It's great to see Sheard & Taylor coming into form; Sheard with the strip/recovery, and Taylor eating up 2-3 blockers all game allowing DQ to roam free and make plays.  Little also making some great plays already too.  Marecic just needs to get to the point where he's reacting instead of thinking, it will come to him, matter of time.  And Colt, WOW!  5 TD's in 2 1/2 Quarters of football.

 

Looks like I'm going to have to up my win total prediction from 7.

So just how bad are the really cheap seats in Browns Stadium?  I'm talking upper, upper deck, all the way by the endzone.  Like section 542.

 

Also, can anyone share any parking tips?  I would be driving in from Canton.  I would even consider parking out of town somewhere and taking the rapid if that is cheaper.

Well, I am not here to make bust predictions about Phil Taylor.  I am no expert, I just felt he looked very tired at times.  For the most part, I focused on Phil and he seemed to be away from the ball on many plays.  I remember a couple of instances where he sort of jogged towards the ball late in a play.  Still, he is a rookie and this is his second exhibition game so I expect him to learn and develop which takes time.

 

Can someone familiar with the position explain it better?

 

In a 4-3 defense, the DTs can have various roles and duties.  Job #1 is protecting your gap.  In a 3-4 you have an area... in a 4-3, you have a gap.  More than anything, you can't get pushed off the ball.  When a DT is being pushed 5 yds off the line, that is bad news for your defense.  You have to hold the line.  In a stalemate during a running play, the victory goes to the DT because that means the OL was not able to move him to create a hole.  DL coaches will sometimes tell their tackles to fall if they feel they will be moved, so at least a pile is created.  In a pass play, the opposite applies and the OL would love to stalemate his counterpart or lay on top of him.  If you know the play will be a pass, you tell your DT to white his knuckles and put his ears back because gap responsibility is out the window.  You want to collapse the pocket.

 

DT is one of the harder positions to play because it is all based on feel.  You really can't go with what your eyes tell you because in the scrum, they won't tell you much.  You have to feel that massive 300+ pounder pushing on you and go the opposite direction of where he wants to take you.  Instincts and quick reflexes are a must.

 

With regard to the fatigue, that is most likely the result of the? Being left on the field.  When the regular season starts, we will have a 3 or 4 man rotation at DT.

mkeller,

 

There is almost no bad seat (view wise) in Browns stadium. Obviously, the closer down the better the view. I have sat in the upper, upper deck and thought the view was still pretty good. My current seats are in section 501 row 2 and friends I take to the game can't believe what a good view it is. I can't help you on parking. I live in the Warehouse District and walk to the games. However, my friends that live in the outer ring burbs swear by the train. They don't get stuck in traffic and they say the ride back is usually pretty fun (if they win).

I would highly recommend the train.  I sat in the mid-upper deck once and would never do it again.  But if it's way upper deck or no seat at all...

Disagree on the closer down the better comment.  Football is best watched not from field level but rather slightly above. That is the angle both the offensive coordinator and TV crews view it from.  That is how you view it on your TV at home.  IMO, nothing beats 2nd (not top) tier front row.  That would apply to cavs games as well

Thanks for the advice on the train and views.  Hts121, I agree with you about being able to see the field from above.  The upper deck seats are a compromise between my wife and I.  We are expecting our first child late this year so I figured I should fit a game in before the baby comes.  She offered to get better seats but I know it would make her happy to spend less money.  Last time I saw the Browns live was in Municipal Stadium with my dad, back in the days of Eric Metcalf... so it's been a LONG time!

 

I looked up Indians Tickets too, it still amazes me how little money you can see a professional baseball game for.  I'll have to familiarize myself with the train to find a place to park.

Park at Shaker and Green (for free) and take the Green Line in.

 

Mkeller, let me know if you have any questions about the Rapid. But I can help with somethings about it here.

 

Unfortunately, there are no Rapid lines to the south. All are east-west which are the primary directions the city developed for much of its history. I would think, however, that your best option is to board one of the two Shaker lines, called the Blue and Green lines.

 

The Blue Line runs east from Shaker Square down the median of Van Aken Boulevard to Warrensville ("Van Aken" is displayed on the destination signs with a blue background on the top-front of the eastbound trains; "Waterfront" is displayed on the westbound trains on game days). However access and parking at the outer end of the Blue Line is slightly more difficult when compared to the Green Line. Coming up from Canton, you would take Route 8 from Akron and I-271 north to Chagrin Boulevard west. Take Chagrin to the six-way intersection with Warrensville and Northfield/Van Aken. Make a gentle right turn onto Van Aken and pass the Warrensville train station (on your left). Keep going to the next station Farnsleigh (a very short distance) and look for a parking space in the narrow strip between the street and the tracks to your left. If there is no parking, keep going east on Van Aken to the next station (Lynnfield) or cross over the tracks to find parking along the westbound side of Van Aken. For a map of this area, see: http://tinyurl.com/3zxrkoy

 

The Green Line run east from Shaker Square in the media of Shaker Boulevard to Green Road ("Green Road" is displayed on the destination signs with a green background on the top-front of the eastbound trains; "Waterfront" is displayed on the westbound trains on game days). To me, this is easy to remember because of the Green Road/Green Line color coding. Coming up from Canton, you would take Route 8 from Akron and I-271 north to Chagrin Boulevard west. Take Chagrin west to Green Road and turn right or north to Shaker Boulevard. You can access the huge parking lot from either the eastbound or westbound sides of Shaker Boulevard. The park-and-ride lot is so large that there is a secondary station called "West Green". For a map of this station area, see: http://tinyurl.com/3mjzjko

 

Paying the fare: Parking is free at all Rapid stations. The one-way per-person cash fare to ride the rapid is $2.25 in exact change. Drivers cannot make change. Now here's the fun part -- you pay the fare when you leave the train westbound and when you enter the train eastbound. So you don't pay until after you exit at the West Third Street station. There will be a gate where you and the rest of the mob of passengers pay their fare or scan their passes. After the game, you will pay that $2.25 you've kept in your pocket as you enter the West Third station. If you want to ride the Red Line instead, let me know and I'll tell you how to use their farecard machines.

 

Schedules: On Browns game days, all RTA trains run on a weekday rush-hour schedule with Blue/Green Line trains departing every 15 minutes. Scheduled travel time to the West Third station from either Warrensville or Green Road is about 30 minutes, but can vary depending on the crowds. NOTE: all Blue/Green line trains go to/from the Waterfront on game days. You really don't need to look at a schedule, but in case you want to be more familiar with the Rapid, here it is: http://www.riderta.com/pdf/67-67A.pdf

 

Other thoughts: Parking is free at all Rapid stations. Get to one of the Rapid stations at least two hours before game time. If you want, take the Rapid to Tower City Center and exit there, then have lunch or game-day brunch at one of its restaurants or the food court. Expect big crowds and long lines at the food court, however. Or you can walk to one of the restaurants in the East Fourth District (just east of Public Square on Euclid) or into the Warehouse District (exit Tower City on Prospect and walk toward the ornate, brownish 16-story building, called the Rockefeller Building, after which Prospect becomes West 6th. North of St. Clair there are many restaurants including sports-themed places). If you exit the train at Tower City Center, might as well walk to the stadium from wherever you have lunch. It's not far. After the game, board the Waterfront Line used by the Green/Blue Line trains use north of Tower City Center. Make sure you are getting on the correct train (Van Aken/Blue Line or Shaker/Green Line) at West Third Street station.

 

Here is a nice write-up with photos albeit with some out-of-date fare info:

http://lrt.daxack.ca/Cities/Cleveland/index.html

 

Some photos......

 

Warrensville Station (Blue Line):

 

 

Green Road Station (Green Line) with West Green station visible in the distance:

 

 

Note the different destination signs on the Blue Line train (left) and downtown-bound Green Line train (right). The Green Line train's destination has a green-colored backing (trust me!), as the Blue Line has a blue-colored backing:

 

 

Photos of the West Third Street Rapid station:

 

 

 

 

 

Trains will be crowded, so be sure to get a seat when you get on the train!

 

 

If you want to see more photos, check out my Cleveland Rail Tour (especially parts 2 and 3):

 

Part 1 -- http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16259.0.html

Part 2 -- http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16260.0.html

Part 3 -- http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,16261.0.html

Great write up, KJP.  A little more informative than my one liner! :)

 

A couple things I would add, though:

 

You can purchase a full day pass for $5.  I usually do this because it's only 50 cents more than buying two separate rides and you don't have to worry about carrying change (just a $5 bill).  Also, since there are no transfers, you can exit and re-enter without having to pay another fare (so it actually can save you money if you don't go straight to W. 3rd and back).  This could come in handy if you eat at Tower City and then want to ride the train from there to the game.  Also, on your way back it makes things easy because you can board either a blue or green train just to get out of the mess around the stadium when the game is letting out.  Both trains go to Shaker Square and diverge from there, so if I'm on a blue train and I need to be on a green train, I just exit at Shaker Square and wait for the green train to come through.  Often times, I'll exit and Shaker Square even if I'm on the right train and hang out there for a bit at Dewey's (coffee and popcorn shop) or the wine bar or grab something to eat.  It just makes things easier (IMO) because you don't have to worry about how many times you exit and reboard.  And if I don't end up using more than 2 rides, I paid 50 extra cents for the convenience of not having to carry change, pay more than once, and I can say I made a donation to RTA! :)

 

Also, I recommend taking the Green Line for a couple reasons.  It's easier to park and less confusing for someone not used to the area (the Blue Line ends at the Warrensville/Northfield/Chagrin/Van Aken interchange, which is as confusing as it sounds).  It's a more scenic ride as well (they're both nice, but the Green Line goes past some very large Shaker Heights houses).  They're both about the same distance (1 mile from the intersection of Chagrin and Green), so I think it's worth it to just go up Green Rd. to Green and Shaker.

All are very good suggestions! I do like the flexibility of the Day Pass and not having to worry about exact change for the ride home. I agree that is worth the extra 50 cents, and you can get a Day Pass from the driver or any place you pay your fare. I believe they have vending machines at Green Road where you can buy passes, but be sure to select the validation feature if you buy a pass (you know if it's validated if there is a time/date stamp on the back of the pass).

 

BTW, after the game, there's a chance that the train you get on at West Third Street will require a transfer at Tower City Station to the train you need to take to the end of the line in Shaker Heights. If I remember correctly, only westbound Green Line trains and eastbound Blue Line trains travel on the Waterfront Line. So if you park at Green Road, you will need to get off at Tower City Center. And you can do this without paying a second fare or needing a Day Pass because you will transfer between trains in the "Fare Paid" area of the station. If transfer at stations east of Tower City to Shaker Square, you will need to pay a second fare or have a Day Pass.

Hts,

 

I was talking upper deck. The closer down the upper deck you are the better.  I guess I didn't make that very clear. I'm too cheap to ever pay for tickets that close to the field. Besides, I sat on the good seats a few years back for a preseason game and I hated them.

Wow, thank you very much for all of the helpful information!  I had looked at the RTA map before hand and did not see all the little nuances, for instance, looking at the map led me to believe the airport station had more parking but I didn't even consider that the red line schedule would be different. 

 

I like the idea of the 5 dollar day pass and imagine we will go with that.  I also like the suggestion of stopping at tower city or E 4th street before the game.  I noticed that the E 34th street station was right next to route 77.... the surrounding area looked sort of dicey though.  Now we just have to pick a game.

There is no station parking for the East 34th station, nor for the nearby East 55th station. Both are used mostly for passengers to/from connecting buses.

 

If you want, you can have buy day passes online and have them mailed to you by visiting https://websrvor15.gcrta.org:8003/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10023

 

Or just buy one when you arrive at the West Third Station or at Tower City.

We got tickets for the Oct 23rd game against the Seahawks.  I wish it were sooner because I am really looking forward to it.

 

Thanks again everyone (especially KJP)! 

You're welcome. BTW, the best way to get into the Green Road Rapid station is to go over the tracks on Green Road, turn left/west on Shaker and then left again into the station.

OK, back to the football team.... I am very happy the Browns locked up Joe Thomas, and it looks the national media is paying attention to how Colt McCoy is playing in the West Coast Offense. Yesterday, ESPN's Merrill Hoge was signing Colt's praises and predicting he's a QB to watch this year. And now here's CBS Sport chiming in......

 

 

Surprising McCoy rare QB score for Browns

By Clark Judge

CBSSports.com Senior Writer

Aug. 23, 2011

 

BEREA, Ohio -- Admit it. The Cleveland Browns were right about Colt McCoy, and everybody else was wrong.

 

At least, that's how it looks now. Because now the quarterback who didn't have the ideal size or the spring-loaded arm to play in the NFL not only is playing; he's starting ... only this time it's not out of necessity, it's by choice.

 

The Cleveland Browns know what they have in Colt McCoy, and what they have is a potential franchise quarterback -- the first time that has happened here since Bernie Kosar.

 

Yeah, I know, McCoy has an eight-game résumé, and let's not get carried away. Only watch him dissect New England and the New York Jets last season after Cleveland was forced to play him. Then fast-forward to this summer, where, through two preseason starts, he's completing 68 percent of his throws and producing a gaudy 132.6 passer rating, and tell me the Browns didn't nail this one.

 

Because it sure looks like it.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/15474340/surprising-mccoy-rare-qb-score-for-browns

I sure hope that I'm wrong but just wait til the wind and snow are flying and he attempts to make the same passes, INT's all day long. I guess that's why you have a running game, but the QB's with stronger arms can make many of the same throws in the wind as they can in 70 degree light breezes. And the fact that it looks like Robiske will be the #2 guy at WR when the season starts is down right scary. Cribbs or Little should get that spot but all I keep hearing is that it's Robiskes for the 1st couple weeks.

I think we will be in multiple receiver sets and switching in and out so often it won't matter much who the #2 WR is in terms of actual targets.  If he is earning that distinction, it would be my guess that the coaches look more highly upon him as a run-blocker than the other two at this point.  They see something, because Robo ain't one of "their guys".  "They" meaning Shurmer, and the two H's

I guess, honestly I'd only put him out there in Hail Mary attempts. But he'd probably mess that route up too.

I guess, honestly I'd only put him out there in Hail Mary attempts. But he'd probably mess that route up too.

 

Huh?  Robiskie is known to run pretty good routes.  It's breakaway speed that he lacks.

 

I think the coaches see a guy who is a very good run blocker and has sure hands.  I think he could turn into a good 3rd down Jurevicius type receiver if he gains some confidence.

I think they call that "separation speed" at the WR position.  But yes, that is what he lacks, both in precision and fly routes.  "Solid" is his ceiling, IMO.  But Norwood is too small to put on the outside and the other two guys are converts to WR.  We almost have to start with him at one of out two every down positions for WR.  Not saying he will be on the field for every set, but his position (y or z or whatever they call it) will be.

I suspect we'll see Little in the #2 spot before too long. MoMass and Cribbs can stretch the field and one of those two guys is likely to be our #1 or #2. But I like Little's size and strength over the middle to runs slants in blitz sight-adjustments. If Little can block, too, then Robiskie may end up backing him up. I'm very impressed with what I've seen of Little so far, though it's still early.

 

But if worse comes to worst, we can always use Little as our backup punter. ;-)

I guess, honestly I'd only put him out there in Hail Mary attempts. But he'd probably mess that route up too.

 

Huh?  Robiskie is known to run pretty good routes.  It's breakaway speed that he lacks.

 

I think the coaches see a guy who is a very good run blocker and has sure hands.  I think he could turn into a good 3rd down Jurevicius type receiver if he gains some confidence.

Robiskie is faster than MoMass, that's why you saw him running the fly routes last year instead of MoMass, you know the one's that Wallace consistently threw 10 yards out of bounds.  Robiskie also had faster 40 times than MoMass in every combine & Pro Day.  And I'll never forget seeing MoMass getting tracked down with a 10 yard head-start, when he only had to run 30 yards for a TD.

 

The last TD that MoMass caught was in week 8 last season (and the previous one was in week 1 due to a poor angle from Sean Jones, as that pass should've been picked), while Robiskie caught one in each of his last 3 games.

 

Combine all of that with MoMass showing up to TC with a "non-football" injury, Heckert's repeated defense of Robiskie (while never providing any praise to MoMass), his unwillingess to leave his feet for a catch, inability to catch the ball with his hands, if anyone needs to start showing something (between Robiskie & MoMass), it's MoMass.  Because Heckert doesn't care about MoMass's couple of big games inflating his stats two season's ago, when Mangini had Robiskie in the doghouse for whatever petty offense he perceived.

Little is either a #1 or #3 WR in our system.  He is much more valuable going across the middle and catching the ball in space.  Plus, you don't want to waste all of his energy running the fly routes during runnung plays in order to sell the play action later on.

I think they call that "separation speed" at the WR position.  But yes, that is what he lacks, both in precision and fly routes.  "Solid" is his ceiling, IMO.  But Norwood is too small to put on the outside and the other two guys are converts to WR.  We almost have to start with him at one of out two every down positions for WR.  Not saying he will be on the field for every set, but his position (y or z or whatever they call it) will be.

 

You can probably use either, but I've usually heard "breakaway speed".  The ability to gain separation is gained through a combination of speed, quickness, and other intangibles (strength, quality of route, etc.).  I have heard that Robiskie actually has a decent 40 speed, though, so I sort of take my criticism back.  I believe it's more quickness he lacks than raw speed.  I still think he's underrated because he's not flashy, but can do more for a team (as a complete player) than most people think.  I agree with 8Titles than Massaquoi has more to prove at this point than Robo.

Personally, I think Little ends up being twice the WR as either Robiskie or MoMass, but as far as speed or quickness goes..  Robiskie's fastest 40 was 4.46, Little's was 4.5; Robiskie's fastest 10 yd-split (measure of quickness) was 1.50, Little's best was 1.53.

 

For a little more perspective; Julio Jones best 10-yd was 1.50, and AJ Green's was 1.55. 

 

BTW, Jordan Cameron's 10-yard split was 1.53, that is REALLY fast for a 255 lb guy, and his vertical was 37.5"!

 

I know that Combine and Pro Day numbers don't always translate onto the field, but they hold the combine for a reason, so they shouldn't be ignored either..

A wisw man once told me that there is a difference, a BIG difference, between running a 4.5 and playing at a 4.5.  You can run a 4.5 all you want, but if you play at a 4.8, well then your speed ain't all that impressive.

 

Yeah.... I hate combine numbers.  Show me the gamefilm!

Robiskie's fastest 10 yd-split (measure of quickness) was 1.50, Little's best was 1.53.

 

That's a measure of how fast he can start up going straight forward from a dead stop.  It doesn't say anything about his ability to cut or to make lateral movements (fight over a defender, etc.).  Of course I don't place Little in the Allen Iverson category of quickness either, so even if Robiskie is a little faster or quicker than him, I'm not sure what that proves.  Little's strength is just that, his impressive strength (and toughness).  He reminds me of Kellen Winslow, except that they're not trying to force him to be a tight end.

Robiskie's fastest 10 yd-split (measure of quickness) was 1.50, Little's best was 1.53.

 

That's a measure of how fast he can start up going straight forward from a dead stop.  It doesn't say anything about his ability to cut or to make lateral movements (fight over a defender, etc.).  Of course I don't place Little in the Allen Iverson category of quickness either, so even if Robiskie is a little faster or quicker than him, I'm not sure what that proves.  Little's strength is just that, his impressive strength (and toughness).  He reminds me of Kellen Winslow, except that they're not trying to force him to be a tight end.

I agree, that's why I said I think Little ends up being twice the WR as "either" Robiskie or MoMass.

 

As far as fighting for position, high-pointing the ball, and hands-catching, Robiskie is light years ahead of MoMass at this stage in all of those areas.

 

I'm not a big combine guy either, but the NFL puts it on, GM's & HC's go to it, so they must get something out of it.  As far as our WR's go, I'm sure they wish they had QB's that could actually get them the ball, when and where it's supposed to be..  We saw improvement in WR production when McCoy was in the game, especially with Robiskie's 3 TD's in his last 3 games with McCoy; but the other 24 games that MoMass & Robiskie played, their QB's were a mix of DA (figthing for a 3rd string job with the worst team in the NFL), BQ (2nd/3rd stringer), Delhomme (out of the league), and Seneca (half-asleep) Wallace.  I can't imagine many WR's "demonstrating their quickness or speed" with any of those four clowns throwing them the ball.

Robiskie's fastest 10 yd-split (measure of quickness) was 1.50, Little's best was 1.53.

 

That's a measure of how fast he can start up going straight forward from a dead stop.  It doesn't say anything about his ability to cut or to make lateral movements (fight over a defender, etc.).  Of course I don't place Little in the Allen Iverson category of quickness either, so even if Robiskie is a little faster or quicker than him, I'm not sure what that proves.  Little's strength is just that, his impressive strength (and toughness).  He reminds me of Kellen Winslow, except that they're not trying to force him to be a tight end.

 

He reminds me of Hines Ward, without the goofy grin.  Neither has blazing speed, but both play in "top gear".  Both played multiple positions in college.  Both are "thickly built" for the WR position.  And both will lay the wood to any defender they catch on a crackback or downfield block.  I guarantee you Little is going to quickly earn a reputation as a dirty player a la Hines Ward.

So, the third preseason is often considered the final tune-up/preview for the regular season. What can we expect tonight? Or will so many Browns starters be benched for their injuries that we won't get a very accurate preview?

Wow, good thing they are opening against the Bengals. I guess it takes an elite team to remind us that we are not yet.  So what were the positives?  Phil Taylor looked good, noticed he had two people assigned to him a lot of the time.  DeSean Jackson wasn't a factor, so I assume Joe Haden had something to do with that.

 

It would have been nice to be able to watch the game but the Eagles coverage team seemed more interested in interviewing Eagles players during Browns possessions.  :shoot:

I think the defense looked reall good...they were put into awful positions because of fumbled punts and turnovers.  I actually think Colt looked good again.  He should have two TD's.  One to Evan Moore which he dropped with nobody else around him.  The robiskie offensive intereference was putrid and actually some coud argue that Hillis dropped the one TD.  Very catchable.

 

All in all, i dont think it was the end of the world.  The first Eagles TD was due to a both punt return, courtesy of a back up who wont be returning punts.

 

Add in a blocked Dawson Field Goal and we lost this game on special teams, no doubt.

Yes, and the second eagles touchdown resulted from a bogus roughing the passer call.  I don't know the exact amount of time the defense played, but I bet it was about 3/4 of the game.

The call on DQ Jax may have been one of the worst calls I have ever seen.  Absolutely awful.

 

Not so mad about the Robo call.  He pushed off, although the refs let that go a lot.  The call could have went either way and nobody would have anything to complain about.

 

Very encouraged by the defense.  Well... the run defense didn't look great, but I was thrilled with Taylor's activity and the fact we put Vick on the turf a lot.

 

The hesititate to call the passes to Moore and Hillis 'drops'.  They were perfectly thrown balls, but it appeared in each instance that the defender got a fingertip on the ball and disrupted its trajectory just enough.  Game of inches.  But if you give us those two plays and take away the Norwood muff, it would have been a totally different game.

 

Also, if this was the regular season, we would have put our hands on the ground and ran it down Philly's throat.  Point being, our gameplan would have been different.

 

The next time we pass up a player with the bloodlines of Casey Matthews, I will be pissed.

That unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Andy Reid really lightened my mood.  Not as a revenge call, but because the look on his face was hilarious.  I expected rage, but it was more like amused, befuddled and indifferent all at the same time.

I'm late in chiming in on Thursday's game.... It was a game where luck made the difference. As Hts121 noted, the game could have gone very differently had a few thrown balls gone only inches either way. But Philly made some of their own luck, as fingertipped balls by their defenders sent Colt's passes falling harmlessly to the turf. They earned it. At first, I was very distressed by how our offense performed. The next day, not so much.

 

The pass defenses by both teams was pretty good. I was awestruck by the Browns' pass rush. Funny thing, I heard the East Coast apologists at ESPN crying about the two rookies starting on Philly's offensive line. Losers! The Browns have two rookies starting on their defensive line!! Oy....

 

And I'm surprised folks here haven't commented on the bad news. Perhaps you're all too depressed about it. The possibility that Steinbach could miss the season is horrible. I hope Pinkston is up for it. The new RB Jackson from Green Bay may also miss the season. I don't think we'll miss him as much, as it seems we have several RBs who might fill the void.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/08/cleveland_browns_guard_eric_st.html

 

The game, choice of offensive plays, etc., played out basically the way I expected, with the Browns trying some different formations (sending Hillis out wide), triple WR sets to one side, etc. and trying to execute the plays.  Colt made some nice throws to Moore & Hillis, but the defender's made even better plays by getting a finger on the passes, and Robo was called on a questionable PI call.  I liked how Hillis & Hardesty ran the ball, but they clearly weren't going to work on running the ball in that game, they know what they have in Hillis.  It would've been nice to see Cribbs & MoMass in the game, rather than Norwood & ??.

 

Taylor continued to be a beast, penetrating any time he was being blocked by one OL, or eating up double-team's, allowing DQ to make some nice plays behind the LOS.  The secondary looked pretty good, despite not having Ward & Young (and Patterson).  DE & LB depth still remain a concern for me, hopefully they grab some depth players once cuts begin.

I think we'll also be hunting for some guards to back up Pinkston as teams make their cuts to get down to the 53-man roster. I'm bummed. I really like Steinbach.

See you next year, Mr. Steinbach. Hope the back surgery goes well....  :cry:

 

Interesting read......

http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2011/8/29/2391410/the-browns-should-trade-for-mario-williams#storyjump

I'm ready to watch some football.... Brownies!!!

Hope you like watching back-ups, cuz that's what you're going to get a lot of tonight at the Field of Soldiers.

Cleveland Browns sign free agent offensive lineman Artis Hicks, source says

Published: Sunday, September 04, 2011, 7:58 PM    Updated: Monday, September 05, 2011, 11:56 AM

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

 

The Browns upgraded their 53-man roster Sunday by adding a veteran guard with starting potential and an intriguing young quarterback prospect they were thrilled to land.

 

Signed to a one-year contract was 10th-year offensive lineman Artis Hicks, a league source told The Plain Dealer. Hicks, 32, was released Saturday by the Redskins. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2002 by the Eagles and then-General Manager Tom Heckert, Hicks will most likely work at left guard and might even challenge for the starting job.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/09/cleveland_browns_agree_to_term_3.html

Start Lewis!!

 

(what's a football season in Cleveland without a QB controversy?)

Start Lewis!!

 

(what's a football season in Cleveland without a QB controversy?)

 

Peaceful and more enjoyable.

Start Lewis!!

 

(what's a football season in Cleveland without a QB controversy?)

I don't think any of us knows yet.

I didn't know Jim Donavon was having health problems.  I'm glad that things seem to be better for him now.

 

http://blogs.cantonrep.com/freshbrownies/beyond-the-twittersphere-practice-scenes/

 

How we know Hardesty is ready … Tressel out for Browns game

Sep 5th, 2011 @ 11:13 am by Steve Doerschuk

 

• Jim Donovan appeared at 76 Lou Groza Blvd., without his golden locks, with a clean-shaven dome. It is good to see him appear, period, as he continues to recover from a bone marrow procedure.

I didn't know Jim Donavon was having health problems.  I'm glad that things seem to be better for him now.

 

 

He's had problems for a number of years. My sister used to work at channel 3 until about three years ago, and he was having health problems then, too. But recently it's been life-threatening. I've met Jim a few times through my sister and he's a very nice, friendly guy. A true gentleman, like Nev Chandler was. Sometimes I wonder if God doesn't like true gentlemen. He seems to leave the assholes alone, without such awful afflictions.

Browns pick up ex-Duke QB Lewis

By: JOURNALNOW STAFF The Associated Press

Published: September 05, 2011

 

CLEVELAND -- General manager Tom Heckert intends to keep improving the Cleveland Browns' roster.

 

Concerned by injuries depleting depth at some spots, particularly linebacker, the Browns claimed three players on waivers Sunday — quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, a former Duke star, from the St. Louis Rams; linebacker Quinton Spears from the Miami Dolphins; and defensive tackle Emmanuel Stephens from the Atlanta Falcons.

 

Heckert said the Browns anticipated carrying only starter Colt McCoy and veteran Seneca Wallace at quarterback until Lewis became available. New coach Pat Shumur is familiar with Lewis, who was on the Rams' practice roster all last year when Shumar was St. Louis' offensive coordinator.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www2.journalnow.com/sports/2011/sep/05/wssport03-browns-pick-up-ex-duke-qb-lewis-ar-1358624/