Well, I just purchased my Browns/Bills tickets and made my first payment to the NFL ticket. It's a steep price to pay, but I'm a die-hard fan.

With training camp around the corner, it's time to talk about the Browns again. Last month, I wrote about the offense, particularly the skilled-position players. Obviously, with a new and improved line, these skilled-position players have the opportunity to be successful.

OL: To start, Ryan Pontbriand will continue duties as the long snapper. Rookie, Alex Mack, should take over at the center position. Hank Fraley (10-yr vet) was serviceable, at times, but most of the time, he got pushed around. Obviously, Joe Thomas will hold down the right tackle position, and the rest of the positions are up for grabs.

After reading some of the articles on Cleveland's Plain Dealer, it sounds like Eric Mangini is looking for the rest of the linemen to compete for three positions: LG, RG, and RT. Who are the favorites? Eric Steinbach (7), Floyd Womack (9), John St. Clair (10), Rex Hadnot (6), and Ryan Tucker (13). Steinbach is versatile but small, Womack and St. Clair were signed as FA, Hadnot struggled last year, and Tucker is probably the best lineman when he's not battling injuries. Another FA was signed after Womack and St. Clair; he is George Foster (6), and he might have a better shot at winning a starting position when compared to the following: Isaac Sowells (4), Dustin Fry (2), Kurt Quarterman (1), and rookies Marlon Davis and Branndon Braxton.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns...Training Camp is Right Around the Corner!"

Predictions:

Obviously, expectations are high for Browns' fans. Many expect a huge turn-around immediately, and why not? We have a new coach, a new attitude, a new atmosphere, a revamped "O" line, a restocking of WRs, and new blood on "D." Many fans believe that we are ready to compete. Are we ready to compete at a high level? Who knows. We will just have to wait and see.

Now, while some sports fanatics see the Browns in the basement again, other critics see the Browns going 8-8, at best. Yes....8-8...that's not a far reach, just look at their schedule. Why can't we beat Denver, Cincinnati twice, Buffalo, Detroit, KC, Jacksonville, and Oakland?

Defensive Playmakers? 

Outside LBs:David Bowens, Kamerion Wimbley, Alex Hall, Titus Brown, and David Veikune. Hopefully, Bowens will be solid because Wimbley and Hall have yet to prove themselves. Truthfully, Hall and Brown should be given a pass for now. They haven't had too many opportunities to develop into quality players. For some unknown reason, Hall lost playing to Willie Mcginest.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: Time for Camp...Any Predictions?"