Five reasons Browns made a mistake in cutting Stallworth

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded,com Staff Writer

Donté Stallworth came to Cleveland as a highly paid free agent. He played sparingly because of injuries for one year. He recorded 17 catches for 170 yards and one touchdown in 2008. About a year ago in Miami, Stallworth killed a pedistrian in a traffic accident that was 95 percent Stallworth's fault, who was driving under the influence of alcohol.

That pretty much sums up the Browns experience with Stallworth. On Sunday of the Super Bowl, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Stallworth for the 2010 season. The Browns actions were swift announcing on Monday night they were cutting ties with Stallworth making him an unrestricted free agent.

I can see where Browns president Mike Holmgren is coming from. He just took over a team and doesn't want his first glimpse of the media spotlight as the Browns leader to be in a bad light. The fact also remains that Stallworth had a huge contract and keeping Stallworth may not have been fiscally responsible.

So why was it a bad idea to cut him?

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Cleveland calls about McNabb, Kolb

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

The Philadelphia Daily News' blog, The Eagletarian, reported on Sunday the Bills, Browns and Broncos have had multiple conversations with the Eagles about the team's top two quarterbacks in Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb.

Eagles head coach Andy Reid has said McNabb is Philadelphia's starting quarterback in 2010. After the 2010 season, McNabb's contract is up. So, are the Eagles truly sticking with their veteran QB or do they want to move forward with Kolb?

It makes perfect sense the Browns are one of the teams inquiring about Kolb and McNabb. Not only is the Browns quarterback situation iffy, the team's new general manager, Tom Heckert, is simply reaching out to some co-workers to gauge interest.

I reached out to Derek of the Iggles Blog and asked him what he's heard.

"The whole situation is extremely fluid," he said. "The Eagles have three quarterbacks who could be starters somewhere next year.  I don't think they're going into this with the mindset of 'we have to move Donovan.'  That's certainly the tidiest scenario, but it sounds like there's a fair amount of interest in Kolb.  The really big offer might end up being for the guy who can be a starter for the next decade plus, not just the next few years.

Cleveland could be interesting, because if Kolb goes we need someone as possible quarterback of the future."

As far as the guys at The Eagletarian, they wrote in all caps, "NOTHING IS CLOSE TO HAPPENING." Sure. It's early, but it is far from over.

"Almost any team looking to draft a QB this season would be smart to look into Kolb, who presumably wouldn't need several years of training to take over," the Eagletarian wrote. "This is not a great quarterback draft; if Kolb came out this year, he'd almost certainly be a first-rounder. Of course, with McNabb heading toward his 12th season and not under contract after 2010, trading Kolb would be quite a gamble for the Birds."

Browns top five offseason story lines

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

On Monday, we greeted the official beginning of the NFL offseason. Currently, New Orleans is having its day in the sun and rightfully so, but soon the attention will turn to individual teams.

We listed the important offseason NFL dates, but what about the Browns? Well, here are the team's five biggest offseason story lines.

1. Who will be the Cleveland Browns quarterback?
Browns team president Mike Holmgren said he wants the quarterback situation settled entering training camp. No QB battles in the August. How refreshing is that? So, who will that quarterback be? Will he come in the draft? In free agency? Is he currently on the team? This is a topic that will be debated ad nauseum in the coming weeks and months.

2. Will a deal for Josh Cribbs get done?
Optimism is high in the Browns front office that new deal will get done for Cribbs by April's NFL Draft, according to The Orange and Brown Report's John Taylor. Cribbs has been established as the "fan favorite" and was the only real play maker the team had in 2009. He deserves a sensible raise as to not put the Browns in a poor position to sign other key players who are restricted free agents in Abram Elam (S), Jerome Harrison (RB), Matt Roth (LB) and Lawrence Vickers (FB).

Which brings us to…

3. Who will the Browns target in free agency and the draft?
At 5-11, holes are abundant, but the defensive back seven, the offensive line and quarterback are the biggest weaknesses.

4. Is this finally the regime that turns the Browns around?
At this point, Holmgren, Heckert and company haven't done much with the player personnel. Yet there is high optimism this will be the front office brass that gets the job done.

The latest Super Bowl champions, New Orleans, was 3-13 four seasons ago. According to Waiting For Next Year, the Saints have provided the Browns with the Keys to a Super Bowl.

"But looking back, the 2005 Saints were very similar to the 2009 Browns given specific personnel. A quarterback situation that needs to be addressed, few and/or aging weapons and a defense that was borderline embarrassing when it came to play makers.  The Browns head into this year’s draft with the seventh overall selection, the sixth selection in the second round, and the seventh and twenty-eighth selection in the third round."

"But if one thing is for sure, it is that the Saints just set the bar a lot higher for a town that longs for that Super Bowl appearance."

5. What is going on with the labor negotiations?
The National Football Post has a great article on the ins and outs of this dispute.

In summary, Andrew Brandt writes:

"What's ahead? More meetings – starting Saturday -- and probably more frustration from each side; the NFL frustrated that the union will not share the risk and the union aggravated that the NFL will not share its financial information to prove its point. Meanwhile, teams and players are – or should be – preparing for an uncapped year and a different way of operating in the NFL, coming soon to a team near you. As for 2011, a potential lockout year, all bets are off."

What story line has piqued you interest entering the offseason? Feel free to leave a comment.

Congrats Nawlins, now the fun begins

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Not a bad Super Bowl, eh? It was refreshing not to have to despise one of the teams playing. No Belichick. No Steelers. Just two good football teams putting on an entertaining game.

Brees' performance was stellar and he was rightfully named the MVP.  The Elias Sports Bureau has the stats to back it up.

Record Brees set in Super Bowl XLIV:
Highest Completion Percentage, Career (minimum: 30 completions) – 82.1, Drew Brees, N.O.

Record Brees tied in Super Bowl XLIV:
Most Completions, Game – 32, Drew Brees, N.O.

Also:
Brees finished the game with 10 consecutive completions.  That tied the second-longest streak of consecutive completions in one game in Super Bowl history; Joe Montana set the Super Bowl record of 13 consecutive completions in Super Bowl XXIV.

Whether you enjoyed it alone or with friends, sober or drunk or in high definition or in standard definition, I hope you savored it because football's offseason has officially begun.

It can be argued this is Browns fans favorite time of the year.

Everyone is 0-0 and the foundation for a winning 2010 lies with every free agent and draft decision made in the coming months. This year, the Cleveland Browns have Mike Holmgren leading those decision-making sessions. That makes for an exciting offseason in Cleveland.

Here are some early NFL offseason dates to remember:

Feb. 24-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind.

Early March: If no deal between the NFLPA and owners is reached, there will be no salary cap for the 2010 season. It also means negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement will be placed on the back burner and bad things happening in 2011 become a reality.

March 5: Free agency begins.

March 21-24: NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.

April 22-24: NFL Draft, New York, N.Y.

May 24-26: NFL Spring Meeting, Dallas, Texas

Football, food and live blogging

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Today is the final day of football for a long, long time. Check local listings, but outside it feels as if we are a LONG way away from summer.

That final day of football is a national holiday. Millions will be attending Super Bowl parties and mass consumption of empty calories will commence.

If you're looking for something to complement you evening, Cleveland.com is offering a live chat tonight during the big game. Join the Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff, Jacob Rosen from Waiting For Next Year and No Logo Needed on a live chat.

There will be instant analysis, polls and, at some point, I'll make fun of Jim Nantz's corny lines.

See you tonight!

To live chat during Super Bowl XLIV, click here.

Joining the masses with SB predictions

The biggest game of the year is right around the corner and predictions are pouring in from every outlet.

State of the Browns: Defensive Line

Editor's note: No Logo Needed is addressing the different areas of the Browns offense, defense and special teams by looking back on the 2009 season and looking ahead to the 2010 offseason and beyond. Areas that have already been address are running backs, offensive line, quarterbacks, wide receivers,  linebackers and special teams.

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

It has been a full week since our latest installment of our "State of the Browns" series. We had one more position group to do — defensive line — and it fell by the wayside the last seven days.

Not today. I present the final installment of the "State of the Browns." My apologies for the delay to those who were waiting with bated breath.

We are also not ignoring the Super Bowl. Everybody and their mother are weighing in with their predictions and No Logo Needed will not be left out. Later today, we will have our Super Bowl predictions for everyone to mock on Monday.

Also, we're excited to announce we will be participating in a live blog during the Super Bowl at Cleveland.com. So, feel free to stop by on Sunday and join in the conversation that will no doubt turn cynical and critical (especially toward the announcers and numerous shots of a confused Eli Manning).

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Furrey reflects on becoming award finalist

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Earlier this week, I provided a portion of my interview with Browns wide receive Mike Furrey, which did not make my final story.

Thanks to my day job working for ThisWeek Newspapers, I was presented the opportunity to interview Furrey and get his reaction on being a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. In addition, I asked Furrey about the Browns' 2009 season and the key to the team's four-game winning streak in December.

Today, the piece I wrote for ThisWeek is posted on the Web site.

Click here to read the story.

Reminder: The NFL will announce the winner of the Man of the Year Award during CBS' pregame coverage on Sunday.

Tebow impresses Browns GM Heckert

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

A few months ago, I took an idea for a post to fellow staff writer Aaron Ziraks.

"Aaron, I was thinking of doing a post on Tim Tebow," I said. "I'm not saying I want the Browns to take him, but this guy may not be as bad at the next level as some think."

The look on Aaron's face was one of surprise and horror.

"Not a good idea," he said after collecting his thoughts.

A few months later, Browns general manager Tom Heckert had some nice things to say about Tebow, according to the Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi.

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Browns' mysteries draw parallels to "Lost"

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Without fail at some point on Wednesday you'll hear someone, somewhere ask the following question:

"Did you watch Lost last night?"

For those who do not watch the show, Tuesday night marked the beginning of the sixth and final season. Here's a quick premise: It revolves around characters who survived a plane crash and ended up stranded on an island. From there, the story was built around mysterious questions and occurrences.

The show's writers have made a living out of producing new question upon new question the last five seasons. As a result, fans have created theories — both wild and based off context clues — to find answers. In the end, most of the answers have yet to be presented.

It got me thinking. What are some of the unanswered and mysterious questions that have surrounded the Cleveland Browns franchise?

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Furrey proud to be a Cleveland Brown

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

It doesn't take much for a fan of the Cleveland Browns to swell with pride about his or her team. Outsiders simply don't understand.

I based No Logo Needed on the pride Browns fans have for the franchise's history, colors and tradition. It's no coincidence Art Modell had to leave those things in Cleveland when he took the team to Baltimore.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Browns fans have a chance to feel that pride, which for the last 44 years has not been the case. The last two Super Bowls featured appearances by Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints. It has been a harsh reminder the Browns are one of four teams who've never played in the Super Bowl.

So why can Browns fans feel pride this Sunday? Mike Furrey.

Furrey is one of three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The winner will be announced Sunday before Super Bowl XLIV.

Thanks to my day-job employer, ThisWeek Newspapers, I was able to write a piece on Furrey and his nomination. I will provide a link to that story later this week.

There were some quotes that didn't make my original piece.

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Cribbs continues to command attention

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

No one loves football more than Browns fans, but even the Pro Bowl is too much of a joke to watch. Then, when you consider the other option is watching Beyonce gyrate around the stage at the Grammy's, the choice is clear. Don't worry. It doesn't make you less of a football fan if you didn't tune in Sunday night to watch Josh Cribbs and Joe Thomas perform in the glorified walk-through that is the NFL Pro Bowl.

Cribbs did have a 65-yard punt return (not for a touchdown). More importantly, Cribbs was named to the NFL's all-decade team on Monday morning.

According to Plain Dealer reports:

"In five seasons, the former Kent State quarterback has returned two punts and a record eight kickoffs for touchdowns. The most recent Browns to make the All-Decade team were Ozzie Newsome and Frank Minnifield for the 1980s."

No doubt we're happy to hear Cribbs was recoginzed for his accomplishments and he was joined by Dante Hall for kick returners. Yet, as many high draft picks as the Browns had during the 2000s, it sure is sad that not one made the all-deade team. Another example of how poor the Browns approached the draft that decade.

Here's the team. Any snubs? Seems pretty solid to me. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

OFFENSE
Quarterback: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning.
Running Backs: Shaun Alexander, Jamal Lewis, Edgerrin James, LaDainian Tomlinson.
Tackles: Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace, William Roaf.
Guards: Larry Allen, Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, Will Shields.
Fullback: Lorenzo Neal.
Tight Ends: Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez.
Wide Receivers: Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens.
Centers: Olin Kreutz, Kevin Mawae.
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy.

DEFENSE
Ends: Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, Michael Strahan, Jason Taylor.
Cornerbacks: Ronde Barber, Champ Bailey, Ty Law, Charles Woodson.
Linebackers: Derrick Brooks, Ray Lewis, Joey Porter, Zach Thomas, Brian Urlacher, DeMarcus Ware.
Tackles: La'Roi Glover, Warren Sapp, Richard Seymour, Kevin Williams.
Safeties: Brian Dawkins, Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Darren Sharper.

SPECIALISTS
Punters: Shane Lechler, Brian Moorman.
Kickers: David Akers, Adam Vinatieri.
Punt Returners: Dante Hall, Devin Hester.
Kick Returners: Joshua Cribbs, Dante Hall

(Photo courtesy of The Associated Press)

New Month of Streaking Upon Us

By NoLogoNeeded Staff

We had 18 people sign up to go streaking with us through the last half of January. Not good enough. We would like to have more people sign up, so this month we will be giving the player with the longest streak an official NoLogoNeeded.com T-Shirt. Everyone loves free shirts and ESPN's Streak for the T-shirt Cash is fun to play. So, it is a win-win.

The longest streak in January was put forth NLN's fearless leader Don Delco who topped out at nine. The overall winner on ESPN.com won $100,000 with a streak of 20.

Here is the link to sign up. The group name is NoLogoNeeded.com. There is no password because the group is public. Everyone is welcome to play so tell your friends.

Senior Bowl Roundup

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

On Friday we put together a post previewing some players to watch at the Senior Bowl. With the Senior Bowl in the books (the North won 31-13 by the way) we can start our first analysis of some players that stood out and may fit with the Browns.

Obviously, this is a small sample of what these players are capable of, and it is always possible they may be dinged up and not playing to their full potential. But this is a good test to see how someone stacks up and responds against other players competing for a shot at a NFL roster.

After the jump are some things that caught my eye.

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How About a Little Draft Talk?

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Before we know it the draft will be upon us. Here at No Logo Needed are going to be doing our Mock Draft Among Blogs again this year. For those of you that don't know, we reached out and found the best blogs (in our opinion) from the other 31 teams in the NFL. We will do a two-round mock draft leading up to the real draft in April. We figure why do a mock draft and try to guess what the Texans are going to do when the guy that covers that Texans knows better? Get it? Good.

Here are my thoughts after last years draft. I still don't know which side of the fence I am on, but after one season I would have to give the draft a C-. The Browns did get four starters out of the draft, but the misses  were HUGE. Hopefully, this year will be better with the Big Show in town and GM Tom Heckert having a solid draft record. I will leave the quarterback talk to fellow NLN writer Brandon Rastok who has a post regarding where the Browns may go on with that debacle.

As for 2010, I think most people are in agreement that the Browns need to shore up the defense.

The names at the top of the list for me are:

Eric Berry - Safety, Tennessee     Berry's Highlight Video
Joe Haden - Cornerback, Florida    Haden's Highlight Video
Rolando McClain - MLB, Alabama       McClain's Highlight Video

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