It's only May, but that doesn't mean we can't start getting excited about Cleveland Browns football. Besides, it doesn't look like the other professional sports teams in the city are going to accomplish a whole lot this year. The media was able to attend offseason training activities (OTA) today, and several reports have flowed in from around the web. Here is a cliff notes version of the reports, with the sources listed at the bottom...
BROWNS OTA REPORT - MAY 19, 2010
- Good News on the Quarterbacks: According to the OBR, the quarterbacks did quite well in front of the media. Jake Delhomme was accurate during his 7-on-7 drill and he thrived in the red zone drill by throwing four touchdown passes (two of them to WR Brian Robiskie); the other two scores were thrown to tight ends. Seneca Wallace (showing his athleticism with a rollout) and Colt McCoy also had positive reviews.
- Cautiously Optimistic: The offense "was ahead of the defense" today, but as Mike Holmgren points out, without pads on, the ball should rarely be touching the ground. Grossi reports that he didn't even see a single drop by any receiver. Translation: there should be a natural advantage to the offense in OTA's.
- Rogers Not Practicing: DL Shaun Rogers was present in Berea but did not practice as he was still getting treatment for the broken leg he suffered last season.
- Starting Units: With RB Jerome Harrison sitting out of OTA's (as well as the rest of the team's remaining RFA's), rookie Montario Hardesty saw action with the first-team offense. The starting players at cornerback were Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown, with Joe Haden being a substitute.
- Safety Help: ESPN reports that the Browns' rookie safeties, T.J. Ward and Larry Asante, were getting beat over the middle in pass coverage. With Elam sitting out, the rookie duo saw reps with the first team.
- Gocong on the Inside: According to Grossi, during team drills, LB Chris Cocong mostly lined up on the inside, while LB Scott Fujita was on the outside. The two switched spots here and there, but Fujita said the versatility is necessary to throw a curveball at opponents.
- Suisham a Threat to Dawson? According to Mangini, "We have to get the roster to 80 by the time training camp starts," he said. "When restricted guys sign and rookies sign, we have to release someone. We have Reggie Hodges here, right now." Grossi notes that Suisham struggled getting long range on his kickoffs.
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Rob Ryan is Back: I'll quote Grossi's point here in full, because it provides the lead in to a quote from defensive coordinator Rob Ryan:
There was a collision between tight end Robert Royal and cornerback Coye Francies that looked worse than it actually was. For a moment, it looked like both players were injured. Both got up gingerly but neither appeared seriously hurt. The collision caused an incompletion, prompting defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to bark, "Bout time we play some defense."
- Jersey Numbers for Rookies: This was pointed out by ESPN: Colt McCoy is No. 12, Joe Haden is No. 40, Montario Hardesty is No. 31, Cliff Geathers is No. 97, Shawn Lauvao is No. 66 and Carlton Mitchell is No. 18.
- OTA Pictures: For more pictures of the Browns' OTA, just click on the image of Delhomme and Mack to the right.
Sources for the Reports Above
- Offense dominates during the early workouts (Plain Dealer, Grossi)
- OTA report: Quarterbacks look sharp (OBR, Greetham)
- Browns get back to work (OBR, Greetham)
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Cleveland Browns OTA notes (ESPN, Walker)