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Billionaires get all the breaks

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

On Friday, the dominate story on the front page of the Columbus Dispatch screamed of trouble in paradise. That paradise is downtown Columbus' Arena District, home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and its rink, Nationwide Arena.

The Blue Jackets are losing money. Fast. According to the Dispatch’s Blue Jackets beat writer, Aaron Portzline, the club is asking for “a sin tax on beer, wine and cigarettes that would pave the way for Franklin County to take over ownership of Nationwide Arena.”

In the last seven seasons, the Blue Jackets lost $80 million including $10 this past season that, coincidentally, was their first appearance in the playoffs.

Portzline asked team president Mike Priest if moving the club was possible if the sin taxes were not an option.

“The reason we’re being proactive and working and talking is to find a solution so that we don’t have to go down that road or have those types of discussions. The whole purpose of this is to avoid that. Other teams have been through this and have found solutions.”

So what does this have to do with the Cleveland Browns? As we’ve stated before, anytime there is talk of a professional sports franchise moving town, it piques our interest after what happened in the mid 90s.

Also, those “sin taxes” help pay for Cleveland Browns Stadium. Thanks to Twitter (yes, it is a useful social marketing tool), I came across a piece by Roldo Bartimole of ClevelandLeader.com on the sweet deal the Lerner’s got in the late 90s.

Read Bartimole’s full piece, "How Good it Gets for the Lerner Family."

In the first two games of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, TNT had blimp shots of the city of Cleveland. The lights were shining bright at Browns Stadium. NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer Aaron Ziraks joked that Randy Lerner was eating dinner on the 50-yard line watching the game on the big screen.

Z may be right. Randy’s got a good deal going.

Click “Read More” for some highlights of Bartimole’s piece before heading to ClevelandLeader.com to check out the entire piece.

Browns expect Jamal Lewis to continue to produce for rushing attack in 2009

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

First quarter: 10 rushes for 118 yards.
Second quarter: six rushes for 62 yards.
Third quarter: six rushes for 15 yards.
Fourth quarter: eight rushes for 100 yards.

On Sept. 14, 2005, Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis rushed for 295 yards on 30 attempts for two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns defense.

The last two seasons, Lewis has worn orange and brown. While he has not duplicated that 295-yard effort, he has two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The Browns had gone 22 years without a 1,000-yard rusher.

Lewis is in his second year of a three-year contract with the Browns. This offseason, Lewis had surgery on his ankle to remove bone spurs. It was the same surgery he had in January of 2007.

Lewis will turn 30 years old Aug. 26. That is old for a running back especially considering Lewis has been in the NFL since he was 21. But as he returned to practice this week at the Browns minicamp. Head coach Eric Mangini has plans for Lewis to be an integral part of the offense.

“This system fits him and what I’ve seen of him on tape has shown up on the field,” Mangini said.

That system is a ball control offense. In Mangini’s first season in New York that offense was on display as the Jets finished 10-6 and made the playoffs.

The Jets’ offense was ranked 18th as they rushed for 1,738 yards on 491 attempts. New York’s rushing attack was led by rookie Leon Washington who had 650 yards on 151 attempts followed by Kevan Barlow (370 yards on 131 attempts) and Cedric Houston (374 yards on 113 attempts).

So what can Jamal Lewis expect in 2009? Running back by committee is a strong possibility. Asking Lewis’ aging body for 20 to 25 carries for 16 games is a lot. Remember Jerome Harrison? The last time Browns fans saw Harrison, he was in Buffalo, N.Y. on Nov. 17 running 72 yards for a touchdown.

Harrison, at 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, has a similar body style to Leon Washington at 5-8, 210. Harrison proved to be a nice change of pace to Lewis’ bruising style of running.

In addition, the Browns drafted Clemson’s James Davis, signed free agent Noah Herron and said good-bye to Jason Wright.

For now, the Browns seem content with the running back position. If Lewis can stay healthy — a big if — he should find some friendly holes behind the revamped offensive line. Also, it seems the current regime has more faith in the abilities of Harrison, something Browns fans developed a long time ago.

Cowher causes controversy in Pittsburgh

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

If I didn't need any more evidence that Cleveland fans and Pittsburgh fans are identical (aside from one set of fans experiencing championships and the other disappointment), I bring you this story out of Pittsburgh.

Tuesday had more than one Eastern Conference Finals game. In the NBA, most of us were glued to the TV watching the Cavs fail to even their series against Magic. In the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins were closing out their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Carolina Hurricanes in a sweep. (Typical.)

Pittsburgh won 4-1 and will play the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, but not without some controversy.

Bill Cowher, the former Steelers Super Bowl XL winning head coach and a figure so beloved, they modeled their mascot, Steely McBeam, after him, did something unspeakable and against the advice of his wife and daughters.

Bill Cowher lives in Raleigh, N.C. since retiring from coaching and has become a Hurricanes fan. He "cranked the alarm" in Carolina before the game four. Steelers fans are not happy.

In Pittsburgh's Strip District, "Benedict Cowhered" T-shirts are selling like hotcakes. In a KDKA video, the reporter places objectivity aside and rips Cowher calling him a "big shot" and shows a video of him getting makeup applied before the CBS pregame show.

Of course, the topper in the video is an interview with a woman who calls Cowher "a traitor to our city" and that she "never did like him."

To me, this is how Cleveland fans reacted when LeBron showed up at the Indians playoff game in 2007 wearing a Yankees hat. LeBron was born in raised in northeast Ohio. Cowher was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Both have taken local professional sports teams and made them winners. Both have personalities that the town embraced.

Whether or not you are upset by these actions, I'll let you debate that in the comments section.

AFC North Offseason Review: Baltimore Ravens

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

With all the activity of the Browns offseason, from bringing in a new general manager and coaching staff to the revolving door at the front of the locker room, plenty of attention has been spent on the Browns and their personnel and rightfully so.

Since activity has slowed down, NoLogoNeeded.com wanted to reach out to the fellow AFC North teams. We wanted to get their thoughts on their respective team's offseason.

Today, Joe Barnes of The Ebony Bird, answers our questions. In the coming days look for Donald Starver of Steelers Today and Adam Kiefaber of Bengal Stripes.

Click "Read More" for the Ravens offseason review.

Browns sign CB Roderick Hood

By Don Delco and Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writers

Gridironfans.com is reporting two sources confirmed Roderick Hood, a starting defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals last season, has been signed by the Cleveland Browns.

Hood broke into the NFL with the Eagles in 2003 and played for four seasons before heading to Arizona in 2007. There, he started in 30 of 32 games and had six interceptions and 90 tackles. For his career, he has 11 interceptions and 201 tackles.

Hood played left cornerback for the Cardinals. Currently, the Browns depth chart at left cornerback is as follows:

Eric Wright
Hank Poteat
Don Carey
Corey Boudreaux
Bryan Williams

For good measure, at right cornerback it is:

Brandon McDonald
Corey Ivy
Gerard Lawson
Coye Francies

Those who are still with us, that is 10 cornerbacks on the Browns with the addition of Hood.

Unlike most of the players Mangini has brought in, Hood should be in his prime at 27 years old. It is not clear whether Hood was brought in to replace Brandon McDonald or Eric Wright in the starting line up or if Hood will finally be the nickel corner the Browns tried, and failed, to find last season. 

This move also should provide the Browns some depth at the corner position. The last time Hood was a free agent, the Browns tried hard under the leadership of Phil Savage to sign him. This is an excellent signing that provides starting caliber depth to a position that is growing in need as teams run more and more three and four receiver sets.

Two questions still remain:

1. The Browns already had two starting cornerbacks, signed two others as free agents (Corey Ivy and Hank Poteat), and drafted two more last April. Much like the wide receiver position, how many players can the team carry at one position?

2. While it is nice to see the team making moves to try to improve there is one area of great concern continues to get over looked: Who is going to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks?

Cribbs to attend minicamp today

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

After concerns over his contract last week, Browns' do-it-all player Josh Cribbs will report to minicamp today, according to Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

Last Thursday, Cribbs met with head coach Eric Mangini and, apparently, Mangini said the right things. Currently, Mangini is 2-for-2 in dealing with disgruntled players. Remember Shaun Rogers' beef (pun intended) a few months ago? Today, Rogers is a happy camper. (Sorry, I'll stop the puns.)

Mangini talked about how he deals with upset players at his press conference May 21.

“I feel comfortable talking to anybody about anything and that’s one of the points I made to the players in the first meeting, is that if there is ever an issue to come talk to me because I think it’s important to not let little things become big things. We’ve all seen how easy that could happen and the better the communication the better you can address those things. I’m always open to talking to anybody.”

Cribbs' agent, J.R. Rickert, texted Cabot that his client will report today. No word if Cabot and Rickert were using emoticons, LOLs or also discussed the Jonas Brothers.

"Josh Cribbs will report to practice on Tuesday," Rickert texted. "He is making this good-faith effort to show everyone just how important this is to him. We will continue to communicate with the Browns on a regular basis and we are optimistic that there will be a fair solution."

Smart move by Cribbs. He is a fan favorite, but came close to losing those fans. In northeast Ohio, Browns fans don't want to hear about players complaining about money. Players must consider the current state of the economy.

"Contracts are one-sided in favor of the team, yet we as players are told to honor our contracts without the team honoring them," said Cribbs, in a released statement last week. "We are not doctors and lawyers, we don’t get paid for 25 years of work. If we are lucky, we get 10 years at best to make all the money we can to last the rest of our life."

During the next four years, Cribbs is getting paid $620K, $635K, $650K, and $790K. That doesn't count his show on Sports Time Ohio or his endorsements. No one wants to hear him complain about money when his salary is six figures. Reporting to camp today was a smart move.

Quinn getting first-team reps

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Browns head coach Eric Mangini shed some light into the Browns quarterback competition today as the team continues with its three-day minicamp.

"Brady will get the first reps today," Mangini said. "He started with the first reps on Wednesday, and that's because he's done a really outstanding job in the offseason program. Not that Derek hasn't done well, but [Quinn] gets the first reps."

Of course it is so early to read much into this comment, but somehow it is refreshing that Mangini said this and did not flip a coin.

Yahoo! Sports: Stallworth may catch a break

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Remember when Donté Stallworth was written off as no longer a member of the Cleveland Browns receiving corps? Hold that thought.

Stallworth was scheduled to be arraigned today for his manslaughter charges stemming from the March 14 incident where he struck and killed a pedestrian, Mario Reyes, in Miami. That has since been delayed.

Yahoo! Sports, as they have become accustom to in recent months, has a breaking news story by Jason Cole. According to Cole and his NFL sources, Stallworth may not see 15 years of prison, but instead serve two to three months.

"According to Florida’s DUI manslaughter law, there are exceptions under what is called “causation” of an accident. In short, someone who is driving drunk and causes an accident is not necessarily responsible if the other party did something to contribute to the accident. Florida statute 316.119 was changed in the 1980s to reflect that after a state Supreme Court judge ruled that the state’s previous strict liability standard on drunken drivers was essentially unfair.

"In short, Stallworth could face anything from a second-degree felony charge of DUI manslaughter to a second-degree misdemeanor charge of DUI."

If Stallworth avoids a prison sentence, not only is he a lucky man, but he also could be one of the 2,105 other wide receivers competing for spots come July's training camp.

Stallworth caught 17 balls for 170 yards and one touchdown last season after signing a seven-year, $35 million free-agent contract. The day before he killed Reyes, Stallworth received a $4.5 million bonus. There was a slight chance the Browns could recoup that money if Stallworth was convicted for a felony.

Pay Me or Trade Me?

By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Pay me or trade me.

So that is the stance Josh Cribbs has taken?  

Before we begin, a few things about Josh Cribbs:

•Cribbs was one of only a handful of players that never gave up during the debacle that was the 2008 season.  

•Every time he has the ball in his hands, there is the potential for a big play.  

•He is probably the only player in the league that is as skilled at covering kicks as he is returning them.  

•In 2007, he led the league with his 30.7 yards per kickoff return average and was third in average punt return yards.  

•Cribbs also is one of the most exciting players to watch in a Browns uniform.  

•He is a versatile player and can run the Flash package the Browns have installed.  

Now, with four years to go on his contract at $620,000, $635,000, $650,000, and $790,000, is he under paid?  Yes.

But, there are a few things to take into consideration.

Click “Read More” to continue.

He's not an idiot, he's just afraid of flying

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Another former Kent State football player is making news this week. While Josh Cribbs continues his contract dispute with the Cleveland Browns, his former teammate is drawing some attention in Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

By now, most have heard Harrison's comments. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be heading to the White House on Thrusday where President Obama will honor the Super Bowl champions. Harrison will not be there.

"This is how I feel -- if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. As far as I'm concerned, [Obama] would've invited Arizona if they had won."

Um... that's how it works, Mr. Harrison.

After the moronic statement and expected chop busting Harrison has since recieved, spin mode is in full effect. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting (via unnamed sources) that the reason Harrison is not attending the White House with his team is: "He has a fear of flying and is a 'wreck' whenever he must take team flights."

Bouchette also talked with Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, who corroborated the unnamed source. As you can expect, the spin continued:

"When James was in college, his mother had to drive him to all the away games," Parise said. "That's the absolute truth. The transition for him into the NFL was real difficult at first.

"He can get on airplanes and fly, obviously, but he doesn't like to."

It's not that Harrison is a full-blooded Republican, either. When the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2005 (*sigh*) he did not visit 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to meet President Bush.

Then again, he also wasn't as high a profile player nor did he have a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Apparently, he's had that fear of flying during his six-year NFL career yet this is the first time we've heard of his phobia?

Something isn't making sense here.

Oh well, hey, have you heard anything new about Brett Farve? (Kidding!)

Brett Farve. There, it's posted. We said it. Now can we move on?

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Will Brett Farve once again unretire (I know, not a word.) and play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009? We will spare you the 5,000-word expose on his career, whether or not he should return, why he might return and whether or not he will perform in 2009. We'll leave that to every major media outlet in this great country of ours.

So why bring it up? Most fans are sick of hearing his name, wishes he would simply re-retire (Again, I know it's not a word.) and ride off toward a pickup game in some local park. Side note: When was the last time you saw a pickup football game and all the players were wearing jeans? Who plays any sport in jeans?!?! No, bowling doesn't count.

Back to Farve. This has nothing to do with the Cleveland Browns. Right?

Well... bear down because if this does come to fruition, his first game in 2009 will be in Cleveland, Ohio against the Browns. Remember that schedule released last month? Yup, Minnesota Vikings come to Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sept. 13.

Somewhere John Madden weeps he will not be in Cleveland, Ohio in mid-September.

OK, here is the latest with Brett Farve. After this, we will leave it up to your descretion on how much Farve news you want to absorb. My guess is it's miminal at best.

Charley Walters at the St. Paul Pioneer Press has the latest breaking news here.

"Free-agent quarterback Brett Favre is scheduled to meet Tuesday with noted orthopedist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., about surgery to repair a partially torn biceps tendon in his right shoulder, the Pioneer Press has learned," Walters writes. "Surgery to release the tendon is considered routine and is expected to be performed by Andrews later this week. Rehabilitation for Favre would be six to eight weeks.

"If it goes well, Farve, who will turn 40 in October, is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings."

Add "Brett Farve starting the season for the Minnesota Vikings" as the latest worrisome story angle involving the Browns' 2009 opener.

•Since 1999, the Browns have opened every game at home and are 1-9.

•Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is coming off his second — and best — season in the NFL where he played in all 16 games, rushed for 1,760 yards on 363 carries and scored 10 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 217-pound running back also plans to add 13 pounds at the start of the season. Oh, and as we've stated before, the Browns' defense allowed 151.9 yards rushing per game in 2008.

•The Browns have not defeated the Vikings in 20 years.

Statement or serious issue?

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

The Orange and Brown Report's John Taylor is reporting that Josh Cribbs will not report to the Browns voluntary minicamp that begins on Tuesday.

The squabble stems from Cribbs being told he "would be taken care of" in the 2008 offseason by owner Randy Lerner, coach Romeo Crennel and GM Phil Savage. With Crennel and Savage gone and the new coach and GM in place, Cribbs said Lerner still told him they would address his contract.

It's been three weeks since the draft and no new deal has been worked out.

Before the 2007 season, Cribbs signed a six-year, $6 million contract extension, but had a break-out year in 2007 earning a trip to the Pro Bowl. He returned to Hawaii in 2008 and has become a bright spot on a dismal Browns team as a kick returner, punt retuner and offensive weapon. There has also been talks of moving him to safety.

Whether or not the relationship will continue in 2009 remains to be seen.

According to Taylor:

And, in the end, there's a very good chance that the Browns' current stance will force the Cribbs' camp into adopting a stance in the not-too-distant future that nobody involved wants to see: "Pay me or trade me."

Entire article here. Scout.com subscription is not needed this time, but HIGHLY recommended. The guys at the OBR do a great job.

Browns' salary cap situation announced

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

On Saturday, ProFootballTalk.com released the salary cap space for all 32 NFL teams. According to Mike Florio, the figures do not include the additional $947,000 in cap space each team recently received from the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns were $16.3 million under the cap, nine spots below the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who had the most cap space with $36.6 million. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers were 29th at $4.7 million and the Baltimore Ravens were 32nd at $958,000.

Of course, this does not account for the salaries of the 2009 draft picks, none of whom have signed. The NFL has a silly rookie salary structure and most do not sign until training camp draws near. Others (i.e. Brady Quinn) become hold outs and for what? Thankfully, when the owners meet Tuesday for two days in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a rookie salay cap will be discussed.

When Matthew Stafford receives more than $40 million guaranteed before throwing a single pass as a professional quarterback, something is screwed up.

Lerner avoids Sports Illustrated's owner rankings — good and bad

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Our newest friends at Cleveland Frowns notified us of a recent post at Sports Illustrated.com ranking the top five best and worst owners in the National Football League.

Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner was on neither list, not that he would come close to the top five best list. Cleveland Frowns asked: How in the world did Randy Lerner not land on the five worst?

Good question, guys. They list some of Mr. Lerner's credentials as to why he belongs on the worst five:

"For starters, note that the Browns' record under Lerner's tenure (54-106 (.338%), 1 playoff appearance) is worse than that of each other team on the respective watches of the owners who made the list -- the Niners' Denise DeBartolo York, Daniel Snyder of the Redskins, the Bengals' Mike Brown, the Lions' Henry Clay Ford, and Hall-of-Famer Al Davis.

Doesn't that fact alone have to land Lerner on this list? If not, don't there have to be redeeming qualities that keep him off of it?

And wouldn't those have to outweigh all of the unredeeming ones?

As far as we know, none of the others on the list directly inherited the team from a father who had a hand in running the original version of the franchise out of town. Is any of them as maddeningly publicly unaccountable for his franchise-related decisions as the eternally conspicuously absent Lerner? Does any of them own another major professional ballclub that he's so obviously more concerned with and on whose fans he bestows exponentially more tangible public appreciation for? Has any of them made his disdain for America any more clear then Lerner has made his?"

Cleveland Frowns' complete post is here.

Perhaps Mr. Lerner should take some cues not only from NFL's five best on SI.com's list — No. 5 Steve Bisciotti (Ravens), No. 4 Jeffrey Lurie (Eagles), No. 3 Mara & Tisch Families (Giants), No. 2 Robert Kraft (Patriots) and No. 1 the Rooney Family (Steelers) — but a current owner of a Cleveland professional sports franchise, the Cleveland Cavaliers' Dan Gilbert. He seems to have things figured inside the Q.

Saints to continue to march in New Orleans

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Lost in the shuffle of the NFL Draft and the NBA playoffs, the New Orleans Saints have agreed to a lease extension April 30 that will keep the NFL team playing home games in an improved Louisiana Superdome through the 2025 season.

I wish I had gotten to this story sooner, but NoLogoNeeded.com was wrapping up in its draft coverage here and here. So, what do the Saints remaining in New Orleans have to do with the Browns? The short answer is, well, nothing.

But any story that involving the threat of an NFL team moving cities gets my attention and brings memories of 1995 rushing back. Like we’ve said before, in the sports world, no one should ever go through losing his or her team to another city.

These threats don’t end in the Big Easy. With Los Angeles sitting empty, owners are using that city as leverage to get what they want. Franchises like St. Louis, Minnesota, Jacksonville and San Diego have been rumored to be looking into that move.

Last month, we noted the threat in Buffalo of their beloved bills moving to Toronto.

When millionaire owners begin playing this game it alienates and frustrates fans. It is hard to express the connection between NFL fans, its city and its team, but that connection occurs only 16 times a year. Because of the infrequency, the bond becomes tight as fans must wait a week between games and half a year between seasons.

Once a team leaves that city, there is nothing left to wait for. That's demoralizing.

So, congratulations New Orleans and embrace the team as only you can because you never know if and when it can be taken away.

Editor’s note: If you can, make it down to New Orleans for a great weekend of music, food and culture. It's not expensive and it helps the rebuilding efforts of a great American city. (And no, NoLogoNeeded.com is not getting paid by the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.)

NoLogoNeeded.com's Media Minute: James Davis

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

This is the final installment of our eight-part series. With the cooperation of media members, we were able to learn some interesting things about the Browns eight draft picks in last month's NFL Draft.

Whether or not these players will make it in the NFL remains to be seen, but each player has an interesting story.

Alex Mack can do the splits.

Brian Robiskie is a poster child for student of the game.

Mohamed Massaquoi shouldn't be pigeon-holed into a No. 2 or possession receiver.

David Veikune was one of the most versatile athletes to come through the University of Hawaii.

Kaluka Maiava’s uncle is “The Rock.”

Don Carey’s actual name is Don Juan Carey because he was born Feb. 14, 1987.

Coye Francies has moved past his troubles at Oregon State and was a leader San Jose State.

Finally, Clemson running back James Davis ends the Media Minute series. Ed McGranahan, sportswriter at the Greenville (S.C.) News, answered our questions.

Click “Read More” for NoLogoNeeded.com’s interview with McGranahan.

NoLogoNeeded.com's Media Minute: Coye Francies

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Alex Mack can do the splits.

Kaluka Maiava’s uncle is “The Rock.”

Don Carey’s actual name is Don Juan Carey because he was born Feb. 14, 1987.

James Davis almost quit Clemson after his first scrimmage freshman year.

See what you can learn from asking questions?

In the days following the 2009 NFL Draft, NoLogoNeeded.com reached out to members of the media that covered the Browns’ eight draft picks.

Once a day for the next eight days, we’ll feature our interview with the media member starting with Mack and ending with Davis.

Today, Mike Chisholm, the Spartans’ play-by-play voice on its flagship station, KLIV 1590 AM, answered our questions regarding San Jose State cornerback Coye Francies.

Click “Read More” for NoLogoNeeded.com’s interview with Chisholm.

No. 32 doesn't have the same ring around these parts

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

The No. 32 causes Browns fans to swell their chests with pride. Jim Brown wore No. 32 and he is widely considered the best running back in the history of the NFL. At least around these parts.

Today, the No. 32 has cast a depressing shadow in Cleveland as Sports Illustrated's Peter King has the Browns at No. 32 in his power rankings.

So why are we giving this the time of day? Well, it is an excruciatingly slow news cycle in the NFL from now until training camp starts. It also does beg the question: Are the Browns really No. 32?

"Hey, thank me, all you Brownaholics. Two years ago in a column like this one, I wrote that Cleveland was the worst team in the league. The Browns went 10-6. This year I'm saying they're the worst team again -- and I can guarantee you they're not going 10-6, unless Brady Quinn morphs into Tom Brady. Too many holes, too tough a division; write them down for 0-4 against the Steelers and Ravens."

I'm going to cut Mr. King some slack there. Maybe this was his last story to turn in before a vacation.

"Because of too many holes and too tough a division?" For most Browns fans that is not nearly enough of an explanation on why he placed the Browns behind the Lions, Rams, Chiefs, Bengals and Raiders.

There is a good chance the Browns will continue to play poorly in 2009, but give Browns fans them something concrete, Mr. King, as to why you think they will. You are a solid NFL reporter who knows the game and those who make the game go, inside and out.

No one is saying the Browns are ready to compete for the AFC North title, a playoff berth or a Super Bowl victory, but with the time and resources that Mr. King has at his fingertips, we would expect something more knowledgable than a blanket statement of "too many holes, too tough a division."

ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio has elaborated much more informatively and eloquently as to the Browns No. 32 ranking. He agrees with Mr. King.

"In 2006, new Jets coach Eric Mangini found a roster that had been shaped in large part by the Bill Parcells influence on Mike Tannenbaum.  So Mangini’s Parcells/Belichick methods yielded a playoff berth in Mangini’s first season in part because the players were inclined to respond to their new boss.

In Cleveland, many of the incumbent players won’t respond to Mangini, and so the team won’t contend until Mangini brings in enough of the guys who will.

Though Mangini’s trying to import as many of the players who helped get him fired as possible, it likely won’t be enough to turn things around right away."

That's fine. It didn't take that much more time and Florio gave a well thought out reason as to why the Browns are ranked No. 32.

So, in the comments section let's get a discussion going on what you, the Browns fan, thinks the team should be ranked. Feel free to elaborate with more intelligent responses than "unless Brady Quinn morphs into Tom Brady" as reasons why or why not the Browns will compete in 2009.

NoLogoNeeded.com's Media Minute: Don Carey

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Alex Mack can do the splits.

Kaluka Maiava’s uncle is “The Rock.”

Don Carey’s actual name is Don Juan Carey because he was born Feb. 14, 1987.

James Davis almost quit Clemson after his first scrimmage freshman year.

See what you can learn from asking questions?

In the days following the 2009 NFL Draft, NoLogoNeeded.com reached out to members of the media that covered the Browns’ eight draft picks.

Once a day for the next eight days, we’ll feature our interview with the media member starting with Mack and ending with Davis.

Today, the Virginian-Pilot’s Vicki Friedman answered our questions regarding Norfolk State cornerback Don Carey.

Click “Read More” for NoLogoNeeded.com’s interview Friedman.

NoLogoNeeded.com's Media Minute: Kaluka Maiava

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Alex Mack can do the splits.

Kaluka Maiava’s uncle is “The Rock.”

Don Carey’s actual name is Don Juan Carey because he was born Feb. 14, 1987.

James Davis almost quit Clemson after his first scrimmage freshman year.

See what you can learn from asking questions?

In the days following the 2009 NFL Draft, NoLogoNeeded.com reached out to members of the media that covered the Browns’ eight draft picks.

Once a day for the next eight days, we’ll feature our interview with the media member starting with Mack and ending with Davis.

Today, The Daily Trojan’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz answered our questions regarding USC linebacker Kaluka Maiava. (pronounced: “kuh-LOO-kuh my-AH-vuh”)

Click “Read More” for NoLogoNeeded.com’s interview Middlehurst-Schwartz.

NoLogoNeeded.com's Media Minute: David Veikune

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Alex Mack can do the splits.

Don Carey’s actual name is Don Juan Carey because he was born Feb. 14, 1987.

James Davis almost quit Clemson after his first scrimmage freshman year.

See what you can learn from asking questions?

In the days following the 2009 NFL Draft, NoLogoNeeded.com reached out to members of the media that covered the Browns’ eight draft picks.

Once a day for the next eight days, we’ll feature our interview with the media member starting with Mack and ending with Davis.

Today, we weren't able to land a media member from Hawaii to discuss Veikune. Instead, with help from the Ka Leo O Hawaii newspaper, assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Hawaii, Steve Englehart, answered our questions regarding linebacker David Veikune.

Click “Read More” to continue.

NoLogoNeeded.com's Media Minute: Mohamed Massaquoi

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Alex Mack can do the splits.

Don Carey’s actual name is Don Juan Carey because he was born Feb. 14, 1987.

James Davis almost quit Clemson after his first scrimmage freshman year.

See what you can learn from asking questions?

In the days following the 2009 NFL Draft, NoLogoNeeded.com reached out to members of the media that covered the Browns’ eight draft picks.

Once a day for the next eight days, we’ll feature our interview with the media member starting with Mack and ending with Davis.

Today, Athens Banner-Herald’s Marc Weiszer and Red and Black sports editor Jason Butt answered our questions regarding Georgia wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi.

Click “Read More” for NoLogoNeeded.com’s interviews with Weiszer and Butt.

Browns continue wide receiver stockpile

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Mike Furrey is the latest wide receiver to join the Cleveland Browns. Yesterday, the Browns signed the six-year NFL veteran to increase the team’s total number of wide receivers to 12.

Furrey (6-feet, 195 pounds) was born and raised in Central Ohio. After graduating Hilliard High School in 1995, Furrey set Gateway Football Conference receiving records while at Northern Iowa. His professional football career spanned the XFL and the AFL until he broke into the NFL with St. Louis in 2003.

Furrey’s best season came in 2006 when he started 14 games for the Lions and caught 98 balls for 1,086 yards and six touchdowns. The following April, Detroit drafted Calvin Johnson and Furrey’s numbers started to diminish. Last season, injuries limited him to nine games (two starts) and 18 catches for 181 yards.

Off the field, Furrey lives in Plain City, Ohio, which is located 23 miles east of Columbus. He has also established the Mike Furrey Foundation. According to his Web site, the Furrey Foundation “is a non-profit organization designed to improve the lives of those that are Hungry, Homeless, Hurting, and/or Hopeful. The organization helps promote/advocate for the basic needs of all people/children to be met.”

On the field, Furrey is another sure-handed, solid route running possession receiver and fits with the Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi molds.

Now, the Browns have two veteran wide outs in Furrey and David Patten to bring along the two rookies. It is only a matter of time until the Browns part ways with Donte Stallworth. As for Braylon Edwards, trading him would create a hole in the Browns wide receiving corps. But if we’ve learned one thing from Mangini-Kokinis, nothing is clear-cut. Stay tuned.

SAFETY SIGNING: The Browns also signed safety Bret Lockett on Monday. Lockett (6-1, 211) was an undrafted free agent out of UCLA. Lockett started 11 games for the Bruins as a senior in 2008 and finished third on the team with 61 tackles.

Hypothetical Machine 2.0: Lights Out Version

By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

In January, NoLogoNeeded.com fired up its “Hypothetical Machine” with a look at Anquan Boldin possibly being traded.  He, of course, hasn’t been traded, but rumors persist as he sits out of the Arizona Cardinals offseason training program.

Last week, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune wrote an article to let everyone know that Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman is healthy and ready to unleash the furry. 

Interestingly enough, Acee made the following statements that must be noted:

•“He is ready to burst after a season on the sideline and the ongoing indications that his time in San Diego is not long.”

•“The goal, stated at the outset of a recent interview, was to talk about now, shift the focus from the glare of his seemingly inevitable departure at some point to the possible glory of what is at hand.”
 
•“Much of it, however, comes from his incredulity (though he does seem resigned to the fate) that the Chargers will let him go, either when his contract expires after 2009 or after the 2010 season. There has been no official word from the Chargers, of course, but signs and intimations are that Merriman can look elsewhere for what may well be the richest contract in NFL history when that time comes.”

•“After (2009 or '10) is not any of my concern right now,” Merriman said. “If the rumor going around presents itself to be, I'm going to go out with a hell of a bang.”

It’s crazy to think that the Chargers are planning to eliminate one of the best defenders in the NFL from their team.  However, stranger things have happened.  In addition to these statements, the Chargers drafted outside linebacker Larry English in the first round this year.  They also have Shaun Phillips.

Merriman (6-foot-4, 272 pounds) is only 24 years old, four years younger than the other available trade option in Panthers’ defensive end Julius Peppers. 

Merriman played in one game last season because of a knee injury.  In his first three seasons, he had 10, 17, and 12.5 sacks, respectively.  He was the 2005 Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been a three-time Pro Bowler.  Merriman’s contract expires at the end of this season.  Without a new labor agreement he becomes a restricted free agent.  If there is a new agreement in place, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Browns have a huge hole at outside linebacker.  Kamerion Wimbley has not lived up to expectations.  Currently, career back up David Bowens will start opposite Wimbley.  The Browns drafted David Veikune, but he is unproven.

The Browns were second-to-last in the league in sacks in 2008.  It became so bad that, the defense quit blitzing and just dropped as many players into coverage as they could.  Merriman would immediately step in and give opposing offenses something to fear.

The Browns could ship several options to San Diego for Merriman.  Why not Braylon Edwards, a first or second round pick next year, and a player like Beau Bell, Leon Williams, or Veikune?  This would give the Chargers yet another weapon on offense.  They need help at inside linebacker and a player like Williams or Bell might help. 

Looking at it another way, the Chargers could franchise Merriman if he were to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.  This would give San Diego two first round picks if he would sign with another team.  Edwards, a first or second round pick, and a young player that could develop is pretty close to that highest end asking price.  Even if a mid- or low-round pick were included, it would be well worth the investment. 

The Browns would also benefit by getting in on the action before other teams are wise enough to get in on the bidding.

Foote gets walking papers, could he fit in Cleveland?

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers gave linebacker Larry Foote his unconditional release. Foote has started every game at inside linebacker for the Steelers since 2004 and appeared in 110 since coming out of Michigan in 2002.

Foote, 28, has 288 tackles, 14.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in his six-year career. Foote was released to make way for the Steelers latest Pro Bowl caliber linebacker, Lawrence Timmons.

NoLogoNeeded.com's Steelers friend, Donald Starver of Steelers Today, shed some light into the type of player Foote is and what he has meant to Pittsburgh. (Yes, we have a "Steelers friend." Aside from all the Steelers talk, it's a pretty good site.)

Follow this link for Starver's complete article. Below is a blurb he has provided.

"Larry Foote has been a solid starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the past 5 years.  He has never missed a game during that time.  He started during two Steelers' Super Bowl victories.
 
The Steelers released Foote on Monday, but it was not due to a lack of playing ability.  Foote was a victim of the realities of the salary cap in the NFL.  Foote, who is only 28 years old, has been playing ahead of a younger, faster, 1st round draft pick for the past 2 years.  It is commendable that Foote was able to keep him at bay for this long, but the Steelers can no longer deny Lawrence Timmons playing time.  The Steelers wanted to keep Foote as a backup, but his $3 million cap hit made that difficult, and Foote was not willing to play for less money (nor should he have to).  So the Steelers and Larry Foote will part ways.
 
Foote is probably not fast enough to play middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but he will make a nice addition to a team that plays a 3-4.  In particular, Foote would be a good player to add to a team that is switching to a 3-4 because he could bring veteran leadership and an understanding of how the 3-4 is supposed to work."

Currently the Browns have 13 linebackers on their roster and D'Qwell Jackson and Eric Barton are slated to start at the two inside backer positions. But Foote's addition, albeit pricey, would go a long way into helping the Browns' defense continue toward relevance.

UPDATE: Foote signed with his hometown Detroit Lions late Tuesday evening, according to Detroit radio station WXYZ.