Newly-acquired QB Jake Delhomme had success prior to a subpar 2009 season, and newcomer Seneca Wallace has been one of the league's better back-ups. Observers remain skeptical, though. Also: RBs, LBs and DBs; O-line and Ben Watson.
Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace (6), with projected starting QB Jake Delhomme in the background.The Cleveland Browns have too many problems to worry about what the national media is saying.
That doesn't stop those observers from their continued cynicism about the team, especially, it seems, about the quarterback situation.
The acquisition of veterans Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, and another shot for Brett Ratliff, doesn't impress the critics. And, those who believe Colt McCoy might some day be an impact player, realize he's merely a rookie on a team that was fortunate to finish 5-11 last season.
Jeffri Chadiha includes in his "Five moves that will work, five that won't" for ESPN.com:
5. The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation: There's no denying that this will be a difficult transition year in Cleveland. What will make it even harder for Browns fans is having to watch either Jake Delhomme or Seneca Wallace run their team as rookie Colt McCoy learns the ways of the NFL. Delhomme is coming off his worst professional season (eight touchdowns, 18 interceptions), one that finally led the Carolina Panthers to dump him. Wallace is a career backup who made 14 starts during seven previous seasons in Seattle.
And, writes Chadiha:
Our prediction: Delhomme starts the year, Wallace finishes it, head coach Eric Mangini loses his job and McCoy appreciates that none of the blame for this disaster falls on him.
Browns beat
Plain Dealer Browns coverage includes beat writer Mary Kay Cabot's news and notes from today's organized team activities; her report on legendary Browns receiver Paul Warfield's retirement from his team advisory job, and the naming of a new scouting director; Bill Lubinger's story on the Browns' "open house" that will try to spark ticket sales.
On the run
For ClevelandBrowns.com, Matt Florjancic reports on the Browns' organized team activities:
Mangini has also seen a lot of progress out of the running back spot. With Jerome Harrison having such a great end to the 2009 season, expectations may be elevated for him. He also has some company in the backfield with Montario Hardesty.
“He’s looked good,” Mangini said of Harrison. “It’s really hard to evaluate where guys are. You’re looking at it in more terms of assignments. He looks similar to the way he looked with pads on.
“I think it’s a good situation,” he added. “Montario’s had an outstanding camp for a young guy. His level of maturity is really high. That’s going to give him the best chance to not only play, but play a lot. We haven’t done a full evaluation, but I really like what he’s done to this point. Competition’s healthy and it’s good for everyone.”
Fitting in
The Browns acquired veteran linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita during the offseason. They've made a solid impression on Browns coach Eric Mangini. Writes Fred Greetham for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com:
“Chris and Scott are very bright guys and are adjusting very well to the scheme,” Mangini said.
Mangini has long been a proponent of versatility in players and he says both players can play multiple positions in the 3-4.
“It’s great to have guys who can (play inside or outside) because it gives you depth at both positions,” he said. “When you get to the 45 (game day roster), you can carry some guys at other positions.
The 3-4 is pretty flexible and that’s one of the reasons why I like it.”
Move 'em around
Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal has some observations about the Browns, including:
*Don't fill out your depth chart at this point of the season, but here's the first-team offensive line the Browns used Thursday: Joe Thomas (left tackle), Eric Steinbach (left guard), Alex Mack (center), Scott Kooistra (right guard) and John St. Clair (right tackle). Here's Thursday's second-team O-line: Jason Capizzi (LT), Shawn Lauvao (LG), Eric Ghiaciuc (C), Floyd Womack (RG), Tony Pashos (RT).
*After practice, Steinbach told me the different O-line rotations usually are pretty insignificant. Last year, he practiced with the second team during OTAs but started every game during the regular season and didn't miss an offensive snap. "There's a different rotation every day we come out here," Steinbach said. "(The coaching staff does it) for injury reasons. You've got to learn how to play together with different groups, different people to the left and right of you."
Rooks in the mix
Among the Browns notes that Steve Doerschuk writes for the Canton Repository:
Mangini said rookie cornerback Joe Haden “benefits a lot from having Sheldon (Brown) around."
He said rookie safety T.J. Ward “has had a couple of nice days."
Would Mangini consider starting a rookie safety?
In answer to that question, Mangini mentioned a few rookies who started for him with the Jets.
Jake to Ben
Quarterback Jake Delhomme and Ben Watson, offseason Browns' acquisitions, have both played in the Super Bowl - Delhomme once with the Carolina Panthers and Watson twice with the New England Patriots.
Writes Fred Greetham for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com:
Watson and Delhomme seemed to be finding a good chemistry thus far in the short time the pair has been together. Delhomme hit Watson on an out pattern for about 20 yards in the 11-on-11 two minute drill, taking the ball to the 15. He then found Watson for a three-yard touchdown pass as he beat Kaluka Maiava.
“It’s really a matter of day to day short-term goals, “ Watson said regarding his chemistry with Delhomme.