If the Browns' quarterbacks are to flourish, at least a couple wide receivers must emerge as go-to players. Robiskie could be one. A lengthy list of Browns military veterans; a ranking of NFL franchises; bad-weather games; Scott Fujita; and more.
Wide receiver Brian Robiskie at a Browns practice on May 27.Questions about the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation -- with veterans Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace and Brett Ratliff, and rookie Colt McCoy -- are complicated by the uncertainty at wide receiver.
The Browns do not have an accomplished veteran wideout on their roster. That creates a wide-open door of opportunity for, among others, second-year pros Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi and rookie Carlton Mitchell.
In a "Big Question" blog for ESPN.com, James Walker poses the question, "Is Robiskie Ready?," and writes:
The former Ohio State product struggled and barely saw the field until late in the season. Robiskie finished the year with only seven catches for 106 yards.
But growth for Robiskie is already evident this year in offseason workouts. He has been impressive early and is showing the ability to make plays at the next level. Cleveland is hoping Robiskie can carry that momentum into training camp and eventually earn a significant role in the offense this summer.
'Bout the Browns
Plain Dealer Browns coverage includes beat writer Tony Grossi's report on the Browns extending their contract offers to their restricted free agents; Grossi's blog, highlighting the Wildcat offense; beat writer Mary Kay Cabot's story on the Browns running backs, featuring Peyton Hillis; a chat with columnist Terry Pluto.
Veterans remembered
As Monday was Memorial Day, Steve King wrote for ClevelandBrowns.com about former Browns who served in the military. He wrote:
Defensive end Don Steinbrunner served two years as an Air Force navigator after that season (1953). When his tour of duty was up, he considered returning to the Browns but decided instead to pursue a military career.
Steinbrunner, then 35, was killed when his plane was shot down over Kontum, South Vietnam on July 20, 1967. As such, he became the first -- and one of just two -- former or current NFL players who lost their lives while in service of our country. Posthumously, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Pat Tillman interrupted his career as an Arizona Cardinals safety to enlist in the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Serving as an Army Ranger, Tillman was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2004.
King includes in his report a list of some of the Browns players who served in the military.
Near the bottom
FoxSports.com uses a photo gallery to rank the NFL organizations, from Nos. 1 to 32. Click here to see where the Browns stand.
And, with the ranking, video of FoxSports.com's Adam Schein talking about the Browns.
Weather stories
The designation of East Rutherford, N.J. as the site for the 2014 Super Bowl has prompted much discussion about possible weather conditions for the game.
NBCSports.com and FoxSports.com use photo galleries to rank the top bad-weather games of all-time.
FoxSports.com limits its games to the playoffs. Coming it at No. 6:
1980 AFC Playoffs, Oakland at Cleveland
In the coldest NFL game in 14 years (four degrees), scoring was difficult. The game had two missed field goals and several interceptions, including one of the most famous in history, as the Browns – down 14-12 late in the game – could’ve attempted a short field goal to win, but chose to throw it instead, resulting in an interception in the end zone that essentially lost them the game. The play call will forever be remembered in Cleveland as “Red Right 88.”
NBCSports.com's rankings include regular season games, making this one - No. 10 - eligible:
2007, Week 15: Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns
The temperature didn't break zero and heavy snow fell throughout as the Browns tried to hold on to their place in the 2007 playoffs.
Both teams had trouble moving the ball and combined for just 536 total yards of offense. The Browns took advantage of two Phil Dawson field goals and a safety to record the first 8-0 win in the NFL since 1929.
Trying to help
Linebacker Scott Fujita, signed by the Browns as a free agent after starting for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, hasn't forgot about the state he left and other stricken areas. On Scout.com, the Orange and Brown Report mentions Fujita's efforts following Hurricane Katrina, and now:
As did every player on the Super Bowl champion Saints, Fujita earned $83,000 as part of the winning team. Unlike other players, Fujita donated half his winnings to charity -- about $21,000 to the Haiti earthquake relief fund and another $21,000 to the gulf restoration project.
Part of Fujita's heart is still in The Big Easy. He is following news of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico closely.
Has to win
In yet another photo gallery, FoxSports.com lists the "Top 10 NFL mini-camp questions," including "Which coaches are on the hot seat?" One of the comments:
Everyone says that Mike Holmgren (right) will replace Eric Mangini with Jon Gruden in 2011.