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After that game I had to wait 48 hours to talk about it. Between the injuries, the terrible officiating and the play calling late in the game, that really sucked. According to Elias, the Browns are the first team in NFL history, including the playoffs, to lose a game when scoring 40 plus points, with over 500 yards of offense and no turnovers. So the Browns made history? Usually the Browns are involved in exploring the dark corners of the NFL rulebook. Let’s look at the positives and the negatives.

Positives. After hearing all the so called experts tell me that QB Baker Mayfield had regressed as a NFL QB, he goes 23 of 32 for 305 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. That’s 72% completion rate and a QBR of 122. The highest graded players according to Pro Football Focus were TE David Njoku (92.5), RG Wyatt Teller (88.8), LT Joel Bitonio (82.9), DE Myles Garrett (79.8) and CB Greedy Williams (78.5). The Browns are the only NFL team ranked in top five in both total offense (fifth) and total defense (fourth). The defensive ranking shows you how good the defense played against the Bears and the Vikings, at full strength. In the first five games, the Browns have rushed for 150 yards or more in every game. Last year it happened in six games and the Browns finished third in rushing in the NFL. The Browns have a kicker and the tackling on the returns was outstanding.

Negatives. For three quarters, the Chargers double teamed WR Odell Beckham, Jr. Late in the fourth quarter, they didn’t even cover him. What happened? QB Baker Mayfield stopped looking his direction and I have no idea why. The play calling on the second to last drive was terrible. With 3:08 left in the game and a one point lead, all the Browns needed to do was get two first downs and the game is over. Head coach Kevin Stefanski implied he didn’t trust the Browns back-up offensive tackles to run better plays. WTH. Over the last two years, GM Andrew Berry has shown me he knows how to sign and draft offensive linemen. If they’re on the roster, they’re good enough to play. I can’t really blame the defense when your starting corners in the fourth quarter were Troy Hill and A.J. Green. Number one cornerback Denzel Ward only played nine snaps before getting hurt. What I will complain about is the lack of adjustments at halftime. Late in the game, the Chargers knew exactly what the Browns defense was doing. Punter Jamie Gillam is having problems. I would suggest they try and find a new punter, however he’s the holder on extra points and field goals and the Browns kicker is perfect so far, so let’s not mess with that situation. As for the officiating, it’s always been bad against the Browns. This team needs to overcome bad officiating, good teams do.

Injuries. Nothing to report so far. Because the team returned late from the west coast, MRI’s were being done late Monday or today. I’ll retweet anything I hear. Cross your fingers and hold your breath Browns fans, hopefully we’ll hear good news on several key players.

Next up for the Browns, the undefeated Arizona Cardinals. The Browns are a good team, they just haven’t played a complete game yet. This is a good time to start. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

Who still wants to fire Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods? Talk about a dominating defensive performance, wow. The Browns held the Bears to 47 total yards, one passing yard and six first downs. What makes the 47 yards of total offense even more impressive is the Bears had 24 yards on their first three plays. The defensive line did it’s job yesterday, pressuring a rookie QB and getting nine sacks. They seem to have finally gotten used to playing with each other. So what are the positives and negatives from the game.

Positives. According to Pro Football Focus, the Browns are currently the number one offensive team in the NFL (84.6). As a team, they’re the second highest graded team (87.9) in the NFL behind the Rams. RB Kareem Hunt was the highest graded offensive player with a 90.6 grade. QB Baker Mayfield is currently fifth in completion rate ( 76.5%) and fourth in yards per attempt (8.9). Through three weeks Arizona and Cleveland are the only two teams ranked in the top seven in both offense and defense. The Browns are seventh offensively and third defensively. The highest graded defensive players were Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (93.9), Myles Garrett (90.0), Troy Hill (83.8), Malcolm Smith (80.0), Ronnie Harrison (79.8), Jadeveon Clowney (77.8), Mack Wilson (76.5) and Takk McKinley (70.9).As for the special teams, RB Demetric Felton has 129 yards in punt returns, the most in the NFL after three weeks. Kicker Chase McLaughlin was four for four on field goals including a 57 yarder.

Negatives. The offense had a very slow start and the play calling on the first two fourth down conversions was strange. I know the Bears have a top five run defense and they love to blitz, but a quick pass or a running play might have worked better. Seven penalties for 98 yards and the penalties on special teams didn’t help the offense. The offensive line gave up five sacks, 2 to Khalil Mack and 1.5 to Robert Quinn.

Injuries. CB Greg Newsome, II left the game with a calf injury and had a MRI today. The extent of the injury is not known. LT Jedrick Wills, Jr. left the game briefly because of his ankle injury. And WR Odell Beckham, Jr. looked great catching five passes for 77 yards.

It was a good team win. When the offense scored right before halftime, this game was over. Next week the Browns travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings at Noon CST. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

Usually I wait 48 hours after a Browns loss to write about it, but this game was different. If you still think QB Baker Mayfield is overrated or just a game manager, go away. He was 21 of 28 for 321 yards against the best team in the AFC in their home stadium. That’s a 75 % completion rate and 11.5 yards per pass attempt. From ESPN Stats & Info., Mayfield was 5 of 5 for 101 yards against the blitz, 5 of 5 for 94 yards on play action, 4 of 4 for 61 yards and three first downs on third and fourth down and 3 of 5 for 103 yards on passes 15+ yards downfield. The Browns had five drives of 75 yards or more. So far the Browns are number one in the NFL in total offense (457 yards) in offensive success rate (55.9%), in yards per play (8.2 yards) and the sixth highest graded team (80.0) in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.

The highest PFF rated player on offense was LG Joel Bitonio at 93.5 and the highest on defense was DT Malik McDowell at 82.9. Rookie WR Anthony Schwartz had a PFF grade of 82.2. WR Jarvis Landry was targeted five times and caught all five passes. That’s his 111th straight game with multiple catches. The Browns defense pressured Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on 44% of his drop backs, the fifth highest rate in the NFL in week one. According to BrownsDailyMockDraft @BrownsMockDraft DE Myles Garrett had 8 pressures (five hurries, 2 QB hits and 1 sack). DE Jadeveon Clowney had 4 pressures (three hurries and 1 sack). DT Malik Jackson and DT Malik McDowell had 5 pressures (four hurries and one QB hit). As a group, the starting defensive line had 11 tackles and 11 stops.

Bottom line, the Browns have an elite offense and a developing defense. If you had told me the Browns defense would hold the Kansas City Chiefs to ten first half points, I would have made you pee in a cup. Yes, against a team like the Chiefs, you can’t let up and you can’t make mistakes like turning ball over three times. No, the Browns are not going to fire defensive coordinator Joe Woods or cut punter Jamie Gillan. If you want those two things to happen, then why aren’t you calling for RB Nick Chubb to be benched because he fumbled? Relax. The defense will get better the more they play together. I have complete faith in the Browns coaching staff to fix any problems this week in practice. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked today whether he feels better about his team, that they were in position to win if they fixed things that went wrong. He said “No.” Next up the AFC South division leading (weird right?)Houston Texans. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

It’s been a busy time in Berea. Let’s start with pre-season game number two on Sunday. First the positives. On offense, RB/WR/KR Demetric Felton is going to be a valuable weapon in this offense. Rookie OT James Hudson played better at right tackle then he did at left tackle. Blake Hance will make the first 53, he played very well as an emergency center. It’s going to be very difficult to sneak RB John Kelly onto the practice squad. FB Johnny Stanton is going to be tight end number four. On defense, DT Jordan Elliot had a very good game, as did LB Elijah Lee. CB A.J. Green, S Javonte Moffatt and S Richard LeCounte, III will make the first 53. DT Malik McDowell is a force. I know he was playing against guys on the Giants who will be selling insurance this time next week, but you have to remember McDowell hasn’t played football in over four years. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Giants were running plays away from were McDowell was lined up on the field. The biggest negative was during the fourth quarter the game turned into a pre-season game. It got a little ugly. Finally, I’m a little worried about the defensive tackle position.

On Monday the Browns made moves to get down to 80 players. They waived CB Robert Jackson, WR Alexander Hollins and OT Alex Taylor with an injury designation. The Browns placed LB Montrel Meander (Achilles), TE Connor Davis (Shoulder) and K Cody Parkey (Quad) on injured reserve. Since then they waived Parkey and signed LB Tegray Scales. Players placed on the IR prior to the final cut have to sit out for the entire year, so it sounds like Parkey thinks he can come back this year. The Browns might try and put Taylor on the practice squad and the release of Jackson is no surprise, the Jags and the Giants exposed him as a liability to the secondary depth. Better talent in front of him.

On Tuesday it was learned DE Takk McKinley is back with the team after being out three weeks with an illness. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told the local media McKinley’s head is in the right place and he’s ready to start practicing again. This is very good news. Now defensive coordinator Joe Woods can implement the defense he wants to implement. This allows DL Jadeveon Clowney to move inside on passing downs and also help slow down the run. McKinley is a very important piece to the Browns 2021 defense.

Next up pre-season game number three on Sunday night August 29 in Atlanta. The big question, will any starters play in the game? Stefanski said he would talk to the players, which means the team leaders. Part of me, a small part, wants to see the starters, but now I’m thinking hell no. Let’s keep players like Mayfield, Chubb, Hunt, OBJ, Landry, Tretter, Bitonio, Wills, Conklin, Teller, Clowney, Garrett, Jackson, Ward, Hill and Johnson III in bubble wrap. Give JOK limited snaps like you did against the Giants and let the young players take the majority of the snaps. Some, like DE Curtis Weaver, DT Marvin Wilson and OT James Hudson need all the snaps they can get. Players I want to see more of are, of course, Felton & McDowell, DE Joe Jackson, DT Jordan Elliot, DT Sheldon Day and WR JoJo Natson.

There are going to be some tough cuts to the roster next week. Remember it’s not the final 53, it’s the first 53. GM Andrew Berry will be busy finalizing the roster after the first cuts. A player like LB Jacob Phillips will make the first 53 and then be placed on IR designated to return, because the Browns feel he can come back from his injury this year. That’s why he hasn’t been placed on IR for his biceps injury. Everyone stay safe, enjoy the game and Go Browns.

I know it’s only the first pre-season game, but last year at this time there were no pre-season games, so lets go. First observation, the Browns number twos are way better than the Jaguar’s number ones. I know that’s not big time analysis, but actually seeing it is shocking. The Browns were business like and prepared the entire game. This team is scary deep. Who impressed me the most? On offense it’s RB/WR/KR Demetric Felton and on defense it’s LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Other young players who had good moments were WR Davion Davis, DT Tommy Togiai and S Richard LeCounte. Against the Jags, a lot of players had good moments. I don’t think Urban Meyer really knew what he was getting himself into. Another thing I noticed Saturday night, the Browns second team offensive line is better than about ten other teams number one offensive lines. Finally, the Browns quarterback room is well stocked and head coach Kevin Stefanski loves him some fullbacks.

The Browns only committed two penalties Saturday night, which is great. On the bad side there were three injuries, LB Mack Wilson, TE Stephen Carlson and WR Ryan Switzer. Mack should be back in less then a week while Carlson and Switzer were placed on injured reserve to help the Browns go from 90 to 85 for today’s first cut down day. Both are done for the year. The other three players who were released were LB Montrel Meander, OL Cordel Iwuagwu and CB Kiondre Thomas. The next cut down will be an additional five players on Tuesday, August 24.

This week the Browns will scrimmage the New York Football Giants on Thursday and Friday and play them on Sunday at noon(CST). What a nice time to watch an NFL Game, noon on Sunday. I expect the Browns to have their starters participate in the practices and rest them on Sunday. It’s looks like game three will be when the starters play, probably for about a quarter. Finally, keep an eye on the Takk McKinley situation. So far the team expects him to be back and he was having a great camp. But if GM Andrew Berry brings in another defensive end, that might be it for McKinley. Hopefully everything is alright, like I said, when he practiced he showed speed and great hustle. He is defiantly part of the plan this year. Everyone enjoy your week, stay safe and Go Browns.

Yes I know it’s only a pre-season game and in the past I’ve called these games glorified practices, but hey, it’s still a Browns game. Yesterday, head coach Kevin Stefanski said QB Baker Mayfield would not play Saturday night. This seems like a league wide idea, letting your veteran QB rest in the first game. Who else plays Saturday night might be an easy decision because of a rash of minor injuries. Right now because of all the players on stationary bikes, the Browns could play a game and enter a bike race.

So who’s playing Saturday night? Kevin Stefanski just got done talking to the local media and said the majority of the starters will not play. Stefanski said this is an opportunity for the younger players. The whole team will travel to Jacksonville and participate in practices. QB Case Keenum will start and then QB Kyle Lauletta will take over. I bet Keenum only plays a couple of series. The head coach also said he’s looking forward to seeing the second year guys play. Me too, especially LB Jacob Phillips and DT Jordan Elliot. Both kickers Cody Parkey and Chase McLaughlin will alternate. I still think the kicking job is Parky’s to lose. Finally, Stefanski said both CB Greedy Williams And OL Chris Hubbard will play. Both are coming off of injuries from last year.

Who am I looking forward seeing play? CB Greg Newsome, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, RB/WR/KR Demetric Felton, DT Tommy Togiai, DE Curtis Weaver and all the second year players. I also want to see the progression of LB Mack Wilson, he came to camp with a chip on his shoulder and has been tearing it up. I originally thought he might be a cut candidate, however now I’m not so sure. Who are you looking forward to see play?

It’s going to be nice watching the game live Saturday night and not having to wait till mid week early afternoon to watch a replay. Everyone enjoy the practice, I mean game and Go Browns.

Browns training camp started this week and no players where placed on the PUP list and only one was on the Covid-19 list, second round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. This doesn’t hurt the team, because the Browns don’t have to count on their draft picks to start. It does hurt JOK, missing the start of training camp. The Browns are taking a cautious approach with OL Chris Hubbard, WR Odell Beckham, Jr. and S Grant Delpit which is good. The best news today is fans will be a training camp. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is finally going to get a feeling for what a Browns training camp is all about. I fully expect him to do something special for the fans.

So far I’ve enjoyed all the videos and the player meetings with the local media. From what I’ve heard, all the players are saying the right things and are echoing the attitude of their head coach. “Last year was great, but we’re concentrating on getting better this year.” I Love It. Everyone is on the same page. After two days of training camp the biggest news was new Browns LB Anthony Walker is going to call the defensive plays. It was thought that new safety John Johnson, III would be the play caller based on him calling the plays for the Rams last year. This tells me Walker will be on the field as a three down linebacker. While being a great run stopper and a tackling machine, Walker is not known for his pass coverage skills. This allows DC Joe Woods to use more nickel and dime packages. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Browns use three safeties in a nickel package.

The other big news came today when GM Andrew Berry announced the Browns are at 90% vaccination rate for players and 100% for the coaching staff. The teams who are serious about winning have to be at these vaccination rates. QB Baker Mayfield is right, it’s a competitive advantage. HC Kevin Stefanski just announced the team will be at full strength today at practice. Let’s Go. Finally don’t forget the latest episode of “Building The Browns” will air Sunday August 1. at 10:30 am on YouTube. Everyone enjoy the twitter videos, the crowd should be loud, stay safe and Go Browns.

The quiet period is finally over and Browns training camp starts next week. Is everyone tired of lists yet? In honor of the season of lists being over, here’s a final list of important dates for the Browns moving forward. Keep this handy for future reference.

Saturday, July 24, 10:00 AM(EST) the announcement of the Browns retro jersey. I’m not a uniform guy, but I’m kind of interested in seeing this.

Saturday, July 24, Browns rookies and quarterbacks report to Berea. Can’t wait for the video’s on twitter.

Tuesday, July 27, Browns veterans report to Berea. Hopefully the Browns will have their first and third round picks signed by this date.

Thursday, July 29, Browns practice starts.

Friday, July 30, Fans can start attending training camp. It’s about damn time. If you’ve never been to a Browns training camp, it’s a must at least once.

Sunday August 1, Orange and Brown scrimmage at First Energy Stadium.

Sunday August 1, new episode of “Building The Browns.” Required viewing to get you fired up for the season.

Friday, August 14, 7:00 PM (EST), NFL Network, first pre-season game vs the Jacksonville Jaguars. Urban Myers and Sunshine’s NFL debut.

Tuesday, August 17, first cutdown day to 85 players.

Sunday, August 22, 1:00 PM(EST), NFL Network, second pre-season game vs. the New York Giants.

Tuesday, August 24, second cutdown day to 80 players.

Sunday, August 29, 8:00PM(EST), NBC, third pre-season game vs. the Atlanta Falcons.

Tuesday, August 31, Final cutdown day to 53 players. This day is going to be an interesting day for the Browns.

Sunday, September 12, 4:35 PM(EST) Game one vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. The Browns will have two weeks to prepare for this game.

This off season is going to be fun to watch if you’re a Browns fan. All three pre-season games will be live on television. Remember when you had to get up at 1:00 AM to watch a replay? Training camp video’s will be highly scrutinized and the Browns will have some tough cutdown decisions on August 30. It will be interesting to see who will makes the practice squad, because last year it was used heavily. I’m glad to be back writing the http://www.dawgpoundsouth.net blog and I’m still writing articles for http://www.CLEsportstalk.com. Watch this space for further reports on the Cleveland Browns. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.

Mandatory training camp started today in Berea and everyone is all smiles. More on that later. First let’s start with some bad news, but not unexpected. DT Sheldon Richardson made the split from the Browns official and has signed with the Vikings. The Browns kept in touch with Richardson and his agent since he was cut, but with all the defensive line players already signed by the Browns, his return was always doubtful. On to the good news. It sounds like the Browns had full participation at camp today. WR Odell Beckham, DE Takk McKinley and DE Jadeveon Clowney were all on the field. Beckham was not wearing a knee brace, let me repeat that, Beckham was not wearing a knee brace and participating in practice. More good news, CB Greedy Williams and S Grant Delpit were also participating. Did I mention the Browns have full player participation. They may only be in shorts and helmets, but I’m loving the pictures and videos being shown on twitter.

Prior to practice today RB Nick Chubb, CB Denzel Ward and C J.C. Tretter all spoke to the media. The best news to come out of the interviews was the Browns are in contact with both Chubb’s and Ward’s agents about contract extensions and both said they want to stay with the Browns. I have a feeling both will be signed to extensions, probably Chubb first after the Browns extend QB Baker Mayfield. Unfortunately the odd man out might be RG Wyatt Teller. Someone is going to make him the highest paid guard in 2022 and it’s not going to be the Browns. As I write this, Mayfield is throwing passes to OBJ. I did not expect that today. Beckham’s recovery is amazing. Potential come back player of the year. The only players working out on the side were WR Anthony Schwartz, S/LB Tony Fields, OL Chris Hubbard and DL Malik McDowell.

This roster is the most talented Browns roster I’ve ever seen. For once, when cut down day comes, the Browns will have to cut good players. Browns fans used to look forward to cut down day, hoping the Browns would add players to improve the roster. Now the team will have to cut players because the ones they keep are more talented. This seems like a “Twilight Zone” episode. For those to young to know what I’m talking about, google it. Right now as I write this, the Browns are going through a light 11 on 11 drill. I did not expect that today.

So lets review. The Browns have contacted Chubb’s and Ward’s agents about contract extensions, full participation at mini camp, Delpit and Williams are practicing, Clowney and McKinley are practicing and OBJ doesn’t look like he’s missed a beat. Damn. Enjoy the videos on twitter and Go Browns.