February 5, 20214 yr True statement "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 9, 20214 yr RIP Marty. https://fox8.com/news/former-browns-coach-marty-schottenheimer-passes-away-at-77/
February 12, 20214 yr Yes? Yes? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 16, 20214 yr ^ wouldn’t he want to go to pitts?? also, so then ok with vernon gone to fa ???
February 16, 20214 yr Personally, I think we could spend our cap money better on someone that is going to give us more than 25-30 snaps a game...
February 16, 20214 yr Depends on how the offer is structured. If it's front-loaded, the cap hit won't be so bad. But we badly need another edge to complement Myles. I thought this was a terrific article about what could/should happen this offseason....... https://247sports.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/LongFormArticle/Cleveland-Browns-Mock-OffSeason-What-Jared-Would-Do-160926753/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 16, 20214 yr Has anyone ever read this article. It is quite interesting and turns your thoughts on Art Modell and Al Lerner on its head. Pretty much it more or less places the impetus and blame on the Browns move to Baltimore 25 years ago on Al Lerner. Without for Lerner, the Browns would have never moved to Baltimore. https://theathletic.com/2180453/2020/11/06/art-modell-cleveland-browns-move-al-lerner-baltimore/
February 16, 20214 yr 3 minutes ago, mrnyc said: ^ its for subscribers only unfortunately. For synopsis- It essentially said that Al Lerner had been plotting for years to get a team in Baltimore (since he was head of MBNA). He was unsuccessful in the attempt to lure an expansion team to the market being passed over for Carolina and Jax. Lerner with a large Cleveland operation had befriended Moddell and was aware of Moddells poor financial condition. He was also aware of the issue with old Cleveland Stadium and how the Moddell was bleeding cash after the Gateway project was built. Lerner knowing that Maryland was all in on getting a team and having the political connections there, started pushing Moddell in that direction to move the team there, even going so far as arranging the meetings between the key players involved. At the same time, he was working with Moddell to negotiate with Cleveland regarding a new Browns deal there, he was more quietly pushing for Baltimore. The article more or less goes to point out that Lerner desperately wanted to own an NFL team, and he figured he could essentially get the Browns to move to Baltimore, then with his friendship with Moddell, he could negotiate favorable terms to buy it from him, since Moddell was in financial hardship anyway, and it was unlikely he would have been able to hold on to the Browns long term. Moddell, really wanted to keep the team in Cleveland, even trying to pull out of the deal at the last minute but for the fact Lerner pushed him into it. After the deal went forward, Moddell and Lerner's friendship quickly fell apart as Moddell felt manipulated into moving the team to Baltimore and Lerner distanced himself from Moddell because he did not want to be blamed for the Browns leaving. Moddell then went on to sell the team to Biscotti because Lerner was not in the picture anymore. Lerner, wanting an NFL Team saw an opportunity in Cleveland and used the poltical connections he developed in the years prior to move to the front of the line in getting the New Browns back. It is ironic that Cleveland has a street named Lerner way and a statue of Al Lerner when he ultimately was the man responsible for the Browns moving in the first place. --- This is pretty much what the article says. Good read for those that subscribe.
February 16, 20214 yr ^ thanks for the great summary! i have heard something like that story before — i guess that confirms it.
February 16, 20214 yr 19 minutes ago, mrnyc said: ^ thanks for the great summary! i have heard something like that story before — i guess that confirms it. Right. It was commonly said that Lerner was the one flying Modell from Cleveland to Baltimore. But for whatever reason Lerner was never portrayed as the villain. But man, how all that went down was just a complete kick in the face of all those fans who did nothing but support the franchise. The NFL are the true villains.
February 16, 20214 yr "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 1, 20214 yr Watt is apparently reaching for a Cardinals helmet. 😟 https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/browns/jj-watt-announces-hes-signing-with-the-arizona-cardinals/95-50804114-0380-4047-b3d6-d092199f1925
March 1, 20214 yr 49 minutes ago, skiwest said: Watt is apparently reaching for a Cardinals helmet. 😟 https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nfl/browns/jj-watt-announces-hes-signing-with-the-arizona-cardinals/95-50804114-0380-4047-b3d6-d092199f1925 Meh I'd rather see some younger talent become part of a Browns identity, rather than an old veteran sign on for short term glory.
March 1, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, Cleburger said: Meh I'd rather see some younger talent become part of a Browns identity, rather than an old veteran sign on for short term glory. 2 hours ago, Cleburger said: Meh I'd rather see some younger talent become part of a Browns identity, rather than an old veteran sign on for short term glory. Watt has missed 48 out of 80 games the last five seasons so less healthy than Vernon.
March 14, 20214 yr Some "Eve of Free Agency" thoughts about the Browns..... Browns need the most help at DE/Edge and DB, especially a rangy hybrid safety who can be on the field in big nickel packages. And guess what? This free-agency offers a lot of options at both positions. Look for the Browns to go hard and heavy at their favorites at these two positions. After decades of roaming the desert, the stars appear to have finally aligned for the Browns to address their biggest positions of need. Who will they go after? Here are my guesses/preferences: DE/Edge -- I know everyone seems to like Carl Lawson because of his age and our familiarity with him on the Bengals, Bud Dupree again because of familiarity or Shaq Barrett because of his tremendous improvement every season. But I don't think Lawson's fit is great with the Browns scheme, I think Bud Dupree is overrated and I expect the Bucs will make every effort to keep Barrett. To me, Trey Hendrickson is the Browns' favorite but he's going to be highly sought after. Takkarist McKinley would be a very satisfactory Plan B prize. Some insiders think the Browns will go after both Hendrickson AND McKinley. That would be amazing if they could pull that off! DBs -- First, I'm going to focus on safeties because I think it's a higher priority for the Browns who don't seem to value LB highly. They appear to want a rover in the 3-safety sets or would like play it more if they had the personnel. And this year's FA period offers a LOT of quality safeties. It's a shoppers paradise. Consider these UFA's.... Anthony Harris, John Johnson III, Keanu Neal, LaMarcus Joyner, Malik Hooker, Jaquiski Tartt, Duron Harmon, Tre Boston, Rayshawn Jenkins, Tashaun Gipson, Earl Thomas, Bradley McDougald, Erik Harris, etc etc, you get the point.... Anthony Harris would have been the best to sign last year but the Vikings tagged him. Not this year, after a down 2020. And he turns 30 in October. JJIII is 26 and fast rising. He's not a ballhawk but he does everything else great. Browns may also be able to bring in a lower-rated FA for depth and to help out still-rookie Grant Delpit. As for corners, I'd like to see the Browns bring Terrance Mitchell back and add Mike Hilton from the Stillers. Hilton had a down year in 2020 yet still posted a 68.9 PFF score. Might be able to get him for a bargain, especially with the cap so low this year. LB -- I don't know if the Browns are going after LBs but if they do, the top prizes are Lavonte David, Matt Milano, Jayon Brown, Denzel Perryman and KJ Wright. I'd love for them to go after Perryman. He's a hitter and might get overlooked in this FA market. The others are expensive or on the wrong side of 30. WR -- While I would love for the Browns to bring Hollywood Higgins back but if they're going to spend more money here, then they ought to get some more speed to go with Higgins' route-running. That guy may be Breshad Perriman. I don't know why the Browns let him go. He's never really seemed to put it all together to earn his first-round drafting but he's a good slot/speed guy, and he and Baker played well together in 2018. If not Perriman, then perhaps the Browns should target Damiere Byrd. He's got 4.27 speed and was under-valued in the Patriots' run-first offense last year. Those are my favorites. One thing is for sure, this is a great time for the Browns to fill their positions of need in FA then go after best players available in the draft. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 15, 20214 yr Note the timing from prediction to confirmation "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 16, 20214 yr 6 hours ago, KJP said: Note the timing from prediction to confirmation You certainly awesome @KJP great pickup for the Browns.
March 16, 20214 yr I wasn't so awesome in predicting on Twitter that the Browns would land one of the top FA defensive ends. But the market got way too rich for them. I can see them going after a second-tier DE like Takk McKinley, or Carlos Dunlap if he's not too pricey, or trading for Von Miller AND going after an Edge in the draft. They may save their coins for other needs like CB or a speedy wideout. I can see them drafting a DE/Edge. This draft is loaded with DE/Edge talent and a speedy, more polished technician can make an immediate impact on instinct alone like Aziz Ojolari, Carlos Basham or maybe Chris Rumph who may get overlooked because he played at Duke and needs more bulk. Since the DE market got out of hand, I hope the Browns add a top CB and a speedy wideout, plus some OL and DL depth. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 16, 20214 yr "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 18, 20214 yr Solid pick-up! BTW, Browns DC Joe Woods runs a 4-2-5 "heavy nickel" base "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 20, 20214 yr So...... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 20, 20214 yr Nick Karns: Andrew Berry somehow upgraded the DT position by paying Malik Jackson $1.5 million less than Larry Ogunjobi got. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 20, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, KJP said: Nick Karns: Andrew Berry somehow upgraded the DT position by paying Malik Jackson $1.5 million less than Larry Ogunjobi got. Berry is handling the free agency situation wisely. He knows that he will have to start making long-term commitments to players like Mayfied, Ward and Chubb. The defensive end/edge market got overpriced and could lead to teams getting burned by signing players with questionable injury histories. Recall last year the projections of Jadeveon Clowney coming here? Fortunately, he either wanted too much or what he thought in the way the 2020 season would turn out for the Browns wasn't good enough for him. Even though Vernon got hurt, the Browns got far more production out of him than what Clowney produced in only 8 games with the Titans before he got hurt.
April 6, 20214 yr Except Clowney and Vernon had identical PFF ratings in 2020. I'd like to have Clowney only if he doesn't cost too much. He's a good run defender. We might get Vernon for part of 2021, perhaps on a half-year prove-it deal. Ask for long-term deals coming due for Mayfield, Ward and Chubb, the Browns are carrying over some cap space from prior years which can be used to pay signing bonuses that bump up the overall value of a long-term deal and the guaranteed parts of those contracts. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 10, 20214 yr On 4/6/2021 at 1:23 PM, KJP said: Except Clowney and Vernon had identical PFF ratings in 2020. I'd like to have Clowney only if he doesn't cost too much. He's a good run defender. We might get Vernon for part of 2021, perhaps on a half-year prove-it deal. Ask for long-term deals coming due for Mayfield, Ward and Chubb, the Browns are carrying over some cap space from prior years which can be used to pay signing bonuses that bump up the overall value of a long-term deal and the guaranteed parts of those contracts. Even though Clowney and Vernon had identical ratings, the Browns got almost a full season out of Vernon while Clowney only played 1/2 a season. The way it played out contract-wise, the Browns made out far better in the long run for 2020. When Garrett was unavailable, Vernon did his job in picking up sacks. I believe that when it comes down to it, Clowney wants too much money, otherwise he would have already signed with the Browns (or any other team that had an interest in him). This is a similar situation that played out for him in 2020. As the draft is only a few weeks away, it would be a bit surprising to see him sign a contract before the draft at this point. I don't want to see a big money deal for Clowney jeopardizing flexibility in signing Mayfield, Ward and Chubb. Regarding Vernon, the best deal for him could be signing at a veteran's minimum sweetened with performance incentives. As the recovery time for his injury is nearly 12 months, any team signing him for 2021 would be lucky to get him to be able to play for the last half of the season.
April 10, 20214 yr At this point, time is on the Browns side. If Clowney doesn't come down to earth in his negotiations, the Browns can get their bookend DE in the draft. But I'd feel more comfortable in getting a corner at #26, if one of the top five CBs (Surtain, Horn, Newsome, Farley, Samuel) are still there because I think the Browns DL is pretty decent with what they have (I'd prefer great, but you can't always what you want). I think a few top players who opted out in 2020 are going to fall to the second round, so I would hope that if the Browns go CB in round 1, they can pick up a good DE in round 2. Or if they go DE in round 1, they can find a top CB in round 2. The curveball may be if one of the hybrid LBs are still there at #26, like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (hybrid LB/FS) or Zaven Collins (hybrid LB/DE). Their versatility may make them too difficult to pass up. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 11, 20214 yr Clowney may have again overplayed his hand. Last year, he turned down good contracts as he wanted more money and/or desired to go to a team with a situation that he "perceived" to be better. He ended up having to settle for less money and a one-year deal. I feel that his decision this year is solely driven by getting the biggest contract possible. As the signings of Johnson, Hill and Walker have shown, those players want to win and could have received more money elsewhere. Some are driven by the prospects of winning while others are driven for money. It appears that Clowney is one of the latter. It is very good to see that the Browns are attractive to those in the first category. I believe that the Browns have made their "best" offer to Clowney. Barring something unforeseen, it won't get any better. They have probably moved on to other options. They will now see what is available to them in the draft. The organization has shown they will pay what they feel somebody is worth and will move on if the player wants more. I expect that other teams are taking the wait-and-see approach with Clowney as well. The "prime" signing period for free agents has passed. I predict that when Clowney does sign, it will be another one of those contracts where he signs for less, probably a one-year deal and perhaps well into the time when training camps have started.
April 11, 20214 yr Charles Robinson says the Browns are working on "something to improve the team before the draft" according to his cryptic interview with Baskin & Phelps on Friday. It's discussed here, suggesting a possible trade.... https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/browns-maven-features/browns-move-ahead-of-draft My guess? Danielle Hunter. Browns really wanted a top-flight DE but the FA market on DE's went nuts. And Robinson suggested that the Browns would look to sign the unidentified player they're seeking to a multi-year deal -- suggesting someone probably in their 20s. Hunter will turn 27 this fall. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 11, 20214 yr 10 hours ago, KJP said: My guess? Danielle Hunter. Browns really wanted a top-flight DE but the FA market on DE's went nuts. And Robinson suggested that the Browns would look to sign the unidentified player they're seeking to a multi-year deal -- suggesting someone probably in their 20s. Hunter will turn 27 this fall. If your guess of Hunter is correct, that would indeed be an excellent acquisition by the Browns. When healthy, his numbers are great and it looks like he is a better player than Clowney. Stefanski knows him from his days in Minnesota. Acquiring a player of that caliber would give the Browns a chance to narrow their focus in the draft to fill their other positions of need.
April 12, 20214 yr If the Browns sign Clowney just cancel the 2021 season because the Browns will go 13-4 to 15-2 and Cleveland will be set ablaze before anything of significance can even happen Edited April 12, 20214 yr by YABO713
April 12, 20214 yr The Browns will sign Clowney if/when he passes his physical. To me, that means the Browns could concentrate all their draft resources (and maybe a player like Njoku) to move up and grab one of the top 4-5 CBs and a top LB/Hybrid like JOK. If they have any picks left over, get a WR. Draft is done and go win a Super Bowl. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 14, 20214 yr Now that Clowney is aboard, draft for a top CB, DE depth, a speedy developmental WR and start extensions for Chubb and prep for next year extensions with Ward, Baker and Teller. They can do it with signing bonuses paid for by the roller cap space. Now go win a Super Bowl Browns! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 14, 20214 yr 16 minutes ago, surfohio said: What about LB? LB isn't an important position in the Browns' heavy nickel defense Woods likes to run. I would like to see the Browns draft a hybrid LB (LB-DE or LB-FS) but until Greedy can prove he's recovered, CB is too critical of a position to leave as a question mark. BTW, check out these 2021 NFL Unit Grades from Mike Clay, updated today after the Clowney signing. Nice to see Browns ranked so highly....... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 14, 20214 yr Gotcha. Here's hoping they can defend against the run better. I think the Browns have been ahead of the curve, bringing back a more run-centric offense. I believe we could see other teams going that route, especially since 1. defenses are more geared vs. passing and 2. RB's are cheap. Also, I was not at all impressed on how the offense and defense played in bad weather, like they didn't want to be out there. Bad weather has always been an advantage for the Browns.
April 15, 20214 yr Jadeveon Clowney’s Contract - $8M base - $7M fully guaranteed - 4 void years - $3.6M 2022 dead cap #Browns Cap Hit 2021: $3.8M Cleveland adds Clowney, John Johnson, Troy Hill, Malik Jackson, Tak McKinley at less than $15M of 2021 cap Full Breakdown: https://bit.ly/32iW3NE "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 29, 20214 yr IT'S DRAFT DAY! But it feels good that this is no longer the Browns championship.... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 30, 20214 yr yarrr -- ok good first pick at #26. he's good coverage and quick, maybe health issues per the combine, arguably second best cb after that alabama cb: Greg Newsome II CB Junior 6-0, 192 lbs Northwestern
April 30, 20214 yr I understand the pick, we need depth at CB, the kid is talented but Newsome's injury history concerns me. I was really hoping the Browns would select Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. To me, he's more than a hybrid LB. He's a Swiss Army knife. He's a disruptive force and a game-changer on defense. He's still available, but moving up in the second round would be very expensive for the Browns. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 2, 20214 yr 14 hours ago, sooner said: KJP, Happy now? Over-freakin-joyed! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 2, 20214 yr On 4/10/2021 at 1:08 PM, KJP said: At this point, time is on the Browns side. If Clowney doesn't come down to earth in his negotiations, the Browns can get their bookend DE in the draft. But I'd feel more comfortable in getting a corner at #26, if one of the top five CBs (Surtain, Horn, Newsome, Farley, Samuel) are still there because I think the Browns DL is pretty decent with what they have (I'd prefer great, but you can't always what you want). I think a few top players who opted out in 2020 are going to fall to the second round, so I would hope that if the Browns go CB in round 1, they can pick up a good DE in round 2. Or if they go DE in round 1, they can find a top CB in round 2. The curveball may be if one of the hybrid LBs are still there at #26, like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (hybrid LB/FS) or Zaven Collins (hybrid LB/DE). Their versatility may make them too difficult to pass up. This post aged well and didn’t even mention grabbing the fastest incoming player.
May 2, 20214 yr for outside perspectives, did anyone see other draft report ranking calls? this one says A- and 8th best: https://nypost.com/2021/05/01/2021-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams/
May 2, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, mrnyc said: for outside perspectives, did anyone see other draft report ranking calls? this one says A- and 8th best: https://nypost.com/2021/05/01/2021-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams/ 2021 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-grades-all-32-teams Pro Football Focus gave them an A+
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