Links to Browns coverage: Jan. 4, 2011

Posted on January 4, 2011 - 11:23 am by Nate Ulrich

Keep up with the Browns by reading the following stories:

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Transcript from press conference with Browns President Mike Holmgren

Posted on January 3, 2011 - 4:34 pm by Nate Ulrich

Browns President Mike Holmgren met with reporters Monday afternoon. Here is a transcript from the press conference:

Browns President Mike Holmgren press conference 1-3-11

(Opening statement) -- “Good afternoon everybody. As you know, we are going to make a change with the head coach. I had a chance to meet with Eric (Mangini) this morning. We had a very good but tough conversation. It’s difficult to say the least, but I want to thank him publicly. He and his family for everything they have done as far as the football organization is concerned and also the community. They are wonderful people and I wish them nothing but the best. Our conversation, I think we were very honest with one another. We have established a good relationship and that’s what made it even more difficult. We will begin a search for a new coach immediately. We’ve started the ball rolling a little bit today already. I am not locking myself into any timetable for this. My goal is to find exactly the right person for the job of Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns and who can eventually someday lead us to the championship. That is my only goal.”

(On if there is any chance he will be coaching the team next year) -- “I was hired to be the President of the Cleveland Browns and I think this year I have grown into the job. I think I learned a lot about a lot of things that I hadn’t paid much attention to before. Having said that, I am also a coach, I’ll always be a coach. Heck, the people in the building call me coach. To tell you right now that I would never coach again, whether it’s here or any place, that probably wouldn’t be honest. You know that, I know that. As of right now, I am the President of the Cleveland Browns and my job is to find the best coach available, the right coach available for this job. That’s what I am trying to do and that does not include me right now. To say I’ll never coach again, I probably won’t coach again, but I don’t want to lie to you ever. I’ve never done it and I’m not going to start now.”

(On if he has contacted potential candidates) -- “Probably around 11 o’clock we sent out request forms, based on league protocols, to a few fellos. We now are waiting on a few responses.”

(On if there is a race to get John Fox or Jon Gruden with other openings coming in the league) -- “Those two fellos I know very, very well and they are outstanding football coaches. It seems as though there are going to be a number of changes in the league so I would suspect that those two guys would be candidates on a lot of people’s lists. As far as how we are handing this, we are not going to announce people before they come in here. After I have interviewed the possible candidate, at that point I will follow up with you and let you know who came in and those types of things. That’s how we are going to handle it. I am not prepared today to give you a bunch of names or things like that but you won’t be kept in the dark on this. It’s just I think in fairness the people we are talking to and other candidates perhaps, I’d like to handle it that way.”

(On why wouldn’t he include himself in the search if he is looking for the best man and right man for the job) -- “That’s very nice of you to say Tony (Grossi) (joking). It’s just at this stage of my life that’s not what my first priority is. It really isn’t. I’m enjoying, I’m relishing the role that Randy Lerner had confidence to give me. I would like to continue getting better, continue to help guide the organization and get us to where we want to get from that position. I’m going to approach this a certain way. I think I’m a pretty good coach but there are a lot of good coaches, a lot of young coaches. I am actually anxious to talk to a few of them and just see how it goes, what the feel is like. I can get real excited about finding a young guy and having him take the ball and go with it.”

(On when he would coach again if he doesn’t coach now) -- “How old is Joe Paterno (joking)? That’s a good point so I think you are answering your own question. I was in the bright light a long time and I enjoyed it tremendously but right now my direction is going in a different way.”

(On when he made up his mind that Mangini would no longer be the coach) -- “Probably this morning. I’ve said all along and I’ve tried to be true to what I’ve told you, and certainly what I’ve told Eric all along is that this season I would make any decision I had to make once the season was concluded. Let the dust settle, let me think about it. That’s how I make decisions. That’s how I made the decision to keep Eric. And then come to some sort of conclusion. I didn’t sleep very well last night. I was up a fair amount of the night thinking about this, thinking what I might have to do and then finally trying to make the correct decision. Look, it’s difficult. I’ve never had to do this before. I like the man a lot. He is a hard working, bright, caring guy. Unfortunately this business at times and even though it wasn’t the only factor, I want to win here. We want to win here in Cleveland and we did not win enough games this year.”

(On if he could do the job of both president and head coach) -- “I’d rather not dwell with a hypothetical right now. My focus is in another way. If I have to answer that question, I’ll probably have to answer it way down the road but not right now.”

(On if he is limiting the search to coaches with NFL experience) -- “No Tom (Withers), we’ve compiled lists, columns if you will, of coaches that fit into certain categories and college coaches are certainly one of the categories.”

(On if he is ruling himself out of the search completely) -- “At the present time, yes.”

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Poll: Who should the Browns hire as head coach?

Posted on January 3, 2011 - 1:21 pm by Dan

Browns President Mike Holmgren said he didn't rule out coaching in Cleveland or anywhere else in the future, but right now he's searching for someone else. With that said, who should he hire as the next head coach of the Browns? Explain your pick, especially if you pick other.

If Mike Holmgren isn't going to be the Browns head coach, who should be?

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Browns President Mike Holmgren says coaching search has already started, but he's not a candidate

Posted on January 3, 2011 - 12:41 pm by Nate Ulrich

After firing coach Eric Mangini this morning, Browns President Mike Holmgren met with reporters this afternoon. Here are some of the highlights from the press conference.

  • Holmgren said he met with Mangini this morning and had a good but tough conversation. Holmgren thanked Mangini.
  • Holmgren said, "We will begin a search for a new coach immediately. … Not locking myself into any timetable."
  • Holmgren didn't rule out coaching in Cleveland or anywhere else in future, but right now he said he's searching for someone else. He said he's ruling himself out as a coaching candidate at the present time.
  • Holmgren said he has contacted some coaching candidates based on league protocol and is now waiting for responses.
  • Holmgren said he won't reveal candidates until they interview. He vows to discuss them after the interviews.
  • When asked when he decided to fire Mangini, Holmgren said "probably this morning."
  • Holmgren said college coaches won't be excluded from the search.
  • Holmgren said the Browns didn't win enough this year, and he wants a winner. He said he tried not to base his decision on any one game. "I have high expectations, and I'm just not gonna settle," he said.
  • Holmgren said his whole focus is putting together a list of candidates and interviewing them.
  • Holmgren said he and General Manager Tom Heckert will be the point people during the interview process.
  • Holmgren said his timetable for hiring a coach won't be affected by the labor situation.
  • Holmgren said he met with assistant coaches today, told them to take the week off and will meet with them again Monday. They're all under contract with the team, Holmgren said.
  • Holmgren said he hasn't yet spoken to either Jon Gruden or John Fox. He's not ruling them out as candidates, either.
  • Holmgren said one of the considerations in the search will be if quarterback Colt McCoy is "the guy."
  • Holmgren said he won't force a new coach to run a West Coast system, but it will be another factor he considers.
  • Holmgren on the importance of hiring the right coach: "Huge. I don't want to do this again."
  • Holmgren said "it certainly would be easier" if new coach runs West Coast system, but he doesn't think it's fair to limit a coach.
  • Holmgren said he doesn't think the franchise is starting all over, but he understands the "here we go again feeling."
  • Holmgren said Browns owner Randy Lerner asked him if he wanted to coach again. "Yeah, we did have those conversations," Holmgren said.
  • Holmgren said "there was nothing good" about the Browns' 41-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season finale. However, Holmgren said he didn't base his decision on any single game, including the recent blowout loss to the Steelers.
  • Holmgren said he didn't want to paint himself into a corner in terms of picking an offensive or defensive coach.
  • Holmgren said there is no budget for the coaching hire. Lerner told him "we are to do what we feel we have to do."

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Video: Browns TE Benjamin Watson discusses the firing of coach Eric Mangini

Posted on January 3, 2011 - 12:27 pm by Nate Ulrich

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Links to Browns coverage: Jan. 3, 2011

Posted on January 3, 2011 - 11:56 am by Nate Ulrich

Keep up with the Browns by reading the following stories:



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Browns fire coach Eric Mangini

Posted on January 3, 2011 - 10:07 am by Nate Ulrich

Here is the official release from the Browns:

Eric Mangini was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Cleveland Browns Monday, the team announced.

"This decision was not easy for me, and it was one into which I put a great deal of thought,” Browns President Mike Holmgren said. "Although we have made improvements this season, my responsibility is to ensure that we establish a program that will allow this team to compete at a championship level. That will continue to be our goal in everything we do. I want to thank Eric for all of his contributions to the Cleveland Browns, and wish him and his family the best of luck in the future."

"The experience coaching the Cleveland Browns the past two years has been tremendous," Mangini said. "I appreciate the opportunity that the Lerner family gave me. I have a deep respect for the players that I have coached the past two years and how they have made a profound difference in changing the culture – a tougher, smarter, more competitive, selfless team that never gave up. Our goal was to build a team for long term success. The core characteristics we were dedicated to, I believe, will help achieve that goal, and have provided a strong identity for this football team and have helped to create a positive foundation upon which the organization can continue to build.

"I feel strongly that the Cleveland Browns are headed in a very positive direction and greatly value the commitment and exceptional efforts of the coaches, players and everyone in the building that I’ve worked with in trying to help achieve our goals. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed living in the Cleveland community and appreciate the support and passion of the fans. I know Mike and Tom are also dedicated to building a championship caliber organization and wish them nothing but success."

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Poll: Did the Browns make the right choice firing Eric Mangini?

Posted on January 3, 2011 - 10:06 am by Dan

Browns fans, here is your chance to make your opinion known. Add your vote and your opinion in the comments. We'll have another poll after Browns President Mike Holmgren meets with the media at 1 p.m.

Did the Browns make the right choice firing Eric Mangini?

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Posted in Cleveland Browns, Mike Holmgren | Tagged , | 13 Comments

Video: Browns coach Eric Mangini discusses his future after Cleveland's 41-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Posted on January 2, 2011 - 5:51 pm by Nate Ulrich

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Browns President Mike Holmgren says he will meet with coach Eric Mangini Monday morning

Posted on January 2, 2011 - 12:34 pm by Nate Ulrich

Browns President Mike Holmgren said he will meet with coach Eric Mangini Monday morning, so the two can discuss Mangini's future.

This past Friday, Mangini said he expected to meet with Holmgren on Monday. On Sunday before the Browns began their regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Holmgren confirmed the meeting will take place.

Holmgren also said he met with Mangini last week, and the two agreed to meet again after the regular-season finale. With one game left in the 2010 season, Mangini has guided the Browns to a record of 10-21.

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Game day blog: Browns vs. Steelers (Week 17)

Posted on January 2, 2011 - 12:16 pm by Nate Ulrich

Final recap: Steelers 41, Browns 9 (click here for the box score)

The Browns were embarrassed in their regular-season finale against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh dominated from the start, as evidenced by Cleveland's 31-3 halftime deficit. With the win, the Steelers (12-4) clinched the AFC North title, a first-round playoff bye and a home game in the divisional round. The Browns finished with a record of 5-11 for the second consecutive season. They also ended the season with a four-game losing streak. This could be the end of the road for coach Eric Mangini in Cleveland. He will meet with Browns President Mike Holmgren Monday morning to discuss his future. On NBC's "Football Night in America," Sports Illustrated's Peter King said he believes Holmgren will fire Mangini and try to replace him with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Mangini's body language and actions after the game suggested Sunday was his farewell tour. It should be an interesting week at the team's headquarters in Berea, so stay tuned. The Browns have scheduled an open locker room period for media beginning at approximately 10 a.m. Monday, followed by a scheduled news conference with Mangini at 1 p.m. Aside from speculation about a coaching change, the other major Browns storyline to come out of the game was quarterback Colt McCoy's rocky finish to his rookie season. He faced two of the NFL's toughest defenses in the final two weeks (the Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers), and he threw three interceptions in each game. On the second play from scrimmage, McCoy's pass went off the left hand of tight end Benjamin Watson and into the arms of Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. The Steelers scored one play later when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger connected with wide receiver Mike Wallace for a 56-yard pass. Pittsburgh never looked back. The Browns had a chance to cut their deficit in half early in the second quarter, but tight end Robert Royal dropped consecutive passes in the end zone, and the Browns settled for a field goal. They never posed a serious threat again.

Game action

End 1Q: Steelers 14, Browns 0 — 1. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger connected with wide receiver Mike Wallace for a 56-yard touchdown pass with 14:17 left in the first quarter. Wallace ran a route in between rookie cornerback Joe Haden and rookie safety T.J. Ward. Shaun Suisham made the extra-point kick to give the Steelers a 7-0 lead. 2. Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall ran 1 yard for a touchdown with 6:57 left in the first quarter. The PAT was good, giving the Steelers a 14-0 advantage. Instant impressions — 1. The Browns received the opening kickoff and committed a turnover on their second play from scrimmage. Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy's pass to tight end Benjamin Watson was a bit off target, forcing Watson to try to make a one-handed catch. Watson, though, bobbled the pass with his left hand, and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu dived to intercept it. Polamalu tied a career high with seven interceptions this season. 2. Wallace is killing the Browns. He turned a short completion into a 41-yard gain, setting up Mendenhall's 1-yard touchdown run. 3. The Browns will start the second quarter with second-and-goal at the Steelers' 2-yard line. During the Browns' third drive, McCoy has done a good job getting away from pressure and extending plays with his mobility. 4. Browns kick returner/wide receiver Josh Cribbs suffered a foot injury. His return is questionable. 5. Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden suffered a groin injury. His return is questionable.

End 2Q: Steelers 31, Browns 3 — 1. Phil Dawson made a 19-yard field goal to trim the Browns' deficit to 14-3 with 14:43 left in the second quarter. 2. Mendenhall ran for another 1-yard touchdown. The successful PAT gave the Steelers a 21-3 lead with 7:51 left in the second quarter. 3. Roethlisberger completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Heath Miller with 4:53 left in the second quarter. Suisham made the PAT to extend the Steelers' lead to 28-3. Instant impressions — 1. Browns tight end Robert Royal dropped two passes in the end zone on consecutive plays (second and third down). After Royal's missed opportunities, the Browns settled for a field goal early in the second quarter. 2. The Browns' defense doesn't have any answers. Mendenhall can run at will, and nobody can keep up with Wallace in the passing game. This is really, really ugly. The Steelers might start resting some of their key players in the second half. 3. Cribbs returned to the game. He lined up as the deep man on a kickoff return with 7:51 left in the second quarter. 4. McCoy threw his second interception of the game midway through the second quarter. The pass was intended for Massaquoi, but it wasn't even close to him. McCoy and Massaquoi have had problems getting on the same page in recent weeks, and it showed again as Steelers safety Ryan Clark dived to pick off McCoy. The Browns challenged Clark's catch, but the interception was upheld after a review. Clark returned the interception 23 yards to the Browns' 24, helping set up Roethlisberger's touchdown pass to Miller. 5. McCoy threw his third interception of the game with 2:33 left. Steelers cornerback Anthony Madison picked off McCoy, whose throw didn't even come close to approaching one of his receivers. McCoy was hit by Steelers linebacker James Harrison as he threw. Running back Mike Bell and Royal failed to pass block Harrison. 6. Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown suffered a shoulder injury. His return is questionable. 7. The first half ended with the Steelers sacking McCoy again. The Browns can no longer say they have been competitive in every game during the 2010 season.

End 3Q: Steelers 38, Browns 3 — 1. On a trick play, Pittsburgh's Antwaan Randle El completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to fellow wide receiver Hines Ward. The Steelers took a 38-3 lead with 7:18 left in the third quarter by making the PAT. Instant impressions — 1. In the first half, the Browns became the last team in the NFL to allow 30 points in a game. Now they're flirting with giving up more than 40. 2. McCoy has failed to rebound from his poor performance last week, when he threw three interceptions against the Baltimore Ravens. On first-and-10 from the Browns' 18, McCoy fumbled as he was sacked by Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel. Fortunately for the Browns, McCoy recovered his own fumble. 3. With 5:34 left in the third quarter, the Steelers began to rest some of their key players. Byron Leftwich filled in for Roethlisberger at quarterback, and Jonathan Dwyer replaced Mendenhall at running back. 4. Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey left the game with a stinger and was replaced by Doug Legursky. Pouncey's return is questionable.

End 4Q: Steelers 41, Browns 9 — 1. Suisham made a 24-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 41-3 lead with 12:32 left in the fourth quarter. 2. McCoy completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brian Robiskie with 6:33 left in the fourth quarter, trimming Cleveland's deficit to 41-9. The pass was originally ruled incomplete, but one official overruled another and called it a touchdown. Replays show Robiskie had possession of the ball as he fell in the front corner of the end zone. When the Browns went for two points, McCoy's pass intended for Massaquoi was incomplete in the back of the end zone. But the play was negated because of offsetting pass-interference penalties on Massaquoi and Steelers cornerback Williams Gay. Therefore, the two-point conversion had to be replayed. Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace filled in for McCoy, who appeared to be hurt when he was hit by Steelers defensive end Nick Eason during the first two-point attempt. Wallace was picked off by Steelers safety Ryan Mundy in the end zone. Instant impressions — 1. With several of their starters resting on the sideline, the Steelers still produced a 10-play, 52-yard scoring drive to eclipse the 40-point plateau. 2. The Browns nearly scored a touchdown when Cribbs took a snap out of the Wildcat formation and fired a pass toward the front of the end zone to wide receiver Brian Robiskie. The pass, however, was thrown a bit short, and Robiskie couldn't haul it in. 3. Then with 6:40 left in the fourth quarter, McCoy threw a pass to Royal in the back corner of the end zone. Royal appeared to make the catch at first, but he didn't maintain control of the ball when it hit the ground. The Browns challenged the call, but the play stood as an incomplete pass after a review. One play later, McCoy connected with Robiskie for the Browns' first touchdown of the game. 4. After he appeared to be injured during Cleveland's first two-point conversion attempt, McCoy re-entered the game for the Browns' final drive.

Pregame notes

Top storylines — 1. This could be Eric Mangini's final game as the Browns' coach. Mangini said he expects to discuss his future Monday with Browns President Mike Holmgren. Mangini has two years left on his contract, but Holmgren might decide to make a coaching change after consecutive losing seasons. 2. This could also be the last game in Cleveland for several players. Kicker Phil Dawson, who has been a member of the Browns since their expansion era began in 1999, is not signed for the 2011 season and might land elsewhere as a free agent. 3. Steelers linebacker James Harrison will face the Browns for the first time since he sidelined wide receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi with concussions in Week 6. Harrison was fined $75,000 (later reduced to $50,000) for his hit on Massaquoi. 4. Browns running back Peyton Hillis and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu are both active for today's game. Hillis did not practice this past week because of sore ribs, and Polamalu missed the past two games with an Achilles injury. 5. Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy will face the Steelers, who have one of the NFL's best defenses, for the second time. He made his NFL regular-season debut against Pittsburgh in Week 6, when Cleveland suffered a 28-10 loss at Heinz Field.

Inactive players — Browns: WR Jordan Norwood, QB Jake Delhomme (listed as the team's third quarterback), WR Carlton Mitchell, DL Brian Sanford, DL Ko Quaye, WR Demetrius Williams, DL Travis Ivey and DL Jayme Mitchell. Steelers — QB Charlie Batch (listed as the team's third quarterback), RB Mewelde Moore, CB Crezdon Butler, OT Chris Scott, OT Tony Hills, DT Steve McLendon, DE Aaron Smith and LB Jason Worilds.

Lineup changes — Browns: Derreck Robinson will start at right defensive end in place of Brian Schaefering. Steelers: No announced lineup changes.

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Links to Browns coverage: Jan. 2, 2011

Posted on January 2, 2011 - 11:34 am by Nate Ulrich

Keep up with the Browns by reading the following stories:

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Opposing team links:

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Links to Browns coverage: Jan. 1, 2011

Posted on January 1, 2011 - 12:50 pm by Nate Ulrich

Keep up with the Browns by reading the following stories:

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Opposing team links:

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Transcript from press conference with Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll

Posted on December 31, 2010 - 4:56 pm by Nate Ulrich

Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll met with reporters Friday afternoon. Here is a transcript from the press conference:

Browns Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll press conference 12-31-10

(On how much Colt McCoy has improved since his first game against Pittsburgh) -- “I think each game is a learning experience for him in this league.  He had a rough one in a couple of plays last week, but he’s been doing a good job for the teams he’s played and the amount of games he’s played.  I think he’s got a chance to be pretty good.”

(On how tough it is to go against Pittsburgh’s run defense) -- “It’s hard.  You’re going to have to do it, but the longest run they’ve given up all year is 24 yards.  They’ve given up 18 runs of 10 yards or more.  It’s tough.  You’ve got to have outside, inside and understand there is going to be ones and twos and zeros because there is every game against that team.  You’ve got to stay at it and you have got to be able to throw the ball too.”

(On the chances of Peyton Hillis playing Sunday) -- “I hope that’s he’s going to be able to go.  He hasn’t practice.  He’s running all of the plays that we are obviously going to run, so I’m just keeping my fingers crossed for when they let me know.  I’m hopeful, but I don’t know percentage-wise what it’s going to be like.”

(On if he feels good about Mike Bell if Hillis is unable to play) -- “Yes.  Mike, when he got some opportunities last week, did a nice job.  You can’t replace a guy like Peyton, but Mike has been preparing the last couple of weeks very, very well.  If he has got to do it, I have confidence in him.”

(On if the plan last week was to split some carries between Hillis and Bell or if it was a result of Hillis getting injured) -- “Yes, he got dinged up pretty good on the second play.  He was going to try to go, but you knew he needed some time.”

(On the notion that this could be his last game as offensive coordinator here in Cleveland) -- “I haven’t even thought about it, I’ve been working on Pittsburgh.  I’ve got enough on my plate with the Steelers coming in.”

(On if they will be able to do some different things with Joshua Cribbs in the lineup this week to spell Hillis) -- “Yes, and he’s been slowly getting back to speed.  I thought last game was probably his most up tempo game for him.  It’s always in there, it depends on how he feels and how he thinks he can plant and run.  If we need it, we are definitely going to have to go to it.  You have got to have alternatives.”

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Transcript from press conference with Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan

Posted on December 31, 2010 - 4:52 pm by Nate Ulrich

Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan met with reporters Friday afternoon. Here is a transcript from the press conference:

Browns Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan press conference 12-31-10

(Opening Statement) -- “Good afternoon everybody. The Pro Bowl balloting came and went and we didn’t have any defensive players on it. Joe Haden was an alternate, I believe. Talk about a guy that is deserving, man does he come on.  He is really phenomenal.  What I wanted to do is just address a couple things about our defense because I think they’ve worked their (tails) off.  They’ve lost both captains early in the year, with Robaire (Smith) and Scott (Fujita).  I just wanted to let everybody to know because every time I hear and you know me I should never listen to the radio but I do and the guy doesn’t like me and that’s cool.  I’m good because I don’t like him but it’s like people just don’t know how hard these guys have worked and really what they’ve done so I wanted to point it out.  Right here in 2010 that’s this year, the defensive rankings, we’re in the top 10 in points allowed we’re seventh, takeaways we’re ninth and red zone we’re sixth.  Red zone I always think that’s real important. I think points allowed and takeaways are the most important stats in football for defense.  Maybe some people say it’s yards or whatever it is. I think we’re 13th in rushing defense per carry, 13th in passing defense but I really think it’s points allowed and turnovers and these guys are doing a great job.  You see that and we’re in the top 10 in all three of those and there are only three defenses in the league that can say that.  There are only three defenses in the league, Chicago, Pittsburgh and us.  Two of those teams are playing for home field advantage in playoffs.  I believe, I don’t know if Chicago is still or not but that’s saying something.  I don’t think people realize the type of effort these guys are playing with.  The free agents we’ve picked up have been outstanding for our defense, I mean tremendous.  It’s right there evidence by the improvement we’ve had.  When’s the last time the Browns have been the top seven or whatever it is in scoring? 1994, so it’s been a while.  That’s been a while.  To be that high in takeaways 2008 and 2001 but neither one of them are any good in scoring defense.  I don’t know if you’ve got to look back for when they didn’t have facemasks or what but our defense is playing pretty (darn) good fellas and I think you need to know that.  I think you also need to know in the red zone, we were sixth last year, we’re sixth again this year.  Only two teams have giving up five rushing touchdowns that’s us and Pittsburgh, we’re playing against these guys.  We’re first in first quarter points.  By the way Mike O’Connor put all these together, he’s going to be a scout.  He put all these stats together.  Third quarter points, we’re fifth in the NFL.  We have seven takeaways, I thought that would be an NFL record, seven takeaways in two minute.  In two minute situations, we’re second in the league and takeaways we’ve got seven of them.  The Bears somehow have nine, that’s a bunch of takeaways.  To see all this that’s saying a lot for what these guys have done.  We’ve got one first round pick in our defense and that’s Joe Haden and he’s playing like a first rounder, (heck) he’s playing like the first player taken.  He’s doing a great job.  His teammates are doing an excellent job and they all believe in each other and they work their (tails) off.  Again, I don’t see enough good praise on these guys, the way they’ve worked.  They’ve responded without their captains, we’ve got some veterans in there (David) Bowens, (Eric) Barton, (Chris) Gocong who we got, these linebackers are really playing well.  Upfront (Ahtyba) Rubin is really becoming a good player, the safeties, Abe Elam’s really come into his own.  It’s been a lot of great things.  Is our record any good?  (Heck) no we’re not very good.  (Heck) I’m looking here the last time a defense played with one first round pick, they were 1-15 or 0-16.  We have 16 undrafted free agents and the league averages just about eight.  These guys have worked their (tails) off.  Why I’m saying all that is because this game Sunday, we’re the Cleveland Browns and we’re going to go in here and beat the (heck) out of these guys.  They want to go for home field and all this stuff, I haven’t seen one good thing written about our defense from anybody over there or anything else and that’s just fine by us.  We’re working our (tails) off all we’re thinking about is Pittsburgh.  We know we’re from Cleveland, we know how big of a game it is and we’re going to get in there and get after their (behinds).  That’s all we’ve really got to say.”

(On 18 of their points allowed behind pick-sixes from the offensive side) -- “Everybody gives those up.  When you go through a full season everybody gives up points like that.  We’re not farming anybody else’s land. I just want to make sure that everybody knows that job that these guys have done, and these coaches have been excellent.  Jerome Henderson with the secondary, he’s been tremendous. He’s developed those two young players and they’ve done a great job.  (Matt) Eberflus it always goes without saying how good he is at linebacker and then Bryan Cox, he’s got guys you really need a roster to figure out who they are and we’re going to add a couple new ones this week.  I just want everybody to know these guys are working hard. We’re not looking to go and just slap it out there, we’re looking to go in there and beat these guys.  We’ve got a lot of fight left in us we’re going to give them (heck).”

(On what his mindset is going into what could potentially be his last game here) -- “We’ve been working out (tails) off.  It might be, it really might, and that’s just the way things are.  It’s win now, everybody wants to win now, and I understand that.  I’m not crying about that at all, but I just see our team getting so much better and it’s frustrating.  It’s frustrating that we lose those close games because, in my opinion, I think we are just right there.  We’ve got tremendous leadership.  Eric Mangini does a great job and he’s brought the right people in with Tom Heckert.  If that happens, I won’t be crying about it because that’s life in the big city, but I like it here in Cleveland.”

(On if it is frustrating to see all of the hard work by his players and coaches and not be rewarded with playoffs) -- “You know how it is, only the best teams go.  Right now, we don’t have enough wins to get in.  Do I think we are improving?  Absolutely.  Do I think we can compete with all of these teams in here?  Yes.  In our season, we have been playing all of these guys.  It’s just unfortunate, but to me, it’s not a disappointing season.  I want to win obviously, I want to make the playoffs, but I’ve seen a ton of growth, especially in my room.  We weren’t real good last year and to see these guys become one of the better defenses, and really we are.  People can say what they want, but the facts are the facts.  We are a better defense.  We are the only team in the league not to give up 30 points, these guys ran up 28 on us last time we played them.  You’re in every game when you do that.  I’m proud of our efforts and I’m proud of the way our guys are playing.  I don’t think this is going to be a swan song, I think we are going to get in here, get after it and see what happens.  If a change is made, a change is made.  That’s life, but these guys are really coming on defense, I can tell you that.”

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Friday's Browns/Steelers injury report

Posted on December 31, 2010 - 3:51 pm by Nate Ulrich

Injury report for Dec. 31, 2010

Browns — Questionable: DL Kenyon Coleman (knee), RB Peyton Hillis (ribs), DL Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip) and OL Floyd Womack (knee). Probable: LB Eric Alexander (groin), LB Marcus Benard (shoulder), CB Sheldon Brown (shoulder), LB Matt Roth (thumb), TE Robert Royal (shoulder), DL Brian Schaefering (shoulder), OL John St. Clair (ankle) and TE Benjamin Watson (ankle).

Steelers — Out: RB Mewelde Moore (knee) and DE Aaron Smith (triceps). Questionable: S Troy Polamalu (ankle) and LB Jason Worilds (knee). Probable: LaMarr Woodley (knee).

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What's Browns coach Eric Mangini saying?

Posted on December 31, 2010 - 12:31 pm by Nate Ulrich

Browns coach Eric Mangini met with reporters Friday morning. Here is a transcript from the press conference:

Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini press conference 12-31-10

(Opening statement) -- “The only guy that is missing here today is Peyton (Hillis) but I’m still optimistic that he’ll be able to play. I feel pretty good about it but we will see.  We will see tomorrow where he’s at and just take it from there.  Yesterday is our third down day, thought we had a good practice. I thought it was up tempo, thought the level of communication was really good and looking to finish out the week here strong with the red zone and goal line review of what we did yesterday.”

(On how Mike Bell looked last week) -- “I thought he looked good.  I really felt that Mike had his best week of practice last week too and it translated, it really did.  He got a lot more opportunities. I felt he took advantage of the opportunities both in the running game, made some nice plays in the passing game.  I really liked the way that he practiced last week and he’s had a good week of practice this week so if he gets extended time again here this week I feel good about him.”

(On if running back is an easier position to plug someone in) -- “It just depends on what role it would be. First and second down versus third down, there’s a few different things on third down, two minutes, some of those packages where it’s a little higher level of communication.  Maybe that’s not fair, not higher, it’s just different and to take all of it to have to do all of it is a lot but if you did it as a segment where one was going to work on first and second down, one was going to work on third down I think that’s easier.”

(On if Troy Polamalu is going to play) -- “I don’t know.  You read different things throughout the week but you’re not sure at the end of the day.  Pretty significant game for them in terms of what is at stake and I’m sure that if he can at all, he will.”

(On if Peyton Hillis is still really sore) -- “That’s been primarily the main thing is the soreness and it gets better each day but figure another day of rest will give him the best chance to be effective on Sunday.”

(On if they will call up Quinn Porter from the practice squad to make sure they have enough numbers at running back) -- “We’ve talked about some different things.  We can still do something tomorrow if need be so we’ve got some time to see where he is tomorrow.”

(On if they are considering bringing anyone in that hasn’t been with the Browns) -- “I tell you anything is possible.  I had situations like that in the past, where you get someone at the end of the week and away they go.”

(On if they are going to run more Wildcat to supplement the running game) -- “That’s one of the great things about having Josh (Cribbs) is you can put him back there and get the running plays with him and those are pretty effective and they’re very different in terms of how a team has to defend him.  He’s another great option.”

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Links to Browns coverage: Dec. 31, 2010

Posted on December 31, 2010 - 12:14 pm by Nate Ulrich

Keep up with the Browns by reading the following stories:

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Opposing team links:

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Highlights from press conference with Browns coach Eric Mangini

Posted on December 31, 2010 - 11:01 am by Nate Ulrich

Browns coach Eric Mangini met with reporters Friday morning. Here are some of the highlights from the press conference:

  • Mangini said he expects to discuss his future Monday with Browns President Mike Holmgren.
  • Mangini said it can be difficult at times to focus on the present instead of the future. His 6-year-old son, Jake, asked him if the family is going to move.
  • Mangini said running back Peyton Hillis (ribs) won't practice today. Hillis hasn't practiced all week, but Mangini said he's optimistic Hillis will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then again, he also conceded there's a chance Hillis might be sidelined.
  • Mangini said running back Mike Bell has practiced well for the second week in a row. He said he feels good about Bell playing more than usual if Hillis is out.
  • Mangini said wide receiver Josh Cribbs could supplement the running game by rushing out of the Wildcat offense Sunday, especially if Hillis can't play.
  • Mangini said rookie cornerback Joe Haden will be matched up with Steelers standout wide receiver Mike Wallace at times but not not always.

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Thursday's Browns/Steelers injury report

Posted on December 30, 2010 - 4:38 pm by Nate Ulrich

Injury report for Dec. 30, 2010

Browns — Did not participate in practice: DL Kenyon Coleman (knee), RB Peyton Hillis (ribs) and OL Floyd Womack (knee). Limited participation in practice: LB Eric Alexander (groin), LB Marcus Benard (shoulder), CB Sheldon Brown (shoulder), DL Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip), TE Robert Royal (shoulder), DL Brian Schaefering (shoulder), OL John St. Clair (ankle) and TE Benjamin Watson (ankle). Full participation in practice: LB Matt Roth (thumb) and FB Lawrence Vickers (illness).

Steelers — Did not participate in practice: RB Mewelde Moore (knee), S Troy Polamalu (ankle), T Chris Scott (not injury related) and DE Aaron Smith (triceps). Limited participation in practice: LB Jason Worilds (knee). Full participation in practice: LaMarr Woodley (knee).

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