BEREA - One of the moves made by the Browns in the off season was the signing
of unrestricted free agent punter Kyle Richardson to compete with Derrick Frost.
Punting was one area the Browns didn’t have to worry about from 1999-2003 with
Chris Gardocki handling the chores.
Richardson drew some oohs and aahs from the crowd at Berea as he sent
several punts over the return men. The longest traveled about 55 yards.
Besides the fans, it caught Romeo Crennel’s attention.
“He’s doing pretty decent,” Crennel said. “He got a hold of one that caught
some people’s attention. We have some good competition there.”
Richardson missed all of last season on injured reserve with the Bengals
after tearing his bicep trying to make a tackle in the preseason opener last
Aug. 16. He averaged 40 yards a punt in 2003 for the Bengals. Richardson is
entering his ninth season. He played with the Ravens from 1998-2001. His career
average is 41.1 yards, with his best year being 1998 with the Ravens when he
averaged 43.9 yards a kick. Frost averaged 40 yards a punt in his first year in
the NFL with the Browns.
“There’s a long way to go,” Richardson said. “I’m just trying to improve
every day. There’s a lot of things to work on. I’m trying to work on my
consistency and placements. I’m just looking at this as nothing more than an
opportunity to win a job. ”
Richardson said he hopes to settle with the Browns after playing with
Seattle, Miami, Baltimore and Cincinnati.
“I’d like to be here as long as I can,” he said. “I’ve changed teams a couple
of times and I’d like to stay here a while. I’ve played in Cleveland Stadium
three or four times and it does take some adjustments. It’s a good challenge.”
“He’s kicked the ball well so far,” Crennel said. “We just want him to do
that consistently.”
QUICK HITS
Bryant/Dilfer Hook Up: WR Antonio Bryant made the play of the day when he
caught a beautiful over-the-shoulder catch of a Trent Dilfer pass for a
touchdown in the 11-on-11 scrimmage. Bryant beat rookie CB Antonio Perkins on
the play. Dilfer threw the ball close to 50 yards in the air.
“I didn’t get a couple of balls yesterday,” Bryant said. “I told (Dilfer) I’d
make up for it today.”
Both Corners Out: Michael Lehan and Leigh Bodden took the lion’s share of
reps at cornerback as Daylon McCutcheon and Gary Baxter sat out Sunday’s
practice. McCutcheon has been experiencing headaches since the beginning of camp
and Baxter had a sore neck.
“(Baxter’s) neck was a little stiff, so we took him off the field,” Crennel
said.
Crennel said he is concerned with McCutcheon if the headaches continue.
“We are concerned if the headaches continue,” Crennel said. “It has lightened
up a little, but not enough to get him back on the field.
Crennel said Bodden and Lehan have taken advantage of the opportunity.
“They’ve both gotten more work,” he said. “The other guys have to pick up the
slack. Lehan lost about seven pounds during Saturday’s practice.”
Besides Baxter and McCutcheon, LB Brant Boyer (toe), LS Ryan Pontbriand
(back), Craig Osika and RB Chad Scott did not participate in team drills.
Plays of the Day: Second-year Safety Sean Jones intercepted a pass in the end
zone from Dilfer during a two-minute drill…WR Dennis Northcutt dropped a Dilfer
pass, but redeemed himself with a nice catch, cut and juke down the sideline
during 11-on-11…Rookie QB Charlie Frye hit RB William Green with a short pass
and Green made a nice move to get down the sideline.
Moves: The Browns released LB Eric Mahl and signed OL Mike Pucillo (6-4, 311,
Auburn). Pucillo will wear No. 61 after spending the last three years with the
Bills where he played in 15 games with 12 starts.