Metcalf Up the Middle

  Since the Browns have returned in "99, they have made the playoffs only once.  So many of us fans in north east Ohio and around the globe have always held  onto something good that came from that past season in hopes that the following year would be they year that the stars aligned and everything came together. In a drunken stupor (which is what I am calling it now), I predicted that the Browns this season would be the team which exceeded expectations around the league and came out of the shadows of oblivion to maybe make a quick playoff appearance this season. But alass, the Tampa Bay Bucs seem to have taken that spot this year. However............... Take a look at some of the stories from the NFL that plague sports talk radio and ESPN currently. The Dallas Cowboys .  Outside of there offensive line, this team isn't all that bad.  But Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips, a 1.5 billion dollar stadium, and a 1-6 record put this team on the threat level " red " ma

Some of you may be wondering why I hadn't posted before the Ravens game.   Honestly.......I couldn't muster up any positives for that particular game.  The Brian Robiskie, Shaun Rogers, Jerome Harrison, Jake Delhomme,  and a few others inactive for that game (not to mention @DQ52 being put on the IR, I honestly didn't expect much. After every loss from the Browns over the past 11 years, the local media has tried to put a positive spin on the loss, that we are just on the verge of being competitive, or, we're one more draft away from getting the couple players that we need to make a deep run into the playoffs. Bullshit....... When the Browns came back in '99, I had just turned 20, I was full of optimism and knew that I was young but ten years from now (back then), all us Browns fans could have something to love and watch beat the piss out of the Steelers twice a year. What do we have to show for the past decade: NOTHING Outside of the obvious, this is how we s

I believe since the Browns rebirth in "99, they have won only one home opener.  Normally it would be nice to start off the first home game of the season with a win, but after over a decade of screw ups, botched hires, key free agent injuries, and uncertainty in the front office.....we desperately need a win today. What we learned from last WEAK: Peyton Hillis can be the man.......as long as he doesn't fumble the ball three times a game. Jake Delhomme came back from last years form to throw 2 INT's and barely attempt a pass over 10 yards the entire game. Our receivers so far have not impressed me what-so-ever. We might as well start punting on 3rd and long. Jerome Harrison apparently was not going to be the feature back this season, making Montario Hardesty's injury that more potent. Jake Delhomme is listed as doubtful for this week. (It's probably a good thing) Harrison had 268 yards rushing and 3 TD's against this team last season. Hell, I'll ta

After training camp, four meaningless preseason games and countless player transactions.  It all starts today (unless you are a Saints or Vikings fan then your season started this past Thursday). This years our beloved Cleveland Browns will be showcasing near midlife crisis QB Jake Delhomme, WR/PR/KR Josh Cribbs, RB Jerome Harrison, and two rookies CB Joe Haden and S TJ Ward. Will/can Mike Holmgren make a difference, is Eric Mangini really the so called "genius" he was made out to be when in New York (although that title was short lived now that I think about it)? Burning Questions If the human excrement hits the fan, lets say, mid-season, will Mangini hit the road only to have Homgren take over as the head coach? With rookie Montario Hardesty on IR with a torn ACL, can Harrison and RB James Davis carry the offense? Will second year players like Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi take GIANT steps forward in there development and be worthy of the second round pick

Many of you are aware of what many teams call the "Wildcat".  For those of you that don't, this is where your RB lines up in a formation as the QB and normally a run play presumes. The Wildcat Power Diagram, Note where the QB is lined up. With the emergence of Josh Cribbs and his evolution into trying to get him the ball more, the Browns installed there version of the Wildcat (which was more or less taken/carried over from Josh's days at Kent State), the "Flash" package. In another year where the Browns will have another starting QB and three total new ones on the roster, lets take note of QB Seneca Wallace.  In his two years at Iowa St, he was more of a mobile QB than a pass happy precision beast. Some of you may remember what is called "the run": At times while in Seattle, Wallace has made some flashy plays, but with Delhomme and his giant 1 yr contract, Colt "the wonder boy" McCoy  probably sitting this season out learning

Where kickers are only as good as there last kick, and only high profile position players are scrutinized for holding out for new contracts. For the second year in a row, Browns kicker Phil Dawson is threatening a holdout. CLEVELAND -- Browns kicker Phil Dawson skipped the first day of organized team activities in what could be a statement about wanting a contract extension. Dawson, a 12th-year pro, also sat out some OTAs last season in what was believed to be a contract issue. Dawson, the Browns' second-leading all-time scorer, is in the last year of his contract. He sat out five games with a calf injury last season, but returned for the final nine games, making six field goals in the last two outings. --Mary Kay Cabot Now Phil Dawson has 1 year left and $1 million left on his existing contract.  He has been with the Browns since there rebirth in '99 when being signed as an undrafted free agent from Texas University.  Aside from the '99 & '06 season Phil

Lets face it. The way we ended 2009 running the ball, we should not be shocked to see a 60/40 run/pass ratio this coming season.  However we have all heard the thoughts on if Jerome Harrison can handle (physically) being an every down back. Last years 6th round pick James Davis looked like a diamond in the rough until being injured during a practice and possibly putting himself in the doghouse after making comments about Mangini and how his practices are run. Now lets throw rookie RB Montario Hardesty and we got ourselves quite a little three headed monster rushing attack (in theory). And lets not forget the "flash package" with everyone's favorite former Kent State QB Josh Cribbs . Remember last year the Browns drafted two wide receivers in the 2nd round and neither did much to distinguish himself as a true #1 threat.  Although Massaquio did show some flashes of promise. Passing game will be bleak at best again this season. No matter who is playing QB. FB Lawren

Well the 2010 NFL Draft has come and gone, Indians are under .500, with the worst batting average in the league and the Cavs are making there push into the second round of the playoffs for a title. (Celtics vs Cavs game 1, Saturday May 1st, 1pm) The only thing for the Cleveland Browns now is to figure out what is going on with restricted free agents FB Lawrence Vickers, MLB D'Qwell Jackson and what exactly is going on with the legal situation and Shaun Rogers ? Cleveland has completely overhauled the secondary by way of trade (thank you again Philly ) and draft (see list of fun YouTube videos at the bottom of this post).  But what I find a little odd is that after trading out only sack threat in Kamerion Wimbley (yes at 6.5 sacks last year) to Oakland, why did Homgren and crew wait until round 7 to grab a defensive lineman? Many of the turnovers that a defensive backs get credited for start with the pressure that a DL and LB create in the box.  That's hard to do when:

Joe Haden was the topped ranked corner coming into tonight's draft.  Since Eric Berry got snagged, this was our "plan two". No so bad (so far). 03/25/2010 - The Browns conducted a private workout Monday with Florida cornerback Joe Haden in his hometown in Maryland and will bring him to Cleveland for a visit in early April, his agent Malik Shareef told The Plain Dealer. Haden, the top-rated cornerback in the draft, is one of the players the Browns are considering with their No. 7 overall pick. On Monday, Browns defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson, a former eight-year NFL defensive back, put Haden through an individual workout specific to the Browns' scheme. "Joe responded very well to coach Henderson and had a good rapport with him," said Shareef. "Joe and I were very pleased with how everything went." Haden (5-11, 193) raised some eyebrows at the NFL Combine last month when he ran a disappointing 4.57 in the 40 - a time that some e

I don't think that I really need to explain my in depth hate for that of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  I think given his three extra curricular activities (motorcycle, acting like Kobe in Reno, and then the 20 yr old woman in Georgia), those instances and this photo above can possibly give some insight on how "Big" Ben likes to spend his free time. Reports all afternoon have the Steelers now shopping there star QB who also carries a large contract. According to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, the Raiders are in contact with the Steelers about a trade for Ben Roethlisberger. La Canfora says Oakland "might be (the) only real option" for Pittsburgh if the Steelers are truly prepared to wash their hands of the 28-year-old QB. The Raiders, smartly (for once), appear to have realized that JaMarcus Russell is a bust, and very arguably the biggest in NFL history. The Steelers might ask for Nnamdi Asomugha in addition to Oakland's No. 8 overall pick. Apr.

Could we see Colt McCoy in this uniform in 2010? Obviously no one knows whats going to happen on draft day.  And yes its fun to speculate, but look for the Cleveland Browns to make these picks come draft day (which is about 2 days and 10 hrs from now). Although some same they can already predict the top 5 picks . Lets just be real , we all want the Browns to take the "pretty" pick and draft a CJ Spiller , Dez Bryant , or trade up for Sam Bradford (without giving up everything on the farm).  The Browns need defense.  We have ranked last in nearly every defensive category for....well....I don't remember how many years it has been now.  It would seem much worse except for the fact that we have one of the better special teams in the league for several years (thank you Phil Dawson and Josh Cribbs ). Depending on who the Browns really feel should be taken at #7, that is only if they decide NOT to trade down for the second year in a row, here are that select

For those of you who following my (elementary school) writings, you know that I would like nothing else than the Browns to draft safety Eric Berry . Earlier in the week Denver WR Brandon Marshall was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Not really a huge deal for us Browns fans unless you see who else was interested in him.  The Seattle Seahawks. If you happen to follow any mock drafts, many "experts" have the Seahawks drafting Berry as the 6th overall pick in Thursdays draft.  But with such interest in Brandon Marshall this gives us the perception that WR Dez Bryant could be much higher on the list of players that Seattle may want. What if the Browns have set the bar much higher and want a franchise QB as the new face of the team to go along with the new front office?  For almost two weeks now I have heard that the Browns have inquired about what it would take to trade up in the draft with the St. Louis Rams and snag Sam Bradford. I honestly don't think the Browns wo

(For the love of God.....do not draft him) As we die hard draft junkies continue to analyze and re-analyze and then regurgitate again.  Here are some more links that may interest you. There are 4 teams that own 17% of this years draft picks , our Cleveland Browns are one of them. Yes the Browns have recently picked up Scott Fujita and traded for Chris Gocong . But what OLB are are available in the draft that could be possible pass rushers ? Scout.com free agency tracker Browns 2010 free agency tracker (from the 2009 roster) Fox Sports Mock Draft (updated today) I like this one because in my Orange and Brown head it makes the most sense (AKA we draft Eric Berry).

Lots of stuff going on since the last post: The Washington Redskins want to unload Haynesworth ? Trent Dilfer says Sam Bradford is "not even close to the best player in the draft" Shanahan won't rule out drafting a quarterback Roethlisberger is still refusing to talk to cops (good move). Rams release QB Marc Bulger and save $8 mill. Newest Mock draft (after the McNabb trade).

I have March Madness.  Except my version does not involve basketball.  Mine involves that time of the year where there is no football, no baseball, and my BlueJackets suck right now.  So my full attention is focused on the NFL draft. Everyone and there next door neighbor has there theory on who is doing what and has some source that heard this rumor from a note written on the bathroom wall of a truck stop in Lincoln, Nebraska. In the last several weeks we have the Cleveland Browns drafting in round one Eric Berry, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Joe Haden & God knows who else. However.....what if we chose to draft another offensive lineman? WTF?!?!? You say... Let me ask you this: How did we win the last 4 games of 2009?  RUNNING THE BALL . How sweet would our starting O-Line look with this blocking for Delhomme and Harrison: LT Joe Thomas   LG Eric Steinbach  C  Alex Mack  RG  TBD   RT  Tony Pashos And right now you may be saying, "But our defense suck

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini says other trades are in the works. "A little bit of this was done in anticipation of being able to get some other things done that will involve draft picks," Mangini said. (in reference to Kameron Wimbley being traded for a 3rd rd pick to the Oakland Raiders). From ESPN Insider: Earlier, we considered Mike Holmgren's comments relating to the Browns' search for a QB to draft this April, making note of the fact that Holmgren has never drafted a QB higher than the third round during his career. Well, that might change this year. ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker got word from a source that the Browns are interested in Texas QB Colt McCoy, and reported Monday that the team will host him for a two-day visit on April 12-13. Given McCoy's stock, the Browns might have to snag him with their pick near the top of Round 2. There are some size concerns with McCoy, but he had one of the better interviews amongst the QBs at

Rumors, speculation, trades, free agent signings, cuts, jail, death, and retirement.  These are just a few things that are looked at when rat face appearing individuals like ESPN's Mel Kiper puts together his next mock draft.  With anyone that has brain power of Forrest Gump or higher knows that as soon as the latest mock is put together and posted on the WWW. that something happens and null and voids the latest submission. With rumors swirling that Mike Holmgren wants QB Sam Bradford but moving up in the draft could cost the Browns two first round picks.  That is pretty costly considering our track record drafting QB's since '99 (Tim C ouch , Charlie Frye, Brady Quinn, and even Spergon Wynn ). So with that in mind, lets take a look at a few....after all, we only have 32 more days until round one. Draft Countdown Mock Draft (as of March 15) NFL Fan House Mock Draft (as of March 20) ProFootball Weekly/Shutdown Corner Mock Drafts Four Moves that Could Shake Up T

@postal38sp On days were lots of things are going on in the world of the Cleveland Browns, my TweetDeck is non-stop with lovely tidbits of information. After today's transactions, I would like to share some of those with you. Simply for the fact that we all know what transpired today, getting some insight from other fans can give another perspective on the ever changing Browns roster. FIRE SALE IN BEREA! Quinn and Wimbley are gone, who's next? http://bit.ly/detDXR RT @RuiterWrong: 4 Quinn Browns get Hillis, 6th rd 2011 & conditional 2012 pick from Den. 4 Wimbley Browns (cont) http://tl.gd/gkhbu RT @DQ52 No comment.. No comment.. No comment.. Thts all I'm sayin!!! Trade fever: Kamerion Wimbley dealt by Cleveland Browns to Oakland Raiders for draft picks: On a busy day f... http://bit.ly/cJM80x @DQ52 All I'm worried about is comin back full strength and ready to play football!! As far as my situ..Im lettin go and lettin GOD! RT @BrownsForum It's always darkest be

Thats right, news has it that Brady Quinn has been traded to the Denver Broncos for RB Peyton Hillis and 2 future undisclosed draft choices - http://bit.ly/c6TjBE **Just in ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the draft picks are a 6th round pick in the 2011 draft and a conditional late-round pick in 2012 . That is no real big news. Ever since the acquisition of Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme, it was only a matter of time that Brady left North East Ohio. Now a rumor that simultaneously arrived was the (possible) departure of Kameron Wimbley to Oakland for a still uncertain draft pick(s).

I don't know what they were thinking either!! Sadness Friday afternoon, underrated TE Steve Heiden was released from the Browns. Never a game breaking type of player, but just a solid guy who had just enough ability to get the job done. He struggled to stay on the field at times from injury but was able to stick here in Cleveland through countless coaching changes. Hope One tight end leaves and another arrives. Say hello to Ben Watson . This former Patriot could bring a much needed target for our lackluster passing attack. A little younger and faster than Heiden, Browns nation welcomes you with open arms. Confusion Ok, DA/Lurch gets the old "pink slip", no biggie we all saw this coming. Jake Delhomme rumors start flying that he's coming to Cleveland for a visit, not real worried. Jake leaves Cleveland and was supposed to then visit the Saints. Then we hear that Jake passes a physical and then signs a 2 year deal (which by the way, when he got cut from the Carol

"The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner. I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them." Well good luck with that Lurch. For a man/professional athlete who never showed any amount of emotion on or off the field, he sure pulled out a drug induced Corey Haim today. (Also, is it just me or did it seem that Lurch was always on horse tranquilizers?) Lurch, if you happen to read this, please ask your wife to assist you in reading this and explain to you what I am about to lay out for you both...... You would never have come to Cleveland if not for former Browns GM Phil Savage. You wanna lay blame, blame Savage for bringing your sorry inaccurate throwing ass to Cleveland. You wanna live in the past and bask in the glory in what was your 2007 campaign, go find a time machine or a hot tube and relive it. And remember you still had 19 INT's th

First off....props to the new front office regime in Berea. Cribbs as we all know got his pay day this past week. A new 3 yr deal worth around $7 mill and could max out at around $20 with incentives. Then within minutes of the beginning of free agency DL Corey Williams gets shipped off to Detroit with a 7th Rd pick in exchange for a 5th Rd pick in this years draft (still leaving us with 11 total for next month). Recent SuperBowl Champion LB Scott Fujita has just signed a 3 yr deal with the Brownies. He does happen to be a little on the old side and will be 31 on April 28th. The Browns also announced today the signing of tackle Tony Pashos . I can honestly say that I don't know much of him, but word is (when healthy) he is a vicious run blocker, which if we end up with a west coast type of offense this coming season he should fit right in. In the one of 1000 rumors this week, one cited that backup QB David Carr was on our free agent wishlist. If that were true, you can cross hi

**JUST IN** Report: Browns trading Corey Williams to Lions ___________________________________ NFL free agency is just hours from now and I feel like a virgin in a strip club for the first time. Which incidentally was about two weeks ago. Anyway.... The Browns today announced the following: Player Accrued Seasons Tender Level S Abram Elam 4 2nd Round RB Jerome Harrison 4 2nd Round LB D’Qwell Jackson 4 2nd Round LB Matt Roth 5 2nd Round LB Jason Trusnik 3 2nd Round FB Lawrence Vickers 4 2nd Round In addition, the Browns tendered all three of their exclusive rights players: LB Marcus Benard LB Blake Costanzo RB Chris Jennings In other news rumor has it that Josh Cribbs and the Browns are holding a press conference tomorrow at 5pm. Updated contract? Unveiling of a new children's book? Who knows! Also, the Baltimore Ravens have given backup QB Troy Smith a tender of only a 5th rd. With a team that has 11 total draft picks come April, this could be a steal. It doesn'

Browns to try and trade up for QB Sam Bradford? The Cleveland Browns are in the same boat as last year regarding their QBs: they really aren't in love with either Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn , from what we can insinuate. Anderson could even be released before his roster bonus is due in March. Confronted with that harsh reality, the team has two options: acquire someone else to take a stab at being the next franchise QB or hope for the best with Quinn or Anderson. Speaking on that first point, the team has been involved in the trade rumors for just about any QB even remotely on the market. Another possibility, reported by Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal , is for the Browns to trade up from No. 7 in order to land Sam Bradford. They might have to move up all the way to No. 1, given the rave reviews coming from all corners of the NFL universe recently, but maybe this is just the kind of bold move that will kickstart the franchise with the new management

Its that time of year again where players are cut, placed franchise tags upon, arrested for driving through pedestrians, traded, retire, get hurt and go on IR for shooting themselves and so on. Many or us Browns fans look to this time of year as our Superbowl. This is what keeps us content until our coming seasons first loss in week 1. Case in point....RB Ladainian Tomlinson finally got thrown to the curb by the San Diego Chargers on Monday after much speculation. The nine year vet who was a fantasy football God for much of his career became expendable from decreased production and a tough hit against the salary cap. This afternoon we were introduced to the newest member of "I'm an older RB and I need a new team". Hello Brian Westbrook . Another just past there prime back that may offer another 2 years of solid play, but tends to get hurt for at least several games every year. With the Browns letting go of Jamal Lewis and a Browns roster full of inexperienced back, d