ESPN's John Clayton visited Berea recently and came up with several observations when it comes to the Cleveland Browns. He find out that this is definitely a coach Eric Mangini built team, and if the Browns don't win this season Mangini will probably be out of a job. Here are several of Clayton's observations from camp. 1. The true test of the...
Josh Cribbs ESPN's John Clayton visited Berea recently and came up with several observations when it comes to the Cleveland Browns. He find out that this is definitely a coach Eric Mangini built team, and if the Browns don't win this season Mangini will probably be out of a job.
Here are several of Clayton's observations from camp.
1. The true test of the Mangini system is how the linebacking corps works out. Like Bill Belichick, Mangini is willing to sacrifice quality for quantity as long as the masses assembled are good, smart football players. Kamerion Wimbley was the 13th player selected in the 2006 draft, but in 2009 under Mangini he rarely showed flashes of his 11½-sack rookie season. Today, Wimbley is a Raider.
2. By far, the cornerback position is the most improved on the team. It might be one of the most improved positions of any I've seen early on during this training camp tour. I remember the Browns' surprising 10-6 season and how thin they were at cornerback in 2007.
3. Don't expect anything out of Colt McCoy, who has clearly replaced Brady Quinn as the fans' hope for the quarterback position. McCoy shows some flash for his leadership and willingness to step up and make crisp throws. Still, the former Texas star is not tall, he has passes batted down at the line of scrimmage and still is a little tentative because he's thinking through the plays instead of being instinctive. That's a typical rookie thing.
Josh Cribbs and the Wildcat
ESPN's Adam Schefter writes how the Cleveland Browns may emulate the Miami Dolphins made the Wildcat a weapon, but the Cleveland Browns could elevate its effectiveness.
Wide receiver Josh Cribbs can play quarterback or wide receiver. Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace can play quarterback or wide receiver. Then there will be times when Cribbs and Wallace line up at running back and fullback, without the defense knowing where the ball is being snapped.
Cribbs, writes Schefter, knows his role will expand this coming season. And it has to. The Browns had one of the worst offenses last season, so they need to come up with every offensive gimmick possible.
Nobody likes gimmicks more than Cleveland coach Eric Mangini and nobody has any more toys than the Browns. Don't be surprised if the Browns take the Wildcat to a new level.
Joe here to stay
Now that LeBron James has bolted for Miami, CantonRep.com reporter Steve Doerschuk writes that Joe Thomas of the Browns is now the biggest and brightest star in Cleveland.
That actually belongs to Josh Cribbs, but Doerschuk writes Thomas is in the discussion of who is the favorite athlete of this heartland’s pro sports fans now that LeBron James is in Heatland.
Mention this to Thomas and he says, “I can’t say I really think about it too much.
“Josh (Cribbs) is certainly the most well known. He’s certainly the guy that people think about when they think about the Cleveland Browns. I’m comfortable with that.”
Point taken, but ...
Cribbs has been to two Pro Bowls in his five Browns seasons. Thomas is three-for-three.
Thomas is signed through 2011. In 2012, depending how the labor situation pans out, he could become the first Browns player to be slapped with the “franchise” tag, binding him to the Browns for another year.
Beef brothers
The Cleveland Browns will have one of the biggest backfields this year. The Browns will have a bevy of big backs like Lawrence Vickers and Peyton Hillis. Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald writes how Vickers is a legitimate 250.
Vickers has been knocking the numbers off linebackers in training camp.
"Having Vick in there is a big plus," said Hillis, who rode the exercise bike during the evening practice Monday. "He's a big back that hits people and loves to block. I feel with both of us in there we can move the pile a little bit and get that tough yardage."
Vickers triggered Harrison's success last December. The fullback played so well he thought he should have been in the Pro Bowl. Hillis might help him get to Hawaii this season.
Lauvao stands tall
Nate Ulrich writes on Ohio.com how Browns rookie offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao has been mature since he was a freshman in college at the age of 17.
''As soon as I went to college, I was on my own. My parents live in Hawaii. My dad got real sick and then from there, they went back to Samoa, so I barely see my parents.''
Lauvao has also adjusted well on the football field. During training camp Monday, he played right guard with the first-team offense for the second consecutive day.
''I think Shawn's been doing a really good job,'' Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas said. ''It's hard for any rookie to be thrown into the fire, getting reps with the ones against the one defense, but he's a really smart kid. He's showing he can pick up the offense very quickly. He's got really nice feet, and he's got a willingness to learn and work hard. I think he's going to be very successful.''
The Browns drafted Lauvao, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, in the third round (92nd overall) of this year's draft. He finished his career at Arizona State University with 33 consecutive starts, including 17 at left guard, 12 at left tackle and four at right tackle.