healthy this year. Bodden, if he stays healthy will likely make the pro-bowl this year. He has good size, great speed, and a great eye for the ball. Eric Wright needs to be as big as he is expected to be, and with Holly and Baxter back, and a couple of youngsters, this unit is solid. Jones and Pool at Safety is a great youth movement that will improve. The depth is slightly week, but if it stays healthy, we are good to go.

I still have to see Baxter out there before I can believe he's truely healthy after that horrible injury, but if he does play this year, I wouldn't be surprised to see Baxter as a backup at safety as well as CB this season.

 

[St.Anger]

quinn needs to get into camp

he is only hurting his own development by staying away

 

[Irish]

quinn needs to get into camphe is only hurting his own development by staying away

Tim Couch and David Carr don't agree with your sentiments.

 

[Tecumseh]

July 28, 2007By Clark JudgeCBS SportsLine.com Senior WriterBrowns: Five things to know | JudgeBEREA, Ohio -- Attention, Cleveland Browns fans: It's not Brady Quinn you need; it's patience.The Browns feel Jamal Lewis is 'very hungry to prove himself one more time.' (US Presswire) Quinn is not in camp, but he will be. And maybe soon. But forget about Quinn. He won't make a difference this season. The Browns' offensive line could, and that's where this team is beginning to shape up.There's rookie Joe Thomas. There is free-agent guard Eric Steinbach. Free-agent center Seth McKinney is here, too. And I'd throw in last year's free-agent prize, center LeCharles Bentley, if I thought he'd return from a patella injury.But I don't.Yeah, I know what Bentley's physicians say, but I also know the Browns haven't passed him on a physical -- preferring to wait a month before making a decision. That tells me something's amiss, and if I were to make an educated guess I'd say Bentley not only doesn't make it to the season opener; I'd say he doesn't play this season."Like I told him," said coach Romeo Crennel. "I want to see it. I haven't seen it."Well, that's appropriate because people haven't seen much of anything from the Cleveland Browns lately. They have 19 victories in four seasons and a year ago were 31st in offense, 31st in rushing, 27th in defense. Oh, yeah, they were also last in their division.Again.Some of that should change, though the AFC North basement sure looks like home again. Which is why Browns' fans can sit back and relax.When senior vice president and general manager Phil Savage compared this club to a tear-down project in his neighborhood, the message was clear: The club is rebuilding from the ground on up. That takes time, and so, in all likelihood, will success."People are trying to pin us down," said Savage, "and say, 'What's the measure of success? Is there a magic number?' I don't think (the important thing) is the number as much as it is how we get to our final record is."I do think our team will be better. There will be some people who will say they may be better and win a game or two more, and that may be true. But we're going to find out."I don't know many people outside the 440 area code who believe Cleveland can win more than five or six games, and, frankly, I don't care. These guys have their priorities straight, and their priority is building a foundation for the future.For years they looked in vain for the next great running back before getting smart and turning their attention to an offensive line that was among the league's worst. That's why they drafted Thomas and passed on star running back Adrian Peterson.That's why they went after Steinbach and McKinney, too. If you're serious about straightening out a running game that hasn't ranked higher than 20th since returning to the NFL in 1999, then maybe you should concentrate on something other than the next running back.The Browns did."This is where we turn it around," said Steinbach. "I think if we establish ourselves, it takes pressure off the quarterback and pressure off the defense. I always said the offensive line is the nucleus of the team because if you can establish a dominant offensive line you're going to win games."He's right, of course. You look at Indianapolis and what it's done the past few years. Kansas City had a nice run with Will Shields and Willie Roaf in the offensive line. And let's not forget Pittsburgh. Or Philadelphia."I like what's been done with the offensive line," said offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. "I just always believed it starts up front. That group of five guys are the (ones) the rest of the team feed off in terms of tempo."Chudzinski should know. He coached in San Diego last season where the Chargers' offensive line opened holes for league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson. So he appreciates the value of a tight offensive line and what it can do for a rushing attack.Fantasy FocusTE Kellen Winslow(Kellen Winslow) Jamey Eisenberg's take: Winslow was a stellar Fantasy TE last year with 89 catches for 875 yards and three touchdowns. But he's coming off microfracture knee surgery and is questionable to start the season. If he's healthy, Winslow should do well this year with the improvements the Browns made on offense. If a reliable QB emerges from Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn, Winslow should shine this season. He should still be drafted as a No. 1 Fantasy TE, but make sure you take a solid backup in case Winslow has any problems during training camp.More Fantasy football newsIn San Diego, he had LT. Here he has Jamal Lewis, and this is where the Browns may be taking a gamble. Lewis has a history of big games against the Browns, rushing for a league-record 295 yards against them in 2003, but his effectiveness decreased the past three seasons -- so much so that Baltimore didn't re-sign him.The Ravens thought he lost a step, and the numbers seem to support them. In 2003, he averaged 5.3 yards a carry. Since then, he averaged 3.7. But the Browns believe a change of scenery will produce a change in Lewis, and they're so confident in the guy they're willing to fly without a safety net.I'm not kidding. Look at the depth chart, and tell me who's the second option at running back? Jason Wright? Jerome Harrison? Chris Barclay? Nope, it's Jamal or bust."I think Jamal is very hungry to prove himself one more time," said Savage. "He's been with a winner, and he's not intimidated. He's tough. And we just felt if we upgraded the offensive line, which we're on our way to doing, and added him it gives us a little bit of a hammer."That's something the Browns haven't had in over two decades. Maybe Lewis works out; maybe he doesn't. All I know is that Cleveland's reconstruction project is underway, and it's off to a good start.I also know it's a long way from its conclusion. Patience, people.

Would have been nice i they had figured out this O-line mantra 8 years ago, when the rest of the world knew it 40 years ago.

 

[St.Anger]

quinn needs to get into camphe is only hurting his own development by staying away

Tim Couch and David Carr don't agree with your sentiments.

both are very rich men who were in camp on timeboth were #1 overall picks (makes situation a little different)Quinn is hurting any chance that he will play this season (Nov. Dec) by not being in camp on time. He went with the 22nd pick and should settle for that type of money.

 

[Irish]

quinn needs to get into camphe is only hurting his own development by staying away

Tim Couch and David Carr don't agree with your sentiments.

both are very rich men who were in camp on timeboth were #1 overall picks (makes situation a little different)Quinn is hurting any chance that he will play this season (Nov. Dec) by not being in camp on time. He went with the 22nd pick and should settle for that type of money.

Uh I was referring to the beating they both took because they were thrown with poor OL.

 

[chris1969]

quinn needs to get into camphe is only hurting his own development by staying away

Tim Couch and David Carr don't agree with your sentiments.

both are very rich men who were in camp on timeboth were #1 overall picks (makes situation a little different)Quinn is hurting any chance that he will play this season (Nov. Dec) by not being in camp on time. He went with the 22nd pick and should settle for that type of money.

Uh I was referring to the beating they both took because they were thrown with poor OL.

You should take another look at our offensive line.

 

[Irish]

quinn needs to get into camphe is only hurting his own development by staying away

Tim Couch and David Carr don't agree with your sentiments.

both are very rich men who were in camp on timeboth were #1 overall picks (makes situation a little different)Quinn is hurting any chance that he will play this season (Nov. Dec) by not being in camp on time. He went with the 22nd pick and should settle for that type of money.

Uh I was referring to the beating they both took because they were thrown with poor OL.

You should take another look at our offensive line.

It has improved on paper, but besides signing Steinbach what other surefire improvements have they made? Thomas is a highly rated OT coming out of college, but so was Gallery. And you can forget about Bentley. I do have to give Savage props for finally addressing the OL, but proof is in the pudding.

 

[St.Anger]

quinn needs to get into camphe is only hurting his own development by staying away

Tim Couch and David Carr don't agree with your sentiments.

both are very rich men who were in camp on timeboth were #1 overall picks (makes situation a little different)Quinn is hurting any chance that he will play this season (Nov. Dec) by not being in camp on time. He went with the 22nd pick and should settle for that type of money.

Uh I was referring to the beating they both took because they were thrown with poor OL.

You should take another look at our offensive line.

It has improved on paper, but besides signing Steinbach what other surefire improvements have they made? Thomas is a highly rated OT coming out of college, but so was Gallery. And you can forget about Bentley. I do have to give Savage props for finally addressing the OL, but proof is in the pudding.

the O-line is mega improved. it would be nice to see how a fast speedy RB would be behind it. unfortunatley, we have a big plodding back who might not be any better than reuben droughns was last year. 2 ypc!!Quinn needs to get in camp NOW!

 

[Peyton Marino]

i think the browns take that first step forward this year and move ahead of the steelers, but I just can't see the playoffs anytime soon.

you guys are definitely improving though.

 

[Irish]

i think the browns take that first step forward this year and move ahead of the steelers, but I just can't see the playoffs anytime soon.you guys are definitely improving though.

Bengals maybe.

 

[amnesiac]

first day of camp was kinda boring. didn't realize it was shorts and no pads.

i don't even think they were going half speed yet.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

i think the browns take that first step forward this year and move ahead of the steelers, but I just can't see the playoffs anytime soon.you guys are definitely improving though.

Bengals maybe.

steelers will run away with the division this year

 

[Irish]

first day of camp was kinda boring. didn't realize it was shorts and no pads. i don't even think they were going half speed yet.

So you're saying the Browns picked up right where they left off last year. Sorry couldn't resist.

 

[wadegarrett]

Two blurbs from Peter King's Training Camp Postcard: Browns:

I think the most impressive person in this camp has got to be running back Jamal Lewis. Not only is the guy in ridculously good shape after a second ankle surgery in two years, he is mentally strong. He is also highly motivated to show the Ravens they made a mistake when they let him go in free agency following the season. "And," he told me after practice this afternoon, "I weigh 239, not 251 or 252, like I used to. This is the best I've felt in a long time."

I know I've been accused in years past of screwing up fantasy drafts from coast to coast with idiotic suggestions, like my Danny Wuerffel recommendation a few years ago. But you can take this one to the bank: Jamal Lewis is going to run for 1,300 yards or my name is Lou Groza. This is a perfect place for him. A place that has just spent $40 million in guarantees on a drive-blocking left guard and left tackle, Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas, respectively, a place with a coach (Romeo Crennel) who is dying to run the ball 55 to 60 percent of the snaps. In my opinion, 1,300 yards is the low end for Lewis.

 

[Peyton Marino]

i think the browns take that first step forward this year and move ahead of the steelers, but I just can't see the playoffs anytime soon.you guys are definitely improving though.

Bengals maybe.

both the steelers and the bengals? that's a stretch.i can see just the steelers though.

 

[Bobcat10]

Two blurbs from Peter King's Training Camp Postcard: Browns:

I think the most impressive person in this camp has got to be running back Jamal Lewis. Not only is the guy in ridculously good shape after a second ankle surgery in two years, he is mentally strong. He is also highly motivated to show the Ravens they made a mistake when they let him go in free agency following the season. "And," he told me after practice this afternoon, "I weigh 239, not 251 or 252, like I used to. This is the best I've felt in a long time."

I know I've been accused in years past of screwing up fantasy drafts from coast to coast with idiotic suggestions, like my Danny Wuerffel recommendation a few years ago. But you can take this one to the bank: Jamal Lewis is going to run for 1,300 yards or my name is Lou Groza. This is a perfect place for him. A place that has just spent $40 million in guarantees on a drive-blocking left guard and left tackle, Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas, respectively, a place with a coach (Romeo Crennel) who is dying to run the ball 55 to 60 percent of the snaps. In my opinion, 1,300 yards is the low end for Lewis.

I'm not Peter King, but I'll say he looks in darn good shape to me too.How about Winslow calling Chud a "genius"? Raving about the playbook. I'm sure Quinn has his copy, but it's not the same staring at lines and symbols versus on the field.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Relaying camp notes from varrying campers who attended from the OBR boards:

http://forums.scout.com/mb.aspx?S=149#S=14...47&T=775932

Have taken in three practice sessions and this is what I have seen that is good:

1-Kamerion Wimbley looks fantastic. Bigger, faster, stronger, and better in coverage. He may just be getting warmed up.

2-Ryan Tucker is in great shape, slim and fast.

3-Eric Wright has mad skills. In receiver's hip pocket in and out of breaks.

4- Winslow looks great, catching everything, Edwarads looks very good as well. jamal lewis has a burst, and looks very trim. tough to say, but looks like he is making decisive cuts.

5- Sean Jones looks a lot bigger, listed at 225. Orpheus looks lighter, Shawn smith looks fleet of foot. Peek shows some flashes, good burst.

6- Josh cribbs is making a statement, catching everything.

7-Thomas is uberathletic, good hands and feet, a technition. I love it.

The bad:

1-Travis Wilson is dropping everything. Really struggling.

2-Leon Williams got toasted on pass coverage, but looks great in contact drills. He is big.

3- Kamerion absolutely blew by Joe Thomas, then blew by Kevin Schaffer. Ouch. those are our two best tackles.

4- Joe Thomas Completely locked up Kamerion and stopped him dead in his tracks. Ouch. that is our best pass rusher against our rookie OL.

5- Charlie refuses to look down field before checking down to the backs. He rarely throws downfield and when he does it looks like a punt. But he definately looks more crisp with the passes he is throwing.

The ugly;

1-Brandon McDonald has dropped more kicks than Quincy Morgan dropped passes.

2-Receivers dropped about a dozen balls in the afternoon practice alone.

3-DQ looks really small. I hope I am wrong.

http://forums.scout.com/mb.aspx?S=149#S=14...67&T=772979

What did the opening weekend of camp confirm or deny?

1. I'm feeling better and better about trading a future first rounder for Quinn. The QB *battle* is a war of attrition currently. I like both Charlie and DA, but they have yet to impress anyone. What I don't understand is this major media hype over Quinn not signing and how the Browns organization is supposedly panicking. Look out-of-town media, get this straight right now, "We do NOT want Brady starting right out of the gate. We want him to hold the clipboard for awhile before we send him in to get crushed. Let the rook learn first. By not signing it gurauntees he won't start from day 1, and that's okay."

2. Dline is still awful damn scary. Ted will give you 10 strong plays a game. S.Smith appears to have some physical tools to work with. Roye and Robaire are in great shape. But none of this I just said would automatically equate into a good Dline. Fraser still appears to have trouble holding ground even after bulking up more. Baba is bigger and better but still has a ways to develop. J'Vonne Parker is NOT a DE. Orien Harris has basically been invisible. Ethan Kelley is an egg of a man. And the two rooks are just that, two rooks who will need to develop.

3. Running back might not be as bad off as some expect. Personally Jamal Lewis has been my no.1 option for this teams future at back for awhile; but it went a long way that he came in camp basically in the best shape of his life and healthy. That burst seems to be back. Let's see if any of that indecisiveness is still there when the real bullets start flying. Oh and we could see much more of a developing Jerome Harrison. He basically looks like a miniature version of Jamal at this point. He's definately rocked up and over 200 lbs....easy. Also liked the very little I saw of Jerome Jackson. Granted I don't expect him to do much with this team, but he's really the only UDFA who caught my eye.

3. Our FO wasn't ####tin when they said they have high expectations for Eric Wright. My mouth about hit the floor when he got reps with the first unit his very first day on the field. EVEN after missing the first official practice. BTW don't expect much of the veteran Wright. Being brought in as the veteran prescence on the squad doesn't seem to mean jack to Mel Tucker as I overheard him yell..."C'mon Kenny. COMPETE!!!"

4. Outside of poor QB play, the position which has looked the shakiest has been the WR corps. Braylon is a stud, and will always have the physical tools to look good. JJ is the veteran you expect. Outside of that, there is such a dearth of depth it makes the Dline look decent. Travis Wilson started with the worst camp to date. Cribbs hasn't seemed to progress as a WR all that much. Tim Carter will get his shot and he's got the speed everyone talks about, but he also has the same inconsistent hands discussed as well. None of the UDFA's or young vets we brought in have anything to write home about either.

5. Worst offensive lineman in camp to date....Isaac Sowells. Thank GOD that Seth McKinney has looked good because Sowells has not to have developed to the player our FO expected at this point. Oh and don't expect Joe to dominate right off the bat. He's fun to watch because of all his obvious physical talent; but he's going to struggle. Mark that down. Ryan Tucker isn't just going to roll over either when it comes to supposedly handling that RT spot to Shaffer. Tucker is arguably the best looking Olineman in camp currently.

6. LB's are a very solid group (yeah I know, that's an earthshattering statement right there isn't it?). What is surprising though is that Leon hasn't seen ANY reps with the first unit it. I want to see Leon pushing for that starting spot over Dra before things are all said and done. Wimbley is a pure stud, nuff said. It will be interesting to see how the McGinest/Peak rotation will be used.

And as soon as I finish typing this, we find out Tucker got some reps at guard this morning.

Many people have posted reports, some minor views conflict, like that of Josh Cribbs, but by and large their is a consensus on a few topics.1. QBs have looked bad. Frye has looked marginally better than Derek Anderson but both have looked awful from every report coming in. The coaching staff cautions that the defense is always ahead of the offense early in camp and that we're installing a new system. Also the WR reports have been poor as well which can't help the QBs but this only confirms the reasoning for going after Quinn. The Quinn holdout doesn't really hurt the team though since their reasoning is that they wanted to 'Carson Palmer' him for a year. This was stated awhile back so the team isn't concerned with the slow pace of the negotiations. I'm sure they didn't expect the horrible start that Frye/Anderson would have in camp. I'm really disappointed with how both Frye/Anderson have responded to the challenge. I was hoping DA would seriously push Charlie but he's looked worse than any of them. I would love to get Quinn in camp, not so he could challenge for the starting job because it won't happen and I don't want him in there too soon. I want him in camp so he can get 'some reps' with the first unit and that later in the year he'll be ready to get his feet wet and be positioned to start next year. The coaches need tape of him, he needs to learn the offense and get first unit reps. He's got to get his timing down, he's got to be in camp for his sake and for the long term benefits. Anyone losing their head over it should take a pill. Holiding out won't make or break his career, at worst it sets him back a few months.

2. The offensive line is getting rave reviews on some overall aspects, like pulling which the team had never been able to execute before due to lack of athtleticism, to high individual marks. The pass protection is a work in progress and should improve once Joe Thomas gets more seasoned and the line has time to gel together and once they know the QB and how to time his drops/release etc. Much of the pass protection will be determined by the overall passing game/timing/QB/WR not just the O-line but they will need a bit of time and expect a few bumps along the way with pass protection. But look for solid, and if you have seen tape fo Joe T blowing up DBs on the perimeter you may see some devastating pulling action this season.

3. Jamal Lewis looks great. He is confirmed at 239lbs which is 15lbs below what he was at last year. In his signature 2,000 season he was in the 240 range. He got injured the next year and then was incarcerated that off-season and in prison with limited workout facilities he built up his frame into the 250+ behometh and that is when the bone spurs developed. Last year he was still carrying the extra weight and his bone spurs got worse. As soon as the season ended he got the bone spurs removed and dropped the extra weight. He helped take Jerome Harrison under his wing and helped 'The Ghost' put on the extra, desperately needed, twenty pounds of muscle. Jerome Harrison may be a legit sleeper and now Jam is creeping up draft boards, or should be.

4. KWII will be ready and he'll be a beast at TE. Every report says he's a man amongst boys out there and that is exactly how he played last year.

5. Braylon should continue his development and hit the modeate projections he has gotten. Don't forget his rookie season he had and ACL injury and ended on IR. Last year he came back early and wasn't 100%. The QB play was atrocious and was complicated by a horrific O-line. I'm still not keen on the incumbent QBs but the O-Line should be vastl upgraded and their will be a complimentary rushing attack if the QB can keep it together. Merely 'adequate' QB play could push Braylon up to hit the upper teir projections but expect him to hit the moderate projections.

6. Sean Jones is a stud. Absolute IDP gold. Brodney Poole had to cover for inexperienced CBs last year when both starting CBs and even their backups went down with injuries. This year he should be able to hang back and read the field better. He's been 'ok' but not great to this point. FS' need, solid cover CBs, a sure tackling SS, and some pressure, to be effective. It looks like he's got at least two of the three with the pressure still unproven yet Antowain Peek could help improve the pass rush. I'm not pimping Poole but he's positioned very well to make a leap in production.

7. Expect bigger things from Kamerion Whimbley this year. He doesn't have the best D-line in front of him but he's going to do much more on his own and now the coaches know what he can do and feel comfortable scheming more action for him. IDP monster in the making. The overall linebacking unit looks solid and has depth.

8. Eric Wright will be starting and producing from day-one. Rookie CBs get lots of opportunties to make plays and this kid is a baller. He could benefit greatly from the rookie CB phenomenon. Leigh Bodden is back healthy and even Gary Baxter made the practice field so what looked like a huge hole may not just have been patched together but it may have been filled with Portland Cement.

9. Defensive line is old and beat up and won't get any younger or healthier. I like Robaire Smith. Shaun Smith has potential to help out but Ted Washington is very limted, Orpheous Roye is past his prime. This is the biggest known weakness heading into the season and the vets won't get better later in the year so hopefully this is a sleeper lurking on the team who hasn't emerged yet or Phil can score a nice vet or practice player when the time comes.

 

[Peak]

Thanks for the updates guys!

Hearing how Thomas and Wright are stepping right in there with the 1st team is encouraging. I saw a little bit of the Browns TC Show on FSN Ohio last night. JLew is looking good. He definitely looks slimmer and appears to be running with authority again. I am still amazed at how his feet do not stop pumping while he runs. Looking at how the Oline is developing, and how well JLew and Harrison appear to be doing this early on, I'm excited about the offense this year.

Having said that, I would like Quinn to sign and get into camp. It worries me that neither Charlie or Derek have stepped up yet. I never thought Quinn would start from day 1, but if he gets in soon he just might. I think the defense will fend for itself and on paper they look good. The offense scares me because I don't yet see a bonafide leader on that side of the ball. Someone needs to step up IMO.

 

[Bobcat10]

The bad:

3- Kamerion absolutely blew by Joe Thomas, then blew by Kevin Schaffer. Ouch. those are our two best tackles.

4- Joe Thomas Completely locked up Kamerion and stopped him dead in his tracks. Ouch. that is our best pass rusher against our rookie OL.

Sounds good to me. Do we not want Kam to own our tackles? Do we not want our tackles to own Kam? And, imo, Tucker > Schaffer when he's right, maybe that was meant to say our best Left Tackles.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Orpheus Roye to have knee surgery

 

[Peak]

Lewis on SI Cover - Browns Article

(Pic of Cover on Browns site - above link)

Cover boy Lewis feeling good

Jeff Walcoff, Staff Writer

08.01.2007

Jamal Lewis has rushed for 7,801 yards in his career, scored 47 touchdowns, rushed for more than 2,000 yards in a season, owns the NFL's single-game rushing record, has been elected to the Pro Bowl, and played for a Super Bowl championship team.

But as of tomorrow, he'll have a new distinction to his name he never had before:

Sports Illustrated cover boy.

Despite all of Lewis' accolades he earned as a long-time member of the Baltimore Ravens, the running back never graced the cover of sports' most renowned magazine until now.

Wednesday after receiving the news, he said it's a testament to his new team -- the Cleveland Browns -- and the moves they made towards improvement during the 2007 offseason.

"It's a great accomplishment," Lewis said. "But I think it does more to expose the Browns more than myself and puts this team out there to let them know we're coming and that we're going to be a threat this year."

Lewis has looked fast and strong so far during training camp practices, leaving many to wonder where several national writers got the idea he was no longer capable of serving as a feature back in the NFL.

He had surgery in the winter to remove bone spurs from his ankle, but said thanks to the procedure he's now making cuts he hasn't made in a long time.

According to his new teammates and coaches, if he's really out of gas they haven't noticed.

"He's been out there every day and hasn't missed a beat," head coach Romeo Crennel said. "Everybody is saying how old he is and how he's lost a step and isn't what he used to be but he's been doing it and lining up and taking the reps."

Veteran receiver Joe Jurevicius, who has played with the likes of Shaun Alexander and Tiki Barber during his career, added. "He's a guy that can bang into people, but he's also a guy that once he turns the corner and gets a block, you're going to have a hard time getting him down.

"He's a Pro Bowler who brings tenacity to our backfield and that's a good thing."

Lewis, meanwhile, has been equally impressed with his teammates. He said general manager Phil Savage's dedication to improving the offensive line was a big part of why he chose to sign with the Browns and is why he is as excited as he is now.

The club signed free agent guard Eric Steinbach from the Bengals and re-signed center Hank Fraley five days before Lewis signed with the club. A month and a half later, the team drafted tackle Joe Thomas third overall.

Now he's working behind an offensive line that, even without Pro Bowl center LeCharles Bentley, has more talent and ability than any line the team has had since returning to the NFL in 1999.

"They look magnificent," Lewis said. "I haven't seen a line like that in a long time. There are some holes in there and some running room so...I congratulate the organization for putting together a good group."

His gratitude for general manager Phil Savage doesn't end with appreciation for assembling a line to blockfor him. He has repeatedly expressed appreciation towards Savage for bringing him in and allowing him to prove to the league he still has top-level ability.

As for proving that now that he's with the Browns, Lewis said he feels good about his prospects in the team's new offense under coordinator Rob Chudzinski. He said the large amount of pre-snap movement in the scheme could create some open territory for him to run.

"They're doing a lot of shifts and motions and moving things around and getting eight out of the box," he said. "I'm used to seeing eight or nine guys in the box and the scheme we're running will kind of move things around and get the defense off balance so you're able to run the ball."

Running the ball is expected to be a priority for the Browns under Chudzinski, and most of that load should fall on Lewis, who is the only running back on the team's roster to have recorded a 100-yard game.

As the veteran of the unit and the guy supposedly running out of gas, for all the talk it's hard to believe he turns just 28 this month.

At such a ripe age, where most football players are in the prime of their career, Lewis isn't acting like he has any plans of leaving the game just yet. He feels good, and he expects this season to be as good as any of his career so far.

"I'm not going to say I'm as good as I was then but I'm smarter and more patient with my running style and I'm wiser," he said. "That's what a veteran offers to a team and to this position."

That, and a Sports Illustrated cover every now and then.

 

[amnesiac]

maybe we can get a D Line next off-season.

 

[chris1969]

Mark my words, the starting o-line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Schaffer. We'll have great depth with Butler, Mckinney, Friedman, and LeChuck (on PUP) as depth. Rumor has it that when Lechuck comes back, he'll play RG because it will be tough for him to make the line calls in the new system. I'm not buying that. Tucker is a good Tackle, but he's a better guard. He can play at a Pro-Bowl level in that spot. I think Lechuck moves into the Center spot when he's ready, and that might not be until next year. I've been telling everybody at my favorite Browns message board that the key to our season is to run and stop the run. I'm pretty confident on our run game, but not as confident on our run-D. BTW it was just reported that Roye is gonna have some surgery to clean-up his knee. That will probably knock him out for 3 to 4 weeks. I wondering who they plug in at LE while he's gone. I'd like to see them put Baba in there. I think he has a better shot at DE than NT.

 

[wadegarrett]

Mark my words, the starting o-line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Schaffer. We'll have great depth with Butler, Mckinney, Friedman, and LeChuck (on PUP) as depth. Rumor has it that when Lechuck comes back, he'll play RG because it will be tough for him to make the line calls in the new system. I'm not buying that. Tucker is a good Tackle, but he's a better guard. He can play at a Pro-Bowl level in that spot. I think Lechuck moves into the Center spot when he's ready, and that might not be until next year. I've been telling everybody at my favorite Browns message board that the key to our season is to run and stop the run. I'm pretty confident on our run game, but not as confident on our run-D. BTW it was just reported that Roye is gonna have some surgery to clean-up his knee. That will probably knock him out for 3 to 4 weeks. I wondering who they plug in at LE while he's gone. I'd like to see them put Baba in there. I think he has a better shot at DE than NT.

Would surprise me to see Tucker play RG. If McKinney has a good camp and plays well in the games, he'll be the starter at RG. Shaffer would be the odd man out.Savage on WTAM this morning said Joe Thomas looked GREAT right now. Makes some minor mistakes here and there, makes adjustments, and doesn't make those same mistakes again. Also said Eric Wright doesn't look like a rookie.Said their first offer to Quinn was on May 23rd. Right now their hung up on performance bonuses in years 4 and 5 of the contract.

 

[amnesiac]

Said their first offer to Quinn was on May 23rd. Right now their hung up on performance bonuses in years 4 and 5 of the contract.

seems like a stupid thing to be hung up on at this point. on both sides.

 

[amnesiac]

at the very least, it sounds like there is some competition on the OLine.

not sure when the last time was we could say that.

 

[wadegarrett]

Latest dirt on Cleveland Browns running game is positive

Friday, August 03, 2007

Tony Grossi

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Through seven practices, these have been the sounds of Browns training camp:

Groans for the passing game. Cheers for the running game.

Thursday's session in shorts was typical. The quarterbacks were largely unimpressive, the receivers worse. Braylon Edwards, Travis Wilson and Josh Cribbs had drops.

How much does it matter at this stage of the long season? Well, if they're dropping balls in shorts without cornerbacks and safeties making contact with them, how will they fare with Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed shooting at them in the first month of the season?

"There've been some dropped passes," asserted coach Romeo Crennel. "We're going to keep concentrating on it and try to be better at it."

The running game, now that's a different story.

"The running game is on another level we haven't been," said right tackle Ryan Tucker.

Earlier this week, the offense was superior to the defense in an inside running drill with players in full uniform. Now, the defensive guys aren't going to be laying themselves out in the first week of camp. But the Browns haven't seen the offense whip the defense like that in a running drill since Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner were in uniform.

What's going on?

For starters, most of the attention to the offense in the off-season was devoted to the elements of the running game - new linemen Eric Steinbach, Joe Thomas and Seth McKinney, and a new back in Jamal Lewis. Also, second-year back Jerome Harrison packed on 12 pounds of muscle, mostly in his legs.

Lewis, current cover boy of Sports Illustrated, has the fantasy football industry agog. He's trim (down about 11 pounds from his Baltimore playing weight), hungry and healthy.

"Awesome. I love it. The dude's a stud," Tucker said.

Harrison spent part of the month of July working out with Lewis in Atlanta. Harrison led the Browns in rushing in his rookie preseason. He is a more confident and more physical presence in this camp.

"He has looked pretty good because he makes people miss," Crennel said. "He has that extra gear. We plan to use him as a change-of-pace guy."

But the real source of optimism in the running game is rooted in the upgraded offensive line.

"Guys are playing together," Tucker said. "We've got good athletes and they're physical."

Steinbach was the big free-agent signee in the off-season. He left behind one of the league's top five offensive lines in Cincinnati.

"At Cincinnati we were fortunate to have a good offensive line and could run the ball, and I'm telling you there's no drop-off here. We can be even better," Steinbach said.

"I'm really impressed so far. I think this coaching staff and the organization did a great job of putting together an offensive line. The group of five guys we've got out there now, if we can stay healthy and learn how to play together, we're going to be a dominant, physical offensive line."

Now here's where it gets interesting. The group of five Steinbach referred to includes Kevin Shaffer at left tackle. Shaffer is still lining up ahead of No. 3 overall rookie pick Thomas.

When Tucker gets a breather, Shaffer moves to right tackle and Thomas slips in at left tackle. Whoever wins that left tackle job -- and it would be a surprise if Thomas does not -- the other one becomes the top backup tackle. Are they actually creating depth, too?

Good health, of course, is a luxury the Browns have not enjoyed in recent times. But so far, nobody has stepped in an open sewer on the way to practice.

"I tell everyone this," Steinbach said. "One of the key ingredients to be successful in this conference is being able to run the ball and having a physical offensive line. We're only a week into camp. When we play four preseason games, we're only going to be better. Offensive line is all about cohesiveness and playing together."

Tucker, who has seen the team's best-laid plans blow up many times in his five years with the Browns, offers some caution.

"I don't want to put a lot of false hope out there," he said. "We have a long way to go. At the end of camp, when we're getting into the season, that's when I can answer these questions with more validity."

Everyone will be asking, no doubt.

 

[ATC1]

That's all great until defenses stack the line and/or the Browns are down early in games. It could be a lack of a leader, or QBs/WRs knowing these guys will not be throwing the ball during the season. They need to sign Quinn.

 

[Irish]

That's all great until defenses stack the line and/or the Browns are down early in games. It could be a lack of a leader, or QBs/WRs knowing these guys will not be throwing the ball during the season. They need to sign Quinn.

Browns have done the right things to improve their OL, but if defenses do not have to respect the passing game then it doesn't matter how good your OL is if they are outnumbered at the LOS.

 

[wadegarrett]

That's all great until defenses stack the line and/or the Browns are down early in games. It could be a lack of a leader, or QBs/WRs knowing these guys will not be throwing the ball during the season. They need to sign Quinn.

Valid points. But Quinn isn't going to help that this year. He needs to stand on the sideline and hold the clipboard for a while.

 

[Bobcat10]

Mark my words, the starting o-line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Schaffer. We'll have great depth with Butler, Mckinney, Friedman, and LeChuck (on PUP) as depth. Rumor has it that when Lechuck comes back, he'll play RG because it will be tough for him to make the line calls in the new system. I'm not buying that. Tucker is a good Tackle, but he's a better guard. He can play at a Pro-Bowl level in that spot. I think Lechuck moves into the Center spot when he's ready, and that might not be until next year. I've been telling everybody at my favorite Browns message board that the key to our season is to run and stop the run. I'm pretty confident on our run game, but not as confident on our run-D. BTW it was just reported that Roye is gonna have some surgery to clean-up his knee. That will probably knock him out for 3 to 4 weeks. I wondering who they plug in at LE while he's gone. I'd like to see them put Baba in there. I think he has a better shot at DE than NT.

Why? What makes you so certain?

 

[ATC1]

That's all great until defenses stack the line and/or the Browns are down early in games. It could be a lack of a leader, or QBs/WRs knowing these guys will not be throwing the ball during the season. They need to sign Quinn.

Valid points. But Quinn isn't going to help that this year. He needs to stand on the sideline and hold the clipboard for a while.

I'll have to disagree. He needs to sign now to step up and become a franchise QB quick, much like VY last year. Tenn made strides at the end last year because of his leadership. Romeo is in win now mode because of the past seasons. They are doing the right things with the o-line and a vet RB, he just needs a QB that can step up and gel the offense together. As long as the o-line can protect the rookie, I dont see why he can't start from day one with how bad Anderson and Frye look.

 

[-OZ-]

That's all great until defenses stack the line and/or the Browns are down early in games. It could be a lack of a leader, or QBs/WRs knowing these guys will not be throwing the ball during the season. They need to sign Quinn.

Valid points. But Quinn isn't going to help that this year. He needs to stand on the sideline and hold the clipboard for a while.

I'll have to disagree. He needs to sign now to step up and become a franchise QB quick, much like VY last year. Tenn made strides at the end last year because of his leadership. Romeo is in win now mode because of the past seasons. They are doing the right things with the o-line and a vet RB, he just needs a QB that can step up and gel the offense together. As long as the o-line can protect the rookie, I dont see why he can't start from day one with how bad Anderson and Frye look.

I understand the need, but I do not see Quinn as the same caliber of leader as VY. I doubt anyone does.

 

[amnesiac]

That's all great until defenses stack the line and/or the Browns are down early in games. It could be a lack of a leader, or QBs/WRs knowing these guys will not be throwing the ball during the season. They need to sign Quinn.

i really believe that the team is sincere when they say they are not going to rush Quinn, so i don't think he's going to be a big factor this year.but i think you are correct that the lack of a solid #1 QB could definitely lead to other teams stacking up to stop the run. hopefully, the offense has enough wrinkles in it to keep that from happenening too often.

 

[Browns Rule!]

Our luck hadn't been terrible yet, but now we get our first bad news

Stupid Mother Tucker

Per Rotoworld.com

Ryan Tucker-T- Browns Aug. 3 - 11:12 am et

Browns right tackle Ryan Tucker will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for a violation of the NFL steroid policy.

 

[s_ezy]

 

[Bobcat10]

Our luck hadn't been terrible yet, but now we get our first bad news Stupid Mother TuckerPer Rotoworld.comRyan Tucker-T- Browns Aug. 3 - 11:12 am et Browns right tackle Ryan Tucker will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for a violation of the NFL steroid policy.

Darn, got caught.Well, at least he gets to participate in training camp and preseason games. They should still give him lots of work. Once the season starts, he can't practice with the team.

 

[wadegarrett]

 

[Brutis]

Our luck hadn't been terrible yet, but now we get our first bad news :(Stupid Mother TuckerPer Rotoworld.comRyan Tucker-T- Browns Aug. 3 - 11:12 am et Browns right tackle Ryan Tucker will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for a violation of the NFL steroid policy.

Just helps that 2008 first round pick that Dallas owns.

 

[amnesiac]

remember how Thomas was penciled in for week one? just became ink.

 

[amnesiac]

Our luck hadn't been terrible yet, but now we get our first bad news :(Stupid Mother TuckerPer Rotoworld.comRyan Tucker-T- Browns Aug. 3 - 11:12 am et Browns right tackle Ryan Tucker will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for a violation of the NFL steroid policy.

Just helps that 2008 first round pick that Dallas owns.

i don't think this has a huge impact on that. for once, we actually have a bit of depth on the line.

 

[chris1969]

Mark my words, the starting o-line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Schaffer. We'll have great depth with Butler, Mckinney, Friedman, and LeChuck (on PUP) as depth. Rumor has it that when Lechuck comes back, he'll play RG because it will be tough for him to make the line calls in the new system. I'm not buying that. Tucker is a good Tackle, but he's a better guard. He can play at a Pro-Bowl level in that spot. I think Lechuck moves into the Center spot when he's ready, and that might not be until next year. I've been telling everybody at my favorite Browns message board that the key to our season is to run and stop the run. I'm pretty confident on our run game, but not as confident on our run-D. BTW it was just reported that Roye is gonna have some surgery to clean-up his knee. That will probably knock him out for 3 to 4 weeks. I wondering who they plug in at LE while he's gone. I'd like to see them put Baba in there. I think he has a better shot at DE than NT.

Why? What makes you so certain?

Tucker is a mauler type and is better when he doesn't have to work in space. He went to the Superbowl as a guard with the Rams and his skill set fits a guard much better than a tackle. Of course now that he got busted, who knows what will happen.

 

[wadegarrett]

Hickerson, who has Alzheimer's, to enter Hall of Fame

The star Cleveland Browns lineman who helped clear a path for Jim Brown is among the 2007 induction class that includes Bruce Matthews, Charlie Sanders, Thurman Thomas and Roger Wehrli.

By Greg Johnson

Los Angeles Times

August 4, 2007

CANTON, Ohio -- Former Cleveland Browns defensive back Bernie Parrish put it this way: "Jim Brown didn't just happen to get all of those yards."

The legendary running back who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 had the good fortune to be behind a wall of blockers studded with perennial Pro Bowlers. One was Gene Hickerson, who will be inducted into the Hall today.

But this is a bittersweet day.

Since retiring in 1973, Hickerson has gone from being a dominant offensive guard over a 15-year career to a 72-year-old man who suffers from Alzheimer's and dementia.

Bobby Franklin, a friend of 52 years who, like Hickerson, also played for the University of Mississippi before being drafted by the Browns, will handle the introduction, reminding everyone about No. 66's football greatness.

"It's going to be tough in this speech to introduce him, because of the shape he's in," Franklin said. "I'm not really sure how much he will comprehend. It's a shame he couldn't have gotten in earlier when he really could have enjoyed it."

By all accounts, Hickerson has many days where he struggles with simple words and thoughts. So it was no surprise that at Friday's media event here, the ranks of this year's inductees were one man short. Michael Irvin, Bruce Matthews, Charlie Sanders, Thurman Thomas and Roger Wehrli arrived to reap the acclaim of their memorable NFL careers. There was no Hickerson.

For Hickerson's friends and former teammates, it has been a slow realization that his mental acuity was fading, in large part because his wry sense of humor and quiet way of moving through life deflected concern.

No acceptance speech is expected from this giant of a man at today's ceremony, but his appearance is eloquent in its own right because it comes amid an increasingly strident debate over what the league and NFL Players Assn. owe to retirees with financial and medical hardships.

Some former NFL players, for example, say that a growing body of medical evidence supports their claim that hard hits endured on the field -- particularly those that lead to repeated concussions -- are partly to blame for Alzheimer's and dementia. And pro football needs to help more, they say.

Yet last week, Hall of Famers Mike Ditka, Joe DeLamielleure and Gale Sayers angrily dismissed an NFL and NFL Players Assn. program designed to help struggling retirees as little more than a public relations gimmick. And in recent months, a House subcommittee held two hearings to review football's pension and medical disability system.

At last year's Hall ceremony, former New York Giants star Harry Carson used his induction speech to gently prod professional football to "do a much better job of looking out for those individuals."

"You got to look out for 'em," Carson said. "If we made the league what it is, you have to take better care of your own."

He since has joined the board of a nonprofit group that helps former NFL players in need.

Hickerson, who now lives in a nursing home, recently was cleared to receive benefits from the 88 Fund, a league- and NFLPA-funded program that helps former players who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia. He will join about three dozen other former players who have qualified for benefits that will total $88,000 or more per year for healthcare.

**** Schafrath, the former left tackle for the Browns, plans to be in Canton today to cheer for his former teammate. Hickerson's health issues, he said, will give the football establishment one more look at the plight of veterans.

"The plus that might happen on this occasion is that it would open someone's eyes," said Schafrath, who roomed with Hickerson for 13 seasons. "The NFL has been putting its head in the sand on this for too long. There are guys who need help and who won't ask for it. They just go homeless or curl up in a shell. That's sad."

Franklin said he had heard talk of a possible protest at today's ceremony, although none of the former NFL players contacted for this story indicated that any protest would take place. Franklin said he understood the frustration in some quarters, but believes that protests would sully a special day that most aging football stars can only dream about.

Fans who study film footage and photographs of Hickerson in action see ample evidence of why he is a Hall of Famer. Hickerson weighed in at about 245 pounds, small by today's standards but hefty for his era. The athlete described by many NFL observers as the best pulling guard of his generation always seemed able to stay ahead of whoever was carrying the ball.

"He could run like a deer," said Monte Clark, who lined up alongside Hickerson for seven years. "That speed made him a superb downfield blocker. His man almost invariably ended up on the ground."

And, Clark said, Hickerson made very few mistakes. Parrish described Hickerson as a natural athlete who, like Jim Brown, always showed up in training camp in perfect physical condition. Yet, when other players lifted weights Hickerson was likely to be fiddling with a 10-pounder; and when they ran laps, he rarely joined the pack. With the exception of a broken leg early in his career -- compounded by a freak accident in which he was hit while standing on the sideline -- Hickerson rarely was injured.

As serious as he was when facing a defense, Hickerson had a wry sense of humor off the field. When coaches had players take quizzes, for example, his paper was filled with notes to the coach or a joke -- in short, everything but the answers. Though Hickerson usually was the first player in the locker room on game day, his pregame warmup consisted of leaning against the goal post while teammates went through drills.

Clark, who subsequently went on to an NFL coaching career, simply laughed when asked how he would have coached that kind of a free thinker.

Hickerson played in four NFL title games, including the Browns' 27-0 victory over the Baltimore Colts in 1964. In addition to Brown, he also blocked for Hall of Famers Leroy Kelly and Bobby Mitchell during a career that began in 1958 and ended in 1973.

Said former New York Giants linebacker and Hall of Famer Sam Huff: "The one thing you never wanted to see on the field was Gene Hickerson coming at you with Jim Brown behind him. Gene was a good blocker, a good puller, to the right and to the left, which is what you look for in a guard. He could do it all and belongs in the Hall of Fame."

Brown himself agreed.

"He was a real agile, great pulling guard," he said. "He was very fast, able to get outside and get downfield. He was a fast learner, a kid from Mississippi. And we've been waiting for him all these years to get to the Hall of Fame, and why not? Because he was the best lineman on a real fine offensive line, and he was one of the best pulling guards of all time."

Some former teammates wonder what Hickerson would say about being inducted. Franklin suspects that his friend would have used his sense of humor to put things into perspective. A few years ago, Hickerson was asked by a fan how long it would take for the former Browns lineman to get to the Hall.

Recalled Franklin with a laugh: "Gene said, 'Oh, I don't know, I might drive down there on Saturday.' "

Hickerson, who had a successful business career after his playing career, never has been comfortable in the off-the-field spotlight, former teammates said. "I never saw him speak before a group," Schafrath said. "He never felt comfortable doing that. It just wasn't Gene. He did his job, took good care of his garden, and was a quiet guy."

Former players said that Hickerson has lived life his way.

"Gene marched to his own drumbeat," Schafrath said. "He was born to be free, that was Gene. He did his own thing and didn't show a lot of emotion, so you could never tell if he was kidding or serious."

Franklin still holds out hope that Hickerson will emerge from his shadowy world long enough to recognize that he's made it to the Hall.

"He never campaigned for himself," he said. "He was quiet, he sat back and believed that his laurels would get him in."

Today, Hickerson is proved right.

 

[wadegarrett]

Going out to camp this afternoon.

 

[Bobcat10]

Mark my words, the starting o-line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Schaffer. We'll have great depth with Butler, Mckinney, Friedman, and LeChuck (on PUP) as depth. Rumor has it that when Lechuck comes back, he'll play RG because it will be tough for him to make the line calls in the new system. I'm not buying that. Tucker is a good Tackle, but he's a better guard. He can play at a Pro-Bowl level in that spot. I think Lechuck moves into the Center spot when he's ready, and that might not be until next year. I've been telling everybody at my favorite Browns message board that the key to our season is to run and stop the run. I'm pretty confident on our run game, but not as confident on our run-D. BTW it was just reported that Roye is gonna have some surgery to clean-up his knee. That will probably knock him out for 3 to 4 weeks. I wondering who they plug in at LE while he's gone. I'd like to see them put Baba in there. I think he has a better shot at DE than NT.

Why? What makes you so certain?

Tucker is a mauler type and is better when he doesn't have to work in space. He went to the Superbowl as a guard with the Rams and his skill set fits a guard much better than a tackle. Of course now that he got busted, who knows what will happen.

Really? Not trying to bust you down or anything, I just don't remember him playing much guard ever. And 6'6 320lbs doesn't scream guard to me. Usually they are a little squattier, no?

2001: Played in 16 contests with 15 starts at RT for Rams … Saw action at N.Y. Jets on Oct. 21, but did not start due to a broken hand … Part of an offensive line that helped the Rams lead the NFL in first downs (357), total yards (6,690), passing yards (4,663) and scoring (503) … Saw action at RT in Super Bowl XXXVI vs. New England … Led the way for QB Kurt Warner to lead the NFL in passer rating (101.4) and in passing yards (4,830) en route to his second NFL MVP award in three seasons … Also helped RB Marshall Faulk become the first player in NFL history to have over 2,000 total yards from scrimmage in four consecutive years.

2000: Started all 16 games at RT for the first time in his career … Helped Rams offense gain an NFL record 7,075 total yards on the season … Rams offense also established new NFL marks for most yards gained passing in a season (5,232), most consecutive 30-point games (14) and most consecutive 20-point games (28) … Blocked for NFL Most Valuable Player Marshall Faulk, who recorded an NFL record 26 TDs … Participated in 963-of-1013 offensive plays (95.1%) … Made first NFL start at RT and helped offense gain 513 total yards vs. Denver on Sept. 4.

1999: Played in 16 games and three playoff games at OT and on special teams for Rams … Scored first career TD on a 2-yard pass from Kurt Warner on a tackle-eligible play at Detroit on Nov. 7 … Caught a 1-yard TD pass on a tackle-eligible play against Minnesota in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game … Also saw action at both tackle positions during the regular season.

1998: Saw action in four games on offense and on special teams for St. Louis … Participated on the special teams unit during the first three games of the season … Saw action at guard at New Orleans on Nov. 15 … Inactive for nine contests with a neck injury.

1997: Played in seven games for Rams with most of his action on special teams

 

[chris1969]

Mark my words, the starting o-line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Schaffer. We'll have great depth with Butler, Mckinney, Friedman, and LeChuck (on PUP) as depth. Rumor has it that when Lechuck comes back, he'll play RG because it will be tough for him to make the line calls in the new system. I'm not buying that. Tucker is a good Tackle, but he's a better guard. He can play at a Pro-Bowl level in that spot. I think Lechuck moves into the Center spot when he's ready, and that might not be until next year. I've been telling everybody at my favorite Browns message board that the key to our season is to run and stop the run. I'm pretty confident on our run game, but not as confident on our run-D. BTW it was just reported that Roye is gonna have some surgery to clean-up his knee. That will probably knock him out for 3 to 4 weeks. I wondering who they plug in at LE while he's gone. I'd like to see them put Baba in there. I think he has a better shot at DE than NT.

Why? What makes you so certain?

Tucker is a mauler type and is better when he doesn't have to work in space. He went to the Superbowl as a guard with the Rams and his skill set fits a guard much better than a tackle. Of course now that he got busted, who knows what will happen.

Really? Not trying to bust you down or anything, I just don't remember him playing much guard ever. And 6'6 320lbs doesn't scream guard to me. Usually they are a little squattier, no?

2001: Played in 16 contests with 15 starts at RT for Rams … Saw action at N.Y. Jets on Oct. 21, but did not start due to a broken hand … Part of an offensive line that helped the Rams lead the NFL in first downs (357), total yards (6,690), passing yards (4,663) and scoring (503) … Saw action at RT in Super Bowl XXXVI vs. New England … Led the way for QB Kurt Warner to lead the NFL in passer rating (101.4) and in passing yards (4,830) en route to his second NFL MVP award in three seasons … Also helped RB Marshall Faulk become the first player in NFL history to have over 2,000 total yards from scrimmage in four consecutive years.

2000: Started all 16 games at RT for the first time in his career … Helped Rams offense gain an NFL record 7,075 total yards on the season … Rams offense also established new NFL marks for most yards gained passing in a season (5,232), most consecutive 30-point games (14) and most consecutive 20-point games (28) … Blocked for NFL Most Valuable Player Marshall Faulk, who recorded an NFL record 26 TDs … Participated in 963-of-1013 offensive plays (95.1%) … Made first NFL start at RT and helped offense gain 513 total yards vs. Denver on Sept. 4.

1999: Played in 16 games and three playoff games at OT and on special teams for Rams … Scored first career TD on a 2-yard pass from Kurt Warner on a tackle-eligible play at Detroit on Nov. 7 … Caught a 1-yard TD pass on a tackle-eligible play against Minnesota in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game … Also saw action at both tackle positions during the regular season.

1998: Saw action in four games on offense and on special teams for St. Louis … Participated on the special teams unit during the first three games of the season … Saw action at guard at New Orleans on Nov. 15 … Inactive for nine contests with a neck injury.

1997: Played in seven games for Rams with most of his action on special teams

Bobcat you are right and I am wrong. I sometimes have a selective memory. I distinctly remembering that Ryan Tucker was a overachiever in his first couple of years for the Rams. He was actually drafted as a center out of TCU. He played at that spot for 2 years after playing LT for them. In my opinion, he was moved at TCU because he had problems in space when pass blocking. Don't get me wrong, he has ton's of athletic ability, he just seemed to have a slow reaction time when the speed guys threw multiple moves at him. I thought then that maybe he could be special at RT, but he hadn't played RT in college. When the Rams got hold of him, I remember that they listed him as a T/G/C on the roster. This is where my memory went fuzzy. At the time they had Mike Gruttadauria at Center (who was considered special in that spot at the time) and Orlando Pace and Wayne Gandy as book-end tackles. He did fill in at all the positions as far as I remember, but I thought he had a lot more playing time at guard. By the way, 97 was the year in my head where he played all the time at guard and 98 was when the Rams first went to the big game, so those things blurred together in my memory there. I do remember thinking at the time, that Guard was where he was gonna break into the lineup. He has always been a terrific run blocker. Over the years, he has gotten a lot better against multiple moves, but a little worse against the speed guys on the outside corner. He's still better than than half of the RT's in the league at pass blocking. When Gandy left, he took over his spot and did well there. He was a full time starter at tackle in 99 and they went to the big game then too.As far as Guards having to be squatty, the only reason for that is that squatty guys don't have the wingspan to play Tackle. Also it seems like mediocre Tackles usually become great Guards and great Guards usually become mediocre Tackles.

I'm no expert, but I do like to watch the slobber knockers a little more than most guys. Take my opinions for what you think they are worth.

 

[wadegarrett]

Quinn agrees to 5-year deal with Browns

The Brady Quinn saga is now officially over.

The rookie quarterback has agreed to terms on a five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, FOXSports.com has learned. The deal is worth $20.2 million, and could reach a total value of $30 million with escalators. The contract contains $7.75 million in guaranteed money.

The deal, which was agreed to Tuesday morning, has not yet been signed, but Quinn was en route to Cleveland to join his teammates on Tuesday.

The No. 22 pick in this year's draft out of Notre Dame, Quinn had been working out in Tempe, Ariz. at Athletes Performance Institute, and last week said he was hoping his holdout would end soon.

His hopes have now been answered.

 

[Peak]

Quinn agrees to 5-year deal with Browns

The Brady Quinn saga is now officially over.

The rookie quarterback has agreed to terms on a five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, FOXSports.com has learned. The deal is worth $20.2 million, and could reach a total value of $30 million with escalators. The contract contains $7.75 million in guaranteed money.

The deal, which was agreed to Tuesday morning, has not yet been signed, but Quinn was en route to Cleveland to join his teammates on Tuesday.

The No. 22 pick in this year's draft out of Notre Dame, Quinn had been working out in Tempe, Ariz. at Athletes Performance Institute, and last week said he was hoping his holdout would end soon.

His hopes have now been answered.

Bout time. Now go pick up that clipboard and start studying!

 

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Whats the word on Anderson. Solidified as #2 yet, approaching #3 status?