Leadoff with Lee 2.26.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- The Brooklyn Nets waive seven time all star Joe Johnson on Thursday. Johnson has until March 1st to sign with a team to be eligible for the playoffs. According to several reports Johnson's buyout with the Nets is worth about $21.9M. He has already been linked to sign with Oklahoma City, Cleveland, Boston and Toronto. Early indication is Joe Johnson will take a couple days to sift through offers, now that he's secured buyout. Johnson will clear waivers Saturday at 5 PM. He is averaging 11.8 points, 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game this season. Tax Implications for the Cavaliers for signing a player for the remainder of the season is around $980k (not including salary).

ESPN sources say there is strong confidence within the Cavs' organization that they are in prime position to win the Joe Johnson Sweepstakes

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 25, 2016

- On Thursday, MLB and the MLBPA jointly announced new rule changes for 2016 regarding slides to break up double plays.

- Runner begins his slide before reaching the base.
- Runner is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot.
- Runner is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide.
- Runner slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.
- Runner may not engage “in a roll block or intentionally initiate or attempts to initiate contact with the fielder’s upper body.

Not following the new rules will result in an automatic double play.

If the runner is deemed to have violated any of these conditions, then he and the batter will be called out for interference. Potential violations will be reviewable using instant replay, as will, for the first time, “neighborhood play” calls.

Also the pace of game program will expand this season to include timed 30-second visits to the pitcher’s mound by managers and pitching coaches.

- Browns VP Sashi Brown on Josh Gordon: 

"He understands that he's made some mistakes in the past, I think he's accountable for those and everything that we see and hear in talking to his representation and those that have been in communication with him is that he's eager to get back and contribute. And we feel like if he's accomplished those things, there's a spot for him on the roster, could certainly help".

That has been the strongest statement made by anyone with the Browns new regime concerning Josh Gordon since taking over. He's under contract for nearly $1.1 million in 2016, which is crumbs for a playmaking receiver. He'll be a restricted free agent in 2017.

- The word this week from the agent for Browns free agent Travis Benjamin was that contract talks ended. Despite that rumor, the Browns met with Benjamin's agent Ron Butler at the combine Wednesday night.

Don't expect the Browns to place the transition or franchise tag on any of their free agents, Mitchell Schwartz, Tashaun Gipson or Travis Benjamin, but at the same time Sashi Brown has made it clear when he said, "We're behind two or three weeks". Brown continued, saying "When you're on a coaching search, you're not able to spend as much time as we would have liked focusing on our rising unrestricted free agents' extensions. But they're all talented guys and can contribute".

Gipson will command about $10.6M with the franchise tag, while the amount for Schwartz is $12.7M and $7.5-$8M for Benjamin. 

- The Johnny Manziel domestic violence case against victim Colleen Crawley has been referred to the Dallas county district attorney's office for presentation to the grand jury.

If charges are brought onto Manziel he could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Legal experts say Dallas Police decision to let a grand jury examine Manziel case means it's weak. But you better believe he will need to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before he steps back on to the field.

- Colon Kaepernick and his agents request a trade from the 49ers. This new s come days after the Niners said Kaepernick would be on the roster come April 1st when his $11.9M salary becomes guaranteed. The biggest issue for the 49ers is finding a trade partner and possibly if Kaepernick can secure a new contract with that new team. In order to seek a trade and not lose his guaranteed money, Colin Kaepernick needs written permission from the 49ers. He has not been granted that as of yet. 

A possible draft day trade? Are the Browns going to be players in the mix? Browns coach Hue Jackson said he thought Kaepernick was the best quarterback in that draft, which included No. 1 pick Cam Newton. When he was coach of the Raiders in 2011, he wanted to trade up to draft Kaepernick, but it didn't work out. "Scouting him, I fell in love with the kid", said Jackson. "Leader, won a ton of games at Nevada, really impressive when you talked to him, strong, all the tools to win in the NFL. No doubt in my mind he was going to be good".

#Browns Preview 10.31.15: Arizona #Cardinals @ Cleveland Browns

By @mrgroce

This Sunday at 1:00, the 2-5 Cleveland Browns will host the 1st place 5-2 Arizona Cardinals. The Browns are coming off of a another loss, 24-6 to the St.Louis Rams. The Cardinals on the other hand are coming off of a win against the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns, already a team that lacks play makers continue to turn the ball over and commit stupid penalties two things that they absolutely cannot do against a Cardinals team that ranks fourth overall in offense AND defense. Plenty of folks, myself included, believe that the season is already over and we're starting to wonder what direction the team will go in once the season ends. Safety Donte Whitner still feels that since the team has five  division games remaining, winning the division is still a possibility. I appreciate his optimism. How about I pretend I'm a coach and do this "one game at a time". 

Leading the Cardinals is head coach Bruce Arians. Normally I don't mention head coaches but for some reason I really like Arians. Maybe it's the Kangol hats, or maybe it's the affection he has for the city of Cleveland and its loyal fanbase. Maybe it's the fact that as a man who's worked with some of the best quarterbacks in the game it didn't take long for him to turn things around in Arizona. He traded for Carson Palmer, drafted Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu, signed RB Chris Johnson, Jermaine Gresham, Dwight Freeney, and convinced Larry Fitzgerald to stay. The Cardinals have what is considered the recipe for success: a franchise QB, a running game, wide receivers who can stretch the field, and a top rated defense.         

The Browns on the other hand still don't have a true "feature" running back, still don't know who's starting at quarterback on Sunday, and with wide receiver Andrew Hawkins ruled out with a concussion aren't sure if Dwayne Bowe will be active after missing the last four weeks. Basically, the Cardinals have the edge over the Browns at every position other than punter and place kicker.  Coach Pettine won't announce who's starting at quarterback until Sunday, but if McCown is able to play I think it's safe to say that's who the staff will go with. The offensive line has played better, but the Browns have yet to have a 100 yard rusher this season.

Whatever issues the Browns have on offense they're not nearly as woeful as the defense. Against the Rams last week, the Browns defense played fairly well for awhile, but eventually four yard runs turned into nine yard runs and 9 yard runs turned into 17 yard runs. I think you get my point. Defensive backs Joe Haden and Tashaun Gipson return to the line up after missing the last few games, but that probably won't be enough unless they're able to rush the quarterback then get back in coverage to defend their man because the defensive lineman can't seem to do it.  

This seems like the type of game that since no one is giving the Browns a chance to win, they would somehow find a way to win using the old "any given Sunday" slogan. Not this week. The only factor that I believe keeps this game from getting out of hand is the fact that it's a road game for the Cardinals and it's expected to be a tad bit chilly on Sunday. My prediction, Cardinals 31 Browns 13. 

What: Cleveland Browns vs Arizona Cardinals
When: 1:00 PM Sunday Nov 1, 2015
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
TV/Radio: FOX/ WKNR 850 Cleveland, WKRK 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5 The Fan

Leadoff with Lee 3.10.15 #Hartline #Browns

By @cleeverizon

The heartbeat of America finally has a Hartline. Brian Hartline will sign a 2 year, $6 million dollar deal with the Cleveland Browns today. The North Canton native from Glen Oak high school told Northeast Ohio Media Group, "I plan to compete at the highest level. I'm just starting to hit my peak.'' Hartline was courted by several teams including the Bears, Patriots and Texans. "It came down to a gut feeling. I did my due diligence. I'm very excited.'' Hartline had 1,000 plus yards receiving 2012 and 2013. He will be the taller, possession wideout that the Browns were looking for. I still see the Browns drafting a receiver for Hartline to mentor.

- Who said the Browns weren't going to be active one the free agency this year? The Browns have tendered qualifying offers to defensive backs Johnson Bademosi & Tashaun Gipson, defensive lineman Ishmaa’ily Kitchen & LB Craig Robertson. The Browns gave Gipson and Robertson 2nd round tenders (can match any offer from another team, if tender is not matched will receive 2nd round pick). Kitchen and Bademosi received low tenders and will get no compensation. All offers can be matched by the Browns. Tashaun Gipson didn't seem happy about his tender offer and tweeted this:

😐😐😐

— Tashaun J. Gipson SR (@Gipson_duos24) March 9, 2015

Obviously Gipson is upset and thinks he's worth 1st round tender money which would have paid him $3.356 million per year.

- Johnny  Manziel is in his sixth week of treatment. Mike Pettine said yesterday "We're giving him his privacy and let him do what he has to do," Pettine said. "It was something he was very resolute needed to get done." "Football is still an 'afterthought.'

- The Browns are still in contention for OLB/DE Trent Cole. He left Cleveland yesterday afternoon on his way to visit the Colts. Expect a decision to be made by Wednesday.

- The Houston Texans officially released WR Andre Johnson.

- Former Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas is expected to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars later today.

- Lineman Mike Iupati will be leaving the San Francisco 49ers and joining the Arizona Cardinals.

- The San Francisco 49ers released WR Stevie Johnson. Keep a eye out, as the Browns may make another move to sign the speedster.

- Brett Keisel, who has said he wants to play in 2015, was released by Steelers after playing all of his13 seasons with the team.

- Glenville Tarblooder and Ohio State alum Ted Ginn Jr signed a two-year deal with Carolina Panthers, worth $4.2 million. His first year salary is $900,000 and $1.4 million in the second year. He receives a $1.7M signing bonus, and up to $750,000 in incentives each year.

Leadoff with Lee 1.21.15 #Browns

By @cleeverizon

- The Browns search for a new offensive coordinator is more stressful than last years search for a head coach. Marc Trestman took the OC job with the Ravens, while Chan Gailey went with the Jets.

The Browns reportedly interviewed former head coach of "The Greatest Show on Turf" Mike Martz on Monday and are expected to interview former Jets and Eagles coordinator Marty Mornhinweg this week at the Senior Bowl. To me Mornhinweg is another Pat Shurmer or should I say Mike Holmgren, since they all fell off the same (coaching) tree. Throwing the ball around in Cleveland in our weather with the offenses that are run by Mornhinweg and Martz just won't work here. At least I don't see it.  

- And guess what else? The Browns probably won't get Peyton Manning or Adam Gase either. The former Bronco's OC is flying to Chicago to interview for the Bears OC job today.  

- So in my opinion the top 3 candidates to land the OC job in Cleveland will be Anthony Lynn (Jets), John Defillpo (Raiders) and Brian Angelichio (Browns tight end coach).

- Tashaun Gipson has decided not to play in the Pro Bowl so he doesn't risk a setback from his season ending knee injury. Gipson announced on his twitter account yesterday "@Gipson_duos24: First want to thank GOD for the blessing of being a probowler. I also want to thank the fans that voted countless times helping along the way" "@Gipson_duos24: But unfortunately I will not be PLAYING in the game Sunday my first pro bowl!! Thank everyone for the support! #Gobrowns"

On The Mark 11.7.14: #Browns Recap

Browns Dominate Both Sides Of The Ball, Destroy The Bengals 24-3, Tied For First Place
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns are now tied for first place with a 24-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Bengals that wasn't even close.  Brian Hoyer, now 9-3 as a Browns starter, was sharp once again, throwing for 198 yards while the running trio of Terrance West, Ben Tate and Isaiah Crowell each scored a rushing touchdown and combined for 170 yards rushing with West leading the way with 94 yards.  Even without Andrew Hawkins or Jordan Cameron as well as fighting the wind at Paul Brown Stadium, Hoyer was able to get the ball to Miles Austin, Travis Benjamin, Taylor Gabriel and Gary Barnidge when needed.

On the other end, the Browns defense was dominating from start to finish against Andy Dalton, who may have had one of his worst games a pro.  He threw for 3 interceptions,  2 of them to Buster Skrine, and was off all night.  A.J. Green, covered by Joe Haden for most of the night, was a non factor and Greg Little, for all of his "someone will pay" comments, was once again plagued by stone hands and was hit with a personal foul for head butting.  Tashaun Gipson also caused a fumble on Jeremy Hill which was recovered by Joe Haden so the Browns had 4 turnovers all together as well as keeping the Bengals to 3 points in 4 quarters.

My take: The Browns are for real.  They brought their A game to a Thursday night national audience on the road.  Mike Pettine, Jim O'Neil and Kyle Shanahan all had great coached games tonight with the players absolutely ready for this important division series.  It also ended their 17 game AFC North road losing streak.  Ironically, their last AFC North win on the road was to Cincinnati in 2008.  Even with the wind and rain, Brian Hoyer showed his leadership on offense while the Browns were absolutely dominant on defense.  The Browns are a viable playoff team at this point.  Damn that feels good to type!

Next up: A long 10 day stretch until they face the Houston Texans back in Cleveland.  The Browns fans will be pumped for that game.

On The Mark 9.15.14: #Browns & #Buckeyes Recap

Simply Stunning: the Browns march over the Saints with a thrilling last second 26-24 victory
By @MarkW2112

It appears the Cleveland Browns of 2014 want to be the second coming of the Kardiac Kids.  After a thrilling loss to the Steelers last Sunday, they redeem themselves with a thrilling win against the New Orleans Saints 26-24 in front of a very loud and pumped crowd at First Energy Stadium for the first home game of the year.  The crowd really helped set the tone at the beginning of the game, as Drew Brees and his high powered offense couldn't seem to get it going early on.  Paul Kruger ended their first drive with a coverage sack as the Dawg Pound really let Brees know he was not welcomed there.

Brian Hoyer led the Browns to a touchdown to Miles Austin and helped set up a field goal for Bill Cundiff before the end of the first quarter.  The Saints made it 10-3 on their next drive with a field goal by Shayne Graham. After getting the ball back, the Saints were driving when Brees pass was intercepted by Tashaun Gipson and run back 62 yards for a touchdown, making it 16-3 after a botched extra point.  Before the end of the first half, the Saints drove again, this time with a Brees touchdown to Jimmy Graham who was no match for 5'11 Joe Haden. The Browns went in to halftime with the lead 16-10.

The Browns got the ball to start the second half but went nowhere with it.  The Saints  then drove down the field and scored on another Graham touchdown to take the lead 17-16.  The Browns, led by the rookie running back duo of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, helped the Browns get another touchdown, this time by West, to make it 23-17.

Once more, the Saints drove the field and scored on a Mark Ingram touchdown to give the Saints the lead once again, 24-23.  The Saints again were driving towards the end of the game when Karlos Dansby came up with a huge sack to take them out of field goal range, giving the ball back to the Browns with 2:46 left in the game.

Now it was Brian Hoyer's time to shine.  Going hurry up no huddle, Hoyer was able to execute a brilliant drive, with big time plays by Gary Barnidge (converting a 4th and 6th), Miles Austin (2 clutch catches, including one with 15 seconds left that was ruled out of bounds) and Andrew Hawkins, who's 28 yard catch when he was left all alone in the back field helped set up the game winning field for Billy Cundiff to make it 26-24 with 3 seconds left.  The Browns finally won the game after a squib kick and return to the Khiry Robinson was fumbled and recovered by the Browns.

It was coach Mike Pettine's first victory as an NFL head coach and only the 2nd home opener victory since 1999.

My take: This victory might have been the best the Browns have had in a very long time.  The Saints are a high powered offense and while they had their way with the Browns after being stopped in the first quarter, the defense came through when they needed to, including the Gipson interception and the game saving sack by Dansby, who is undoubtedly the leader of this defense.

On offense, Hoyer didn't look great but he was effective when he needed to be and somehow won this game without Josh Gordon or Jordan Cameron.  It also appears that West and Crowell might be one of the most dynamic running back duos since Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack each ran for 1,000 yards in 1985.  Their athleticism and vision were able to keep the Saints defense honest and have Hoyer be able to complete passes to Austin, Hawkins, Barnidge and Taylor Gabriel.

The Browns can't stop to enjoy this victory for long.  The hated Baltimore Ravens come in next Sunday before their 4th week bye.

But it's a sweet victory and one that we can hope inspires them for the rest of the season.

============================================================================================

That’s more like it: Buckeyes destroy Golden Flashes 66-0
By @MarkW2112

The Ohio State Buckeyes did not mess around this time.  They went right for the throat and stayed there all game as they went on to route the much less talented Kent State Golden Flashes 66-0 in front of an Ohio Stadium crowd that was treated to almost non-stop offense and a defense that deflated the Golden Flashes right from the start.  J.T. Barrett looked sharp, going 23-of-30 for 312 yards, 6 touchdowns and an interception, with 5 of those TD’s thrown in the first half alone..  He was able to throw at will to any of his receivers, including Devin Smith and Michael Thomas who combined for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns between them.  Curtis Samuel led all rushers with 15 carries for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.  All in all, the Buckeyes offense tallied 628 total yards.

Meanwhile, for quarterback Colin Reardon and the Golden Flashes offense, there was simply no ball movement as the Buckeyes defense swarmed and took out all of their frustrations after last week’s embarrassing loss to Virginia Tech.  Reardon’s day ended with him going 14-of-27 for 76 yards.  It was a day the Golden Flashes will want to forget.

The Buckeyes have a bye next weekend before playing the Cincinnati Bearcats on 9/27 at 6 PM at the Horseshoe.