Spanning Browns Town Season Preview: Week Two Versus the Denver Broncos

Today in Spanning Browns Town we will continue our examination of the Cleveland Browns 2009 regular season schedule. On Monday We previewed the Browns’ opponents for Week One of the season, the Minnesota Vikings, and predicted that the Vikings would win. This week we will look at the Week Two opponent for the Browns.

Denver or the “Mile High City,” as it is also known by, has been a house of horror’s for the Browns and their fans. Fans who can remember all too well the misfortunes of the Browns during the playoffs in Denver spanning the late 80’s. Browns fans are still haunted by those memories that occurred in Mile High Stadium.

In the Browns’ last trip to Denver back in December of 2003 they did not fare much better. The Browns lost to the Broncos in overtime 23-20. That ironically was also the final of the 1987 AFC Championship Game, which both Browns and Broncos fans alike remember as “The Fumble.”

That time has come and gone. The Broncos, much like the Browns, will have begun a brand new era when the Browns come to visit them once agian in Week Two. How will the Browns match up with the Broncos? Let’s find out.

Coaching

Outside of a some outbursts from both Shaun Rogers and Joshua Cribbs, things have been fairly quiet for Eric Mangini as he has taken over the Browns.

Josh McDaniels wishes he had the same type of tranquility. Not long after he arrived on the scene, McDaniels had to deal with a very angry Jay Cutler. Cutler became an angry after he found out about McDaniels plans to deal him and aquire former Patriots QB Matt Cassel. Cutler was eventually dealt, and for a while, things seemed to settle in Denver Players finally seemed to be buying into McDaniels ” No one is bigger then the team” motto.

Then, out of nowhere, came the recent incident with Brandon Marshall. How will this end? And how will the season play out for McDaniels and the Broncos? It should be an interesting season in Denver.

 

Quarterbacks

Kyle Orton, who came along in the deal that sent Cutler to the Chicago Bears, will compete for the starting job with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Chris Simms.

The Broncos like that Kyle Orton brings a winning record to the table; he also has thrown for 18 touchdowns and 2,972 yards in his career and has a 79.6 rating. Pretty promising numbers from a guy who split time with a guy who was either hurt or inconsistent.

However, Orton’ biggest flaw is his decision-making; he threw 12 interceptions in limmited playing time. That type of mistake-prone quarterback will struggle in McDaniels’s system.

Word is that Orton has shown decent arm strength coming out of mini-camp, but he needs to be able to show that he can get rid of the ball quickly.

Many felt that Chris Simms, in his last months with the Titans, threw the ball like he did in 2004 when he had a very good season. It is said that his shoulder problems are no long an issue, but he still remains an underdog to Orton.

Inevitably, the quarterback who makes fewer mistakes during camp and preseason will likely receive the job.

The Broncos also drafted Fresno State QB Tom Brandstater. Brandstater had an excellent career at Fresno State, however he does not figure to be much of a factor in this year’s QB derby unless there is an injury to Orton or Simms. Still, he could be a very viable tool for the Broncos future plans provided that he is with the team that long.

ADVANTAGE: Seems to be even.

Although observers within both teams may have some idea who will emerge as their starter, there does not seem to be clear advantage. At least, if there is, no one is saying anything. We will have to see how things shape out at training camp.

Running Backs

The Broncos seem to have a wide array of choices at their disposal. The backfield is very crowded with first-round pick Knowshon Moreno along with Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, and J.J. Arrington.

Moreno seems to be the front-runner at the position, the Broncos believe that he is the total package, and he has good pass-protection skills.  Since the Broncos’ quarterbacks could use all the protection they can get, those skills might make Moreno an every-down back.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

The Browns don’t have a backfield that will punish you, but they do have one back in Jamal Lewis, who, when healthy, is a home-run threat. Plus, as you will see later on, the Broncos’ defensive line is weak, and that is good news for the Browns.

Although crowded and experienced, the Broncos backfield lacks a home-run hitter. LaMont Jordan, Corell Buckhalter, and J.J. Arrington all have their limitations. Jordan is older and may not be able to carry the work load he once did. Buckhalter and Arrington are both battling knee issues. Moreno is probably going to get the balk of work. It will give him a lot of experience, but he will not have much help.

 

Wide Receivers

For now at least, Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal seem to be the team’s duo at WR with Brandon Stokley at the slot.

Royal had a very impressive rookie season last year and was very reliable. Royal had 91 receptions for 980 yards and averaged 10.8 yards per catch with 5 touchdowns. Marshall was not as reliable, but he was still very productive with 104 receptions, 1,256 yards, 12.2 yards per catch, and 6 touchdowns.

Marshall does bring some off-the-field baggage with him, but he is also tough and competitive. He makes up on-the-field production makes up for his misjudgments off the field.

Moreover, Stokley has always proven to be a productive and reliable guy.

Jabar Gaffney was brought in because he has some familiarity with Josh McDaniels and the offense he wants to run.

The Broncos also have two huge tight ends in Daniel Graham and Richard Quinn that will be great targets for the new QB.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

Why? If Brandon Marshall, who has been complaining and saying wants out of Denver, gets his wish, this unit is going to be in big trouble.

Sure, they will have Eddie Royal, but there will not be much else. Jabar Gaffney may be somewhat handy, but he is not elite receiver. 

If Marshall does come back, there will be more matchup problems, and the Browns secondary will be in for a long day.

That said, I like what the Browns wide receivers brings to the table. They’re younger, and encouraging news has come from the Browns about rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massiqoui. Both look to be capable of playing major roles in this offense.

Steve Heiden has always been a useful at tight end and second-year man Martin Rucker will be given a chance to make a impact at tight end.

 

Offensive Line

When Mike Shanahan was in charge, he liked to use undersized, athletic lineman. Unfortunately for this unit, those days are over. McDaniels wants to run more of a power game. To do that, the unit will have to include more 300-plus linemen.

McDaniels was not left with much to work with. He does have some starting blockers with right tackles Ryan Harris and Ryan Clady. Other then that there is just not much. McDaniels will have to spend the next couple of drafts and free agency periods trying to upgrade his offensive line.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

What the Browns’ running game will not change much. Plus, their left side is solid. and the question marks on the right were addressed, even though there are still problems.

Defensive Line

This position is a mess for the Broncos and could even be worse than the Browns. The defense is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme, but they really do not have someone who can command a double-team in the middle of the field.

The Broncos chose not to address the position during the draft because they did not value the draft’s pool of defensive lineman. That will hurt them this season.

It will be interesting to see how this transition works out because there is not much that this unit did well, either defending the pass or run. They did take Robert Ayers, a DE from Tennessee with their second pick in the draft, and that could eventually work out. They still need a lot more though.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

The Browns have more at the defensive line spot, and they have more experience with the 3-4 scheme. In this particular situation, considering the condition of the Broncos’ offensive line situation, the Browns defensive line has the best chance of success.

 

Linebackers

This unit is going to have to make a slew of plays against the run because they do not have much of an answer at the nose tackle position.

Since Elvis Dumervil has a chance to be very effective in the passing game because he is able to get leverage on bigger players due his ability and reach, he will be playing on the outside with Jarvis Moss opposite him.

However, it is said that during mini-camp, Moss struggled, especially when having to be involved with the passing game. That’s not good news for the Broncos. They will also give special teamer Darrel Reid a look at outside linebacker. Boss Bailey will also be on the outside, but he had micro-fracture surgery and not much can be expected from him.

As far as inside linebacker, a familiar face for Browns fans will be in the mix for the Broncos, Andra Davis. Davis had his times where he was very productive in a Browns uniform, but he really struggled the last few seasons It will be interesting to see what he can do with a change of scenery. His partner inside will be a man named D.J. Williams.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

The Browns replaced what they lost with players that are familiar with what defensive coordinator Rob Ryan wants to do. Whether they are actually upgrades or not remains to be seen.

If Kamerion Wimbley gets going, he will be a nightmare, and they have a proven productive player with D’Qwell Jackson. The Browns don’t have as many question marks as the Broncos do, but they do have their own questions.

 

Defensive Backs

The Broncos have two Pro-Bowlers in this unit. The first is Champ Bailey. Bailey is the kind of player who, in the past, completely took away a team’s ability to throw to one side of the field. Lately, he has had to battle elbow issues. That said, he is still the teams No. 1 corner, and he’s still very dangerous.

Dre’ Bly is gone, but the team did go out and sign Andre’ Goodman to replace him. Goodman could be just as good as Bly.

Brian Dawkins was the second Pro-Bowle add to this unit, and the Broncos think that he is a significant upgrade, which, if he performs like he did in Philadelphia, he will be.

ADVANTAGE: Broncos

Special Teams

Matt Prater has a very powerful leg but needs to work on his accuracy. He struggled to make field goals from 40-49 yards. Many feel that he let the criticism from fans and coaches go to his head. The Broncos could be looking to make a change at some point. His leg strength makes him valuable for kickoffs

The reputation of punter Brett Kern is that he does not have a consistent ball drop, but many feel that he can be in the league for a while.

Look for Eddie Royal to return punts, he has all the tools to be very special and a big factor in that role. Kickoffs could go to J.J. Arrington, but the Broncos say that will not be decided until the preseason.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

Special teams are something that have been the one constant with the Browns. Phil Dawson is as solid as kickers can come. Dave Zastuilds is also solid as they come for a punter.

The Browns have one of the best kick returners in the NFL.

THE LAST WORD

There is no reason why the Browns cannot win this game. Where the Broncos lack ability, the Browns are strong. They will be in a higher altitude, and the weather is likely to be warm, so endurance will be a factor.

If the Mangini regime wants to be known as different than Crennel’s regime, they need to win games that are winnable, and this is one of them. They may have to grind it out and play a close, down-to-the-wire game, but I still like their chances. It will be a good win for them and a confidence booster as well as something that they can hang their hats on.

Browns Predicted Record After Week 2: 1-1

In the next Spanning Browns Town Season Preview, we will continue our look at the Browns 2009 Schedule as we look at their opponent for Weeks 3 and 9, the hated Baltimore Ravens.

Greg Cooksey spans Browns Town every Monday and Friday and whenever there is anything Cleveland Browns to talk about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spanning Browns Town Season Preview: Week One vs. Minnesota Vikings

Today in Spanning Browns Town we will start our season preview where we will take a look at every opponent on the Cleveland Browns 2009 schedule. 

This year the Browns once again open the season at home for what will be the 10th-straight time. This will also be the tenth anniversary of the Browns re-birth, and coming to town to help the celebrate will be Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings, who could also be bringing Brett Farve with them.

Last season the Vikings won 10 games, which was enough to capture the NFC North and make the playoffs. Under head coach Brad Childress they finally seem to be turning things around after the mess that previous head coach Mike Tice left them with.

This year they look to continue their success and should make some noise in not only their division, but also the rest of the NFC.

So just how do the Browns match up? Let’s take a closer look.

Quarterback

With or without Brett Farve this is a very promising unit, but they are not terrible without him either. Sure having Farve behind center would take this team from being a contender in their won division, to possibly being a Super Bowl contender.

Even if they fail to land him they have enough offensive fire power to make a run at their division and possibly the conference crown on their own.

Many people feel that Sage Rosenfels is no more then an 8-8 quarterback, however when you look at his supporting cast their is reason for optimism.

He has the best running back in the league lining up behind him, and a pretty good core of receivers as well. Provided the Vikings do not end up with Brett Farve, Rosenfels will finally get an opportunity to be a starter.

His best season seems to have been two years ago with the Houston Texans when he completed 154 passes  of 240 for 1,684 yards. He also threw 15 touchdown passes that season and had a 64.2 percent pass completion rating and averaged 7.0 yards per pass.

Last season he saw his numbers take a dip, although he also had less chances than the year before. He threw six TD’s, while only completing 116 of 174 passes, and less yards (1,431). His pass completion rating was actually higher then the year before at 66.7 percent as did his average yards—8.2.

The big project is going to be getting him to stay away from throwing interceptions as he has thrown a combined 22 interceptions over the past two season.

Still you can’t argue with what Rosenfels has done over the past two seasons. His ratings over the last two seasons where 84.8 in ’07 and 79.5 last season. He is deserving of the opportunity that awaits him.

Tavaris Jackson has been viewed as more of a project-type of a player. He did finish the year as the starter and was the starter in the playoffs as well.

The story on this second-round pick from the ’06 draft, though, has not been so rosy bright. He is said to have times where he can have all the talent in the world but the  moments he shows his talent are few compared to the bad decisions that he makes. He looked awful in the playoff game and many feel he is no more then a career back up. Let’s see if he can prove others wrong this summer.

Advantage

If the Vikings land Brett Farve then the advantage clearly goes to them—without Farve their QB situation is not the much different then the Browns. The Vikings won’t dominate the Browns without Farve, however I still believe who ever their QB is can get big things done against the Cleveland defense.

Minnesota has more offensive fire power. I give the Vikings the advantage.

Running backs

Many regard Vikings running back Adrian Peterson to be the best football player in the NFL. Few if any can blame those who subscribe to that belief. Really, though, what’s not to like about him?

The guy is performing at an alarming rate for opposing defensive coordinators. Last season he won his first rushing title with 1,760 yards, plus he is only the fifth player in history to accumulate 3,000 yards rushing in only two seasons. Peterson also said during the off season that he wanted to add seven to 12 pounds to help him withstand punishment better.

If he can do that and maintain his explosiveness he will be very difficult to keep up with.

To compliment Peterson the Vikings also have Chester Taylor, who may as well be a starter on many other teams. He had a very successful career with the Baltimore Ravens and it has only continued in Minnesota.

A dimension that makes him very dangerous is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Last year Taylor lead all running backs with 25 catches on third down.

Advantage

Any team that has a running back with the capabilities of Adrian Peterson has the clear advantage. Jamal Lewis has a lot to prove after last season and after him there really is not that much in the Browns running back core.

Jerome Harrison had a very good season last year but it remains to be seen if he can do it again and we will have to just wait and see what rookie sixth-round pick James Davis brings to the table—provided he makes the team. I give the advantage to the Vikings.

Wide Receiver

The Vikings posses a very talented group of receivers that will only get better this season. Their big investment was former Bears wide receiver Bernard Berrian.

Last season Berrian finished first among all receivers with 40 catches and averaged 20.1 yard a catch. He is very speedy and the highlight of his season last year was a 99-yard touchdown reception—tied for the longest ever in league history—vs. his former team.

This years Berrian will get some help.

The Vikings wanted more production from this position so they spent the No. 6 overall pick on Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin. True there have been many other receivers to come out of Florida that have not panned out, but there seems to be something special about Harvin.

This 5’11”, 195 lb. receiver is a big time playmaker and it is possible that he may play the same type of role that Devin Hester does in Chicago if the Vikings decide to have him return kickoff’s and punts as well.

Harvin does bring some character issues, however, and he did suffer an injury that he struggled to come back from in his last year at Florida. If he can overcome those issues he can be exactly what Minnesota was looking for.

Sidney Rice the former South Carolina grad is a big man at 6’4″ and he has a chance to do some big things for this group. A very serious knee injury limited his ability last season so health is a question for him.

Their Slot receiver Bobby Wade, who lead the team in catches the past two seasons, is back which should help whoever ends up at quarterback.

One of the big things the Vikings need is for their tight end Visanthe Schiancoe to continue the success he had last season when he caught the most touchdown passes of any tight end in the NFL with seven. It will also be important that he catch balls that are thrown to him over the middle.

The Vikings also brought back the league’s top blocking tight end Jim Kleinasser which is terrific news for Adrian Peterson.

Advantage

This group has a lot of talent and a lot of options for whoever the Vikings QB will be. But I am still not sure it is that much better then what the Browns have.

Berrian was one of the best receivers last season but is he part of the elite? Even if he is, the Browns do have their question marks in the secondary so it will be interesting to see what becomes of some of these match ups. There really is no clear advantage and both those teams are even at this position.

Offensive Line

The Vikings have a very strong left side with Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinney, but there have also been a lot of disappointments with McKinney to this point. He finally did show that he can live up to his first round status somewhat last season but more will be expected from him this year.

Minnesota lost their center in free agency when Matt Birk went to the Baltimore Ravens. A man that they took last season in the sixth round of the draft, John Sullivan, is the most likely to replace Birk, though it’s been suggested the Vikings will look at several other options during training camp.

There are some question marks on the right side of the line. The Vikings starting right tackle Ryan Cook was demoted because the team feels that he is extremely ineffective and prone to penalties. They have tried to remedy the situation by taking Oklahoma right tackle Phil Loadholt who is most likely to take Cook’s spot.

A man the team also really likes to play on the right side is Aris Hicks but many say that he is nothing more then a backup.

Advantage

This is another position that there is not real clear advantage for either team. The Vikings O-line seems to be built just like the Browns. Very solid left side but a very questionable right side at best. Both teams are even at this point.

Defensive Line

This position is rock solid for the Vikings. Three of the members of this group went to the Pro Bowl last season (Jared Allen, and the tackles Pat and Kevin Williams).

Jared Allen is a total nightmare for an opposing offensive coordinator and his offensive line. He came to the Vikings by way of a trade with the Chiefs last season the move paid off. He brought a ferocious pass rush to the defense and accumulated 14.5 sacks.

Allen also took some pressure off of Kevin Williams, who was able to come up with 8.5 sacks last season. The other Williams, Pat, was a rock last season and helped establish the Vikings as the a defensive force for the first time since the merger, leading the rushing defense for three consecutive seasons.

It is unclear if Vikings will start the season with either Williams’s. However, they could be facing a four-game suspension for using a banned diuretic.  You could see Fred Evans, who did a decent job when he replaced Pat Williams when he had a broken right scapula. They could also use Leroy Guion who has played two seasons with the Vikings.

Advantage

The advantage goes to the Vikings by far. Even if the Browns do not have to put up with the Williamses they will have to deal with Jared Allen. That will not be a small task.

Linebackers

After having surgery to repair dislocated toes in week four of last season, EJ Henderson will return to the Vikings lineup. Many felt that had he not been injured he would have had a Pro Bowl-type season. Now that he is healthy he is expected to finish what he started. He is not afraid to hit, and he brings intensity to the Vikings defense.

Former Iowa Hawkeye Chad Greenway also returns to the linebacking core. Greenway lead the team in tackles in ’08. He showed some play-making ability as well. He is still a good young talent who should get better this season.

The Vikings also have Ben Leber who is considered a very reliable veteran. He was the glue that held things together for the Vikings after EJ Henderson went down with his injury.  Should anything happen to Henderson again it will be Leber who will take over the play calling in the huddle and will be expected to hold this unit together again.

Advantage

Right now the advantage goes to the Vikings. They seem to have good depth in this position and if EJ Henderson can play like he did last year, Minnesota’s defense could be a nightmare to deal with.

Linebacker is still a big question mark for the Browns right now. They brought in David Bowens and Eric Barton who are familiar with Mangini’s scheme. Neither of them are Pro Bowl-type material right now. I do like David Viekune and Kaluka Maivia, but they are youngsters and who really knows what they will be capable of.

The Browns have to find a way to get Kamerion Wimbley going. He really needs to show that his rookie season was no fluke. Many feel that this system could be just what the doctor ordered but time will tell.

Defensive Backs

At the corner back position the Vikings are solid. They feature former Ohio State Buckeye Antoine Winfield who has had an outstanding career and is one of the top tacklers in the league. Throw to his side of the field if you dare. Last year was his first Pro Bowl, and he can change a game anytime his is involved in a play.

Playing next to him will be Cedric Griffin. His playing style is almost like Winfield’s. He is physical and loves to make tackles. It does not hurt him to give up throws underneath because he has an ability to stop big plays and make the tackles when needed.

The third round pick Asher Allen out of Georgia is also going to be in the mix at the corner position.

As far as safeties go, Tyrell Johnson is expected to get some playing time. He played in seven games last season while regular starter Madieu Williams was battling a neck injury. He is said to be physical and athletic. However, it is also part of his rep that he lacks the ability to make plays.

Madiue Williams is scheduled to start with Johnson having recovered from his injury. He has very good cover skills.

Jamarca Sanford was selected in the seventh round and could also be part of the Vikings game plan.

Advantage

The Vikings have a huge advantage here. The defensive back situation, especially in the corner back spot, is less then desirable for the Browns.

I like Eric Wright a lot, but he and Brandon McDonald get embarrassed too often. Hopefully the Browns will be able to find a way to use Coy Francies, who they drafted in the sixth round out of San Jose State. He is athletic and could be very useful. Francies was a guy I took a look at before the draft and really liked coming into the draft.

Unfortunately things do not look much better at safety. They did bring in Abram Elam from the Jets to replace Shaun Jones, who they will more than likely miss more then they may think.

Who really knows with Brodney Poole. There was some excitement about him when he was drafted, but he seems to get hurt a lot and has yet to make huge impact.

Special Teams

Ryan Longwell returns to the Vikings and with the team knowledge he can be relied on when needed. He holds the team record with six field goals from 50 yards or more. He is also 51 of 52 chances from the 45-yard line in three years with the Vikings. If that is not reliable, then I do not know what is.

Chris Kluwe will return at punter. Last season he set a team record with a gross average of 47.6 yards a punt. He also made some not-so-great mistakes. He fumbled a ball in a game against the Bears which lead to a touchdown drive. He also chose to punt to Reggie Bush—twice!—in a game at New Orleans both of which were returned for touchdowns. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds this season.

As mentioned earlier, we could see Percy Harvin returning punts and kickoff’s. If Brad Childress chooses not to go that direction, the Vikings also brought in Glenn Holt from the Cincinatti Bengals to do that job. Holt will mostly be used on kickoffs, though.

Advantage

This is one area the Browns should not have any trouble competing in. Phil Dawson is just as reliable as Ryan Longwell. You can count on Dawson to make the long-range field goal as well if he needs to.

Josh Cribbs has proven to be a huge weapon. He seems to make a highlight-reel play every time he touches the football. It will not be good news for the Vikings if Chris Kluwe kicks his way through a tight game.

Overall

This should be a very interesting game, although for Browns fans very disappointing. Do I believe that the Browns are going to be severally out-matched? No. But I do think that Brett Farve or no Brett Farve the Vikings are the better team.

They have to much more fire power coming from their running game and even their passing game has a better chance of presenting match-up problems.

It is going to be very hard for the Browns to contend with the Vikings defensive line. Plus they have lost nine out of their last 10 openers at home. It could end up being close, but I like the Vikings to come away with a win in this one.

Predicted Browns record after week 1: 0-1

In the next Spanning Browns Town Season Preview we will take a look at the Browns opponents for week number 2 the Denver Broncos.

 

Greg Cooksey Spans Browns Town every Monday and Friday or whenever there is anything Cleveland Browns to talk about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spanning Browns Town: Donte’s Choice, and The End of OTAs

We all do dumb things. I suppose that is probably the most basic fact of life as well as a obviously boring beginning, but it bears truth, and for the past three or four months it has been something that Donte’ Stallworth’s life.  

This week Stallworth found out that there are very harsh conseqeunces for making the wrong decisions. Especially when that choice results in life altering changes to someone or someone else’s family.

This week after striking a deal with the family of a man who Stallworth struck and killed while driving intoxicated, he received a sentence after pleading guilty of DUI manslaughter that will leave him with plenty of personal problems over the next few years.

Now it appears that his professional career could be in jeopardy. Thursday NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Stallworth indefinitely and sent the following statement to Stallworth.

“The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable. While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident, it is my responsibility as NFL Commissioner to determine the appropriate league discipline for your actions, that have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL.

“The conduct that lead to your conviction plainly violates both the Personal Conduct and Substance of Abuse policies. Either provides me with full authority appropriate disciplinary actions against you, including a fine or suspension without pay, and to impose appropriate conditions on your continued participation in the NFL. In this case there is ample evidence to warrant significant discipline under both policies.

“There is no reasonable dispute that your continued eligibility for participation at this time would undermine the integrity of and public confidence in our league. Accordingly I have decided to suspend you indefinitely, effective immediately.”

Godel also told Stallworth that he would schedule a meeting with him and his representatives and himself to make a final determination of discipline, and ended his letter to Stallworth by stating

“Everyone associated with the league derives tremendous benefits from participating in our game from the extraordinary support we receive from the public. With these benefits, comes, among other things, the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a lawful and responsible way, with no entitlement to or expectation of favorable treatment.”

This leaves both the Browns and Stallworth with the following question. Where do we go from here, and what next?

From the Browns side of things, if you look at the roster it may not be all to hard to replace Stallworth. They where able to give the WR position a much needed face lift with the additions of Brian Robiskie and Mohammad Massouqi plus there is Josh Cribbs in the fold as well as Syndric Steptoe, if you need him.

Can the Browns really afford to wait and see just what happens with Stallworth’s situation? Effectively the answer to that question is no.

What seems to be clear is that it could very well be that Roger Goodell will wait two years—the amount of time that Stallworth will spend under house arrest or “community control” as I read it also referred to—before he even decides to review the case.  

Stallworth, who is 28, would only be hitting 30 by the time that two years pass. He still may be able to help a team at that age, but the truth is that the Browns have two years to wait for no one.

This is a team that will have to face harsh consequences if they do not identify their problems and fix them now. No longer can they afford to be dealing with players with off the field issues like they have in the past: Gerard Warren, Mike Sellers, and Reuben Droughns, and Darren Hambrick.

Time is of the essence for this team and unfortunately that is something they just do not have much of right now. They have other options to replace Stallworth with and it is time to give them a look.

From Stallworth’s stand point all there is to do is wait hope and pray for another chance. He is going to have to pick up the pieces and get himself back together. He received a big break by only getting a 30-day jail sentence, because if he were an everyday average citizen he would be dealing with a lot more time then that.

Like Goodell said, he had a responsibility to conduct himself in a way that was appropriate and right being a public figure and he chose not to do that.

All of us do things that we know we should not be doing or even that we know are wrong that’s just part of human nature. It does not make it anymore right but that is just what the fact is.

The fact also is that when we do those things we all have to face punishment or consequences for those actions when we commit them.

Donte Stallworth made the choice to get behind the wheel of a car while in a state of mind that he had no business being in that position in the first place. Due to him making that decision someone lost his life.

I am sure that no one told him to drive drunk, and I am also sure that if we could go back in time to the night of March 14th we would probably observe someone begging him not drive home. He did it anyway. Now he is reaping the consequences.

I feel for Donte’ (as I do the family of the man that he killed) because I hate it when people who have the world at their hands make dumb decisions like this one.

I would not wish that on anyone because I like to see people doing well for themselves and to throw that all away because they cannot make a good choice is heartbreaking to me.

I wish Donte well but I hope that he has learned his lesson. It was Donte Stallworth that made this particular bed, and it is Donte Stallworth he will have to lay in it.

On to happier matters.

THE END OF OTAs

It is great to see how things have shaped up for the Browns as the off season team activities also known as OTAs wrapped up last Saturday.

There has been some complaining from some players Shaun Rogers, Josh Cribbs, and even Phil Dawson had his little pow wow. What’s different is that when they have complained, their gripes have been short-lived.

This shows that things are starting to turn the corner with the new coaching staff. Players are being told that if they have something bad to say, Mangini and Kokinis want it brought to the, in hopes of preventing a media circus.

Other positive takeaways are listed below.

 

The guys who could not participate helping the youngsters

I especially liked hearing that Jamel Lewis was helping fellow running back and rookie James Davis. It has been said that the two have always had a close relationship coming from the same high school in Georgia, but that Lewis took him aside and gave him some pointers is terrific.

Davis, who the Browns selected in the sixth round from Clemson, was once thought to be a first day pick. But the second leading rusher in Clemson history somehow fell to the sixth round.

If he can apply what he is learning from Lewis the Browns continue to get good production out of Jerome Harrison, they could finally have the dominate rushing game they have lacked the past ten seasons.

 

A new Braylon?

I really feared that we would hear from Braylon Edwards a lot during the off season, especially while all the trade rumors were flying around. What I thought Braylon would have to say would not be good for Browns fans.

Surprisingly enough, Braylon has not done much complaining at all. As a matter of fact he has kept his mouth shut and worked hard, or as hard as he possibly can at least. When he did speak what he had to say was actually very complimentary, and he even said that he did not want to leave a bad taste in the fans’ mouths.

Are we witnessing the transformation of Braylon? Or is this just a big act because he knows that this is a contract year? He does know if things do not go well he could just walk and cut his ties here, he seemed all to willing to do that towards the end of last season.

Only time will tell but for now Braylon appears to be tamer. I am sure that is the way Eric Mangini as well as Gorge Kokinis would prefer it as we all would.

Mangini seems to be building the team spirit he promised

I thought that Eric Mangini had a rather unique idea when he told the team he would cancel the afternoon session of OTAs last Saturday if an offensive or defensive lineman  caught a punt or a kickoff.

The reception that Rex Hadnot got when he caught Dave Zastuild’s punt showed two things to me.

The first things is that Mangini is stressing the importance of hard work, but at the same time enjoying what you do. You cannot have the country club atmosphere that seemed to exist under Romeo Crennel, but you cannot over work guys and make them feel punished either.

It gave them a chance to fantasize a little bit, but it also gave them a chance to laugh and take a load off. Not just have a typical boring day at the office where nothing exciting ever happens.

It also helps bring the team together. The report that I read said that when Hadnot caught Zastuild’s punt the team roared and swarmed him. That shows a team spirit and it is getting them to see that no one person is bigger then the other on this team. They will either win or lose as a team and it is starting to show.

I will admit to being very critical of Mangini because I didn’t know if he could bring this group of players together. But he’s managed to do that so far, while with some mixed results, there’s been more good than bad.

The question is if can he do it during the grind of a hot late July and early August training camp and the grind of a 16-game regular season schedule.

That’s all for this edition of Spanning Browns Town. In The next edition we will start our season preview in which we will break down each opponent on the Browns schedule this season.

Next time we’ll break down their week one opponent the Minnesota Vikings plus my personal analysis on any news that breaks concerning the Browns.

Greg Cooksey Spans Browns Town every Monday and Saturday during the regular season and whenever there is news concerning the Browns.

 

 

 

 

 

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