Sports Illustrated reporter Damon Hack spent a few days in Berea recently to scout out the Cleveland Browns. He quickly made three observations about the Browns. 1. The Browns are a happy bunch, pulling in the same direction for a change. A year ago, in Eric Mangini's first training camp with the team, that was not always the case,...
Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini.Sports Illustrated reporter Damon Hack spent a few days in Berea recently to scout out the Cleveland Browns.
He quickly made three observations about the Browns.
1. The Browns are a happy bunch, pulling in the same direction for a change. A year ago, in Eric Mangini's first training camp with the team, that was not always the case, as some players questioned his tough coaching tactics and the team opened the season 1-11.
2. Linebackers are crucial to the success of any a 3-4 defense, and the Browns are piecing together a feisty, intelligent corps. In March, they signed free-agent Scott Fujita, who played outside linebacker for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. In April, they traded for Philadelphia Eagle Chris Gocong (along with cornerback Sheldon Brown). "One of the things that you need is smart guys," Mangini said.
3. If the Browns are going to win in the bruising AFC North, they have to run the football effectively. Cleveland didn't score a rushing touchdown until the 13th game of the 2009 season. Odds are, it's coming much earlier in 2010.
Hack also took a close look at the rookies, and he writes the obvious that cornerback Joe Haden, the seventh pick over all, may push veteran Sheldon Brown (from the Eagles) and Eric Wright (in his fourth season in Cleveland) for playing time. And more than likely Haden could also end up seeing time in the nickel package and on special teams.
Jim Brown supporter
Jim Brown's decline to attend the Ring of Honor ceremony on Sept. 19 has fueled plenty of debate over the past 48 hours.
Reporter Zachary Dzurick of The News-Herald writes how the opinion of the local media has been one-sided.
He calls it an open season on Jim Brown.
The local media has gone out of its way to sway public opinion toward the Cleveland Browns and away from the greatest player to ever don an Orange helmet.
• Yet another columnist asked if there was “anyone on Jim Brown’s side in this disconnect between the greatest player of all time and two people in the Browns organization, Randy Lerner and Holmgren?”
Former Browns quarterback
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson will remain the Cardinals' starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
Azcentral.com reporter Bob McManaman writes that Anderson could start well beyond the team's fourth and final preseason game Thursday night against the visiting Washington Redskins.
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Anderson will start that game, with Matt Leinart coming in at some point to replace him, just like last week's game in Chicago against the Bears."It worked for us then, so we'll see if it continues to work for us," Whisenhunt said Tuesday.
Neither quarterback is expected to see extended playing time, however. Rookies Max Hall and John Skelton will take most of the snaps.
As for Leinart, whose demotion has become national news, Whisenhunt confirmed he met with the quarterback on Monday.
More Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated's 2010 NFL preview issue was released to the public Wednesday, and SI's Peter King doesn't see much improvement in the Cleveland Browns. King predicts the Browns will go 5-11 and finish last in the AFC North.