Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 27th, 2010 AT 8:00 AM
OBR Newswire updates for July 26th through July 27th
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 26th through July 27th:
- ESPN – NFL lockout: How much of too much is enough for players and owners? – As a public service this morning, I direct you to this list of the criminally insane. And to this list of the stupidest people in the world. When approaching anybody on either list, use caution! Because every one of the 1,728 people — 32 NFL owners and 1,696 NFL players — are clearly out of their minds, and represent a danger not just to themselves, but to you and to me and to logic and sense and Sunday afternoons.
- News-Herald – Rogers could be means to an end on defensive line – The most difficult part of building a defense using three linemen and four linebackers is finding ends, and that conundrum is reflected on the Browns roster as they prepare for the start of training camp Wednesday.
- ESPN – Examining AFC North power rankings – No. 28 Cleveland Browns. Talent usually prevails in the NFL, and I just don't see a lot of it in Cleveland
- SI.com – Philip Rivers optimistic about Chargers chances in 2010 – Today is time for hope. I tweeted the other day the reason this is such a fun time is because 32 teams think they have a chance to make the playoffs right now, and I think about 28 actually do. (Scratch St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Buffalo and probably Cleveland, though I guess it's possible Jake Delhomme can be reborn and the Browns could eke out nine wins.)
- ESPN – NFL rankings: Lucky No. 7 for Jets – The first pre-camp ESPN power rankings are out, and the New York Jets hold the No. 7 spot. Initial thoughts? Fair. [...] 28. Cleveland Browns
Posted by: TheOBR on Twitter
on July 26th, 2010 AT 9:56 PM
Scenes from a Backers Charity …
Scenes from a Backers Charity Event: The OBR was recently at the Berea Browns Backers Charity event, in the person… http://bit.ly/aKQzU4
Posted by: TheOBR on Twitter
on July 26th, 2010 AT 8:34 PM
We are attempting to determine…
We are attempting to determine whether the 5% is locked in incentives
TheOBR has learned Browns offer approx 5% more than 2009 #7
Both parties working to get the rookie in camp before vets report
Browns and Haden reps haggling over guaranteed comp
Browns making progress in talks with Haden.
Posted by: Barry McBride
on July 26th, 2010 AT 6:19 PM
Holmgren to talk to Media on Wednesday
Browns President Mike Holmgren will have “media availability” on Wednesday at 11AM. He will undoubtedly talk about the start of training camp and be asked questions about the signing status of Joe Haden. The OBR will be there, and we’ll have any breaking news on this blog or our Twitter account @TheOBR.
Posted by: Don Delco
on July 26th, 2010 AT 4:21 PM
Ward signing leaves one left
The Browns have worked quickly to agree to terms with its rookie class. After Montario Hardesty’s signing was announced Monday morning, reports came out that the Browns’ other second-round pick last April, T.J. Ward of Oregon, agreed to a four-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post.
It is no secret around here the Browns have a hole at safety. Nebraska’s Larry Asante has impressed coaches and the media during offseason OTAs. The Asante-Ward battle will be one to watch this August.
Now, the Browns first-round pick, Joe Haden, is the only draft pick yet to sign.
Posted by: Barry McBride
on July 26th, 2010 AT 3:45 PM
ESPN to be at Browns Camp 8/2
Well, I mentioned that Sirius Radio will be here on 8/5, so it’s only fair that I mention that Adam Schefter will be in Berea on August Second as he and Chris Mortensen fly in for days in various training camp cities. Apparently, that’s what national writers do now. Or maybe they’ve always done it, and nowadays they just make a big deal out of it. I don’t know, frankly, I just know that Jay Glazer comes into town I have to lie face-first in any puddles he has to cross so he doesn’t get his feet wet.
Anyhow, Schefter has the mid-west and is in Detroit on 8/1, Cleveland on 8/2, and goes from there into the bowels of Pennsylvania to be exposed to Yinzers on August 3rd. I’ve never felt sorry for Adam Schefter a day in my life, but can only pity him the moment after he leaves beautiful Berea.
Posted by: TheOBR on Twitter
on July 26th, 2010 AT 12:07 PM
We reported to our subscribers…
We reported to our subscribers Sat. that there was considerable progress with Hardesty. Unfortunately, we can’t claim that for Ward/Haden.
Posted by: Don Delco
on July 26th, 2010 AT 11:57 AM
Browns announce Hardesty signing
And then there were two…
The Cleveland Browns officially announced Tennessee running back and second-round draft pick, Montario Hardesty, has signed.
No terms were announced by the club, which has yet to sign first-round pick Joe Haden or second-round pick T.J. Ward.
Here is the official announcement by the team:
The Cleveland Browns today signed running back Montario Hardesty to a multi-year contract, the team announced. Hardesty was selected in the second round (59th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft, a pick acquired from Philadelphia for a third-round and two fifth-round selections. Hardesty is the sixth of the Browns’ eight 2010 draft choices to sign.
Hardesty started 19 of 49 games at the University of Tennessee (2005-09), registering 2,391 rushing yards with 26 touchdowns. He also recorded 38 receptions for 405 yards with one score during his collegiate career. Born on February 1, 1987, the 6-0, 225-pound Hardesty is a native of New Bern, N.C., where he attended New Bern (N.C.) High School.
Posted by: Don Delco
on July 26th, 2010 AT 11:18 AM
Ideas for new mural
I have returned from vacation in northern Michigan and my wife has removed my golf clubs from my death grip, placed them in the garage and shoved the laptop back into my, well … lap.
As much as it pains me to see my sticks alone and without their loyal partner (me) nearby, I am eager to return to the business of the 2010 Cleveland Browns.
In my first blog post back, I came across a discussion Barry had with one of our readers in the Insider Forum. It was in regards to the LeBron James’ Nike mural across from Quicken Loans Arena that was removed July 11.
What to do with that space? If a new mural is to be built, who goes on the cover?
Let’s think Browns centric:
•Josh Cribbs? He’s the (somewhat) local boy done good. Seems like a logical choice.
•Joe Thomas? He has the talent, but not the personality of someone who would want a sprawling image of himself on the side of a downtown building.
•Mike Holmgren? In time, perhaps. If the ultimate prize is won under his watch, Mr. Holmgren will not only have his image on every building downtown, but also taxi cab drivers will have to learn new road names in Holmgren Drive, Holmgren Avenue, Holmgren Road, Holmgren Boulevard and Interstate Holmgren.
Personally, I would simply go with a Browns helmet. To me, nothing symbolizes the city and its fans more than the Browns helmet. There is no logo. It doesn’t need to be flashy. It brings memories of a time when the best players in the league wore that helmet and won championship after championship for a vibrant city. It also instills hope that the future of the team and city will return to those glory days.
The Cleveland Browns helmet is Cleveland. And in the wake of what that egotistical child from Akron did to this region, it is a perfect time for that helmet to be displayed loudly and proudly.
I will happily witnesses that.
Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 26th, 2010 AT 10:00 AM
Latest Links from the OBR Newswire
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 26th from 09:13 to 09:25:
Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 25th, 2010 AT 2:00 PM
Latest Links from the OBR Newswire
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 25th from 12:49 to 12:58:
Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 24th, 2010 AT 11:00 PM
Latest Links from the OBR Newswire
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 24th from 16:46 to 22:34:
Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 6:00 PM
Latest Links from the OBR Newswire
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 23rd from 13:54 to 17:21:
- Canton Rep – Gil Haskell is Browns adviser in coach’s body – Both natives of San Francisco, Holmgren and Haskell share a close bond and friendship. They were together for three Super Bowl appearances and one championship. Most recently, Haskell spent nine years (2000-08) as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, adding the title of assistant head coach during the final two seasons.
- FSN Ohio – Environment provides ample opportunity for Colt McCoy – The Browns' rookies reported to training camp Friday. Eight days from now, they'll be getting their first taste of full-speed, full-contact NFL practice in front of fans who will be clamoring for McCoy's attention and hoping he'll someday be The Guy, the guy they've been waiting for.
- Rep Blogs – Back from the deep; whispers about McCoy, Wallace – Having enjoyed some time with the family at the Outer Banks, the sports doings of Ohio seemed far away for a while.
- Fox Sports – NFL Pre-Camp Power Rankings – New Browns czar Mike Holmgren had a big dilemma entering the draft – pick a QB at No. 7 or help an alarmingly horrendous secondary. When the draft dust settled, he got both.
Posted by: TheOBR on Twitter
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 4:47 PM
Ample Opportunity for McCoy: Z…
Ample Opportunity for McCoy: Zac Jackson on the signing of the Browns newest quarterback hope. http://bit.ly/9D0Z6K
Posted by: Barry McBride
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 2:08 PM
Yes! We’re Number 27!
Our good friend Adrian Hasenmayer* of Fox Sports has put together his first NFL Power Rankings earlier today, and has our Brownies hovering at the #27 spot. That seems about appropriate these days, where everyone thinks that the team’s run at the end of 2009 was sort of a mirage.
“The Cleveland Browns? Oh yeah, put them down for 5-11 again.”
Check out Adrian’s rankings and remember to observe the two-insult minimum in the comments area.
By the way, some blogs have comment areas? What an idea! Cool. We should get one of those someday. I make this vow now… 2007-era web technology, you will not elude us any longer! Or much longer. Or dampen our spirits about someday eventually getting access to you.
Anyhow, what was I talking about? Oh yeah. Power rankings. Read ‘em.
* For the record, if you email me more than twice a week, I think that we’re “friends”. It’s kind of weird, frankly, but it’s a risk you willingly take on whenever you communicate with sports-obsessed webdorks fed via pellet-dispensing tubes that stretch from Los Angeles to innocuous Cleveland suburbs.
Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 2:00 PM
Latest Links from the OBR Newswire
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 23rd from 13:04 to 13:12:
- NFL.com – Clausen, McCoy content with their backup plans … for now – Let the humbling begin. Jimmy Clausen was a high-profile passer at Notre Dame. For the Carolina Panthers this year, he could very well end up third on the depth chart. Colt McCoy was a megastar quarterback at Texas. For the Cleveland Browns this year, he, too, could be the backup to the backup.
- Morning-Journal – Carries are up for grabs – The three words that sum up the situation in the Browns backfield with the start of training camp just eight days away are “potential,” “unknown” and “if.”
- Chronicle-Telegram – McCoy Signs Four-Year Deal – Colt McCoy won’t have any catching up to do. The Browns rookie quarter back beat the clock, agreeing to a four-year deal Thursday, according to several reports. Cleveland rookies are scheduled to report to Berea today and take the field Sunday. The veter ans report July 30 with practice starting July 31.
- WKYC – Cleveland Browns 2010 Training Camp Preview – Eric Mangini's second training camp as head coach of the Browns should go much more smoothly than the first, even if there is still some uncertainty facing this team.
- Biz of Football – NFL, NFLPA Try to Win Over the Public – If you enjoyed this, there’s more and more to come. The CBA will be a black cloud hanging over this season. And, as far as the two sides are away from each other on current talks, we won’t see a new agreement until the final hour if at all.
Posted by: Barry McBride
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 12:45 PM
Browns Issue Press Release on Lauvao, McCoy
Confirmation of the signings came this morning via press release:
BROWNS SIGN COLT McCOY AND SHAWN LAUVAO
The Cleveland Browns today signed quarterback Colt McCoy and offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao to multi-year contracts, the team announced. McCoy was the club’s first third round choice (85th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft, a pick acquired from Oakland for Kamerion Wimbley. Lauvao was the team’s second third round choice (92nd overall), a pick acquired from the New York Jets as part of the Braylon Edwards trade.
McCoy earned 45 victories in 53 career starts at the University of Texas (2006-09) to become the winningest quarterback in NCAA history. He completed 1,157 of 1,645 passes for 13,253 yards with 112 touchdowns and 45 interceptions, while adding 447 rushing attempts for 1,571 yards and 20 scores. McCoy finished his collegiate career owning 47 school records. Born September 5, 1986, the 6-1, 215 pound McCoy attended Jim Ned High School in Tuscola, Texas.
Lauvao appeared in 42 games at Arizona State University (2006-09) and finished his career with 33 consecutive starts. He saw action at both guard and tackle with 17 starts at left guard, 12 at left tackle and four at right tackle throughout his collegiate career. He started all 12 games at left tackle as a senior and earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors. Born on October 26, 1987, the 6-3, 315 pound Lauvao is a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, where he attended Farrington High School.
Posted by: Barry McBride
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 11:39 AM
Friday AM Notes of Great Randomness
You like random? I love random! When there’s no central principle or defining order, anything can happen.
So, I’m doing my part to spice up your morning with thrilling randomness in order to make everyone’s lives better.
No need to thank me. The beer pellet which will roll down the Official FoxSports Blogger Tube after I post this will be reward enough.
- The Browns have announced that August 6-8 will be their official Browns Backer Weekend 2010. Or to quote the three promotional emails that just slammed into my mailbox: “Browns Backers Worldwide has named August 6-8 Browns Backers Weekend 2010. This year, Backers will have a special day at Browns Training Camp, presented by AT&T, be able to attend Browns Backers night at Swings-n-Things, get involved with the Third Annual Best Backer Auto Show and attend Family Day, presented by AT&T, at Cleveland Browns Stadium.” Here are more AT&T details in an AT&T link presented by AT&T.
- Your morning nerd moment: Sometime in the last couple of weeks, I decided that I was sick of my old table-ized 2003 schedule layout and went with a new fancy 2010 div and CSS deal. Yeah, old dogs, new tricks, that sort of thing. It’s here.
- Dave Razzano, a scout who was part of three Super Bowl winning organizations, says that he thinks that this is the best Browns team since their return. At least, that they’re the most talented. Frankly, I’m not sure I buy that this team has more talent than the 2002 playoff team or the 2007 offensive juggernaut-for-a-year. If so, one would expect a better record than those squads, and I haven’t seen those predictions yet. But I hope that his experienced eye is right.
- Note to AT&T: Less giving money to pro football teams, more giving money to improve cell phone reception in Mentor. I WANT FIVE BARS WITHOUT MY PAL STEVE HAVING TO “ACCIDENTALLY” USE A BAD ALGORITHM! Think of the Steve. Kthx.
- Lane Adkins will be appearing on 105.7 THE FAN in Baltimore next Friday morning. We’ll try to remind you when the time is right.
- Someone else from our team will be on ESPN Radio 1420 in St. Augustine next Monday between 5-7 PM. We’re drawing lots, so my money’s on the new guy. Plus, my money’s on no one seeing the lots physically get drawn.
- If you were lucky enough to receive the FoxSports.com Fantasy Football Guide for 2010, you can see me blathering nonsensically about the Browns on page 69. I tried not to screw it up too much.
Really looking forward to camp cranking up and get back into blogging-frenzy mode! Beer pellet! Beer pellet! Gimme!
Posted by: Barry McBride
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 12:38 AM
Sirius to be in Town 8/5
I’ve always enjoyed Sirius’ NFL channel, which is probably due to the fact that it’s both informative and has a schedule littered with friends of ours all over their time slots. When the Sirius gang comes to town in their annual series of broadcasts from training camps, they’re generally able to get some pretty good interviews going with players or coaches who remain out of the reach of mere mortal local types.
If you’re wondering, Sirius is going to sent Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan to Cleveland this year, and they’ll be broadcasting from Berea on August 5th. We’ll try to remind folks once again before they get here.
The OBR also has some exciting radio news to announce, perhaps as early as tomorrow. Like the Browns rookies, we have contracts we have to look over and sign as well before we can announce anything. But we think you’re going to really dig it.
Posted by: Barry McBride
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 12:12 AM
Well, That Was Annoying
If you’re wondering why we were late today posting info about McCoy’s signing and Bentley suing the Browns, it was because:
1. McCoy: I was busy being sick, after spending the afternoon picking up my wife from the airport. “Welcome home honey! Blu-ah-ah-ah. Blarf”.
2. Bentley: See above, plus I’m not sure I care about that story all that much. I’m sure it’s exciting for followers of lawsuits about staph infections, but that sort of thing isn’t why most people come to the OBR. We’ve linked stories about it on the newswire if you want to dig into it.
At present, there are two of us who slam stories onto the OBR home page: myself and new OBR-ite Don Delco. Don is taking a week off, and I had to pass out, so we were late to the game. We may want to add one or two more people to madly blog about breaking news if this sort of thing happens again. Every member of the OBR also works other gigs to make ends meet, so we don’t have bored interns or underpaid content factory word-slaves to sitting around to copy other people’s stories and punch out dull updates. We probably need to do some more of that, since everyone else is doing it now.
So, I guess we might need more hands on the rudder. If you’re interested, feel free to write me.
Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 23rd, 2010 AT 12:00 AM
Latest Links from the OBR Newswire
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 22nd from 22:38 to 22:58:
Posted by: TheOBR on Twitter
on July 22nd, 2010 AT 5:29 PM
Browns Ink Draft Pick Lauvao: …
Browns Ink Draft Pick Lauvao: Hot News for OG Shawn Lauvao http://bit.ly/briFNl
Posted by: OBR Newswire
on July 22nd, 2010 AT 10:00 AM
OBR Newswire updates for July 20th through July 22nd
These are links from the OBR Newswire for July 20th through July 22nd:
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