Yea, Capt . . . I got a bunch of them waiting for me to show up.  The fact that two of them were 200lb+ Great Danes (Duke and Sachmo) is what keeps me on this earth.  Those guys would just flat out mug me when I got home at night.  Doubt I could handle both of them at the same time.

Woody was the same way except he weighed quite a bit less.  The Boxer we have now (Archie) spends the entire day alone in the house.  You would think he would mug me as well but he's too busy waiting at the back door to go out and pee.

OBTW: All of them were rescued dogs.  I was just glad that we provided a place for them to show their love.

Very nice Lyman, it is the most difficult thing I ever had to do having to finally say goodbye .  My wife is very spiritual and she believes that our loved pets stay by our side the rest of our days and it is your pets that walk you through Heavens Gate.  Bluez you were blessed for 17 years. 

Lyman ..Thanks that was a very nice poem  . i will pass that along when the time comes for somebody else .


thanks for laughs as well . yes i can see me getting knocked on my fat ass when that time comes between the dogs & the cat . Cuervo was a cat .

i bought them both together after i bought my house . both came from  the local Humane scociety so i guess they were both rescued from death row . the dog didnt last but 5 years . i never replaced him .it was just me & Cuervo who i taught to fetch ..yes the cat would play fetch with me .i would crumple up a marlboro pack give it a toss she would go get it bring it back a few times before figuring out that she wasnt a dog .

i will get another buddy but not for awhile . and it will come form the Humane scociety .

Thanks again everybody ..you guys ROCK !!!


Rounds on me all weekend .. Irish behave yourself

The Morning Kickoff …

Let the (ahem) competition begin: Since the Browns changed the course of their offensive direction on the first night of the draft, quarterbacks Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden have been two ships passing in the night.

McCoy has been “working hard” in the offseason conditioning program while Weeden has attended a three-day rookie camp and gotten acclimated to the lay of the land in Browns headquarters. According to a source, the two “competitors” have actually been in the building together a grand total of two days.

Those occurred this week when rookies joined the veterans for the first time in meetings and limited on-field position work. Weeden’s week was cut short when he left to attend the NFL rookie symposium in Los Angeles.

Things finally get serious on Tuesday when the Browns take the field as a team for the first of 10 organized team activities (OTA) practice sessions.

At that point, somebody has to be under center for the first rep in the first team drill. Will it be McCoy? Will it be Weeden? Will it be Seneca Wallace?

“I would say to that, we’ll all find out on Tuesday,” said tight end Evan Moore.

Behind the scenes: When the Browns selected running back Trent Richardson with the third pick in the draft on April 26, McCoy posted the following comment on his Twitter page at 9:38 p.m.:

Congratulations Trent Richardson. Glad to have you in Cleveland!

When Weeden was selected by the Browns with the 22^nd pick a few hours later, there was no similar congratulatory Tweet from McCoy. He has made only one post on his Twitter page since, a comment about one of his favorite movies -- Cinderella Man.

A day after the draft and two weeks later at rookie minicamp, Weeden said he had not spoken with McCoy. Why did not McCoy reach out to Weeden and welcome him to the Browns?

“I don’t know. I’ve never asked him that,” Moore said. “I would just speculate and say put yourself in Colt’s shoes. You can imagine how he’s feeling.”

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that McCoy was told by the Browns before the draft that they would not draft a quarterback in the first round. The Browns have strongly denied it. Five weeks before the draft, Browns President Mike Holmgren talked on a conference call with season ticket holders about the repercussions of the failed trade talks for Robert Griffin III.

He said, “… the other plan we talked about was to use those draft picks to get starters for this year and to help our quarterbacks on our team get better. So that’s what we’re doing.”

And then they drafted Weeden at No. 22.

Does McCoy feel he was misled?

“I don’t get that impression from him,” Moore said. “From the interaction I’ve had with Colt, I know his head is in the right place.”

Where is this going?: McCoy has not talked to the media since Dec. 29. With eyes still glazed from the cheap-shot helmet hit to the face mask he took from Pittsburgh’s James Harrison on Dec. 8, McCoy toed the company line and professed he wanted to be part of the “resurrection” of the Browns.

On Tuesday, things get awkward. The media will be allowed in for the first OTA session. McCoy either will have to address questions about his past and future with the team or he will continue to hide. Teammates will be subjected to the first onslaught of “McCoy or Weeden?” questions.

“I can see where externally it’s plausible to get the impression that his would be awkward,” Moore said. “But we can’t let it get there.

“I’m a proponent of Colt, a fan of Colt, but I know we added someone who’s a good player, too. I want to see them both do well and let the best man win.”

Back in 2010, the Cleveland Browns used a sixth-round draft pick on a little known speedster from South Florida. The 6’3” and 215-pound receiver had the measurables and potential scouts drool over, but many had agreed it would take the right system to maximize his potential in the NFL.

Two years later, the Cleveland Browns organization has yet to tap into his potential, as Carlton Mitchell has played in just 16 games in two seasons, and logged three receptions for 31 yards in his two-year career. What makes the situation even worse is the fact the Browns have had one of the league’s worst passing and receiving attacks over the last two seasons, which would have made for a prime opportunity for the now 24-year old to break out.

In his three seasons at South Florida, Mitchell put up some solid numbers which made one think he would translate well in the NFL. He accumulated 105 receptions 1,648 yards and nine touchdowns in three seasons, and was extremely deadly in terms of his yards-per catch average of 15.7.

The Browns switched to the West Coast Offense last season, and a player like Mitchell with speed and the ability to accumulate yards after the catch would have seemed to be a major asset. His raw skills should have developed into somewhat of a contributing role by now, which makes the situation with the youngster even more frustrating.

As the 2012 season is creeping upon us, many people thought the Browns would have made significant additions to their receiving corps. Instead, the team chose to upgrade their running back situation with Alabama rookie Trent Richardson, and bring in Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden to upgrade their passing game.

With two of college football’s best players entering the organization at key positions, one would think now would be the time for Mitchell to break out. However, the receiving situation is clouded with uncertainty, and there is no guarantee the once promising receiver can even make the team’s regular season roster.

The team also added speedster Travis Benjamin via the draft, and the Browns now have at least six receivers on the roster to rotate in for Weeden (or Colt McCoy). The likes of Greg Little, Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi and Jordan Norwood seem to have firm hold on their roster spots, with Josh Cooper, Benjamin and Mitchell vying for next in line. The team also utilizes their tight ends in a big way, which makes Benjamin Watson and Evan Moore threats to take potential receptions away from the receiving corps.

If you do the math quickly, it appears someone out of that group of nine players may be on the outside looking in at the regular season roster—and that person could very well be Mitchell.

After showing little growth in two seasons, Mitchell emerging as a threat seems less and less like an option in 2012. Could he experience some type of major change in offseason camps? Sure, but the chances are less likely with all of the players ahead of him.

Many Browns fans wanted to see a player like Mitchell succeed in the system, but like Brian Robiskie who came before him, it may be time for the team to part ways with the South Florida product. So at the end of the day, the chances of Mitchell breaking out as a legitimate receiving threat seem to be diminishing with each passing day.


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The Cleveland Browns have been one of a number of NFL teams being held under the national microscope for their actions in the 2012 NFL Draft. Especially considering they traded up one spot from No. 4 to No. 3 to secure their running back of the future (Trent Richardson), and then used the No. 22 pick on a 28-year old quarterback (Brandon Weeden).

This week, ESPN has decided to once again focus their attention on the continuously rebuilding franchise. While there was yet again some focus on the selection of Weeden and success rate (or lack thereof) of quarterbacks drafted in the 20s, the article decided to focus on a more controversial and rather boneheaded idea.

It was suggested the Cleveland Browns should entertain the idea of signing former Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb.

For those of you who have been under a rock for the last few months, the Cleveland Browns have hired former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress to take over their offense, and the connection between himself and McNabb is essentially the premise for this article. Before he coached in Minnesota, Childress was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Eagles from 1999-2005—also known as the beginning of McNabb’s career in Philly.

Childress’ cultivation of McNabb cannot be denied. He took the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft out of Syracuse and turned him into a Pro Bowl quarterback. But developing a quarterback when he is young and raw is much different than attempting to get another year of juice out of a 35-year old.

Looking past the fact that McNabb hasn’t been himself the past few seasons, the idea of bringing him in just because Weeden may not be ready to assume the quarterbacking duties from day one makes zero sense. The Browns did not draft a 28-year old quarterback with a first-round pick to have him sit a year and learn. They brought him in to win the starting quarterback job.

The team has Colt McCoy, who has starting experience, if Weeden struggles to grasp the playbook at first. His numbers haven’t been amazing, but he is coming into his third year with the franchise (second in the West Coast Offense) and knows the personnel on the team much better than McNabb would. If McCoy struggles, there is always Seneca Wallace, a player who has been in the WCO nearly his entire career.

With those three players in the system, there is no room for a washed up veteran like McNabb in Cleveland. Yet this is the exact opposite the author of the article wants you to believe, stating, “…McNabb is a buffer. He doesn’t need a five-year deal. Bring him in; see if he can play. His upside is a chance to win a little more now while strengthening Weeden’s chance to succeed. Really, what do the Browns have to lose?”

What do the Browns have to lose? With all due respect, the writer (Chris Sprow) does not seem to have a firm grasp on the state of football in Cleveland.

Once Weeden starts, the Browns will be on lucky No. 17 for different starting quarterbacks since rejoining the NFL in 1999. The list stretches from a No. 1 overall draft pick in Tim Couch, to vagabond backups like Kelly Holcomb, Spergon Wynn, Luke McCown and Ken Dorsey.

It also mixes in aging veterans like Ty Detmer, Doug Pederson, Jeff Garcia, Trent Dilfer and Jake Delhomme—all looking for one last breath of NFL starting air. And who can forget the likes of Charlie Frye, Bruce Gradkowski, the Golden Domer bust in Brady Quinn and the one-year wonder off the Ravens’ practice squad in Derek Anderson?

To answer Sprow’s question, the Browns have a fan base to lose. They have a city tired of a revolving door at quarterback, and are certainly tired of watching stop-gaps and buffers attempt to lead their team out of the cellar and back into the playoffs.

Weeden may be old for a rookie and McCoy has struggled early in his young career, but those two are the current quarterbacks for this franchise. Weeden will likely emerge as the starter because of his big-arm, accuracy and ability to impact the game plan of opposing defenses.

And if the Browns only get six years of starting out of him (like this writer has said a million times before), it is longer than any quarterback not named Bernie Kosar since 1984. The Browns’ organization should just say no to McNabb, because a “buffer” is not needed.


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Sprints at Limaland


Hangs sign on door .



Gone Racing

Anyone else notice bluez didn't leave his tab open for us this weekend?

Maybe we went a little over board the last time..

Anyone else notice bluez didn't leave his tab open for us this weekend?

Maybe we went a little over board the last time..

i need to get a third job to cover it all ya bunch of soaks

Yea, Capt . . . I got a bunch of them waiting for me to show up.  

---

Yep Lym, us to. We got 3 OES & a couple of cats keeping watch from the bridge... & the same # in residence

The dogs are all breed rescue. 1 from NC, 1 from backyard breeder & the other from St. Louis - was going to be PTS b/c he has occasional seizures. Some folks just shouldnt own animals 

It was suggested the Cleveland Browns should entertain the idea of signing former Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Oh lord PLEASE NO!

Before the Browns rookies and free agents took to the field for five workouts over the past weekend, I gave you some vital signs that I'd be looking for as the 2012 season takes shape. My findings as follows. I viewed 3 of the 5 workouts in Berea.

1. Offensive coordinator Brad Childress' early effect on the tempo and rhythm of the offense

** Childress and offensive assistant Nolan Cromwell were heavily involved, as they instructed not only Brandon Weeden, yet all offensive positions. While way too early to determine how the tempo and rhythm of the offense will be altered by Childress' presence, I do sense that he will have a major impact on the entire offensive scheme, from implementing game plans, to affecting how the offense will look to attack on game day.

2. Brandon Weeden's performance and his adaptation to the quickened pace of the NFL game

** Unanimously, every observer in Berea was 'wowed' by his physical abilities. He certainly looks the part. The ball comes out of his hand decisively, tight, with excellent velocity. I expected that. What impressed me more then the physical was his ability to get his team lined up very comfortably in the offense, beginning to master the nuances of the 3, 5, and 7 step 'drops' from under center, his constant interaction with Childress, qb coach Mark Whipple, and Pat Shurmur, after virtually every snap, and stopping to 'redo' or work on his ball fakes off play action, as he began his passing setups. Accuracy? Very impressive. He pitched professionally in baseball, and used much of that acumen, knowing when to 'take something off his fastball' in the short and intermediate routes, as he put balls on receivers hands, allowing them to turn up field and continue the play. Now, there wasn't a pass rush, no elaborate defensive schemes to deal with, etc. Yet Weeden has a firm grasp of things already. That's extremely encouraging in this quarterback-starved city.

3. How creative would the offensive brain trust be with versatile running back Trent Richardson?

** Again, workouts were in jerseys, shorts, and helmets...with no hitting involved, so that must be factored in. Did see plenty of Richardson as a pass receiver, running 'wheel' routes, matched up against linebackers as he worked the sidelines. He caught every ball I saw thrown his way. Also lined him up in both '1' and '2' back sets, with the run game variety showing some 'inside draws', as he lined up next to Weeden out of the shotgun look. Didn't see any toss sweep action with him, yet did see him lined up in the slot at least 3 times, as they emptied the backfield and went to a 5 wide receiver look. Look for Childress to be able to 'empty the creativity bin' with Richardson's ability to handle every aspect of offensive football.

4. Would a pair of wide receivers with a tremendous opportunity begin to impress?

** Plenty of action in the pass game for both Travis Benjamin, the fourth rounder from Miami, and Weeden's Oklahoma State teammate Josh Cooper. While everyone raved about Benjamin's speed, I'll have to reserve complete judgment on him until he's 'jammed and pressed' as he looks to get into his routes. Got him the football on quick slants, outs, and a couple of 'bubble screen' looks, yet can he handle the physical aspect of the game, which will be coming very soon. Obvious to me that Weeden looked to develop that immediate rapport as he went to Benjamin extensively. That rapport is already established with Cooper, who flashed excellent hands, crisp route running, and the ability to make the tough catch on the sidelines and in traffic. He is very fluid, and I could see him becoming the prototypical possession receiver in this offense that moves the sticks for Weeden on 3rd and 5. Cooper is a keeper, and is going to cash in on a tremendous opportunity with a team that needs receivers.

5. Does offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz  'look the part'?

** The Browns need that strong presence on the right side, and Schwartz' was adjudged to be the most complete right tackle, and very best run blocker available in the draft. Again, he wasn't hitting anyone, so I asked Pat Shurmur could he see this quickly that Schwartz has the intangibles to succeed. Shurmur told me Schwartz' footwork and technique are excellent, and he, as an offensive lineman by trade, can tell right away Schwartz will be that physical, run blocking presence the Browns must have at the right tackle. Should be a natural fit as the Browns run game looks to take a major step forward. At 6-5 and 325, Schwartz is athletic, and looks to have All Pro capabilities in years to come.

6. Can the defensive players drafted learn quickly and move right into the rotation?

** This becomes more vital now, given the unfortunate Phil Taylor injury for John Hughes and Billy Winn. They both will be force fed, and in combination, while not as large an inside presence as the 340 pound Taylor, have to accelerate their learning curve. They need to learn line calls and assignments along the front first, then will see as the summer goes on how they shed engage and shed blocks. Both will know be thrust into a very meaningful light immediately. Linebackers James Michael Johnson and Emmanuel Acho both are fluid, both worked in all 3 linebacking spots, and both are expected to immediately contribute heavily on special teams. I feel both will also play extensively in the linebacker rotations, as the depth there is almost as thin as the wide receiving corp. Trevin Wade will also play special teams, and will have to prove he can surpass Buster Skrine to be involved in nickel and dime coverage schemes.

With all of the attention placed on Richardson and Weeden, this first glance was about teaching and learning...as quickly as possible. The Browns must have major contribution right away from this draft class, as well as the expected progressions from each of Tom Heckert's first two drafts, for the Browns to take the significant steps in the form of winning they are expecting in 2012.

<small class="tags"> Tags: Cleveland Browns, Michael Reghi, brad childress</small>

With those three players in the system, there is no room for a washed up veteran like McNabb in Cleveland. Yet this is the exact opposite the author of the article wants you to believe, stating, “…McNabb is a buffer. He doesn’t need a five-year deal. Bring him in; see if he can play. His upside is a chance to win a little more now while strengthening Weeden’s chance to succeed. Really, what do the Browns have to lose?”

If it weren't for my support of Brandon Weedon I would be all for bringing in Donovan McNabb.  I think he could resurrect himself nicely under his former coach Brad Childress.  The only thing that keeps me from wanting McNabb is as the article stated Weedon's age and draft position.  I think it would be great for him to be able to learn from a guy as experienced as Donovan McNabb. 

** Childress and offensive assistant Nolan Cromwell were heavily involved, as they instructed not only Brandon Weeden, yet all offensive positions. While way too early to determine how the tempo and rhythm of the offense will be altered by Childress' presence, I do sense that he will have a major impact on the entire offensive scheme, from implementing game plans, to affecting how the offense will look to attack on game day.

Bring me some offense!  I don't care how it gets done but it must get done.  This schedule is brutal and they have no choice but to start opening up things. Richardson will be deadly in the run game I am sure, but the entire field must be utilized this time around in 2012.  Enough of this using only one side and expecting the defenses to somehow get memory lapses. 

** Unanimously, every observer in Berea was 'wowed' by his physical abilities. He certainly looks the part. The ball comes out of his hand decisively, tight, with excellent velocity. I expected that. What impressed me more then the physical was his ability to get his team lined up very comfortably in the offense, beginning to master the nuances of the 3, 5, and 7 step 'drops' from under center, his constant interaction with Childress, qb coach Mark Whipple, and Pat Shurmur, after virtually every snap, and stopping to 'redo' or work on his ball fakes off play action, as he began his passing setups. Accuracy? Very impressive.

Now that is all I want to hear about my quarterback.  It is the most vital position where impressing people with his ability is a must have.  Opposing teams don't respect QBs they don't fear.  Weedon has the ability to keep those guys playing more downfield in coverage, thus opening up running lanes.  The past couple of years linebackers were roaming center field, playing the run, and daring us to throw.

I did see plenty of Richardson as a pass receiver, running 'wheel' routes, matched up against linebackers as he worked the sidelines. He caught every ball I saw thrown his way. Also lined him up in both '1' and '2' back sets, with the run game variety showing some 'inside draws', as he lined up next to Weeden out of the shotgun look. Didn't see any toss sweep action with him, yet did see him lined up in the slot at least 3 times, as they emptied the backfield and went to a 5 wide receiver look.

Ahhh music to my ears.  Seems like Childress saved a few pages from his days in Philadelphia where one of my favorite running backs in Brian Westbrook played.  That guy made that Philly offense flow like premium oil.  Third downs are much safer to pick up with a guy who can do damage out of the backfield.  Enough of that garbage running up the middle as if other teams have no idea how to play it.  Richardson combined with our developing TE's should make moving the chains easier. 

Obvious to me that Weeden looked to develop that immediate rapport as he went to Benjamin extensively. That rapport is already established with Cooper, who flashed excellent hands, crisp route running, and the ability to make the tough catch on the sidelines and in traffic.

Sounds like the guy knows what he likes.  Good to see him paying attention to his possible new best friend in Benjamin.  Cooper IMO could be a Godsend having played and played well with Weedon.  Having Cooper could give the rookie some nice insight as to what to expect coming his way.  I thought it was a great pick then and I get more convinced by the day.  Why shouldn't we have a great possession guy and more like a Wes Welker (whom by the way I hated both the Browns and Cowboys passed up on when he came out of college and then didn't try to get in free agency after leaving Miami)? 

The Browns need that strong presence on the right side, and Schwartz' was adjudged to be the most complete right tackle, and very best run blocker available in the draft.

Cordy Glenn who??  That right side was atrocious last year, and guard was a must-have.  The fact that he knows Mack can only make his transition smoother.  I am liking the makings of this line.  Now let's see who wants to step-up not to be out-shined by the rookie?  Who is our best bet at RT?

Should be a natural fit as the Browns run game looks to take a major step forward. At 6-5 and 325, Schwartz is athletic, and looks to have All Pro capabilities in years to come.

I don't know who this writer is but I hope his eyes are as atuned as he describes.  An offensive lineman shining this early has me with visions of Joe Thomas.  Say we didn't get a great gem in the third round.  Is it, could it, should it be possible?  Hell yes!

Linebackers James Michael Johnson and Emmanuel Acho both are fluid, both worked in all 3 linebacking spots, and both are expected to immediately contribute heavily on special teams. I feel both will also play extensively in the linebacker rotations, as the depth there is almost as thin as the wide receiving corp.

Versatility and talent in the Browns linebacking corps?  Something tells me Holmgren didn't ask much for Christmas and instead deferred to April.  For all the holes they had to fill this off-season I think they did a more than admirable job.  Granted none of us will know for sure, but the early, early returns seem like they could be promising.  All I know is that the veteran guys at the position just got a huge load off of their minds and backs.  Nothing like having guys ten years younger than you taking pointers.  Now is the time when I am putting more faith in our aging guys.  They may have lost a step, but they certainly know how to play the game mentally.  This could give our rookies a nice leg up.

Around the NFL: Could Browns be building elite offensive line?

By Steve Doerschuk

Talk about building blocks ...

The Browns and Steelers have put their money where their smashmouth is.

Both the Browns and Steelers spent high draft picks on offensive linemen last month, and both teams are projected to send out five 2012 starters who were their own draft picks.

The average draft position of the five Browns is No. 58.4 overall, including rookie No. 37 overall pick Mitchell Schwartz. If one excludes the Browns’ lowest pick, 2011 fifth-rounder Jason Pinkston, the average is 38.2.

The average draft position of the five Steelers, including rookie No. 24 overall pick David DeCastro, is 60.6.

We could be seeing the last of Josh Cribbs in a Browns uniform for reasons that have nothing to do with diminishing skills.

Cribbs played as hard as ever in 2011, and he still throws his body around without care for his own bones or ligaments. But unless he is willing to play for substantially less than the $1,438,000 he will make this season —  the final year of his contract — the Browns might choose to let him walk after 2012 because rule changes last year in the name of player safety neutered Cribbs and all the other dangerous kick returners. Cribbs will be 30 before the 2013 season begins.

Cribbs is a hard-nosed punt returner, but kick returns are — or were — his specialty.

The biggest rule change was moving kickoffs from the 30 to the 35. In 2010, Billy Cundiff of the Baltimore Ravens boomed 46.15 percent of his kickoffs for touchbacks to lead the league by a wide margin. In 2011, 11 kickers had more than half their kickoffs end in touchbacks, and seven more were successful at least 43 percent of the time.

Ever since the 2012 NFL Draft ended, the Cleveland Browns have been receiving criticism for what many have considered to be a questionable draft strategy.

Grabbing an elite running back in Alabama's Trent Richardson and a potential franchise quarterback in Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden in the first round were solid moves, but many analysts seem to feel the Browns did not have a plan after round one.

The apparent reach on former Cincinnati defensive tackle John Hughes in the third round was a head-scratcher, and the fact the receiver-needy Browns did not select a wideout until the fourth round have left many questioning the drafting capabilities of general manager Tom Heckert.

However, lost in all the post-draft hype is the fact Cleveland's 2012 draft class is littered with starting-caliber players, many of whom are likely to be in the starting lineup when the Browns open the season against the Eagles on Sept. 9.

Richardson and Weeden are virtual locks to be starting at their respective positions in Week 1 and Cleveland's second round choice, California offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, is almost certain to be manning the trenches at right tackle as well.

Miami's Travis Benjamin, the aforementioned fourth-round receiver, wound up being the only wideout Cleveland added over draft weekend. He is a bit undersized at just 5'10" and 172 pounds, but due to his elite speed (he posted the second-fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine at 4.36 seconds), Benjamin has more than a fair chance of lining up across from Greg Little when the offense takes the field against Philadelphia.

Unfortunately, circumstances may force the Browns to start a fifth rookie on opening day.

Second-year defensive tackle Phil Taylor suffered a torn pectoral muscle earlier this month and is expected to miss most, if not all of the 2012 season. With Taylor out, either Hughes or sixth-round pick Billy Winn may be forced to step in and help anchor Cleveland's 4-3 defensive front.

Of the two, Winn seems to be a more natural fit to replace Taylor. The 6'4" and 294-pound Boise State product appears better suited to fill the role of traditional 4-3 defensive tackle, while Hughes seems more likely to provide depth behind nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin. However, Hughes still may become an early contributor, especially on rushing downs.

Other rookies may find a way to crack the starting lineup early this season as well. Linebackers James Michael Johnson (fourth round, Nevada) and Emmanuel Acho (sixth round, Texas) could vie for playing time while starting outside linebacker Scott Fujita sits out the first three games of the season with a league-imposed suspension.

Meanwhile, cornerback Trevin Wade (seventh round, Arizona) could make an immediate impact in nickle and dime packages, especially if the Browns decide to move Sheldon Brown over to safety, as many analysts have speculated.

Only time will tell whether or not any of Cleveland's 11 draft picks wind up becoming stars, but the potential exists for many of them to at least become solid contributing pieces on a Browns team looking for a quick turnaround.

If the Browns manage to pull a handful of starters out of their draft class, then the 2012 draft has to be considered a success for Cleveland, even if most analysts do not see it that way now.


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CLEVELAND -- Chris Perez is throwing some heat at Cleveland fans.

The All-Star closer didn't back down Sunday from comments made Saturday questioning why fans are not turning out to see the first-place Indians and why some in the sparse crowds boo the home team.

"The fans are going to come, I know that," Perez said. "It's just a slap in the face when you're in first place and last in attendance. Last. Not 25th or 26th. Last."

The right-hander said he has been frustrated by small crowds for a long time and that it came to a head Thursday when he was booed because two men reached base while he eventually saved a win over Seattle.

"That was the last straw," said Perez, an outspoken, gregarious team leader who regularly uses social media to interact with fans.

<!-- begin inline 1 -->

“

Nobody wants to play in front of 5,000 fans. We know the weather stinks, but people see that (low attendance). Other players know that.

” <cite> -- Indians closer Chris Perez</cite>

<!-- end inline 1 -->

"I got a lot of messages and some of it was funny," Perez said of overnight reaction by fans.

While the Indians encourage Perez's aggressive style of challenging opposing hitters, the confrontational comments did not sit well.

Team president Mark Shapiro said the organization differs with the way Perez spoke, adding that the Indians do get fan support. Shapiro said the reliever's words come from a desire to win and get more fans to come to the ballpark.

"We clearly disagree with him about our fans," Shapiro said. "We appreciate our fans. We respect our fans."

Shapiro said the 26-year-old's comments were likely borne from frustration combined with a desire to succeed.

"He's been one of the more dominant closers," Shapiro said. "What drives him to succeed in that role are emotion and competitiveness and passion, and I think a lot of that was behind what he said.

"It's clear that what's behind the emotion is how great he feels our situation is -- how incredible he feels the team is, the ballpark is, and his desire for more people to experience it.

"He's saying, 'Pay attention. Look what we've got here.'"

After earning his 13th save Saturday by striking out the side on 10 pitches to clinch a 2-0 win over the Miami Marlins, Perez criticized fans who boo the home team and said negative vibes are a reason big-name free agents such as Carlos Beltran don't sign with Cleveland.

It came after the season's second-largest crowd, 29,799. Including a sellout of 43,190 for the April 5 opener, the Indians' 15,188 average through 22 home dates is a far cry from the team-record 455 consecutive sellouts in the late 1990s.

"Nobody wants to play in front of 5,000 fans," said Perez on Saturday. "We know the weather stinks, but people see that (low attendance). Other players know that.

"You had a choice of playing in St. Louis where you get 40,000 like Beltran chose to do, or you can come to Cleveland."

Perez said Sunday he hadn't spoken to Beltran or others who signed elsewhere, adding that in conversation with teammates, opponents and a few former Indians, he drew the consensus that Cleveland is not now a popular place to play.

"Baseball is supposed to be fun," Perez said. "It is like that in Philadelphia every day. It helps you. You draw energy from the fans."

Shapiro countered by pointing out that several current Indians enjoy the city and have signed long-term contracts to stay. He thinks the current controversy will blow over and hopefully not impact Perez or the ballclub.

"I really feel like it's a moment in time, a story for right now," Shapiro said. "If you polled our players, by and large, what you'd see is a largely universal appreciation for our fans."

Perez said he had no ulterior motive for his comments and he isn't trying to draw attention to himself.

"It's just so frustrating," Perez said. "I've been here since 2009, was one of the first guys in the (rebuilding) trades. If this was 2010, I wouldn't say anything. We deserved to be booed, we were bad."

Cleveland went 65-97 in 2009 and 69-93 the next year, then spent much of last season in first place until fading to finish 80-82. They entered play Sunday 23-17.

Perez has done his part to boost sagging attendance. He has bought six season tickets to give away, understanding how the area has been hit hard by the economy and that some fans can't buy tickets. He doesn't, however, comprehend the overall apathy.

"I don't understand the negativity, in general," Perez said. "Why? We have a first-place team. How many teams in the country would want that right now?

"You think the Tigers are happy? The Tigers are in third place. We're in first place. Enjoy it."

CLEVELAND May 22-24, May 30-June 1, June 12-15 June 5-7

Great Perez article, Riff.  I always liked the guy and he does seem highly competitive.  I didn't kow he had 13 saves already.  But yeah I have been noticing attendance has been incredibly crappy at the stadium over the past couple of months.  I didn't know the numbers were that atrocious.  He is absolutely right that the team should be followed more closely, regardless if they are in first place or not.  They are trying their best to put a quality product on the field.  I may have disagreed on more than a few occasions about their payroll structure and loss of very good free agents to other cities, but the Indians are still a fun time.  I along with many I am sure remember the days of showing up at game time and getting thier pick of seats in the house at Lakefront.   Attending a game where you aren't tripping over people trying to get to an aisle is a great way to experience a game.  Perez is a gamer and the Indians are a more mentally tough team this ear.  I am not going to go predicting things as we have seen seasons tail off like the article states.  Yet I have a good feeling that this team can continue to battle within the standings all year long.  I believe they will surprise quite a few people as the months pass.  The oevrall roster is good, and I have been impressed with their pitching as well as defense.  I would advise more people to go out and support those guys.  Nothing like a day at the park in nice weather surrounded by true baseball fans.  And now you won't have to battle for tickets.  Better hurry up though as I have a feeling a certain number of people will be suddenly "right there from the beginning" all along.

Is the hand-wringing over the Browns wide receiving corps distracting from concerns at linebacker?

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At Nos. 22, 37 and with most every subsequent pick thereafter, the Cleveland Browns passed on selecting a wide receiver in the 2012 NFL Draft. There was one — Travis Benjamin — who was taken in the fourth round. He’s not exactly penned into the Browns’ starting lineup Sept. 9.

Since the second-round selections of Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie in 2009 did not turnout to be the second coming of Jerry Rice and John Taylor, improving the Browns’ wide receiving corps has been a hotly debated topic. No doubt it will continue after the Browns failed to add any pass catchers in free agency and only one in the draft.

Yet as we inch toward the 2012 season, the Browns’ wide receivers may not be the team’s position group with the least overall talent and lacking the most depth.

That title could be reserved for the Browns’ linebackers, led by 2011 starters D’Qwell Jackson, Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong.

Jackson is the bright post. The 28-year-old was finally healthy for an entire season in 2011. Jackson finished with 158 tackles (116 solo) with 3.5 sacks one forced fumble and one interception. In February, he was rewarded with a new five-year deal.

From there the talent level begins to thin.

Fujita, while a crafty veteran, is a crafty veteran because he is 33 years old. He is clearly on the downside of his career. Moreover, the Browns will be without Fujita for the first three games of 2012, as he serves his suspension from the fallout of Bounty Gate.

Finally, Gocong delivered some memorable hits in 2011 at strong-side linebacker and he did sign a three-year contract extension last September. He is at his best going north and south, but sometimes gets lost in the shuffle going sideline-to-sideline.

Then, in alphabetical order, is the remainder of the Browns’ linebacking corps, according to their roster on the team’s web site: Emmanuel Acho, Benjamin Jacobs, James-Michael Johnson, Kaluka Maiava, Craig Robertson and Quinton Spears.

Suddenly, the Greg Little-Mohamed Massaquoi-Josh Cribbs trio at wide out doesn’t look nearly as troubling.

“In our opinion, it’s not a great linebacker draft,” Browns general manager Tom Heckert said before last month’s draft. “That’s not saying we aren’t going to get one. It’s just not (a great class). I don’t know how else to say it. Hopefully we can get some young guys in here and see what they do.”

Well, the Browns did draft two linebackers, but not until later rounds.

Johnson, who was selected with the 25th pick of the fourth round, comes to the Browns with a similar background as Jackson. Johnson (6-1, 241) played inside and outside linebacker at Nevada, where he proved himself a productive tackler. While he can tackle, his lack of speed may prevent him from adequately covering tight ends in the NFL. Johnson has a chance to compete with Kaluka Maiava for a key back up or starting position. Maiava has simply underwhelmed since being drafted by the Browns in the fourth round in 2009.

Acho was taken with the 34th pick of the sixth round and he features a similar body type to Johnson — 6-1, 238. Like Johnson, Acho is a sure tackler and, like Johnson, Acho does not have good speed.

Did you catch the common theme between Acho and Johnson? Both are sure tacklers. In addition, the Browns bolster their defensive line in free agency with Juqua Parker and Frostee Rucker and the draft by taking players with similar skill sets in defensive tackles John Hughes and Billy Winn, who now need to step up with the loss of Phil Taylor.

The Browns have not stopped the run since 1999 and, quietly, the Browns are taking steps to improve that deficiency. Run the ball, stop the run. It's a pretty simple philosophy that has won a lot of professional football games.

For now, there is not much the Browns can do to drastically improve their linebacking corps. The Browns could be OK if Johnson and Acho adapt quickly to the professional game; If Fujita and Jackson stay healthy and if the improved defensive line could mask issues with the linebackers.

That's a lot of ifs.

The owners gathered in Atlanta for their quarterly meetings are expected to take up a host of items that were tabled in March.

They are, as MDS listed them at the time they were tabled:  (1) an extension of the trade deadline from the Tuesday after Week Six to the Tuesday after Week Eight; (2) shifting the final roster cuts from the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend to Friday, given that the first game of the regular season has been moved from the Thursday after Labor Day to Wednesday; (3) the creation of an injured reserve exemption that allows a player to return that same year after missing at least six weeks of practice and eight weeks of games; and (4) one roster exemption per team per week for a player who has a concussion.

Also tabled was the increase in offseason rosters from 80 to 90.  That change was passed prior to the draft.

Each of the remaining tabled changes make plenty of sense, especially the adjustment of the trade deadline.  Currently, it lands too early in the regular-season calendar.  And while the NFL surely wants to avoid baseball-style fire sales, a two-week delay likely won’t prompt a rash of also-rans to fold the tents and trade star players to contending teams.

In 2011, a Week Six injury to Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell prompted a deadline-day deal with the Bengals for Carson Palmer.  Thereafter, the Broncos were able to get nothing for Kyle Orton, after the Bears lost Jay Cutler and the Broncos waived Orton at his request.  The Chiefs blocked the Bears’ effort to bring Orton back to Chicago by making a waiver claim from a position of higher priority.

We’ll keep you updated on all developments from the ownership meetings, primarily since there isn’t a whole lot else going on that doesn’t relate to maintaining the image and intellectual property rights of the Jets’ personal punt protector.

Does Chris Perez remind anybody of a certain highly emotional  fan (poster) that has been pulling his hair out for months because of all the nagativity that has been surrounding the Cleveland sports scene?




just wondering...


CP hit the nail on the head....Why all the negativity and pessimism?  It's easier to understand in regards to the Browns, but nauseating just the same...

Alll we can do is hope that stars like Chris Perez,  Asdrubal Cabrera, Kyrie Erving, Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden among others, can change the culture....I think they can.   IMO things are definately on the up.     

Alll we can do is hope that stars like Chris Perez,  Asdrubal Cabrera, Kyrie Erving, Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden among others, can change the culture....I think they can.   IMO things are definately on the up.     

Nice to see nationally recognizable names in these youngsters TD!!

I have to agree, things are looking up for CLEVELAND sports, not just the Browns!

Kyrie with the ROY honors in the NBA, how nice would it be to get the NFL ROY honors to go along with that award?

Jason Kipnis, barely lost out on eligibility(must have less than 130 career at bats, Kipnis had 136 coming into 2012) otherwise we could have had an outside shot at a clean sweep of the award.

GO TRIBE, CAVS and most especially BROWNS!!!

BTW...Couldn't agree more with Perez!

It is one thing not being able to afford tickets in this economy, but once inside the stadium, booing the home team in the 9th inning WITH THE LEAD, is inexcusable!!

We are talking about the AL leading saves pitcher in Perez! It isn't like he has come in every game and blew it for the Tribe..Give me a break!

Your words are not falling on deaf ears Chris, keep preaching brother!

BTW...Couldn't agree more with Perez!

just don't be too upset when he nails down 4 or 5 saves on ya in fantasy baseball this week Irish...lol!

THAT ^ ^ ^ would be WELL worth it!

The rapid completion of rookie contracts has created speculation that most if not all deals could be completed by Memorial Day, a stunning development given that, in past years, the process didn’t even begin until after the Fourth of July.

But it still could take a little time to get the deals done at the top of the draft, thanks to the traditional (but arguably outdated) process of waiting for other deals to firm up the slots.

On Monday night, Browns G.M. Tom Heckert said that the team has not had extensive negotiations with running back Trent Richardson, the third overall pick in the draft.  “I think he wants to wait for some other [top picks to sign],” Heckert said, via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal.  “They’ll all get done.  It’s not a concern at all.”

It’s not a concern yet.  But there’s no reason for any delay.  In the top five, three of the players — Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III at No. 2, Richardson at No. 3, and Vikings tackle Matt Kalil at No. 4 — are each represented by CAA.  It could be that CAA wants Colts quarterback Andrew Luck to set the ceiling at No. 1 and Jags receiver Justin Blackmon to set the floor at No. 5 before working out the deals for Griffin, Richardson, and Kalil in between.

It’s unclear when the dominoes will fall.  For now, only seven first-rounders have signed:  the ninth (Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly), 10th (Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore), 15th (Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin), 17th (Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick), 19th (Bears linebacker Shea McClellin), 28th (Packers linebacker Nick Perry), and 32nd (Giants running back David Wilson) overall picks.  Apart from the potential debates regarding guaranteed money at picks No. 20 and No. 21 through 25, there are limited areas for negotiation and disagreement.

While it’s still highly unlikely that there will be training-camp holdouts, speculation that all draft picks will be signed before the unofficial launch of summer will end up being more than a little overly optimistic, barring a rash of completed deals in the next few days.