Yesterday the NFL announced that coaching staffs can return to their facilities today. It was further noted that teams could have up to 100 people in the facilities at one time. This is subject to local and state regulations. Right now the NFL’s focus is for players and coaches getting together for the start of training camps in July. Currently the only players allowed in the facilities are players rehabbing from injuries. This is both good news and bad news for the Browns. The bad news is no OTA’s or mini camps. However the good news there is going to be a training camp for Kevin Stefanski to install his offense. Hopefully the virtual meetings have been making an impact.
Speaking of virtual meetings, OC Alex Van Pelt told the media this week that WR Odell Beckham, Jr. has been staying as close to the team as possible during the meetings. Van Pelt says Beckham has been a “model player.” Word is both he and Jarvis Landry are ahead of schedule on their rehabs. Browns fans have to admit that the lack of participation in OTA’s and mini camps by Beckham was one of the major factors in the teams downfall last year. Besides Beckham, the poor tackle play, Kitchen’s piss poor play calling and Mayfield’s lack of dedication were the other factors. Glad to see Beckham stepping up.
Van Pelt noted that QB Baker Mayfield has been improving his footwork to handle the west coast offense. I have the feeling the Browns are going to lead the league in play action pass in the wide zone/west coast offensive. Mayfield has excelled in play action in his two years in the league. He also said Mayfield is dropping in on other position group meetings like RB and WR. Hey, look our QB is a team leader. Have you noticed while national media types are tearing down Mayfield, he hasn’t said a word? In his meeting with the media a couple of weeks ago, Mayfield said, “It’s time to shut up and work.” That’s my quarterback.
Hopefully the last Browns/Clowney news. It was reported this week that the Browns offered Clowney 12 million a year in a multi year deal. Of course he turned it down. Like I said last week, they don’t need anymore big signings. The Browns need to sign their remaining draft picks and use any cap left over to address next year. The salary cap is based on future revenue, so the 198.2 million cap for 2020 was based on the revenue the league would generate this year. Obviously because of the pandemic, the league revenues will be down in 2020. So the expected large increase in the cap for 2021 probably won’t happen. Again as I said last week, with carry forward cap space and expiring contracts, the Browns could have up to 100 million in additional cap space. Besides, as my wife, Karen, says if Clowney doesn’t want to be in Cleveland, then screw him.
In other pro sports, It appears the NBA, the NHL and MLS are set to make their returns. Where’s MLB you ask? They’re still arguing over money. It appears there will be no Major League Baseball this year and with the MLB CBA expiring after the 2021 season, a looming lockout is on the horizon for 2021. I’ve never seen a bigger self inflicted wound in pro sports since boxing. There was a time in this country when boxing and baseball were the two biggest sports. Of course all it takes is one positive test and it will all be shut down again. Looks like the cautious approach by the NFL is the smart approach.
Finally, I saw on twitter videos of how the Browns are cleaning their facilities, so it looks like another episode of “Building The Browns” is being filmed. Keep an eye out for it and watch. It’s a great change of pace from watching past Browns games. Also my second article for http://www.clesportstalk.com , (@CLEsportsTalk) just hit the website. It’s about the origins of Browns Backers Worldwide and my personal experiences with the Middle Tennessee Browns Backers. Give a read and give them a follow. It’s a great website for Cleveland sports and much more. I hope everyone is staying safe and Go Browns.