Cleveland Browns

Multiple reports are out today that the Cleveland Browns are set to waive FS Eric Hagg today. Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com first reported the news, and has since been confirmed by multiple sources. Browns to waive FS Eric Hagg today, per source. — Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) May 21, 2013 #Browns to waive free safety Eric Hagg today, a league source confirms: ohio.com/blogs/clevelan…. #NFL — Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) May 21, 2013 Make of the move what you will, could be they're clearing a roster spot for a new safety to come into the fold, or they're expressing further confidence in Tashaun Gipson. What do you all make of the move? Does this open a spot for a guy like Kerry Rhodes? Or just confirming Gipson's role as starting FS?

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden did not have an ideal NFL rookie season in 2012. He was not able to take his team to the playoffs like Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III, and one could make the case he put up the worst performance among rookie starting quarterbacks. With that being said, Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner is already impressed with what he has seen from Weeden. “Brandon is a one-year player in the NFL who did a lot more good things than people give him credit for,” Turner said, according to Cleveland.com. “I like his composure, the way he competes, he’s worked awfully hard. He’s got to be one of the hardest-working guys on our team. So you look and say, ‘Hey, you hope there’s a big upside.’ ” There is no question Weeden is going to give 110 percent on the practice field, in the film room and on game days. There is also little doubt that he will be able to be the vocal leader Cleveland desperately needs. However, just because he works harder than anyone else on the team does not mean he will automatically be the quarterback to lead Cleveland to the next level. The Browns do not want to see Weeden get too comfortable as the starting quarterback without any competition, like what happened with Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets. Competition is what keeps the mind sharp and will allow Weeden to perform at the highest level possible. For that reason, Cleveland signed former quarterbacks Jason Campbell and Brian Hoyer to two-year contracts. “I think we have three talented guys,” Turner told Cleveland.com. “We have a vastly different group of guys. Jason’s played nine years in the league. He’s proven he can win in this league. When he’s been with good teams, he’s played better than when he’s been with bad teams. And then with Brian, you’ve got a guy that’s been a backup in some good situations. He really hasn’t played enough to know where he’s at, and we like the way he throws the ball. We like a lot of things about him.” Even though Turner has only seen Weeden practice three times since joining the team, he knows that the second-year quarterback has the potential to be special. He sees the powerful arm that can launch the football into the stratosphere and the high football IQ that will kick in when the chips are down. In fact, the high football intelligence is what gives the Browns confidence that Weeden will be able to pick up the new system on offense quicker than anyone else does. It is hard to say how impressed Turner is with Weeden considering they have spent a very limited time together. However, the fact that he is willing to openly talk about all of the good things Weeden is capable of after only a few practices is a good sign. Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Quarterback Jason Campbell has been in the underdog role before.

AKRON, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson received the 2012 Dino Lucarelli Good Guy Award at the 34th annual Akron Browns Backers Banquet at Tangier Restaurant Monday.

Cleveland Browns: "Norv Turner makes it clear he’s in Brandon Weeden’s corner" (Beacon Journal) - "Although the Browns’ new regime, as a whole, obviously believes the jury is still out on whether Brandon Weeden can become a successful NFL quarterback, one of its prominent figures is definitely in his corner." "Mingo’s ex-teammate could be Browns sleeper" (Canton Rep) - "Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner fired Tom Heckert on New Year’s Eve. Hardly anyone noticed when someone from the Browns authorized the signing of an outside linebacker named Kendrick Adams three days later. Adams is one fascinating f" "Jason Campbell used to new starts" (FS Ohio) - "The Cleveland Browns are changing again, and in that regard Jason Campbell already feels at home. Campbell comes to the Browns with plenty of stamps on his NFL passport, eight seasons of experience — and absolutely no guarantee of anything when it comes to a role in his new stop." "Horton talks OTAs, defensive install" (ClevelandBrowns.com) - "Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton enjoys his work, especially when it comes to installing the team’s new 3-4 defensive front and working with the players acquired in the offseason." NFL: "Source: NFL teams implementing medical records system for protection from undisclosed injuries" (Yahoo! Sports) - "As the Houston Texans are left to wonder what they were or weren't told by safety Ed Reed about a hip injury that required surgery earlier this offseason, the NFL is taking a huge step toward eliminating such questions." "RGIII recovery by start of training camp ‘too early to tell,’ Redskins GM says" (SI.com) - "Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said Monday that it’s 'too early to tell' whether star quarterback Robert Griffin III will be ready to participate in the team’s training camp in late July, hedging on previous bullish comments from head coach Mike Shanahan." "Bills DE Williams says texts taken out of context" (AP) - "Mario Williams refused to be labeled as someone who was emotionally unstable in dismissing questions about his mental state raised by a series of text messages from his former fiancee." "Super Bowl L should be for Lambeau" (ESPN) - "L should be for Lambeau. The National Football League has a standard for all Super Bowls: The next must be better than the last. The league always wants more innovation, up-to-date stadiums and a constantly improving atmosphere for its signature event."

In a several part series here at DawgsByNature, I will be breaking down Davone Bess' film in an effort to illustrate some of the characteristics that I expect him bring to the field next season. With the focus of many fans and media members being on the players acquired on defense in the NFL Draft, Davone Bess may be getting overlooked but the fact remains: Bess is another weapon we've quietly added to an already budding young offense. After breaking down and watching his film, I am confident The Browns were able to land a dominate slot receiver with their trade during the draft. Bess has shown consistency vs good defenses; great route running ability; quickness; termendous hands; field awareness and balance; toughness; power; and play making ability. These will all be welcome additions to the field on Sundays for Browns fans and our offensive gameplan. Let's start with a double whammy. Let's take a look at our new WR, Davone Bess absolutely tear up the Steeler secondary for a 26 yard TD with the "icing on the cake" being a very clear illustration of the Steerler's head hunting ways. Film Room: Davone Bess vs Pittsburgh, 26 yard TD This is a simple out route, that Bess runs perfectly and then some. Here you can see him lined up in the slot near the top of the screen and the route he will perform. The defense is in a Nickle package, playing man to man press on the WR's with single safety deep --- the defense is getting ready to blitz. Here you see the CB, William Gay, playing press coverage. Bess sets up the CB by jumping off the line of scrimmage, showing an inside route. He sinks his foot in the ground. . . . . . and uses his speed and quickness to immediately beat the CB and gain inside leverage. Chad Henne sees this, and you can see him ready to release the ball well before Bess even breaks out of his route and turns his head. Here you can see 6 rushers, including one gloriously sandwiched Steeler eating turf. As soon as Bess whips his head around, he is looking for the ball and more importantly he expects it. This is good because as you can see, the ball is already on it's way. Notice Bess has run his route well beyond the first down marker here, which is an always well appreciated in Cleveland because either by scheme or by their own ineptitude, Browns' WR of past have been terrible at running routes that get us first down yardage. Here you can see another illustration of how Bess immediately gets his head around and looks for the ball. Not bad for a small slot receiver, extending his arms, using his body to shield from the defender and going out to snag the ball with his hands. Then, Bess makes the difficult catch while under pressure from the CB --- who has now made up one of the two steps Bess won at the beginning of the route. Again, notice the space he still has created; his arm extension; body placement between the defender; ability to use his hands to snag the ball away from his body; and the focus displayed to make the catch under pressure. Once Bess completes the catch, again, notice where he finishes the catch: with his body between the ball and the defender. He's now pivoted to the sideline, initializing an explosive first step out of his route and down the sideline. Here he shows the power to beat and then shed the tackler, who is now literally hanging on, trying to drag him to the ground. After making such a play some players might lose their awareness of the rest of the defense, but Bess is able to remain balanced, in bounds, all while also keeping his eyes up and focused on what's next >>> He's already picked up Clark approaching. He's now up out of his crouch and in the open field, having just smoked the CB, he's already focused on setting up the safety with his short distance quickness and footwork. Here you can see his move beginning to the inside, which has caused Clark to begin taking a big step inside. Here you can see the resu

On Monday, it was reported that the NFL and the NFL Players Association were working towards a deal to move the 2014 NFL draft to May. At first glance, that might not be such a big deal. It’s only a month later, right? But then you consider the already mind-numbing buildup to April’s draft and you begin to shake in terror at the thought of what an extra month of pre-draft coverage would look like. That’s another month of hilariously wrong mock drafts. It’s another month of everyone becoming self-proclaimed “draft analysts,” especially on Twitter. And it’s another month of smokescreens, false information and sloppy reporting. It is, of course, a genius move on the NFL’s part. While fully understanding it can currently do no wrong, the NFL can now simply extend its overwhelming power and influence throughout the year. There used to be periods of relative quiet during the NFL calendar; the league now aims to crush that with its mighty, money-hungry fist. No other league calendar changes look to be made at this time, but the biggest domino is already about to fall. The monster that is the NFL draft continues to grow, and there is nothing we can do about it.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner says the Cleveland Browns initially see recently signed quarterback Brian Hoyer, from St. Ignatius, as someone who will play a backup role.

On May 11, I had the opportunity to interview quarterback Brady Quinn with a few questions posed by his Notre Dame and NFL fans. The Seattle Seahawks signed Brady in early April as a backup to QB Russell Wilson. Congratulations signing with the Seattle Seahawks. On the roster you are number 10. How do you feel to be wearing the number 10 again? “Ten has always been a number that has brought me much pride to wear.  It was a tradition at my HS for the QB to wear the number and it was the number I tried to make famous while at ND along with many of the other greats who wore, 3, 5 and 7.” Have you moved out to Seattle yet? What are you most impressed with regarding the facilities in Seattle: Century Link Field & Virginia Mason Center? No more #9 Kansas City Jersey. Brady will be wearing the number 10 once again for Seattle. “I’ve been in Seattle now a month and a half.  The facility at VMAC is second to none.  I have not had a chance to be down at Century Link field but I look forward to the experience and hearing the noise of the 12th Man!” Being new Seattle Seahawks fans, what should we know about the Hawks? What have you quickly learned? “The fan base is extremely positive and loud.  Just being around town for a short amount of time you can feel the excitement the fans feel for this upcoming season.  Playing in Seattle is truly a home field advantage with the atmosphere the 12th man creates.” What are you doing with your off time; besides training and working out? “During my off time here in Seattle, I’ve been trying to find a place to live.  Since there are so many large corporations headquartered here, (Boeing, Starbucks, Microsoft, Expedia, Nordstrom, and Amazon just to name a few) that it has been difficult to find a place.  I’ve been focusing on football as much as I can during the day and then at night trying to look for properties, but due to the high demand its been tougher than I anticipated.” QB coach, Carl Smith, said of you, “His best football is ahead of him,” a compliment your fans agree with. How do you respond to such a statement from a man you will be working very closely with? “I enjoyed my time with Coach Smith and can’t wait to continue to work with him.  He’s been a big help in getting me back to enjoying the game of football and not looking at it as such a business.  I think I’ve continued to get better and will continue to do so this year.” Here at Brady Quinn Fan we are very excited for Brady and look forward to seeing him work with the Seattle Seahawks. It goes to show that with hard work, determination, and an enduring spirit and love of God, nothing can stand in your way. I want to thank Brady again for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions and hope we can do it again. Seattle Seahawk Coach, Carl Smith, said of Brady Quinn, “His best football is ahead of him.” We think so too and cannot wait to make room for a Seattle Seahawk 10 jersey. Best of luck!

Former Cleveland Browns linebacker David McMillan, 31, was fatally shot over the weekend in an apparent robbery attempt.