There stands Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Plopped on top of the hole from which Municipal Stadium was exterminated.

Off on the north edge of town.

Closer to fish than to humans.

Empty. Out of sight. Locked out of mind.

Well? How do you like it?

Think back to Municipal Stadium, if you are old enough to remember it. Do any images come to mind?

A few occur to us.

The popping sound that echoed everywhere when somebody stomped on an upside-down cup during an Indians game.

The dense roar that arose during Dave Logan’s 1980 catch against the Packers.

The swarms of people coming and going beneath the giant Gate A sign.

The odd quiet when Brian Sipe threw the Red Right 88 interception.

The chief on the roof.

The impossible comeback against the Jets, with people who had left, frantically trying to get back in.

What the old place lacked in beauty, it made up for in personality. It was one glorious monster when it was full and the game was good.

The new place opened in 1999. The stadium rules were different. There was too much secret service in the tone of building security. That was part of what led to complaints that linger still, to a perception of Browns Stadium

as “antiseptic.”

Our two cents — The only serious problem with Browns Stadium is a want of winning.

I have thought that since Sept. 17, 2000, from the moment Courtney Brown sacked Kent Graham on the last play to preserve a win over Pittsburgh.

It sounded like the old stadium that day.

It has sounded and felt that way just a few times since. Teams that fall out of contention early and finish poorly have been the rule.

This roller-coaster ride has been one way, always slow and looking up, never the thrill ride down, never the release. Browns Stadium suffers from guilt-by-association syndrome.

It struck me one night while walking to the stadium before a night game. The place looked positively glorious with the lights gleaming and a residue of sunset painting the lake.

I have walked every inch of the place at one time or another, finding it to offer interesting and varied views of the water, of docked ships, of jet runways, of the skyline.

If the team ever mounted a real hot streak, the atmosphere would take care of itself, I think. The building, a cold symbol of defeat at this point, would warm up.

For now, though, the lockout is on, and a lot of people can’t even stand to look at the place.

Motion penalty?

Failing to find the right answers once, twice and too often more has been a big problem for the expansion-era Browns.

They have made big changes at these key positions at least three times in the last five years (2006-10):

Personnel chief — Phil Savage, Eric Mangini and Tom Heckert took turns running drafts in 2008, ’09 and ’10, respectively.

Defensive coordinator — Todd Grantham, Mel Tucker, Rob Ryan. Dick Jauron takes the reins in 2011.

Offensive coordinator — Jeff Davidson, Rob Chudzinski, Brian Daboll. Enter Pat Shurmur in 2011.

Right tackle — Ryan Tucker, Kevin Shaffer, John St. Clair … and now Tony Pashos.

Right guard — Shawn Lauvao could be the latest entry, following Cosey Coleman, Seth McKinney, Rex Hadnot and Floyd Womack.

Nose tackle — Ted Washington, Ethan Kelley, Shaun Rogers, Ahtyba Rubin. Rubin remains but must adapt to a new scheme.

Left defensive end — Orpheus Roye, Corey Williams, Kenyon Coleman. Those three are gone, and the left end in the new 4-3 is … stay tuned.

Right defensive end — Alvin McKinley, Robaire Smith, Shaun Smith, Brian Schaefering. Enter 2011 Round 2 pick Jabaal Sheard.

Some turnover in the NFL is inevitable. Epidemic turnover is unhealthy.

Extra points

Kellen Winslow tells the Tampa Tribune knee pain that has bothered him for years is gone. Six years ago this month, Winslow rode to Canton to watch a stunt motorcycle show, then rode to a Cuyahoga County parking lot, laid on the accelerator, and broke a kneecap in a crash. More than a year later he told us his body would never be the same as it was. He turns 28 next month.

Winslow was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2004 draft. 2010 was his second year with Tampa Bay. He caught 66 passes for 730 yards. Ben Watson, the No. 32 overall pick of the ’04 draft, joined the Browns as a free agent in 2010. He caught 68 passes for 763 yards.

The Ohio State marching band takes turns playing in Cleveland and Cincinnati for Browns-Bengals games. The band played in Cleveland last year, meaning it is committed to Cincinnati this year. Thus, if the Sept. 11 Cincinnati-at-Cleveland is wiped out, it doesn’t kill a date for the Script Ohio people. The Browns are scheduled to play at Cincinnati Nov. 27.

Doerschuk is the Browns beat writer for the Canton Repository. Reach him at steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com.

There is the quick update of the day.

Read More: 2011 nfl mock draft, 2011 nfl draft, nfl mock draft, mock draft, 2011 cleveland browns offseason needs, 2011 browns prospects, Shaun Rogers (DL – NOS), Marvin Austin (DT – North Carolina), Colt McCoy (QB – Texas), Colt McCoy (QB – CLE), Cleveland Browns, North Carolina Tar Heels

37. Cleveland Browns – Marvin Austin, North Carolina Tar Heels

In the first round, the Browns got a strong offensive weapon for quarterback Colt McCoy when they landed A.J. Green out of Georgia. Green is a can’t-miss talent that fell because the Cincinnati Bengals have significant quarterback needs, and the Browns were perfectly happy to catch him when the Cardinals didn’t so much as glance in his direction. After spending a premium pick on premium offensive talent, they’ll need to spend another premium pick on the best defensive talent they can find.

Marvin Austin fits the bill right here at pick number thirty-seven. He can go in the first round, and is probably a late-first talent, so they get good value and don’t have to reach to fill this big need on defense. Austin will fill the void that Shaun Rogers occupied prior. He’s got the size and the skill to do all things on the line, rushing the passer and stopping the run.

The reason he’s not in the first round though: consistency issues, plus a fair bit of rust after being suspended by the NCAA. He could disappear at times, but Cleveland will be banking on him being there more often than not. 

Thanks for visiting our blog =).

By Steve Doerschuk

For Sporting News

An analytical look at the Cleveland Browns heading into the 2011 NFL draft:

Team needs

1. Defensive lineman. Last year, the Browns barely had enough players to run a rotation for a three-man front. Now, additional bodies must be found to feed new coordinator Dick Jauron’s 4-3 scheme. Starters Shaun Rogers and Kenyon Coleman were released in February, further thinning the position. Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers seems an obvious option, if available, with the No. 6 overall pick. He has the classic build and physical tools of a top-shelf 4-3 end. Alabama’s Marcell Dareus, who could be a force at tackle, also is being considered.

2. Wide receiver. Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi, both 2009 second-round picks, have been disappointments so far. However, many feel they were miscast as No. 1 and No. 2 receivers, respectively, and could be effective if a true No. 1 wideout is found. Massaquoi’s former Georgia teammate, A.J. Green, is perfect for Cleveland if he’s available at No. 6. If the Browns wait until Round 2, Pitt’s 6-5 Jon Baldwin or Maryland’s Torrey Smith are options. Smith is more of a burner than Baldwin, and the Browns have a need for speed.

3. Right tackle. The Browns are in great shape on the offensive line with left tackle Joe Thomas, left guard Eric Steinbach and center Alex Mack, but there are problems at right tackle. New Browns coach Pat Shurmur says the trenches will be a priority. Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi would be a good right tackle option if he’s available when the Browns pick early in the second round. Arkansas’ DeMarcus Love played left tackle in 2010 but has the size and strength to do well on the right side. He is an option in the middle rounds.

4. Cornerback. Eric Wright seemed to be approaching elite status in 2009 but lost his confidence and gave up some monster plays early last season. Eventually, he landed on injured reserve, and last year’s No. 7 overall pick, Joe Haden, shined in his role. After investing so much in Haden, the Browns may try to get lucky in the third or fourth rounds this year. Utah’s Brandon Burton, Ohio State’s Chimdi Chekwa and Michigan’s State’s Chris Rucker are on the radar.

5. Quarterback. One of the big questions this year is whether the Browns are sold on 2010 third-round pick Colt McCoy as their QB. Cleveland isn’t likely to spend a first- or second-round pick on a quarterback but might pick a QB to develop behind McCoy and Seneca Wallace, who was re-signed this month. Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick is athletic enough to groom in a West Coast offense.

6. Middle linebacker. Switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme dictates chasing an inside linebacker. Scott Fujita is versatile enough to try the middle, but he’s coming off a knee injury and might be a better outside linebacker. Greg Jones was a prolific tackler at Michigan State and could be a nice fit for Cleveland. LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard has the feisty temperament Cleveland G.M. Tom Heckert likes and would be a decent option in the middle rounds.

7. Right guard. Last year’s third-round pick, Shawn Lauvao, struggled as a rookie due to injuries and personal issues. Lauvao will get another chance in 2011, but Cleveland needs depth at guard and center and could bring in a youngster to push Lauvao. Mid- to late-round candidates include Auburn’s Lee Ziemba, Lehigh’s Will Rackley and Connecticut’s Zach Hurd.

Five-year history

Top-of-the-draft mistakes keep plaguing the Browns, going back to preferring Kellen Winslow over Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Haloti Ngata would also have been far superior to Kamerion Wimbley in ’06. Avoiding a trade that cost a future first-round pick for Brady Quinn in 2007 might have saved the Romeo Crennel regime.

A defensive superstar, Clay Matthews, would have been the ticket over merely a good center, Alex Mack, in 2009. Steals, such as 2008 sixth-rounder Ahtyba Rubin, have been too few and far between, while mistakes, such as spending two second-round picks in 2009 on pedestrian receivers, have been too frequent.

2006: C+

2007: C+

2008: C-

2009: D

2010: B+

Just one question

Q. Have you assured coordinator Dick Jauron you will address the shortage of defensive linemen?

Team president Mike Holmgren: “We absolutely talked about that before he even accepted the position. We know what we have to do to make life easier for him, and (G.M.) Tom Heckert certainly does. That’s a pretty easy one to call just from a numbers standpoint. We are switching our defense from a 3-4 to a four-man line. That would be an area (of need). Dick trusts us. If you have to shore it up, you shore it up.”

Gotta run!.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Is he or isn’t he, and are they or aren’t they?

Is Colt McCoy, heading into his second season, the quarterback the Cleveland Browns are confident in and have committed to as their offensive leader for the next several seasons?

Are the Browns telling the truth when they claim that McCoy is the player they hope will lead the team to contender status?

That’s the NFL draft for you. Keep ‘em guessing. Maybe the April 28-30 draft will provide insight into what the Browns really think of McCoy.

Here’s one line of thought regarding the Browns and McCoy: In its current mock draft, ProFootballWeekly.com comments on McCoy, and predicts that the Browns will take with the No. 6 pick in the first round:

Marcell Dareus | DT | Alabama [Jr.]
Privately, the Browns are not as confident in Colt McCoy as they have been posturing; he still has a long way to go and might never be a bona fide solution to the QB quandary that has buried the Browns since Bernie Kosar was released during the 1993 season. Since then, the Browns have cycled through 20 different starters, and a quarterback such as Cam Newton should not be ruled out. However, Mike Holmgren has shown he can develop quarterbacks from the middle rounds and is looking to clean up the franchise, having shown NT Shaun Rogers the door and shifting to a 4-3 defense. If Dareus remains available; and questions about his maturity easily could allow him to slip; new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron could have a staple of his defense for years to come.

Contrarily, look at what walterfootball.com, on yardbarker.com, has to say about why the Browns will pick:

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
With McCoy entrenched as the franchise quarterback, the Browns need to provide him with a blue-chip weapon.

A.J. Green, who could easily be picked by the Bengals at No. 4, is still the top receiver in this draft class despite the fact that Julio Jones ran a much faster 40 on a fractured foot. And don’t pay attention to his low Wonderlic score (10). Roddy White notched a 4 on his Wonderlic, and I don’t think the Falcons regret drafting him.

As the draft approaches, The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com’s Browns coverage will include draft-related stories, rumors, commentary and projections from PD Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot, PD columnists and other reporters.

For instance, Grossi answers readers’ questions about the Browns draft in his “Hey, Tony!” column; and columnist Terry Pluto comments about the Browns draft in “Terry’s Talkin.’ “

More mocks

All seven rounds on draftsite.com.

The first two rounds on NFL.com.

First-round mock drafts from:

The National Football Post.

The SBNation.com.

Two of them on CBSSports.com.

The NFLDraftSpecialist.com.

Comment Below!.

Shaun Rogers didn’t want to wait to see what was going to happen with the CBA before finding a new home.  The New Orleans Saints didn’t want to wait to find some beef for the interior of their defense.  A perfect fit.  

Rogers, the former Browns lineman, signed a one year contract with the Saints and let everyone know via Twitter:

“It’s official WHO DAT NATION here I come.”

In 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, Rogers has amassed 37.5 sacks but concerns about some off the field issues make Rogers a risk for any team that signs him.  Rogers was arrested for carrying a gun in his carry-on baggage at the airport last year and received discipline from the NFL.

Browns GM Tom Heckert thinks going to a good team for the first time in his career could turn Rogers around.

“Shaun’s a different cat,” Heckert said, according to the Plain Dealer. “Shaun’s whole thing – and he’s stated a million times – is that he’s never been on a team that’s any good. Every team he’s ever been on has been bad. Right or wrong, I think it’s taken a toll on him.”

“I think if he went to a good team, things might change. I don’t know,” Heckert said.

Gotta run!.

Published: Friday, February 18, 2011, 6:00 AM

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns, 5-11 in 2010 and 14-34 over the last three seasons, must obviously address numerous weaknesses during April’s NFL draft.

The defensive line is certainly one of the most glaring areas of need. Last season, the Browns’ performance up front was erratic, at best. Mere statistical rankings — the Browns were tied for 19th in the 32-team NFL in yards allowed per play (5.4); 12th in yards allowed per rushing play (4.1); tied for 25th in quarterback sacks (29) — don’t indicate how short the Browns are in quality defensive linemen.

The mediocrity along the line is further complicated by two other factors: (1) the Browns have released aging defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Kenyon Coleman; (2) the Browns will almost certainly switch from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense.

The question, then, is not whether the Browns need to bolster their defensive line. The questions are (1) should they begin to do so by using their first draft pick, the sixth selection overall, to select a defensive lineman? And, (2), if so, what player should they pick, if still available at No. 6?

Analysts believe there are a number of quality defensive linemen in this year’s draft.

Yes, we know that one or two of the players mentioned in our poll are likely to be off the board once the Browns are on the clock. But, if the Browns do use the pick for a defensive lineman, for fun’s sake, let’s pretend all six of the players we cite are available at the Browns’ No. 6 overall slot. Then, which player would you want the Browns to take?

If the Browns use their first draft pick for a defensive lineman, who – if available – should it be?online survey

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Published: Monday, February 14, 2011, 8:25 PM     Updated: Monday, February 14, 2011, 8:28 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio — To build toward being a contender, the Cleveland Browns would, indeed, benefit from having a strong draft come April.

The Browns, barring a trade, own the sixth pick in the first round.

For the National Football Post, Joe Fortenbaugh breaks down how first-round picks were used in the last 10 drafts (2001-2010).

Many observers expect the Browns to select a wide receiver or defensive end with their first pick. Fortenbaugh reports that 40 wide receivers were first-rounders in the last 10 years, more than any other position, and that the second most popular position for first-rounders was defensive end, with 37.

About wideouts being tabbed in the first round over the last 10 years, Fortenbuagh adds:

Most Selected: 7 (2004)
Least Selected: 0 (2008)

First Overall Selections: 0

First Round Picks in 2011: Julio Jones (Alabama) and A.J. Green (Georgia) are in and could hear their names called in the top-ten. Jon Baldwin (Pittsburgh) and Leonard Hankerson (Miami) are two solid prospects, as is Titus Young (Boise State).

And, about defensive ends as first-rounders beginning in 2001, Fortenbaugh details: 

Most Selected: 6 (2003)
Least Selected: 2 (2004)

First Overall Selections: 1 (Mario Williams in ’06)

First Round Picks in 2011: Despite a lengthy 2010 suspension, Robert Quinn’s (UNC) talent speaks for itself. Aldon Smith (Missouri) is a name you should become familiar with, as he should be joining the more well-known J.J. Watt (Wisconsin) and Adrian Clayborn (Iowa). Da’Quan Bowers (Clemson) could be the first No. 1 pick from the DE position since Mario Williams in 2006.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Mary Kay Cabot’s story on the Browns completing their coaching staff; Bud Shaw’s column on how a potential lockout could affect a Browns team already in transition.

Draw plays

Debating the Browns’ release of Shaun Rogers, by Dave Kolonich on Scout.com’s Orange and Brown Report.

What the Browns and other teams might do by pinning their potential free agents with transition or franchise tags, by Pete Prisco of CBSSportsline.com.

Details on the Browns’ new coaching staff, on clevelandbrowns.com.

The task ahead for the Browns’ new defensive coordinator, Dick Jauron, by Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository.

 

Not much else going on in the NFL world today.

Published: Saturday, February 12, 2011, 5:40 PM     Updated: Saturday, February 12, 2011, 6:07 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have won 14 games and lost 34 in the last three seasons.

A simple deduction is that the Browns need to fill numerous needs via April’s draft.

Speculation abounds that Cleveland will select a defensive lineman with its first pick, slated to be the NFL’s No. 6 overall pick. Logic, some say, dictates that the Browns need to add someone who can help control the line of scrimmage and/or rush the quarterback as the team switches from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3.

The need for defensive linemen became even more urgent when the Browns announced this week that they terminated the contracts of six veterans. The Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot reported on the dismissal of the players, and the PD’s Tony Grossi later cited some reasons they were let go.

Most observers believe the Browns also need to somehow acquire a go-to wide receiver, and some say that’s the route to take with the team’s first-rounder.

Or, do you remember Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield, the Browns’ brilliant cornerback duo during Cleveland’s five straight playoff seasons in the 1980s?

Would it make sense to develop a couple corners in hopes of emulating that duo?

For CBSSports.com, Pete Prisco’s mock draft includes:

6. Cleveland Browns — Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: He will team with Joe Haden, last year’s first-round pick, to give the Browns a nice cover duo. If the playoffs taught us anything, it’s how important cover players are in the NFL.

Or, maybe…

Analysis of another potential Browns first-round pick — Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. On the Dawgs By Nature blog.

The report includes:

Jones has had some real inconsistencies with his hands. He can also lose focus when he “hears footsteps” which can be cause for some of the drops. His route running ability is still fairly raw too, but it’s been improving. He also lacks that DeSean Jackson type of speed and acceleration, but as I said before, he also has 45 pounds and 6 inches on Jackson. Julio Jones is still a very legitimate deep threat.

Post patterns

The biggest offseason question for every AFC team, including the Browns, by Don Banks for Sports Illustrated’s SI.com.

A story on longtime Browns place-kicker Phil Dawson, by Matt Florjancic for clevelandbrowns.com.

About the release of nose tackle Shaun Rogers, on NFL.com.

The top 25 draft prospects, in order, according to Bucky Brooks for NFL.com.

What teams look for as they scout tight ends and receivers for the draft, by Greg Gabriel for the National Football Post.

 

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

ASHBURN, Va. — Three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Shaun Rogers has paid a visit to the Washington Redskins, two days after being cut by the Cleveland Browns.

Rogers met with team officials at Redskins Park on Friday as he begins his search for a new team following three seasons in Cleveland.

Rogers was cut Wednesday after playing sparingly during the 2010 season due to ankle, hip and elbow injuries. He had been scheduled to make $5.5 million in 2011 with a $500,000 roster bonus.

NFL free agency is scheduled to begin March 4 — pending the outcome of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement — but Rogers is free to sign with a new team now because the Browns terminated his contract early.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.

Published: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 1:12 PM     Updated: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 1:13 PM

As Mary Kay Cabot told you in today’s Plain Dealer, the Browns cut have six veterans, including nose tackle Shaun Rogers.

As Mary Kay said, Rogers didn’t have the best year of his career: “But his 17 tackles were a career low, as were his two sacks. He did block a field goal in Miami, the 14th of his career.”

But don’t feel too badly for Rogers, who made $23 million in his three seasons in Cleveland. One of his biggest fans is the new defensive coordinator in Dallas, where the Cowboys are installing the 3-4 defense Rogers favors. That coordinator would be a fella named Rob Ryan. Name might be familiar, as he was DC under Eric Mangini here.

But Ryan isn’t the only one who covets Rogers, according to Jerome Solomon, who writes the “King Solomon’s Mind” blog for the Houston Chronicle.

Shaun Rogers was released by the Browns today. He is free to sign with any team he chooses. Immediately.

Rogers loves Houston. It is home.

Rogers plays nose tackle. The Texans need a nose tackle. The Texans have never had an interior defensive lineman as good as Rogers. Rogers has blocked 14 field goals and three extra points in his career.

I believe the Texans have a total of five blocked field goals and two blocked extra points in franchise history. (To be fair, Rogers has been around one season longer than the Texans.)

Rogers had an off-season for him because of injuries (he played only about 40 percent of the defensive snaps), but he played through them anyway even when he probably shouldn’t have been on the field. He will be motivated to get back on top.

Rogers and Shaun Cody would be a great duo at nose tackle in Wade Phillips’ defense. Texans and Rogers, a marriage made in heaven.

Something you may not want to know, Solomon: According to divorcerate.org, about 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce; 67 percent of second marriages go that route; and 74 percent of third marriages go the Splitsville way.

Of note, the Texans — or Cowboys — would be Rogers’ third, um, team.

Boo!
Now that the Super Bowl is done and Aaron Rodgers has used a Midwest version of the West Coast offense to propel the Green Bay Packers to the title, talk turns to next season (assuming there IS one, given the labor-management rift).

Bleacherreport.com is talking about which teams should have others checking their rearview mirrors like Dennis Weaver in “Duel,” that TV movie about a motorist terrorized by a nutso trucker. And guess who’s on it: The Browns! Here’s what author Tony Dudas had to say:

You need look no further than their 2010 draft. Colt McCoy is blossoming into an unsuspected talent, and Joe Haden is the rookie no one is talking about. If not for the flashy play of guys like Devin McCourty, Ndamukong Suh, and Sam Bradford, Haden would have gotten much deserved attention this past season and only looks to be better next year. They acted as unlikely spoilers to the 2009 Super Bowl Champions and New England Patriots during this past season.

With a new regime change in the Browns going into 2011, they could be scary next year. You never know when a team goes under a restructuring like this, with the talent they have.

A lot will depend on what the front office does in terms of the draft this year, how Dick Jauron’s defense handles a switch the 4-3 alignment and how quickly McCoy can pick up new coach Pat Shurmur’s version of the West Coast offense. But hey, isn’t it COOL to have someone worry about the Browns for a change? To paraphrase the Eagles, “We haven’t had that spirit here since 1999″ (when the Browns returned from NFL purgatory as an expansion team).

 

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CLEVELAND (AP)—The Cleveland Browns are cleaning house.

On Wednesday, the team terminated the contracts of some big-name players, including their biggest player—enormous nose tackle Shaun Rogers(notes).

In addition, the Browns, who are rebuilding once again under new coach Pat Shurmur, also released veteran linebackers Eric Barton(notes) and David Bowens(notes), defensive end Kenyon Coleman(notes), tight end Robert Royal(notes) and right offensive tackle John St. Clair(notes).

All six of the players are over age 30, and the moves will save the Browns nearly $19 million in base salaries.

The 350-pound-plus Rogers, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was slowed by injuries and played sparingly last season. He was due to make $5.5 million in 2011 with a $500,000 roster bonus.

The Browns announced the cuts in a one-paragraph statement, and moments later Barton expressed his disappointment at being let go on his Twitter account.

“No longer a Cleveland brown,” Barton wrote. “I’m gonna miss the great friends I met there.”

Rogers was on his own practice schedule last season, resting a leg injury so he could play on Sundays. He lost favor with former coach Eric Mangini, who used to go out of his way to praise defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin(notes). A Pro Bowler in 2008, Rogers played in 15 games, but only made one start and finished with just 17 tackles.

Barton and Bowens were signed as free agents in Cleveland by Mangini, who was fired in January following his second straight 5-11 season. Coleman, who started 14 games at left end last season, also played for Mangini with the New York Jets before he was brought to Cleveland in a trade.

St. Clair made 10 starts last season, but missed five games with an ankle injury.

The Browns are expected to switch from a 3-4 defensive scheme to a 4-3 under new coordinator Dick Jauron, who coached Rogers in Detroit.

Bowens, who was close to being cut before the season, played well despite a knee injury and provided valuable leadership. He also returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the Browns’ upset of New Orleans on Oct. 24.

If anybody needs tickets to games, remember to click the tickets link at the top.

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have terminated the contracts of six players, including former Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers.

The team also released linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens (Michigan, Orchard Lake St. Marys), defensive linemen Kenyon Coleman, tight end Robert Royal and offensive lineman John St. Clair.

Rogers, a former Detroit Lion who was slowed by injuries last season, was due to make more than $5 million next year.

Rogers was on his own practice schedule last season, resting a leg injury so he could play on Sundays. He lost favor with former coach Eric Mangini, who used to go out of his way to praise defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin. A Pro Bowler in 2008, Rogers played in 15 games, but only made one start and finished with just 17 tackles.

The Browns are expected to switch from a 3-4 defensive scheme to a 4-3 under new coordinator Dick Jauron, who coached Rogers in Detroit.

Bowens, who was close to being cut before the season, played well despite a knee injury and provided valuable leadership. He also returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the Browns’ upset of New Orleans on Oct. 24.

What are your opinions.

New Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur made his first major step of the offseason Wednesday by cleaning house with veteran players.

The Browns cut six veterans, which include tight end Robert Royal, offensive tackle John St. Clair, defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Kenyon Coleman and linebackers David Bowens and Eric Barton. Most were considered favorites of former Browns head coach Eric Mangini.

“We kind of had a feeling that with a new regime Cleveland wanted to go with younger players,” said Bowens’ agent, Harold Lewis. “David was Eric’s guy and [former defensive coordianator] Rob Ryan’s guy. So it’s not a surprise.”

The biggest name on this list is Rogers, who is one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive linemen when healthy. Rogers had his best year under former Browns head coach Romeo Crennel in 2008 but suffered injuries and never played as well during his two seasons under Mangini.

Coleman was acquired from the Jets when New York traded up to select Mark Sanchez in the 2009 NFL draft. Of the seven players the Browns received in trades related to the Sanchez deal, only center Alex Mack is still with Cleveland. Safety Abram Elam, who was included in the trade, is a free agent.

James Walker covers the AFC North for ESPN.com. You can also follow him at espnafc_north.

Comment Below!.

Published: Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 6:14 PM     Updated: Wednesday, February 09, 2011, 6:51 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns terminated the contracts of six players today: nose tackle Shaun Rogers, linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, defensive linemen Kenyon Coleman, tight end Robert Royal and offensive lineman John St. Clair.

Rogers, who started only one game in 2010, was set to make $5.5 million in 2011 with a $500,000 roster bonus. Rogers, who was plagued by injuries all season, played sparingly, finishing the season with 17 tackles and two sacks. He also blocked a field goal for a career total of 14.

Rogers played in Detroit for Browns new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, who helped guide him to his first two Pro Bowls while coordinator of the Lions.

Barton and Bowens were signed by former coach Eric Mangini as unrestricted free agents from the Jets in 2009 to help him implement his defensive system here. Bowens, who was plagued by a knee injury, was on the bubble in training camp last season.

Coleman, who started 14 of 16 games at left end in 2010, was acquired by Mangini in the trade with the Jets that enabled New York to select quarterback Mark Sanchez. Abe Elam and Brett Ratliff were also part of that trade.

John St. Clair, who was hampered by a high ankle sprain much of the season, made 10 starts at right tackle. The Browns had hoped to start Tony Pashos at right tackle, but he was placed on injured reserve Oct. 20 with an ankle injury.

Jauron is in the process of converting the Browns to a 4-3 scheme.

Rogers, who was acquired by former Browns General Manager Phil Savage in a 2008 trade with the Lions for Leigh Bodden and the Browns’ third-round pick, was made expendable in part because Ahtyba Rubin emerged as a premier nose tackle. Rogers practiced sparingly and some members of the coaching staff privately questioned his desire. Rogers represented the Browns in the 2008 Pro Bowl after making 81 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

What do you guys think about this.

Published: Tuesday, February 01, 2011, 3:34 PM     Updated: Tuesday, February 01, 2011, 3:40 PM

Cleveland, Ohio — Only one good thing has ever come out of labor strife in the NFL. But enough about “The Replacements,” starring Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman. Let’s talk about the one that’s looming now.

If the NFL and the players association can’t reach a new collective bargaining agreement this spring — and rhetoric from both sides at least seems to imply that is the case — more than just dollars could be lost. We’re talking the most valuable commodity of all: time.

Seven teams changed head coaches this year (we’re kinda going to assume that neither Super Bowl participant, the Steelers nor the Packers, is contemplating a change). The offseason is going to be monstrously important. But to no team will the organized team activities, minicamps and the like be more important than the Browns. That’s what Cory Felegy of clevelandexaminer.com says, and frankly, we agree with him.

As Felegy points out, the shift from whatever it is you’d want to call the offense the Browns have run (the “We’re Toast Offense” comes to mind) to new coach  Pat Shurmur’s version the West Coast Offense is going to take a lot of time and practice to institute.

Routes will change. Timing will change. Nomenclature will change. Personnel will change. It’s all part of a whole philosophy change. And, again as Felegy notes, early and often practices will help determine if Colt McCoy is indeed the quarterback the Browns can ride into the playoffs (for the record, we think he is, but we’re not the ones drawing up the X’s and O’s).

But the often overlooked aspect is the anticipated switch from the 3-4 defense the browns have been running (three down linemen and four linebackers) to a 4-3 defense (four down linemen and three ‘backers). And this is where Felegy makes his best points:

(The Browns) are painfully thin on the defensive line and its unclear who the four linemen would be in (new defensive coordinator Dick) Jauron’s 4-3 defense.  Ahtyba Rubin figures into the equation but does an injury-prone Shaun Rogers or an aging Kenyon Coleman?  There’s talk that Matt Roth and/or Marcus Benard could make the switch to from linebacker to defensive end.  But that’s the kind of change that would require time and practice, two things the Browns won’t have if a lockout continues into the summer.

Plus, the 4-3 defense puts added pressure on the one middle linebacker and it’s unclear if the Browns even have a player that fits the mold of a 4-3 MLB.  The only player on the current roster fitting this role is D’Qwell Jackson, who didn’t see a single snap in 2010.

Good points all. And remember, even though the draft will happen as scheduled in April, those picks can’t be signed until the new CBA is reached. It’s a daunting prospect, at the very least.

Fortunately, it’s also an expensive prospect. And if the past labor strifes in sports have proven one thing, greed trumps pride and principles every time.

Kolbs and robbers
So a recent Starting Blocks poll is drawing interest in Philly. A blogger for bleedinggreen.com raised a hoary eyebrow after three-quarters of the voters said the Browns shouldn’t pursue disgruntled and dethroned Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb.

In a lot of ways I can understand. They already have a young QB in Colt McCoy, who while not particularly impressive, probably did enough that no one is going to call him a bust just yet. Plus, given that they just invested a 2nd rounder in McCoy and spent a first rounder on Brady Quinn recently, it’s understandable that the fanbase would be gunshy about spending yet another high pick on a QB. Frankly, I can’t blame them.

Of course, let’s also not discount the nature of just being a fan. For a lot of people, the mere suggestion that some other teams’ player is better than yours is blasphemy and clearly Kolb is a no talent loser that the Eagles are trying to pawn off on some unsuspecting team desperate for a QB. Of course, when your team actually does trade for him… he becomes a nearly can’t miss prospect destined for a career that’s maybe not quite Joe Montana, but probably better than Dan Marino.

The Browns may yet deal for Kolb. The connection has been clearly stated several times: Cleveland GM Tom Heckert was part of the braintrust that drafted him, and new Browns coach Pat Shurmur has coached him and, as the blogger pointed out, most likely will institute a very similar kind of West Coast offense to that run in Philly.

We’ve got to be honest: Starting Blocks finds the results of the poll encouraging. We’ve been in Cleveland for 20 years now, and it’s the first time since the Bernie Kosar era that we’ve seen a Browns fan base this solidly behind a quarterback. Yeah, Colt McCoy has detractors, and there are those that keep bringing up a perceived lack of arm strength and doubts as to his ability to play in the frigid climes of a Midwest winter.

But dang it, isn’t it NICE to have a quarterback who can count to six without having to check his other hand?

Back to the future
We were reading Todd Maternowski’s Top Six List of Super Bowl Myths on pegasusnews.com and just about fell out of your chairs. The Browns Nation has been excitedly talking about instituting this new thing called “The West Cost Offense.” Only it isn’t so new after all:

Superbowl Myth #5: The West Coast Offense Originated On The West Coast. Any time a team attempts a pass shorter than forty yards, you will hear a TV announcer indicate that this is due to the team in question employing a “West Coast Offense.” This is an offense where quarterbacks throw to guys five yards downfield, and was invented by Bill Walsh of the San Francisco 49ers in the 80s. San Francisco is an iconic American city located on the West Coast of the continent of North America, which is something even most NFL television announcers can be made to understand.

The Problem With That: According to Bill Walsh himself, the name is a misnomer, and should be called the Cincinnati Offense. Walsh didn’t even technically invent it, as the Cleveland Browns –you know, the winners of eight NFL championships… You knew that, right?– used it to perfection in the 1950s. When former Browns coach Paul Brown moved on to the Bengals in the 1970s, he worked with then-offensive coordinator Bill Walsh on the system, to take advantage of their QB who had a weak arm.

Fate, meet Destiny. Destiny, this is Fate.

From The Plain Dealer
Mary Kay Cabot writes that the Browns confirmed the hiring of four coaches, including former Miami Hurricanes offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who will take over as quarterbacks coach. It’ll be up to Whipple to mentor young Colt McCoy and mold him int the quarterback Browns President Mike Holmgren and the rest of the team’s brain trust think he can be. Our only question is how long it’ll be before someone makes a squeeze-the-Charmin joke. Ah, TP or not TP, that is the question.

 

That’s all the news for today.