Browns Preview: Cleveland Browns @ Phiadelphia Eagles

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Cleveland Browns led by new Head Coach Hue Jackson take on the Philadelphia Eagles and their new Head Coach Doug Peterson. This game has a lot of first considering both teams are in the process of rebuilding. Also this is the first game for rookie quarterback Carson Wentz who was taken number two overall by the Eagles after completing a trade with the Browns last April.

Browns Offense vs. Eagles Defense

The Browns offense will be based on the run game. Isaiah Crowell is expected to get a huge chuck of the carries this Sunday. Now against the Eagles and their wide 9 defensive scheme the Browns might have some trouble with stretch runs on either side of the ball. The Eagles have a solid defensive line highlighted by Fletcher Cox and Connor Barwin. Cox is arguably one of the best defensive tackles in the game and just signed a 6yr/103 million dollar extension this off-season. How and why are these two guys a problem for the Browns to have success in this game? Look at who they are matched up with: Cox and John Greco will be matched up and the same with Barwin and right tackle Austin Pasztor. On paper, the right side of the Browns offensive line will struggle against these two so it will b up to Crowell to take advantage of every hole they can create. The Eagles are also very athletic. Barwin and Brandon Graham are former outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense and since the wide 9 in now implemented they are now defensive ends. And along side of Cox and Bennie Logan the Browns could struggle to start the game.

Where there is hope offensively, is the passing game. If quarterback Robert Griffin III can stay upright the Browns could have a field day. Yes the starting receivers Corey Coleman and Terrelle Pryor are making their first starts, but the threat of Pryor down the field and ability of Duke Johnson to catch the ball out of the back field will give the Browns some balance. By balance I mean the way the Eagles will have to defend the passing game. Whether that is having a safety over the top and RGIII dumping down to Johnson or Gary Barnidge or its press-man coverage and throwing the ball down the field for Pryor or Coleman to run it down. Now saying all this the key is keeping RGIII upright. If the Browns O-line can give him some time RGIII will make the right decisions, whether its checking down or just throwing the ball away.

The last key for the offense is to prolong drives. The Browns were terrible converting third downs during the preseason. They won't be able to bank on the big plays down field all the time this year.

Browns Defense vs Eagles Offense

The Eagles are starting rookie quarterback Carson Wentz, who only played in one preseason game before injuring his ribs. The Eagles have a really good offensive line even without right tackle Lane Johnson. Expect a high dose of running back Ryan Mathews this game. The Browns defense during the preseason couldn't stop the run. It will be the most important thing to do it this game. They need to force Wentz to pass the ball so defensive coordinator Ray Horton can call up the blitz. Blitzing Wentz and forcing him into mistakes will give the Browns a great opportunity to win this game. Now some of the other weapons for the Eagles are tight ends Brent Celek and Zack Ertz. Tight ends are the safety blanket for quarterbacks so expect a lot of dink and dunks to those two.

Also backup running back Darren Sproles (yes that Darren Sproles). Sproles is still really good catching the ball out of the backfield and for the same reason as the tight ends expect him to catch a handful of balls this game. I won't expect the Eagles to throw the ball down field as much even though they have solid receivers in Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor. Passes down field will give the Browns an opportunity to get to Wentz which is what the Eagles might want to avoid for many reason including his inexperience, lack of practice time, and the injury he is recovering from.

Wentz will try and be a game manager on Sunday. The Eagles want to see what they have in him but if he can't get it done there is a possibility backup quarterback Chase Daniels gets into the game.   Yes it is a long shot but if  the game is close and Wentz isn't playing well the Eagles might go to Daniels for the win...yes, Chase Daniels for the win.

Five Guys to Watch

Joe Haden: This is Haden's first game back since the middle of last year. This is also a put up or shut up year for him. If he want to reclaim his spot as an elite cornerback it starts this game going up against Wentz.

Cam Erving: This will be his first game as a full time center. Can he control the o-line and make the correct adjustments? Well time will tell which is why he's a guy to watch.

Corey Coleman: The first round pick out of Baylor and the first pick of Hue Jackson and company. Coleman has a ton of talent and balled out during training camp but he did struggle during the preseason games. If he can catch 5-8 passes and go for 70 yards it will be a solid debut. Its important to get him into a rhythm early so he doesn't get discouraged.

Carl Nassib: Can Nassib continue to ball out as he did during the preseason. Yes he won't be starting but on passing downs he will be on the field because he has a nose for the quarterback.

Robert Griffin III: This will be his first regular season game since 2014. Griffin looked solid during the preseason. Lets hope he continues to develop and can correctly read defenses. Also like stated before its important for him to take what the defense gives him and throwing the ball away is ok.


Injury Report 
Weather
Line: Browns +3.5 *subject to change

Prediction

The Browns are going to win this game 27-21. They will create havoc for Carson Wentz which will force him into some bad throws. The Browns who finally have some weapons on offense will take advantage of the takeaways. Griffin will throw for 250+ yards and two touchdowns. And Crowell will run for a touchdown. Also expect a trick play with Terrelle Pryor either throwing the ball or running it out of the "wildcat" formation. Its important for Hue Jackson to start out 1-0 and if the Browns win it will be their first opening day win since 2004.

On The Mark 3.25.16: Cleveland Browns Offseason #Browns #RG3

Browns sign Robert Griffin III to a 2 year deal, first round pick now up in the air
By Mark West, @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns, with new head coach Hue Jackson leading the way, have signed Robert Griffin III to a 2 year, $15 million contract with incentives that could lead to a total of $22 million.  It's a big splash for a team that said they wouldn't make any during this offseason. Jackson has said that during the private workout, he said he"felt the earth shake" with the way RG3 was able to roll out and hit his practice receivers.  RG3 also has said he sees this as a new opportunity for him to restart his career.  He said he is open to the Browns selecting a quarterback with the 2nd pick of the 2016 NFL draft, stating he would "take him under his wing".  

My opinion: This is a great signing for the Browns.  Obviously, many are of the mindset that RG3 lost his starting job to fourth round pick Kirk Cousins and that he was a locker room cancer.  My opinion is this; he's a low risk, high reward signing that has better leadership upside than Johnny Manziel and gives the Browns options with the #2 pick in the draft.  Hue Jackson is a "quarterback whisperer" and has had huge success with quarterbacks he's worked with, especially the last 2 years with Andy Dalton in Cincinnati.

While the term "locker room cancer" has been thrown around RG3, he never once acted out against his coaches and took his benching in stride. It's possible the experience has humbled him and that he is ready for a new chapter in his life.

The biggest issues facing him are the key losses of Alex Mack at center and Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle.  There is the unknown with Cameron Erving, who was less than average last year and will be looked at as the new center as well as Austin Pasztor, who was solid at which ever line position he played last year but is still a bit of an unknown at right tackle.  Even bigger than that is the wide receiver core the Browns have right now. Currently, their best receiver is Gary Barnidge, the tight end. Josh Gordon is still an unknown (though the Browns are moving forward without him) and there are no other real number 1 type receivers on the roster.  It would appear that things won't be easy for RG3.

Unless Jackson, Sashi Brown and the rest of the Browns front office have a plan that they aren't leading on, this will more than likely be a tough year for Griffin.  He must have been sold on the plan for 2016 if he had enough faith to come to Cleveland, where he has the possibility of being the 25th starting quarterback since 1999.

In the end, it remains that the Browns have a quarterback that they didn't need to trade crucial draft picks for.  It also gives them the chance to perhaps select a quarterback later in the draft and use the 2nd pick for a player like Jalen Ramsey or even trade down with the potential of getting more draft picks.  With this signing, the draft appears to be up in the air.  

#Browns Preview 1.3.16: Pittsburgh #Steelers @ Cleveland Browns

By @mrgroce

Happy New Year Browns' fans!!!! We have finally reached the final week of the season and it could not have come at a better time. For the third season in a row the Browns will be have their third string quarterback behind center. Austin Davis gets the opportunity to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the playoffs. Pittsburgh needs a victory and a Jets loss to make clinch a spot in the postseason. Since 2008, the Browns and Steelers have faced off against each other five times with Pittsburgh winning every single contest. 

The Browns will be without both of their starting corner backs this week and might be forced to start Justin Gilbert and Pierre Desir against Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. That's gonna get ugly. The last time these two teams faced each other, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off of the bench and threw for 379 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back DeAngelo Williams was held to 54 yards on 17 carries, which was one of the best performances by the Browns' run defense this season. 

As stated earlier, Austin Davis will get his second start of the season. In his lone start against the Bengals in early December, Davis threw for  230 yards with one interception. Like the other quarterbacks before him, it's really hard to get a read on the man behind center when he doesn't have any weapons to help him win. Add Marlon Moore to the list of receivers who who will be out this week for the Browns. That could lead to more playing time for Terrelle Pryor or Dwayne Bowe, maybe. One thing to look out for is the fact that Travis Benjamin is only 87 yards short of the 1000 yard mark. 

Personally, I'll have my eyes on Cameron Erving, Danny Shelton and Nate Orchard. They are the rookies who've had the most playing time lately and I'd like to see how hard they compete in the final game that means nothing overall, but hopefully will one day in their futures as members of the Cleveland Browns. Rumors have swirled all week stating that GM Ray Farmer will be fired and coach Pettine will be retained followed by another rumor that both men will be let go after the season ends. I'm not a fan of either guy but whatever happens I don't wish for any man to lose his job. I am a fan of the Cleveland Browns though, and whatever is best for the team will hopefully get figured out by Jimmy Haslem quickly. 

What: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
When: Sunday January 3, 2015 1:00 PM
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
TV/Radio: CBS/ 850 ESPN Cleveland, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX

On The Mark 5.4.15: Cleveland #Browns 2015 #NFLDraft Review

By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns came away with 12 new players during the 2015 NFL Draft this past week.  Each player filled a need for the team and, in many ways, upgraded those positions drastically.  Here is the final list of new players: 

Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
1st Round, #12 pick overall 
Danny came in to the draft as the second best DT next to Leonard Williams.  At 339 pounds, he is exactly what the Browns need to try and plug up their run defense which was, yet again, horrific last year after Phil Taylor went down with injuries.  The Browns will see if he does live up to the Halata Ngata comparisons. 

Cameron Erving, C, Florida State 
1st Round, #19 pick overall:  
The Browns went in to meltdown mode on the offensive side of the ball last year when Alex Mack went down with a broken leg.  Which is why they drafted the versatile center who played left tackle in 2013.  Projected to play right guard in 2015, he should have no problems transitioning to center if/when Mack opts out of his contract after this season. 

Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah 
2nd round, #51 overall  
Orchard led the nation in sacks with 18.5 for the Utes.  He was projected to play in a 3-4 defense as an OLB pass rusher which should be a perfect fit for him to take over as Jabaal Sheard's replacement.  He'll join fellow Ute alumni Paul Krueger as the Browns look for more sacks in the coming season. 

Duke Johnson, RB, Miami.  
3rd round, #77 overall 
After losing out on getting Chris Conley from Georgia when Kansas City traded in front of them, the Browns selected Johnson, who's excellent vision and good hands will give the Browns a complimentary weapon in the backfield if not their new starting RB in 2015.  He left Miami as a their all time leader rusher with an average of 6.69 YPC during his 3 years.  He will also see time as a return man on special teams if not their new punt returner. 

Xavier Cooper, DT, Washington State 
3rd round, #97 overall 
The Browns traded picks to the New England Patriots to move back up in to the third round and select Cooper who was a possible pick for the Cincinnati Bengals at #99.  Cooper brings in the potential to be a disruptive pass rusher as he had 11 sacks last season.  He's a former TE and basketball player who has quick feet and excellent hand technique.  He should fit in perfectly with what the Browns are looking for as a rotational defensive end. 

Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern 
4th round, #115 overall 
Looking to upgrade the safety position as well as an heir apparent to Donte Whitner, the Browns took Campbell as their first fourth round pick.  He will work well on special teams as his tackling as improved over time at Northwestern.  Projected in the 7th round, the Browns may have reached but obviously see potential in what some have called a "poor mans Landon Collins". 

Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State 
4th round, #123 overall 
Mayle has only been a receiver for 2 years but had 2 games where he had 252 receiving yards last year.  While Combine 40 time wasn't impressive, he appears to have a surprisingly quick burst once he gets the ball.  He will come in projected as the fourth or fifth receiver option but should see work as a kick returner on special teams his first year. 

Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville 
6th round, #189 overall 
For Mike Pettine, you can never have enough cornerbacks.  Which is why Gaines was chosen as the first of three 6th round picks for the Browns.  Gaines was a projected third round pick so the Browns got good value from him.  He could contribute to special teams as well as a possible nickelback if Justin Gilbert continues to struggle. 

Malcolm Johnson, TE, Mississippi St.   
6th round, #195 overall 
Johnson will more than likely be used as an H back/fullback more than a true tight end.  Known for his good hands and a vocal leader with MSST, he has the potential to bring some blocking in to create holes for the running backs and another special team specialist. 

Randall Telfer, TE, USC 
6th round, #198 overall 
Telfer only had 197 yards receiving but looks to be more of a blocking tight end.   

Hayes Pullard, ILB, USC 
7th round, 219 overall 
Going back to USC, the Browns took Pullard to bring in as a backup ILB.  Had some success but doesn't appear to be anything more than special teams depth at this time. 

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon 
7th round, 241 overall 
In what could be the steal of the draft, the Browns selected Ekpre-Olomu with their final selection.  If not for a severe knee injury he could have been a first round pick.  He is a tenacious player that could be a starter, possibly at safety, if he is able to come back from the knee injury.  Defintely a low risk/high reward pick for the Browns. 

My take:  The Browns went out and drafted football players.  Nothing flashy, just guys who were solid in their college careers.  They may have drafted themselves at least 3-4 players that could be starters this year.  Obviously, the quarterback position wasn't addressed but it appears the Browns are all in with McCown and Manziel in 2015.  But they more than addressed their defensive efficiencies, strengthened their offensive line and grabbed a wide receiver.  The Browns had an excellent approach by drafting  immediate starters in the first 2 rounds as well as thinking of the future. 

Draft grade: B+

Leadoff with Lee 5.1.15 #Shelton #Browns #NFLDraft #BillyDonovan #Game7

By @cleeverizon
- With the 12th pick in the draft the Cleveland Browns went with run stopper Danny Shelton from Washington.

Here's what we need to know about Shelton courtesy of NFL.com:                               
COMBINE RESULTS
40 YARD DASH: 5.64 SEC
BENCH PRESS: 34 REPS
VERTICAL JUMP: 30.5 INCH
BROAD JUMP: 95.0 INCH
3 CONE DRILL: 7.99 SEC
20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.65 SEC

STRENGTHS
Bends well for a big man and has ability to play with leverage. Space-eater who is able to maintain good positioning against double teams. Consistently gets his hands inside offensive linemen first. Controls, sees it and sheds to make tackles. Surprising ability to swat cut blocks and chase stretch plays laterally. Played a high percentage of Washington's defensive snaps. Has the strength and athleticism to dominate in the running game.

WEAKNESSES
Despite girth and leverage potential, can be a little inconsistent at getting push off snap. Dominates lesser centers but doesn't seem to look nearly as dominant against more talented centers. Will quit on a play when he's blocked. Produced eye-catching sack numbers for his position in 2014, but much of it was against lesser competition. Must work to keep weight in check.

NFL COMPARISON
Vince Wilfork

BOTTOM LINE
With his thick frame and powerful upper body, Shelton has moments where he can dominate at the point of attack. He was forced to chase sideline to sideline due to the nature of Pac-12 offenses, but when he faced downhill competition like Stanford, he stepped up. Shelton is an above average interior pass rusher for a man his size thanks to his surprising athleticism. He is a fit in a two-gap scheme and could benefit from playing fewer snaps than he was forced to play at Washington.   

- With the 19th pick the Browns chose offensive lineman Cam Erving from Florida State. Erving is a versitle lineman who will compete for a job on the right side of the offensive line,and may be the Browns center of the future considering Alex Mack will be a free agent after next season.  

HT: 6'5" WT: 313LBS.
POSITION: C
SCHOOL: Florida St.
ARM LENGTH: 34 1/8"
HANDS: 10 3/8".

He came to Florida State as an unheralded defensive tackle from Colquitt County (Ga.) and redshirted in 2010 after a back injury. In 2011, had 20 tackles and a sack as a backup defensive tackle. Switched to the offensive side of the ball to help shore up Seminoles' pass protection in 2012 and started all 14 games at left tackle, protecting future first-round QB EJ Manuel's blind side. In 2013, started all 13 games at left tackle and was named first-team All-ACC for the national champion Seminoles. Two-time winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy given to the ACC's top blocker. Named first-team All-ACC tackle and third-team All-ACC center after making switch inside toward the end of the 2014 season. Was very close with grandmother (Lillie Lewis), who passed away in the spring of 2014 after one-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

- Jameis Winston became the number one overall selection in the NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winston is considered the most NFL ready quarterback in this years draft. His off-the-field incidents, which include an alleged rape in 2012, shoplifting, a gun complaint and the use of vulgar language have raised concern among the teams who might draft him. With the 2nd pick, Tennessee selected Heisman Trophy winner and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.                               

- Billy Donovan has been named the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. His contract is 5 years worth $30M. He spent the past 19 years at the University of Florida and compiled a 467-186 record over that period. While in Florida he won 2 National Championships, made 4 trips to the Final Four,16 straight 20 win seasons,3 30 win seasons,17 trips the the NCAA tournament,6 S.E.C championships,and has mad the Elite 8 in six of the past ten seasons. Billy Donovan became the front runner to become head coach after Kevin Ollie withdrew his name to remain at the University of Connecticut.

- Andrew Wiggins the number one overall draft pick who was selected by the Cleveland Cavs in the 2014 NBA draft then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves to obtain Kevin Love was named the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year. Wiggins received 110 out of a possible 130 first player votes. He averaged 16.9 points per game and 4.6 rebounds. Chicago’s Nikola Mirotic came in 2nd place, with Philadelphia's Nerlens Noel finishing 3rd.

- The Los Angeles Clippers went down to San Antonio and have forced a Game 7 against the reigning champs after their 102 - 96 win last night. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin came up HUGE, with 19 points and 15 assists for Paul and 26 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks for Griffin. J.J. Redick added in 19, while DeAndre Jordan had 15 points and 14 rebounds of his own. On the Spurs side of things, Marco Belinelli led the way with 23 points, while Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard only had 12 apiece. Tony Parker finished the game with just 8 points, but had 7 assists. Game 7 of this first round series will be Saturday night at 8pm.

- On the Eastern Conference side of things, Chicago put the Milwaukee Bucks out of their misery after a 120 - 66 beatdown. The highest scorers for the Bucks was Zaza Pachulia with 8. Ersan Ilyasova and Jerryd Bayless both had 7. This is definitely not how Bucks fans expected to end their season, but it was good experience for the young team and can only help next season when Jabari Parker returns from injury. All 5 of the Bulls starters on the other hand were in double digits with Mike Dunleavy leading with 20 points. Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler had 15 and 16 points, respectively. Next up, the Bulls will be taking on the Cavaliers, Monday night at 7pm.

- Deryk Gilmore the Agent for LSU's La'el Collins petitioned the league to pull him from the NFL draft allowing him time to clear his name then enter Supplemental Draft.

The NFL rejected Collins' request to be removed from draft until police complete murder investigation. Collins arrived in Chicago on Tuesday poised to be a first-round pick and had been taking part in pre-draft festivities and charity events. But after reports surfaced that Collins was sought by investigators into the murder of the woman believed to be Collins' former girlfriend — she was shot in the head at her house — Collins left the draft party reportedly to assist in the investigation. Authorities have not named Collins a suspect in the case, but they say he can help assist them in solving her death.