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No Logo Needed: Browns fans' daily guide to news, notes and analysis

Browns fans' daily guide to news, notes and analysis

NLN Feature

Brady Quinn's Stats Don't Lie

Quinn By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
Twitter: @Z_NoLogoNeeded

Earlier this week I wrote I didn't think Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson were in the Browns' future plans. I also stated I am not a fan of Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen. Instead of drafting a rookie quarterback, I would just as well give up the Browns' first pick to Philadelphia for Kevin Kolb, especially if the Browns were planning on taking Bradford or Clasuen. In other words, I think Kolb is better and will be better than Bradford or Clausen.

Since my original post, recent reports surfaced Quinn is on the trading block. Some Browns fans think Quinn can still be the guy and some say Browns President Mike Holmgren things Quinn can still be the guy based on a quote he made at the NFL Combine.

"A quarterback needs two full seasons before you can judge him," Holmgren said. "What's Brady Quinn started? Twelve games? How can we know if he's the guy?''

When Holmgren made that statement, I was standing five feet away. It was in no way, shape or form an endorsement for Quinn. If anything, it was a smoke screen to get more teams thinking Quinn has the tools be be an NFL quarterback.

The reasons Holmgren is not sold on Quinn is simple: Quinn doesn't have the accuracy or arm strength to be a premier starting quarterback in the NFL. Sorry, but former quarterback Trent Dilfer or even current quarterback Mark Sanchez are exceptions, not the rule. The NFL rule is in order to win you have to have a premier starter who makes plays.

With some good, old-fashioned statistical analysis, I wanted to shed some light into why Quinn's time in Cleveland looks to be coming to an end.

I did a statistical breakdown of the first 12 games for every starter in the NFL in 2009 followed by a little comparing. If I was able to put this together in a couple of hours, imagine the in-depth stats and hours of film available at Holmgren's fingertips showing him what he has in Quinn.

I do, however, want to preface things by saying I wanted nothing more than for Quinn to be the guy the Browns could believe in for the next 15 years. Truth is, I don't believe that is the case. If Quinn is given a chance, I hope he capitalizes on it and I am dead wrong. Unfortunately, after looking at the numbers, Quinn is not on the same level as a majority of his peers.

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Posted  March 11, 2010 at 9:12 PM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick No. 12: Miami Dolphins

Dolphins By Brant Houghton
Playoff Bound Sports Senior Writer/Founder


The Miami Dolphins have been one of the few teams throughout the scouting process and free agency period that have been involved in nearly every rumor possible. 

They have also been busy at both signing and releasing players. While they filled a hole by recently signing inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, they also created a big one by releasing free safety Gibril Wilson.

While the Dolphins have other needs that they need to fill, none is more pressing right now than that at the free safety position. The Fins can simply not afford to have constant breakdowns in coverage from their roaming safety like they did last year. There is still the opportunity to re-sign Wilson, but as of right now, the free safety spot is relatively vacant.

Sure, there is second year man Chris Clemons, and vet Tyrone Culver, but neither are proven in the NFL as a starting safety, and neither have shown that they deserve to start either.

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Posted  March 11, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Browns News

What do the Browns see in Delhomme?

Delhomme By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
Twitter: @DonNoLogoNeeded


A few weeks ago, a co-worker and I were discussing the outrageous contracts given to certain Carolina Panthers players. The two players at the forefront of the discussion were Julius Peppers and Jake Delhomme.

Peppers has since moved onto Chicago where he was given another pile of money. According to ESPN.com's John Clayton:

"Peppers received a $6.5 million signing bonus but the Bears also elected to give him a $12.5 million roster bonus in 2010 and a $10.5 million roster bonus in 2011. Peppers will make $20 million in 2010, $11.5 million in 2011 and $9 million in 2012."

So, Peppers received $19 million guaranteed from the Bears this season. Considering Peppers questionable effort and OK results (average of about 10 sacks a season) that is a large sum of money and a sum of money the Browns could and should use in other areas.

Anyway, back to Delhomme. The reason for Delhomme being the topic of conversation was because of the obscene amount of money he was given last April. The 34-year old QB was given a five-year, $42.5 million extension through the 2014 season. What was even more confusing was the contract extension came on the heels of his five-interception, one-fumble performance in the 2008 Divisional Playoff loss to Arizona 33-13.

"It's about being able to know that I can finish my career here in Carolina," said Delhomme at the time. "That's what I've wanted, all I've ever wanted."

Oops. Less than a year later, Delhomme is gone from Carolina and visiting Cleveland.

Delhomme led the 2005 Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl, where they lost to New England 32-29. Statistically, it was not even his best year. That came in 2004 when eh threw for 3,886 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. In the Super Bowl season, he passed for 3,421 yards, 24 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

In 2008, before the meltdown in the playoffs, Delhomme was average passing for 3,288 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Last season? He had eight touchdowns, 18 interceptions and passed for 2,015 yards in 11 games.

Yet for his career he's completed 59.2 percent of his passes. In his Pro Bowl season of 2005, he completed 60.2 percent.

Maybe his accuracy is why Cleveland wants to talk to Delhomme? Yet his performance in the 2008 playoffs, his age, and his injury-shortened 2009 season does not have the Browns fan base excited to partake in a Delhomme-Seneca Wallace quarterback debate.
Posted  March 11, 2010 at 10:36 AM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick No. 11: Denver Broncos

Broncos By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
Twitter: @DonNoLogoNeeded.com


The lasting image of the 2009 Denver Broncos is of rookie head coach and Canton, Ohio native, Josh McDaniels, fist pumping after his team's 20-17 win over New England on Oct. 11.

Images aside, the Broncos started 6-0 before finishing 8-8 and missed the playoffs. Offensively, Denver was ranked 20th in the NFL and rookie running back Knowshon Moreno rushed for 947 yards.

With that being said, David East of Broncotalk.net took on the responsibility of making the Broncos pick.

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Posted  March 10, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Browns News

You Stay Classy, Derek Anderson (updated)

Anchorman%20Ron%20Burgundy%20Stay%20Classy%20San%20Diego_smallBy Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer
Twitter: @Z_NoLogoNeeded

On the heels of being cut by the Browns, Derek Anderson lashed out at the fans of Cleveland in an email to the News-Herald.

"The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner," Anderson wrote. "I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them."

I like the fire Anderson has, but why could he not show that when he was on the field? Rumors are swirling that DA will land in Arizona. I can't wait to see how the cripple fight between Anderson and Matt Leinart turns out.

Just think, we could have turned Anderson into 1st and 3rd round draft picks after 2007 and still be in the same place we are right now. I am glad this chapter in the Browns quarterback saga has closed. Now, let's hope someone steps up and takes the reigns.

Wednesday morning update:
Apparently, Anderson is trying to place the cat back into the bag. He issued a statement via former Browns public relations director, Amy Palcic.

"I said some things to Jeff Schudel (of The News-Herald) earlier that I regret. Those of you who got to know me personally from covering the Browns over the past five years, know this was out of character for me. I wasn't taken out of context, but I was speaking out of my frustration after my career with the Browns came to a close.

"I had some great times playing in Cleveland, especially during the 2007 season and I met some great people and made many lifelong friends along the way. I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life."

So, what do you think? Do you forgive him? Does that make it worse? Are you just simply glad he's no longer with the Browns?

Posted  March 09, 2010 at 11:18 PM
Browns News

So long, DA

Anderson By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer


Less than 24 hours after the Browns acquired Seneca Wallace from Seattle, the Browns released Derek Anderson.

"I want to thank Derek for everything that he gave to the Cleveland Browns organization over the last five years," coach Eric Mangini said in a statement. "He did everything we asked of him and it was a pleasure to coach such a competitive person. I want to wish him all the best in the future."

What is his future? Plenty of teams may now consider Anderson an option. A new team is now not required to acquire his hefty contract. On March 19, Anderson was due $2 million roster bonus and his base salary in 2010 was going to be $7.45 million, which was the final year of a three-year contract.

Anderson signed a three-year deal after his Pro Bowl season of 2007. In four years in Cleveland, he threw for 7,083 yards, 46 touchdowns and 45 interceptions with a 52.9 completion percentage. In 2007, he started 15 games and was 298-for-527 passing for 3,787 yards with 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

Anderson's legacy may rest on his four-interception performance in a 19-14 loss to Cincinnati in Week 15 of the 2007 season. A Browns win would have cemented a playoff berth.

Posted  March 09, 2010 at 3:43 PM
Browns News

Seneca's reputation in Seattle

Wallace By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Since the announcement Seneca Wallace was traded from Seattle to Cleveland, debates have been had throughout the Interwebs on just what are the ramifications.

Will Wallace start? Is he better than Quinn? Is Anderson gone? Will Quinn start? Will the Browns now draft a quarterback?

Those questions, unlike in an episode of LOST, will be answered soon. What we do know is Wallace is now a member of the Cleveland Browns. Wallace is considered an NFL veteran with five years of service with the Seahawks. He has appeared in 47 games, starting 12, and has thrown for 3,547 yards, 25 touchdowns, 14 interceptions. He has a completion percentage of 59.9 percent.

I reached out to the entertaining Seattle Seahawks blog, Dave Krieg's Strike Beard, and its writer, Johnny Peel, for his perspective on the newest member of the Cleveland Browns.

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Posted  March 09, 2010 at 2:00 PM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick No. 10: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars By Terry O'Brien
BlackandTeal.com


The Jaguars GM, Gene Smith just signed defensive end Aaron Kampman in free agency and in doing so, took steps to shore up the defensive line. This leaves the Jaguars free at the draft to avoid a desperation choice.

Smith has promised “Best Available Player” drafting and there are four to choose from at this point: Dan Williams DT Tennessee, Joe Haden CB Florida, C.J. Spiller RB Clemson and Rolando McClain LB Alabama.

All are fantastic choices.

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Posted  March 09, 2010 at 8:07 AM
Columns

Seneca Wallace is a Brown. Now what?

Wallace By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Welcome to Cleveland, Ohio Seneca Wallace.

Let's look at the facts of the Browns' current quarterback situation:

1. The Browns have been non-committal when asked about the quarterback situation.

2. Team president Mike Holmgren said there would not be a quarterback competition come August.

3. Derek Anderson is due a $2.45 million bonus March 19.

4. Neither Anderson nor Brady Quinn have played well the last two seasons.

5. Seneca Wallace is now a Cleveland Brown.

6. The Browns need a starting quarterback

Taking all this information into account, there are only a couple of directions the Browns could be going. Bringing Wallace into the fold sheds some light, but also it added a couple of questions. It is obvious that the current Quinn/Anderson dichotomy was not going to work. So what are the Browns options?

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Posted  March 08, 2010 at 10:19 PM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick. No. 9: Buffalo Bills

Bills By Anthony D. Macari
BuffaloSportsNow.com


The Buffalo Bills will enter the draft with a multitude of holes, but really there is none greater than behind center. The Bills have tried to fill the position since Jim Kelly retired by every method except expending their first pick in the draft and have floundered for over a decade.

This choice will come down to Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis, Alabama linebacker Rolondo McClain and Tennessee defensive tackle Dan Williams.

Anthony Macari of Buffalo Sports Now is representing the Bills and made his choice among Clausen, Davis, McClain and Williams.

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Posted  March 08, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Browns News

Browns enter free agency period

Fujita By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer


Free agency has officially begun for the Cleveland Browns. After the first wave hit with the Bears signing Julius Peppers and the Dolphins nabbing Karlos Dansby, it was the Browns turn.

Your newest Cleveland Browns:

•Offensive tackle Tony Pashos, 29: Three seasons at $10.3 million
•Linebacker, Scott Fujita, 30: Three seasons at $14 million

So how does each player fit into the Browns?

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Posted  March 08, 2010 at 12:51 PM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick No. 8: Oakland Raiders

Raiders By Chris Shellcroft
Just Blog Baby.com


This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Oakland Raiders will be drafting in the top 10. Being that Al Davis has picked a quarterback, running back and wide receiver in the last three years you’d assume that the most basic needs have been addressed. You know like, I don’t know, protecting the $60-million quarterback so he has time to find his $38-million wide receiver and open holes for his $60-million running back.
 
Oh that’s right, Al addressed that need way back in ’04 when he selected Robert Gallery.
 
Gallery has tiptoed around the bust label but let’s be honest. When you draft a left tackle second overall, a dominant guard isn’t what you hope he’ll become. That’s a little like buying a bottle of Louis XIII cognac and taking a sip only to discover you’d purchased XO. Not the worst thing that could happen but it certainly is nowhere near what you paid for.
 
In 2009 the Raiders boasted one of the most dubious accomplishments in NFL history. Left tackle Mario Henderson allowed the most sacks in the league and right tackle Cornell Green amassed more penalties per snap than any offensive lineman in the league. And you thought JaMarcus only completed 48% of his throws because he doesn’t know what color jersey his teammates are wearing.
 
With that being said, Mr. Davis has a dilemma on his hands: Do you go with the fastest defensive back (Taylor Mays) or the fastest offensive lineman (Bruce Campbell) in the draft?
 
The answer is simple.

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Posted  March 08, 2010 at 7:39 AM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick No. 7: Cleveland Browns

Browns By Don Delco and Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writers


A new season brings a new face as the leader of the Cleveland Browns organization. After a year hiatus, Mike Holmgren returned to the NFL and Browns owner Randy Lerner has given the former Packers and Seahawks coach full control.

When it comes to rebuilding the Browns (again), Holmgren said there are certain areas of need on the team: depth at offensive line, solve the quarterback question, depth at running back and speed at wide receiver.

Yet the position the Browns are in April's draft, only the quarterback question could be solved at No. 7. Since Seattle selected Sam Bradford (thankfully) at No. 6, the one player who remains — and those of us at No Logo Needed covet — is still available.

For all the Browns' struggles in 2009, the team's defense simply doesn't have playmakers. On offense, Jerome Harrison finished the season collecting yards in chunks and it was thanks, in part, to a strong offensive line led by three-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas at left tackle. Josh Cribbs was recently given a new contract for all his abilities to make plays on offense and in special teams.

And now, there is a defensive playmaker available in the draft.

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Posted  March 07, 2010 at 7:08 AM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick No. 6: Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer


In the first year sans Mike Holmgren, the Seattle Seahawks went 5-11 and fired Jim Mora and opted to hire USC coach Pete Carroll. It is hard to believe Holmgren was in Seattle from 1999-2008. During that time, the Seahawks made the playoffs five times and won the NFC in 2005.

A majority of those wins were thanks, in part, to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. But Hasselbeck is 34 and is coming off two consecutive season in which he has dealt with an injury.

Already, NoLogoNeeded.com's Mock Draft Among Blogs has had a offensive tackle run.

Johnny Peel from Dave Krieg's Strike Beard is representing the Seahawks. His options were to go with a quarterback or continue to build on the Seahawks defense. If you remember last season, the Seahawks also were picking in front of Cleveland and they took Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry fourth.

So what might Seattle do?

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Posted  March 06, 2010 at 1:47 PM
2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs

Pick No. 5: Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer


In an effort to keep the 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs moving forward, No Logo Needed will have to step in and make a selection for the Kansas City Chiefs.

On Thursday night, Ryan Luis of the Chiefs representative, Chiefs Report, selected Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung. Only problem is Okung was selected third by Tampa Bay.

Unable to have the Chiefs Report select another player in timely fashion, we had to make the pick for them.

According to WalterFootball.com, the Chiefs No. 1 offseason need is a left tackle. Luis of Chiefs report and DraftCountdown.com backed up that claim by selecting Okung for the Chiefs. Since Okung has already been selected in our mock draft, we decided to give the Chiefs the next best tackle on the board.

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Posted  March 06, 2010 at 9:08 AM
NFL News

More on Joe Haden's 40 time

Joehaden By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer


There has been plenty of debate regarding Joe Haden’s 40-yard dash times from last weekend’s NFL combine.  Haden’s official times were 4.57 and 4.6 seconds.  Prior to the combine, almost everyone had him pegged as going to the Browns with the seventh pick in the draft.  When Haden’s times were posted some people dropped him automatically out of the top 10.

Others have argued that 40 times don’t matter. Haden’s football skills and other drills should be what scouts pay attention to.  So, NoLogoNeeded.com did a little research on the situation to see if 40 times really did affect cornerbacks.

I looked at the top cornerbacks in the league and their 40 times they clocked prior to entering the NFL.  I used the past couple Pro Bowls to determine who the top cornerbacks were. 

This is what I found.

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Posted  March 05, 2010 at 1:41 PM