The scary thing is if we somehow lose to Cinci, the season is pretty much over. If you can’t beat the Bengals you probably can’t beat anyone. Last season Tampa was considered a sure win early in the year like Cinci this year and we lost.

What is the over/under on how many passes Little will drop Sunday?

How many of the players that were injured all camp and through the preseason games will play? How many will re-injure and be out long term? On a team with no depth you have to consider these things.

CLEVELAND — Here is the Browns release on  their roster moves:

The Cleveland Browns today were awarded the following players off waivers: quarterback Thaddeus Lewis (St. Louis), linebacker Quinton Spears (Miami) and defensive lineman Emmanuel Stephens (Atlanta).  To make room on their roster for the three, the team waived defensive lineman Auston English and linebacker Benjamin Jacobs, and terminated the contract of defensive lineman Derreck Robinson.

Also on Sunday, the team signed the following six players to its practice squad.  All six were waived by the Browns on Saturday: offensive linemen Dominic Alford and Jarrod Shaw, fullback Tyler Clutts, running back Quinn Porter, defensive lineman Brian Sanford and wide receiver Rod Windsor.

Lewis signed with the Rams as an undrafted college free agent in 2010.  He was on the team’s 53-man roster for the season-opener last year before spending the final 14 weeks on the practice squad.  In preseason with St. Louis in 2010, Lewis completed 22 of 28 passes (78.6%) for 255 yards with two touchdowns, one interception and a rating of 113.6.  This year he hit on 23 of 32 (71.9%) for 266 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, and a rating of 96.6.  Lewis was a four-year letterman at Duke (2006-09) where he started all four years and completed 877 of 1,510 passes for 10,065 yards with 67 touchdowns and 40 interceptions.  He set school career records for passing yards and touchdowns.  He also rushed for 621 yards and nine touchdowns.  He had his best season as a senior when he connected on 274 of 449 passes for 3,330 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.  He was a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection that year and was a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award.  The 6-2, 200-pound Lewis attended Hialeah-Miami Lakes (Fla.) High School.  He was born on November 19, 1987.

Spears signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent this year.  He registered a sack with the team in the preseason.  The 6-4, 234-pounder began his collegiate career at Prairie View A&M as a walk-on wide receiver before being converted to defensive end.  As a senior, he was a first-team All-SWAC selection when he tallied 70 tackles, nine stops for loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and three blocked kicks.  He was a second-team all-conference choice as a junior when he posted 39 tackles, 10.5 stops for loss and five sacks.  Born on May 11, 1988, he attended Montgomery (Texas) High School.

Stephens signed with Atlanta as an undrafted college free agent in 2010 and spent all of his rookie season on the Falcons’ practice squad.  The 6-3, 255-pounder was a two-year letterman at the University of Mississippi (2008-09) after transferring from Blinn Community College.  In two years at Ole Miss, Stephens recorded 40 tackles, 13 stops for loss and 6.5 sacks, including a team-high 5.5 as a senior.  He added two forced fumbles in his career.  Born on February 17, 1987, Stephens is a native of Houston, Texas where he attended Waltrip High School.

This will certainly change as we get closer to the start of the season, but which team will win the AFC North?

The Cincinnati Bengals can certainly be counted out, but what about the Browns? Can the Browns be the surprise team this season, or will the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their dominance?

This could also be the year for the Baltimore Ravens, but does quarterback Joe Flacco have the moxie to lead his team to the top?

Which team will win the AFC North?

Brian Tarcy admits in this Washington Post article he’s a Cleveland Browns fan when he writes that Peyton Hillis will avoid the so-called Madden cover curse.

The Madden cover has been a jinx every other year. Amidst huge expectations, there has been disappointment. From Eddie George’s career decline in 2001 to Troy Polamalu’s knee injury in 2009, the video game cover is littered with sad stories. After appearing on the cover in 2004, Michael Vick broke his leg and then was arrested for dog fighting.

Because Hillis is such an unexpected cover boy, writes Tracy, the jinx is going to work in reverse this year.

Tracy predicts a monster year for Hillis.

Hillis, who a lot of people are writing off as a one-year wonder, is just getting started, and the Browns are about to turn the proverbial corner into playoff contention. Yes, the Cleveland Browns are going to compete in the AFC North this year.

Read More: Colt McCoy (QB – CLE), Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns

Even though the Cleveland Browns won just five games in 2010, fans of the historic franchise were chock full of optimism heading into the offseason. Cleveland either beat or hung tough against quality opponents last year, and at one point in the middle of the season looked like they might be able to challenge for a .500 record. They of course didn’t quite get there, but the emergence of Colt McCoy as a legitimate leader on the team and potentially a franchise quarterback left fans confident that better days were just around the corner.

Cleveland then had an outstanding 2011 NFL Draft, stockpiling picks and talent with their blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The momentum kept going during the lockout when McCoy and his teammates organized players-only workouts all spring and summer. Now that they’re in camp, fans are more pumped up than ever about their team making a return to respectability and competing with Pittsburgh and Baltimore in the AFC North.

Many scribes believe the lockout will leave the Browns at a bigger disadvantage than most because of how young they are and how little time so many on the roster will have had to work with Paul Shurmur and the rest of the new coaching staff in Cleveland. We’ll see, perhaps. It is undeniable that the Browns have gotten a lot younger in the two years that Holmgren has been in charge. He talked to 950 KJR in Seattle about that and the outlook for the 2011 season during a Wednesday afternoon interview.

On the expectations for the team:

“Well I suppose I’m never satisfied until we start winning some more games. We didn’t win enough games last year. How about this stat? We went from one of the oldest teams in football to one of the youngest and we lost 331 years. We’re a young team and now having said that we’re going to have some growing pains, but I think looking back on my year I don’t question my decision to retain Eric (Mangini) and those guys. I thought long and hard about it. The fact that then I had to make the change I suppose if I made it right away you could say we’d be a year ahead but I had reasons for not doing it and that’s the way it is. Now we have to kinda get going again but I like the way our team is functioning. We have these young people that are going to be good. Tom Heckert does a great job in personnel. I mean he really is good. The really good thing I did was surround myself with really smart guys and they can really do the job.”

How disappointed he would be if the Browns don’t make strides this year:

“I would be disappointed if we didn’t make a jump Dave but we’ll see. I’m not one to predict those things as you well know. I think if we don’t get hurt and Colt can’t stay in and not get injured, which is a huge thing, and he can have a full year of growing and playing the game, I think we have a chance to be a much better football team. That’s my hope anyway.”

(Partial transcription via: SportsRadioInterviews)

Read More: Colt McCoy (QB – CLE), Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns

Even though the Cleveland Browns won just five games in 2010, fans of the historic franchise were chock full of optimism heading into the offseason. Cleveland either beat or hung tough against quality opponents last year, and at one point in the middle of the season looked like they might be able to challenge for a .500 record. They of course didn’t quite get there, but the emergence of Colt McCoy as a legitimate leader on the team and potentially a franchise quarterback left fans confident that better days were just around the corner.

Cleveland then had an outstanding 2011 NFL Draft, stockpiling picks and talent with their blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The momentum kept going during the lockout when McCoy and his teammates organized players-only workouts all spring and summer. Now that they’re in camp, fans are more pumped up than ever about their team making a return to respectability and competing with Pittsburgh and Baltimore in the AFC North.

Many scribes believe the lockout will leave the Browns at a bigger disadvantage than most because of how young they are and how little time so many on the roster will have had to work with Paul Shurmur and the rest of the new coaching staff in Cleveland. We’ll see, perhaps. It is undeniable that the Browns have gotten a lot younger in the two years that Holmgren has been in charge. He talked to 950 KJR in Seattle about that and the outlook for the 2011 season during a Wednesday afternoon interview.

On the expectations for the team:

“Well I suppose I’m never satisfied until we start winning some more games. We didn’t win enough games last year. How about this stat? We went from one of the oldest teams in football to one of the youngest and we lost 331 years. We’re a young team and now having said that we’re going to have some growing pains, but I think looking back on my year I don’t question my decision to retain Eric (Mangini) and those guys. I thought long and hard about it. The fact that then I had to make the change I suppose if I made it right away you could say we’d be a year ahead but I had reasons for not doing it and that’s the way it is. Now we have to kinda get going again but I like the way our team is functioning. We have these young people that are going to be good. Tom Heckert does a great job in personnel. I mean he really is good. The really good thing I did was surround myself with really smart guys and they can really do the job.”

How disappointed he would be if the Browns don’t make strides this year:

“I would be disappointed if we didn’t make a jump Dave but we’ll see. I’m not one to predict those things as you well know. I think if we don’t get hurt and Colt can’t stay in and not get injured, which is a huge thing, and he can have a full year of growing and playing the game, I think we have a chance to be a much better football team. That’s my hope anyway.”

(Partial transcription via: SportsRadioInterviews)

It’s a big day in clown town with these signings. My dog could pull free agent names out of a hat better than larry, currly and moe could. go back to sleep you three!

here’s a list of players browns have added
Carl Gettis (CB, Missouri). 5’10” 200lbs with a 4.73 40yd (but plays way faster on the field) 33” vertical. Has great return skills and field vision. Stays down in his backpedal.

Brian Smith (OLB/MLB, Notre Dame). 6’3” 240lbs with a 4.77 40yd. Started all 12 games for the Irish. Seems like a typical Notre Dame guy, all hype and show. Bad tackles and sloppy form. Often highlights of him were in gang tackles and he was always first to celebrate.

Sidney Tarver (OLB, Tennessee State) 6’4” 236 lbs with a 4.7 40yd. Guy can tackle well and accelerates his feet after contact. Played inferior competition and smaller bodies, but excelled.

Troy Weatherhead (QB, Hillsdale) 6’3” 218lbs with a 5.15 40yd. Conference player of the year and Div II leader in passing efficiency (76.9%)Offense was built around him and he crushed all school records, setting them mostly in his junior year.

Kyle Anderson (DE, Georgetown College) 6’4” 275 lbs. left junior year. What short tape I saw was unimpressive but he fits the Heckert mold to develop this year and maybe become a pass rushing DE in the next couple years.

Chris Matthews (WR, Kentucky) Confirmed to Browns. 6’5” 218lbs with a 4.57 40 yd dash. Played in all 13 games in 2009 as the 2nd reciever and accrued 32 catches for 254 yds and 3 TDs. He tore up California junior college the previous year leading all receivers with 80 receptions

Alex Wujciak (MLB, Maryland) Confirmed for Browns. 6’3” 247 lbs with a 4.77 40 yd dash. First team All-ACC with a team high 131 tackles last season

CLEVELAND – Montario Hardesty is eager to make up for lost time.

The Cleveland Browns running back missed the entire 2010 football season after tearing his left ACL in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to work,” said Hardesty, a second-round draft pick by the Browns in 2010. “Missing last year is fueling my entire offseason. It just has me so hungry. I’m excited about getting back around the guys and getting back around to football.

“I’m looking forward to getting on the field and finding a way to contribute to the Browns this year.”

Hardesty, a two-year team captain at the University of Tennessee, spent the first portion of the lockout rehabbing from the injury. Now, he said he passed the rehab phase and will be ready to go as soon as the players are permitted to report to the team facilities for training camp in Berea.

“For the last month to month-and-a-half I have been training hard,” Hardesty said. “I am kind of out of the rehab phase, so now I am just training and doing what I need to do to make sure that I am ready to go when camp starts.”

It was Hardesty’s second major knee surgery. He tore his right ACL in his freshman season at Tennessee. He recovered and missed only two games over his final four seasons.

The 6-foot, 225-pound speedy running back, who helped lead New Bern (N.C.) High School to two 4-AA state championship appearances, is not worried about future injuries.

“I’m always positive,” Hardesty said. “I’ve put last year behind me. I was disappointed when it happened, but once I had surgery, I started getting ready for this year. I am just ready to get back out on the field.”

Hardesty said rehabbing from his initial ACL tear helped his mindset while recovering from this injury.

“When I was in college that was really my first time getting hurt, so I didn’t know what was going to happen,” Hardesty said. “Now, I have already been through that and I know it’s something that I can bounce back from. I just want to come back and show what I can do.”

Hardesty is expected to split carries with Peyton Hillis, who ran for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

Hardesty believes the two will make a formidable one-two punch in the Browns’ backfield

“I think it’s going to be a good thing,” he said. “When I went down last year, (Peyton) went on to have a great year. He is a bruising runner, so I think we have two different styles that can really keep teams off balance. I’m excited about our running game.”

The Browns, 5-11 last season and third in the AFC’s North Division, have a young nucleus returning on offense – which includes second-year quarterback Colt McCoy, Pro Bowl offensive lineman Joe Thomas and wide receivers Mohammed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, and Joshua Cribbs.

“I think the sky is the limit for our offense,” Hardesty said. “As long as we can continue to improve and continue to work hard, I think we can do some big things on offense.”

After missing the entire 2010 season, Hardesty has plenty of incentive to return to the field. He is looking forward to the atmosphere of playing at Cleveland Browns Stadium and being with his teammates.

“I just want to get back to Cleveland, be at the games and see the passion of the fans,” Hardesty said. “I just want to help excite the fans and help my team win. I feel like as long as I come out and play good football, the way that I know how, I think all of my expectations and goals will work itself out.

“I’ve got goals I want to accomplish, but my main goal is to help the team win.”

Allan from Columbus, Ohio, and Kyle from Tiffin, Ohio, wants to know if free agent defensive end/linebacker Vernon Gholston could fit with the Browns.

James Walker: Someone will give Gholston another chance, Allan. But the Browns are switching to a 4-3 defense and I don’t see Gholston fitting into that scheme. I’ve covered New York Jets coach Rex Ryan since he was in Baltimore, and I have a lot of respect for his coaching ability, particularly on defense. And if Ryan couldn’t get anything out of Gholston in two years, there’s a good chance he’s legitimately a bust. Sometimes a change of scenery can help a player, but for Ryan to give up on Gholston says a lot.

Anton from Fort Collins, Colo., writes: What are the chances of Cleveland drafting a running back in the later rounds?

Walker: It’s a very good possibility, Anton. The Browns relied on Peyton Hillis too much in the running and passing game last season, and as a result he got hurt late in the year. The Browns were really counting on 2010 second-round pick Montario Hardesty, but his history of knee injuries is a concern. Look for the Browns to take a scat-back type to complement Hillis in the middle or late rounds. One name to keep an eye on is Shane Vereen from Cal.

Brian from Solon, Ohio, writes: Does Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers’ past injuries make him a big risk for the Bengals or Browns?

Walker: Brian, Bowers’ knee injury and surgery probably drops him out of consideration for the first six picks. It’s a shame because, if healthy, I think he would be a good fit in Cleveland or Cincinnati. Bowers led the nation with 15 sacks last year and that kind of production is exactly what the Browns and Bengals need. But it’s hard to invest such a high pick in a player when you’re not sure if he’s healthy.

Jacob from Cincy wants to know if Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn is a trade possibility for the Bengals.

Walker: Jacob, it’s hard to gauge interest in trades during this lockout because there is no movement and no discussions between teams and players. When I talk to people around the league, everything is really at a standstill besides the draft. But with free agency being pushed back this year, I fully anticipate the Bengals finding “Carson Palmer insurance” in this draft. That way they don’t have to give up any compensation to other teams, and having a rookie quarterback still gives the Bengals flexibility of welcoming Palmer back as the starter without any issues if he has a change of heart this summer.

Miller is the top linebacker available in this year’s draft and a target for several teams in the top 10. Miller recorded 68 tackles and 11 sacks for the Aggies last season. He also recorded 43 tackles and 17 sacks in 2009.

Here was ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s assessment of Miller in last week’s conference call:

“He led the nation in sacks two years ago and would have this year had he not had the ankle injury early on. Then you think about leverage coming off the edge. The kid gets like a motorcycle driver coming around the corner. You wonder how some of those guys can stay on the bike on motocross and this guy is the same way. He comes around that edge and I don’t even know how he stays on his feet. He gets this tremendous leverage on those big tackles and they just can’t handle him.”

Cleveland, which holds the No. 6 pick, needs help with its front seven and will switch to a 4-3 defense this season under rookie head coach Pat Shurmur. The Browns were ranked No. 22 in total defense in 2010.

6. Cleveland Browns- A.J. Green, Georgia Bulldogs 

There were some definite bright spots in the Cleveland Browns’ 2011 season (like beating the Patriots 34-14) but there also were just as many dark ones (like losing to the Steelers 41-9). With their 5-11 record last year the Browns showed some improvement, but will need some more playmakers to get closer to being a playoff contender. That’s why the Browns should draft wide receiver A.J. Green, probably the best offensive playmaker in this year’s draft.

At 6’3″, 211 pounds, Green definitely has the right build to be a great receiver. He’s got good speed (4.48 40 yd. dash), top-shelf separation skills, solid route running ability, ridiculous hands, and great body control. Basically the dude’s a beast. If the Browns select him #6 overall, he could possibly become their go to receiver his first year on the job. For those of you who saw him play this year or even just his pro day at Georgia, you are well aware of the talents this guy posses, and hopefully so are the Browns.

With a developing quarterback in Colt McCoy and a mainly marginal receiving core led by Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi, the Browns will need some better targets if they want McCoy to develop into a starter. I believe A.J. Green is the best way to improve an offense via the draft this year, and could seriously help a player like McCoy gain a starting job out of training camp, or even become one of the better QB’s in the NFL. Receivers simply make QB’s look better, it’s science.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King and I agree on Cleveland going Green:

Cleveland has need areas across the defensive line, but Colt McCoy is never going to have a chance to establish himself with the Browns’ current receiver corps. If A.J. Green is available at No. 6, we can’t imagine any way club president Mike Holmgren and G.M. Tom Heckert could justify taking a pass.

Even though there hasn’t been a WR drafted in the top ten since Calvin Johnson in 2007, I think this guy will be worth his salt for the Cleveland Browns. His talent level is undeniable, the question will be how much it progresses in the NFL.  

Dallas Cowboys receiver Troy Bergeron and Cleveland Browns receiver Rod Windsor are going back to the Arena Football League during the NFL lockout.

Unable to work out at their NFL team’s facilities, Bergeron this week signed with the AFL’s Cleveland Gladiators and Windsor joined the Arizona Rattlers. Both are former AFL rookie of the year award winners.

Players were permitted to sign with another league after the NFL lockout began last weekend. Bergeron and Windsor are still under contract with their respective NFL teams, who still own their NFL rights.

“We assumed there would be players that would join the AFL. We are not sure how big the influx will be,” AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said. “We are confident that the NFL issues will be resolved and they will play this season. We work well in conjunction with the NFL and they have supported us and our players greatly.”

With the Rattlers last season, Windsor was the league’s rookie of the year after 193 catches for 2,372 yards and 47 touchdowns. Bergeron played for the AFL’s Georgia Force in 2005, 2007 and 2008. He was the league’s rookie of the league in 2005.

The 18-team AFL kicked off its 24th season last weekend. The season ends Aug. 12 with the ArenaBowl.

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

Published: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 1:57 PM     Updated: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 3:19 PM

CLEVELAND — Former Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers, in a radio interview on KILT in Houston, talked about getting cut last week by the Browns and the fact that he played hurt against the advice of his agent in 2010.

Here are some excerpts from that interview, as compiled by Sports Radio Interviews:

If he was surprised that he was released:

“No. No it didn’t. It’s one of those things that come with the territory when you’re a veteran guy like myself. These kinds of things are going to happen.”

What he wants teams to take into account when they think about signing him:

“I would just hope that my track record would speak for itself. Unfortunately last year I played through some injuries against some advice from my agent Kennard (McGuire). He probably would’ve liked to see me sit down a little bit ‘till I was fully there. We’re competitors in this game and guys go out there and try and give there all excluding all circumstances. I think I did alright with what I was asked to do this year. My goal right now is to get healthy and look into any opportunities.”

On what happened in Cleveland this past year:

“We just continued to rebuild and we lost a couple of guys. We lost crucial guys like Robaire Smith and we lost Shaun Smith to free agency. Those were versatile guys for us. The problem with me getting hurt last year, one of my young protégé’s Ahtyba Rubin showed great promise and they wanted to get him on the field. They moved him to nose and we had a little rotation where I would go in at end and he would play nose and that’s just what it was. I was kinda banged up this year so I had a little more spot play than usual, but years previous to that I’ve been blessed and I’ve been one of the few guys in this league that I would consider a three-down guy. The league is getting specialized as far as guys playing two downs and bringing in other guys in third down situations. You see that a lot in the league. In my career I’ve been blessed and had the ability to do both. I’m just looking to get healthy and go out there and play at a level where I played at for many years which I consider to be one of the upper levels or a Pro-Bowl level.”

What he thinks about Rob Ryan:

“Coach Ryan is great. If guys like what they see in his brother, they’re twins so you’re getting the same thing. The level of excitement, the attitude – I want to put this the right way – it’s not a bad attitude, but it’s that swagger and confidence that they possess and what they do and provide to their defense. Defenses are built on attitude. Their attitude most definitely carries over to their defenses. As you see his brother was a D-Coordinator to the Ravens and they had a top defense for a long time. He went to the Jets and brought that same attitude and that toughness to their defense. I think Rob most definitely has that ability. He did well in Oakland and came to Cleveland and made strides with our defense there in several categories. I think with the level of talent in Dallas he will do well.”

On signing with Houston:

“Like I said it would be most definitely a fairy tale situation, but again you just look forward to exploring all opportunities and hopefully whoever reaches out to me and wherever I go it will most definitely be a positive experience.”

CLEVELAND – Sunday’s disappointing 41-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium had many fans heading for the exits early, wondering what had happened to such a promising season.

“They started off great,” said Jeff Morgan of Parma.  “We beat the Saints and the Patriots and then all of a sudden we just hit a wall and just couldn’t do anything.”

The focus of Browns fans will now turn to the fate of head coach Eric Mangini.

Mangini and team president Mike Holmgren will have a meeting Monday to discuss the future of the team.  Whether Mangini will be a part of that future remains to be seen.

Fan reaction was mixed on whether Mangini should continue leading the team.

Doug Cavanaugh and his girlfriend flew in from New Mexico to attend their first-ever game at Browns Stadium.

“I don’t think we should start all over again but if we do I’ll support whatever Holmgren decides to do but I think another year for Mangini would be good for me.” said Cavanaugh.

Pam Dollar, up from Columbus with her husband and son for the game, agrees.

“Hopefully they’ll let Mangini have another year,” said Dollar.  “I don’t think he’s done that bad.  Hopefully one more year and then next year we’ll be in the championship.”

Mangini has a 10-22 overall record after two seasons with the Browns.  His record against AFC North teams is 2-10.

Bill Adams and his son Tom stated that while the team showed improvement overall this season, the way the year ended concerned them.

“Finishing out the season on a losing streak like that, I don’t think he is going to keep his job.”  said Bill Adams.

“They improved a lot but I think Mike Holmgren is going to bring somebody in that’s going to be more of his style.”  said Tom Adams.