DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Pluto, Grossi ABJ articles long

Terry Pluto's Talkin':
Published: Saturday, July 24, 2010, 9:56 PM
Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .

1. Most football coaches are emotionally suited to work in the Worst Case Scenario section of the U.S. Department of Defense. So when Browns coaches talked about what part of their team makes them actually feel pretty good -- and they came up with an answer -- well, that's significant. And the answer is . . . the running game.

2. The coaches didn't know this until I looked it up for this story, but the Browns' No. 8 ranking in rushing last season was impressive not only because they had the lowest-ranked passing game in the NFL, but get this . . . the last time the Browns ranked as high as No. 8 in rushing was in 1985!!!

3. For the 20 teams between 1986 and 2008 (remember, the Browns lost three seasons in the move to Baltimore), the previous high was No. 10 in 2007. Even from 1986 to 1989, when the Browns were contending for the AFC title, they ranked 21st, 24th, 21st, 21st.

4. Except for the No. 8 in 2009 and the No. 10 in 2007, the next highest was No. 14 in 1994.

5. The 1985 team had two 1,000-yard rushers in Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner during Bernie Kosar's rookie season. But the Browns didn't have another 1,000-yard rusher until . . . Reuben Droughns in 2005. In between, their best seasons from a back were 890 yards (Leroy Hoard, 1994) and 887 (William Green, 2002). The only times the Browns have been in the playoffs since the 1980s were 1994 and 2002, when they at least had one viable rusher.

6. A 1,000-yard rusher is not a ticket to the playoffs. Droughns did it in 2005 (Browns still ranked 25th in rushing). Jamal Lewis did it with 1,304 yards in 2007 (Browns ranked 10th) and Lewis had 1,002 in 2008 (Browns ranked 26th).

7. Jerome Harrison was the Browns' leading rusher in 2009 with 862 yards. So how did they rank so high, especially when Lewis (500 yards) was the starter for the first half of the season? They dominated in the final eight games -- rushing for 1,290 yards in those games compared with 797 in the first eight.

8. The difference was Harrison taking over as the starter, and Joshua Cribbs (381 yards, 6.8 average) being used more in the wildcat as a running back. The Browns had a varied attack. Rookie Chris Jennings ran for 220 yards.

9. The coaches said it was more than the backs, it was the line growing together and the emergence of rookie Alex Mack at center. As confidence grew and run blocking improved, so did the line. As the coaches studied the tapes, they saw the line being "very intelligent." Joe Thomas is a strong run-blocker, along with his well-known pass protection at left tackle. Left guard Eric Steinbach added some weight, which helped his blocking. A key was Thomas, Mack and Steinbach played all 16 games.

10. Porkchop Womack received solid grades for his run-blocking, both at right guard and at right tackle, where he started the final two games when John St. Clair was hurt. In fact, he seemed to play better than St. Clair at that spot. Rex Hadnot (now with Arizona) also was a reliable run-blocker last season.

11. Another big part of the running game was fullback Lawrence Vickers, who received high grades for his blocking in the second half of the season. He had to lose a little weight early in the year, and that helped his quickness. Coach Eric Mangini knows few media types or fans pay much attention to it, but the Browns' receivers -- Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, Mike Furrey and Cribbs -- took blocking seriously. Tight end Robert Royal was a migraine as a receiver, but he is a strong blocker.

12. The coaches know having a strong running game doesn't automatically make a team a winner. But they believe playing in Cleveland with the lousy weather, you must run the ball. In the final four games (all victories), the Browns controlled the running game as the temperature dropped and the wind whipped. This season, they have six games after Thanksgiving -- three at home, one at Buffalo . . . the other two are at Cincinnati and Miami.

13. The Browns think the running game will be better this season because they have added impressive rookie running back Montario Hardesty to share time with Harrison. They know Cribbs is effective in the wildcat, and they added backup quarterback Seneca Wallace who can also run out of that formation.

14. The passing game ranked dead last in 2009. They believe it has to be somewhat better with veteran Jake Delhomme at quarterback and Wallace as his backup. They believe there also should be some improvement from no-longer rookie receivers Robiskie and Massaquoi. Ben Watson is a tight end who can catch a pass. None of this will bring back memories of Brian Sipe or Kosar, but there is some experience and order at the quarterback position.

15. Finally, there is third- rounder Shawn Lauvao, who impressed during the minicamps at guard. He may not start right away, but he adds depth to the line. The Browns believe eventually he can start at guard, and he also backs up at center.

Haden on defense? It's a slam dunk
Rookie trying to earn a starting job

By Nate Ulrich
Beacon Journal sports writer

Published on Sunday, Jul 25, 2010

People laughed at Marcus Berry when he pointed at a short, skinny kid named Joe Haden and declared the boy would one day become a first-round NFL Draft pick.

They're not chuckling now.

About four years ago, a football coach from Georgia Tech became one of those naysayers when he took a recruiting trip to Haden's old stomping grounds — Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Md.

When the coach questioned Haden's athletic ability, Berry, a former physical education teacher and offensive coordinator for Friendly's football team, knew how to put his visitor's doubts to rest. Berry ordered Haden to demonstrate a basketball stunt he had flaunted in gym class the day before.

''So he stands at half court — he's on the left side of the court,'' said Berry, who's now director of player personnel for the University of North Carolina's football team. ''He throws the ball up underhanded, and the ball hits off the back wall and bounces toward the basket. He goes up, catches the ball and windmills it right in front of the rim.

''Now at that time, he was like 5-foot-9, 5-10, and the coach was like, 'Get out of here.' I was like, 'Joe, do it again.' So Joe did it again.''

Haden's phenomenal athletic ability allowed him to make a successful transition from a standout prep quarterback to a starting cornerback at the University of Florida, the school he chose over several other suitors, including Georgia Tech. Now Haden, whom the Browns selected with the seventh overall pick of this year's draft, hopes his talent will again help him prove his skeptics wrong, this time during his rookie season in the NFL.

Barring contract negotiations that could delay his arrival for the first full-squad practice of Browns training camp Saturday, Haden, 5-11, 190 pounds, will receive another chance to show he belongs. Although Haden has yet to sign with the Browns, his agent, Malik Shareef, said his client has no intentions of holding out.

More important, though, Haden is expected to compete against veteran cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright for a starting job during the next few weeks.

''I just want to show the coaches I can play, honestly,'' Haden said. . . . ''In training camp, I'm just going out there and trying to prove that I deserve to be here and deserve to play.

''Of course, I'd love to start. Being a football player, you want to be out there on the field. You want to be a starter.''

Accepting change

By the time Haden's career at Friendly ended, he had set a Maryland public school record with 7,371 passing yards and tied another with 80 touchdowns. As a senior, he threw for 2,783 yards and 38 touchdowns and ran for 899 yards and 13 touchdowns.

But after he graduated from high school early and enrolled at Florida in January 2007, Haden switched positions. Florida's coaches discussed Haden playing quarterback or receiver, but Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin stood in his way on the depth chart. Therefore, Haden was encouraged to try defense.

Although he played safety during his final two high school seasons, cornerback was foreign to him. Haden, however, adapted quickly and became the first true freshman in Florida history to start at corner.

''He learned well. He's a smart kid,'' said Chuck Heater, Florida's co-defensive coordinator who served as cornerbacks coach when Haden joined the Gators. ''He had never played over there, and [with] so much of cornerback, there's a dimension you can't teach on a chalkboard. You learn as you play it.

''Every week was a new experience for him. He played very well as a freshman for us. But yeah, he did learn fast and by his third year, he really matured into a special player.''

Haden started all 40 games in which he played for Florida. In his three seasons with the Gators, he compiled 218 tackles, 31/2 sacks, eight interceptions, 34 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He had 10 tackles in Florida's 24-14 victory over Oklahoma in the BCS National Championship Game in January 2009.

''It was definitely a big transition at first, especially going from quarterback to cornerback,'' Haden said. ''You're running the whole team and then you go out there on an island playing against those receivers.

''I was just playing off athletic ability at first. And even today, I just still got so much to learn 'cause this is my fourth year now playing corner.''

Born to battle

Haden, though, is not new to competition or perseverance.

He was the starting point guard for Friendly when it won two state basketball titles. He also added a football state championship while leading Friendly to a record of 14-0 during his senior season. And, of course, there's the national title he helped Florida capture.

Haden acknowledges his family's role in his development. He is the oldest of five boys, and two of his younger brothers — Josh (played for Boston College last season, but plans to transfer) and Jordan (committed to Florida) — are following his path on the football field. Their father, Joe, is a personal trainer and former professional bodybuilder.

''You always had somebody to play with,'' Haden said, recalling his childhood. ''You always had somebody to compete with, running with, racing with.

''I had to probably be the toughest 'cause I had to keep control of the four younger ones under me trying to always knock me off. They were trying to show they were real tough.''

Haden will need his competitive instincts to kick in during training camp if he wants to secure a starting job.

He's known as a physical corner — he attributes his knack for tackling to roughhousing with his siblings — but his speed has been questioned time and again in recent months.

This past March, he produced disappointing times — unofficially 4.57 and 4.60 seconds — in the the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. But Haden said he was hindered by a strained back at the combine, and his times reportedly improved to 4.43 and 4.47 at Florida's pro day a few weeks later. He also said he yielded a time of 4.41 in a private workout with the Browns.

''[The Browns] would have never taken him where they took him unless they had a documented fast time on him, which is what happened,'' Heater said. ''I don't think that's an issue.

''If you look at all the measurables, the explosive, fixed drills, the vertical jumps and the standings long jumps, and even the 40-dash for that matter, he was always in the top five of any guys we'd ever had [at Florida].''

In addition to proving he's fast enough to thrive at corner, Haden must also convince the Browns he can master their coverages. During organized team activities and minicamp earlier this summer, Haden, like most rookies, encountered some mental obstacles while learning a new system.

''I really like the way that he's approached things,'' Browns coach Eric Mangini said after his team's final minicamp practice. ''I think that the volume of information has been new. I'm not saying he didn't have a large volume in college, [but] it's different. He's done a good job, and he's been put in a lot of spots where he's had to adjust and there's been hiccups as well along the way.''

Berry, though, remains confident in Haden. He recalls how Haden silenced his critics when he was in high school, and he believes it will happen once again.

''Physically, I don't see too many being better than him,'' Berry said. ''I'm not saying he'll be one of the best corners in the league his first year out, maybe not even his second year out. But by the third year, he's so competitive and he's so gifted athletically, that I can see him being one of the best five or six corners in the league.''

Fast start a key to Cleveland Browns having successful season: Hey, Tony!
Published: Sunday, July 25, 2010, 7:00 AM
Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer

Q: Hey, Tony: The way I see it, the season will hang on Weeks 1 and 2. Win those games and we have chance to win seven or eight games, which I will be happy with. Lose those two or even win only one and it could be another long season. What are your thoughts? -- Ryan F., South Euclid

A: Hey, Ryan: I think a 2-0 start is doable and would shed a positive light on the first half of the season. I don't think 1-1 would guarantee anything bad. Now, 0-2 . . . let's not even think about it.

Q: Hey, Tony: I haven't heard much news on Colt McCoy's progress during practices and OTAs -- how is he progressing/meshing with the team? What do you think it would take to see McCoy under center in 2010-11? -- Dustin S., Washington, D.C.

A: Hey, Dustin: McCoy shared snaps with Brett Ratliff with the third team in OTAs and minicamp. There is no rush to get him acclimated because of the presence of two veterans ahead of him also new to the team -- Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. I think the chances of seeing McCoy as the starting quarterback this year or even in 2011 are slim. It would take a series of injuries or complete breakdowns by Delhomme and Wallace.


Q: Hey, Tony: What do you make now of Jim Brown's comments regarding LeBron James? Did this have anything to do with his change in status with the Browns? -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake

A: Hey, Steve: Brown has been outspoken his entire adult life. He lost his executive adviser role with the Browns months before the comments about James. It just happened to come out around the same time.


Q: Hey, Tony: You wrote in your article (July 18) that Montario Hardesty -- a rookie who never played an NFL down -- will start ahead of Jerome Harrison. I don't see how that is possible given Harrison's late surge last year. I think this sends a lack of confidence message to Harrison and veteran players. -- Harry Eighmy, Erie, Pa.

A: Hey, Harry: I shouldn't be surprised at the volume of response in regards to this position battle, but I am. Harrison had three terrific games at the end of last season. At that point, the coaches were committed to running the ball because they had no confidence in the passing game. That doesn't detract from what Harrison accomplished, but helps to explain it. Nobody in the organization expects Harrison to do that over 16 games. Now, what's the biggest change since Harrison's surge? The addition of Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert. Heckert was the person who drafted Brian Westbrook for the Eagles. He considers Westbrook his favorite draft pick because he overachieved from what people expected of him. Heckert also saw Westbrook wear down -- over a season and over a career -- because of his undeniable physical limitations. Heckert drafted Hardesty as a feature back. He and the coaches expect him to fill that role. As for any messages sent or received by the rest of the team, it should be this: Just win.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you still feel David Veikune is likely a bust or does he have a chance to start some day? Has Mike Holmgren privately felt, or actually told Eric Mangini, to finish at least 8-8 or Jon Gruden will be coaching? Do you feel Jake Delhomme has to go at least 2-2 after four games, or Seneca Wallace will start Game 5? Is Wallace or Colt McCoy more likely to finish the season than Delhomme? -- Fran Vella , Lubbock, Texas

A: Hey, Fran: Lots of questions. 1. Veikune has to show big improvement in year two to escape the bust label. 2.-3.-4. No, Delhomme is more likely to start and finish all 16 games.


Q: Hey, Tony: I've lived in Cleveland my entire life and am an avid Cavs and Indians fan. Although, I am a diehard Steelers fan. I can't understand why you are so arrogant. You don't know sports all that well in my opinion, so I don't know where this arrogance comes from. It makes your articles and telecasts quite painful to read and watch. And no . . . it has nothing to do with being a Steelers fan. This is to hoping you can come back down to earth a bit. Although its highly doubtful. -- Frank Calarco, Strongsville

A: Hey, Frank: I will try to do better.


Q: Hey, Tony: With NT Shaun Rogers possibly facing a suspension, why not sign a proven veteran like Ted Washington to contribute during Rogers' absence? -- Jack Williams, Rocky River

A: Hey, Jack: Funny. Contact Mike McIntyre of The Plain Dealer. He writes about standup comics in our Friday magazine.


Q: Hey, Tony: I was wondering what your assessment is of Eric Wright right now. It seems to me that Wright doesn't get his due as a very effective corner. I think with a dominant pass rush, he would be a Pro Bowler for sure. I say Wright and Sheldon Brown as starting corners this season, and Haden working as nickel. What says you? -- Joshua Jones, Fullerton, Calif.

A: Hey, Joshua: I had high hopes for Wright, but they haven't been met, as yet. He's OK as a coverage corner, not great. I like his hands when he gets them on the ball. But his lack of desire as a tackler in the running game is evident and hurtful to the defense. Haden would have to be pretty good right away to unseat Wright, though.


Q: Hey, Tony: I understand many people's low expectations since the Browns have been nothing less than terrible since their return, but this year, in my opinion, is different from all others because: 1. Seasoned and competent front office. 2. A coach and his system in its second year. 3. The QB position has been upgraded/veteran leader. 4. A solid offensive line. 5. A solid running game. 6. Receivers in their second year (positive reports from OTAs) 7. An upgraded secondary 8. A much improved defense over the last four games of the season. 9. A great special teams unit. 10. They beat Pittsburgh.

Everyone says it each year that there will be a "surprise" team that defies the odds and makes the playoffs. So with all that, my gut tells me they'll stun the masses and win at least 10 games, will be better than Pittsburgh and sneak into the playoffs as a wild card. We've "witnessed" some pretty crazy things already this year, so why not it be our beloved Browns, now seemingly under the radar be that surprise team? I know you'll have a much better read some weeks from now but what does your gut tell you even now since you cover the team, I value your opinion above all others. -- David Dobson, Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

A: Hey, David: Don't let anyone curb your optimism. My gut tells me they will be better than last year for all the reasons you point out. How much better depends on what I see in training camp and preseason. In my opinion, the size of improvement depends on the quarterback position more than anything else.


Q: Hey, Tony: Could you do a piece on our two long shots, the raw physical beasts Kwaku Danso and Joel Reinders? They have interesting stories; both physical specimens who started playing football at an older age, each born outside the U.S. Perhaps you, or a staffer, could provide a periodically updated piece called "The Long Shots" (like the movie) chronicling their status with the team? -- Robert Benjamin Jr., Crestview, Fla.

A: Hey, Robert: I did write a story on long shot defensive linemen Danso and Clifton Geathers at the conclusion of minicamp in June. I'm sure we will be updating their development, along with that of Reinders, at training camp in coming weeks.


Q: Hey, Tony: You've said that you hope every playoff game this year goes to OT to show how stupid the rule is, but I think it's just the opposite. This rule will be used as often as a traffic light at two dirt roads in Kansas. If it actually gets used this year, or even next, that will only be used to justify its existence, no matter how the results on the field end up. If it doesn't get used, it's likely the rules committee will change it again (though it's no lock that another change will be any improvement). With that in mind, isn't a lack of use (no OT playoff games this year) . . . 1) more likely, especially since it's been seven years since a playoff game that would have invoked the rule, and . . . 2) a better way to point out that the rule is not the best solution to OT? -- Jeff Miller, Columbus, Ohio

A: Hey, Jeff: The impetus for the rule was the New Orleans-Minnesota NFC Championship Game in January. You help to make my point, actually. If there are so few postseason games affected by overtime, why change its rules? The answer is: The NFL is horrified at the thought of a Super Bowl being decided by a coin toss. So just use it in a Super Bowl, no?


Q: Hey, Tony: What NFL teams voted against the Browns' move to Baltimore? -- Karl Dietz, Pepper Pike

A: Hey, Karl: Buffalo and Pittsburgh voted against it. Oakland and St. Louis abstained. The final vote was 26-2-2 in favor.


Q: Hey, Tony: OK, so I am finally going to have the opportunity to see my team (the Browns) play for the first time in person! I'm going to try to land tickets for me and my friend (a diehard Patriots fan) to go down to Cleveland for the game Nov. 7. My question is this: Can you give me any advice on where I should be trying to get tickets for the best seats while at the same time not putting my friend's life at risk as I am sure he will be wearing his Patriots jersey to the game? -- Matthew, Maine

A: Hey, Matthew: Any seat in Cleveland Browns Stadium is a good one, except for the ones in the top three rows encircling the seating bowl. Your friend might want to avoid sitting in the Dawg Pound wearing a Patriots jersey.


Q: Hey, Tony: Why aren't NFL players required to wear thigh and knee pads? I seen tons of players who neglect to wear them and it would seem logical that wearing these pads would help decrease injuries. -- Brian M., Cleveland

A: Hey, Brian: I don't know why they are not required to wear them, but there is a movement in the league to make them requirements for safety's sake.


Q: Hey, Tony: I really hate the fact that Browns fans have turned Art Modell into this awful villain who decided to sneak our beloved Browns out of town in the middle of the night. What will it take for Browns fan to forgive, and point the finger where it really belongs . . . at the city of Cleveland. The city got the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jacobs Field, etc., and nothing for the only winning sports team in the city. The city knew that even if the Browns played in the city dump, they would still sell out. Art gave us a team that made us proud to be Browns fans for many years, and when he asked for a new venue . . . too bad, Art. The truth is the Sunday afternoon league is a business, I for one can't blame Art anymore. Thank you for the memories, I for one hope you get into the Hall of Fame where you deserve to be. -- Leo Smyth, Gulfport, Miss.

A: Hey, Leo: You forget three important points: 1. Modell's lease at Cleveland Stadium ran for three years, so the city prioritized its sports projects based on that timeframe. 2. Major League Baseball flatly stated the Indians would move without addressing its horrible stadium situation. 3. Modell promised privately and publicly he would never move the Browns.


Q: Hey, Tony: There is a lot of chatter amongst fans regarding Eric Mangini's immediate future being tied to his win-loss record. And there is the obvious comment by Holmgren that he is 61 and doesn't want to go through several years of rebuilding before another championship. Yet as one blogger put it in a recent post, "The Browns eight 2010 draft picks were not all in the first round and teams don't let young star players go just so the Browns can sign them as free agents and rebuild in one year."

My point is that I agree with the general belief that the Browns need at least one more draft and free-agent period and more probably two before they can become respectable. If I can see this you know that Holmgren does too. So just how much substance is there to this whole "Mangini must win this year or he is gone" thing or is it all just more hopeful wishing and blogging by all of the Mangini haters? And does Holmgren's "not wanting to wait for his next championship" comment ring a bit like the Dan Gilbert book of the expectation cart getting ahead of the reality horse? -- Fernando Fernandez, Parma

A: Hey, Fernando: I believe Holmgren has a realistic approach to his plan to rebuild the team into a winner. At the same time, the team needs to instill confidence in its fans, ticket-holders and corporate customers, during the rebuild process. A five- or six-win season is not going to do it, I believe. I use this line a lot but it's the truth: NFL teams can rebuild in two or three years. It is not a five-year process anymore.


Q: Hey, Tony: Here we go again it's a short time before training camp and still no significant rookie signings. Have there been substantial talks between the top picks and the Browns? Do you expect them to be at camp on time? -- S.C., Youngstown

A: Hey, S.C.: The true deadline for getting in the rookies is July 30. I expect them to be at camp for the first practice July 31. There may be one or two stragglers, but I don't anticipate any holdout lasting a week. As of this weekend, Dez Bryant of Dallas was the only first-round pick in the NFL under contract. They all come to terms a day or two before their teams' first practice.


Q: Hey, Tony: I don't think any entire draft class has ever made the final roster (practice squad included) before, but this class might do that. Does that make it a great draft or is the Browns' roster that weak? Give me your run down on each of the rookies and their chance of making it. -- Rod Sauer, Athens, Ohio

A: Hey, Rod: The only reason the 2009 draft class did not accomplish what you say is because the team stupidly waived cornerback Don Carey a week too soon and he was claimed despite being injured. I would expect every rookie draft pick to make the final roster or practice squad. The roster is that weak, plus GM Tom Heckert now is in charge of the final roster and I would expect him to favor a draft pick over another player -- all things being equal.


Q: Hey, Tony: On July 20, Yahoo Sports ran a story about how fast kicker David Buehler of the Cowbows is. In that article they also reported that he is now a member of the Browns. Any truth to the story? I haven't seen it anywhere else. -- Stephen Myers, Elyria

A: Hey, Stephen: Buehler is not on the Browns' roster.

-- Tony

Around the NFL: Just Jake? A case for his starting every game

By Steve Doerschuk
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Jul 24, 2010 @ 11:32 PM


Manning hasn’t missed a game in 12 NFL seasons. Favre hasn’t sat one out in the last 17 of his 19 NFL years.

Jake Delhomme is no Peyton Manning. He is no Brett Favre.

When it comes to iron men, who is?

Actually, a few others are in the discussion.

The only two starts Drew Brees missed in his last six years were season finales in which he was rested for the playoffs.

Eli Manning has made 87 straight regular-season starts for the Giants.

Philip Rivers is becoming an iron man, with 64 straight starts since replacing Brees in San Diego.

Try finding anyone else who is an elite quarterback who has escaped missing substantial chunks of games in the last five years.

It can be argued that winning big hinges on an upper-tier quarterback who lasts the season.

At least, that theme played out in 2010. All 10 teams that posted 10 or more wins got at least 15 starts from a QB who has been to a Pro Bowl.

Of those teams, New Orleans and Arizona got 15 starts from Brees and Kurt Warner, respectively. The other eight received 16 starts from their main men.

The Browns’ season can be looked at a few different ways in relation to the quarterbacks. Namely:

• Odds are Delhomme won’t start all 16 games. Teams that used multiple starting QBs in 2009 outnumbered those with only one starting passer 17-15.

• There is a chance Delhomme won’t even be the starting QB. Browns players aren’t saying this to the press, but privately they notice that both Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy are behaving as if they do not believe Delhomme is a better option than them.

• Delhomme catching a second wind and playing every game might be the best thing for the season.

By now, every Browns fan knows Delhomme’s 2009 in Carolina was el stinko.

However, whereas Wallace has been just a spot starter in Seattle and McCoy is a raw rookie, Delhomme has a serious track record.

In seasons Delhomme played at least 16 regular-season games, he:

• Led Carolina to a late 29-all tie with New England in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

• Got off to a slow start coming off the Super Bowl year, but passed for 3,886 yards and 29 TDs and went 6-2 in the second half in 2004.

• Took the Panthers to the NFC finals in 2005.

• Quarterbacked Carolina to an 11-5 year in 2008.

The obvious question is whether Delhomme can revive himself at age 35, coming off a four-year stretch in which he has started 13, three, 16 and 11 games.

The probable answer: Prepare to see Wallace and maybe McCoy play at some point in 2010. The hope would be that Wallace proves he could have been a decent starter all along. If he doesn’t do that, McCoy probably would get a chance to play sometime in December.

If the Browns use three quarterbacks, it could get ugly.

Three of the most miserable teams you’ll ever not want to see used three starting quarterbacks last year. That sorry lot:

• Lions (Matthew Stafford, Daunte Culpepper, Drew Stanton).

• Rams (Marc Bulger, Kyle Boller, Keith Null).

• Buccaneers (Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, Byron Leftwich).

Everyone knows the Browns have been looking for stability at quarterback forever.

It’s not as if their AFC North rivals have been like a rock at the position.

Ben Roethlisberger has played all 16 games only once in his six NFL seasons and hit a little snag that will alter his 2010.

The Bengals fancied themselves Super Bowl contenders in 2005. Why not? They took an early lead against Pittsburgh when Carson Palmer fired a 66-yard touchdown strike to Chris Henry on their first snap of a playoff game.

It all changed when Pittsburgh’s Kimo von Oelhoffen wrecked one of Palmer’s knees at the end of the play. Jon Kitna replaced Palmer in what became a 31-17 loss.

In 2008, the Bengals resorted to Ryan Fitzpatrick after Palmer couldn’t push through an elbow injury. Palmer missed 12 games.

Baltimore has high hopes for Joe Flacco, but he is way too young for anyone to suppose he is made of iron. The Ravens have been looking, like everyone else in the division.

In 2007, with Steve McNair fighting injuries, McNair, Kyle Boller and Troy Smith all threw more than 75 passes for the Ravens.

In 2005, Boller started nine games, and Anthony Wright started seven games.

At the start of training camp, the Browns only can guess where their quarterbacks might make the football fly.

Delhomme got kicked out of Carolina after going 4-7.

Wallace got a shot to replace injured Matt Hasselbeck early last season, dueling Peyton Manning. The good news: He went 33-for-45 for 257 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The bad news: He was sacked five times, lost two fumbles and was beaten, 34-17.

He was 0-2 before Hasselbeck returned.

McCoy has no experience. He also has no baggage. He can dream. He can hope a little Longhorn karma rubs off.

During the 2009 season, the Titans replaced veteran Kerry Collins with Vince Young, who had been the man at the University of Texas before McCoy.

Young went 8-2 as the Titans’ starter.

SURVIVORS OF 16

Less than half of the NFL’s 32 teams had the same starting quarterback in all 16 games of the 2010 regular season. The 15 QBs who started every regular-season game:

Quarterback, team Record

Peyton Manning, Colts 14-2

Philip Rivers, Chargers 13-3

Brett Favre, Vikings 12-4

Donovan McNabb, Eagles 11-5

Aaron Rodgers, Packers 11-5

Tony Romo, Cowboys 11-5

Tom Brady, Patriots 10-6

Carson Palmer, Bengals 10-6

Mark Sanchez, Jets 9-7

Joe Flacco, Ravens 9-7

Matt Schaub, Texans 9-7

Eli Manning, Giants 8-8

Jay Cutler, Bears 7-9

David Garrard, Jaguars 7-9

Jason Campbell, Redskins 4-12

Copyright 2010 CantonRep.com. Some rights reserved

Battles of Berea: Rookie Haden looks to intercept starting cornerback role
Veterans Brown, Wright the early favorites, but all three should see significant playing time

By Nate Ulrich
Beacon Journal sports writer

POSTED: 11:47 a.m. EDT, Jul 23, 2010

Editor's note: This is the first part of a weeklong series about players who are expected to vie for starting jobs at their repsective positions during the Browns' training camp, which begins Saturday in Berea.

POSITION BATTLE: CORNERBACKS

Top candidates: Sheldon Brown - 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, ninth year; Eric Wright - 5-10, 190, fourth year; Joe Haden - 5-11, 190, rookie.

2009 stats: Brown (68 tackles, five interceptions, 17 passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery); Wright (65 tackles, four interceptions, 14 passes defensed); Haden (college - 68 tackles, three sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles).

Pros and cons: Brown is aggressive and durable. In the past six seasons, he started in all but one of the Philadelphia Eagles' games, including nine times in the playoffs. On the other hand, he's 31 and lacks elite speed. . . . Wright and safety Abram Elam were the only defensive players to start every game for the Browns last season. Wright proved he's reliable in coverage, but tackling is his weakness. . . . Haden, the seventh overall pick in this year's draft, earned praise for his athletic ability and physical nature while starting in all 40 games during his career at Florida. His awareness and instincts were questioned, though, and he had never played cornerback before his three seasons with the Gators.

Deciding factors: Brown, along with linebacker Chris Gocong, was traded to the Browns this offseason in exchange for backup linebacker Alex Hall and two 2010 draft picks (fourth- and fifth-round selections). Browns General Manager Tom Heckert, who built a rapport with Brown and Gocong during his tenure in the Eagles' front office, didn't go after Brown just to watch him sit on the bench. Brown should give the Browns a major upgrade at this position by continuing to start. That would leave Wright and Haden in competition for the other starting spot. Wright will enter training camp as the favorite to win the job simply because of his experience. Haden, however, can edge Wright if he can prove himself in coverage, grasp the Browns' system and coach Eric Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan decide Wright is incapable of providing the caliber of run support they desire. After all, Haden has earned a reputation as a solid hitter. Either way, whoever doesn't start opposite Brown will probably still receive plenty of playing time as the team's nickel back.

Line, thanks for all the reads,, lots to absorb.. Thank you

9. The coaches said it was more than the backs, it was the line growing together and the emergence of rookie Alex Mack at center. As confidence grew and run blocking improved, so did the line. As the coaches studied the tapes, they saw the line being "very intelligent." Joe Thomas is a strong run-blocker, along with his well-known pass protection at left tackle. Left guard Eric Steinbach added some weight, which helped his blocking. A key was Thomas, Mack and Steinbach played all 16 games.


Can't help but notice that adding weight helped Steiney's blocking.
Kooistra is listed at 335 lbs. I know that size does not translate into talent, but football is still a game of brute force. Womack is big and so is Fanaika. Fanaika may only be PS material, but I look for him to at least challenge for a roster spot.

Having contiuity at the OL is important. Eli Manning's success has alot to do with the OL being intact for like 40 straight games or something like that.

Lauvao looks to be the back-up center now.

It would be really nice if Danso and Geathers panned out. Rogers could move to end and Danso be back-up NT. If they don't pan out we may need to spend a draft pick on a DL very high next year.I would like to keep that #1 in hopes of a franchise QB. I'm not on the Colt McCoy bandwagon just yet.

Adding weight did not help ES's blocking. It was one of the reasons he struggled early on. once he dropped back down his quickness returned and his play improved.

Mangini likes the big boys and while there is a lot of talk about Lauvao at RG, I think he has an equal chance to start at LG with Porkchop at RG