The Dawg Pound | A Cleveland Browns 'Chise

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The Dawg Pound

Long gone are the glory days of the Cleveland Browns. Once holding 4 AFL championships and 4 NFL championships, the Browns haven't sniffed the playoffs since 2002. After an abysmal 7-9 2008 season, the Browns decided to take a new direction and begin the rebirth of the Cleveland Browns as a contending franchise. This franchise will begin in the 2008-2009 off-season.

Cleveland Browns 2008 Record: 7-9
2008-2009 Super Bowl: Eagles over Chargers, 21-17
AFC North Division Winner: Steelers; 9-7
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Notes:
-I'll try to keep everything as realistic as possible, while looking out for the team's best interests
-If I'm up by more than three touchdowns, I'll end up super-simming the game.
-I'm pretty busy and lacrosse is starting soon, so updates might slow down later.
-If anyone has suggestions or comments, feel free to post. Any criticism is good criticism.
-I play using Heelfan's Madden Sliders
-I generally play 7-8 minute quarters
-I'll be using the Pittsburgh Offensive playbook and the Baltimore Defensive playbook.

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The Plain Dealer
The latest news from Cleveland, Ohio's largest newspaper

Browns clean house, look for new staff members

Former Browns head coach Romeo Crennel on the sideline of a crushing defeat against Pittsburgh, 31-0.

After posting one winning season in his 4-year tenure in Cleveland, Romeo Crennel and his coordinators were fired. Crennel commented that he would like to stay in Cleveland, but made few comments on his firing. 'It's the way the business works. The team didn't have success, so they're looking in a new direction,' Crennel said to a WKYC reporter.

The Browns organization has not replied to Crennel's wishes to stay in Cleveland. Reports have come in that Josh McDaniels, Ron Rivera, Rex Ryan, Brian Billick and Steve Spagnuolo are all candidates for the Browns head coaching job. The Browns job is still very up-for-grabs and could be considered desirable with a good foundation of young players to work with.

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NFL.com

Willie McGinest Retires

Willie McGinest at the 2008 season Browns training camp.

The former New England Patriots 1st-round draft pick has retired this off-season. A three time Super Bowl winner and two time Pro Bowl selection, McGinest is ready to retire at 37 years old. McGinest holds the all-time post-season sack record. During his time with the Browns, McGinest contributed to one post-season venture. He came to a talented Browns team in 2006, lead by his former defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel. With the Browns diving back into mediocrity, McGinest picked the right time to retire.

The Browns give their best wishes to McGinest in his retirement and will now have to search for a replacement outside linebacker through free agency or the draft.

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Browns fill head coaching position with Rex Ryan

The former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator talks to Lorenzo Neal before a Ravens practice

The Browns made a great choice for head coach, selecting a key component of the elite Ravens defensive coaching staff in Rex Ryan. The 'Mad Scientist' was optimistic during his press conference, where he addressed questions from the media:

WKYC Reporter: Coach Ryan, you're a defensive minded coach, what do you see out of this Browns defense?

Rex Ryan: I see a good, young group of guys. I'll be honest, there's not a lot of household-name players on this defense. People haven't heard of guys like Wimbley and Jones and Rogers. I think people will be surprised at what comes out of this defense.

NFL.com Reporter: How do you think the offense will be run?

Rex Ryan: I'm a conservative kind-of guy. If we can control the ball and keep the defense rested, that's what will win us games. Brady and Braylon are great players, too. I'm hoping this team won't have to put up 40 points anymore..

[the room chuckles]

Rex Ryan: Charlie [Joiner] is great with the offense, as one of the best receivers to play the game and as a motivational guy. The players can look up to him, he's a player's coach.

ESPN Reporter: How did you select Mike [Singletary] as your defensive coordinator?

Rex Ryan: We worked together in Baltimore. He was a great player and a great coach. He knows what he's doing and can teach these kids from the perspective of a Hall of Famer. Charlie and Mike are both Hall of Famers and great coaches.

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The Plain Dealer
The latest news from Cleveland, Ohio's largest newspaper

Browns bring back key players, cut distractions

Safety Sean Jones tackles Redskins tight end Chris Cooley

The Browns were quick to resign major players set to enter free agency this year before the signing frenzy occurred. Hard-hitting Sean Jones and Lawrence Vickers, a vital blocker for the Browns running game are the most important of the recent resignings.

To the shock and anger of Cleveland fans, Kellen Winslow was cut. Winslow, often revered as a potential star at the tight end position, was cut due to chronic injuries and a loud mouth. Off-the-field comments and spreading bad vibes lead to his release. QB Derek Anderson underperformed after leading the Browns to a 10-6 playoff record. With the emergence of Brady Quinn as a solid starter, Derek Anderson was cut before he could take a toll on the Brown's cap space. MLB Andra Davis began to show his age and was outperformed by Leon Williams over the season.

Players Resigned:
FB Lawrence Vickers, 3 year contract
SS Sean Jones, 3 years
FS Brodney Pool, 4 years
MLB Leon Williams, 4 years


Kellen Winslow looks in dismay at the scoreboard during one of the 9 Browns losses in the 2008 season.

Players Released:
TE Kellen Winslow
QB Derek Anderson
MLB Andra Davis

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Free Agency

Top Free Agents:
Kellen Winslow
Plaxico Burress
Vernon Carey
Dunta Robinson
James Sanders

Browns Signings

CB, Chris Johnson
An underrated corner coming from the player's grave, Oakland. While it could be argued that anyone could look great next to Nnamdi Asomugha, Johnson is a playmaker and is quick enough to keep up with the fastest receivers.


WR, Chad Jackson
A former first round pick and under-utilized in the Patriots offense, the Ravens were quick to jump at him as a young talent just hitting free agency. With a relatively weak receiving core, the Ravens improve.


CB, Dunta Robinson
An exceptional corner coming from the Texans secondary. Often overlooked, Rex Ryan said it was 'an atrocity and a blessing that he even hit the free agent market.' Look for Robinson to start beside Eric Wright and shut down most speed-based passing attacks.

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I apologize for the lack of content, I'm looking to get this over with and start the season ASAP.

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The NFL Draft

Top 10 Draft Picks:
1. QB, Tim Tebow to the Denver Broncos
2. QB, Sam Bradford to the Detroit Lions
3. QB, Rudy Carpenter to the Oakland Raiders
4. QB, Chase Daniels to the San Francisco 49ers
5. QB, Cullen Harper to the Carolina Panthers
6. OLB, Marcus Freeman to the Cleveland Browns (from Packers)
The Browns fill a gap left by McGinest with the top-rated defensive player
7. QB, Pat White to the Chicago Bears
8. DE, Tyson Jackson to the Kansas City Chiefs
9. RB, Marlon Lucky to the Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals add an explosive, elusive runner to their deadly air attack..still no offensive line, though.
10. OLB, Sean Lee to the Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens defense becomes even more talented, adding a top rookie OLB to it's deadly LB core.

Browns Draft Recap:

Marcus Freeman sacks Illinois QB Juice Williams
1st Round, 6th pick (from Packers): Marcus Freeman (Ohio State)
-6'2, 238 pounds
-4.4 40
-Compared to James Harrison on the field
-A crushing hitter who will add a smashmouth dimension to this Browns defense


Runningback CJ Spiller dodges a would-be tackler
1st Round, 11th pick: CJ Spiller (Clemson)
-Compared to Brian Westbrook and Chris Johnson
-4.3 40 yard dash
-The youngest player in the draft at 20 years old.
-scored 5 touchdowns in his career best game
-dual-threat HB, able to rush and receive out of the backfield

2nd Round 46th pick (from Cowboys): Rory Nicol (Ohio State)
-an acrobatic tight end
-compared to Jason Witten
-a suitable replacement to Kellen Winslow
-will be a great target for Kellen Winslow
-6'5, 250 pounds

7th Round: (forgot to write it down, but I cut him anyways)

Browns Trades:
Packers receive:
Brandon McDonald (CB)
2nd Round Pick
4th Round pick

Browns Receive:
1st round, 6th overall pick

Cowboys Receive:
3rd Round Pick
5th Round Pick
6th Round Pick

Browns Receive:
2nd Round Pick, 46th overall

Browns Draft Grade: C+

Marcus Freeman reminds me of Vernon Gholston from last year, a combine-superstar and a benchwarmer. I don't doubt Rex Ryan and Mike Singletary's coaching ability, but Freeman has boom or bust written all over him. Is he worth a proven corner, a 2nd and a 4th? Unless he's Demarcus Ware, I doubt that for sure.

CJ Spiller was a great pick. He's only 20 and he's very talented albeit raw. If the Browns can keep him and mold him, he's got 5 years until he even reaches his peak as a runningback. Spiller will compliment Lewis with his elusive, fast style of play. Spiller won't be rushed into starting and will have time to develop as Lewis grinds out the final years of his career.

Rory Nicol seems like a solid tight end. Not anything spectacular, but a good checkdown receiver and a decent blocker.

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(I wanted to combine the next three posts, but the image limit is killing me.)
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NFL.com News

Browns sign cap casualty, All-Pro Richard Seymour

By Vic Carucci | NFL.com
Senior Columnist


The former Patriot crushes Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger

Another defensive star has been signed by the Cleveland Browns, who have been very proactive in signing players to help this team. With the Patriots opting to improve their offense, Seymour was cut and quickly picked up by Cleveland. Seymour said he was 'thrilled to get a new opportunity and work with two legendary defensive coordinators.' Seymour will likely jump right into the preseason and build rapport with elite NT Shaun Rogers and DE Corey Williams. Seymour was signed to a one-year deal and will likely be resigned to a longer deal mid-season.

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Browns 2009 Preseason

(Still not going to have a lot of detail here. As a wise man once said, "It's preseason, dude.")

vs.
Result: Browns, 24-16
vs.
Result: Browns, 30-11

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Result: Raiders, 27-24
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Result: Browns, 16-9

Preseason Notes:
- Browns starting RT Kevin Shaffer suffers a fracture foot and will be out for 11 weeks. Fortunately enough for the Browns, a veteran back-up in Ryan Tucker will be able to step in and fill Shaffer's role on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
- Rookie RB CJ Spiller averaged 2.7 yards per carry in his preseason debuts. Reggie Bush? Is that you? On a positive note, Spiller returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and will most likely stand beside elite kick returner Josh Cribbs, giving the Browns two dynamic threats on special teams.
- Recent free agent signing Richard Seymour got 5 sacks in the preseason. Look for him to perform well this year.
-QB Brady Quinn sat most of the preseason. Scouts who have watched Browns OTAs and practices say that Quinn could have a breakout season this year.

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I redid a lot of the layout, I'm trying to get everything a little less scatterbrained and more professional-looking.
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Cleveland Offensive Depth Chart

One of the quicker QBs in the league, Brady Quinn looks downfield with Mario Williams looking for the sack.

QB: Brady Quinn
QB: Ken Dorsey

Scouting reports and a strong finish in 08 show that Brady Quinn could possible come out as the best QB of the 2007 NFL Draft (over JaMarcus Russel and Trent Edwards..). Although he didn't play much in the preseason, scouts have seen him fling the ball 50 yards in practice. His deep ball has improved and Quinn seems to have a gunslinger mentality. Rex Ryan isn't a pass-happy coach, so don't expect a 4000 yard season out of the young QB. Quinn will have a solid, efficient season. Ken Dorsey proved he can hold his own against starting defenses and has good chemistry with the starting offense. Dorsey is a solid veteran back-up for Quinn.

RB: CJ Spiller
RB: Jamal Lewis
RB: Jerome Harrison

Age has taken it's toll on Jamal Lewis. The 2000 yard rusher is long gone, but Lewis can definitely still start behind this Browns team. What Lewis lacks in elusiveness, he makes up with weight and momentum. Lewis will likely receive less carries with rookie CJ Spiller looking to earn his money. CJ Spiller is extremely elusive, but was a 'dancer' in the preseason. Scouts have said he's like Brian Westbrook and Barry Sanders, but other scouts said he's the second-coming of Reggie Bust. Spiller is still young and needs to learn how to read holes and use his speed correctly. Jerome Harrison will likely ride the pine all season, with two solid runningbacks in front of him.

WR: Braylon Edwards
WR: Chad Jackson
WR: Donte Stallworth
WR: Josh Cribbs

After a weak season last year, you really have to question how much Braylon Edwards has to offer at the number 1 position. Although he can go over defenders, he had what some call a 'drop' season. Edwards will certainly not have the impact he used to and you have to question his former status as a superstar receiver. Chad Jackson is a talent that never got to play with so much talent in New England. Expect him to breakout in Cleveland. Stallworth and Cribbs both have a lot of speed, but are not number 2 material whatsoever. Expect Brady Quinn to look to his tight ends often.

TE: Rory Nicol
TE: Martin Rucker

Two young tight ends who are very average in receiving and blocking. Neither are a Kellen Winslow-type, but they can produce. Nicol has an upside draft scouts raved about.

LT: Joe Thomas
LG: Eric Steinbach
C: Hank Fraley
RG: Rex Hadnot
RT: Ryan Tucker

Easily the best part of this Cleveland Browns offense. The play of the offensive line can easily turn this team from mediocre to one of the best offenses. Offensive line play will make this team very consistent. Although they are under-appreciated, this Browns O-Line will be feared. Shaffer will be missed, but Tucker has already molded in.

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Browns Defensive Depth Chart

NT Shaun Rogers, a guy you do not want to see running back an interception

RE: Corey Williams
LE: Richard Seymour
NT: Shaun Rogers

Easily one of the strongest 3-4 lines coming into this season. With two pro-bowlers in Rogers and Seymour, and an underrated end in Williams, this line will open up a lot of options for a blitz-happy Rex Ryan. Seymour has already racked up 5 sacks and will most-likely return the pedigree of play he had when anchoring the Patriots' Super Bowl defensive lines. Rogers will easily swallow any runningbacks coming up the middle. Williams will likely have a breakout season or at least play solid enough to keep up.

LOLB: Marcus Freeman
ROLB: Kameron Wimbley
MLB: D'Qwell Jackson
MLB: Leon Williams

A very versatile group of LBs. While some these names may be unknown to you now, with the coaching of Singletary, I can bank on at least one of these guys making the Hall of Fame. A strong claim, but each and every one of these backers is fast and each have unique strengths. Freeman, although a rookie, has crushed runningbacks throughout the preseason. He inspires a smashmouth style of play on defense. Jackson is a sure tackler and has the best technique out of any of these linebackers. He's the anchor and the most conservative, a Brian Urlacher-type. Kameron Wimbley is a pass-rusher. With a great defensive line in front of him, there's no way a tackle or a tight end will be able to hold him back for long. Leon Williams is the weakest of the core, but has room to progress. He's got raw athleticism and can be worked into whatever role Singletary sees fit.

CB: Eric Wright
CB: Dunta Robinson
CB: Chris Johnson
FS: Brodney Pool
SS: Sean Jones

The Browns have a very fast, playmaking secondary. Eric Wright and Dunta Robinson are two sub-4.3 running corners with good understanding of routes and coverages. Eric Wright may even emerge as a shutdown corner. Chris Johnson can go head up with a majority of slot receivers in the NFL after covering number 2 receivers in Oakland. Brodney Pool is an average safety at best. Sean Jones is a freak at the Strong Safety position. He hits like a linebacker and covers like a corner. The Browns were lucky he signed with the team, because he could turn out to be stud with the right surroundings.

Special Teams:

K: Phil Dawson
P: Dave Zastudil
KR: CJ Spiller/Josh Cribbs
PR: Josh Cribbs

Spiller and Cribbs could turn kickoffs into points, but there's really nothing outstanding to see here. Special teams will not be a gamebreaker for Cleveland.

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Cleveland Browns Schedule

1. Browns @ Broncos
2. Browns @ Texans
3. Browns vs. Packers
4. Browns vs. Raiders
5. BYE WEEK
6. Browns @ Bears
7. Browns vs. Ravens
8. Browns vs. Bengals
9. Browns vs. Patriots
10. Browns @ Bengals
11. Browns vs. Steelers
12. Browns vs. Chargers
13. Browns @ Lions
14. Browns @ Ravens
15. Browns @ Steelers
16. Browns @ Chiefs
17. Browns vs. Vikings

2009 Browns Season Outlook: In 2008, the Browns fell from being one of the most exciting teams to one of the most pathetic. Although grinding out 7 wins, luck easily played a factor in most of them. Under Rex Ryan, this Browns team looks reborn. Comparable to the 2007 Browns? Some say they might even be better with a new style of dominating play of defense. Although the offense is not nearly as high-flying as before, it can wear defenses down and has a lot of options to progress. If this team can find an identity and run with it, I can see the Browns going 10-6. If not, another 7-9 year of mediocrity is due.

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Alright, I'll see what happens against the Texans, but I'm probably going to need some new sliders because this last game was ridiculous.
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Week 1
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Final Score: Browns, 59-0

Passing:
Brady Quinn: 293 yards, 3 TDs, 22 Completions, 26 Attempts
Jay Cutler: 120 yards, 4 INTs, 12 Completions, 22 Attempts

Rushing:
CJ Spiller: 108 yards, 3 TDs, 33 Attempts
Fred Taylor: 34 yards, 9 attempts

Receiving:
Rory Nicol: 79 yards, 1 TD, 9 Receptions
Brandon Marshall: 37 yards, 3 Receptions

The Blawg Pound

Zac Jackson
Staff Writer

Pathetic Broncos team trampled by Broncos
Mile High Stadium was the scene of a massacre. The Browns shut down Denver's offense and could not be stopped by a pitiful Broncos defense. With the score 24-0 at the half, Broncos fans began pouring out of Mile High. Those who stayed witnessed a Broncos team that just surrendered. The Browns racked up 35 points in the second half playing conservative!

The Browns defense played exceptionally well, only allowing 157 total yards and never letting the Broncos offense reach the red zone. Sean Jones played great, getting 2 interceptions off Jay Cutler in the first half. 2 more interceptions were forced and one fumble was recovered off a muffed punt. Complex blitz schemes were matched with brute strength that simply crushed the Broncos. By the second quarter, Shanahan gave up trying to run through Rogers & Co. and reverted to chucking the ball (mostly to Browns players.)

The Browns offense played efficient. The offensive line were the true stars, allowing the Browns to score 80% of their red zone drives and paving the way for 5 combined rushing touchdowns. CJ Spiller racked up 170 yards receiving and rushing with 3 touchdowns. Brady Quinn played solid, scoring 3 times through the air and completing most of his passes. The Browns offense held the ball twice as long as the Broncos offense, which contributed to their success. 428 yards is a solid number for this offense, especially when compared to the Broncos' 157 yards.

Was it 'just the Broncos' or could Cleveland really be a competitor?

Time will tell.