Browns News

Owner's meeting with fans backfires on Browns
Comment
November 7
Dayton Daily News
 
"So Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner met this week with "Dawg Pound Mike" and his buddy, no doubt hoping to get the two fans to call off the kickoff protest planned for Monday night, Nov. 16, when the Baltimore Ravens visit Cleveland Browns Stadium. And here's the Browns' luck: Lerner chats with these guys for about two hours and, after all that blabbing, "Dawg Pound Mike" announces he's still going through with this demonstration that figures to embarrass the organization even more than some of its draft picks. Oh, how Lerner probably wishes he had those two hours back, especially after "Dawg Pound Mike" - who used to come to games dressed as a french fry - kept turning up in national ..."
In a down economy, NFL viewership is up
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November 6
Washington Post
 
"When this NFL season began with some franchises struggling to sell tickets, there were concerns about the impact that the uncertain U.S. economy would have on the nation's most prosperous sport. While those concerns have turned out to be justified in a few NFL cities and unfounded in others, there has been an unforeseen development: The NFL's television ratings are soaring this season, and some analysts say it appears to be the result of consumers cutting back on other, more costly leisure activities in favor of watching pro football on TV. "I think there's only one answer and that is the NFL and television are actually getting the so-called 'benefit' of the recession," said Neal Pilson, ..."
Jamal Lewis still plans to call it quits at season's end
Comment
November 6
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Bye weeks can be tough on coaches and GMs whose teams are floundering. But for players, a week without a game can be a relaxing tonic. Such is the case with running back Jamal Lewis. He returned to his locker Wednesday after tending to personal business in Atlanta. With the news-starved media horde anticipating more juice from perhaps the most respected man in the locker room, Lewis was in a reflective mood. After the game in Chicago, Lewis was so upset with yet another pathetic team performance that he declared this would be his last NFL season. Wednesday, he said he had planning to retire, anyway."
Jamal Lewis will leave Browns on own terms
Comment
November 5
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Jamal Lewis hasn't changed his mind. The 30-year-old running back hasn't wavered from his plan to retire after this season, which he revealed after Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Bears in Chicago. But as he talked more Wednesday about his reasons for leaving and his plans for the future, which include hopes of partial ownership in an NFL team, what Lewis didn't say was more telling than what he did. Asked if he came into his 10th season knowing it was going to be his last, Lewis said, ''I'd rather not answer that question. But at the same time, I just wanted to come out here and give it a shot . . . check out the new system, the new coaches and give it another shot with my teammates and the ..."
Cleveland Browns' Eric Barton pondering neck surgery
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November 5
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns linebacker Eric Barton is weighing his options on whether or not to have season-ending surgery on the bulging disc in his neck, league source said. Barton, who was told by a Cleveland Clinic specialist that he has a bulging disc between the C3 and C4 vertebrae, is seeking a second opinion from an independent doctor, the source said. The Browns are giving him ample time to make his decision, but his season might be over whether or not he has the surgery. "Eric is going through tests and we'll see where it is,'' said Browns coach Eric Mangini. "That's where we're at right now, just testing and evaluating, then we'll make a decision.""
Eric Mangini says he expects to be 'engaged' in search for new GM
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November 5
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Eric Mangini said he'll have input into the hiring of the new general manager of the Browns. Mangini's first hand-picked general manager, George Kokinis, parted ways with the Browns on Monday, with no word from either side on whether he was fired or resigned. "Yeah, Randy and I talk a lot, so I'm sure we'll be very engaged in that [decision]," said Mangini. Asked if it would be hard to add a GM midway through the NFL season, Mangini said, "we're just going through the process, so I'm not sure how that will all play out. We have to really see what's there, see what's available." He indicated that the Browns have strong enough pro and college departments to function without a GM for the ..."
Browns coach Eric Mangini will help pick new general manager
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November 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini said today he'll have input into the hiring of the team's new general manager. Mangini's first hand-picked general manager, George Kokinis, parted ways with the Browns on Monday, with no word from either side on whether he was fired or resigned. "Yeah, Randy and I talk a lot, so I'm sure we'll be very engaged in that (decision),'' said Mangini. Asked if it would hard to add a GM midway through the NFL season, he said, "we're just going through the process, so I'm not sure how that will all play out. We have to really see what's there, see what's available." He indicated that the Browns have strong enough pro and college departments to function without a ..."
Browns' LB Kamerion Wimbley fined $7,500 for roughing
Comment
November 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns linebacker Kamerion Wimbley said today that he was fined $7,500 by the NFL for a roughing the passer penalty last Sunday against Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Wimbley's agent, Joe Linta, said he will appeal the fine. Wimbley said he had a fine reduced earlier in his career after appealing. Wimbley made helmet-to-helmet contact with Cutler, knocking him down and forcing an incompletion to rookie receiver Johnny Knox."
Legal battle could follow Browns' ouster of Kokinis
Comment
November 4
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The ominous silence over Monday's ouster of Browns General Manager George Kokinis could signal a legal battle over money still due Kokinis. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Tuesday that the Browns were seeking dismissal ''for cause.'' On Monday, Mortensen reported that the Browns were trying to work out a settlement with Kokinis in which he would resign, but that Kokinis refused. Terms of his contract were never disclosed after Kokinis, handpicked by coach Eric Mangini, was hired on Jan. 23. Mangini avoided almost all questions about Kokinis, even though they had been friends for years. Those ties might have been severed in recent weeks. Kokinis' father, Pete, was Mangini's wrestling coach ..."
Unhappy Browns fans meet with Lerner
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November 4
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Longtime season-ticket holders Mike Randall of Massillon and Tony Schafer of Sandusky met with Browns owner Randy Lerner for nearly two hours in Lerner's office Tuesday. Randall and Schafer, aka ''Dawg Pound Mike'' and ''Mobile Dawg,'' are organizing a protest for the Browns' next home game, Nov. 16, against the Baltimore Ravens. They are encouraging fans not to go to their seats until after kickoff to voice their displeasure with the state of the franchise and Lerner's unwillingness to address them on camera. Randall and Schafer said they will not cancel the protest unless Lerner speaks publicly, and Schafer put the odds of that happening at ''20 percent.'' The meeting was set up before ..."
Eric Mangini calls Kokinis firing 'difficult,' while former GM Ernie Accorsi denies interest in Browns
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November 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The morning after firing General Manager George Kokinis, Browns owner Randy Lerner met with two fans organizing a protest of the team's dysfunction. So far, Lerner has declined to step forward and publicly explain recent developments that have left the future of Eric Mangini and others in the Browns' organization in doubt. On Tuesday, former Browns GM Ernie Accorsi said that, contrary to reports, he is not a part of Lerner's reorganization plan, either as a full-time GM or a part-time mentor to former quarterback Bernie Kosar. "I am not taking any GM job anywhere. Period," said Accorsi, who retired as Giants general manager three years ago. "I am not taking any full-time job. I serve the ..."
Browns waive kicker Billy Cundiff and defensive back Anthony Madison
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November 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Browns today waived kicker Billy Cundiff and defensive back Anthony Madison, the team announced. Cundiff played in five games this year and was 6 of 6 on field goals with a long of 31 yards. He averaged 65.8 yards on 16 kickoffs."
Browns' Eric Barton's season in jeopardy with neck injury, according to report
Comment
November 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns linebacker Eric Barton suffered a bulging disc in his neck during Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Bears and his season is in jeopardy, a source close to the player told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. Barton suffered the injury while tackling Bears' tight end Greg Olsen after a 12-yard catch in the second quarter. He didn't come back into the game. Barton was first replaced by rookie David Veikune and then Blake Costanzo. The Browns were already without starting inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson for the season with a surgicall-repaired pectoral injury. At times, the Browns had two rookie linebackers manning the middle in Kaluka Maiava and Veikune. Barton was told by a spine ..."
Browns coach Eric Mangini will not discuss departure of GM George Kokinis
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November 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Eric Mangini would not go into details about why the club fired his friend, George Kokinis, as general manager. "Any time a decision like this is made it's difficult, both professionally and personally," Mangini said Tuesday. "George is a friend of mine and I respect him and wish him and his family well. For a variety of reasons, things didn't work out. You never go into a situation like this with the intent of it not working out. "We felt organizationally this was the best decision in terms of moving forward. We have a strong structure in place on the pro side and the college side and things will continue to operate effectively on a day to day basis.""
Kokinis out as Browns' general manager
Comment
November 3
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns General Manager George Kokinis was ousted today, but the team confirmed only that he is no longer ''actively involved with the organization.'' Kokinis' departure appeared to come under contentious circumstances, but it was unclear whether he resigned or was forced out. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the Browns were trying to work out a settlement with Kokinis in which he would resign, but that Kokinis had refused. A statement released by the Browns denied reports that Kokinis was escorted out of the building. ''In the interest of protecting the parties involved, we will withhold further comment,'' the statement said. A witness said Kokinis, carrying a travel bag, came down the ..."
Accorsi could be brought into bigger role with Browns
Comment
November 3
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Here's another name to keep in mind as the Browns reshape their future. Ernie Accorsi has been in touch with Browns owner Randy Lerner in the past week or two. Accorsi has been offering advice and help as Lerner tries to right his organization after a brutally bad first half of the season. It's very possible and likely that Lerner would ask Accorsi - formerly a general manager of the New York Giants and Browns - to become more involved with the team on a full-time basis. It's not known if Accorsi would take a full-time job, or if he would act as a consultant. But Accorsi and former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar have a relationship dating to Kosar's playing days."
Eric Mangini defends Derek Anderson, but says QB 'analysis' will occur
Comment
November 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The future of the Browns quarterback position beyond the bye week is, well, uncertain. Coach Eric Mangini defended not pulling Derek Anderson in Chicago after a 0.0 rating and 16-0 deficit in the first half. But he wouldn't commit to him remaining as the starter. "What I'm saying is that this week I'll look at all those things and it will be part of our analysis," Mangini said. Anderson finished the game 6-of-17 for 76 yards, two interceptions and a 10.5 rating. It was the third time in the last four games he failed to pass for more than 100 yards. Anderson's record as starter fell to 1-4, his overall completion percentage dived to 42.9 and his overall passer rating skidded to 36.2. ..."
Cleveland Browns' Eric Mangini won't replace offensive coordinator Brian Daboll
Comment
November 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Eric Mangini said today he won't replace first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, despite the fact the Browns are ranked at or near the bottom of the league in almost every statistical category. Instead, he indicated he'll rely more on the input of quarterbacks coach Carl Smith, who spent 11 seasons as offensive coordinator of the Saints and one for the Jaguars. "I think that there's been things that we can improve offensively,'' said Mangini. "Carl Smith is a guy that has a lot of experience. That's one of the reasons I wanted Carl to be part of the staff -- I think it was 11 years at New Orleans as the offensive coordinator -- is to have a guy who's called a lot of ..."
In midst of collapsing season, Cleveland Browns dismiss GM George Kokinis
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November 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Less than 24 hours after Browns owner Randy Lerner pledged to add a new "credible, serious leader" to reorganize his football operations, the team parted ways with General Manager George Kokinis. Kokinis was seen leaving the Browns' facility around noon on Monday carrying two travel bags. He was shown out by Lew Merletti, senior vice president, and Mike Nikolaus, human resource director. The Browns made no mention of Kokinis' departure at coach Eric Mangini's regularly scheduled Monday press conference at 3 p.m. Neither Lerner nor his spokesman responded to multiple calls and emails for comment. The club said in a statement released shortly after 10:30 p.m. that Kokinis "is no longer ..."
Browns' Eric Mangini feels owner Randy Lerner's support
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November 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns coach Eric Mangini said he talked to Browns owner Randy Lerner on the phone Monday morning and that Lerner still supports him despite the 1-7 record. "I've never gotten a feeling otherwise in all of my conversations with Randy,'' said Mangini. Lerner said Sunday after the 30-6 loss to the Chicago that he was "sick about'' the 1-7 record, but wouldn't fire Mangini during the bye week this week. "I talked to Randy this morning and it was very similar to all of our conversations,'' said Mangini. "This is a process. We talked about that quite a bit. It doesn't mean we're not going to try to win every week...Randy and I share the same vision. What we do talk about quite a bit is ..."
Sorry Seven didn't get parity invitations
Comment
November 2
Buffalo News
 columnist Mark Gaughan
"The bottom is falling out of the NFL this season. Every year there is a handful of really bad teams at the bottom. This year, however, there aren't just two, three or four dregs in the NFL. There are seven. For the first time since 1970, there are two 0-7 teams and one 0-6 team. Only once in the last 40 years — in 1985 — had there been three 0-6 teams. The Sorry Seven right now comprises: St. Louis (0-7), Tampa Bay (0-7), Tennessee (0-6), Cleveland (1-6), Kansas City (1-6), Detroit (1-5) and Oakland (2-5). We'll have to see if any other teams spiral downward and join this group. The increasing number of blowouts is another sign of the bad getting worse. Last week six of 13 games were ..."
MORE LIKE A BROWNOUT
Comment
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"There will come a point in this season when offensive coordinator Ron Turner no longer will be able to preach patience and say the offense needs to execute better. At some point -- and it's coming soon -- the Bears will be what they are. Right now, they strongly resemble a stumbling bunch, confused and lacking an identity. Don't mistake a 30-6 victory over the down-and-out Cleveland Browns (1-7) on Sunday at Soldier Field for progress because, if anything, it was a step backward offensively a week after the Bears (4-3) were beaten into humiliation in Cincinnati. With a new quarterback, a rebuilt line and young receivers, the expectation was for some growing pains. But in November? A testy ..."
Roughing a quarterback
Comment
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist Mike Mulligan
"The Bears beat up a feeble Cleveland Browns team almost as much as the Browns beat up Jay Cutler on Sunday at Soldier Field. A 24-point victory didn't tell the whole story as Cutler looked more like a mugging victim than a guy who directed a winning effort. ''We have work to do,'' Cutler said. ''It's good to get a win at home, but offensively, we've got to get to work.'' Cutler was sacked four times and took countless other hits, including one that was called roughing the quarterback and kept the Bears' first touchdown drive alive. They had to settle for field goals on their first three forays into Browns territory. Cutler bit his tongue on that play and said he was swallowing blood until ..."
O-line protection not much to savor
Comment
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Lovie Smith likes to talk about how losses don't leave a good taste in his mouth, but this win probably didn't taste too good to Jay Cutler, who was swallowing blood after a blow to the chin from the helmet of Cleveland linebacker Kamerion Wimbley in the second quarter. That drew a 15-yard penalty that kept alive the Bears' first touchdown drive, but the only thing the Bears will have to show for the rest of the hits on Cutler will be some bruises. Cutler bit his tongue on the big hit and didn't stop swallowing blood until the fourth quarter. He was sacked a season-high four times and hit seven times by the worst-ranked defense in the league. ''Shaun Rogers is a big guy,'' Cutler said. ..."
This blowout none too pretty
Comment
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist Rick Telander
"Here's what the Browns must do. Go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland, find a section that suits their individual tastes -- rap, gospel, death metal, whatever -- and quit playing football for a while. Meditate. Reflect. Like the rest of the season. Quarterback Derek Anderson and his alleged ''receivers'' should lock themselves in the prison music area and ponder career changes. I don't know what the 1-7 Browns are doing, but it's not pro football. ''I don't want to say he was bad,'' said Bears free safety Danieal Manning of Anderson, who on a day of perfect weather had an astounding 0.0 quarterback rating at the half before surging to a ludicrous 10.5 for the game. ..."
Cutler-Ryan tiff just part of competitive rivalry
Comment
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Jay Cutler and Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan had an up-close discussion along the Browns' sideline when the Bears failed to score after first-and-goal at the 2-yard line, the most egregious of the many red-zone failures. They nearly had to be separated from jawing at one another, but Cutler called it all part of a rivalry he had with Ryan dating back to his days in Denver when the son of Buddy Ryan was running the Oakland Raiders' defense. ''I love Rob Ryan. I think he's always liked and respected me,'' Cutler said. ''He's a great coach. You can just see the energy he brings on the sidelines to those guys. I've always enjoyed competing against him. I think he's one of the ..."
Fired-up Manning does it all
Comment
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Being considered the best athlete on any team -- even teams as lackluster as the Cleveland Browns -- can increase expectations for any player. But that's the pressure-filled world Bears safety Danieal Manning finds himself in. Coach Lovie Smith has called Manning the Bears' best athlete. On Sunday, Manning met those expectations and then some, turning in one of the best defensive performances of his four-year career in the Bears' 30-6 win against the Browns. ''It was very, very rewarding,'' said Manning, who made an interception, forced a fumble and recovered it. ''Everybody wants to win and contribute, and I felt like I contributed in this win.'' The best thing about Manning's takeaways ..."
Turnovers kill Browns' hopes
Comment
November 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Eric Steinbach quite possibly was the only Cleveland Brown who took something positive from a 30-6 drubbing Sunday at the hands of the Bears. Steinbach, a starting guard who starred at Providence Catholic and Iowa, is fulfilling a lifelong NFL dream and called the opportunity to play again at Soldier Field ''special.'' ''I was a big Bears fan as a kid,'' said Steinbach, who had plenty of friends and family in attendance. ''In college it started to fall off. You think about the draft and anyone can draft you. You just don't know. But it's always great to come here.'' Steinbach, a former Sun-Times All-Area and All-State selection, was drafted in the second round with the 33rd pick by ..."
Danieal Manning, Chicago Bears defense get their takeaways
Comment
November 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"Danieal Manning felt a little green before kickoff Sunday, and it had nothing to do with envy. The Bears defensive back got a pleasant surprise in the locker room when teammate Tommie Harris approached and offered a present: an Incredible Hulk action figure. "That was my thing back in college," Manning explained. "I felt like when I got on the field, I just became this Incredible Hulk. I had the green gloves. I had the green mouthpiece. I had all the toys in the locker room. "Tommie was like, 'I've got a present for you.' I thought it was a music CD. But the Incredible Hulk is his favorite too. The whole concept is to have a metamorphosis: When you're on the field, you have to become this ..."
Browns owner Randy Lerner says Mangini's job safe for now
Comment
November 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Randy Lerner admitted Sunday that he's "sick about" the 1-7 Browns -- but not enough to fire coach Eric Mangini during the upcoming bye week. When asked specifically if he'd make a coaching change, the Browns owner said no. "I think I should evaluate me," he said, only half-jokingly. He indicated that he wasn't ready to give up on Mangini despite being obviously distraught about the state of the team. But he did strongly indicate that it's time for him to bring in a football authority who can help straighten out this mess. "There's absolutely no question about that," he said. "The highest priority that I have is a strong, credible, serious leader within the building to guide decisions in a ..."
Fumbling, bumbling Browns
Comment
November 2
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Growing more frustrated with his underachieving football team and perhaps coach Eric Mangini, Browns owner Randy Lerner watched Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Chicago Bears from a Soldier Field tunnel. As the team filed by Lerner at halftime, players avoided looking at him. A bye week next Sunday provides time for changes, and Mangini vowed to evaluate everything, including ''coaching and personnel.'' After his news conference, Mangini stood in the locker room, scowling as he surveyed the scene. He may not have been pleased that quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn had fled to the bus. They were summoned to speak to the media, which the league requires, and Anderson was still angry after ..."
Jamal Lewis plans to retire after bitter season
Comment
November 2
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns running back Jamal Lewis never envisioned closing out his career on one of the league's worst teams. But Lewis said Sunday after a 30-6 loss to the Chicago Bears that he believes this is his last year, despite having another season remaining on his contract that's scheduled to pay him a base salary of $2.4 million in 2010. Brought in by former General Manager Phil Savage in 2007, Lewis turned 30 on Aug. 26. ''I think this is it, I think this is my last year,'' Lewis said. ''The way this looks, I had a good run. ''When I talk, I mean what I say. I think you all know that from me. I've done what I've needed to do. Just really trying to help. Just do my job. Do what I do. That's run ..."
As Cleveland Browns slide further from compentency, the coaching questions increase
Comment
November 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 columnist Bill Livingston
"The Browns made changes on the offensive line, at linebacker, tight end and in the defensive secondary before their latest debacle even started. It took much longer to make the most obvious change. Finally, with 3:02 remaining in a game that, despite commendable grit by the defense, had been lost ever since the Chicago Bears took a 16-point halftime lead, coach Eric Mangini swept the broken shell that was quarterback Derek Anderson out of the lineup and replaced him with Brady Quinn. The score by then was 30-6, Chicago. Deficits like that tend to stand up. Quinn had no more chance of success than Mangini does of turning an old nickname, "Mangenius," into something other than an ..."
Frustrated Jamal Lewis says this is final NFL season: 'I've done what I needed to do'
Comment
November 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Jamal Lewis was so dismayed after Sunday's 30-6 loss to the Bears that he said he'll most likely retire after this season, his 10th. "[The losing] is very hard," said Lewis, who's signed through next season. "Very. To me, I think this is my last year. I think this is it. Honestly, the way this looks, you know, I had a good run. Period. Point blank. I've done what I needed to do." He admitted that it would be tough to go out this way, on such a losing note. "It would be, but at the same time, I stuck my neck out and wanted to come in and help and do what I could do, even though I knew the consequences," he said. "I knew what we had and what was going to go with it, being that you do have ..."
Anger boiling over as Cleveland Browns take another pounding, 30-6, from Chicago Bears
Comment
November 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The scent of change hung in the air as the Browns slinked into their bye week with a 1-7 record after a 30-6 loss to the Chicago Bears. Outside the locker room, owner Randy Lerner talked of his despair and the need to add somebody to fix his organization. In the post-game interview room, coach Eric Mangini vowed to "look at everything across the board ... coaches, players, personnel." Asked if he were angry or frustrated, the coach barked, "You can choose any of those emotions and they fit." In a doorway leading to the trainer's room, Mangini had an animated lecture with beleaguered offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Then Mangini prowled the locker room with a pronounced scowl so long ..."
Bears should be able to handle Shaun Rogers
Comment
November 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Information from this report was obtained from NFL scouts. Shaun Rogers is a 30-year-old Browns nose tackle who has played in three Pro Bowls. He is listed at 6 feet 4, 350 pounds, but he likely is closer to 400. He is listed as probable on the injury report with a foot injury. Rogers, also known as "Big Baby," can be dominant in spurts. He is very talented and unusually athletic for his size. He has a rare combination of quickness and power. Rogers can walk a center back to the quarterback."
Chicago Bears must show their emotional mettle
Comment
November 1
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Dan Pompei
"If Bears players are half as angry as their fans Sunday, I wouldn't want to be a Cleveland Brown at Soldier Field. And if Bears players aren't half as angry as their fans, I wouldn't want to be a Bear at Soldier Field. Last week was one for diatribes, for venom, for ugliness in many forms, and Soldier Field is likely to be bubbling with rage. It wasn't just the run defense that Cedric Benson and his gang of Bengals trampled. Also crushed were Lovie Smith and Ron Turner, Rod Marinelli and the pass rush, the apparently benched Frank Omiyale, Greg Olsen, the Cover-2, Jay Cutler and the belief the Bears were an upper-echelon team. The good news? Come Sunday, whatever happened in Cincinnati is ..."
Kosar might land bigger role with Browns
Comment
November 1
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"It will take a disaster of monstrous proportions for the Browns to replace coach Eric Mangini during the season. Owner Randy Lerner is just not going to make that move. Which is well and good. Just because I have an opinion does not mean Lerner should act. It's his team, after all. But in the offseason, things could get very interesting - and it might not all deal with the coach. Lerner said this past week that bringing in an experienced, respected individual to run the football side of the business this offseason is ''a priority.'' ''There is no question that the Browns need a credible, vocal leader that is accountable for all levels of performance,'' Lerner said in an e-mail this week to ..."
Toub touts Browns' Cribbs as special talent
Comment
October 31
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Joshua Cribbs was asked if he is the best returner in the NFL. The Cleveland Browns star deferred to the critics and fans to make that decision. If Bears special-teams coordinator Dave Toub has a vote, he might choose Cribbs even with the bevy of talented return men he has to work with. ''He's one of the best, if not the best,'' Toub said. ''He's so strong. You just watch the tape. Guys are unblocked sometimes, and he will run them over or stiff-arm them. He might only be listed as a 4.6 [40-yard dash time], but he plays a lot faster than that. He's got vision. He'll make the correct cut, and if you have one guy out of position, he'll hit you.'' The Bears have their work cut out for them ..."
Coordinator doubts fans will protest
Comment
October 31
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan doesn't believe fans will embrace a protest planned by two longtime season ticket holders for the Monday night game Nov. 16 against the visiting Baltimore Ravens. Mike Randall of Massillon and Tony Schaefer of Sandusky, aka ''Dawg Pound Mike'' and ''Mobile Dawg,'' want fans to wait until after kickoff to go to their seats, to show their displeasure over the state of the franchise. The Browns (1-6) have lost 12 of their past 13 games and fans see little hope for the future under new coach Eric Mangini. ''This is the Cleveland fans. They sit through snowstorms, all kinds of crap,'' Ryan said Friday. ''I saw something they're not going to show up. ..."
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan hates himself for the team's 1-6 record
Comment
October 31
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Right now, Rob Ryan can't even bear to look in the mirror. When the Browns defensive coordinator does, he's filled with venom, with loathing. "I look at myself in the mirror, and I hate me," Ryan said Friday. He hates himself for the Browns' 1-6 record heading into Sunday's game at Chicago, he hates himself for a defense that doesn't tackle hard enough or secure enough turnovers. He hates himself for the 25.6 points per game the Browns surrender to opponents and even for the 10.3 measly points per game the Browns' offense -- for which he's not responsible -- averages. However, that doesn't mean he thinks Browns fans should follow the advice of two lifelong fans who are organizing a ..."
Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll might put Joshua Cribbs in the backfield as a running back
Comment
October 31
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said he "wouldn't rule out seeing" Joshua Cribbs in the backfield as a running back. Makes sense, doesn't it? After all, the former Kent State running quarterback is the school's third all-time leading rusher with 3,670 yards and a school-record 38 touchdowns. The Browns, on the other hand, have one rushing touchdown this season -- and that's by quarterback Derek Anderson. Their leading rusher, Jamal Lewis, is 30th in the NFL with 280 yards. Against Pittsburgh, Cribbs ran six times after taking a direct snap in the wildcat formation and gained 45 yards for a 7.5-yard average. So why not use him at running back instead of receiver? Browns coach ..."
D-line hopes to exploit an ex-Bear in St. Clair
Comment
October 30
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Bears are seeking ways to break through on the defensive line, and one of the ways to Browns quarterback Derek Anderson on Sunday will be through ex-Bear John St. Clair, the Browns' right tackle. When St. Clair signed in free agency with Cleveland and the Browns cut Kevin Shaffer, who has more experience, the Bears snapped up Shaffer. St. Clair was a well-liked veteran in the locker room for four seasons. He played a backup role before Chris Williams' back surgery last season forced him into a starting role at left tackle. Before that, St. Clair had often gone against defensive end Adewale Ogunleye in practice. ''It's going to be fun going against him,'' Ogunleye said. ''I'm just going ..."
Adewale Ogunleye expects Chicago Bears defensive line to pick up pace
Comment
October 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears left defensive end Adewale Ogunleye agreed the Browns look awful on offense, from a statistical standpoint. He stopped well short of praising former teammate John St. Clair's ability, saying only that the Browns' starting right tackle "tries hard." But Ogunleye was by no means showing disrespect to his opponent. How could he, considering how the Bears looked Sunday in a 45-10 loss to the Bengals? Not to mention the Bears have failed to collect a sack the last two games after recording 14 over the first four. In other words, there is no reason to take the 1-6 Browns lightly. "I can only focus on the offensive line. They've played very well," Ogunleye said of the Browns. "They're ..."
Deficiencies in red zone vex Browns
Comment
October 30
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"When Derek Anderson slipped across the goal line on a broken play against the Cincinnati Bengals in Game 4, few knew the Browns quarterback was stepping into the dead zone. Going into Game 8 Sunday against the Chicago Bears, that remains the Browns' only rushing touchdown. But surprisingly, they are one of 12 NFL teams that have totalled three or fewer touchdowns on the ground this season. The St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs have none, and the Buffalo Bills match the Browns' one, although it came from running back Marshawn Lynch. Only three teams - the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints - are in double digits in that category. It seems to be a tree in the forest of ..."
Cleveland Browns' Derek Anderson knows his stats are lousy but says he's improving
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October 30
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Derek Anderson's personal statistics are so bad even he can't bear to look at them. "I honestly know they are garbage and I haven't looked at them since I started playing," he said of his four-game stint since taking the starting job from Brady Quinn. There's the 43.8 completion percentage and the 40.6 passer rating, of course. There's the 10.3 rating on third downs, the 7.8 rating in fourth quarters, the three touchdowns in 18 quarters at the helm. There's the 2-of-17 passing game in the win against Buffalo, followed by a 9-of-24 day in Pittsburgh. Sixteen of those combined 30 incompletions may be attributed to dropped passes. Then there was the Green Bay game, on a perfect weather ..."
Fraley, Gaines step in to fill holes at tight end
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October 29
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Fighting the flu and a hamstring strain and trying to get by with a mangled finger, Browns tight end Robert Royal couldn't play last week against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Still dealing with a balky knee after surgery in December, veteran tight end Steve Heiden had to sit out last week, too. Their absence left a glaring hole at tight end, one that was patched by sliding over versatile offensive lineman Hank Fraley and adding a new player in Michael Gaines. And those two didn't fare too badly, considering the circumstances. Fraley has played many fill-in roles this season. After starting all 16 games last season at center, Fraley, a 10-year veteran, now has started at guard and tight ..."
And away they go: Bears' Hester, Browns' Cribbs provide more than a dash of excitement
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October 29
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Don't leave the couch when the Browns and Chicago Bears change possessions Sunday on kickoffs and punts. Something exciting is bound to happen. It's the first-ever matchup between Chicago's Devin Hester and Josh Cribbs. "It's like a best-of-the-best," said Cribbs. Indeed, the return specialists rank 1-2 in return touchdowns since 2005. Hester has 11, Cribbs eight. They're both chasing the NFL all-time mark of 13 set by Brian Mitchell. "I just know Devin can, at any time he touches the ball in any phase as a punt returner or as a kickoff guy, he can go the distance," said Chicago coach Lovie Smith. "He's a great player with his hands on the ball. "I'd say the same thing about Joshua ..."
Look for changes at middle linebacker, left guard and defensive tackle
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October 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"Changes are in the works for the Bears even if coach Lovie Smith refuses to divulge any information. He had a short fuse Wednesday when asked about possible lineup moves for Sunday's game against the Browns. Specifically, Smith was asked if the offensive line would remain status quo, as he proclaimed after a loss at Atlanta. It seems Josh Beekman is destined to replace Frank Omiyale as the starter at left guard. "I'm not going to talk about anything personnel-wise," Smith said with emphasis. "To me, that's pretty clear. If that's all you want to talk about, there's nothing else to talk about." Pressed on why he wouldn't disclose any changes, an irritated Smith snapped. "Just don't want to. ..."
Former Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage criticizes current Browns
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October 28
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Former Browns general manager Phil Savage ripped the new Browns regime to his hometown newspaper today -- and could be in breach of his Browns contract. Savage, now a radio color analyst for Alabama football, basically said the new duo of coach Eric Mangini and George Kokinis has ruined the quarterbacks and dismantled what Savage was building. "You don't take a lot of solace in watching a place you leave go downhill further," Savage told the Mobile Press Register. "But they took what we did have going there and they just dismantled that even further. We left two quarterbacks behind that both seem ruined right now. They traded a lot of players out of there. I feel for the guys we brought ..."