http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/teams/cleveland_browns/34 Recent articles about Cleveland Browns en-us Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden should start to feel the walls closing in on him, paranoid behavior is warranted after the week he had. Jason Campbell, his main competition has looked good at offseason training activities, while Weeden has struggled. If that's not enough to deal with, GM Mike Lombardi signs former New England Patriots backup Brian Hoyer who he gushed over while an analyst at the NFL Network. Suddenly, the starters job looks wide open and Weeden may have to start a comeback, before even getting going. He said he was surprised by the signing of Hoyer, and gave the company line of 'he's not worried,' but after the week he had, he might want to. "I was surprised," but that’s the nature of the beast," Weeden said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "It’s part of this business and if you start worrying about it, that’s too much to worry about. That’s my mentality going forward." Cabot writ... Sun, 19 May 2013 10:51:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brandon_weeden_was_surprised_with_the_brian_hoyer_signing_should_be_concerned/13649080 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brandon_weeden_was_surprised_with_the_brian_hoyer_signing_should_be_concerned/13649080 Brandon Weeden was 'surprised' with the Brian Hoyer signing, should be concerned http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/brandon_weeden_was_surprised_with_the_brian_hoyer_signing_should_be_concerned/13649080 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/4/84a609f1e4ad9f8dcfb365850edb738147a2f32a/mini/6812978.jpg Browns fans cringed the moment the team made Michael Lombardi the team’s general manager. This week Lombardi gave the team’s fans something else to cringe about. He went out and he signed the quarterback that he was singing praises about during his time on the NFL network, he signed Brian Hoyer and according to Lombardi, Hoyer has the tools to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. The real question, now becomes does Hoyer have the tools to become a starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns? The fans have to be thinking Lombardi has lost his mind. The Lakewood, Ohio native was UN-drafted in 2009. He signed with the Patriots and never really materialized. When you have a Tom Brady as your starting quarterback it is easy to understand why. Hoyer is a local hero who played his High School football at St. Ignatius, he then went on to play his college ball at Michigan State. Hoyer has only started 1 game in his 4 year NFL career. That game was week 17 for the Arizona Cardinals.   Duri... Sun, 19 May 2013 09:57:56 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/what_is_it_about_brian_hoyer_that_has_browns_gm_michael_lombardi_singing_praises_has_he_lost_his_mind/13648966 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/what_is_it_about_brian_hoyer_that_has_browns_gm_michael_lombardi_singing_praises_has_he_lost_his_mind/13648966 What is it about Brian Hoyer that has Browns G.M. Michael Lombardi singing praises? Has he lost his mind? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/what_is_it_about_brian_hoyer_that_has_browns_gm_michael_lombardi_singing_praises_has_he_lost_his_mind/13648966 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Browns have one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. Brandon Weeden did nothing last year to prove that he was "the man" moving forward, and Jason Campbell could be a stop-gap quarterback at best. Weeden said Friday, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that he was surprised that the Browns added quarterback Brian Hoyer to the mix. "I was surprised, but that’s the nature of the beast. It’s part of this business and if you start worrying about it, that’s too much to worry about. That’s my mentality going forward." Right now, it appears that Jason Campbell, not Brian Hoyer, is his biggest concern in regard to the Browns' starting position. At  27 years old, however, Hoyer is younger than Weeden, 29, and Campbell, 31, making him a possible long-term starter if he shows promise. Otherwise, the Browns will be picking the best man for the job. Last season, Weeden was unable to complete a high percentage of passes, just 57... Sat, 18 May 2013 19:08:20 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/is_brandon_weeden_beginning_to_sweat_quarterback_competition/13646803 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/is_brandon_weeden_beginning_to_sweat_quarterback_competition/13646803 Is Brandon Weeden beginning to sweat quarterback competition? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/is_brandon_weeden_beginning_to_sweat_quarterback_competition/13646803 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/c/3c7db41339aa6c7805ad3ae73d134ddee8ef87d6/mini/6719684.jpg Jason Campbell comes into the 2013 season with the Cleveland Browns, showing that he can be a capable starting quarterback. Reportedly, he has out-played Brandon Weeden at the quarterback position for the Browns. Campbell brings 7 years of experience to the Browns. Something they haven’t had in years at the quarterback position.  Campbell is bigger, faster and smarter when to comes to NFL football than Weeden. Jason Campbell wants a chance to prove he can get it done,this far in the mini camps and Browns practices he is doing just that. If the Browns had to pick a guy to start now, they would have to pick Campbell. He is not going to sit back and settle for a back up role. If the Browns are seriously going to put the best guy at quarterback into the starting position, they have to go with Campbell based on the performances they have seen this far. It is understandable why Campbell can out shine Weeden. He has a long history of understanding different offensive schemes in the NFL. He... Sat, 18 May 2013 10:04:58 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jason_campbell_is_proving_he_doesnt_want_to_play_the_back_up_role_for_the_cleveland_browns_he_is_outplaying_weeden/13644520 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jason_campbell_is_proving_he_doesnt_want_to_play_the_back_up_role_for_the_cleveland_browns_he_is_outplaying_weeden/13644520 Jason Campbell is proving he doesn’t want to play the back-up role for the Cleveland Browns. He is outplaying Weeden. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jason_campbell_is_proving_he_doesnt_want_to_play_the_back_up_role_for_the_cleveland_browns_he_is_outplaying_weeden/13644520 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/9/a9192242bf3223b0d23605da359855803b2e48a7/mini/6742740.jpg Not good news for Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden. If he's going to remain the team's starter, he apparently better start impressing quick if we're to read anything into Steve Doerschuk of The Canton Repository's comments. "Campbell's clearly bigger than Brandon Weeden. He made (third-string passer) Thaddeus Lewis look like a shrimp," Doerschuk wrote, adding that Campbell "definitely had better sessions than Weeden" on Thursday. He also noted that Campbell displayed a strong, deep ball on long strikes to receivers Travis Benjamin and Jordan Norwood. With the addition of Brian Hoyer, who signed Thursday, the QB situation is getting muddier rather than clearer. Marc Sessler of NFL.com writes: 'Weeden deserves a shot to show what he can do in a vertical passing offense more suited to his strengths than last year's clunky West Coast outfit. That said, when you've been searching for a franchise quarterback since Bill Clinton ru... Sat, 18 May 2013 07:02:34 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jason_cambell_creeping_up_behind_brandon_weeden/13643944 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jason_cambell_creeping_up_behind_brandon_weeden/13643944 Jason Cambell creeping up behind Brandon Weeden? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jason_cambell_creeping_up_behind_brandon_weeden/13643944 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/0/108fc2520eef7484672644c35cbacec56cba2445/mini/6661090.jpg Brandon Weeden has been trying to convince the Cleveland Browns that they made the right choice by not drafting a quarterback in 2013. However, the signing of Jason Campbell flew under the radar until this week, where reports are indicating that Weeden is being badly outplayed at offseason training activities. According to Marc Sessler of NFL.com, the quarterback competition just got real. Sessler writes: "Campbell's clearly bigger than Brandon Weeden. He made (third-string passer) Thaddeus Lewis look like a shrimp." "Definitely had better sessions than Weeden"   ‘Campbell displayed a strong, deep ball on long strikes to receivers Travis Benjamin and Jordan Norwood.’ Fri, 17 May 2013 15:18:52 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_qb_competition_just_got_real_jason_campbell_takes_matters_into_his_own_hands_outplaying_brandon_weeden_at_otas/13640389 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_qb_competition_just_got_real_jason_campbell_takes_matters_into_his_own_hands_outplaying_brandon_weeden_at_otas/13640389 Browns QB competition just got real: Jason Campbell takes matters into his own hands, outplaying Brandon Weeden at OTA’s http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_qb_competition_just_got_real_jason_campbell_takes_matters_into_his_own_hands_outplaying_brandon_weeden_at_otas/13640389 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/c/3c7db41339aa6c7805ad3ae73d134ddee8ef87d6/mini/6719684.jpg A fictional conversation that could have taken place in Berea over the last couple of days… Michael Lombardi: “Hey. Have you heard of Brian Hoyer?” Ray Farmer: “You mean the journeyman Michigan State guy who went undrafted in 2009, with one career NFL start who was cut flat by the team, the Arizona Cardinals, with some of the worst quarterback play since Kurt Warner retired as an arthritic old man?” Michael Lombardi: “Yep! He’s available! Go get him!” And scene… Look, the jokes that were going around yesterday had more to do with the fact that almost everything that’s ever been rumored about Michael Lombardi has come true. The only thing that hasn’t happened (yet) is the Browns trading for Patriots backup Ryan Mallett. With that lens, of course it’s somewhat comical that Brian Hoyer finally became available and signed with the Browns. That’s really where the comedy ends. In all, the Brian Hoyer signing is a good one for depth for a team that has question marks at the quarterback spot Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:49 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brian_hoyer_brandon_weeden_and_what_it_all_could_mean/13639048 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brian_hoyer_brandon_weeden_and_what_it_all_could_mean/13639048 Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden and what it all could mean http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/brian_hoyer_brandon_weeden_and_what_it_all_could_mean/13639048 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/8/98c3449ac4fa2fb30fd9d46bfe8d2d58c4acfe33/mini/6889462.jpg Only the Cleveland Browns could grant a writer unprecedented access to the teams draft preparation, then wind up reading a story about how paranoid and defensive the team is.Think about it. A team offers a guy inside access for what could be an interesting and insightful look at the draft, then gives him so much runaround and so little information he winds up writing how ridiculous the team is.Cue Yakety Sax.Thing is, the experiences of Chuck Klosterman of Grantland.com when he spent time in Berea the days before and day of the draft are not surprising to the media types around the Browns on a regular basis. They see the things he went through quite frequently, and they know that his experience and story merely opened a window to the house.Klosterman was able, in one coherent story, to explain what the local media has trouble explaining, because when they do they are blasted as crybabies or told the problems of the media dont matter.But when Klosterman is given supposedly unfettered access, then spends the en Fri, 17 May 2013 09:29:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/a_pressing_problem_the_browns_and_the_media/13637630 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/a_pressing_problem_the_browns_and_the_media/13637630 A pressing problem: The Browns and the media http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/a_pressing_problem_the_browns_and_the_media/13637630 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The first mistake the Cleveland Browns made was drafting Brandon Weeden in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. The second mistake the team made under new ownership mind you, was having yesterday’s practice open for members of the media to watch. Reports coming out of Cleveland this morning are saying Brandon Weeden sucked at practice yesterday. It is no wonder the Browns went out and signed another quarterback to the team. Weeden was asked if this others him and the guy said he is not listening to the talk. Weeden just doesn’t get NFL football, he might have been gifted with a powerful arm but he lacks the mental capacity to understand the workings of the game. Brandon Weeden went on to say in his short interview that he couldn’t function if he listened to the talk surrounding the Cleveland quarterback situation. If you listen to the media they would have you to believe he can’t function anyway. Weeden is in way over his head. The Browns for the first time in years have a real of... Fri, 17 May 2013 09:25:45 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/reports_coming_out_of_the_cleveland_media_say_brandon_weeden_stunk_at_yesterdays_practice_in_berea/13637432 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/reports_coming_out_of_the_cleveland_media_say_brandon_weeden_stunk_at_yesterdays_practice_in_berea/13637432 Reports coming out of the Cleveland Media say, Brandon Weeden stunk at yesterdays practice in Berea!!! http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/reports_coming_out_of_the_cleveland_media_say_brandon_weeden_stunk_at_yesterdays_practice_in_berea/13637432 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/c/3c7db41339aa6c7805ad3ae73d134ddee8ef87d6/mini/6719684.jpg Cleveland Browns general manager Mike Lombardi is a long time friend and admirer of New England Patriots coach, Bill Belichick. He also like the quarterbacks Belichick chooses, he expressed a lot of interest in backup Ryan Mallet before the 2013 NFL Draft, and while he couldn’t land the former Arkansas product, he did grab an ex-Patriots QB that could give both signal callers on the roster a run for their money for the starters position. Brian Hoyer was thought highly of in the Patriots organization, however, entering his final year of his contract and the drafting of Mallet, both sides felt he could get a better opportunity with another team. Hoyer made a few rounds with other NFL teams (Pittsburgh, Arizona) but the Browns is a legitimate opportunity for Hoyer and the team. According to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, the signing of Hoyer now steps up the competition to three after signing a two year deal. Rosenthal writes: ‘In Cleveland, Hoyer simply will be insurance. Brand... Fri, 17 May 2013 09:02:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_gm_mike_lombardi_signs_former_patriots_quarterback_brian_hoyer_qb_competition_grows_to_three/13637180 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_gm_mike_lombardi_signs_former_patriots_quarterback_brian_hoyer_qb_competition_grows_to_three/13637180 Browns GM Mike Lombardi signs former Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, QB competition grows to three http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_gm_mike_lombardi_signs_former_patriots_quarterback_brian_hoyer_qb_competition_grows_to_three/13637180 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/9/69248673dced14de7ecb4c87fbb32ddc8a98eac6/mini/6892254.jpg The Cleveland Browns can’t possibly be sold on Brandon Weeden as the teams starting quarterback in 2013. They continued their search and now they signed Brian Hoyer to a 2 year deal. They now have 4 quarterbacks coming into camp this season. Hoyer was cut earlier this week by the Arizona Cardinals. The Browns wasted little time rushing out to grab him. Weeden was already set to compete with Jason Campbell for the Browns starting job. A job that new head coach Rob Chudzinski refused to name Weeden for. The team has to be less than satisfied with Weeden as their starting quarterback, he should have never been drafted in the first round of the 2012 draft. Then people’s expectations wouldn’t have been so high. Weeden was one of the worse rookie quarterbacks taken in the 2012 draft. 3 of the quarterbacks taken in the draft last season took their teams into the play offs. Weeden and the Browns only won 5 games. In a game against Pittsburgh that was loaded with turnovers, Weeden could only... Fri, 17 May 2013 06:39:56 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_browns_cant_possibly_be_sold_on_brandon_weeden_thats_why_they_signed_brian_hoyer_to_a_two_year_deal/13636628 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_browns_cant_possibly_be_sold_on_brandon_weeden_thats_why_they_signed_brian_hoyer_to_a_two_year_deal/13636628 The Browns can’t possibly be sold on Brandon Weeden. That’s why they Signed Brian Hoyer to a two year deal. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/the_browns_cant_possibly_be_sold_on_brandon_weeden_thats_why_they_signed_brian_hoyer_to_a_two_year_deal/13636628 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/0/108fc2520eef7484672644c35cbacec56cba2445/mini/6661090.jpg BEREA, Ohio -- With almost 90 players on the field at the Browns organized team activity practices, it isn't necessarily easy to pick out Jason Pinkston. He's the really happy one in the brown jersey. Really happy. Really fortunate. Last October, Pinkston developed a blood clot in his lung that ended his season after six games and left him hospitalized, fighting for his life. He left the Browns Oct. 14, 2012 game vs. the Bengals because he'd been feeling sick, and five days later he was hearing from doctors that a clot that started in his leg had moved to his lungs. "When I was off that six months, (the football field) is the only place I wished I couldve been," Pinkston said Thursday. "So I never want to take anything for granted. Thats for sure." He's since undergone a battery of tests, rehabilitation and uncertainty, and this week he has returned to action, trying to get back to speed and reclaim the starting left guard job he held last season. Pinkston said on Thursday Thu, 16 May 2013 19:15:52 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/fortunate_pinkston_fighting_back/13634063 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/fortunate_pinkston_fighting_back/13634063 Fortunate Pinkston fighting back http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/fortunate_pinkston_fighting_back/13634063 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Following mini-camp on Thursday, defensive coordinator Ray Horton met with the media. When asked about first round pick Barkevious Mingo’s weight (a popular topic for discussion lately) Horton talked about what he wants from the linebacker. “I want him to be a dominating player,” he said. “Weight? Some guys are too big, some guys are too small. Some guys aren’t fast enough, some guys aren’t slow enough, but they learn how to play. We want athletic players. He is an athletic football player and that’s what we want him to be.” It was clear from Horton’s comments that the Browns are focusing on the very basics of the defense during the mini-camp and aren’t going to rush Mingo’s progress. “It’s a totally different defense so there is a lot of adjustments – terminology, drops, the way I call games, the way I ask them to learn the defense,” Horton said. “Right now I am just asking them to trust me and trust the defense and they are doing that. We are pleased with where we are at day Thu, 16 May 2013 17:46:20 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/ray_horton_on_barkevious_mingo_i_want_him_to_be_a_dominating_player/13633796 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/ray_horton_on_barkevious_mingo_i_want_him_to_be_a_dominating_player/13633796 Ray Horton on Barkevious Mingo: “I want him to be a dominating player.” http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ray_horton_on_barkevious_mingo_i_want_him_to_be_a_dominating_player/13633796 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png BEREAAlways the most talked about position is quarterback and the final day of Organized Team Activities (OTA) for the first week, was no different. The Browns practiced Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with the final day the only day open to the media. Brandon Weeden took the first snaps with the first team and Jason Campbell with the second team. Safety Eric Hagg intercepted a pass from Weeden on a high throw that Josh Gordon tipped up in the air. Later on, Weeden threw a perfect touchdown pass to Davone Bess. Obviously my third day wasnt as good as the first two, Weeden said. The completions werent as high as they were on the first two days. The first two days we were flying around and making plays. Weeden said he feels more confident in his second season. Im already familiar with the guys, he said. Day three last year to day three this year is night and day. This offense makes more sense. Once you hear it, you get it. Plus me, and my wife have spent way too much time studying the playbook. Weeden said ther Thu, 16 May 2013 16:14:35 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_qbs_impress_early/13632890 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_qbs_impress_early/13632890 Browns QBs Impress Early http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_qbs_impress_early/13632890 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/c/3c7db41339aa6c7805ad3ae73d134ddee8ef87d6/mini/6719684.jpg Despite various attempts to suggest the contrary, Brandon Weeden has opened Cleveland Browns Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as the starting quarterback. ESPN Clevland’s Tony Grossi reports that Weeden, while he may have merely been given the job due to a lack of serious alternatives and could very well be on a one-year audition, is firmly running with the first team while Jason Campbell and Thad Lewis are second and third, respectively. “The Chudzinski-Turner offense – a vertical passing game played off a power running game – would seem to be an ideal change for a team that invested first-round draft picks last year in Weeden and Trent Richardson,” writes Grossi. Earlier this week on WKNR’s Cleveland Browns Daily , Weeden said to host Vic Carucci, “I looked at (receiver) Greg Little walking in and said, ‘What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘This is fun.’ That’s what we want. We want to go out and have fun. Usually as a receiver and a quarterback, that’s dropping back and slinging Thu, 16 May 2013 09:42:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brandon_weeden_opens_browns_otas_as_no_1_quarterback/13629905 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brandon_weeden_opens_browns_otas_as_no_1_quarterback/13629905 Brandon Weeden opens Browns OTAs as No. 1 quarterback http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/brandon_weeden_opens_browns_otas_as_no_1_quarterback/13629905 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/4/54eff0e3b5fc6ae548084730530957735bc6643e/mini/6855360.jpg The owner of the Cleveland Browns has big problems now. Louis Freeh has been hired to help investigate the frauds that took place at Pilot Flying J.  Freeh is the former director of the FBI. He and his team has been retained by the trucking companies that are pursuing legal action against Haslam and his truck stop company. Mark Tate, the Georgia attorney who is heading the class action suit against Haslam and his company has confirmed he has hired some high profile help. Tate has retained the services of Louis Freeh’s firm, the Freeh Group. Freeh is not only the former director of the FBI, he is also a former federal judge. Freeh and his Freeh Group, has agreed to work with the trucking companies who believe they were cheated in an alleged rebate scam. The Freeh Group has a large group of investigators and accountants who will help the trucking companies make their case. You can bank on the fact the Freeh group will turn over every rock in the road to get to the facts of the case. F... Wed, 15 May 2013 20:59:10 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_owner_jimmy_haslam_iii_problems_are_just_starting_former_fbi_director_louis_freeh_is_joining_forces_against_him/13626692 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/browns_owner_jimmy_haslam_iii_problems_are_just_starting_former_fbi_director_louis_freeh_is_joining_forces_against_him/13626692 Browns owner Jimmy Haslam III Problems are just starting. Former FBI Director Louis Freeh Is joining forces against him. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_owner_jimmy_haslam_iii_problems_are_just_starting_former_fbi_director_louis_freeh_is_joining_forces_against_him/13626692 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The last thing the Cleveland Browns needed coming into the 2013 season was a distraction. The team can’t help being distracted as the lawsuits keep piling in against the team’s owner Jimmy Haslam III. Coming into his first season with his hand-picked staff in place, Haslam made promises to the city of Cleveland that some are wondering if he will keep. Haslam in involved in a legal struggle to keep himself out of prison. He is being accused of defrauding hundreds of trucking companies out of refunds they had coming for making fuel purchases with his Pilot Flying J truck stop company. Haslam has done a great job trying to make it look as though he knew little about the scam his sales team was running to fraud these trucking companies out of their rebates. The problem is, this has to be a huge distraction for the Cleveland Browns. Should Jimmy Haslam III step down and let someone else run the team? Be sure to vote in our poll to let us know how you feel about Haslam III running the Cle... Wed, 15 May 2013 07:02:14 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/as_the_lawsuits_pile_in_against_jimmy_haslam_iii_the_owner_of_the_cleveland_browns_should_he_step_down_vote_now/13620809 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/as_the_lawsuits_pile_in_against_jimmy_haslam_iii_the_owner_of_the_cleveland_browns_should_he_step_down_vote_now/13620809 As the lawsuits pile in against Jimmy Haslam III the owner of the Cleveland Browns, should he step down? Vote Now. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/as_the_lawsuits_pile_in_against_jimmy_haslam_iii_the_owner_of_the_cleveland_browns_should_he_step_down_vote_now/13620809 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The off-season isn’t over, but it’s not time to look at what the Browns have put together to try and figure out how they’re going to compete in 2013. When you’re caught up in all the details of free agency and the draft it’s much more difficult to get the overall picture, but now more than ever it seems readily apparent what the Browns are trying to do. It’s also apparent what this team could look like in 2013 as they look to improve on their 5-11 season with a whole new coaching staff and brand new looks on offense and defense. It starts with the defense. The Browns spent almost all of their resources in free agency and the draft on defense. The combination of switching schemes and the defensive performance in 2012 demanded some serious attention. The Browns were second-worst in the NFL in terms of number of offensive plays that opposing teams ran against them. The Browns allowed opposing teams to run 1095 plays showing an inability to get off the field. They gave up the fifth-most... Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:37 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/in_2013_the_browns_are_betting_on_defense_and_hoping_for_offense/13614137 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/in_2013_the_browns_are_betting_on_defense_and_hoping_for_offense/13614137 In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/in_2013_the_browns_are_betting_on_defense_and_hoping_for_offense/13614137 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png From the Browns- “The Cleveland Browns today signed defensive back Akeem Auguste, punter T.J. Conley, defensive lineman Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, defensive back Abdul Kanneh and linebacker Ausar Walcott, the club announced. All five players participated in the team’s minicamp this past weekend on a tryout basis. In addition, the Browns waived defensive back Kevin Barnes, wide receiver Mike Edwards, defensive lineman Paipai Falemalu, punter Jake Schum and defensive back Ricky Tunstall.” The Browns were at the roster limit of 90, so any players added would have meant dropping someone from the current roster. Kevin Barnes was signed to a one year deal this off-season after playing for the Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions. Nicolas Jean-Baptiste played his college ball at Baylor with Phil Taylor. He spent four weeks on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad last season. A four-year letterman at Baylor University (2008-11), he appeared in 49 games with 21 starts and totaled 94 career ta... Mon, 13 May 2013 17:07:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/cleveland_browns_sign_five_from_mini_camp_try_out_waive_cb_kevin_barnes/13608965 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/cleveland_browns_sign_five_from_mini_camp_try_out_waive_cb_kevin_barnes/13608965 Cleveland Browns sign five from mini-camp try-out; waive CB Kevin Barnes http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cleveland_browns_sign_five_from_mini_camp_try_out_waive_cb_kevin_barnes/13608965 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Cleveland Browns didn’t have the best draft this year. Many thought the AFC North would be a weakening division after the end of last season. All the other teams in the AFC North, had better drafts than the Cleveland Browns did. Is this division going to be as tough as it was in years past? Yes, the other teams had a good draft. The AFC North isn’t going to be a push over this season. It will never be a push over. The Browns are hoping that Ray Horton’s revamping of the Browns defense is going to be enough to help the Browns get past the 5 wins they had during the 2012 season. The addition of free agents Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant and Quentin Groves should help the Browns bring pressure to the quarterbacks they are going to face during the 2013 season. Then there was the 6th overall pick in the 2013 draft. Barkevious Mingo looked the part during the Browns mini camp over the weekend. He is in great shape but is a little light to play in the NFL. If he can bulk up a bit and he c... Mon, 13 May 2013 07:24:48 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/how_can_the_browns_inferior_draft_help_the_team_close_the_gap_in_the_afc_north/13604501 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/how_can_the_browns_inferior_draft_help_the_team_close_the_gap_in_the_afc_north/13604501 How can the Browns inferior draft help the team close the gap in the AFC North? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/how_can_the_browns_inferior_draft_help_the_team_close_the_gap_in_the_afc_north/13604501 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png