AFC North: Mike Furrey
- In his latest song, high-profile rapper Eminem rips Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's for his off-field transgressions.
- The Chicago Bears are showing interest in former Cleveland Browns receiver Mike Furrey.
- Here is more praise for the Baltimore Ravens' draft.
- Check out where Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown ranks among NFL decision-makers.
Baltimore Ravens
Potential unrestricted free agents: DL Justin Bannan, DL Dwan Edwards, CB Corey Ivy, WR Derrick Mason, TE L.J. Smith, WR David Tyree, CB Frank Walker, WR Kelley Washington
Potential restricted free agents: OT Jared Gaither, K Billy Cundiff, S Dawan Landry, CB Fabian Washington, P Sam Koch, OG Chris Chester, QB John Beck, QB Troy Smith, OT Tony Moll, FB Le'Ron McClain, LB Prescott Burgess, WR Mark Clayton, WR Demetrius Williams
Franchise tag: None
What to expect: The Ravens have a ton of quality free agents. It will be interesting because Baltimore is the only division team which has to abide by the "Final Eight Plan" for making the divisional playoffs. This will restrict Baltimore from making a lot of moves. Therefore, expect the team to keep most of its key restricted free agents while trying to explore the trade market. On the unrestricted side, the Ravens are negotiating with receiver Derrick Mason and are expected to keep him. But two players who could get some interest in the open market are defensive linemen Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan. Baltimore likes both players but could lose at least one.
Cincinnati Bengals
Potential unrestricted free agents: K Shayne Graham, FB Jeremi Johnson, RB Larry Johnson, DT Tank Johnson, TE Reggie Kelly, OG Bobbie Williams, S Roy Williams, TE J.P. Foschi
Potential restricted free agents: LB Brandon Johnson, LB Rashad Jeanty, OL Evan Mathis, C Kyle Cook, DE Frostee Rucker, CB David Jones, LB Abdul Hodge, QB Jordan Palmer, TE Daniel Coats, DT Shaun Smith
Franchise tag: None
What to expect: The Bengals have yet to announce their tenders, so this list could change by Thursday evening. But traditionally they are not big spenders in free agency and will stay true to that even with an uncapped year. Cincinnati could make one or two decent outside signings that may help the team. Finding a receiver would be the most likely target. The most interesting in-house name is offensive guard Bobbie Williams, who likely will test the market. Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also would like to keep veteran Roy Williams and Tank Johnson. But the team hasn't made a major push for either player before they're let loose Friday.
Cleveland Browns
Potential unrestricted free agents: WR Mike Furrey, TE Michael Gaines, OG Rex Hadnot, CB Hank Poteat, OL Ryan Tucker, OG Billy Yates
Potential restricted free agents: RB Jerome Harrison, LB D'Qwell Jackson, FB Lawrence Vickers, S Brodney Pool, S Abram Elam, DE Matt Roth
Franchise tag: None
What to expect: Cleveland has the money to spend and the biggest talent deficit. So look for the Browns to attempt to make up ground in free agency. Major names like defensive end Julius Peppers and tailback Thomas Jones have been mentioned as possibilities for Cleveland, but that remains to be seen. Internally, the Browns should be interested in keeping Harrison and Vickers in their backfield. Jackson also has value. None of their unrestricted players are priorities for the team and will be allowed to hit free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Potential unrestricted free agents: QB Charlie Batch, LB Rocky Boiman, S Tyrone Carter, S Ryan Clark, DE Nick Eason, WR Joey Galloway, DE Travis Kirschke, RB Willie Parker, CB Deshea Townsend , FB Carey Davis, OG Darnell Stapleton
Potential restricted free agents: OT Willie Colon, CB William Gay, P Daniel Sepulveda, TE Matt Spaeth
Franchise tag: K Jeff Reed
What to expect: The Steelers are pretty predictable. Pittsburgh intends to keep all of its restricted free agents, get a long-term deal complete with Reed, who has the franchise tag, and let nearly all of their unrestricted free agents test the market. The exception is Clark, who the Steelers targeted as a priority but has yet to reach a long-term extension before Friday's deadline. Negotiations have been ongoing and should go to the final hour to decide whether both sides can come to an agreement or allow Clark to test the market.
An early look at the free-agent situation in the AFC North.
Note: These projected lists reflect notable unrestricted free agents for each team. The NFL will not issue an official list of free agents until the signing period begins March 5.
Baltimore Ravens
Greg M. Cooper/US PresswireThe Ravens' already-thin receiving corps will take a big hit if Derrick Mason retires.Key figures: Derrick Mason is contemplating retirement. But if he wants to play, the Ravens have every intention of keeping their leading receiver. Look for Baltimore also to make a push for another significant addition at receiver to assist the development of budding quarterback Joe Flacco. Sleeper players on this list include the two defensive linemen: Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards. The Ravens like both players and will probably make a push to keep at least one on the roster. Baltimore also lacks cornerback depth and might elect to bring back Frank Walker, despite his penchant for giving up big plays and committing penalties.
Cincinnati Bengals
Unrestricted free agents: K Shayne Graham, FB Jeremi Johnson, RB Larry Johnson, DT Tank Johnson, TE Reggie Kelly, DT Shaun Smith, OG Bobbie Williams, S Roy Williams
Key figures: Bobbie Williams is an interesting name. He’s one of Cincinnati’s most consistent offensive linemen over the last several years, but he turns 34 in September. Kicker Shayne Graham, who was franchised last season, had a solid career in Cincinnati. But he missed kicks in big spots, potentially ending his run with the Bengals. Running back Larry Johnson was third string in Cincinnati and should get more playing time elsewhere in 2010.
Cleveland Browns
Unrestricted free agents: WR Mike Furrey, TE Michael Gaines, OG Rex Hadnot, CB Hank Poteat, OL Ryan Tucker, OG Billy Yates
Key figures: This is not an impressive list as most of Cleveland's key free agents -- such as Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Vickers and D'Qwell Jackson -- are restricted. Mike Furrey is a high-character player that coach Eric Mangini likes on his football team, and he might be retained. The remaining players on this list likely will hit the open market. The Browns have an interesting decision to make with Harrison, who led the team in rushing after a tremendous second half of the 2009 season. Harrison could garner some interest as a restricted free agent if the Browns do not offer a high enough tender.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Unrestricted free agents: QB Charlie Batch, LB Rocky Boiman, S Tyrone Carter, S Ryan Clark, DE Nick Eason, WR Joey Galloway, NT Casey Hampton, DE Travis Kirschke, RB Willie Parker, K Jeff Reed, CB Deshea Townsend
Key figures: The Steelers are aiming to keep most of their key veterans, while infusing some youth through the draft. All indications are the team will offer extensions to safety Ryan Clark and kicker Jeff Reed. Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton is the biggest name on this list. But he's a strong candidate for the franchise tag, because there is no full-time replacement on the roster. This offseason probably will mark the end of tailback Willie Parker's tenure in Pittsburgh. Parker, 29, helped lead the Steelers to two Super Bowl wins during his career. But various ailments since initially breaking his leg in 2007 hampered his production.
Furrey a finalist for Man of the Year
Furrey joins Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters and linebacker London Fletcher of the Washington Redskins in the final three. One of these players will be chosen for the award, which honors their service in the community this season, on Feb. 7 before the Super Bowl.
"Mike epitomizes what it means to be a true professional athlete," Browns president Mike Holmgren said in a statement. "His tireless efforts on the field and in the community are inspirational, and we are proud that he is a member of the Cleveland Browns."
» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 8:
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| Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire | |
| The Ravens need Willis McGahee to help invigorate the running game. |
Where is McGahee? As a backup to Ray Rice, tailback Willis McGahee averaged 5.9 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns (five rushing, one receiving) in the first three weeks. The Ravens were 3-0 in that span. But in the past three games, McGahee has 13 carries for 12 yards and zero touchdowns. Baltimore has gone to the pass more often, and Rice registered most of the run attempts. But at some point look for the Ravens to focus back on the ground game, and it could start against Denver.
Little help: Here is an awful stat for the Cleveland Browns: Their second-leading receiver in terms of yards is Braylon Edwards, but the former Brown hasn’t been on the team since Week 4. Rookie Mohamed Massaquoi has taken over as the No. 1 receiver with 17 catches for 300 yards. But Brian Robiskie, Chansi Stuckey and Mike Furrey haven't done much to help the team since Edwards was shipped to the New York Jets. In Week 7, Cleveland's receivers couldn't get open in a 31-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The group also has problems with drops.
Dead even: For those keeping track, the AFC North vs. NFC North battles are even at 4-4 as we approach midseason. The Cincinnati Bengals are 2-0, with wins over the Packers and Chicago Bears. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 2-1, with a loss to Chicago and wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. The Browns are 0-2, with losses to Green Bay and Minnesota, and the Ravens also lost to the Vikings.
Big targets: There are several reasons Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco is much happier this year. Not only is his team in first place, but Ochocinco is among the NFL's most targeted wide receivers. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has thrown the football in Ochocinco's direction 63 times, fourth most in the NFL. Ochocinco has 39 receptions for 573 yards and five touchdowns. Pittsburgh receivers Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward are also tied for eighth, being targeted 55 times each.
Walker's weekend mailbag: Edwards reaction
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
The Cleveland Browns’ blockbuster trade that shipped receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets was the biggest story in the AFC North this week. So it’s only natural our readers had tons of questions on the subject.
Richard from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: So the message Browns coach Eric Mangini's sending to his players is: Play really well one year, then fall off the map the next year, and we'll get you out of Cleveland as quickly as possible?
James Walker: Not exactly, Richard. The message from the Edwards trade is get with the new program or get out. Edwards’ personal conduct had just as much, if not more, to do with his lack of production in this trade. Every situation is different, but Mangini is looking for players who fit his values for building a team. It’s not all about statistics.
Bobby wants to know what to expect from new Browns receiver Chansi Stuckey once he learns the playbook.
James Walker: From the people I’ve talked to this week who are familiar with Stuckey, I’m told he is a smart receiver who excels in the slot. That leads me to believe Stuckey fits best as a No. 3 receiver, but I will reserve judgment until I see him with my own eyes in a Browns uniform. Sometimes players get labeled with teams and a change of scenery and offensive system could lead to different things. In the meantime, the Browns are hoping players such as Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie and Joshua Cribbs can step up and take over the two starting roles, at least until Stuckey catches up. Massaquoi had a breakout game last week against the Cincinnati Bengals with eight catches for 148 yards.
Vivek from New York City wants to know if people are being too critical of Mangini for taking in too many former Jets.
James Walker: Vivek, I agree there was premature criticism of Mangini’s Jets ties before he even coached in his first game. But now that we’re into the regular season, criticizing Cleveland’s performances on Sundays are fair game. It’s a fact that Mangini now has nine former Jets on his team and none have done enough to prevent the Browns from an 0-4 start. Safety Abram Elam, defensive end Kenyon Coleman and linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens are starters and contributing. But through four games none of these acquisitions from New York have been impact players.
Chris from Cleveland, Ohio and Mike from Chicago want to know if I thought Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham made the field goal against the Browns in overtime.
James Walker: Chris, when I first saw the kick last Sunday my initial reaction was that it may have sailed a little too far to the right. But after seeing the replay about a half-dozen times since, it's extremely close and I’m not sure. I know Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan feels it was a missed kick. I’m sure the Bengals' coaches feel it was a made kick. But the referees were the only people under the uprights and had the best angle. So you have to trust their judgment.
Craig from Lwood, Ohio, wants to know if quarterback Brady Quinn’s career in Cleveland is over.
James Walker: Craig, where is "Lwood" Ohio? I’ve been to every corner of the state the past six years and never heard of it. With Quinn, he’s fallen out of favor with the coaching staff with his performance the first two-and-a-half games. And similar to Edwards, Mangini also didn’t draft Quinn so there are no strong ties to keep him if the team doesn't feel he's the long-term solution at quarterback. But Quinn also has two years left on his contract and it’s an incentive-laden deal to the point where it doesn’t cost the Browns much if he’s not playing. There are reasons for both sides so it’s hard to say definitively four weeks into the season.
Hung Phan from Fort Worth, Texas, wants to know the deal with wide receiver Mike Furrey playing some safety last week.
James Walker: The Browns are lacking quality depth in the secondary so Mangini is trying different things. Furrey played a lot of snaps at safety in sub packages. Mangini learned from his days with the New England Patriots that sometimes a receiver can be effective in the secondary on a limited basis. Former Patriots receiver Troy Brown was successful as a cornerback in the slot several years ago.
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns second-round pick Brian Robiskie said he was surprised by Wednesday’s trade of receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets.
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| Tom Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images | |
| Brian Robiskie could see some playing time now that Braylon Edwards is out of Cleveland. |
"That’s something that a lot of us can’t really worry about and something that a lot of us definitely can’t control," Robiskie said. "So for me, I’m just going to try to move forward and try to take advantage."
Robiskie was expected to be a productive member of Cleveland’s 2009 rookie class. The Ohio State product was considered one of the most polished receivers coming out of this year’s draft. But so far Robiskie has been inactive in two of four games and has yet to catch a pass.
Robiskie will be among three receivers competing for a starting job this week opposite fellow rookie Mohamed Massaquoi when the Browns (0-4) face the Buffalo Bills (1-3). Mike Furrey and Josh Cribbs are the two other receivers, and recent acquisition Chansi Stuckey eventually will be thrown into the competition.
But it's Robiskie who was drafted for moments like this. He was taken in the second round along with Massaquoi to be the future of Cleveland's passing game.
"It’s another real nice opportunity for Brian Robiskie to continue his path," Browns coach Eric Mangini said. "This creates some opportunities for him to play and he’s done some good things. So we have to see what he does."
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
This Saturday is the worst day in the NFL when it comes to job security.
It’s the time when every team in the league has to trim its final roster to 53 players.
That means each of the 32 teams will have to make some tough decisions on how to release approximately 20 players. After that, coaches and general managers also will scan the waiver wire to see what’s available to upgrade their team, making for one of the most fast-paced weekends of the summer.
With that said, here is a look at tough roster decisions for each AFC North team:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Position: Running back
Why: The Steelers already have a deep group at running back, which includes starter Willie Parker and backups Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore. But a relative unknown emerged this summer in rookie free agent Isaac Redman. With rest given to Parker and Moore over the summer, Redman has done a lot with his opportunities. He’s proven to be particularly good at scoring touchdowns within the redzone, which is something Pittsburgh has struggled with in recent years. Keeping four tailbacks active will be tough, so Redman is a candidate for the practice squad. But there are no guarantees another team won’t claim him this weekend.
Cleveland Browns
Position: Receiver
Why: The Browns entered the offseason in desperate need of wide receivers. Therefore, they brought in as many new players at the position as possible and now it’s time to make a decision. Braylon Edwards and Joshua Cribbs are safe, as well as rookie draft picks Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi. After that, things get dicey. The Browns likely will keep just five receivers. Of the remaining group, Mike Furrey had the best preseason and probably played well enough to make the team. Veteran David Patten has been in and out of the lineup with injuries and is on the bubble, but my guess is Patten doesn’t make the cut. Others at the position like Paul Hubbard, Lance Leggett and rookie Jordan Norwood are expected to be released Saturday.
Cincinnati Bengals
Position: Running back
Why: In what was a weakness most of the last season, the Bengals suddenly have some quality depth at running back this season. So much is the case that the coaching staff has been mulling for weeks what to do with this group when it’s time to put together the 53-man roster. Starter Cedric Benson and rookie Bernard Scott are safe. But DeDe Dorsey and Brian Leonard are not. Both had good training camps and preseasons. It also doesn’t help that they are different styles of runners. Similar to Pittsburgh, it doesn’t appear likely the team would carry four tailbacks, likely making Dorsey or Leonard expendable.
Baltimore Ravens
Position: Kicker
Why: Steve Hauschka and Graham Gano have competed kick for kick since the spring, and Saturday’s decision will finally put an end to this competition. Most expect Hauschka to be the pick as he’s outperformed Gano in the preseason. But keep in mind the “Matt Stover factor” also looms large. The Ravens have not been afraid to admit that the longtime Raven remains on speed dial if the team’s current kicker slips up. So even if Hauschka is the choice Saturday, he can’t get comfortable.
Mangini: 'No timetable' for QB decision
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
CLEVELAND -- Despite a stellar performance by Brady Quinn in Saturday night's 23-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Browns coach Eric Mangini says he's still not ready to name his starting quarterback for the 2009 season.
On the field, it appears Quinn all but locked up the position based on his performance. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 128 yards, one touchdown and notched an 121.0 passer rating against a solid defense in Tennessee.
But Mangini continues to play this quarterback derby as close to the vest as possible, even down the final days of the preseason.
"I'm going to look at it and evaluate it," Mangini said bluntly Saturday night. "When the decision is made, I will definitely let everybody know. I don't have a timetable on it."
Anderson didn't play poorly. But he didn't do enough against Tennessee to stay even in the competition. Anderson completed 7 of 11 passes for 77 yards. But he also took a sack that stalled one drive and nearly threw an interception that was dropped by a Tennessee defender and bounced into the hands of Browns receiver Mike Furrey.
Both quarterbacks were nervous after the game to say too much about the ongoing competition.
"I expect to practice on Monday and that's about it," Quinn said. "Derek and I are both two mentally tough guys, and that's why we're here on this team as quarterbacks. If our coaches wanted us to go forever, I'm sure we can go forever."
Camp Confidential: Browns rebuild under Mangini
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| Matthew Emmons/US Presswire | |
| Derek Anderson, left, and Brady Quinn continue to battle for the starting QB job. |
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
BEREA, Ohio -- It takes only one training camp session to notice who's the new boss of the Cleveland Browns.
Eric Mangini's presence already looms large in Cleveland. Whether it's the improved practice habits, the meticulous charting of plays and game situations, or the constant running of laps after mental errors, the new Browns coach has quickly placed his fingerprints all over this team heading into the 2009 season.
Cleveland is trying to bounce back from an abysmal 4-12 record last year. Most players returning from last season are coming off the worst individual performances of their careers, and part of Mangini's job is to get the best out of them as well as the new additions.
"Nobody cares what anybody did last year," Browns offensive lineman Ryan Tucker said of the team's approach.
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But Cleveland still has a lot of issues to address in its first year under new leadership.
Key Questions
1. Who is the starting quarterback?
The Browns have been searching for their franchise quarterback since returning to the NFL in 1999. A decade later there is another controversy at the position involving former Pro Bowler Derek Anderson and 2007 first-round pick Brady Quinn.
Preseason games are going to be huge for these two, and Quinn has jumped out to an early lead with a moderate performance Saturday against the Green Bay Packers. He completed 7 of 11 passes for 68 yards and an interception in a 17-0 defeat, while Anderson didn't fare nearly as well, going 0-for-2 with an interception.
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AJ Mass on the Browns' QB situation. Bottom line: It doesn't matter to fantasy owners which QB wins the starting job. Neither guy would be worth starting in fantasy. Mangini says he won't make this decision hastily and will stick with his choice once the decision is made. But based on the offensive system and some early signs, a lot is pointing to the Browns going with Quinn to start the regular season.
2. Will players buy into Mangini's system?
It's no secret that former Browns coach Romeo Crennel was considered a "nice-guy coach." But in four years, that approach didn't work as the team finished with three losing seasons in that span.
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| Gregory Shamus/Getty Images | |
| New Browns coach Eric Mangini brings a different style of coaching to Cleveland. |
Therefore, the Browns went in the opposite direction in hiring Mangini, who is a stern disciplinarian. At the very least, Mangini expects to clean up some of the lazy mistakes that permeated the team.
There was some butting of heads initially, but at least publicly there haven't been any major dust-ups between Mangini and his players in training camp. It's still questionable if all the players will completely buy into Mangini's disciplinarian approach. Victories probably will be the biggest determining factor of whether everyone stays on board long term.
3. Can the defense improve?
The Browns haven't done many things well defensively the past several seasons. But Mangini and new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan feel they have some answers.
Perhaps the biggest wrinkles that are noticeable in training camp have been added to the pass rush. Ryan is not afraid to bring extra defenders at the expense of exposing his secondary. That is something Cleveland was leery of doing in the past.
Free-agent pickups such as safety Abram Elam and linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens -- all former New York Jets -- know Mangini's system well and are helping the rest of the defense ease the transition. In the early going, Cleveland's defense looks like the strength of this team.
Market watch
The talent has always been there, but for various reasons receiver Braylon Edwards
has had an up-and-down career in Cleveland.
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Edwards got off to a slow start in his first two years because of injuries and rookie mistakes. Then he exploded in 2007 with 80 catches, 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns. But Edwards faltered again last season by leading the NFL in drops and catching only 55 passes and three touchdowns.
The Browns are counting on the 2007 Edwards to show up this season. This summer he has been the most dominant offensive player in training camp by making spectacular catches look routine. But he did have one drop Saturday in the preseason opener against the Packers.
Much of Edwards' production this year will rely on which quarterback can get him the football. But playing in a contract year, Edwards looks motivated to produce whenever opportunities come his way.
Newcomer to watch
The first draft pick of the Mangini era in Cleveland naturally will have pressure to perform, and that is certainly the case this year with rookie center Alex Mack. The Browns traded down in the first round to select Mack with the No. 21 overall pick.
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| Gregory Shamus/Getty Images | |
| The Browns are hoping to get early contributions from Alex Mack. |
So far, Mack has been inconsistent in training camp. The Browns are throwing a lot at him mentally and physically. As the center, he has to be aware of all things on offense. In competing with veteran Hank Fraley, Mack also is getting a lot of reps with the second team and is going against Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, who is dominating most of their one-on-one matchups.
But the Browns are hoping Mack's battles with Rogers help him in the long run when he faces equally stout challenges in the AFC North such as Casey Hampton, Kelly Gregg, Haloti Ngata and Domata Peko.
Observation deck
A crowded field is competing for the No. 2 receiver job opposite Edwards. Rookies Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie and veterans Josh Cribbs, David Patten and Mike Furrey are all getting reps at that position. Massaquoi has been the most consistent receiver this summer, but Cribbs also has made a push with a solid preseason opener. ... Rookie tailback James Davis has been one of the early surprises in training camp. The sixth-round pick from Clemson has shown good vision and a burst that may be able to help spell veteran Jamal Lewis. ... Kicker Phil Dawson and Cribbs both are unhappy with their current contracts. But things have been very quiet on that front and it's unknown if the team would be willing to renegotiate with either player before the start of the season.
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
It's that time again.
Coming off a landmark first year for the AFC North blog, it's time for the "Seven-step drop" to return and make its 2009 debut.
Here are seven notes and observations from Week 1 of the preseason:
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| James Lang/US Presswire | |
| Quarterback Joe Flacco hit six different receivers in the Ravens' preseason opener. |
- In a 23-0 victory over the Washington Redskins, Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens completed nine passes to six different players. That shows he is taking the next step in his maturation process as a quarterback. Last year as a rookie, nearly half (47 percent) of Flacco's completions were to receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. He had the tendency to lock onto those two outside targets at the expense of other receivers, tight ends or running backs. If Flacco continues this trend of spreading the wealth, it would make Baltimore's passing game more difficult to defend this year.
- Speaking of Baltimore receivers, Marcus Smith's torn ACL all but means Justin Harper needs to step up and keep his momentum going. The former seventh-round pick in 2008 has been arguably the biggest surprise in camp for Baltimore and will see playing time this year as the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. Smith was expected to compete with Harper and Demetrius Williams for those two slots.
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie receiver Mike Wallace made a good first impression in the team's 20-10 exhibition win over the Arizona Cardinals. He caught two receptions for 35 yards and returned a kickoff for another 35 yards. But Wallace was most happy with his routes, which is something he's been working hard on since the NFL draft. Scouts were aware of Wallace's straight-line speed, but he lasted until the third round because his route running wasn't crisp in college. If Wallace gets that part down to go with his natural athleticism, he could make an immediate contribution to Pittsburgh this season.
- It was not a great start for Pittsburgh's starting offensive line. Although the unit didn't give up any sacks, left tackle Max Starks was among the first to admit there were some blown assignments, particularly in the running game. Second-year tailback Rashard Mendenhall was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage and wasn't given a chance on several runs. Improvement up front will be something to monitor in the second preseason game.
- Although it's just an exhibition game, reserve receiver Chris Henry recording seven catches for 100 yards against the New Orleans Saints is relatively significant. According to the team, Henry had the best offseason of his career in terms of working out and staying out of trouble. He also hasn't played consistently in the preseason for a very long time, and all of these factors should help him get off to a good start in the regular season. The AFC North blog has Henry rated as the No. 2 under-the-radar sleeper to watch in the division this season.
- It could be a long year for the offense of the Cleveland Browns. The unit has looked conservative and hasn't done much of anything in training camp. And Saturday in Eric Mangini's debut with the Browns, the offense mirrored that performance by combining for four turnovers and allowing three sacks in a 17-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Both quarterbacks, Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, threw interceptions as Cleveland combined for 191 yards of offense. But after that kind of preseason opener, the Browns' offense now is in a nowhere-to-go-but-up scenario.
- In the midst of Cleveland's offensive futility, a new candidate for the No. 2 receiver job may have emerged in Josh Cribbs. The return specialist got the start Saturday over more natural candidates such as Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie and Mike Furrey, and Cribbs led the team with two catches for 30 yards. He also ran a reverse for a 29-yard gain. But an interesting wrinkle is that Cribbs is in the middle of a contract dispute and it is still questionable if he will play in the regular season. Would Cribbs hold out if he ends up winning the starting job at receiver?
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
New head coach Eric Mangini will make his debut this weekend when the Cleveland Browns travel to play the Green Bay Packers.
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| Gregory Shamus/Getty Images | |
| The competition between Derek Anderson (3) and Brady Quinn for the starting quarterback job heats up Saturday night. |
The Browns are a team in transition and still have a lot of questions to answer in the preseason.
Here are some things I'm looking at:
- Cleveland's quarterback competition between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will really heat up with the start of exhibition games. Either Quinn or Anderson will get the start and play about a quarter with the first-team offense. The other quarterback is expected to also play approximately a quarter with the second team and likely will start the second preseason game. These performances will be huge in the evaluation process.
- How will the defense look under Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan? This is the fifth season the Browns are running a 3-4 and the scheme has yet to be effective in Cleveland. Can Mangini work his magic and turn this defense around?
- Speaking of the defense, Cleveland needs to generate a pass rush this season after getting just 17 sacks last season. The Browns won't show everything, but they will run some pressure packages to provide clues of how they plan to improve on that abysmal statistic.
- The Browns want to run the football effectively this season. Tailbacks Jamal Lewis, Jerome Harrison and James Davis all have different skills and will begin to define their roles to the coaching staff in the preseason. It's also important for the offensive line to prove it can dominate the line of scrimmage.
- Who will emerge as Cleveland's No. 2 receiver? A deep group of competitors includes rookies Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie and veterans David Patten and Mike Furrey. The winner has to prove he can make plays in the preseason.
Massaquoi getting head start on Robiskie?
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
The Cleveland Browns agreed to a four-year contract with second-round pick Mohamed Massaquoi Tuesday afternoon, the team announced. Although the Browns do not begin their full training camp until Saturday, rookies reported on July 24.
Massaquoi is scheduled to compete with fellow second-round pick Brian Robiskie for the wide-open No. 2 receiver job in Cleveland. But Robiskie is still unsigned.
Massaquoi will have a chance to get a head start on Robiskie now that the former Georgia product is under contract. Obviously the advantage will depend on how long it takes for Robiskie to sign, but neither player solidified his role in offseason practices.
Other receivers that will compete to be the starting receiver opposite Braylon Edwards include veterans David Patten and Mike Furrey. Edwards is currently on Cleveland's active/non-football injury list.
Should the Browns consider keeping Stallworth?
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
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| Tom Hauck/Getty Images | |
| Could Donte' Stallworth play for the Browns this season? |
On the plus side, Stallworth should be out of jail before or during training camp and could be ready to rejoin the team this summer after missing a majority of the offseason program. The Browns also paid him a $4.5 million roster bonus in March, which impacts the salary cap and could be influential in the decision.
On the minus side, the Browns already prepared to move on without Stallworth. They spent two high draft picks on receivers in second rounders Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi and spent money in free agency acquiring David Patten and Mike Furrey. Expecting the worst, Cleveland invested a lot in rebuilding its receiving corps, and with Braylon Edwards also on the roster there's not much room left for Stallworth.
The NFL also is expected to come down pretty hard on Stallworth in the form of a suspension, whether it's two games, four games or eight or more games. Once the league completes its due diligence there, the Browns will have to decide if the pluses outweigh the minuses.
Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns finished three days of voluntary minicamp Thursday.
Here are a few notes:
- Both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson seem to be taking the quarterback competition in stride. The two have been together in Cleveland since 2007, so this is the third consecutive season of fielding the same questions about the position. This year there was also trade speculation involving both quarterbacks.
"I really didn't pay a whole lot of attention to what everyone was writing and saying and reporting," Quinn said. "So during that period of time I'd hear people say things. But it didn't affect my approach towards this year at all."
- Although Cleveland coach Eric Mangini said Quinn has taken a slight lead early in the quarterback race, Mangini didn't indicate Thursday if anyone was taking hold of the No. 2 receiver spot. Mangini said he's closely monitoring the reps of candidates such as David Patten, Mike Furrey and rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi to examine their strengths and weaknesses. But at this point Mangini isn't worried about where any of these players would fit on a depth chart.
- Browns tight end Steve Heiden said he's still in the process of rehabbing his knee after surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL. He didn't know when he would be ready to return to practice. But Heiden said the fact that he hurt his knee in December, very late in the season, makes it worse.
"Later in the year it's a little more frustrating," Heiden said. "You want to have that time off to take a mental break, and you can't do it because you're injured. But that's the game. That's football."
- Cleveland starting tailback Jamal Lewis worked with a trainer Thursday but didn't practice following off-season ankle surgery.
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Jamison Hensley
Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun for 11 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he lives in the Baltimore area with his wife.
