SB Nation - Lennie Friedman

Horse Tracks 8/31/09 - Broncos fall to Bears, 27-17; Orton, Kuper injured; Gaffney has broken thumb

Douglas A. Lee — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:30:54 -0000

I think Ted's analysis summed up the game quite well, so I won't rehash. Lots of injury-related news, unfortunately. Jabar Gaffney broke his thumb on Friday, while Orton hurt his right index finger last night. Chris Kuper hurt his ankle and was helped off the field; X-rays were negative but he'll have an MRI today. Eddie Royal and Peyton Hillis both were banged up during the game but returned shortly after. The QB carousel is still spinning, as Matt Cassel may miss the Chefs' regular season opener and the Pats will waive Kevin O'Connell. I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up in Denver and Chris Simms on the PUP to start the season. Josh McDaniels worked O'Connell out before the '08 Draft and liked him enough that the Pats spent a third-rounder on the QB. I'd think Gaffney's injury means Brandon Lloyd has to make the team now.

NFL - Bears 27, Broncos 17 - Highlights with local color - Video

NFL - Pre WK 3: Kyle Orton highlights - Video

NFL - Bears vs. Broncos highlights - NFLTA Video
If you can stand his voice, Jamie Dukes is actually objective in his analysis. Who knew?

DB - Bears Postgame: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Bears Postgame: Orton - Broncos TV
Orton says he thinks he'll be physically "ready to go" next week.

DP - Cutler, Bears bounce Broncos 27-17 - Mike Klis

DP - Broncos' receivers caught short in numbers - Lindsay Jones
Jabar Gaffney broke his thumb in Friday's practice. No word on when he will return. Chris Kuper has a right ankle injury, while the status of Kyle Orton's finger is unknown.

DP - Lots to refine for Broncos before it counts - Jeff Legwold

DB - Mistakes Lead to Loss - Zach Eisendrath

DB - Hungry for a Win - Gray Caldwell

DP - Dumervil still a rush job - Jeff Legwold

DP - Tall tasks for Broncos' special teams - Lindsay Jones

DP - Bears-Broncos game breakdown - Jeff Legwold

DP - Broncos fans singing the boos - Lindsay Jones

DP - Chicago "D" notices Orton, but that's it - Adrian Dater
Says Tommie Harris, "Jay is Mr. Consistent. He's going to give you a great game every week."

DP - Orton's finger injury puts QB spot on the spot
The Patriots are going to waive QB Kevin O'Connell, who Josh McDaniels worked out before New England drafted him in 2008. Sounds like a short stay for Ingle Martin, if you ask me. Meanwhile, X-rays were negative on Chris Kuper's ankle, although he will have an MRI today.

DP - Paige: This act won't fly come regular season

SI - Jay Cutler's Mile High reunion, 10 Things I Think and more - Peter King
Ron Turner apparently thinks Jay Cutler the QB is all growns up. On page 4, PK has some interesting thoughts on what the dumping of Kevin O'Connell means in New England (and thinks he'll end up in Denver). Plus, he starts to consider the case of Floyd Little.

CSG - Broncos QB Orton leaves with cut finger - Frank Schwab

CSG - Ramsey: Cutler won, Broncos nothing

CSG - Broncos notes: Injuries are piling up - Frank Schwab

CSG - Bears-Broncos: Three things we looked for - Frank Schwab

AP - Jay Cutler Beats Denver Broncos In Mile High Return - Arnie Stapleton

DB - Bears vs. Broncos: First Half Live Blog - Chris Gentilviso

DB - Bears vs. Broncos: Second Half Live Blog - Chris Gentilviso

CBS - Cutler's success might be start of season-long nightmare for Broncos fans - Aaron J. Lopez

FOX - Cutler vs. Orton: It's no contest - Alex Marvez

ESPN - Greenberg: Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler impresses in his return to Denver

ESPN - Bears take it to the Broncos - Kevin Seifert

ESPN - Denver is shaking mad over Cutler - Bill Williamson

SI - Former NFL player Lennie Friedman adjusts to regular life - Jeff Pearlman
Old friend Lennie Friedman is back at Duke to get his MBA and has lost 70! pounds.

AFC West News

KCS - Chiefs mum on Cassel - Adam Teicher

Y! - Chiefs QB Cassel could miss opener - Jason Cole

PFW - Chargers' hard decisions just beginning - Michael Blunda

SFG - Raiders Silver and Black Blog : (Non) Progress report - David White

NFL News

NFL - Patriots' Bruschi to announce retirement after 13 seasons

NFL - Bengals sign first-round pick Smith, ending lengthy holdout

NFL - Pats considering adding a veteran backup QB

NFL - With Bradley out for season, Eagles moving LB Gaither back to middle

NFL - 49ers S Lewis to be evaluated after second concussion in 11 days

PFW - NFC Whispers - Saints may part ways with Hartley

NFL Opinion

NFL - Crabtree hurting himself more than 49ers by holding out - Steve Wyche

FOX - Preseason points: Daunte should get nod - Ed Thompson

NYT - The Belichick Way: Still the Best - KC Joyner

Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2009: Special Teams Preview

Chris Pokorny — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:16:13 -0000

We're finished with the Hard Hits of this week's coverage with the linebackers, so now it's time to close things out with the Klutch Kicks of the special teams unit. Because there isn't really a true "depth chart" when it comes to special teams, today's preview will be broken down into seperate sections, as opposed to ranking Phil Dawson, Dave Zastudil, and Ryan Pontbriand one, two, and three.

Kicker

1. PHIL DAWSON - STARTING KICKER

Phil Dawson (#4)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 200
College: Texas
Experience: 11 years
Note: Career-high 30 FG

If it were all about performance heading into training camp this season, then Phil Dawson's job would be safe. That's not all it's about though, as Dawson has been asking for a new contract throughout the offseason, and could possibly hold out in part of training camp if he doesn't get one.

Dawson is the final member of the Browns' return team in 1999, and I'd rather not see him go yet; it'd be nice to see him retire as a Brown many years down the road, as kickers have a long lifespan in the league. He's coming off of a pretty strong season, connecting on 30-of-36 field goals, setting career highs in both attempts and makes. He also had a career-long 56 yarder, and was 3-of-6 on kicks of 50 or more yards (meaning he was 27-of-30 on kicks 49 yards or less).

Many Browns fans think they would miss Dawson, but that a replacement would be easy enough to find. Tell that to half the teams in the league who have been through ten kickers in just a few years. I'd rather maintain what has been working on special teams.

Job Security: A
Player Quality: B+
Final Roster Odds (w/o contract considered): 100%

2. PARKER DOUGLASS - ROOKIE BACKUP KICKER

Parker Douglass (#8)
Height: 5-8
Weight: 170
College: South Dakota St.
Experience: Rookie
Note: Saw action in minicamp

I bet half of our community here is bigger than the 5-8, 170-pound Douglas, but that doesn't really matter for a kicker, does it? Douglas should be doing nothing more than providing an extra leg in camp. Any praise that comes from Mangini should not be interpreted that Dawson could lose the job in jeopardy.

In mini-camp, he did showed ability to hit a few 50+ yard kicks. If Dawson is a stickler and holds out, I see the Browns going after a free agent veteran kicker. If for whatever reason they can't sign one, then Douglas might just get a shot.

Here's a video on Douglass on YouTube.

Final Roster Odds: 5%
Practice Squad Odds: 1%

Punter

DAVE ZASTUDIL - STARTING PUNTER

Dave Zastudil (#8)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 220
College: Ohio
Experience: 8 years
Note: Born in Bay Village

Sometimes I get a little bit frustrated during games at Zastudil's punts, but overall he does not present a weakness. His punt average is in the top third of the league, and he's right in the middle of the pack at hitting kicks inside the 20 yard line. If our offense could move the ball more effectively, those numbers might go up with him not having to face the pressure of being backed up in the opponent's end zone.

Currently, Zastudil is not facing any competition in camp.

Job Security: A+
Player Quality: B
Final Roster Odds: 100%

Long Snapper

RYAN PONTBRIAND - STARTING LONG SNAPPER

Ryan Pontbriand (#64)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 255
College: Rice
Experience: 7 years
Note: 2x Pro Bowler

Think to yourself -- how many years has Ryan Pontbriand been with the Cleveland Browns? It's six, meaning he'll be entering his seventh season this year. Pontbriand has been the AFC's selection to the Pro Bowl at the long snapper position the past two years, rewarding him for being the best in the conference at what he does.

He also contributes a little bit on special teams kick coverage as a tackler, if necessary.

Job Security: A+
Player Quality: A+
Final Roster Odds: 101%

Note: For these next few sections, rather than mini-profiles, it will be general notes on the position.

Kick Returner / Punt Returner

One player has the honor of fulfilling both of these roles, and that is Joshua Cribbs. After an injury at the start of last season, Cribbs didn't seem like himself for the first several weeks. As the season went on, he seemed to regain the confidence and "X-factor" that made him a threat on any given kick. Still, in 2008, he averaged about 5 yards less on kickoffs returns and 5 yards less on punt returns than he did in 2007. I attribute some of that to losing a few key special team blockers to free agency and to injuries.

Among the other candidates who could return kicks/punts are Syndric Steptoe and rookie Brian Robiskie, as well as defensive back Gerard Lawson.

Gunner

Again, we point to Joshua Cribbs, who might just be a better gunner than he is a kick returner. The only negative is that Cribbs' aggressiveness and motivation to go all out, both as a gunner and on returns, could lead to a nasty collision that takes him out for a few games. As for our second gunner, I think the Browns will probably be looking at a variety of candidates in training camp.

Other Coverage

The Browns brought over LB Blake Costanzo from the Buffalo Bills, who led their team in special teams tackles last season. Costanzo might pick up the slack for the Browns losing LB Kris Griffin in the offseason. I'd imagine that young linebackers Beau Bell and Kalkua Maiava will also be in the mix on special teams. Backup safety Nick Sorensen is also a reliable special teams veteran, having once captained the Jacksonville Jaguars special teams unit.

This season, a rule change lowered the number of people who could be on the wedge to just two players. With veteran special teamer Lennie Friedman no longer with the Browns, which offensive lineman will be asked to fulfill that role?

Special Teams Position Quality (Overall): A-

With an above average kicker, an average punter, and an elite long snapper and kick returner/gunner, the special teams unit deserves a healthy "A-".

The reason the grade wasn't any higher? I saw a dropoff in the Browns' ability to block for Cribbs last season, so we'll have to see how new special teams coordinator Brad Seely handles things.

Poll

Will Phil Dawson be kicking for the Browns this season?

Yes

488 votes

No

42 votes

530 votes | Poll has closed

Legitimate Signings: Floyd Womack, Eric Barton on Board

Chris Pokorny — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:16:08 -0000

Several low-key signings in to free agency, the Browns finally agreed to terms with players who may actually be key contributors this season starters this season: OL Floyd Womack and LB Eric Barton.

Although the signing of Womack so soon after the release of Kevin Shaffer might seem like a sign that he will be placed at right tackle, I wouldn't count on it. Womack, originally a fourth round pick in the 2001 draft, has only started in 47 of the 90 games he has played. Last season, Womack started 14 games -- 8 at right guard and 6 at left guard.

At this point of his career, he has been considered more of a "versatile" lineman than a long-term solution. Perhaps he could serve as a one-year solution for the Browns at right tackle, if it comes down to that. If not, he provides better depth than a Seth McKinney or a Lennie Friedman does, although he cannot play center.

Barton should receive the opportunity to start alongside D'Qwell Jackson to fill the void left by LB Andra Davis. Considering Barton started all 16 games for the New York Jets last season, odds are that he'll have a leg up on other potential candidates for the job, including any second- or third-round draft choices we make at the linebacker position.

Barton had 127 tackles this past season, the second-highest total of his career. As we all know from Davis though, the number of tackles isn't always reflective of how good of a player you are. But, Barton has been an established, well-respected veteran in New York for quite awhile and should be an immediate upgrade over Davis.

In other news...

The OBR reports that the Browns are still negotiating with OL Adam Goldberg.
Derek Anderson was paid his $5 million bonus yesterday. He is now officially more tradeable, so let the rumors begin.
Former Browns RB Jason Wright is visiting with the Arizona Cardinals. Please don't bring him back, Mangini.
RB Jamal Lewis was owed a $4 million bonus after a down season last year.
Here's the sickest one of all: WR Donte Stallworth was given a $4.75 million bonus. That's what 17 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown -- as well as stepping on the heel of Braylon Edwards in the preseason -- get's you. Imagine having paid Tim Carter that type of bonus; it was the same type of production.

Poll

Are the additions of Womack and Barton redeeming for the rest of the offseason thus far?

Yes

234 votes

No

420 votes

654 votes | Poll has closed

Morning Primer: Quinn Set to Lead Browns

Chris Pokorny — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:46:32 -0000

It just seemed to happen so fast. Week after week, many fans would call for Brady Quinn to take over the starting quarterback job. With every effort, we were met with a vague answer from head coach Romeo Crennel, with basically meant "Derek Anderson is my guy". Four days ago, Anderson was still our starting quarterback. Today, he's not.

After sitting on the bench for a year and a half, Quinn will make his debut as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Quinn said it best -- even though it's a short week, there is no room for excuses. He's been preparing for this type of opportunity every week, and he'll get his first crack against perhaps the worst defense we've faced all season. Granted, that may skew his production compared to the tough defenses Anderson has faced, but in the end, all that matters is that "W" on the board.

One drawback for Quinn is that he is not expected to have all of the pieces to the puzzle healthy tonight:

Eric Steinbach: Facing a muscle pull in his rib cage, backup Seth McKinney is expected to get the start in his place. Our strong offensive line is wearing down, with Lennie Friedman and Ryan Tucker already on the injured reserve.
Lawrence Vickers: It looks like Vickers will miss another game, as he is listed as doubtful. Charles Ali would get the start again, meaning Quinn loses the option to pass the ball to his fullback.
Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams: Both guys are listed as questionable, but I'm just hoping that's only a precaution since this is a short week. Williams has a shoulder injury, while Rogers is facing a rib injury.
Donte Stallworth: He is listed as probable with a quadriceps injury, which is a pretty good sign. Having him as another option for Quinn would be huge. He practiced on a limited basis Tuesday.
Darnell Dinkins: He has a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable.

The Broncos are ranked 29th in the league defensively, and what's better news than that for us is that the Browns can take their pick in regards to the method they choose to attack Denver. The Broncos are ranked 26th at stopping the run and 27th at stopping the pass.

On the same note though, our defense will be tested. Denver is ranked 3rd in offense this season.

Poll

Will the Browns Defeat the Broncos in Quinn's Debut?

Yes

62 votes

No

15 votes

77 votes | Poll has closed

Cleveland Browns Final Cuts Announced - Travis Wilson Among Them

Chris Pokorny — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:42:41 -0000

It's one of the more exciting days as a fan to find out who will be available on gameday during the regular season, but for those who have been cut, it has to feel like a downer. Overall, my projections were pretty good, but there was a shocker -- the removal of wide receiver Travis Wilson. You have to wonder if that one dropped catch against the Bears cost him everything.

FINAL TRANSACTIONS (TO GET ROSTER DOWN TO 53)

Players Waived

WR Travis Wilson - I wouldn't be surprised if he still gets brought back at some point though, if we run into another injury.
WR Steve Sanders
WR Efrem Hill
WR Lance Leggett
TE Brad Cieslak - Good luck to wherever he goes next.
TE Kolomona Kapanui
OL James Lee - I hope to see him on the practice squad.
OL Jonathan Palmer
DL Melila Purcell
LB David McMillan - A shame he never caught on.
LB Chase Ortiz
DB A.J. Davis
DB Jereme Perry
DB Travis Key - Big-time playmaker in little time with the Browns; hope to see him on the practice squad.
DB Brandon Mitchell
K Jason Reda - If Dawson gets hurt, I think he did enough to get the first phone call.

Waived-Injured

RB Travis Thomas
OL Derrick Morse
OL Marvin Philip
DL Chase Pittman

Terminated-Vested Veteran

LB Shantee Orr

Injured Reserve

OL Lennie Friedman

Here are some of players who were on the bubble and made the final 53-man roster:

POSSIBLE SURPRISES (THEY MADE THE FINAL ROSTER)

WR Syndric Steptoe - His strong preseason effort paid off, and I'm sure his progress on kick returns helped him in case Joshua Cribbs gets banged up again.
WR Paul Hubbard - This is probably a fairness issue -- they gave Travis Wilson several years to develop before cutting ties with him, so why not give Hubbard at least a year to progress?
OL Nate Bennett - With Lennie Friedman being placed on the injured reserve (speaking of which, when did he get banged up?), Bennett takes his roster spot. I don't think anyone could've projected this one unless they had inside information on Friedman.
OL Isaac Sowells - My reasons hold true. Take that, doubters! ;)
DL Louis Leonard - He adds some versatility, because he can play nose tackle or defensive end.
DL Ahtyba Rubin - Showed more progress in his first camp than Babatunde Oshinowo seemed to.
DB Gerard Lawson - He had some trouble tackling in the final preseason game, but I thought his awareness level was a little higher than the rest of the guys trying to make the team. He's also taken a few reps at kick and punt return -- if Cribbs is out Week 1, the Browns could put Steptoe at kick returner and Lawson at punt returner (or Lawson could do both if Steptoe is out for a week too).

Leave your thoughts on the cuts here. I correctly projected 49/53 roster spots, which is 92.4% accuracy. Grade me with an "A" ;). I will be updating this post shortly with a little note next to some of the players.

Poll

Which roster decision are you most surprised about?

Paul Hubbard over Travis Wilson & Steve Sanders

104 votes

Shantee Orr getting the boot

71 votes

Isaac Sowells making the final roster

24 votes

199 votes | Poll has closed