BROWNS THREAD 2009 4 GAME WIN STREAK! (1 Viewer)

[Tecumseh]

Pat Kirwan's training camp notes:

No doubting who’s in charge with BrownsPosted: August 6th, 2009 | Pat Kirwan | Tags: Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns, D'Qwell Jackson, Derek Anderson, Eric Mangini, Jamal Lewis, Jim Brown, Joe Thomas, Paul WarfieldI had 30 minutes alone with Eric Mangini on Wednesday at Browns camp, and another 30 with GM George Kokinis. I also spent time with Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, D’Quell Jackson, Joe Thomas, Jamal Lewis, Jim Brown and Paul Warfield, as well as two assistant coaches I worked with in years past.I got a real good feel for the Browns after my visit. Here are some observations I took away:Eric Mangini has been brought in to turn around the Browns. (Tony Dejak / Associated Press)Mangini has been hired to turn things around in Cleveland and his plan is based on four words: communicate, focus, trust and finish. Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas said Mangini welcomes communication and has his door open to talk about what is going on and what can be done better. Jackson told me Mangini challenges the players’ focus by blasting loud music during the team period of practice, forcing them not to loose concentration and execute when there is a distraction. Trust comes from both quarterbacks when they see that the competition to win the starting job is truly fair and opportunities are evenly split in every practice. Finishing can’t be determined yet but it will be a key factor when the preseason games begin. In the meantime, Mangini asks the team to finish every practice, and after interviewing a number of players they realize this is a tough camp and there are no excuses.I got a chance to sit down with both quarterbacks after an intense morning practice that included a red-zone team period and a team drive period without coaches on the field. According to one front office personnel man, Quinn had the early lead in camp and Anderson has been coming on in the past three days. On Wednesday, Quinn moved the team down the field with the short passing attack. Anderson used a lot more vertical passing and was just as effective. This battle is far from over.Cleveland had 17 sacks last year and that has to improve. There is a lot of pressure on Kamerion Wimbley to produce. After watching practice, I’m not convinced it will happen. Last year, Mangini’s Jets defense had 41 sacks and they did it from multiple players getting a few sacks each. It looks like Cleveland will blitz the inside ‘backers and stunt the front more often to create pressure. As for the outside linebackers, Alex Hall has pass-rush skills and could wind up in the third-down package. Titus Brown ran with the first group today in a few situations and David Bowens looks like he could be the guy in the first-down defenses.Kokinis has lots of work to do to get this roster right, but there is depth in one position group. The defensive line has enough players working right now that Corey Williams is running with the second group, Kenyon Coleman, Shaun Rogers, and Robaire Smith could be the starters and Shaun Smith is battling for a second-team spot. The Browns may have a player of interest late in August.Two rookies jumped out at me during my visit. Alex Mack is getting time with the first line and looks like he belongs. One of the linebackers mentioned that Mack has very strong hands and is very hard to disengage from, and that was evident during the live team period. Right now he battles Hank Fraley at center but could wind up at guard. The other rookie I liked was wide receiver Brian Robiskie, who should make a major contribution this season. He is a solid zone beater because of his route running and a good understanding of the soft spots in the coverage. Keep an eye on him to see how he does against man coverages.After spending half an hour in Mangini’s office to talk, I left Cleveland thinking he learned a lot as the head coach of the Jets and will be different this time around. He is still demanding and tough on his players, but as Jim Brown, the Hall of Fame running back said to me, “This team needs what Eric is doing right now.”– Pat Kirwan

 

[Tecumseh]

Syndric Steptoe's season is over

Posted by Aaron Wilson on August 8, 2009 9:07 PM ET

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Syndric Steptoe is out for the season due to a shoulder injury, a league source told Mike Florio.

Steptoe was carted off the field at practice earlier today.

Drafted in the seventh round in 2007, Steptoe caught 19 passes for 182 yards last season in five starts.

He also doubled as an occasion kickoff and punt returner.

Now, Steptoe's season is over before it ever really began.

Under new coach Eric Mangini, the Browns are following a strict policy of not commenting on injuries or their severity during training camp.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/...season-is-over/

 

[Bobcat10]

Cleveland Browns release defensive lineman Shaun Smithby By Mary Kay CabotSaturday August 08, 2009, 9:58 AMPD FileShaun Smith, who was involved in an altercation last season with Brady Quinn, has been released by the Cleveland Browns.Browns defensive lineman Shaun Smith, who was heading into his third year with the team, was released Saturday, a source close to the situation said. No reason was given for his ouster, the source said.Smith (6-2, 325 lbs.) was a versatile lineman who could play end or nose tackle. He appeared in 11 games last season with nine starts. He totaled 47 tackles, including 22 solo.But Smith's on-the-field accomplishments were overshadowed by a run-in with quarterback Brady Quinn in the weight room, during which Smith reportedly punched Quinn in the face. Smith's representatives met with the Browns at the NFL Combine in February to determine whether or not the Browns wanted to keep him in light of the incident.They were told the Browns were prepared to move forward with Smith.Smith, one of the most vocal players on the team, was signed by the Browns as an unrestricted free agent in March 2007 after spending two full seasons with the Bengals.

Odd...

He was apparently being lazy at practice (not jogging to the next station among a few other things) and has butted heads with Bryan Cox. That is a recipe for disaster with Mangini running things. We're deep there, I'm sure the loss will be minimal as far as talent goes. I think if he was worth it, they'd have kept him around, but the dude is crazy. He'll get picked up by somebody quick though.

 

[Bobcat10]

Does it get any better than DA blaming his INT in Sunday's scrimmage on the radios not working in the helmet? I mean, DA, did you not tell 10 players in the huddle one play and all run it a few seconds later? It's that radios fault that you made a bad play?

 

[acme]

Has anybody seen the way Ratliff is playing? He got a nice write-up this morning from the Plain Dealer.

I've never seen him play. Any long-term potential?

 

[Bobcat10]

Has anybody seen the way Ratliff is playing? He got a nice write-up this morning from the Plain Dealer.I've never seen him play. Any long-term potential?

Didn't read the article, but I know Mangini likes him. I'd have to believe he'd be feeling just fine with Ratliff as the #2 QB (to Quinn). I was at camp yesterday and he seemed to struggle a bit when I caught him, but that is a small sample.

 

[amnesiac]

i wouldn't be suprised if the Browns sign a QB after this year.

i think it's a bad sign that no one seems to be pulling ahead in the QB competition.

 

[Max Power]

Am, how is general feeling about the OL and the Run Blocking? Seems like a good group of players, are they geeling?

Lewis and Davis scream value...

 

[The Man With No Name]

Wow, Bernie sounds normal

 

[Bobcat10]

i wouldn't be suprised if the Browns sign a QB after this year.i think it's a bad sign that no one seems to be pulling ahead in the QB competition.

Quinn made one error and shouldn't have even been in that situation with BE dropping the TD on the play before. I know that is no excuse, and that's going to happen all year, but it's still a factor. He drove the team two times in two tries.DA just flat out sucks. When he gets pressured, he looks flustered. The opposite can be said for what I've seen with Quinn. He looks much more poised under pressure. Looked like he made the right throw on the INT when he had to step up, just threw it a little behind BE.

 

[Tecumseh]

i wouldn't be suprised if the Browns sign a QB after this year.i think it's a bad sign that no one seems to be pulling ahead in the QB competition.

Quinn made one error and shouldn't have even been in that situation with BE dropping the TD on the play before. I know that is no excuse, and that's going to happen all year, but it's still a factor. He drove the team two times in two tries.DA just flat out sucks. When he gets pressured, he looks flustered. The opposite can be said for what I've seen with Quinn. He looks much more poised under pressure. Looked like he made the right throw on the INT when he had to step up, just threw it a little behind BE.

I read that Quinn actually had another horrible throw, but the corner dropped it.

 

[Gr00vus]

It's only one preseason game, but as of right now I want no part of this offense on my FF roster. They look horrible in just about every way you can look horrible. People thinking Edwards is a value pick are going to be sad if they land him I figure - hands of stone still in full effect. Seems like the guy's head is somewhere else when he's on the field.

 

[saintfool]

It's only one preseason game, but as of right now I want no part of this offense on my FF roster. They look horrible in just about every way you can look horrible. People thinking Edwards is a value pick are going to be sad if they land him I figure - hands of stone still in full effect. Seems like the guy's head is somewhere else when he's on the field.

i think if he continues to disappoint then he's going to see less time on the field. if massaquoi and robiskie can show something then perhaps one or both of them take the #1? this could happen if the browns start slowly our of the gate and find themselves out of playoff contention by midseason.

 

[amnesiac]

Am, how is general feeling about the OL and the Run Blocking? Seems like a good group of players, are they geeling?Lewis and Davis scream value...

i'd pick up Davis in a dynasty. other than that, i don't think i'd get too excited.they added some depth to the Oline, but i think Mangini is going to use Harrison quite a bit.not sure i see any real value there this year.

 

[amnesiac]

It's only one preseason game, but as of right now I want no part of this offense on my FF roster. They look horrible in just about every way you can look horrible. People thinking Edwards is a value pick are going to be sad if they land him I figure - hands of stone still in full effect. Seems like the guy's head is somewhere else when he's on the field.

i hope he makes me eat my words, but i think Braylon is a head case and may never be a starting-worthy NFL WR again.**unless he goes to a new team that somehow screws his head back on correctly.

 

[amnesiac]

i wouldn't be suprised if the Browns sign a QB after this year.i think it's a bad sign that no one seems to be pulling ahead in the QB competition.

Quinn made one error and shouldn't have even been in that situation with BE dropping the TD on the play before. I know that is no excuse, and that's going to happen all year, but it's still a factor. He drove the team two times in two tries.DA just flat out sucks. When he gets pressured, he looks flustered. The opposite can be said for what I've seen with Quinn. He looks much more poised under pressure. Looked like he made the right throw on the INT when he had to step up, just threw it a little behind BE.

I read that Quinn actually had another horrible throw, but the corner dropped it.

i'm glad someone showed something in that game. i just hope they pick someone very soon and let them build up some timing with the offense.same thing with the line. i wouldn't be suprised if that's why the Oline struggled so badly. seems like they are rotating players in and out too much.

 

[Bobcat10]

i wouldn't be suprised if the Browns sign a QB after this year.i think it's a bad sign that no one seems to be pulling ahead in the QB competition.

Quinn made one error and shouldn't have even been in that situation with BE dropping the TD on the play before. I know that is no excuse, and that's going to happen all year, but it's still a factor. He drove the team two times in two tries.DA just flat out sucks. When he gets pressured, he looks flustered. The opposite can be said for what I've seen with Quinn. He looks much more poised under pressure. Looked like he made the right throw on the INT when he had to step up, just threw it a little behind BE.

I read that Quinn actually had another horrible throw, but the corner dropped it.

i'm glad someone showed something in that game. i just hope they pick someone very soon and let them build up some timing with the offense.same thing with the line. i wouldn't be suprised if that's why the Oline struggled so badly. seems like they are rotating players in and out too much.

All good points.

 

[baconisgood]

if massaquoi and robiskie can show something then perhaps one or both of them take the #1?

Neither of these guys has been able to make noise at the #2 spot and Cribbs looks like he will be in that position to start the year. Basically no chance that either of them are a legit #1 in any way this year.

Quinn made one error and shouldn't have even been in that situation with BE dropping the TD on the play before. I know that is no excuse, and that's going to happen all year, but it's still a factor. He drove the team two times in two tries.

The offense with Quinn looked a lot better than its point total. A holding penalty pushed back their FG try (how many holding penalties are called on FG attempts in a year?) and it was missed and BE dropped a TD. 10 pts isn't a bad outcome (though a huge chunk of that first drive was Cribbs' reverse).

 

[saintfool]

if massaquoi and robiskie can show something then perhaps one or both of them take the #1?

Neither of these guys has been able to make noise at the #2 spot and Cribbs looks like he will be in that position to start the year. Basically no chance that either of them are a legit #1 in any way this year.

that's interesting because the chatter i was reading suggested massaquoi was in line for the #2 spot...

 

[baconisgood]

if massaquoi and robiskie can show something then perhaps one or both of them take the #1?

Neither of these guys has been able to make noise at the #2 spot and Cribbs looks like he will be in that position to start the year. Basically no chance that either of them are a legit #1 in any way this year.

that's interesting because the chatter i was reading suggested massaquoi was in line for the #2 spot...

I've read that Massaquoi is ahead of Robiskie for the #2 spot, but nothing I've read has indicated that he is ahead of Cribbs, and I think Cribbs role in the first preseason game is another indication that he's gong to get the starting gig.

 

[StevePatterson]

The Browns had a hard start to the preseason. They need to develop a pass rush fast.

Rap up of the Preseason 1 NFL games

 

[amnesiac]

ok, anyone know what is going on with Shaun Rogers?

dude hasn't practiced in at least a week and didn't play in the Green Bay game.

 

[kaa]

The Browns situation really is simple. When you don't have the talent to compete, you get some maulers on the lines, draft an RB, and pound the rock all year long. It protects the QB. It helps the defense. It helps the team develop a tough attitude. I really hated how the Browns drafted 2 WRs high and didn't get another RB prospect to rotate into the mix.

There's a very real possibly that neither Anderson nor Quinn will be able to carry the team in 2009. In that case, you can still just run the ball to compensate for that and even take pressure off the young QBs. I think they would have been much better served by finding a way to draft Shonn Greene or Beanie Wells to be well prepared for that possibility.

 

[MAC_32]

The Browns situation really is simple. When you don't have the talent to compete, you get some maulers on the lines, draft an RB, and pound the rock all year long. It protects the QB. It helps the defense. It helps the team develop a tough attitude. I really hated how the Browns drafted 2 WRs high and didn't get another RB prospect to rotate into the mix.There's a very real possibly that neither Anderson nor Quinn will be able to carry the team in 2009. In that case, you can still just run the ball to compensate for that and even take pressure off the young QBs. I think they would have been much better served by finding a way to draft Shonn Greene or Beanie Wells to be well prepared for that possibility.

This team is better than the one that was Jim Sorgi away from making the playoffs two seasons ago. Not saying they'll be great, but as long as they're not snake bitten with injuries like last season they'll be competitive. If we're below 500 I'll be disappointed.Beanie wouldn't have been the answer anyway, we'd need someone to actually help us on the field Seriously though, I'm happy they did not address RB this offseason. RB has the smallest learning curve of any position, with all the other holes on the team shoring them up and plugging in RB(s) once those other players are up to speed is the right course of action imho. Let the young WR's and Alex Mack learn the ropes this season, expect them to take the next step in 2010.

 

[amnesiac]

The Browns situation really is simple. When you don't have the talent to compete, you get some maulers on the lines, draft an RB, and pound the rock all year long. It protects the QB. It helps the defense. It helps the team develop a tough attitude. I really hated how the Browns drafted 2 WRs high and didn't get another RB prospect to rotate into the mix.

There's a very real possibly that neither Anderson nor Quinn will be able to carry the team in 2009. In that case, you can still just run the ball to compensate for that and even take pressure off the young QBs. I think they would have been much better served by finding a way to draft Shonn Greene or Beanie Wells to be well prepared for that possibility.

This team is better than the one that was Jim Sorgi away from making the playoffs two seasons ago. Not saying they'll be great, but as long as they're not snake bitten with injuries like last season they'll be competitive. If we're below 500 I'll be disappointed.Beanie wouldn't have been the answer anyway, we'd need someone to actually help us on the field

Seriously though, I'm happy they did not address RB this offseason. RB has the smallest learning curve of any position, with all the other holes on the team shoring them up and plugging in RB(s) once those other players are up to speed is the right course of action imho. Let the young WR's and Alex Mack learn the ropes this season, expect them to take the next step in 2010.

not trying to be mean, but are you serious?also, the browns did beef up the line and added some young talent at the RB position. so i'm not sure what kaa was getting at.

 

[amnesiac]

i think Mike Furrey is going to end up being the glue that holds this offense together.

kind of like Jurevicius was 2 years ago.

 

[MAC_32]

The Browns situation really is simple. When you don't have the talent to compete, you get some maulers on the lines, draft an RB, and pound the rock all year long. It protects the QB. It helps the defense. It helps the team develop a tough attitude. I really hated how the Browns drafted 2 WRs high and didn't get another RB prospect to rotate into the mix.

There's a very real possibly that neither Anderson nor Quinn will be able to carry the team in 2009. In that case, you can still just run the ball to compensate for that and even take pressure off the young QBs. I think they would have been much better served by finding a way to draft Shonn Greene or Beanie Wells to be well prepared for that possibility.

This team is better than the one that was Jim Sorgi away from making the playoffs two seasons ago. Not saying they'll be great, but as long as they're not snake bitten with injuries like last season they'll be competitive. If we're below 500 I'll be disappointed.Beanie wouldn't have been the answer anyway, we'd need someone to actually help us on the field

Seriously though, I'm happy they did not address RB this offseason. RB has the smallest learning curve of any position, with all the other holes on the team shoring them up and plugging in RB(s) once those other players are up to speed is the right course of action imho. Let the young WR's and Alex Mack learn the ropes this season, expect them to take the next step in 2010.

not trying to be mean, but are you serious?also, the browns did beef up the line and added some young talent at the RB position. so i'm not sure what kaa was getting at.

Yes, I am. One of the biggest reasons you posted immediately after this one.

i think Mike Furrey is going to end up being the glue that holds this offense together.

kind of like Jurevicius was 2 years ago.

If the 07 team can go 10-6, why can't this one? The coaching's better, I think the scheme is better, they're more disciplined, the QB is at worst the same and ideally better, the o line is better and deeper (St Clair withstanding), Shaun Rogers and other big hogs on the d line have been added, WR's the same and with the infusion of young talent could be even better, as far as the passing game is concerned we've downgraded at TE but upgraded significantly in the run game, RB is the same or better as is LB, and the pass rush still sucks. The only position I look at and say, ok that's worse is the defensive backfield. I'm not going to expect 10-6, but something between 8-8 and 10-6? Why not?

 

[amnesiac]

i think if everything goes well we will see some steady improvement throughout the year as things start to fit together.

but i've been predicting a record between 6-10 and 8-8, and i haven't seen anything yet that has convinced me to bump that up.

if they start showing that they can run the ball, stop the run, and that Braylon can catch, then maybe i'll start getting my hopes up a little bit.

 

[baconisgood]

the QB is at worst the same and ideally better

Why? DA had a career year in 07- its very easy for one hit wonders to regress and its no guarantee that Quinn is going to be good.

WR's the same and with the infusion of young talent could be even better, as far as the passing game is concerned we've downgraded at TE but upgraded significantly in the run game, RB is the same or better

JJ > Furry, BE has issues dropping the ball and 07 could easily have been an abberation, a a 29 year old RB is almost always > than the 31 year old version of himself.Lastly one of the most overlooked reasons for the Browns' big season was Cribbs' contribution to the return game- as he has moved to WR (and we have seen great return men drop off in production when they try to add a new position- Devin Hester) and he will be less productive in the return game. Looks like a 5 win season to me unless Quinn c'est bon.

 

[Bobcat10]

Sat 2nd row mid field behind Lions bench last night....Shaun Smith was getting an earful from the drunkards....and he was not shy (obviously) about dishing it back. Real funny stuff. Glad it was pretty much clean. Normally I wouldn't care, but it's different when you got a just turned 4yr old with you (his first game). The worst was probably "YOU SUCK" followed by Smith saying "SO DOES YOUR MAMA" grabbing his you know what. lol

 

[amnesiac]

totally unrelated, but my brother and i sat behind the visitors bench for the Giants game last season.

he kept screaming "Manning, YOU SUCK!!" as loud as he could whenever he was in front of us.

he's convinced that he helped cause Manning's three interceptions that night. :X

 

[Brides Maids]

For a non Cleveland guy I've been VERY impressed with what Cribbs can do. I live in Green Bay so I saw that preseason game and even against what should be a pretty solid GB defense this year Cribbs continually made plays. What is the status of Cribbs is he just going to be a situational player or is he going to be a mainstay in the offense?

Is it fair to make this comparison?

Edwards = Ochocinco

Cribbs = Housh

When Housh was in Cincy.

 

[GreedoShotFirst]

alright Browns fans, I need your help. I am choosing between Braylon Edwards and Ray Rice as keepers. Tell me why I should (or shouldn't) keep Braylon. If I do keep him, I see him as my #2 Wr.

thanks,

Skinsfan

 

[amnesiac]

does Rogers have a serious injury or what?

does anybody know anything?

 

[amnesiac]

Given the secretive nature of the NFL these days, there's always some mystery.The Cleveland Browns seem to hold their cards as well as anyone. Not much has been disclosed about the absence from the first two pre-season games of three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers, arguably the Browns' most accomplished and indispensable player.Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal notes the continuing questions about Rogers' status:Coach Eric Mangini has said little about why Rogers is out, offering, "He's rehabbing," which has merely fostered rumors since the two had a falling out after Mangini got the job.Asked if it's strictly injury-related, Mangini said, "I'm not going to get into any specifics of it. He's working to get back and I'm happy with how he's working." Mangini did not rule out the possibility of Rogers playing in Saturday's preseason game at home against the Tennessee Titans.

 

[Bobcat10]

At least we're not Tennessee.....

 

[Bobcat10]

Could a season ticket holder do me a favor?

Can you go to ticketmaster and see if there are any tickets left for the OSU/Toledo game at the Stadium and what prices?

You need some password that they sent to the season ticket holders. Does not look like there is any "public" sale as the password is needed until gameday to access tickets.

 

[jon_mx]

Does anybody think James Davis can be a huge fantasy sleeper. I would not expect a top 10 RB, but as a very playable RB2. Really, Jamel Lewis is past his prime, and James Davis has potential.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Does anybody think James Davis can be a huge fantasy sleeper. I would not expect a top 10 RB, but as a very playable RB2. Really, Jamel Lewis is past his prime, and James Davis has potential.

There's a lot more to it than that. Lewis is a pro's pro, and that goes a long way in Mangini's book. He is in incredible shape still and is above average at picking up blitzes, helping inexperienced Quinn out if he's the guy. Is he exciting any more? Probably not, but he'll grind out yards and pound the clock out. James Davis has shown potential, but he needs time. I think he definitely made the team.

 

[Bobcat10]

Does anybody think James Davis can be a huge fantasy sleeper. I would not expect a top 10 RB, but as a very playable RB2. Really, Jamel Lewis is past his prime, and James Davis has potential.

There's a lot more to it than that. Lewis is a pro's pro, and that goes a long way in Mangini's book. He is in incredible shape still and is above average at picking up blitzes, helping inexperienced Quinn out if he's the guy. Is he exciting any more? Probably not, but he'll grind out yards and pound the clock out.

James Davis has shown potential, but he needs time. I think he definitely made the team.

I agree with you and I have heard from multiple sources that this is rubbing off well on James Davis. At times he clings to Lewis, almost as if Lewis has taken him under his wing and Davis is more than willing to learn from him. So there is something to be said for that in regards to Davis also.

 

[amnesiac]

Does anybody think James Davis can be a huge fantasy sleeper. I would not expect a top 10 RB, but as a very playable RB2. Really, Jamel Lewis is past his prime, and James Davis has potential.

There's a lot more to it than that. Lewis is a pro's pro, and that goes a long way in Mangini's book. He is in incredible shape still and is above average at picking up blitzes, helping inexperienced Quinn out if he's the guy. Is he exciting any more? Probably not, but he'll grind out yards and pound the clock out.

James Davis has shown potential, but he needs time. I think he definitely made the team.

I agree with you and I have heard from multiple sources that this is rubbing off well on James Davis. At times he clings to Lewis, almost as if Lewis has taken him under his wing and Davis is more than willing to learn from him. So there is something to be said for that in regards to Davis also.

yeah, ff people in general don't want to hear any of that stuff. they just hear some RB is turning heads and want to turn the reigns over to the guy.i think we should just be impressed if Davis makes the team.

 

[nxmehta]

does Rogers have a serious injury or what?

does anybody know anything?

James Walker from ESPN was on Reghi's show and was saying that he has inside info that Shaun Rodgers is fine, no injury, and is being held out of the preseason games by Mangini to save him for the regular season. He said it was partially a gesture by Mangini to help make up for some of the tension between them earlier in the year.Makes sense to me, and if it's accurate it's also a good move by Mangini. He's quickly realized the Rodgers is the most important defensive player on the team.

 

[amnesiac]

does Rogers have a serious injury or what?

does anybody know anything?

James Walker from ESPN was on Reghi's show and was saying that he has inside info that Shaun Rodgers is fine, no injury, and is being held out of the preseason games by Mangini to save him for the regular season. He said it was partially a gesture by Mangini to help make up for some of the tension between them earlier in the year.Makes sense to me, and if it's accurate it's also a good move by Mangini. He's quickly realized the Rodgers is the most important defensive player on the team.

i had been wondering about something like this.but at the same time, dude has to practice sometime, doesn't he?

do they have inside practices that aren't open to the public?

 

[wadegarrett]

does Rogers have a serious injury or what?

does anybody know anything?

James Walker from ESPN was on Reghi's show and was saying that he has inside info that Shaun Rodgers is fine, no injury, and is being held out of the preseason games by Mangini to save him for the regular season. He said it was partially a gesture by Mangini to help make up for some of the tension between them earlier in the year.Makes sense to me, and if it's accurate it's also a good move by Mangini. He's quickly realized the Rodgers is the most important defensive player on the team.

i had been wondering about something like this.but at the same time, dude has to practice sometime, doesn't he?

do they have inside practices that aren't open to the public?

last practice open to the public was last week...although the media still gets limited access

 

[jon_mx]

Does anybody think James Davis can be a huge fantasy sleeper. I would not expect a top 10 RB, but as a very playable RB2. Really, Jamel Lewis is past his prime, and James Davis has potential.

There's a lot more to it than that. Lewis is a pro's pro, and that goes a long way in Mangini's book. He is in incredible shape still and is above average at picking up blitzes, helping inexperienced Quinn out if he's the guy. Is he exciting any more? Probably not, but he'll grind out yards and pound the clock out.

James Davis has shown potential, but he needs time. I think he definitely made the team.

I agree with you and I have heard from multiple sources that this is rubbing off well on James Davis. At times he clings to Lewis, almost as if Lewis has taken him under his wing and Davis is more than willing to learn from him. So there is something to be said for that in regards to Davis also.

yeah, ff people in general don't want to hear any of that stuff. they just hear some RB is turning heads and want to turn the reigns over to the guy.i think we should just be impressed if Davis makes the team.

I think it is clear Davis has made the team and is making the case to be the #2 RB. He has impressed the coaching staff with his special teams play, blocking ability, pass catching ability, and has run the ball effectively in pre-season. There is no doubt Jamal is #1, but Davis will see playing time. Jamel has had 8 years of being a workhorse RB. I don't care how good of shape he is in, with his style of running, those years take their toll.

 

[Ripleys]

so has the #2 WR been named? Does Robiskie or Massaquoi have any value this year in a PPR redraft?

 

[Bobcat10]

so has the #2 WR been named? Does Robiskie or Massaquoi have any value this year in a PPR redraft?

Word is Robiskie is going to have trouble seeing the field early in the season. Massaquoi hasn't locked down the #2, but it should be either him or Cribbs, with Furrey playing alot and on most 3rd downs. I think even if Cribbs gets a shot to start, the staff knows how valuable he is returning punts and kicks and that will allow them to work in Massaquoi early in the season.

 

[Bobcat10]

does Rogers have a serious injury or what?

does anybody know anything?

James Walker from ESPN was on Reghi's show and was saying that he has inside info that Shaun Rodgers is fine, no injury, and is being held out of the preseason games by Mangini to save him for the regular season. He said it was partially a gesture by Mangini to help make up for some of the tension between them earlier in the year.Makes sense to me, and if it's accurate it's also a good move by Mangini. He's quickly realized the Rodgers is the most important defensive player on the team.

i had been wondering about something like this.but at the same time, dude has to practice sometime, doesn't he?

do they have inside practices that aren't open to the public?

The problem I have with this is I don't think he's been on the bike alot either. Get the oxygen mask ready early in the season. I'm definitely glad they are getting a good look at Rubin...and I think they are pleased.

 

[Ray_T]

i think if everything goes well we will see some steady improvement throughout the year as things start to fit together.but i've been predicting a record between 6-10 and 8-8, and i haven't seen anything yet that has convinced me to bump that up.if they start showing that they can run the ball, stop the run, and that Braylon can catch, then maybe i'll start getting my hopes up a little bit.

This seems about right.I was predicting 7-9 myself.

 

[Bobcat10]

News from yesterday:

Tucker to IR...working on injury settlement that would make him a free agent. The settlement would also allow the Browns to bring him back later this season, in six weeks, if he doesn't go elsewhere. Sad day as the guy was solid, just riddled with injuries lately.

Louis Leonard, NOT Corey Williams as rumored for days, traded to Carolina for undisclosed draft pick (7th round rumor). I guess you'll take anything you can get for a 3rd string end. I'm actually a little excited about seeing how the defensive line perform early this season, I have greater expectations than years past. Robaire/Rogers/Coleman/Williams/Mosely/Rubin is not a bad 6-pack.