Cleveland Browns (2008 Season)

[jlb1705]

This should be Belichick's punishment for Spygate:

When he is inducted into the Hall of Fame, his plaque should read, "Had to cheat to beat the Browns."

The biggest disgrace isn't the actual cheating, it's the fact he had to do it to outsmart Butch Davis.

[osugrad21]

DDN

McGinest out after '08


By the Associated Press

Friday, May 09, 2008

CLEVELAND ? Cleveland Browns linebacker Willie McGinest says the 2008 season will be his last.
McGinest told SI.com that he wants to finish his career on one last playoff run.
"This will be it," he said. "This will be my 15th season. I've worked hard; I think I've done everything I set out to accomplish."
Cont..

[osugrad21]

Canton

Browns prepare for life after McGinest
Friday, May 9, 2008
BY Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA The question no longer is whether Willie McGinest will play beyond 2008. The question becomes what the Browns linebacking corps will look like as McGinest courses through a phase-out year.

Browns General Manager Phil Savage was not surprised by a report indicating McGinest will retire after the 2008 season.

"I think everyone could assume that once (McGinest) agreed to taking the (pay) reduction for this year, the thought was that one more quality year at somewhat of a reduced rate would make the most sense for both sides," Savage said during a radio interview Thursday. "I would be surprised if he played beyond this year."

The Browns use a 3-4 defense that calls for four starting linebacker, two primary backups and at least two other players for depth.
Cont...

[IronBuckI]

Hopefully McGinest can continue his current role of coaching the front seven next year, without wearing pads and taking up a roster spot.

edit: actually, I'd like to see the same thing happen with Ken Dorsey. Although, He may not be convinced that coaching is really his best bet right now.

[Buckeneye]

agreed. He has some serious insight to offer our younger players and I would like to keep him around for that.

[LitlBuck]

I guess it's rather obvious that we will be looking for LBs, both inside and outside, in next year's draft or during free agency. We are really lacking depth at those positions after this season... well maybe not even after

[Buckeneye]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

I guess it's rather obvious that we will be looking for LBs, both inside and outside, in next year's draft or during free agency. We are really lacking depth at those positions after this season... well maybe not even after

and you have a smiling face for that.. why?

[LitlBuck]

Originally Posted by Buckeneye

and you have a smiling face for that.. why?

Because Spring camp has not even started yet. Many teams will be making roster cuts by the time the season begins. Some roster cuts could be so very good pickups for the Browns.

[LitlBuck]

Cleveland.com


NFL INSIDER
Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski looking for better results in 2008

Sunday, May 11, 2008
Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

In the first year of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski's system, the Browns jumped from 31st in total offense to eighth. Their 402 points were the third-most in franchise history.

Last year's Browns outscored the best season of the Brian Sipe-era Browns by 43 points. In the past 30 years, only the 1987 Browns of the Bernie Kosar era were more prolific. That team would have scored 434 points over 16 games if not for four games interrupted by the players strike.

So what do these Browns do for an encore?

Chudzinski sees a lot of room for improvement.

As the 2008 season unofficially kicks off Tuesday with the start of 12 organized team activities (OTAs), Chudzinski will tell his unit to develop amnesia.

"Last year's over," he said. "We came a long, long way. We made a lot of improvement, but we left some things out there. I'm a perfectionist, so it's never going to be perfect. But that's over.

"If anybody's living in the past, they're going to have a rude awakening. This is a brand new year. You have to prove yourself every day. Your reputation can't play for you.

"There's got to be that hunger and it's got to start with their mentality from the beginning. Talent gives you a chance [to win], but ultimately it's all those others things, like effort, toughness, commitment and discipline."
A year ago, the Browns were consumed with learning Chudzinski's new offense against the backdrop of an open quarterback competition between Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson.

This year, the challenges facing Chudzinski are preparing for a brutal schedule while carrying lofty expectations of a division title.

Continued...

[LitlBuck]

According to above referenced article Winslow will be a no-show at the OTAs which are voluntary. Heiden and JJ will not be able to participate but will be there to observe.

Thinks Stallworth will fit in nicely as second receiver. Also, Chud likes the idea of possibly using Rucker and Winslow on the field at the same time as receivers.

[osugrad21]

Canton

Browns' Romeo Crennel is more comfortable in his post
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
BY Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

CANTON TWP. It was amply evident during Romeo Crennel's performance Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club: The job is growing on him.

With an energetic ease in his bearing, the Browns' fourth-year head coach joked about being "the fat guy."

He concocted a story about accidentally knocking over an old lady.

"I told her, 'No offense,' " Crennel said.

"She got up and said, 'No defense, either.' "

Look again, sis.

Crennel's new-look Browns are assigned to six prime-time games, starting with a preseason affair with the Super Bowl champion Giants.

"We will adapt," he told an overflow crowd inside Tozzi on 12th, "and we'll do pretty good."

Crennel, who turns 61 on June 18, was friendly, candid and confident. Amid men mostly older than he is, he seemed to have a grand time.

He said it's time to build on the foundation, to be one of the league's serious winners.

"I think we're gonna be able to get that one done," he said.


Cont....

[exhawg]

Originally Posted by LitlBuck

Because Spring camp has not even started yet. Many teams will be making roster cuts by the time the season begins. Some roster cuts could be so very good pickups for the Browns.

IIRC the Steelers cut James Harrision two years before he even made the team as a special teamer. Now he is a Pro Bowler. How many teams wish they'd scooped him up like the Browns did with Anderson?

[osugrad21]

CPD

Winslow, Bentley absent at voluntary Browns' practice



Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Mary Kay Cabot

Plain Dealer Reporter
Tight end Kellen Winslow and center LeCharles Bentley did not attend the first day of organized team activities Tuesday and are not expected to be on hand today when the practice is open to the media.
It's unknown whether either will participate in any of the 12 practices over the next three weeks, all of which are voluntary. The OTAs, which most players attend, lead up to the mandatory minicamp June 10-12.
Winslow has been in San Diego rehabbing his surgically repaired knee, but it's still unclear whether his absence is health-related or has more to do with the fact he wants to re-do his contract. Winslow's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, reached by phone on Tuesday, said, "I have no comment on Kellen's situation."




Cont...

[osugrad21]

CPD

NFL VIDEO PROBE
Pats didn't need tapes to defeat Browns


Wednesday, May 14, 2008Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter
The Browns haven't defeated the New England Patriots since their defensive signals were videotaped by coach Bill Belichick in violation of NFL policy in a 2001 game.
The teams played in 2003, '04 and '07, and New England won each time.
Coincidence or not?




Cont...

[osugrad21]

Canton

Crennel expects big finish from McGinest
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
BY Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA Far from writing off Willie McGinest, Romeo Crennel thinks the aging linebacker's last hurrah could become his best year in Cleveland.

As spring practice kicks off, Crennel says McGinest finally could be in the role intended for him when the outside linebacker was signed away from the Patriots in 2006.

"When I got Willie here, I didn't picture him playing as much as he'd had to play," Crennel said. "I wanted him to be in a three-man rotation. We didn't have that, so he had to play a lot more.

"Hopefully we can get into a rotation situation this year, which will keep him healthy and fresh and make him more productive."

McGinest, 36, has played in 216 NFL games, counting postseason. Combined, his fellow Browns outside linebackers Kamerion Wimbley, Antwan Peek, Shantee Orr and David McMillan have played in 176 games.

Cont...