My first article covering the Browns!

 

Travis Benjamin Isn't Just the Cleveland Browns' Burner

By Ken Prendergast(Contributor) on August 12, 2012

 

Travis Benjamin may be more than just a glamorous and glitzy speedster for a town that loves the grit and grind of a bulldozer. The fourth-round pick from pastel Miami was among the standouts in the Cleveland Browns’ first preseason game.

 

But perhaps his two best accomplishments were not what many observers had expected from the 5'10" wideout. After all, he is expected to make plays like the 36-yard reception from Brandon Weeden or the 33-yard-kickoff return at the end of the first quarter.

 

Instead, on Benjamin’s first “unexpected” play, he caught a 12-yard pass from Colt McCoy on a comeback route with 0:22 left in the first quarter. On 2nd-and-7 from Detroit’s 32, McCoy heaved the ball to his right, slightly overthrowing it. Benjamin leaped high in traffic and snared it for the first down. It showed he’s not limited to the perimeter game or serving as a stretch-the-defense decoy to distract defensive backs from covering the Browns’ talented cadre of tight ends and running backs on underneath routes.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1295040-travis-benjamin-isnt-just-the-browns-burner

It's nice to finally have one WR that runs under a 4.5.  Hopefully Weeden can take advantage, but not looking good so far.  Way too many balls up for grabs, staring down WR's, telegraphing passes, almost every pass behind the WR or high, throws screen passes like DA, and has worst feet out of the pocket than Bernie had..  We're in big trouble if he doesn't improve dramatically.

I preface all of my Browns' observations with this: The Packers were atrocious and that defense may be worse than it was last year.  Clearly there's no depth, but I see a team that will get run over by balanced offenses and will live and die with their pass rush and scheming.  When guys start to get injured, they will be giving up 30 a game.  They just gave up 35 to Cleveland, a team that won't score that many points all year.

 

I just don't like what I've seen from Weeden, I realize it's preseason, but they play these games for reasons other than money.  The clubs are evaluating their personnel by examining who's executing assignments and winning physical confrontations.  If I'm not seeing enough of the latter to think it could translate to Sundays, I have no choice but to question the player or unit.

 

I think Weeden will surely get rid of the ball quicker as he matures as a player.  I question if he will stop staring down receivers though.  He's a guy who threw a lot of picks in college and looks to throw a few in the pros.  Staring down receivers is a skill.  When you're in a chaotic, pressure-packed cubicle like an NFL dropback passer, you're going to lean on what's going to save your life.  Weeden has been staring down receivers his whole career.  That and the confidence behind his big arm is why he had so many turnovers in college.  I hope the Browns' coaches can iron out his mechanics so he gets that ball ahead of his guys and into an active window where the receiver can capitalize on his reception.

 

 

He also threw what should have been another interception.

 

On the middle screen which Hawk could've picked off if he was a little more alert.... perhaps.  But the pass down the filed towards the sidelines which the corner nearly nabbed... that was a route mistake by Gordon

Another article...

 

Cleveland Browns: 7 Bold Predictions for 2012-13   

By Ken Prendergast (Contributor) on August 19, 2012

 

Whenever a long-struggling team sheds its losing ways, it is a surprise to many. That’s especially true to people outside the city where the team is located, as national pundits have stopped paying attention to roster moves by the perennial loser. In 2012-13, the Cleveland Browns will stop being a pathetic team and once again regain a spot on the nationwide sports radar.

 

How will they do this? With seven bold predictions I believe they need to achieve, and will reach in the next two years. This does not include predictions that quarterback Brandon Weeden will make steady progress and play soundly or that running back Trent Richardson will vie for rookie of the year honors. I will be disappointed if they don’t happen.

 

So let’s look at seven things that will surprise us when they do happen.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303074-cleveland-browns-7-bold-predictions-for-2012-13

 

 

Nice article, Ken!  May all your predictions come true!

BTW, I was asked to write a predictions story. I hate offering predictions, so mine probably weren't as bold as some would have liked. I do see reasons for optimism but making goals for a workplace where I do not work and thus have no influence makes me uncomfortable.

That is pretty cool KJP.  If you don't mind me asking, have you always been a writer?  It must be neat and a little weird to be tied to the Browns in a professional sense.  Are you required to attend the practices to gather material?  I'm just curious, no other reason.

 

I read just about anything that Steve Doerschuk writes.  Do you ever bump into him?  I really like the way he evaluates the team and the personalities in it.  His stories are written in a way that resemble the thoughts that goes on inside your own head... if that makes any sense.

Was I always a writer? No. I didn't write from age 0-26. But I have always been smart-ass. ;)

 

I have written professionally for 19 years, and interviewed people from Colin Powell, to senators and governors, to Fortune 500 CEOs, FBI agents, mayors, council people, average joes, to volunteers at hunger centers to their clients. And I've gone into the sewers of society to interview criminals, including organized crime figures. So professional sports figures don't mean much to me just because of what they do or what their titles are. I've met too many people who have grand titles but are scumbags beneath those titles.

 

Am I not required to attend practices but I have. I just go to observe, to get a feel for things. I just try to pay attention and write what I think. When you write, the only two people you need to avoid going against is yourself and the person signing your checks. That's how you write confidently. Listen to your inner voice and let it speak through your writing or whatever you do in life. Most of what I write has already been written in my head. Find the one-sentence summary of your story and build from there. Like "Moby Dick" can be summarized as "A man goes after a whale and doesn't get it." Obviously there's a lot more to the story than that. But if you've got the bones, you can add the rest of the body. If you don't have the bones, don't try to add the rest in the hopes that the bones may come.

 

I did not know who Steve Doerschuk is until I googled his name. Yes, I like what the Canton Repository puts out regarding the Browns. I generally don't pay attention to bylines. And I don't expect anyone to pay attention to mine. Most people won't remember your name in 15 minutes anyway. But they'll probably remember your creations more often.

 

Back to football........

Joe Haden got kicked out of practice today for being too physical in 7-on-7's and then arguing with Shurmer when he was admonished for it.  It's not his fault, though.... they took away his ADD pills.  He is obviously having problems paying attention to direction and his hyperactive tendencies are not being kept in check :)

Joe Haden got kicked out of practice today for being too physical in 7-on-7's and then arguing with Shurmer when he was admonished for it.  It's not his fault, though.... they took away his ADD pills.  He is obviously having problems paying attention to direction and his hyperactive tendencies are not being kept in check :)

 

Great stuff! You'd think that playing defensive back would let him blow off enough steam. I smell a bunch of off-sides, unnecessary roughness, and excessive celebration penalties coming from him this year -- after week 4, that is.

I'm just going to keep telling myself that Weeden is only a rookie and can only improve.

Our Offensive Line continues to be terrible. Those guys cant even block on special teams.

 

I do like what I am seeing from Colt McCoy though. He looked really good yesterday. Weedon did struggle. And Seneca Wallace continues to suck, and I hope he gets cut. The guy doesn't appear to be a good teammate either.

 

Colt McCoy

Passing

18 for 24, 75%, 234 Yds, 9.75 Avg, 1 TD, 0 Int, 4 Sck, QBRate 116.6, 0 Fumbles

Rushing

3 Att, 29 Yds, 9.66 Avg

 

Brandon Weeden

Passing

24 for 49, 49%, 297 Yds, 6 Avg, 0 TD, 1 Int, 4 Sck, QBRate 53.23, 3 Fumbles

Rushing

0 Att, 0 Yds, 0 Avg

I think Weeden is a better quarterback overall, but he needs a decent line.  Unfortunately, we don't have that, so I think McCoy, with his scrambling ability and playmaking after getting flushed out of the pocket, will have more success here.  Of course, I'd prefer that we improve our line, because no matter who the quarterback is, it's going to be a long season if our blocking continues to be abysmal.

I wonder what Weeden's numbers would look like against the second- and third-team defenders?

 

That being said, Weeden needs to have a clock in his head... One-two-three THROW! If nothing is there after three seconds and the pocket is collapsing, move out of it, start the count again or throw the ball away. It was tough to watch Weeden sit there and wait for a receiver to come open after three seconds. If it's not there after three seconds, it probably won't be at four. Of course, every quarterback wants to be in a rhythm like that. And every defense wants every quarterback to be out of rhythm. Philadelphia succeeded in that and Weeden didn't.

 

BTW, the ferociousness of the Philly defense was apparent. Did you hear how hard they were hitting last night? They came to hit and intimidate. I hope the Browns will grow a pair by September or the Eagles are going to chase them out of Browns Stadium like a bunch of scared little boys.

^ Colt excels when he is making plays happen while scrambling.  Weeden just doesn't have that ability.  Just need that OL to hold and I think Weeden will be fine.  Though, was it just me, or was Weeden staring down receivers again last night?  Gotta break that habit.  I remember specifically he went for Little in triple coverage in the end zone and was broken up.  He stared at Little the whole way and Benjamin was wide open on a post for a TD.  Look right, throw middle.

I think Nick Foles is going to be a darn good quarterback in this league when he's given the chance (could be as soon as this year since he's backing up Mr. Glass).  I enjoyed watching him at 'Zona against pretty good competition in the Pac-12 and think he'll shine with better teammates on Sundays.

well the game itself was pretty ugly, but it was a beautiful night, the heckers were funny and it was still a lot of fun down at cbs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder what Weeden's numbers would look like against the second- and third-team defenders?

 

And playing with our second and third team offense?

 

And playing with our second and third team offense?

 

Partially.

I'm just going to keep telling myself that Weeden is only a rookie and can only improve.

He better be able to do it quick.  He's no spring chicken.

I'm pissed that they waived Marcus Benard. Shurmur must think awfully highly of his draft picks and free agents.

^ I read something about a rumor that he suffered a serious knee injury during the 3rd preseason game.  I was surprised by it too.  Did anyone else hear anything about the knee thing?

Turns out he had a dislocated elbow and was placed on the waived/injured list, which means any other teams can pick him up but with the foreknowledge he is injured.

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/19941317/browns-cuts-de-marcus-benard-placed-on-waivedinjured-list

 

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_it_mean_when_a_NFL_player_is_waived_injured

 

Apparently the Jets haven't scored a touchdown so far this preseason, so at least we're not the Jets more so now than ever before.

Our first team offense will go without scoring a touchdown this preseason.

^They scored 2 against GB

Our first team offense will go without scoring a touchdown this preseason.

 

But they won't score a TD tomorrow! ;)

^They scored 2 against GB

They scored 1 against GB, and that was against GB's 2nd team Defense.

^They scored 2 against GB

They scored 1 against GB, and that was against GB's 2nd team Defense.

 

Neither did Matt Stafford, then Aaron Rodgers (1 TD) and Nick Foles (2 TDs) only scored TDs against the Browns when given point-blank shots at the end-zone due to turnovers. Wasn't much in the way of offensive production either way -- except on the first drive by Weeden against Philly when he marched the first-team offense right down the field. And then fumbled....

Funny to see so few comments after last night's final preseason game against the Bears. Maybe you're like me in that you don't know what to think. Between all the turnovers and penalties, it's hard to assess performances and talent of the second- and third-stringers. And I couldn't tell you who deserves to be the backup QB. Colt had a good preseason until he started playing with the backups last night. His performance reminded me of last year when he played with backup-level talent for the whole season.

 

Maybe this preseason is all just an elaborate ruse by Coach Shurmur to surprise the Philadelphia Eagles into thinking they're getting a walkover in the opening game. Because that's exactly what it looks like to me!

^Colt only had the backup line with him last night.  The recievers and backfield were our 1's (minus Trent, of course).  I think he showed that he is still Colt.... which means you can stomach him as your backup, but he is not the quality of an NFL starting QB and there is nothing that can be done to change that IMO.  I'll never run a 4.5 40 and Colt will never be able to throw the ball with the velocity required in the NFL.

 

Rumors are swirling about cuts, but it is pretty much confirmed that Seneca Wallace, Evan Moore, James Dockerty, Rod Windsor, and David Sims are among the notables to be cut who many thought had a chance to make the team.

 

 

 

 

Anybody know if all the preseason games will count next year? Did the players agree to the change?

Anybody know if all the preseason games will count next year? Did the players agree to the change?

 

No changes were made -- yet.

 

And you're right about the #1 RBs and WRs playing with Colt. He should apologize to Cribbs for putting him in harm's way with that throw Cribbs had to dive for, surrounded by Bears defenders. Cribbs made a great catch, but I suspect that if it was a regular season game, one of the Bears would have put a lick on Cribbs when he dove for it. And why was Colt throwing to someone surrounded closely by three defenders anyway?? That's the kind of mistake for rookies like Weeden to make.

 

And I'm sure we'll all hear the cries for putting in Colt when Weeden has a bad game, but I do support getting rid of Wallace. I still think Colt can grow, just as I think we've seen Wallace's best. But I've seen enough out of Weeden to come to the conclusion that he has all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. I also think he's got the mental toughness and the right attitude after spending nine years in the bus leagues. I would love to see him succeed. I really think he could play until he's in his late 30s or even to 40, as his body wasn't beat up in minor league baseball during those six years, like it would have been in college football and the NFL.

 

PREDICTION TIME!

 

OK, so I said I would make my prediction on the Browns' coming regular season after preseason ended. Of course, this all depends on key people (Weeden, Richardson, Little, linebackers, secondary) staying healthy....

 

> The Browns are going to stink up the joint in the first half of the season. Richardson is going to take some time getting up to full speed, having missed all of training camp. The absence of Scott Fujita, Joe Haden and Phil Taylor will hurt. We will be gashed by runners and blitzes will have Weeden on his back, running or making lots of mistakes, especially early on. And the schedule in the first half of the season is absolutely brutal. I would not be surprised if the Browns start the season 1-5 or even 0-6. I will be optimistic and predict a 2-6 start for the Browns. It could well be worse, but don't worry about it.

 

> Those last few games of the first half of the season for the Browns will set the tone for the second half of the season. Weeden will start getting acclimated to the speed of the NFL. He'll start recognizing disguises for certain coverages. He'll realize he needs to let the ball go in three seconds or start sliding to the left or right, or start running. Richardson will get accustomed to the NFL as his brains catch up to his raw talent. Little will be steady while Josh Gordon, Travis Benjamin, Jordan Norwood and Jordan Cameron refine their skills and let Weeden spread the ball around. The defense starts to gel, with the defensive line getting even stronger with Taylor's return. The linebackers regain Fujita while guys like AJ Fort and JMJ figure out the NFL and are always around the ball. And the secondary regains Haden while Eric Hagg becomes a force. At least one other player, like Usama Young, fills in for an occasionally injured TJ Ward.

 

I predict the Browns end the season 4-4, maybe even a game better if we stay healthy. It might even be enough to save Shurmur's job in 2013.

 

I will hold my breath for most of the first half of the season. I probably won't come up for air until at least week 6 or 7 when the team they've built starts to play the way it was built to play.

 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! :-P

I predict we will see richardson get injured and be out for alot of games. Same for Hardesty. I also believe during a sack, Weeden will get injured for 3 to 4 weeks, bringing McCoy in for his second chance. McCoy will do good, adding fuel to the QB competition. And the Oline will give up 35 sacks

Looks like fourth-round LB James Michael Johnson may be out up to four weeks with the oblique muscle he pulled in the Chicago game.

 

http://www.sbnation.com/fantasy/2012/9/1/3285396/james-michael-johnson-injury-fantasy-football-defense-idp-browns

Now the Browns' season can go forward.......

 

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson returns to practice field in preparation for opener vs. Eagles --- video

Published: Monday, September 03, 2012, 11:04 AM    Updated: Monday, September 03, 2012, 11:58 AM

    By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

 

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Trent Richardson returned to the practice field today less than a month after a scope on his left knee and got some work with the first-team offense in preparation for Sunday's opener against the Eagles.

 

With the team in shorts, shells and helmets, Richardson -- wearing a rubber sleeve on his knee - participated in individual drills and looked fluid and quick taking handoffs and running 35 yards to the end zone. He also looked completely healthy catching passes and running around with the ball.

 

At one point during individual drills, coach Pat Shurmur pulled Richardson aside for a brief chat.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/09/cleveland_browns_running_back_26.html

And you're right about the #1 RBs and WRs playing with Colt. He should apologize to Cribbs for putting him in harm's way with that throw Cribbs had to dive for, surrounded by Bears defenders. Cribbs made a great catch, but I suspect that if it was a regular season game, one of the Bears would have put a lick on Cribbs when he dove for it. And why was Colt throwing to someone surrounded closely by three defenders anyway?? That's the kind of mistake for rookies like Weeden to make.

 

I'm no Colt fan, but to be fair I'm pretty sure it was Seneca Wallace who made that throw.

Not sure if any Browns fans care but Art's time has come.

crocodile tears

Cleveland should take the high road and not celebrate the death.  The guys was a greedy jerk, but somewhere people are mourning.  We dont have to like the guy, but being consistent with us being great sports fans we should look the other way and minimize the celebratory comments.  However, perhaps the curse of Cleveland sports was tied to Arts life.  If we win on Sunday, it will be a little eerie.

^ tell that to 92.3.  They were playing ding dong the witch is dead on air today.

I like 92.3.  They are kind of like the family guy of sports radio.  They constantly flirt with inappropriate, but its funny.

Telling: the press release from the Modell family said nothing about Cleveland in it. Salt in the wound? I might have some empathy for the guy if he ever said he was sorry for not waiting for the public vote for extending the sin tax that would have paid to modernize the stadium -- a plan he endorsed but did not think would pass. It passed by a 70-30 margin.

An old guy just called 92.3 and said that Art Modell was just one of many business owners that dysfunctional politicians ran out of town.

 

I don't think it's entirely accurate but the politics of the city is at least as guilty as Art was over the whole situation.

Then he should not have endorsed the city's stadium renovation plan. He also should have at least waited for the outcome of the sin tax vote.

Then he should not have endorsed the city's stadium renovation plan. He also should have at least waited for the outcome of the sin tax vote.

 

Again, I'm not saying he's not without fault.

You say that as if his role in moving the Browns was tangential. It wasn't. He was the central villain. The city gave new stadiums to the Indians and the Cavs because they thought the Indians were at risk of leaving and they wanted the Cavs downtown. Art never revealed to the city his financial problems were so severe that he needed a completely new stadium with all the luxury boxes, PSLs, etc. to stay solvent or he would be forced to move the team. How did the city suddenly become incompetent with the Browns when it wasn't with the Indians and Cavs? The difference was how the Indians and Cavs communicated their needs to the city vs. how the Browns didn't. And when the city developed the plan to modernize the stadium, Modell supported it. Then a week before the vote to pay for the modernization, he announced he would leave. How is the city at fault for this? For not understanding how serious Modell's financial problems were when he never revealed their seriousness?

 

Ultimately, Art wanted to keep the team in his family, and he hoped the move to Baltimore solve his financial problems. It didn't. Ultimately he was forced to sell the team anyway, which is what he should have done in 1995.

 

What Art did cost me a big part of my innocence and my naive love for professional football. I have never loved football as much as I did since before October 1995. I will never forgive him for that.

I'm torn on this.  Maybe it's because I was too young at the time to fully understand the implications of the move.  Or maybe it's because the Browns have always been my third favorite professional sports franchise.  But either way, I don't have the burning hate in my heart for Modell that others in this town seem to have.  I don't like Modell and I don't respect what he did and how it has affected football in Cleveland to this very day.  But I'm not celebrating his passing.  By all accounts, he was a good person who made a very bad business decision (one that broke a lot of hearts). 

So does he deserve a place in the Hall of Fame?  I'd argue that he does, despite how Cleveland fans feel about him.  It's a league wide museum... so I can't see a reason to leave him out.

^He'll probably make it now that he's gone. While alive I think too many people viewed his election to the HOF as controversial. I'm guessing it'll make Clevelanders look bad when his bust is revealed and gets booed.