Cleveland Browns (2008 Season)

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by jwinslow

Can they give up an '09 pick? It's not like the iggles are going to be playing in january this year, imo...

I think at this point Savage would give up a 09 and a 10 pick. The future for him is now.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Browns notebook
Quinn wants opportunity to challenge Anderson

Sunday, March 2, 2008 3:42 AM
By James Walker


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Brady Quinn


BEREA, Ohio -- All Brady Quinn wants is a chance.

The Dublin native wants to compete for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job with Derek Anderson in training camp this summer. But it's unlikely he will get his wish.
"We're both obviously good quarterbacks," Quinn said yesterday before an autograph session. "It puts us in a good position if anything were ever to happen. I'm just looking forward to the competition."
Competition is the key word, because the Browns are committed to opening the season with Anderson as the starter.

Continued.....

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Brady Quinn plans to win starting job

Posted by Mary Kay Cabot, Plain Dealer Reporter March 01, 2008 15:38PM

Categories: Browns

Despite Derek Anderson's big, new contract, Browns quarterback Brady Quinn still has every intention of winning the starting job this season.
Asked Saturday about his mindset heading into camp, Quinn said it's "just competing and trying to take this team to the playoffs. I think it's something we weren't able to do last year. I want to try to take over the starting job and lead for our team.''
Speaking before an appearance at the Greater Cleveland Auto Show at the I-X Center, Quinn mentioned at least four times that he plans to lead the Browns next season.

Continued........

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Browns Rogers a risk worth taking?

by By Mary Kay Cabot Saturday March 01, 2008, 8:32 PM


Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, whom the Browns acquired in a trade with Detroit for cornerback Leigh Bodden and their third-round pick, comes with a ton of talent, but a load of baggage to go with it.

The key for the Browns will be to manage the player, try to get the best out of him and hope that the change of scenery will do him some good.
Rogers, one of the most talented players in the NFL at his position and a two-time Pro Bowler, was suspended four games in 2006 for use of a banned substance, which he said was a stimulant found in an appetite suppressant. He also has questionable knees and his weight ballooned from about 340 to 370 pounds last season.

Continued......

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Terry Pluto: Browns' moves are inspired

Posted by Terry Pluto Plain Dealer Columnist March 01, 2008 20:40PM

Categories: Browns, Terry Pluto columns
In the same way Phil Savage relentlessly spent, traded and drafted to fix the Browns' offensive line, the general manager has made the same commitment to the defensive line.
And I say amen to that.
If you believe the Browns' 10-6 season in 2007 was not a fluke, and most of the core players are under 30 . . .
If you know down deep the Browns will never be a factor in the postseason until they stop the run and pressure the quarterback . . .

If you have been longing for the Browns to stop acting like an expansion team . . .
Then you have to be impressed by them trading veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden and second- and third-round picks for defensive linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers. Both of them are in their late 20s and should be in the prime of their careers.

Continued.......

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Browns sign WR Stallworth to 7-year deal

Posted by Mary Kay Cabot March 01, 2008 19:44PM

Categories: Browns

AP PhotoDonte Stallworth caught 46 passes and three touchdowns with the Patriots last season.

The Browns signed Patriots free agent receiver Donte Stallworth to a seven-year deal, the team announced Saturday evening. ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports reported that the deal is worth $35 million with $10 million guaranteed.
A seventh-year pro, Stallworth caught 46 passes for 697 yards and three touchdowns in 2007 with the Patriots, where he played behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker. He was signed by the Pats as a free agent before the season, but they let him go instead of paying him $8 million in roster bonuses.

Continued........

[LitlBuck]

With Bodden gone, Savage really needs to do some work in the defensive backfield. While MacDonald did a fine job at nickel back last year, I am very uncomfortable in starting him and Wright at corner. I would like for them to bring in a veteran CB to be one of the starters and let's see how MacDonald performs this coming year along with Holly.

We also need to get a MLB who can run sideline to sideline but also have the ability to stuff someone when they come up the middle. Davis can stuff but he cannot run. Jackson can run but I don't think he had one tackle behind the line of scrimmage.

We also need to sign our FA's because right now all of our backup OL are free agents along with a lot of special team players.

Take care of the above and call it a day.

[buckeyefool]

Overall I think the Browns have made some good move, but they still do have some questions like the ones addressed in the post above mine.

As for the Guys they just signed, I think Williams will have the biggest impact. While as a Bengals fan I would have loved to have Rodgers, he does have a history of weight and injury problems. If he comes in ready to play, they the Browns DL will be a force. Stallworth, really has been a whole lot of flash and nothing more most of his places he has been. I really don't know if he has been able to stay healthy for a whole year yet.

And with all these signing KWII has to be wondering where is extension he wants is.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

FA addressed some of their needs, but they will have to address the defensive backfield in the draft if they can.......an improved D-line will certainly help our DBs back there......

[Buckeneye]

You could have Champ Baily and Cromartie as your CB's, but if your Dline was as bad as the Browns last year; then its not going to matter one bit.

I'm happy were beginning to address the D (line) I'd like to see a speedy DE to compliment some inside run stopping. A fresh face or two at LB couldnt hurt as well; Willie is only getting older, and Wimbley is a force waiting to be unleashed if he could just get a complimentary player behind our big fellas.

[billmac91]

Originally Posted by Buckeneye

You could have Champ Baily and Cromartie as your CB's, but if your Dline was as bad as the Browns last year; then its not going to matter one bit.

I'm happy were beginning to address the D (line) I'd like to see a speedy DE to compliment some inside run stopping. A fresh face or two at LB couldnt hurt as well; Willie is only getting older, and Wimbley is a force waiting to be unleashed if he could just get a complimentary player behind our big fellas.

I really don't know much about Corey Williams, but I think it says quite a bit that he had 7 sacks in limited playing time from the DT position. That's solid production. I think Phil made a great move with that one.

[tsteele316]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

With Bodden gone, Savage really needs to do some work in the defensive backfield. While MacDonald did a fine job at nickel back last year, I am very uncomfortable in starting him and Wright at corner. I would like for them to bring in a veteran CB to be one of the starters and let's see how MacDonald performs this coming year along with Holly.

We also need to get a MLB who can run sideline to sideline but also have the ability to stuff someone when they come up the middle. Davis can stuff but he cannot run. Jackson can run but I don't think he had one tackle behind the line of scrimmage.

We also need to sign our FA's because right now all of our backup OL are free agents along with a lot of special team players.

Take care of the above and call it a day.

actually, when mcdonald came on the field, he wasn't playing the nickle spot. watch the zona game again, and games thereafter.

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by tsteele316

actually, when mcdonald came on the field, he wasn't playing the nickle spot. watch the zona game again, and games thereafter.

That's fine but then we need somebody to replace MacDonald in the nickel or Holly in the dime. I think we are now short in DBs unless Baxter (miracle) comes back. JMO

[OH10]

Eric Wright was solid last year in coverage. MacDonald looks like a solid nickel back right now, but I'm sure they'll monitor his improvement this year. Daven Holly is an Arena League player, and Baxter is done.

They have to do something to at least shore up some depth at the CB position. But for now, the D-Line was more important.

[Buckeneye]

Originally Posted by OH10

But for now, the D-Line was more important.

Exactly; We need some serious improvement on stopping the run. Making a team one dimensional - then you really only need a moderately decent backfield if the opposition is continually forced to throw.