INDIANAPOLIS — Colt McCoy has acted like the quarterback and leader of the Cleveland Browns throughout this offseason.

But that doesn’t mean competition at the position is closed.

Browns president Mike Holmgren expressed satisfaction Tuesday in McCoy’s rookie-year performance and his standing on the team. Yet Holmgren stopped just short of saying the former University of Texas standout is the answer to a quarterback question the franchise has asked since re-entering the NFL in 1999.

“We have Seneca Wallace, too, and Jake Delhomme as well right now,” Holmgren said at the NFL Spring Meeting. “But (McCoy) got his feet wet last year. I didn’t necessarily want him to play that much last year, but we were injured, and so he had a chance to play. He showed us enough where he will go in, and we’re hopeful that — it’ll be competitive — but if he does what I think he can do, he’ll probably be the guy, yeah.”

Coming off a season in which he started eight games and threw for 1,576 yards and six touchdowns with nine interceptions, McCoy has taken a leadership role with the team in organizing workouts in Austin, Texas, for Cleveland’s offensive players.

“I’ve always been impressed with Colt and his leadership ability — that’s one of the reasons we drafted him (in the third round),” Holmgren said. “So I’m not surprised by this. They love to play the game, so he’s going to do what he has to now as he gets his chance to be the starting quarterback and the leader of the football team.

“He’s going to do what he has to do, what he thinks is best, in this time we’re going through right now. I’m not surprised by it. And yeah, it puts a little smile on my face.”

AP

I had so much fun (eye roll) doing the team needs for the NFC North last weekend that I volunteered to do the AFC North.

Let’s start with the team that generally needs to get a lot better, given that the franchise has been to the playoffs only once since returning to the league in 1999.

DE/DT:  With the Browns switching from a 3-4 back to a 4-3, they need the right personnel.  They’ll have their pick of plenty of defensive linemen with the sixth overall selection in the draft.  They also need to hope that free agency arrives in time for them to find some other bodies to beef up the first four members of the front seven.

OL:  Left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack are rock solid.  But to be truly competitive in the AFC North, the Browns need to work on the right side of the line.  The sixth pick will be too high to search for a right guard or a right tackle; they’re better off waiting for later rounds, or exploring free agency.

WR:  Josh Cribbs still hasn’t developed into a high-end wideout, and while Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie still have time to establish themselves, the Browns needs a true playmaker.  Like Braylon Edwards was in 2007, when he could still catch.  And when he wasn’t a major pain in the butt.

While many would like to see the Browns lasso A.J. Green or Julio Jones with the sixth overall pick (team president Mike Holmgren said in February that he’s looking for a “home-run hitter“), the bust rate for first-round wideouts perhaps should prompt the Browns to go with a safer choice in round one, and to address the receiver position via lower rounds or free agency.

LB:  The switch from 3-4 to 4-3 also requires the Browns to take a long, hard look at whether they’ve got the right players on the second line of defense.  Chris Gocong has experience in a 4-3 from his time in Philly.  Ditto for Scott Fujita, with the Saints.  Still, it’s an area that the Browns must address as they overhaul their front seven.

QB:  Even if Colt McCoy will be the starter in 2011 and beyond, they need guys other than Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace behind McCoy.  Whether that’s a rookie or a free agent depends on whether they sufficiently like any of the rookies who are available when the Browns exercise any of their various picks.

Overview:  The Browns have a long way to go, given that they’re competing with the Ravens and the Steelers.  The key will be to demonstrate patience, accepting the fact that it takes time to build a contender, especially in light of the condition of the franchise after the Phil Savage/Romeo Crennel regime.

It’s more than any one draft can fix.  But if they can stockpile some contributors in the draft and attract some talented veterans through free agency, they could close the gap considerably in 2011.

You know why it’s hard right now to sit here and watch this whole NFL labor fiasco unfold?

Because for the first time since Amos Alonzo Stagg was coaching — or so it seems — the Browns have a chance to be something more than the AFC North’s johnny mop.

Yeah, we know the team went 5-11 AGAIN this past season, and there’s a whole new coaching staff onboard. But it’s still Mike Holmgren in the president’s office, being helped by senior adviser Gil Haskell and GM Tom Heckert.

Having Pat Shurmur, who helped mold Sam Bradford into a legit rookie of the year contender for the Rams, take over as head coach can bode nothing but good for Colt McCoy and the rest of the offense.

But we’re not the only ones who saw blue skies through the tears: Andy Benoit, the founder of NFLTouchdown.com and a regular writer for CBSSports.com, took keyboard in hand and offered up a few words of wisdom for the New York Times.

Benoit may have stated the best case for keeping graybeard Jake Delhomme on the squad, both as an option and as a mentor for Colt McCoy. Witness this excerpt:

Erratic as Jake Delhomme was, this offense flowed best when he was under center. Still, it was worthwhile for coaches to shrink the playbook and let Colt McCoy learn the ropes. McCoy was a good game manager, but the jury is still out. It’s hard to evaluate any passer stuck with such limited receiving weapons. Tight end Ben Watson was a poor man’s Antonio Gates, which didn’t justify his status as the top target. Joshua Cribbs, their only source of top speed, did not contribute regularly. Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was less of a plodder than in ’09, but his playing time was partly a reflection of the weakness of the receiving corps.  Chansi Stuckey flashed but was never feared.

So our thought is that the Browns are A) going to add a receiver at some point in the draft (Browns beat writer Tony Grossi’s Mock Draft 6.0 in today’s paper says it’ll be in the first round, with the team tapping Georgia’s A.J. Green); and B) Shurmur’s North Coast version of the West Coast Offense is only going to make McCoy more effective.

Except for an unwise tendency to mess with big snakes (that to us, looked for all the world like a 6-foot cottonmouth), McCoy’s decision-making was pretty sound last season. For the most part, he threw the ball when and where he was supposed to throw the ball. Having a scheme that’s designed to take advantage of that is a good bingo.

But McCoy wasn’t the biggest potential star to emerge last season, according to Benoit. That was another rookie.

Learn the name Joe Haden. Last year’s seventh overall pick out of Florida has a chance to be a premier cornerback. The game seems almost preternaturally easy for Haden, especially considering that he began his collegiate career as a quarterback before moving to wideout and, in the end, corner. Haden changes directions like a fish, even in backpedal. He has good ball instincts (as his six interceptions attest) and shows the fundamental foundation to play both zone and man.

As strong as the draft is for defensive linemen and pass rushers (hel-lo Texas A&M’s Von Miller, Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley), the Browns should be able to get someone who can actually pressure a quarterback — something didn’t happen much last season. When that happens, it’s katy-bar-the-door for Haden … and safety T.J. Ward. Especially if heady linebacker Scott Fujita can return to the field healthy.

So, you SEE why we’re hopeful, for Browns fans’ sake, that this whole labor thing gets settled? Hopeful, honestly, but not optimistic. Pride may goeth before a fall, but it’s accompanied by an honor guard consisting of Avarice and Arrogance.

Gridlock
Pat O’Connell’s The Four Corners of Sports says one of these four names is the one the Browns should hear Commissioner Roger Goodell utter after, “With the sixth pick in the draft, the Cleveland Browns select …”

Just FYI, 475 people (at least as of this writing) have signed up for the I Would Take A Bullet for Bernie Kosar Facebook page.

Blogger does an about-face, says 2010 Browns draft class is looking better and better.

From The Plain Dealer
We already mentioned Tony Grossi’s Mock Draft 6.0, but what the heck. It’s worth mentioning again. He’s got Cleveland taking Georgia’s A.J. Green. Kinda wondering why him over the faster Julio Jones, out of Alabama, who Tony has going to Washington with the No. 10 pick.

Also, Tony was on Starting Blocks TV today, answering fan questions about the O-line, the draft and the Browns’ stable of QBs.

Published: Monday, March 07, 2011, 6:13 PM     Updated: Monday, March 07, 2011, 6:14 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio — As NFL free agency remains frozen in the league’s labor imbroglio, team personnel departments are locked in on the pre-draft scouting season.

Good thing, too, because the pro day workouts are coming fast and furious.

About two dozen major college programs have pro day workouts this week – often at different locations at the same time. These schools have about 20 players projected for the first round of the draft working out for close inspection by NFL teams.

The Browns will be making the rounds, dividing their team executives, scouts and coaches to get multiple looks at players.

Browns President Mike Holmgren said he still enjoys scouting and visiting with quarterbacks and intends to attend some of the pro days. With Colt McCoy anointed the team’s starter and Seneca Wallace re-signed to a three-year contract, it’s likely that Holmgren will be looking for a developmental quarterback possibly to displace Jake Delhomme.

The Browns’ primary needs, of course, are at defensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, offensive tackle and backup running back. Here’s a list of this week’s pro day workouts and possible players of interest to the Browns.

Tuesday

Arkansas: Quarterback Ryan Mallett has a first-round arm. Offensive tackle DeMarcus Love is a mid-round developmental player.

Auburn: This one should draw all the NFL scouts with defensive tackle Nick Fairley and quarterback Cam Newton on display. There’s also long and lanky receiver Darvin Adams and offensive tackle Daniel Ziemba, projected for rounds 2 or 3.

Oklahoma: Defensive end Jeremy Beal is an undersized pass rusher who might remind Browns GM Tom Heckert of Philadelphia’s Trent Cole.

Wednesday

Alabama: Browns figure to be front and center at the Crimson Tide workout. Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus; receiver Julio Jones, fresh off his torrid combine clockings; and late-round, gym-rat quarterback Greg McElroy should be of interest. Mark Ingram also should garner a crowd for those looking for running back in the first round.

California: Somebody from the Browns has to attend to get a close look at rising defensive end Cameron Jordan. Other prospects include pass-catching running back Shane Vereen, middle linebacker Mike Mohamed and free safety Chris Conte.

Colorado: This is Cornerback U. this year with two potential NFL starters in Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith. Both will go before the third round. First-round offensive tackle Nate Solder is also on hand.

Oklahoma State: Persons of interest to the Browns include scatback Kendall Hunter, middle linebacker Orie Lemon and defensive end Ugo Chinasa.

Texas A&M: Outside linebacker Von Miller is considered one of the best pass rushers in the draft and a perfect fit for Arizona’s new 3-4 look at No. 5. If he’s available at No. 6, he’s got to be considered by the Browns, too.

Wisconsin: Defensive end J.J. Watt was the player chosen for the Browns in Mel Kiper Jr.’s last mock draft. Quarterback Scott Tolzien needs to find some zip on the ball to avoid undrafted status.

Thursday

Clemson: Top-rated defensive end DaQuan Bowers won’t work out until April 1 to give his injured knee time to heal. Other prospects who could intrigue the Browns are defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins, mid-round cornerback Marcus Gilchrist and late-round corner Byron Maxwell.

Miami: Two cornerbacks of note are Brandon Harris — perhaps the draft’s third-best — and DeMarcus Van Dyke, whose 4.25 40 time at the combine was the fourth-best all time. Also, defensive end Allen Bailey is considered a potential first-round pick.

Mississippi State: Two mid-to-late-round linebackers to look at, Chris White and K.J. Wright.

Nebraska: Prince Amukamara, cornerback, requests the honor of your presence at his royal workout.

Friday

Ohio State: Defensive end Cameron Heyward will be the first Buckeye taken in the draft, but he won’t work out until March 30 to give his surgically repaired left elbow more time. The Browns may want to look, anyway, at weakside linebacker Ross Homan, undersized linebacker and safety prospect Brian Rolle, running back Brandon Saine, receiver Dane Sanzenbacher and speedy cornerback Chimdi Chekwa.

Purdue: Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan is in the group of eight or nine defensive ends expected to go in the first round.

Texas Christian: Quarterback Andy Dalton would be a good fit in the Browns’ West Coast offense. He’s projected anywhere from the third to the fifth round.

Seneca Wallace is staying with the Cleveland Browns.

Wallace has agreed to terms on a new contract with the team, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not yet announced the deal.

The career NFL backup was 1-3 after replacing starter Jake Delhomme, who injured his ankle in the season opener. Wallace was then sidelined after a similar ankle injury on Oct. 10.

Wallace recently said he wanted to compete for a starting job, and when the Browns indicated that Colt McCoy will likely be their No. 1 QB next season, it was assumed Wallace would sign elsewhere. But he’s familiar with West Coast offense new Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur plans to install, and the Browns wanted him back.

Wallace’s contract was first reported by ESPN.com and The Plain Dealer.

Also, the club has reportedly re-signed linebacker D’Qwell Jackson to a new contracts, hours before he could become free agents.

A Browns spokesman said the team would not be announcing any moves on Thursday night.

Jackson has missed most of the past two seasons with two torn chest muscles that required surgery. Jackson, who led the NFL in tackles in 2008, announced his return to the Browns on Twitter.

“I’m backk!!” he wrote. “It’s been a long time browns fans. Thanks to everyone I can assure you I won’t let you down!!”

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Published: Friday, February 25, 2011, 2:36 PM     Updated: Friday, February 25, 2011, 2:55 PM

INDIANAPOLIS — Browns coach Pat Shurmur and General Manager Tom Heckert met with Cleveland-area reporters this afternoon. Some highlights:

 * Both men echoed President Mike Holmgren’s statement that Colt McCoy is “the man” going forward at quarterback.

 Shurmur: “I thoroughly evaluated Colt last year when I was with the Rams and I’m excited about having him as our quarterback. I don’t have any questions about arm strength or anything. I have a strong feeling for the guy.”

 * Heckert said that quarterback Seneca Wallace, who is unsigned, knows the Browns want him back. They’re also willing to bring back Jake Delhomme, pending a contract re-do. Heckert said it’s not out of the question that both veterans return.

 * Shurmur said he’d have no problem taking a wide receiver with the No. 6 pick. Heckert sounded more willing to take his chances in the second round.

 * For the first time, Shurmur publicly acknowledged that, yes, the team will switch to a 4-3 defense.

 * Heckert said he’d like restricted free agent D’Qwell Jackson back and feels he’s better suited as the weakside outside linebacker in the 4-3. Heckert feels Scott Fujita is the prototypical strongside outside linebacker and Chris Gocong will play the middle.

 * Heckert said defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin can play either tackle spot in the 4-3.

 * Shurmur said his base offense features two backs, halfback and fullback. But both must be able to catch. He didn’t rule out restricted free agent Lawrence Vickers fitting in. Shurmur is more apt to field three- and four-receiver alignments with one back than his predecessor. He likes his tight ends as receivers and feels good about Ben Watson and Evan Moore.

 * Heckert said he wants to sign franchise player Phil Dawson to a long-term contract but he has not heard from Dawson or his agent on whether the kicker will sign his franchise tender before March 3.

 * Shurmur’s plan is to have a mandatory minicamp before the draft, and then another one right after with rookies and undrafted free agents joining the regular team. Those plans are contingent, of course, on a CBA settlement.

Pete Kenworthy, WEWS-TV

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is going from the playbook to a different kind of book.

Fresh off an incredible career at the University of Texas and being thrust into a starting quarterback role with the Browns, McCoy has decided to share some of the knowledge that has made him successful.

Barbour Publishing, out of Uhrichsville, Ohio, announced that McCoy and his father Brad McCoy have teamed up to write “Rock Solid.” According to the publishing house, the book provides a “unique insight [that] allows the McCoys to express their views on faith, competition and success for which [Colt] is well-known around the sports world.”

Colt McCoy was the beneficiary of injuries to quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, and became the Browns starting quarterback on Oct. 17, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McCoy won two of his eight starts while throwing for 1,576 yards, 6 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

The press release about “Rock Solid” provided this insight:

“Wrapped around four godly principles that Brad McCoy used to raise his sons, ‘Rock Solid’ will allow readers to experience life from Colt’s perspective and parenting from the father’s viewpoint. This creates a story about football, coaching and father that will be enjoyed by fans of all ages.”

Colt and his father, who coached Colt in high school, will make appearances in both Cleveland and the Dallas/Austin, Texas areas to promote the book when it is released in July.

CLEVELAND – Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is going from the playbook to a different kind of book. Fresh off an incredible career at the University of Texas and being thrust into a starting quarterback role with the Browns, McCoy has decided to share some of the knowledge that has made him successful.

Barbour Publishing , out of Uhrichsville, Ohio, announced that McCoy and his father Brad McCoy have teamed up to write Rock Solid. According to the publishing house, the book provides a “unique insight [that] allows the McCoys to express their views on faith, competition and success for which [Colt] is well-known around the sports world.”

Colt McCoy was the beneficiary of injuries to quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace and became the Browns starting quarterback on Oct. 17, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. McCoy won two of his eight starts while throwing for 1,576 yards, 6 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

The press release about Rock Solid provided this insight:

Wrapped around four godly principles that Brad McCoy used to raise his sons, “Rock Solid’” will allow readers to experience life from Colt’s perspective and parenting from the father’s viewpoint. This creates a story about football, coaching and father that will be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

Colt and his father, who coached Colt in high school, will make appearances in both Cleveland and the Dallas/Austin, Texas areas to promote the book when it is released in July.

———————-
Pete Kenworthy is co-anchor of Good Morning Cleveland. You can follow him on Facebook or on Twitter .
 

Published: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 11:41 AM     Updated: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 12:34 PM



 Updated at 12:30 p.m.

CLEVELAND — The Browns started their (biennial) roster overhaul by terminating the contracts of six players on Wednesday — DL Shaun Rogers, DL Kenyon Coleman, LB Eric Barton, LB David Bowens, TE Robert Royal and OT John St. Clair.

 All of the players are over 30 years old. And all but Rogers were signed to free agent contracts in 2009 by the Eric Mangini regime.

 More moves are in the works. Who’s likely to go? As a guide, here is a look at the roster and/or contract status of a number of key players from last year’s team.

 OFFENSE
 * QB Jake Delhomme, 36: Due a base salary of $5.4 million in the last of his two-year deal. His days of mentoring Colt McCoy appear over.

 * QB Seneca Wallace, 30: Unsigned. Might be the No. 1 backup and tutor McCoy in the West Coast offense if resigned. Might drum up interest elswhere when/if free agency begins.

 * LG Eric Steinbach, 30: Signed through 2012 at a yearly average of $6.08 million.

 * RG Floyd Womack, 32: Unsigned.

 * RT Tony Pashos, 30: Signed through 2012 at yearly average of $2.775 million. Will be the starting right tackle if fully recovered from season-ending ankle injury and surgery.

 * G-C Bill Yates, 30: Unsigned.

 * FB Lawrence Vickers, 27: Unsigned.

 * RB Mike Bell, 27: Unsigned.

 * WR Chansi Stuckey, 27: Unsigned.

 * TE Benjamin Watson, 30: Signed through 2012 at yearly average of $2.65 million.

 * TE Evan Moore, 26: Unsigned. Finished season on injured reserve with hip/groin injury.

 DEFENSE

 * NT Ahtyba Rubin, 24: Signed through 2011 for NFL fourth-year minimum of $555,000.

 * DE Robaire Smith, 33: Unsigned. Says he doesn’t plan to retire after back injury.

 * DE Brian Schaefering, 27: Unsigned.

 * DE Jayme Mitchell, 26: Unsigned.

 * LB Matt Roth, 28: Unsigned.

 * LB Chris Gocong, 27: Signed through 2011 for $1.7 million.

 * LB D’Qwell Jackson, 27: Unsigned.

 * LB Marcus Benard, 25: Unsigned.

 * LB Scott Fujita, 31: Signed through 2012 at yearly average of $3.025 million.

 * LB Jason Trusnik, 26: Unsigned.

 * CB Eric Wright, 25: Unsigned.

 * CB Sheldon Brown, 31: Signed through 2012 at yearly average of $3.4 million.

 * S Abram Elam, 29: Unsigned.

 SPECIALISTS

 * PK Phil Dawson, 36: Unsigned.

 * P Reggie Hodges, 28: Signed through 2012 at yearly average of $645,000.

After firing coach Eric Mangini on Monday morning, Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren finally will put his stamp on the franchise.

Mangini already was in place when Holmgren became the Browns’ president late in 2009. Now, Holmgren will select the head coach and it likely will be someone he has worked with before. Expect the Browns’ next head coach to be some from someone off this list:

After firing coach Eric Mangini on Monday morning, Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren finally will put his stamp on the franchise. (AP Photo)

Mike Holmgren. Maybe Holmgren, 62, will decide to return to coaching. His resume is more impressive than almost anyone else he could interview — a 161-111 record in 17 seasons as a head coach, including a Super Bowl victory plus two other appearances, 12 playoff appearances and eight division titles. Holmgren must decide if he still has the energy and passion to coach a team that clearly is not a contender.

John Fox. Recently let go by the Panthers, Fox still has a solid reputation as a head coach. He has a 73-71 record even after this year’s disastrous 2-14 season. Fox’s agent, Bob Lamonte, also is the agent for Holmgren and Browns general manager Tom Heckert. Fox also coached Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme when both were with the Panthers. There are plenty of dots connecting Fox to the Browns.

Jon Gruden. The current ESPN analyst was an assistant under Holmgren, and Gruden won a Super Bowl as coach of the Buccaneers and has a 95-81 career record. Gruden publically insists he is happy doing television, but coaches are coaches. If Holmgren calls, Gruden would at least answer the phone.

Marty Mornhinweg. The offensive coordinator of the Eagles, his stock has gone up thanks to his success tutoring Michael Vick. Mornhinweg’s unsuccessful 5-27 tenure with the Lions (2001, 2002) is hard to hold against him because many coaches have failed with the Lions and Mornhinweg had far less experience at the time. Mornhinweg, now 48, and Holmgren have known each other since Mornhinweg was in high school. He also is Lamonte guy.

• WHO: Browns vs. Steelers
• WHERE: Cleveland Browns Stadium
• WHEN: Today, 1 p.m.
• RECORDS: Browns 5-10; Steelers 11-4
• LAST WEEK: Browns lost 20-10 to Baltimore; Steelers beat Carolina 27-3
• SERIES: Steelers lead 61-56, including 2-0 in playoffs
• SERIES AT CLEVELAND: Browns lead 35-22
• LAST MEETING: Steelers won 28-10 on Oct. 17 in Pittsburgh
• COACHES: Eric Mangini is 10-21 with Browns, 33-47 overall; Mike Tomlin is 45-22 with Steelers and overall
• TV/RADIO: Channel 19, with broadcasters Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts; WMMS 100.7-FM, WTAM 1100-AM
• NFL RANKINGS (OUT OF 32 TEAMS): Browns – offense 29th (19th rushing, 30th passing), defense 21st (26th rushing, 13th passing); Steelers – offense 15th (9th rushing, 16th passing), defense 2nd (1st rushing, 14th passing)

BROWNS UPDATE

• Browns are 6-2 in season finales since 2002 and have won four straight.
• Joshua Cribbs’ three kickoff returns for touchdowns against Pittsburgh are tied for the most in NFL history against an opponent. He’s averaged 27.6 yards per kickoff return in 11 games against the Steelers. He needs 17 return yards to pass Michael Bates (9,154) for 10th on the NFL list. He needs 120 kickoff return yards to pass Desmond Howard (7,959) for seventh on the career list.
• WR Brian Robiskie has seven catches for 117 yards in the last two games. He’s the first Brown with a touchdown reception in consecutive games since Braylon Edwards in 2008.
• S T.J. Ward leads the team with 98 tackles and could become the first rookie to lead the Browns since 1999.
• NT Ahtyba Rubin leads NFL defensive linemen with 79 tackles.
• Browns are only team not to give up 30 points in a game. They’ve shut out the opponent in the first quarter in the last four games and have allowed a league-low 26 points in the first quarter this season.
• DL Travis Ivey made his NFL debut last week, starting at end and making a tackle.
• Browns lead the league with four players having thrown a TD pass – Colt McCoy, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace and WR Mohamed Massaquoi.
• RB Peyton Hillis has 60 catches and needs six to pass Greg Pruitt for most by a Browns running back in a season.

STEELERS UPDATE

• RB Rashard Mendenhall ranks sixth in the NFL with 1,237 rushing yards. He’s carried 310 times with a 4.0 average and 11 TDs.
• LB LaMarr Woodley needs 1½ sacks to reach 10 and join LB James Harrison as the only players in team history with 10 in three straight seasons.
• Tomlin served a minority coaching internship with the Browns during the 2000 training camp.
• K Shaun Suisham spent time with the Browns in the offseason. He was a midseason pickup of the Steelers and is 12-for-13 on field goals.
•  LB James Farrior has six sacks, tying a career high.
• Steelers haven’t lost the season series against the Browns since 1988.
• Steelers are 6-1 on the road this year.
• Since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger, Steelers have the best record in the NFL, 383-246-2 (.611).
• WR Hines Ward is the franchise’s all-time leader in catches (949), receiving yards (11,657) and touchdown catches (82). He has 54 catches for 710 yards and four TDs this year.
• BROWNS INJURY REPORT: Questionable: DE Kenyon Coleman (knee), RB Peyton Hillis (ribs), DL Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip), 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), DE Brian Schaefering (shoulder), OL John St. Clair (ankle), TE Benjamin Watson (ankle)
• STEELERS INJURY REPORT: Out: RB Mewelde Moore (knee), DE Aaron Smith (triceps); Questionable: S Troy Polamalu (ankle), LB Jason Worilds (knee); Probable: LB LaMarr Woodley (knee)
• THE PICK: Mangini and his staff have one more upset in them, leave on a high note. Browns 17-16.

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CLEVELAND (AP) — The Ravens lead the Browns 10-7 in the second quarter.

With another dismal season ending in more disarray, the Cleveland Browns can’t win the AFC North title. 

However, they can help decide who does. 

Over the next two weeks, the Browns (5-9), who have long fought for respect and relevancy inside their rugged division, will get a chance to directly impact the order of finish at the top along with playoff seedings when they host rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh. 

It’s a consolation prize of sorts for the Browns, possibly headed for a coaching change if Eric Mangini can’t pull off a
second straight magical late-season escape act. Mangini’s future could be resting on his team’s performance in the next two games, a final flurry to impress team president Mike Holmgren, who will weigh more than wins and losses when he determines the coach’s fate. 

At least one Cleveland coach feels Holmgren should realize that the Browns, who went 5-11 last season and have been plagued by key injuries this season, are vastly improved. 

“If they break it up,” said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, “that would be dumb as hell.” 

The Ravens (10-4) and Steelers (10-4) could help Holmgren decide. 

Baltimore, coming off an impressive win over New Orleans last week, is tied with Pittsburgh for first place with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker if the teams win out. As long as Baltimore beats Cleveland on Sunday, the Ravens will clinch a playoff spot for the third straight season. 

It’s all in their hands. 

“It doesn’t get any better,” linebacker Ray Lewis said. “From day one, I’ve always talked about this journey we’ve been on, and now we find ourselves at a great place where we control our own destiny. We don’t need anybody to do this, to do that. All we have to do is go to Cleveland and win.” 

The Browns have dropped five straight to the Ravens, who won the Sept. 26 meeting 24-17. Cleveland grabbed a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter before giving up 10 points in the final 9:13, when Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw his third touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin and Billy Cundiff kicked a 49-yard field goal. 

Baltimore felt fortunate to win. Its tenacious defense was shredded for 144 yards by Browns running back Peyton Hillis, whose breakout performance forever endeared him to Cleveland fans and put him on the NFL radar after two seasons of anonymity in Denver. 

Hillis found holes not thought to exist in Baltimore’s defense. 

They may be tougher to locate this time. 

“It won’t happen again,” Lewis said, dismissing Hillis’ day. 

The Ravens’ snarling, emotional leader wasn’t about to give Hillis an ounce of credit this week. 

“A blind cat will find a meal every once in a while,” he said. “We definitely aren’t coming in there to give him (Hillis) over 100 yards again. We’re definitely coming in to play a very physical football game. And let him understand that my son could’ve run through the holes that we gave him in Baltimore, and we just don’t do that. When we get back to Cleveland this weekend, it’ll definitely be a different outcome.” 

Baltimore could be facing a different Hillis. He missed practice on Wednesday with a sore left knee, but the powerplug back, who has accounted for nearly 40 percent of Cleveland’s offense, is expected to play. 

For the Browns’ sake, he’d better. 

Cleveland’s offense has been sputtering, scoring just 36 points in the past three weeks and failing to stay on the field. The Browns have gone just 6 of 32 on third-down conversions, a problem that rookie quarterback Colt McCoy inherited after taking the starter’s job from Jake Delhomme. 

During practice, the Browns made third down a No. 1 priority. 

“We’re just inconsistent,” said McCoy, who is 2-4 as a starter. “We make some plays, we do some things right and then at times something happens. Whether we miss a block, miss a throw or miss a catch, catch the ball behind the sticks, there are just so many things we can do a better job of collectively as a group. 

“We’ve got a lot of work to do with that.” 

This will be McCoy’s baptism against Baltimore’s defense, players he has watched on TV for years. He knows all about Lewis and Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs. Now, he’ll get to know them up close and personally. 

McCoy has shown pinpoint accuracy as a pro — he’s completed 66 percent of his passes — and a knack for making plays. He has also had some moments of uncertainty in the pocket. 

The Ravens prey upon the indecisive. 

Lewis has studied McCoy’s tendencies, and believe it or not, came away impressed. 

“You definitely see the rookie mistakes, but you also see the potential,” he said. “He really moves around with the ball way better than people might think. His delivery is great on the ball. To see his development, you’re really seeing him slow down and really trying to read the game. 

“It’ll be a challenge because he’s unpredictable. But we’ll definitely go in there and try to pressure.” 

There’s enough pressure already in Cleveland. 

Mangini is under fire — again — and if Holmgren has already made up his mind to make a switch, Sunday’s outcome may not matter. Earlier this week, Mangini was asked what’s like to be on the proverbial “hot seat.” 

“My seat’s been hot for about three years,” joked Mangini, fired by the New York Jets after the 2008 season. “I’m pretty comfortable in that seat.” 

It’s going to heat up even more if the Browns don’t win another game, but Mangini likes the fact that he and his players get to see how they measure up to the division powers. 

“I really like the way that it’s set up this year, playing division opponents at the end,” he said. “We have a chance to
continue to make progress as a team, and we can do it against the two top teams in the division. They’re playoff-bound — or arguably playoff-bound — and it’s about as good a test as you can get.” 

And one he can’t afford to fail. 

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Browns can’t win the AFC North title, but they can help decide who does.

Over the next two weeks, the Browns (5-9), who have long fought for respect and relevancy inside their rugged division, will get a chance to directly impact the order of finish at the top along with playoff seedings when they host rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

It’s a consolation prize of sorts for the Browns, possibly headed for a coaching change if Eric Mangini can’t pull off a second straight magical late-season escape act. Mangini’s future could be resting on his team’s performance in the next two games, a final flurry to impress team president Mike Holmgren, who will weigh more than wins and losses when he determines the coach’s fate.

At least one Cleveland coach feels Holmgren should realize that the Browns, who went 5-11 last season and have been plagued by key injuries this season, are vastly improved.

“If they break it up,” said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, “that would be dumb as hell.”

The Ravens (10-4) and Steelers (10-4) could help Holmgren decide.

Baltimore, coming off an impressive win over New Orleans last week, is tied with Pittsburgh for first place with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker if the teams win out. As long as Baltimore beats Cleveland today, the Ravens will clinch a playoff spot for the third straight season.

It’s all in their hands.

“It doesn’t get any better,” linebacker Ray Lewis said. “From day one, I’ve always talked about this journey we’ve been on, and now we find ourselves at a great place where we control our own destiny. We don’t need anybody to do this, to do that. All we have to do is go to Cleveland and win.”

The Browns have dropped five straight to the Ravens, who won the Sept. 26 meeting 24-17. Cleveland grabbed a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter before giving up 10 points in the final 9:13, when Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw his third touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin and Billy Cundiff kicked a 49-yard field goal.

Baltimore felt fortunate to win. Its tenacious defense was shredded for 144 yards by Browns running back Peyton Hillis, whose breakout performance endeared him to Cleveland fans and put him on the NFL radar after two seasons of anonymity in Denver.

Hillis found holes not thought to exist in Baltimore’s defense.

“A blind cat will find a meal every once in a while,” Lewis said. “We definitely aren’t coming in there to give (Hillis) over 100 yards again. We’re definitely coming in to play a very physical football game. And let him understand that my son could’ve run through the holes that we gave him in Baltimore, and we just don’t do that. When we get back to Cleveland this weekend, it’ll definitely be a different outcome.”

Baltimore could be facing a different Hillis. He missed practice on Wednesday because of a sore left knee, but the powerplug back, who has accounted for nearly 40 percent of Cleveland’s offense, is expected to play.

For the Browns’ sake, he’d better.

Cleveland’s offense has been sputtering, scoring just 36 points in the past three weeks and failing to stay on the field. The Browns have gone just 6 of 32 on third-down conversions, a problem that rookie quarterback Colt McCoy inherited after taking the starter’s job from Jake Delhomme.

During practice, the Browns made third down a No. 1 priority.

“We’re just inconsistent,” said McCoy, who is 2-4 as a starter. “We make some plays, we do some things right and then at times something happens. Whether we miss a block, miss a throw or miss a catch, catch the ball behind the sticks, there are just so many things we can do a better job of collectively as a group.

McCoy has shown pinpoint accuracy as a pro – he’s completed 66 percent of his passes – and a knack for making plays.

Lewis has studied McCoy’s tendencies and came away impressed.

“You definitely see the rookie mistakes, but you also see the potential,” he said.

CLEVELAND — With another dismal season ending in more disarray, the Cleveland Browns can’t win the AFC North title.

However, they can help decide who does.

During the next two weeks, the Browns (5-9), who have long fought for respect and relevancy inside their rugged division, will get a chance to directly impact the order of finish at the top, along with playoff seedings, when they host rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

It is a consolation prize of sorts for the Browns, possibly headed for a coaching change if Eric Mangini can’t pull off a second straight late-season escape act. Mangini’s future could be resting on his team’s performance in the next two games, a final flurry to impress team president Mike Holmgren, who will weigh more than wins and losses when he determines the coach’s fate.

At least one Cleveland coach feels Holmgren should realize that the Browns, who went 5-11 last season and have been plagued by key injuries this season, are vastly improved.

“If they break it up,” said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, “that would be dumb as hell.”

The Ravens (10-4) and Steelers (10-4) could help Holmgren decide.

Baltimore, coming off an impressive win against New Orleans last week, is tied with Pittsburgh for first place, with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker if the teams win out. As long as Baltimore beats Cleveland today, the Ravens will clinch a playoff spot for the third straight season.

It is all in their hands.

“It doesn’t get any better,” linebacker Ray Lewis said. “From day one, I’ve always talked about this journey we’ve been on. And now, we find ourselves at a great place where we control our own destiny. We don’t need anybody to do this, to do that. All we have to do is go to Cleveland and win.”

The Browns have dropped five straight to the Ravens, who won the Sept. 26 meeting 24-17. Cleveland grabbed a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter before giving up 10 points in the final 9:13, when Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw his third touchdown pass to Anquan Boldin, and Billy Cundiff kicked a 49-yard field goal.

Baltimore felt fortunate to win. Its tenacious defense was shredded for 144 yards by Browns running back Peyton Hillis, whose breakout performance forever endeared him to Cleveland fans and put him on the NFL radar after two seasons of anonymity in Denver.

Hillis found holes not thought to exist in Baltimore’s defense.

They may be tougher to locate this time.

“It won’t happen again,” Lewis said, dismissing Hillis’ day.

The Ravens’ snarling, emotional leader was not about to give Hillis an ounce of credit this week.

“A blind cat will find a meal every once in a while,” he said. “We definitely aren’t coming in there to give him over 100 yards again. We’re definitely coming in to play a very physical football game and let him understand that my son could’ve run through the holes that we gave him in Baltimore, and we just don’t do that. When we get back to Cleveland this weekend, it’ll definitely be a different outcome.”

Baltimore could be facing a different Hillis. He missed practice on Wednesday with a sore left knee, but the powerful back, who has accounted for nearly 40 percent of Cleveland’s offense, is expected to play.

For the Browns’ sake, he had better.

Cleveland’s offense has been sputtering, scoring just 36 points in the past three weeks. The Browns have gone just 6 of 32 on third-down conversions, a problem that rookie quarterback Colt McCoy inherited after taking the starter’s job from Jake Delhomme.

During practice, the Browns made third down a No. 1 priority.

“We’re just inconsistent,” said McCoy, who is 2-4 as a starter. “We make some plays, we do some things right, and then, at times, something happens. Whether we miss a block, miss a throw or miss a catch, catch the ball behind the sticks, there are just so many things we can do a better job of collectively as a group.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do with that.”

This will be McCoy’s baptism against Baltimore’s defense, players he has watched on TV for years. He knows all about Lewis and Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs. Now, he will get to see them up close.

McCoy has shown pinpoint accuracy — he has completed 66 percent of his passes — and a knack for making plays. He also has had some moments of uncertainty in the pocket.

The Ravens prey upon the indecisive.

But Lewis has studied McCoy’s tendencies, and believe it or not, came away impressed.

“You definitely see the rookie mistakes, but you also see the potential,” he said. “He really moves around with the ball way better than people might think. His delivery is great on the ball. To see his development, you’re really seeing him slow down and really trying to read the game.

“It’ll be a challenge because he’s unpredictable. But we’ll definitely go in there and try to pressure.”

There is enough pressure already in Cleveland.

And Mangini’s seat is going to heat up even more if the Browns do not win another game.

But he likes the fact that he and his players get to see how they measure up to the division powers.