Wow, Kaep actually wants to play for the Browns, Coach Hue.

 

In other news:

@AKinkhabwala Wow. @MovetheSticks (Daniel Jeremiah) is one of the NICEST humans I have ever met. Just said re the Browns, "This team has a chance to be really, really bad."

 

And...

 

@LandryFootball Rough start for Browns front office--league execs and agents telling me they struggle to deal w/ them b'c they are in their words "clueless"

I'm viewing the criticism very skeptically. The new regime has not been shy about saying they are taking a different approach. That can't make the agents happy. Those agents are used to dealing with Browns brass who overpay for their overaged clients. Other execs are used to dealing with Browns brass who meet their demands in trades.

 

I'm not saying they aren't clueless. I'm just considering the source

He also cited league execs. Not just agents. Browns were still willing to overpay compared to what Atlanta and Kansas City were offering for Mack and Schwartz, respectively, and couldn't seal the deal for either. Does reek of competence.

I mentioned execs. I heard they were willing to give Mack more, but let's face it, he was on the first train outta here regardless. Conflicting reports on Schwartz. One thing is clear is that this group views OL as more of a plug and play position group compared to past regimes.

 

As I've said multiple time in this thread and the Cavs thread, be very weary of misinformation, which has increased exponentially since print journalism took a back seat the the twitterati and their 'sources'. Agents and execs play the media for fools

I just hope the Browns can recover after losing these key cogs to the 3-13 powerhouse team last year.

The #Browns have waived QB Johnny Manziel.

 

? » https://t.co/B0zFVehOwi

I mentioned execs. I heard they were willing to give Mack more, but let's face it, he was on the first train outta here regardless. Conflicting reports on Schwartz. One thing is clear is that this group views OL as more of a plug and play position group compared to past regimes.

 

As I've said multiple time in this thread and the Cavs thread, be very weary of misinformation, which has increased exponentially since print journalism took a back seat the the twitterati and their 'sources'. Agents and execs play the media for fools

 

Team execs are different than league execs. The rest is repeating the obvious. Doesn't matter anyway. So far, it's the cliche "same circus, different clowns." How can we expect otherwise. Note that's not a question.

We can expect otherwise because they are different people. I'm not superstitious so I don't believe in curses. Who are "league execs" anyways and how would they have any insight on this issue?

We can expect otherwise because they are different people. I'm not superstitious so I don't believe in curses. Who are "league execs" anyways and how would they have any insight on this issue?

 

League execs track and record player transactions which teams have to report as they occur. Media favor them as sources because it saves them from having to contact 32 teams.

Ok. But I'm not sure what insight they can offer on the specific issue. They track transactions. They aren't involved in negotiations. They basically have the same insight as any other person who tracks transactions, albeit they get their information a few minutes before the rest of the world

And that source of information and timing of information is fine with me. Fact is, Browns went 0-5 on retaining their free agents if you include Bademosi. That's not a good look no matter how you spin it. Maybe the players/agents played the Browns to get contract offers elsewhere. Maybe the Browns' front office was too incompetent or inexperienced to make engage in fast-paced NFL negotiations. Maybe the sins of past Browns management/players are being visited on their current iterations, fairly or unfairly.

 

All I know is this team sucks. It will likely suck for a while longer. Haslam isn't patient. And no matter how great the credentials or potential of each new coach hired, no one is able to turn things around fast enough to keep their jobs. So I think my description for the Browns as clueless and incompetent will remain true until THEY change their own narrative with on-field results. That is the most accurate inside source of information I will ever need.

I'm going to give the new Browns regime a fair chance and see what they do in the entire off-season before rushing to judgement.  That includes the draft which may include trading picks for current young NFL players according to some sources.

 

Turning the Browns into a winner will take a Herculean effort and a lot of time whether we like it or not.  Losing a couple of OL (that were probably trying to the use the Browns to drive up other teams offers) that couldn't get a push in the run game and gave up 50-60 sacks, a Safety who had one good year a year back, and an undersized WR are all minor in the grand scheme of trying to establish a stable, consistent, winning franchise.  They were all part of a losing culture, a 3-13 season, and probably couldn't wait to leave before a new regime and HC were announced.

 

What they do in the draft will tell me a lot more about their true intentions and whether they're serious about winning.  Another draft day championship approach (QB at #2 for example) will tell me Jimmy's still in their ear and just looking for a jersey/ticket seller.  If they take Ramsey or Bosa (widely considered BPA) or trade back and acquire more high picks, it will be a good sign.  Going after Kaepernick is a good indication of what they think about these QB's at the top and a positive sign to me as to their plans with the draft.

Ok. But I'm not sure what insight they can offer on the specific issue. They track transactions. They aren't involved in negotiations. They basically have the same insight as any other person who tracks transactions, albeit they get their information a few minutes before the rest of the world

Extra! Extra! Trish in accounting says Browns release Manziel!

Extra! Extra! Trish in accounting says Browns release Manziel!

 

Secretaries were actually better sources of information for me when I worked at Sun. Especially mayoral secretaries.

^so too was the public information officer I'd bet

Most cities I dealt with didn't have PIOs. Cleveland did, and a PIO generated a news story maybe 5-10 percent of all my Cleveland news stories. Most times I dealt with them to get an official reaction to a story I already had from another source(s). Many times with controversial stories they wouldn't return a phone call because "no comment" is the worst thing you can say, and it actually confirms there's a story.

 

Anyway....

sanchez to denver probably clears out the supposed main hurdle for aquiring kaepernick. it would be nice to have the qb issue off the table soon to concentrate on the rest of this mess of a team.

roxy music

 

http://m.tmz.com/#article/2016/03/12/johnny-manziel-partying-club-roxy-cleveland-browns-cut/

 

Hmm...."mobile quarterback from 49ers has a few good years before regressing and being traded to the Browns."  This seems like a story I've heard before.

A couple of updates:

 

"Sanchez does not replace Colin Kaepernick in the Broncos' crosshairs." (via @RapSheet) https://t.co/pdg1RObIuh

 

On 49ers: #Browns becoming less attractive to Kaepernick the longer free agency goes on ...  https://t.co/ePkqeIkpaE

 

If Browns can't get Kaepernick for half his current $19m/yr paycheck, I don't think he's worth it. The third-round pick the Browns are reportedly offering is also a bit expensive.

Good news days for the Ravens with the signing of Eric Weddle.

 

Bad news day for the Steelers with the suspension of Martavius Bryant.

 

Another no news say for the Browns.

#DePodesta says he’s heard other team officials mock him, #Browns

 

#CLEVELAND

 

https://t.co/4RrRfhlA5L via @ProFootballTalk

Dansby and Bowe cut.

 

DeMario Davis, LB from the Jets, signed.

Aaron Goldhammer just mentioned making a highlight reel to commemorate his time as a Brown. "Like that one time he caught a pass....and that other time he was inactive."

 

Gallows humor.

Very surprised about Dansby. I realize he had a high cap hit. but I thought he still had a lot left in the tank.

Who was a bigger disappointment last year: Dwayne Bowe or Johnny?

 

Or who has been the biggest recent first round disappointment: Johnny, Gilbert, Richardson...?

So far, the off season has been a classic case of new management wanting to get rid of everyone and bring their own people in.  I have never liked this philosophy and style of new management whether it be in sports or business.

 

There are always good people who should stay.  They should have franchised Mitchell Schwartz even though he would have been way overpaid.  They are going draft a new quarterback and he is going to get killed (after McCown gets hurt in the first game) .  This will be Tim Couch part II.

 

I have no idea what the Browns management is doing and have no faith in them at all.  Colin Kaepernick?  Enough said!

The Dansby cut does not surprise me.  I know his numbers were good, but I never thought Dansby was a great fit for a 3-4 scheme.  He is more of a Mike or Sam in a 4-3 scheme.  Regardless, several of the good teams in this league, notably the Pats and Steelers, make it standard practice to get rid of guys a year too early as opposed to a year too late.

 

Last year's OL was good in pass protection, but did not earn its paycheck when it came to run blocking.  In this division, we really need some road graders.  I hope they are looking to shape the new OL with that thought in mind.  Get the guys who can knock the DL and LBs back on the heels and the defense will be more hesitant to pin their ears back and come full steam after the QB.  In order to avoid being Tim Couch II, the QB simply needs to be able to read a blitz and use the hot route.  A lot of Couch's poundings were inflicted because of his inability to do that.  I don't care how good your OL is, in the NFL you only have a certain amount of time to get rid of the ball before the defense gets to you.

Very surprised about Dansby. I realize he had a high cap hit. but I thought he still had a lot left in the tank.

 

They want to be able to play young guys, and not have them blocked by older players. I would think anyone over 30 is on the chopping block.

Who was a bigger disappointment last year: Dwayne Bowe or Johnny?

 

Or who has been the biggest recent first round disappointment: Johnny, Gilbert, Richardson...?

 

JM easily, Bowie was already a declining player in KC, he should never have been signed. 

Donte Whitner can't be feeling too secure today. And I'll bet if the front office gets a decent offer for Joe Thomas (like the one Denver reportedly offered last year), he's gone too.

Donte Whitner can't be feeling too secure today. And I'll bet if the front office gets a decent offer for Joe Thomas (like the one Denver reportedly offered last year), he's gone too.

 

Doubt that.  Both Goff and Wentz are right handed and they will want to protect their blind side.

So far, the off season has been a classic case of new management wanting to get rid of everyone and bring their own people in.  I have never liked this philosophy and style of new management whether it be in sports or business.

 

There are always good people who should stay.  They should have franchised Mitchell Schwartz even though he would have been way overpaid.  They are going draft a new quarterback and he is going to get killed (after McCown gets hurt in the first game) .  This will be Tim Couch part II.

 

I have no idea what the Browns management is doing and have no faith in them at all.  Colin Kaepernick?  Enough said!

 

I agree with you. There's no point in drafting the QB of the future because the OL will be worthless. It's going to take two or three drafts just get this team back to an ordinary bad level. Maybe that's why they're looking at Kaepernick. Use the journeymen until the team has a real OL.

 

The Browns have never gone 1-15. This might be the season.

Kap is not a journeyman.  He might become one if he doesn't have a successful reset to his career, but he doesn't qualify for that label just yet.

 

I doubt Whitner gets cut.  His value to the franchise goes well beyond the playing field.

Reports are that RG3 visited Berea. I hope that was just to kick the tires to say that the tires were kicked. Meanwhile...

 

"Outside of Watson, next year's QB class is bleak. Chad Kelly considered one of the top QBs, & his tape shows someone I'd call barely draftable. " @AllbrightNFL

 

The grass may not be greener next year. If Hue thinks Goff or Wentz can be the QB O' The Future, he shouldn't wait until next year in the hopes of getting Watson. Browns are positioned to address their QB need for the next 10-15 years -- now.

Was never a Griffin (or any college Air Raid QB) fan, but bringing him in at the right price would make sense, especially if it means the Browns avoid the jersey seller at #2 and instead simply draft the best player available.  Meanwhile, the Redskins like most other NFL teams, found their franchise QB outside of the top of the draft, which the Browns could also do once they get some of the basics like blocking and tackling covered.

I've studied Goff a lot in recent weeks and I believe he's similar to but better than Marcus Mariota. He's as physically and athletically gifted yet smarter and more capable of diagnosing defenses than Mariota. His footwork and pocket presence is some of the best I've seen in a long time. Goff has a very quick release and his short- to mid-range throwing accuracy is exceptional. Wentz could be better still as he has more physical tools, but it's hard say given the limited body of work and the tremendous team surrounding him. Goff turned a bad team good, including an offensive line that's worse than the Browns' line is now.

 

https://twitter.com/Browns/status/713043062008713216

 

Cleveland Browns ‏@Browns  3m3 minutes ago

 

IT'S OFFICIAL.

 

Welcome to the #DawgPound, Robert Griffin III!

 

 

 

 

Cleveland Browns ‏@Browns  2m2 minutes ago

Robert Griffin III on joining the #DawgPound:

The Browns have fully moved on from Johnny Manziel by signing a Heisman winner from Texas with a history of attitude and leadership problems...

sweet now they can use the 2nd pick on someone who can help improve the team on day 1.

Browns will still draft a QB, maybe even at #2. RG3 doesn’t change anything. This is why...

http://craighoffman.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-talk-radio-hosts-guide-to-rgiii.html?m=1

The Browns have fully moved on from Johnny Manziel by signing a Heisman winner from Texas with a history of attitude and leadership problems...

 

I get the comparison, but at least RGIII has shown he can do something in the league.  O-ROY. 

 

I'm fine with the move, even a bit excited, so long as the plan is to take BPA at #2 (as it should be).  Get an elite talent.... a can't miss prospect, of which there are only 4 in this draft IMO (Tunsil, Ramsey, Bosa, and Jack).  I don't see much separation between the top 5-6 QBs in this draft, so they can take one possibly in the 3rd round and maybe get lucky.  If Hackenberg falls that far, I might roll the dice on him.  He is the most 'talented' QB in this draft.  He needs a lot of coaching and time to develop.  Or, quite possibly (although not likely), one of Goff or Wentz will fall to #32.

That comparison with Manziel wasn't serious. What is serious is that I don't think RG3 can play QB in the NFL. He can't read disguised NFL coverages and in the rare instances when he does, he is unable to adjust to the correct play at the line in response to what the defense is doing. He did great in his rookie season. Then defensive coordinators got the book on him and adjusted. RG3 did adjust his game or recognize what defenses were doing to him. He hasn't achieved since. Yes, I know he was injured and is healthy now. But that doesn't improve his eyes or his ability to read defenses.

 

I see a huge dropoff in QB talent after Goff or Wentz who won't fall out of the top 15. It's funny how teams pick BPA that seem to match their needs. And these teams all need QBs now, or to groom one for the future. Granted, not all will draft a QB in the first round, but I'll wager that two of them will...

 

2. Cleveland Browns 3-13

4. Dallas Cowboys 4-12

7. San Francisco 49ers 5-11

10. New York Giants 6-10

11. Chicago Bears 6-10

12. New Orleans Saints 7-9

13. Philadelphia Eagles 7-9

15. Los Angeles Rams 7-9

 

Next year, after Deshaun Watson is drafted, the QB cupboard is bare. Browns can't wait until 2018 to draft the QB of the future.

People wanted a can't miss, franchise caliber QB drafted #2 overall, well here he is..  Yes, Griffin was also an Air Raid QB but at least he has an elite arm, superior athleticism, and was a winner in college.

People wanted a can't miss, franchise caliber QB drafted #2 overall, well here he is..  Yes, Griffin was also an Air Raid QB but at least he has an elite arm, superior athleticism, and was a winner in college.

 

And look what he turned out to be in the NFL. Brains counts for as much as brawn in the pros, especially at QB. Goff was a one-man band at Cal and still took that team from 1-11 in his first year to a bowl win in his final game. His survived behind a bad OL using superior pocket presence and made his receivers better with his tremendous accuracy (he was better than Wentz in the short, medium and long passing game). I am concerned about Goff not being in a pro-style offense, but he started far more games that the more athletic Wentz who played on an extremely talented NDSU team.

 

CONOR ARMOR

March 24, 2016

RG III Shatters Wrist Signing New Contract With Browns

 

Robert Griffin III’s stint with the Cleveland Browns got off to a wildly unfortunate start Thursday, as the quarterback broke his right wrist in seventeen places while signing his new contract.

 

Even more unfortunately for the Browns, RG III’s injury occurred just as he was writing the final Roman numeral in his name, which, according to NFL bylaws, made the contract official.

 

MORE:

http://thekicker.com/rg-iii-shatters-wrist-signing-new-contract-with-browns/

It continues....

 

 

RGIII Tears ACL Walking Into Browns Facility For First Time

 

BEREA, OH – The Cleveland Browns made it in the news for the first time this offseason for something not bad happening involving a quarterback. As of around 11 am ET Thursday, Robert Griffin III is the newest name on the Browns long list of quarterbacks that they hope will work out.

 

Griffin, coming off a season of sitting on the pine in Washington under Kirk Cousins, was looked upon highly from the Browns coaching staff for his athletics and potential, especially after a year of rest from injuries and playing in general. But Griffin couldn’t avoid the injury bug for long.

 

While literally taking his first steps at the Browns training/practice facility, Griffin crumbled to the ground in front of Hue Jackson and Griffin’s agent. Lying in that all too familiar position, Griffin murmured under his breath. “Not Again. Not Again.”

 

MORE:

http://dailysnark.com/report-rgiii-tears-acl-walking-browns-facility-first-time/

People wanted a can't miss, franchise caliber QB drafted #2 overall, well here he is..  Yes, Griffin was also an Air Raid QB but at least he has an elite arm, superior athleticism, and was a winner in college.

 

And look what he turned out to be in the NFL. Brains counts for as much as brawn in the pros, especially at QB. Goff was a one-man band at Cal and still took that team from 1-11 in his first year to a bowl win in his final game. His survived behind a bad OL using superior pocket presence and made his receivers better with his tremendous accuracy (he was better than Wentz in the short, medium and long passing game). I am concerned about Goff not being in a pro-style offense, but he started far more games that the more athletic Wentz who played on an extremely talented NDSU team.

I'm neither a Goff, Wentz, or Bob Griffin fan, I'm just not QB guy..  I believe good "teams" not good QB's win in the NFL.

 

Goff was winless against ranked teams, losing most of those games by a wide margin and going 14-23 overall with many wins over the Portland St and Sacramento St variety.  Yes, I know he was playing on a less talented team, shaky OL, etc..  The only problem is that he'd have the same problem playing for the semi-pro Browns team in the NFL.  Wentz is a complete crapshoot at this point.  And many more people were sold on Griffin being a franchise savior than Goff just a few years ago, there were Browns fans that wanted the Browns to give up more than the Redskins to move up and get their "franchise QB".

 

The Browns need to focus on accumulating talent at every position by drafting the best player they can get every time they draft.  Once they can get some of the basics covered like blocking and tackling, I'd be all in for reaching for QB #26.  And whenever we're ready to reach for the next QB, one will be there because they make them every year in all shapes and sizes. They can be found anywhere in the 1st round, and even in the 2nd or later.

 

Proven franchise QB's Eli, Flacco, Rivers, and Brees were all examples of good QB's playing on bad teams last year with each winning a handful of games, and these are players with years of experience and tons of confidence.  They are all examples of how helpless even elite QB's are when surrounded by crap, and their teams crap was/is better than our crap.

 

For now I'm content with giving Griffin a shot while we find a CB that can cover, a pass rusher that can actually get to the QB, a LB that can tackle, etc..  I would like to see the Browns take a QB by the 3rd round and begin to develop him, perhaps the most physically gifted one, Cardale Jones.  Like Goff, he would need to learn how to play in a pro-style Offense, but he's got twice the arm and has proven he can perform under pressure on the biggest stage(s).

Actually, Cardale Jones as a project could mollify me if we don't take a quarterback #2.  He has some maturing to do in terms of leadership and decision making, but his physical talents suit the AFC North so very well.