Krunch Time With Katelin: 6 Things To Look For At Browns Training Camp

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


Football is back and with that a new era has begun with the Browns. And with that there is always something new to look for during Training Camp which is why I chose six thing to keep an eye out for.

1. The first thing we all should look out for is Hue Jackson and how he runs his practices. From all the different reports there seems to be one contestant and that is how Coach Jackson and his staff are going to run training camp. This isn't going to be like years before which were named "camp cupcake" there is going to be live tackling when playing 11 on 11. Coach Jackson and his staff comes to Cleveland with a resume of toughness, grind it out, intense football teams. That is how they are going to build a successful team in Cleveland. Also going through the name coach Jackson has on his staff there is a ton of experience. Guys like Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton (yes again), Wide Receivers Coach Al Saunders, QB Coach/ Associate Head Coach Pep Hamilton, Running Backs Coordinator Kirby Wilson, and many more. All these guys have spent in total almost 100 years working in the NFL. So they all know what it takes to be successful, and to finally turn this franchise around.  

2. The second thing to watch for is Josh Gordon. Earlier this week he was reinstated by the NFL and is now officially on the Browns roster. Unfortunately he is out the first two weeks of training camp but watching an elite player like Josh Gordon will be worth turning into the preseason games. We don't know what shape Gordon is in or how the team will respond to him getting another chance so I'm really curious to see how all that plays out. And one last thing on Gordon, I'm curious if he can make it through training camp and the first four weeks without doing anything stupid (which honestly I think he can).  

3. Robert Griffin III is my third thing to watch out for...LOL. But for real, here is someone who was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft, took an average team to the playoffs, but unfortunately got hurt. The Redskins most likely rushed him back too soon since they gave up so much for him. RGIII hasn't played in a regular season game since November 23, 2014. He's only 26 years old, and Hue Jackson basically hand picked him to lead this team. I wouldn't say success is only based on how RGIII plays since we seen Josh McCown can lead this team need be, but if RGIII can be somewhat like his rookie season the Browns are going to be an entertaining football team to watch.

4. My fourth thing to keep an eye out for is the DB redemption. Last year we were talking about "locking down the lake" and that stupid stuff, but this year many players have something to prove. My guy "All-Pro Joe" needs to step it up this year. He got his money and last year was the worst of his career. Yes, he was often injured but when he did play it was extremely poorly even though there was a ton of hype as him being a top-5 corner in the NFL. Two other guys to watch for is Tramon Williams who again played poorly after being signed as a free agent last year. And former eighth overall pick Justin Gilbert who seemed to get into Mike Pettine's dog house and never could escape.  

5. Number five is Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo. Both have a lot to prove because:
A. Both didn't have a great year last year.
B. Both are going to be free agents 
C. Both are the savy vets on this defense. The Browns drafted three pass rushers in the top 100 picks this past draft (Emmanuel Ogbah, Carl Nassib & Joe Schobert).

6. Which brings us to the sixth thing we all should be looking at. And thats the 13 drafted picks and many other undrafted free agents. Yes we know about Corey Coleman, Emmanuel Ogbah, what about guys like receiver Ricardo Lewis, safety Derrick Kendred, Offensive lineman Spencer Drango, receiver Rashard Higgins, and undrafted free agent center Mike Matthews. There are many spots not just  on the 53 man roster that will be overtaken by rookies but potentially even starting spots on both sides of the ball. Which is another reason why even the preseason games will be entertaining.

The 2016 Cleveland Browns are going to be a fascinating team. A team that doesn't expect to win many game but to consistently improve and build towards a positive future and all that starts with Hue Jackson's first training camp in Cleveland.

On The Mark 9.18.14: Browns vs. Ravens Preview

By @MarkW2112

Since there's no Buckeyes game to preview this weekend, I thought it would be fun to preview the Browns instead!

The Cleveland Browns come in to Sunday's division matchup against the Cleveland Browns...err...Baltimore Ravens with both teams owning a 1-1 record.  To say that, after only 3 games, this match up is huge for both teams is an understatement.

The Browns could easily be 2-0 or, just as easily, be 0-2.  The second half the Pittsburgh Steelers game gave hope to Browns fans that perhaps this was a different team than the ones of the past 7 years.  They showed that perhaps they were with their stunning 26-24 victory over a very talented New Orleans Saints team.  The Browns won with complicated defensive formations and a quarterback in Brian Hoyer who willed his team to victory with an 85 yard game winning drive, as Billy Cundiff hit his field goal with 3 seconds left in the game.  It was an awe inspiring victory of perseverance and toughness on both sides of the ball for the Browns.

This weekend comes a new challenge; a Ravens team that is known for it's hard hitting, turnover producing style defense.  Talented nose tackle Haloti Ngata and defensive end Terrell Suggs lead the defensive front while Jimmy Smith has emerged as a shutdown type cornerback in the first 2 games of the season.  The Browns will need to run the ball with success as they start their rookie running backs Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell.  They will both need to hold on to the ball as the Ravens have mastered the art of stripping the ball from opponents hands.  Brian Hoyer will need to continue his play it safe role to keep the ball out of the hands of the defensive backs and linebackers.  If Jordon Cameron does return this weekend, it will be a big help.

The Browns defensive line, led by Paul Kruger, can contain the less than spectacular running game of the Ravens, who are now without Ray Rice.  They will also need to keep the blitz coming to contain Joe Flacco from finding  Steve Smith, who has come on strong so far this year.  Torrey Smith is also a down field weapon along with Dennis Pitta. who needs to be contained by Craig Robertson and/or Chris Kirksey.  With Barkevious Mingo looking to return, the defensive line should be fresh throughout the game to keep the attacking defense coming.

My take: this is a winnable game for the Browns.  But they need to keep playing mistake free football in order to win.  If Hoyer can keep from throwing interceptions and the young running backs can keep their hands on the ball, I say the Browns can win by a touchdown.  If the Ravens have their way on D, it's going to be a long day for the Browns defense.

Prediction: it will be a close, nail biting game until the end.  Which ever team wins, it will be by a touchdown or less.