National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Cleveland Browns announced today that Eric Mangini is their new head coach. Coach Mangini was just fired by the N.Y. Jets last week, but by accepting the Browns’ head coaching position, he is, in a sense, returning home. Coach Mangini began his NFL career as a ball boy with the Browns back in 1994 under then-coach Bill Belichick. He then followed coach Belichick to New England in 2000 before eventually departing for New York in 2006.
I think too much blame was placed on coach Mangini when the Jets lost four of their last five …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Moments after completing a disastrous 4-12 season, Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner announced the firing of general manager Phil Savage. This morning, the Browns continued their housecleaning by firing head coach Romeo Crennel. Both Mr. Savage and coach Crennel released statements today:
ROMEO CRENNEL
“I would like to thank Randy Lerner for giving me the opportunity to coach the Cleveland Browns. Some progress was made in my four years here, but not enough to go forward in this position. The support from the community and the fans has been greatly appreciated. Though this past year has been …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
I’ve heard the rumors over the past few months, but apparently former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach (and former Cleveland Browns player and coach) Bill Cowher has been approached about the possibility of coaching the Browns. The report said the Browns are willing to offer coach Cowher a contract worth between $8-9 million per season. I don’t doubt the validity of the offer, but I question whether coach Cowher wants to return to the game. At that rate of compensation, and if he would have the control he wants (meaning Browns GM Phil Savage would probably …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Cleveland Browns suspended tight end Kellen Winslow for one game without pay for his recent comments that were determined detrimental to the team. Here is the full statement issued by Browns GM Phil Savage today:
“The Cleveland Browns are committed to winning and taking care of our players. We are also committed to protecting the privacy of our players, particularly with regard to medical issues. To that end, following discussions with Kellen Winslow and his representation, the Browns agreed to make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of his recent medical condition.
“As an organization, …read more

Getty Images
National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
I was saddened to hear that the Cleveland Browns terminated the contract of defensive back Gary Baxter today. Avid readers of EMQB know that Gary is one of, if not my favorite player in the National Football League. His nearly two-year comeback from torn patella tendons in both knees — one of the most remarkable injury stories in the history of the NFL — has been brought to a temporary halt. It was a miracle that Gary could even walk again let alone play football, but his dogged determination has been both inspirational and …read more

Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley was cleared to practice with the team at their minicamp which began today. LeCharles hasn’t played in a game since 2005 where he was a two-time All-Pro with the Saints. After being picked up as a free agent by the Browns following that 2005 season, it’s been nothing but frustration for all involved. LeCharles went down on the first day of contact drills in 2006 training camp with a torn patella tendon. After surgery to repair the tendon, he tore it slightly again and then suffered …read more

Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
I was happy to see Gary Baxter sign a one-year deal to stay with the Cleveland Browns today. Gary’s had more than his share of health problems since he arrived in Cleveland. He’s only played in eight games with the Browns since they signed him to a six-year, $30 million free agent deal in March 2005. As avid readers know, Gary’s one of my favorite players and his story is an incredible demonstration of courage and determination. When he returns to the playing field, he’ll become the first NFL player to make …read more

Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
The Cleveland Browns are doing more than staying competitive this offseason. The Browns are preparing themselves for a Super Bowl run. First, they locked up QB Derek Anderson for three-years yesterday. Then they got him another weapon on offense — former New England Patriots WR Donte Stallworth. The Browns are wisely building their team around their quarterbacks — Derek and Brady Quinn. GM Phil Savage said:
“Donte’ will be the major addition to our offense this year. He will bring legitimate speed, quickness and playmaking ability to the receiving corps and add a …read more

Getty Images
Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson wasn’t a free agent for long. After turning down a three-year, $20 million deal from the Browns before the free agency signing period began this morning, Derek agreed to a multi-year deal with the team today. Why he waited a couple of hours beyond the deadline is beyond me. Apparently, there was some interest from another team(s) in order for him to turn the deal down in the first place, but he did a quick about-face and stayed with the Browns. Cleveland has Brady Quinn waiting in …read more