The 2010 Browns' training camp begins in 25 days. The defensive backfield could be one of the most-improved position groups.
Cleveland, Ohio -- There are 25 days to go before training camp opens for the Cleveland Browns. It's almost time to get everyone ready to go, which is what safety Abe Elam says he will be.
Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot writes about Elam, who has his own website.
The Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com is tracking the Browns' AFC opponents. OBR chronicles the Pittsburgh Steelers' off-season problems, including:
"Willie Colon, considered by Steelers coaches to be one of the best right tackles in the league, had surgery Wednesday to repair a torn Achilles tendon that was injured during agility training. Rookie offensive tackle Chris Scott, a fifth-round draft choice from Tennessee, had surgery Wednesday to repair a broken foot, injured while he was working out at his alma mater.
"Colon will go on injured reserve for the 2010 season while Scott could be placed on the PUP list because he should heal by October.
"Colon is the second player to be lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Wide receiver Limas Sweed, a second-round draft choice in 2008, went on injured reserve after his injury on the final day of minicamp May 2."
Might be better
Bolstering the defensive backfield was one of the Browns' primary objectives during the off-season. Gary Wertman writes about the Cleveland secondary for NFLTouchdown.com:
"The Browns made it very clear they were not pleased with last year's play in the secondary by taking a corner and two safeties in this year’s draft. Cleveland also made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for veteran corner back Sheldon Brown.
"Competition should be fierce between rookie first round pick Joe Haden and veterans Brown, (Eric) Wright and (Brandon) McDonald to see who will start at CB. Also in the picture is second-year player Coye Francies. Francies didn’t see much action last year but is very aggressive with nice size. Don’t count him out."
Speaking of positions, the Browns get a kick out of an individual player-ranking on CBSSports.com.
Gimme the ball
Veteran Jerome Harrison and rookie Montario Hardesty will compete for playing time at running back. John Clayton of ESPN.com is asked about that competition for his "mailbag." Clayton writes:
"This will be one of the key things to watch in training camp. Because he's been there longer, I would get the feeling Harrison would begin the season as the starter. Word is Hardesty has been looking good and the Browns do have a decent offensive line. Rookies have to learn how to pass protect to stay on the field, so the first half of the season could go to Harrison, but Hardesty could get the job by midseason if he does well. Can't wait to see him in training camp."
Encore, maybe?
The Browns open the regular season on Sept. 12 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The first time the Browns played in Tampa was on Nov. 21, 1976. Cleveland routed the Bucs, 24-7, making Tampa 0-11 in its first season in the NFL. The Buccaneers finished 0-14 and lost their first 12 games the next season, setting a league record with the 26-game losing streak.
The Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns History and Archives Database includes The Plain Dealer stories on every regular season and playoff game the Browns have played.
The late Chuck Heaton, The Plain Dealer's longtime Browns beat writer, wrote in his game story:
"It was the 11th straight defeat for the Buccaneers, but the expansion club was very rugged defensively the first half. Tampa marched 80 yards to a second quarter touchdown and the Browns found themselves in a 7-7 tie at the intermission.
"A locker room message from (coach Forrest) Gregg, who had warned his players all week about the possibility of an upset, and then the presence of (running back Greg) Pruitt proved to be all that was needed. When the Browns didn't move for a score the first time they had the ball in the third quarter, the wave went to Pruitt.
"The ball was on the Cleveland 49, when Greg moved into the huddle. He was called on immediately by Brian Sipe and picked up seven yards off left tackle.
"Six plays later Sipe passes to Paul Warfield for 15 yards and a touchdown on second down."