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06-14-2006, 08:46 AM
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The Lizard King
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6/14/06
Savage Says Browns Ready for Mini-Camp............
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06-15-2006, 06:47 AM
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The Lizard King
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ABJ
6/15/06
Quote:
AFC North even more intriguing
By Patrick McManamon
<!-- begin body-content -->The cheap line, being as he's a Pittsburgh Steeler and all, is to say that the day Ben Roethlisberger rearranged his motorcycle riding habits, he also rearranged the AFC North.
That would not be polite.
Or proper.
For Roethlisberger's unfortunate accident left the young man lucky he had a life, much less his teeth.
Yes, it was amazingly silly that he continued to ride a motorcycle without a helmet after Kellen Winslow's accident a year ago, but when a human body flies through the air into a windshield -- then face first into the pavement -- a football division race becomes unimportant.
Even if he will play this season -- as the reports seem to indicate -- undergoing seven hours of surgery to repair multiple fractures is not a pretty thought for anyone.
That being said, the AFC North has been a division of intriguing offseason quarterback machinations this year, some good and some not so good. These kind of machinations enable a team in the modern-day NFL to be Super Bowl champion one year and miss the playoffs the next, or go from worst one season to first the next.
And the way the quarterback situation plays out in 2006 could determine what teams are playing in the postseason in 2007.
There's Roethlisberger's accident, Carson Palmer's rehab and the arrival of Steve McNair in the AFC North. All the tumult makes the Browns' switch to Charlie Frye seem like a tire rotation rather than a four-tire change.
Roethlisberger's accident is the worst of the worst -- and illustrates why General Manager Phil Savage is trying to build the Browns around Frye, rather than through him.
When a team invests a lot of money into one position or one player, it can all go kaplooey in a heartbeat. If the Steelers avoid disaster, it would be the most amazing of scenarios.
Roethlisberger liked to boast he would always be careful on his bike, but he started out not being careful by not wearing a helmet.
His actions were plainly irresponsible to a team, organization and city counting on him.
``Hopefully our team is educated enough and realizes that they have an obligation to the rest of the guys as well,'' Savage said. ``They're depending on each other to win. I think that's probably the biggest disappointment to any team that goes through something like this.
``You just ask yourself, `Why anyone would put themselves through this risk?' ''
Injuries can happen at any time, as Palmer can attest, but putting yourself at risk by not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle does not lessen the risk.
Ask yourself: Would Roethlisberger think of playing football without a helmet?
``I wish more of our guys liked board games,'' Savage said. ``Unfortunately, that's part of the reason that makes these guys professional athletes. They have a little bit of an edge to want to do more, seek more. Where's the line? I don't know that.''
If Roethlisberger is sound of body and mind and he plays in the regular-season opener as predicted, the Steelers can walk with a swagger and the Browns' job in the division will be that much tougher.
Savage rightly pointed out that his team is trying to climb the ladder and is no position to talk about what it can do. Yet.
``We do feel like we're a team that will get out there and legitimately compete this year, and probably have a chance to win some of these games that last year people didn't think we'd have a chance of winning,'' he said.
Compare that with the attitude in Baltimore, where the acquisition of McNair turned the Ravens into immediate contenders along with the Super Bowl champion Steelers and defending division champion Cincinnati Bengals.
Folks in Baltimore will be happy to tell you all about it.
A horde of fans met McNair at the airport. Before he had thrown a pass as a Raven, McNair threw a first pitch at an Orioles game.
McNair said he's happy to be ``wanted.'' Ravens coach Brian Billick called McNair's acquisition a ``slam dunk.''
Truth be told, there's much to be said for adding McNair to a mix that includes receiver Derrick Mason (86 catches), running back Jamal Lewis (906 yards) and tight end Todd Heap (75 catches). Put a healthy McNair in the mix, and the Ravens' offense could be something to think about next season.
There is a big ``yeah, but'' with McNair. As in, yeah, but he's beat up and on the downside.
Time will tell.
But taking a risk with McNair seems no greater than the risk the Browns are taking by giving the keys to Frye the first year after he had his temporary permit.
Frye has potential, no doubt about it.
But Browns fans have seen so much ``potential'' come and go the past few years, they could build a bridge to Canada on it.
Especially at quarterback.
McNair brings, on paper, what the Ravens needed most. The past few years, the talk has been that Baltimore had everything but the quarterback.
This season, the Ravens have a chance to prove that theory was correct.
For a guy with a reputation for being beat up and washed up, he threw for 3,161 yards and 16 touchdowns for a bad Tennessee Titans team last season. The Browns haven't had a guy throw for that many yards in a season since... gulp... Bernie Kosar in 1991.
Just how washed up can McNair be?
Then there are the Bengals, with whom Palmer has devoted himself to being ready for opening day. The Bengals believe they would have beaten the Steelers in the playoffs had Palmer not suffered a devastating knee injury after throwing his first pass.
If Palmer comes back close to what he was a year ago, Cincinnati would have reason to believe it can repeat.
But with each quarterback come questions -- and Frye's inexperience might be the easiest obstacle to overcome.
Roethlisberger must bounce back mentally and emotionally from a life-changing event.
Palmer has that little knee issue (sort of like the Browns' Braylon Edwards).
And Baltimore's hopes are pinned on aging players, like McNair and Ray Lewis, who seem prone to injury.
The Browns have done much to throw themselves into the division mix.
Problem is, no team had farther to go than the Browns, whose record was the same as Baltimore's but whose personnel lacked the big-name appeal.
Savage's upgrading of the offensive line will help, but Reuben Droughns' legal woes hang over him like a cloud. The defense has better players, but like Baltimore's, those players are aging.
So no matter how hard the Browns run on their treadmill, the treadmill keeps speeding up.
So perhaps the message for the 2006 season is: Hope for a lot; keep the expectations real.
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06-15-2006, 06:52 AM
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The Lizard King
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Canton
6/15/06
Quote:
Job still belongs to Droughns
Thursday, June 15, 2006
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>By Steve Doerschuk Repositorysports writer
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 10px -3px 15px 5px; POSITION: relative" width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>
Repository Bob Rossiter BALL IS IN HIS HANDS Coming off a season in which he ran for 1,232 yards, Reuben Droughns again is expected to handle the bulk of the running back duties for the Cleveland Browns.
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Browns minicamp
All players
Friday though Sunday
Berea practice facility
Sessions are open to the media but remain closed to the general public.
BEREA - A year ago, Lee Suggs was ahead of Reuben Droughns in the race to be the Browns’ No. 1 running back.
Coming off a 1,232-yard rushing year, Droughns heads for this weekend’s minicamp as the No. 1 guy, but Suggs is healthy and might apply some heat.
Droughns didn’t help himself with his recent arrest on domestic violence charges.
“If Lee comes back and lights it up,” General Manager Phil Savage recently said, “then that’s something we would talk about, but at this point ... what have you done for me lately? Reuben rushed for 1,200 yards, and Lee was injured some.
“The idea would be for Reuben to be the lead guy and then to have two others complement in some way, either as a true backup, a tailback type or the No. 3, change-up type.”
The Browns are beginning to figure out whether fifth-round pick Jerome Harrison can fit into the running back mix.
“He’s got a knack for finding the crease and squirting through,” Savage said. “He has good vision.”
Droughns’ legal situation is pending. Savage makes it sound as though the Browns have practiced “tough love” with the 27-year-old in the wake of the incident.
“He’s been given the word that it’s something we take very seriously,” Savage said.
FRYE PUMPS UP
Savage was asked by The Repository if his scouting summary of Charlie Frye is different than the one he wrote before the Browns spent a third-round pick on the Akron quarterback.
“If I had to write another summary ... he has gotten a little bigger, a little stronger,” Savage said.
“His arm strength has improved, quite frankly, which is a pleasant surprise. But the mobility, the moxie, the toughness ... those are his characteristics, and those have continued to shine through.”
The main knock on Frye is arm strength.
The “War Room” scouts of The Sporting News address Frye’s weaknesses: “Poor arm strength. He is maxed out at 40 yards on his deep ball. He is a push thrower who lacks zip on any of his throws.”
The view was relayed to Savage.
“This is a true fact,” he said. “You go back five steps, pop up and throw the ball, it’s gonna come down anywhere between 37 and 43 yards. That’s a deep ball. Charlie can do that.
“Randall Cunningham could throw the ball 60 yards downfield, but that’s rare.”
Savage has always liked Frye’s ability to move in and out of the pocket and make plays. How well has his accuracy developed?
“That’s been pretty good all the way through,” Savage said. “His accuracy is certainly good enough.”
Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com
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CPD
6/15/06
Scout.com (free)
6/15/06
Let the Battles Begin: Running Backs..............
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Last edited by OSUBasketballJunkie; 06-15-2006 at 07:34 AM.
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06-16-2006, 06:41 AM
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The Lizard King
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Join Date: Apr 2004
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ABJ
6/16/06
Quote:
Browns' Winslow to catch spotlight
Minicamp to show how far tight end has come
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sportswriter
<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - The Browns conclude their offseason work with a three-day minicamp that starts today, and tight end Kellen Winslow will be among the most-watched players -- by teammates and media.
Winslow is slowly but steadily making his way back after missing most of his rookie season with a broken ankle and all of his second season due to a torn knee ligament.
``The team is anxious to see what he's all about,'' General Manager Phil Savage said.
Savage gave nothing but positive reports about Winslow, but the Browns are well aware Winslow has yet to take part in contact drills and nobody will know if he's truly healthy until training camp.
That being said, any progress from the first-round draft choice of 2004 is good progress.
``He's been out there as an active participant,'' Savage said.
Other areas of the team that will be watched closely include:
• Quarterback, where Charlie Frye is settling in as the starter and Ken Dorsey is trying to establish himself as the backup.
Frye's position is secure. Dorsey's is not.
``We think (Dorsey's) done pretty well thus far (in offseason practices) and we're going to continue to track him,'' Savage said. ``This weekend it kind of ramps up to another level.''
• The legal situation with running back Reuben Droughns.
Savage said the team believes Droughns will come out of a domestic situation unscathed and will remain the team's No. 1 back.
``We'll support him any way we can,'' Savage said. ``But at the same time he's been given the word that this is something that we take very seriously.''
• The backup running back situation.
The Browns feel good about Lee Suggs and William Green, and rookie Jerome Harrison has drawn attention.
``You notice him out there,'' Savage said. ``He has a knack for finding a crease and squirting through the crack.''
• The inside linebacker spot next to Andra Davis.
Several players are competing, including rookie second-round pick D'Qwell Jackson. Matt Stewart has spent most of his time outside, and Chaun Thompson has worked both inside and outside.
``We feel there will be some combination of players to fill that spot in case one (player) does not emerge as clearly the guy,'' Savage said.
• Safety.
Brian Russell's experience and savvy appear to have him locked in at one spot, but Sean Jones and Brodney Pool will have a competition to watch in preseason. Jones has emerged this offseason.
``He's had an excellent offseason,'' Savage said. ``He's responded well to the challenge of possibly being a starter.''
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CPD
6/16/06
Quote:
Possibilities appear limitless
Winslow's return a welcome sight in Browns' camp
Friday, June 16, 2006
Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter
The return of Kellen Winslow Jr. to the practice field at Browns minicamp today marks a welcome milestone in the tight end's pro career.
The team's top draft pick in 2004 hasn't been in full uniform since fracturing his right fibula and tearing ankle ligaments in his second NFL game on Sept. 19, 2004.
He missed the remainder of his rookie season healing from those injuries, and then all of his second year was lost because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee suffered in a motorcycle wreck on May 1, 2005.
Coach Romeo Crennel's mandatory minicamp will give reporters their first look at Winslow in action in 21 months, albeit in shorts and no pads. The five practices through Sunday are closed to the public.
Winslow has been an enthusiastic participant in Crennel's organized team activities leading up to the minicamp. His recovery from knee surgery last June is proceeding without a hitch, team officials say, putting him on course to start training camp next month at 100 percent health.
"If anything, we've tried to rein him in," General Manager Phil Savage said. "He's able to cut laterally, get in and out of breaks. You just sense when he's split out and the ball's going in his direction, the team is watching to see how he is doing. I think they are anxious to see what he is all about."
Receiver Braylon Edwards - the other half of the Browns' dream duo in their revamped passing attack - won't be available at this minicamp and will be limited in what he can do in training camp.
Edwards tore his right ACL after catching two touchdown passes from Charlie Frye in the Jacksonville game Dec. 4. He had surgery a month later. The nine- to 12-month recovery timetable may leave him inactive until a month or more into the season.
"We need someone to emerge while Braylon's rehabbing," Savage said. "That's a question for us: Who is it going to be?"
Dennis Northcutt and Joe Jurevicius are the designated starters at this minicamp. The candidates for the No. 3 job are Frisman Jackson, Brandon Rideau, Joshua Cribbs and rookie third-round draft pick Travis Wilson.
"The opportunity is going to be there for somebody. I think they all see that," Savage said.
Other position battles that will be set up this weekend but not really waged until training camp are:
Complementary running back to starter Reuben Droughns. That comes down essentially to Lee Suggs trying to stay healthy and stave off an expected challenge from fifth-round draft pick Jerome Harrison.
Right inside linebacker. Savage said second-round rookie D'Qwell Jackson and Chaun Thompson have been lining up there in team activities. Fourth-round pick Leon Williams has played behind Andra Davis on the left side. Matt Stewart has lined up on the outside, for the most part.
Strong safety. Brodney Pool and Sean Jones will vie for the safety position closer to the line of scrimmage. Brian Russell is expected to maintain the deep safety spot.
Fourth cornerback after starting contenders Gary Baxter, Daylon McCutcheon and Leigh Bodden. Candidates include 2005 fourth-round pick Antonio Perkins, 2006 fifth-round pick DeMario Minter, Pete Hunter and James Thornton.
Minicamp is kind of the NFL's version of touch football - no major contact, no pads, limited speed.
Quarterbacks and receivers should stand out. Historically, few jobs are won on the field in June.
But Savage argues that the five practices held this weekend are relevant.
"First impressions go a long way," he said. "If a guy comes in and can't run through the bags and can't do some of these drills in shorts, whether the coaches admit it or not, they're thumbs down on the guy.
"I would say it's important. We're not playing flag football, but we judge it, that's for sure."
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Last edited by OSUBasketballJunkie; 06-16-2006 at 07:21 AM.
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06-17-2006, 09:00 AM
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The Lizard King
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Join Date: Apr 2004
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Dispatch
6/17/06
Quote:
BROWNS MINICAMP
Return of Winslow grabs most attention
Tight end is eager to leave injuries behind
Saturday, June 17, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle> </IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>RON SCHWANE ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Kellen Winslow Jr., returning to action after a 21-month absence, talks with tight ends coach Ben Coates during minicamp. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
BEREA, Ohio — On the first play of team drills yesterday, Kellen Winslow Jr. made a leaping grab in traffic over a wouldbe defender. Several plays later, he turned a broken play into a positive gain by cutting off his route and making a difficult catch while straddling the sideline.
Both catches were for short gains, but it was a brief display of the play-making ability that has been missing from the Cleveland offense the past several seasons.
Winslow, a former blue-chip prospect, hopes to return and be a difference-maker after two injury-plagued seasons.
The tight end and former first-round pick has been out for the past 21 months because of leg injuries. He suffered a broken fibula on Sept. 19, 2004, trying to recover an onside kick against the Dallas Cowboys, then suffered a torn right knee ligament in a motorcycle wreck last spring that cost him the 2005 season.
Yesterday, all eyes were on Winslow as he practiced before the media for the first time since the injuries. Although Winslow is not fully healed (he says he’s 90 percent), he returned a more humble and introspective player than the lightning rod he once was coming out of the University of Miami.
"Emotionally, there were a lot of long nights," Winslow said. "I can’t even really explain it. It was a hard time when my teammates were out there playing a game and I was at home with my leg up. But God put me in this place for a reason, because it wasn’t my time yet. But now it is my time. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, a lot of time I spent with my family, and it’s good to be back."
Physically, Winslow believes he’s ahead of schedule. Based on practices yesterday, it appears he’s still feeling his way through his routes, but his hands and upper body look game ready.
Winslow wants to push himself as hard as possible, perhaps a little too hard for the Browns’ liking. He thinks he has a lot to prove and is eager to be a leader and the go-to guy in Cleveland’s offense this year. It has been the job of the front office and training staff to slow Winslow down to lower the risk of injury.
In football years, Winslow is still a baby. The third-year pro has just two starts under his belt—two more than the incoming rookies and three starts less than second-year quarterback Charlie Frye.
The Browns have undergone a major overhaul in the two years since general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel arrived. Many of the current players have never played or practiced with Winslow and also are seeing him in action for the first time.
"You just sense that when the ball goes in his direction or he’s split out, I think the team generally is watching him to see how he’s doing, because I think they’re interested, too, of really what he’s all about," Savage said.
Crennel said, "He still has the hands, the size and he runs well enough where he can be a problem for some linebackers and safeties. There is some rust there, but if we keep working with him he’ll become more comfortable and a lot of those things will come back to him."
The motorcycle crash of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger brought things closer to home this week. Winslow was in disbelief when he heard the news.
Winslow, who said yesterday that he would never ride a motorcycle again, plans to call Roethlisberger once the "riffraff" clears to see how he’s doing.
"I remember after I got in my accident, he was also riding a motorcycle," Winslow said. "It’s an unfortunate thing. My prayers and thoughts are with him."
Winslow is excited about his playing future. It always has been filled with so much promise, but never before has he been forced to overcome so much hardship.
Training camp begins in five weeks followed by preseason games, which is when the real physical test begins for Winslow.
Can he still get separation in traffic? Can he take a tough shot over the middle? Can he make a physical block to help the running game? These questions need answers, but Winslow is excited about the challenge.
After two years filled with setbacks, Winslow believes he can only move forward.
"Things will keep on track," Winslow said. "I will keep on pushing. Fans should expect a Super Bowl, that’s all you can expect."
jwalker@dispatch.com
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06-17-2006, 09:00 AM
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The Lizard King
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