NFL Free Agency Recap

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The NFL has been a crazy place the past few days. When the new league year began and number of players got paid big time, while others over-estimated their value. This article is just a recap of the "notable transactions" new league year after the first weekend.

San Fransisco 49ers:  
Signed: QB Matt Barkley, WR Pierre Garçon, WR Marquise Goodwin, K Robbie Gould, QB Brian Hoyer, FB Kyle Juszczyk, and LB Malcolm Smith.

Chicago Bears: 
Released QB Jay Cutler

Signed: WR Kendall Wright, DB Prince Amukamara, WR Markus Wheaton, QB Mike Glennon, DB Quintin Demps, and TE Dion Sims.

Cincinnati Bengals:
Re-signed CB Dre Kirkpatrick and WR Brandon LaFell

Buffalo Bills:
Signed: WR Philly Brown, LB Lorenzo Alexander, FB Patrick DiMarco, K Stephen Hauschka, S Micah Hyde, S Jordan Poyer, and FB Mike Tolbert.

Released S Corey Graham and S Aaron Williams. Agreed to terms with
Restructured QB Tyrod Taylor contract, and re-signed P Colton Schmidt.

Cleveland Browns: 
Released QB Robert Griffin III.

Signed G Joel Bitonio to a five-year contract extension.
Acquired Houston Texans' 2018 second-round pick, 2017 sixth-round pick and QB Brock Osweiler for Cleveland's 2017 fourth-round compensatory pick.
Claimed OL Marcus Martin off waivers from San Francisco.
Signed WR Kenny Britt, OL J.C. Tretter and OL Kevin Zeitler.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Signed WR DeSean Jackson and  DT Chris Baker.
Re-signed RB Jacquizz Rodgers and Safety Chris Conte.

Arizona Cardinals: 
Signed LB Karlos Dansby, K Phil Dawson, LB Chandler Jones, S Antonine Bethea, and C A.Q. Shipley.

Los Angeles Chargers: 
Signed Russell Okung OT and QB Kellen Clemens

Kansas City Chiefs:
Signed S Eric Berry and G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to contract extensions.

Indianapolis Colts:
Signed Jabaal Sheard OLB, John Simon OLB, and Jeff Locke Punter and signed Jack Doyle TE to a contract extension. 

Traded: Dwayne Allen TE to New England

Dallas Cowboys: 
Signed Nolan Carroll CB, Re-signed WR Terrence Williams 

Miami Dolphins:
Signed LB Lawrence Timmons and Safety Nate Allen  
Re-signed TE Anthony Fasano and WR Kenny Stills 
Acquired  TE Julius Thomas from Jacksonville and acquired DE William Hayes from Rams

Philadelphia Eagles:
Released DE Connor Barwin.

Signed G/C Stefen Wisniewski, G Chance Warmack, WR Alshon Jeffery, and WR Torrey Smith.

Atlanta Falcons:
Re-signed DT Courtney Upshaw and QB Matt Schaub

New York Giants:
Signed OL D.J. Fluker and WR Brandon Marshall

Jacksonville Jaguars:
Signed Barry Church S, Calais Campbell DL, and A.J. Bouye CB. LT Branden Albert acquired via trade from Miami.

New York Jets:
Signed PK Chandler Catanzaro and OT Kelvin Beachum.

Detroit Lions:
Signed G T.J. Lang and CB DJ Hayden.

Green Bay Packers:
Signed TE Lance Kendricks and TE Martellus Bennett Re-signed LB Nick Perry, T/G Don Barclay, and P Jacob Schum

Carolina Panthers:
Signed:  WR Charles Johnson, T Matt Kalil, CB Captain Munnerlyn, DE Julius Peppers, and S Mike Adams

New England Patriots:
Acquired WR Brandin Cooks in a trade with the New Orleans Saints, DL Kony Ealy in a trade with the Carolina Panthers and TE Dwayne Allen in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
Signed CB Stephon Gilmore
Re-signed S Duron Harmon.

Oakland Raiders:
Signed Marshall Newhouse OT

Los Angeles Rams:
Signed Aaron Murray QB, Robert Woods WR, and Andrew Whitworth LT.

Baltimore Ravens:
Signed Brandon Williams NT and Danny Woodhead RB

Washington Redskins:
Kirk Cousins QB and Terrelle Pryor WR

New Orleans Saints:
Signed Ted Ginn Jr WR and Nick Fairly DT
Acquired 1st round pick from the Brandin Cooks trade.

Seattle Seahawks:
Signed Luke Joeckel OT

Pittsburgh Steelers:
Re-signed Landy Jones QB, and David Johnson TE.

Houston Texans:
Traded Quarterback Brock Oswieler to Cleveland
Re-Signed Shane Lechler P and Nick Novak K

Tennessee Titans:
Re-Signed Matt Cassel QB and Signed Logan Ryan CB

Minnesota Vikings:
Released Adrian Peterson RB

Signed OTs Rilet Reiff and Mike Remmers

Cleveland Browns Free Agency Day 1 Recap

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


The Cleveland Browns were making a ton of moves on the first day of the new league year. They had over 100 Million in cap space to use and boy they put it to good use.

It started this morning when the Browns and wide receiver Kenny Britt agreed to a four-year/ $32.5 Million, $17 Million guaranteed. The 28 year-old came off his best year in the NFL catching 68 passes for 1002 yards and five touchdowns. Britt also had five catches for 30+ yards...and the Browns only had six as a team for the entire season. Britt is a former first round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2009 and revived his career with the Rams, after multiple off the field incidents during his Titans tenure.

The Browns signed left guard Joel Bitonio to a new contract. six years/51.2 Million, 23.7 Guaranteed. Bitonio is one of the bright starts on the Browns and when healthy he is one of the top offensive linemen in the league. Bitonio is also only 25 years old and is only starting to reach his prime as a player.

On top of the Joel Bitonio extension, the Browns signed two offensive linemen. J.C. Tretter and Kevin Zeitler.

J.C. Tretter was the Green Bay Packers starting center to begin the season last year. But ended up suffering a MCL injury mid-season. Tretter's contract is for three years/$16.75 Million, with $10 Million of it Guaranteed. He is a former fourth round pick and last year was the first time he was named a starter. Tretter has a history of injuries but when he's played he was the fifth best center per ProFootballFocus, and is now projected to be the Browns starting center next season.

The Browns also signed former Bengal Kevin Zeitler. Zeitler's deal five-year/$60 Million, $32.5 Million Guaranteed, makes him the highest paid guard in NFL history.

Zeitler is a former first round pick in 2012 out of Wisconsin and has a history with Head Coach Hue Jackson. Zielter has only missed eight games in his career and hasn't missed a game since the 2014 season. The acquisitions of Tretter and Zeitler sure up the offensive line for whatever quarterback in under-center for the Browns in 2017.

Speaking of quarterbacks, the Browns also acquired Brock Osweiler, a 2017 sixth round pick, and a 2018 second round pick from the Texans for a 2017 fourth round pick. The Browns move is comparable to a salary dump trade in the NBA. Per multiple reports, the Browns are either going to trade Osweiler or just release him and eat the $16 Million dollar cap hit for this season. Some speculate the Browns are trying to trade multiple picks to either move up in the NFL draft or attempt to trade for Patriots' backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The Browns are also expected to release quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The Browns claimed former 2014 third round pick Center Marcus Martin from San Francisco. Martin Started 24 games in this three year with the 49ers. He's played center, right guard, and left tackle with majority of his games coming at the center position.

And that recaps day one of the new league year for the Cleveland Browns. After all of their moves the Browns still have $76 Million in cap space left and that could change with Brock Osweiler being dealt and/or Robert Griffin III being released.

Oh and...Terrelle Pryor still hasn't signed with a team...

Radio Show 3/8/17: On Browns & NFL Free Agency, Is Dirk Top 10 & Best NBA Handles

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Cleveland Browns Free Agency Preview

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


The Cleveland Browns' off-season has been pretty busy. Revamping the coaching staff with a new defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams and defensive coaches, a new quarterbacks coach and offensive line coach.

The Browns also re-signed Jamie Collins for four years/$50 Million and signed multiple special team players including punter Britton Colquitt, long snapper Charley Hughlett, a claimed former Ohio State Buckeye and Bedford Grad Tyvis Powell off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. But going into Free Agency the Browns have the most cap space in the NFL (over $100 Million).

The Browns have four notable free agents going into the new league year...and its headlined by Terrelle Pryor. Pryor's market value is interesting. Reports state that the Browns offered Pryor $8 Million per year but Pryor is seeking between 10-12 Million instead. All in all the Browns are the favorites to land Pryor. The other free agents are right tackle Austin Pasztor, defensive end Stephen Paea and safety Jordan Poyer and they all might be replaced.

Here is a list of a number of players who could be on the Browns radar.

Kevin Zeitler: Zeitler was a first round in 2012 for the Cincinnati Bengals and would fit perfectly at right guard for the Browns. Zeitler is really good and has only missed eight games in his entire career (last missed game was in 2014). Zeitler lined up next to Cam Erving/rookie center and someone like last year's third round pick Shone Coleman would give a veteran presences on the right side of the offensive line. Zeitler is going to cost a little bit but the Browns have more than enough cap room to entice him. Hue Jackson is also familiar with Zeitler from his time with the Bengals.

Duron Harmon: The 26 year old is a two-time super bowl champion with the Patriots. Harmon is looking to get paid and get starting reps. Harmon is a free safety, which the Browns haven't had since Tashaun Gipson in 2013. Harmon was used mostly in sub packages and nickle and dime packages. Harmon would be a good fit because he is coming from a winning program and the Browns need guys like that help change the culture on and off the playing field.

A.J. Bouye: Bouye might not be the most realistic free agent pickup but he is the best and youngest cornerback on the market. Not saying the Browns corners are terrible and signing Bouye might seem excessive but it would put the secondary on lock. And a defensive backfield headlined by Bouye and Haden could only help the Browns pass rush (which is hopefully lead by Myles Garrett).

Colin Kaepernick: After a solid year on a terrible team, Kaepernick is looking for a fresh start. Robert Griffin III couldn't stay healthy and his time in Cleveland could be over before free agency officially starts. Kaepernick last year threw for 16 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions with probably the worst supporting cast in the NFL. Hue Jackson loved Kaepernick in 2011 before the draft while being the Head Coach of the Raiders. Kaepernick could be a perfect stop-gap quarterback for the Browns. They can still win games and still draft their franchise quarterback in this upcoming draft.

Chance Warmack: Another first round pick who's looking for a new home. The Titans took him 10th overall in 2010 and has been a bit of a disappointment. The Titans declined his 5th year option for this year making Warmack an unrestricted free agent. He's only 25 years old and if the Browns don't sign Zeitler, Warmack could be a cheaper and younger alternative. Its a very low-risk, medium reward.

Kendall Wright: Wright was projected to be a Brown in 2012 but was taken one pick before the Browns. At 27 years old, Wright would fit as the slot receiver for the Browns. Lined up next to Coleman and Terrelle Pryor, along with the two running backs and Gary Barnidge, Wright would be another weapon for Hue Jackson to use. Yes, Wright's stats have decreased since 2013, but he would be an affordable option (like the Browns need affordable).




Its going to be interesting to see what the Browns have up their sleeves the next few weeks heading into the draft. If the Browns can sign one or two of these guys and Terrelle Pryor, the Browns would be in a great situation for the draft. The Browns aren't going to break the bank this off-season but it sounds like they will be aggressive in free agency.

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Krunch Time With Katelin: Five Stories and Thoughts from the 2016 Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

2016 was tough year for the Browns. A number of different quarterbacks, a ton of injuries, and the lack of wins resulting in the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. We knew this past season was going to be rough and the start of a tear-down rebuild, but not many expected the Browns to end up 1-15 at seasons end. With 1-15 there aren't a lot of stories to tell but here are five stories that will help recap this 2016 season.

5. Let's start with the number of quarterbacks this past season. Not counting Terrelle Pryor and Duke Johnson who threw passes this season, the Browns had five different quarterbacks lineup under center for them. Cody Kessler, Josh McCown, and Robert Griffin III started this past season with Kevin Hogan and Charlie Whitehurst taking snaps in relief of Cody Kessler. The quarterback problems started week one when RGIII broke a bone in his shoulder. Then, in week two, McCown ended up breaking his collar bone which sidelined him for a month and a half. Cody Kessler didn't play terrible for a rookie quarterback but he didn't do enough to keep the job for the entire season. RGIII ended up started the last four weeks and didn't help solidify anything for the 2017 season.

4. Jamie Collins, one of the best linebackers in the NFL, got traded from the New England Patriots to Cleveland. The Browns gave up a third round pick for his services. After the Browns traded for Collins it was weird to see on the field. Everyone could tell how good he was and at some points he seemed frustrated with the lack of talent around him. It was also weird to hear the speculation of why Collins was traded out of New England. Whether it was locker room stuff or him being a free agent in 2017...it will hopefully help the Browns going forward.

3. Even though the year was tough a number of players stepped up and made a giant leap. Guys like Christian Kirksey, Jamar Taylor, Danny Shelton and Isaiah Crowell improved immensely because of the opportunity given. Danny Shelton played like a top tier nose tackle. He was constantly disrupting the flow of the opposing offensive line even if statistically the Browns defense didn't play well. Christian Kirksey ranked 6th in total tackles with 143. The past two years he was spelling Karlos Dansby but this year he was all over and was a three down player. He improved on his run defense and has always been a solid in pass coverage. Jamar Taylor was traded to Cleveland from Miami for a handful of spots...in the seventh round of the 2016 draft.

Taylor was a former second round pick who seemed to be a bust for Miami. For his growth this past season the Browns ended up rewarding him with a 3yr/$15 million extension. And finally Isaiah Crowell...who ended up 48 rushing yards short of 1000 for the season. The First few weeks of the season Crowell was lighting it up and was in the top 5 in rushing yards. Because of injuries at offensive line Crowell's 1000 yard season dream came up short, but it was positive in the sense of how the Browns found their starting running back going forward.

2. Terrelle Pryor's transition from quarterback to wide receiver was amazing to see...even if former and opposing players criticized him for being emotional on the field. Its not that people didn't think he could do it, he's a freak athlete, but if he was going to become selfish and become a "diva" on and off the field. While off the field some took their shots at him on the field he played extremely well. 77 catches 1007 yards and four touchdowns in his first full season at receiver is pretty dang good. Hell fans wanted the Browns to sign Pryor to an extension after his crazy game in Miami where he caught eight passes for 144 yards, ran for 21 yards and a touchdown...and threw the ball for 35 yards on 3/5 passing. It will be interesting to see if Pryor has a future in the Browns and Orange but even if he doesn't he was one of (if not the main reason) people still tuned in on Sundays to watch the Browns.

1. The Browns only winning one game this season has to be the number one story. Whether it was speculation Hue Jackson and company were going to get fired at the end of the season...which turned out to be kinda true. Or the number of odd ways the Browns found themselves on the short end of the win column. Like when The Browns stormed to a 20-2 lead against the Ravens and ended up losing 25-20 because of a blocked PAT that was returned for a touchdown and a missed field goal. (and lets not forget about the stupid flag on Terrelle Pryor when he went to give the official the ball) Or when Cody Parkey missed three field goals in one game including a potential game winner, And the Duke Johnson fumble that he obviously recovered but the lady official completely messed up calling a Redskins recovery when Johnson had the ball five yards behind her. And that all happened in consecutive weeks...And the 0-16 parade which divided Browns fans on many social media platforms. Heck, it ended up having one of Cleveland's top radio personalities threatening to run over people who were participating in the parade.(I guess anything for ratings). But All in all the Browns won a game and ten's of thousands of dollars were donated to the Cleveland Food Bank because of the fan funded 0-16 parade and the contributions from the Cleveland Browns and others.

This season was a trip. Remembering all these stories and seeing how social media was during this headache of a season was something to remember...if people didn't pay that close of attention because of the Indians playoff success or the Ohio State University during their thing on Saturday's. But the "try-out year" as I coined in my season preview was a success. I think the Browns have a good idea of were their weaknesses are and now have the tools to fix this team the correct way. And that starts with making smart signing during free agency with the large amount of cap room they have and the number one overall pick in April's draft.  

Browns Recap 1/2/17: Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Browns fell to the Steelers 27-24 and finished the 2016 season going 1-15 and locking up the number one overall pick in the 2017 draft. Also Hue Jackson and company are safe and will be back next year. So another win coming from today. But lets talk about this very odd game.

The Browns offense was statistically pretty good.  437 Total yards with about 200 yards through the air and on the ground. But where the Browns lost this game was in the turnover battle. The Browns had four turnovers (three fumbles and two red zone turnovers) and also missed a 49 yard field goal. So its not like the Browns didn't have opportunities to win this game. Robert Griffin threw for 232 yards on 29/40 passing, two touchdowns and one interception. The leading receiver for this game was Terrelle Pryor who caught seven passes for 94 yards. He also surpassed 1000 receiving yards for the year with his 94 yard game. Gary Barnidge had five catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Seth DeValve had the other touchdown catch, which was his only catch of the day for 12 yards.

Other notable receivers: Corey Coleman had five catches for 40 yards and Andrew Hawkins had five catches for nine yards.

The Running game had success today. Isaiah Crowell 152 yards on 19 carries including 67 yard run that set up a George Atkinson III touchdown run. Atkinson III had a solid day, seven carries for 34 yards, being the backup to Crowell with Duke Johnson suffering an ankle injury. Crowell unfortunately had a key fumble inside the five yard-line with less than one minute to go in the fourth. RGIII had 32 rushing yards on five carries.

The Browns defense was solid against the second string Steelers offense. They only gave up 69 yards on the ground. The Steelers leading rusher was DeAngelo Williams who had 67 yards on 23 carries. But the Browns struggled getting timely stops. They gave up the winning touchdown drive in overtime after the offense kicked a field goal forcing Steelers to score. The Defense also gave up a touchdown drive to end the first half and after the Browns intercepted Landry Jones but fumbled the return causing a touchback.

Jones had a pretty good game, throwing for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Eli Rodgers was the leading receiver with six catches 61 yards. Cobi Hamilton had three catches for 54 yards including the game clinching 26 yard touchdown catch. Other notable receivers: Demarcus Ayers had five catches for 44 yards and one touchdown.

The leading tackler for the Browns was Christian Kirksey who had 12 total tackles, three tackles for a loss and one sack. Jamie Collins was second with 10 total tackles. And Demario Davis had seven total tackles, two for losses and one sack.


Most Valuable Brown: Isaiah Crowell is the MVB for this game. If it wasn't for his 67 yard run the Browns wouldn't have had the opportunity to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Plus his day kind of personified this 2016 season. Play really well at times but mistakes come back to cost games.

Browns Preview 12.23.16: San Diego Chargers @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Chargers travel to Cleveland this week to play the Browns on Christmas Eve (Saturday). Both teams lost last week. The Chargers lost 19-16 to the Oakland Raiders and now have a record of 5-9. The Browns obviously lost last week to the Bills 33-13. This could mark the last time the "San Diego Chargers" play a game in Cleveland, with the speculation of them moving to LA in the near future.

Browns Offense vs Chargers Defense

The Browns will be starting Robert Griffin III but is apparently on a short leash. The past two weeks the offense struggled passing the ball and keeping drives going. And some of the blame goes on Griffin. He's missed easy check down throws multiple times and has forced unnecessary shots down field. For this week, Griffin needs to correct these problems and not force anything crazy or else Cody Kessler will take some snaps this week.

The most important thing for the Browns to do though is to keep Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa out of the backfield. Ingram has seven sacks on the year and Bosa has 7.5 despite only playing in 10 games this year. The Browns have given up the most sacks this year (53) so whether its RGIII being able to shift the pocket and use his legs to stay upright and extend plays.

The running game seems to be a lost cause. And Hue Jackson said that once the Browns aren't down by a huge margin is when he will give Crowell 15+ carries. So with two weeks left in the season and 0-16 staring them in the face its highly unlikely the running game will be a major part of the game pan. The only way the running game will used is in the read option with RGIII at quarterback, which has worked at points these past two weeks.

Browns Defense vs Chargers Offense

Its unclear if Melvin Gordon will play this week. If he does, the Browns need to keep him contained. He is only 3 yards away from 1000 for the season, has 12 total touchdowns (10 rushing) and has 41 catches. He is a threat in all facets of the game. If he doesn't play Kenneth Farrow will start.

The passing game is lead by Philip Rivers, who is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He's prone to force throws at times so the Browns secondary needs to stay alert to potentially pick off a pass. Rivers has thrown 29 touchdowns and 18 interceptions this season and is 205 yards away from 4000 yards this season.

Rivers has many weapons on offense. He has three solid receivers, Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, and former Brown Travis Benjamin. Those three are his top receivers, totaling 154 catches, 2,242 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Browns corners are going to have a tough day stopping the passing game. And that doesn't count the two tight ends the Chargers throw out there. Rookie Hunter Henry has 32 catches and seven touchdowns this year, and 36 year old Antonio Gates is still out there catching 40 balls this season and five touchdowns.


Five Guys to Watch

Robert Griffin III: His days as an NFL starter seem to be coming towards an end. He might be playing for a job next year at this point so he is going to have to win this game to keep the Browns from going 0-16 and quite possibly his NFL dreams alive.

Terrelle Pryor: Pryor is another guy playing still playing for next year. He's been quiet the past two weeks and is now playing hurt with a torn ligament in his finger. This could be one of those game where he comes out and proves the haters wrong once again.

Jamie Collins Sr: Its unclear what the Browns are going to do with Collins this off-season but he has been a bright spot on this team since joining back in October. Collins vs the Chargers' tight ends should be a fun match-up to watch.

Jamar Taylor: Taylor needs to contain whoever he is matched up with this week. Rivers should be targeting he a lot this weeks.

Emmanual Ogbah: Ogbah has played well since being moved to defensive line. He's grown as a reliable pass rusher the past few weeks and he should get many chances to get to Rivers.





Weather Report:

Injury Report: 
Betting Line: Chargers -6


Predictions: 24-20 Browns

I said the Browns were going to win a game this year and its setting up to be this game. The Chargers have to travel across the county to play the 0-16 Browns on Xmas Eve...yeah ITS HAPPENING...or maybe ITS NOT HAPPENING (as in the 0-16 parade). But seriously this is setting up to be final straw in the Mike McCoy era in San Diego or where ever they are going to play in 2017.

Browns Recap 12.19.16: Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Browns fall to 0-14 after a 33-13 loss to the Bills. With that loss the Browns join the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1980 Saints and 2008 Lions to go at least 0-14 in one season. The Buccaneers and Lions ended their season winless. So, I guess there is that...

Game Recap:

The game itself was competitive game up until the middle of the third quarter when the Browns cut the lead to only seven after Robert Griffin III ran for a 18 yard touchdown run. But that where things got out of hand. The Bills went on a 17-3 run to end the game, including two touchdowns by running back LeSean McCoy.

The Browns defense struggled to stop the run, giving up 280 yards on the ground. McCoy ran for 153 yards on 19 rushes and quarterback Tyrod Taylor ran for 49 yards including one for 28 yards. Because of the success on the ground, the Bills won the the time of possession battle by almost 10 mins. The Browns also struggled to get off the field on third down, allowing the Bills to convert 4/9 times, including a 3rd and 22 which set up a scoring drive at the end of the first half.

The Bills passing offense did enough to win this game. Taylor threw for 174 yards on 17/24 attempts and one touchdown. Charles Clay was the Bills leading receiver with seven catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Clay caught all seven targets this game and the Browns had no answer to stop him.

The Browns offense wasn't that good, only totaling 269 yards. Robert Griffin III threw for 196 yards on 17/28 attempts. Duke Johnson lead the team in catches with five for 62 yards. Terrelle Pryor had another rough game, only catching four of his eight targets for 19 yards. The running game wasn't terrible at times but overall the Browns couldn't muster anything up. RGIII was the leading rusher with 48 yards. Duke Johnson had 31 yards on five rushes and Isaiah Crowell had eight carries for only 28 yards.

Overall, Griffin didn't lose this game for the Browns. It was the defense who unfortunately couldn't stop the Bills and give the Browns a chance to get back into the game. The Browns didn't commit any turnovers but didn't force any either.

Most Valuable Brown: Duke Johnson had 10 total touches for 93 total yards. The Browns didn't play well this game so picking a MVB for this week was tough.

Browns Preview 12.16.16: Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The 0-13 Cleveland Browns travel to Buffalo to take on the 6-7 Bills. Both teams lost last week to AFC North opponents. The Browns lost 23-10 against the Bengals, which was Robert Griffin III first game back since week one of the season. And the Bills lost 27-20 against the Steelers, where Le'Veon Bell ran for 236 yards and three touchdowns.

Browns Offense vs Bills Defense

The Browns should run the ball a ton this week and should limit the deep shots down field. Isaiah Crowell ran for 113 yards last week on only 10 carries. The Browns should give Crowell more carries and continue to run the read option with Griffin. Using the read-option opened up the inside run game for Crowell and it also kept the defense honest while trying to get into the backfield. The Browns should run more this week because of the weather for this game. The temps will be cold, but per weather.com Buffalo will be expecting 20mph winds Sunday.

Griffin passing the ball is going to be interesting. He needs to take what the defense gives him. So not throwing the ball into double coverage down field just to take shots, but to use Gary Barnidge and the running backs to keep the offense from being in third and long. This doesn't mean Griffin shouldn't target Corey Coleman or Terrelle Pyror, but he should pick his spots then to target them.

Lastly, Griffin needs to use his legs this game, whether in the read-option (like stated above) or scrambling when plays break down. Its important for the Browns to limit the third and long situations and that falls on the hands of Griffin. i.e. 2nd and 8 and Griffin scrambles for four yards, setting up 3rd and 4.


Browns Defense vs Bills Offense

The Bills are the number one rushing team in the league and the Browns are 31st in stopping the run so it could set up a long day for the Browns defense. The only good thing about it is that the Bills are 31st in passing offense so it makes them one-dimensional. The Bills running game is headlined by LeSean McCoy who is 24 yards away from 1000 for the season. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor is also a threat in the running game. Taylor has 471 rushing yards and is averaging 6.2 yards/carry.  So the Browns will need to assign someone to be a "spy" for Taylor.

The Bills have some weapons in the passing game, including running back LeSean McCoy who is second on the team in catches. Receiver Robert Woods and tight end Charles Clay are the other weapons Taylor likes to use at times. Also former first round pick Sammy Watkins is finally healthy so his production should increase.


Five Guys to Watch

Robert Griffin III: RGIII in his second game back is probably the number one guy to watch this week. Hopefully he learns from his mistakes and just takes what the Bills give him. And lets hope he can get into some type of rhythm and not force deep shots down field constantly.

Isaiah Crowell: Since the weather is going to be terrible for this game Crowell should get more than 10 carries this week. The Browns will need to rely on a run heavy game plan which should feature Crowell.

Jonathan Cooper: Cooper started his first game for the Browns, which was also his first start since November of last year. He played really well and helped set up holes for Crowell last week. If Cooper continues to play well the Browns might have found a starting right guard going forward.

Christian Kirksey: Kirksey will be important in both the run game and the passing game. At times he should be assigned to "spy" on quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and he will be in the middle of a lot of plays considering the amount of times the Bills run the ball.

Danny Shelton: Shelton will set the tone for the run defense this week. If he can't do his job well then its going to be a long game for the Browns this week.

Injury Report
Weather Report
Betting Line:  Buffalo -10


Prediction:  27-20 Bills

I don't think the Browns will play terrible this week but the young team will fall short once again. This seems like one of those games where RGIII tries again to do too much and ends up costing the Browns. But this game should set up something positive for the Christmas Eve game against the Chargers which the Browns have a really good chance of pulling out a victory.

Browns Preview 12.9.16: Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The 4-7-1 Cincinnati Bengals travel to Cleveland to take on the 0-12 Browns, who are coming off of a bye week. The Browns announced that Robert Griffin III will be the starter Sunday with rookie Cody Kessler has his backup. Griffin started week one against the Eagles and went 12/26 for 190 yards and one interception before suffering a fractured bone in his non-throwing shoulder which sidelined him until now. The Bengals are coming off of a 32-14 win against the Eagles were they picked off rookie Carson Wentz three times.


Browns Offense vs Bengals Defense

Its unknown what the Browns are going to feature offensively. Griffin will have some rust to start off, so the Browns will have to run the ball, even though its not usually their game plan. It doesn't matter whether its Isaiah Crowell or Duke Johnson getting the bulk of the carries, the Browns need to protect Griffin this week and the next three weeks if they want a realistic shot of winning a game this year. Duke Johnson should get the most touches this game considering he has the better yards per carry between the two and his a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.

The passing game should be interesting to watch. Terrelle Pryor and Corey Coleman will be the main targets for Griffin which is expected, but considering the time off for Griffin his chemistry/timing could be off with his wideouts. Griffin needs to protect the ball and himself this game, so checking down, sliding when scrambling, and throwing the ball away will be extremely important.


Browns Defense vs Bengals Offense

Its unknown if AJ Green will play this week for the Bengals but whether or not he plays, the Browns main focus should be stopping the running game. Earlier this year, the Bengals ran for 271 yards on 30 attempts against the Browns and Jeremy Hill had 168 of those 271 yards. If the Browns don't stop the run game they have no chance this week.

Andy Dalton is prone to throw interceptions at times, hopefully the Browns can force him into a mistake and then capitalize on it. If AJ Green doesn't play, rookie Tyler Boyd and Brandon LaFell will start at receiver. Both have 40+ catches on the year and are solid targets for Dalton.


Five Guys to Watch

Robert Griffin III: Griffin is going to be someone to watch the next four games. There is still a small chance Griffin can win over the front office and coaching staff and become the quarterback for the future. If the Browns win one of these four games its going to be because of Griffin.

Christian Kirksey: Kirksey is one of the leaders on defense and has really grown this year. He's going to need to play extremely well in the run game for the Browns to stop the two headed monster (Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard). Kirksey will also be matched up against Tyler Eifert.

Johnathan Cooper: Cooper is a former first round pick who will be starting for the first time for the Browns. Cooper has a lot to prove but with Greco down for the year, he has an opportunity to prove he isn't a bust.

Corey Coleman: It will be interesting to see how he looks after a week off. Coleman seems to be growing and his play is improving. Also Hue Jackson said Coleman might be used as a punt returner too.

Joe Haden: Whether or not AJ Green plays, Haden will need to lock down who ever he's covering. Haden should have a really good game this week and maybe even an interception because the Browns need their defensive play makers to make some plays for them to get a win this week.

Injury Report
Weather
Betting Line: Cincinnati -5.5


Prediction: 28-17 Bengals

The Browns should play well this week but unfortunately fall to 0-13. Griffin should start out rusty but end the game playing fairly well. The Browns are going to win a game this season, but its not going to be this week.