Peyton Hillis Wins Madden Cover

"ESPN.com users have spoken, and the face of Madden NFL 12 will be Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis. Hillis was announced Wednesday as the winner of the fan vote, under way since March 21, on "SportsNation" on ESPN2. In all, almost 13 million votes were cast -- including more than 1 million in the final (ESPN)."

You know what? Good for Cleveland and good for Peyton Hillis. About time something went well for them, and I hope they all enjoy it, because there are more dark clouds on the horizon. The Madden curse has a great shot at living on. I guarantee Hillis will have less then 800 yards next season (1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2010). I was actually pumped not to see a Patriot or Aaron Rodgers on the cover, so the "curse" wouldn't expand to teams I like.

Hillis beat out Vick, does it make any sense? No, not really, but he looks way more badass on the cover then the one they had of Vick. Plus, it was already nonsense when guys like Rodgers, Andre Johnson, Adrian Peterson, ect lost out.

Rumor: Patriots Trading Up To 6th Pick?

"According to a report from Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, the Patriots have had trade discussions with the Browns about the No. 6 overall pick in Thursday's NFL draft. Citing a league source, Bedard reports that the Patriots -- owners of the No. 17 and No. 28 picks in the first round and the first pick of the second round, No. 33 overall -- may want to move up (WEEI)."

Would love to see this, as it is rumored that they would be going after Robert Quinn, who is the exact kind of player the Patriots need on their defense. He is one of those hybrid OLB/DE, which we know Belichick loves, because it gives him a lot of options with his game planning. Haven't really heard much about him? Well because he didn't play last year, he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for lying to investigators about receiving travel accommodations and jewelry... Cool whatever, thsi guy was a beast in 2009 with 11 sacks (at age 19!).

When scouts try to compare him to someone in the NFL they compare him to Julius Peppers, that good enough for me. Still, I put the probablity of this happening kind of low, just because it is very rare to see the Patriots trade up that high in the draft (if at all). So unless, Belichick really has his eye on this guy it sounds like just another rumor. But I can dream....can't I?

With The 6th Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns Select.....

DP's Pick:
Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

This is a steal at 6. Many projected him to be the 1st overall pick and now that they are going to a 4-3 scheme. Bowers is a great fit for that, he has power and quickness and be a perfect slot in there. The Browns have a lot of needs but they need to get that D Line fixed. If I were the Browns it would be very hard not to select Patrick Peterson.

BMack's Pick:
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

There was a time when most people thought Fairley would go #1, but there have been so many questions about his motor that he is starting to fall in mock drafts. He will only fall so far, and he shouldn't go past this pick. Bowers would also be a good pick, but I think Fairley has more upside. I have said it before and I'll say it again, if you want to fix a defense it starts with the big guy in the middle, and when Fairley is going 100% there isn't anyone better in the draft. Fairley can stop the run, rush the QB, and teams will have to commit to double teaming him throughout the game. That can open up some pass rushing lanes for DEs and LBs.

Browns Hire Pat Shurmur

"St. Louis offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is Cleveland's new coach. The Browns hired Shurmur on Thursday, ending a search that began when Eric Mangini was fired on Jan. 3. Shurmur was the first candidate interviewed by Browns president Mike Holmgren. Shurmur is the Browns' fifth coach since their expansion return in 1999 (ESPN)."

I'm not going to sit here and tell you I know a lot about Pat Shurmur. I do know that he made a decent offense from a bunch of no-bodies in St. Louis, and he is going to have to do it again in Cleveland.

You just knew there was no chance the Browns would land a big name coach. No one wants to coach with Mike Holmgren over their shoulder, since a lot of people aren't buying that he is done with coaching. So, instead they are taking a guy who has no head coaching experience, but I guess Holmgren will tell him what to do.

I give Shurmur a year and a half before he is fired.

Mike Holmgren To Coach Browns Next Year?

There has been speculation that Holmgren has his eyes on coaching again ever since he went to the Browns, and his latest quote has done nothing to kill those rumors...

Mike Holmgren said he fully intends to fulfill his promise to turn the team around, but "if I keep wearing a suit or not, we'll see (ESPN)."

Ummm, goodbye Eric Mangini. To be honest though, I don't think it is a good idea. I don't like when coaches are running everything, even though Belichick seems to do it well. I'm not saying that they should keep Mangini, but I do think they should hire someone else other then Holmgren to be the coach.

Who Is Cleveland's Top Sports Star?

While watching the game last night DP and I were talking about who Cleveland's top sports star is. Basically, who is the best player in all of Cleveland sports. It was really tough to come up with anyone, but here is basically you're options...

- Joshua Cribbs
- Colt McCoy
- Peyton Hillis
- Mo Williams
- Antawn Jamison
- Anderson Varejao
- Fausto Carmona
- Carlos Carrasco
- Shin-Soo Choo
- Grady Sizemore

First off, gross.

So, if I had to pick from this group I think I'd go with Shin-Soo Choo. Cribbs really doesn't do anything, but be a kick returner, Hillis is having a nice year but I still don't take him seriously, Jamison is a 6th man, Carmona is average at best, and Sizemore hasn't played in 2 years.

What do you guys think? Is Shin-Soo Choo the top Cleveland sports star?

NFL News: Lights Out

Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, once one of the most-feared players in the NFL, was placed on the injured reserve list because of a calf injury and a "minor-injury designation" on Wednesday. Merriman must be released once he's healthy, the team said.

Shawne Merriman was an unbelievable player before he got busted for steroids, but since then he has been more of an afterthought than an impact player. I somewhat feel bad for him and think he's still a decent player, but who knows we saw Kendrel Bell disappear before.

It's been mentioned once or twice here that Jerome Harrison probably isn't Eric Mangini's favorite player -- that won't matter anymore Harrison has been traded from the Browns in exchange for running back Mike Bell, the Eagles announced on Wednesday.

Mike Bell sucks and Jerome Harrison has potential so I think the Eagles got away with one here. Jerome harrison definitely won't hurt the Eagles.

The Colt McCoy Era Begins

"ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that Brett Ratliff has been brought in to act as the backup to McCoy on Sunday. Apparently this also confirms that McCoy will indeed be the starter."

I am a Colt McCoy fan, but I also acknowledge that he isn't anywhere close to being ready (same could be said about Clausen). The problem for the Browns is Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme have suffered high ankle sprains, and probably won't be ready to go. On top of that they both suck, so basically it's a "Why Not?" scenario. McCoy doesn't have a lot of talent around him, he looked shaky in the preseason, and he gets to go against a Steelers defense that is letting up only 12 1/2 point a game. That all adds up to a rough week for McCoy, but hey at least Browns have some reason to watch.

Bill Cowher Coming Back To NFL?

With his three daughters either rooted in their adult vocation or studying at college, former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher has indicated that a return to being a head coach in the NFL is not inconceivable, according to Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. However, he'll need a particular set of parameters.

"I am not going to go back into coaching, just to go back into coaching," Cowher said Thursday night. "It has to be the right situation. And I don't know what the right situation consists of (ESPN)."

Cowher is a great coach and I have no doubt that he'll have a job whenever he wants one. ESPN lists the Panthers and Browns as the favorite, but I have a much different take. I think he'll go to the Giants. If that team is really sick of Coughlin, then who better to take his place then Cowher? And talk about the "right situation" that is a team that is ready to make a run at another Super Bowl.

Vicent Jackson Rumors Heating Up

Vincent Jackson's suspension could go down to 5 games if he is traded by Wednesday. With that in mind, rumors are all over the place. There are a couple that really make sense to me.

The one that seems to make the most sense is the Vikings trading for Jackson. They are need of a replacement with Sidney Rice out for at least 8 weeks, Harvin still dealing with headaches, and Bernard Berrian looking more and more like he is just never going to catch on. The Vikings know this is their last year with Favre, and after they are most likely going to have to start over, so it would make sense to make a deal for a guy who can help them win this year. Jackson could be a huge difference maker.

Other teams that are being rumored are the Seahawks, Browns, Redskins, and Rams.

2010 NFL Preview: Cleveland Browns

2009 Record: 5-11

KEY ADDITIONS:
Sheldon Brown, CB, Philadelphia
Jake Delhomme, QB, Carolina
Scott Fujita, LB, New Orleans
Chris Gocong, LB, Philadelphia
Peyton Hillis, RB, Denver
Tony Pashos, OT, San Francisco
Alex Smith, TE, Philadelphia
Seneca Wallace, QB, Seattle
Benjamin Watson, TE, New England

KEY LOSSES:
Derek Anderson, QB, Arizona
Hank Fraley, OL, St. Louis
Mike Furrey, WR, Washington
Michael Gaines, TE, Free agent
Rex Hadnot, OL, Arizona
Alex Hall, LB, Philadelphia
Steve Heiden, TE, Free agent
Jamal Lewis, RB, Free agent
Brodney Pool, S, N.Y. Jets
Hank Poteat, FS, Free agent
Brady Quinn, QB, Denver
Donte’ Stallworth, WR, Baltimore
Corey Williams, DT, Detroit
Kamerion Wimbley, LB, Oakland

Offense:
This offense was terrible last season with Anderson and Quinn sucking it up under center. So what do they do? They go out and sign the only guy who might be just as bad as those two; Jake Delhomme. Maybe I'm being too hard on him, but he has been pretty bad for a couple seasons how, and it's not like the Browns have a ton to work with. Jerome Harrison returns as the feature back after gaining 862 yards. He blew up at the end of last year, but I just can't buy into it too much. He is a tiny guy (5'9"), and I really see him more as an explosive backup. Browns will use Chris Jennings, James Davis, Peyton Hillis or second-round pick Montario Hardesty as the second back. Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, Mike Furrey and Chansi Stuckey. Hold on I just got sick. Yea, that's just awful, I like Stuckey, but overall this is just a terrible group. Add that up with Delhomme's gunslinger style, and that adds up to a tough year for the Browns offense.

Defense:
Shaun Rogers leads a decent defensive line, problem is he is a shithead, and could be in some trouble with the law. Ahtyba Rubin filled in nicely for Rogers when he was out hurt, and he could build off that. I am still trying to figure out why the Browns traded former first round pick Kamerion Wimbley to Oakland. That could hurt this linebacking core. Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong were picked up to replace him, and Matt Roth, David Bowens, Marcus Benard, Jason Trusnik will also all get a shot, but there isn't too much to get excited about there, though it isn't awful. The strong point is their secondary, which was awful last year, but free agent pickups will help. The Browns made key moves when they traded to acquire cornerback Sheldon Brown from Philadelphia and drafted Joe Haden in the first round. Those guys with the return of cornerback Eric Wright and safety Mike Adams should make a solid unit.

Overall:
The Browns may have gotten a little bit better from last year, but the problem is so did the rest of their division. It's going to be another long year in Cleveland, and I expect Colt McCoy to be starting by week 10.

2010 Record: 4-12

Broncos Trade For Brady Quinn

The Broncos acquired Brady Quinn from the Cleveland Browns for fullback Peyton Hillis, a 2011 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional pick in 2012. I really don't know what to think of this trade. Obviously the Browns have no faith in Quinn, but I still feel like they could've got more for him. That being said, he hasn't done anything to make me a believer that he can turn it around (yet he hasn't really been surrounded by much). It will be interesting to see if Orton holds on to his job. My guess is that he does, at least to start the season.

I'm interested to see how Quinn plays when he has a guy like Marshall as a WR (if he is still on the team), but so far in his career Quinn hasn't shown he can complete the deep ball.

So, overall I think the Browns could have gotten more, but at the same time I am not sold that Quinn is going to be anything more then a backup.

Cribbs Wants Out Of Cleveland

"At the beginning of December, Josh Cribbs told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he and the Browns were "making good progress" on a new deal.

But based on recent developments following czar Holmgren's hire, that progress has ground to a halt. The Browns did offer Cribbs a new deal -- maybe after getting a special delivery -- but the offer was insultingly low: a multi-year extension that averages just $1.4 million per season.

As you can see in the gray box to your right, Cribbs wasn't too pleased with the offer. Cribbs' agent J.R. Rickert said, "If the situation isn't properly addressed, Joshua Cribbs will not set foot in that facility come March [for offseason workouts] and will demand a trade on the first day of the league year." On Thursday, Cribbs cleaned out his locker, and indicated he might've played his last down for the Browns (ESPN)."

I know Cribbs is an exciting player, but I don't believe in giving kick returners big money. If his contract demands are too high then the Browns should trade him ASAP, since this draft is extremely deep. My guess is that Cribbs will bit on this for a little while, but eventually will demand to be traded...

Mike Holmgren To Join Browns As President

The 61-year-old Holmgren is coming to Cleveland strictly in an executive role. Last week, he indicated his job offer with the Browns could include a return to the sideline. But Holmgren will remain upstairs and serve as the camera-shy Lerner's top executive. ESPN

I don't care what this means right now, it will eventually mean he will be the coach when the team struggles. Right now the Browns are just awful. They are restarting because Brady Quinn has failed, Jamal Lewis is retiring, and the team doesn't gel well with their head coach. The Browns are going to need a couple of miracles to even come close to making some noise in the NFL and the AFC North.

Suggs Out For Season?

"The Ravens are still fuming over Browns quarterback Brady Quinn's hit on Ravens linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs during the Ravens' 16-0 win on Monday night -- a hit that could cost Suggs significant playing time. Quinn threw a chop block at Suggs after an interception in the third quarter, rolling into his right knee. The Carroll County Times reported Wednesday that Suggs has a slight tear of his MCL. But his agent, Gary Wichard, fears Suggs could miss the rest of the season. Suggs was initially diagnosed with a sprained knee.

"You just don't do that," San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips told ESPN's First Take on Wednesday, saying Quinn should be fined $50,000 (ESPN)."

The Ravens have every right to be upset about this. If this was done to a QB the player would be thrown under the bus. It will be interesting to see if the NFL does anything, but from the sound of it the damage might have already been done with Suggs being out for the season. Overall I don't think it matters the Ravens are frauds. Their defense isn't what it used to be and their offense isn't good enough to compensate.

Brady Quinn Set To Lose For The Browns

The Browns are not making an official announcement regarding their quarterback situation until Wednesday. But two sources said the team likely will name Brady Quinn the starting quarterback for Monday night's game at Baltimore against the Ravens, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported. ESPN

This is no shocker here, the Browns should have really started Quinn this whole year. The Browns will have a top 5 pick and if Brady can have a Vince Young type of resurrection they can chose to go another direction with that pick, but if he's the god awful quarterback I believe he is. It'll most likely be Colt McCoy taking snaps for the Browns next year.

Browns Fire GM Kokinis

"The Cleveland Browns invisible general manager has disappeared. George Kokinis, the hand-picked GM of first-year coach Eric Mangini who was rarely seen or heard in Cleveland, left the team Monday under unexplained circumstances after less than one year on the job. After reports surfaced that Kokinis was fired, the team issued an awkwardly worded statement saying Kokinis "is no longer actively involved with the organization." The Browns also denied reports that Kokinis was escorted from team headquarters (Sportsline)."

The Browns have made so many mistakes it is hard to figure out what they should do next. This GM made a really bad pick in Mangini as head coach. I really think he is nothing special and the Browns are going to need a much better coach then that if they are ever going to turn around this sorry franchise.

Jamal Lewis To Retire After Season

"Cleveland RB Jamal Lewis was the top offensive producer for the Browns Week 8 against the Bears, which is not saying too much. He carried the ball 16 times in the game, gaining a total of 69 yards. He did not catch a pass in the game or score a touchdown. Lewis also said he plans to retire at the end of the season. "When I talk, I mean what I say and I think you all know that (Sportsline)."

I think it is time, but maybe if he was on a better team be would still be decent. Anyways, Lewis has only had 1 game over 100 yards, and why would anyone want to play for this team? It is God awful.

Braylon Edwards To Jets

The Cleveland Browns traded Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets on Wednesday morning according to a league source, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported. ESPN

Well this what happens when you mess around with LeBron, you get shipped out of town. I don't know what the Jets had to give up in order to get Braylon, but this is a good move by both sides. Braylon obviously needed a change from Cleveland and at least they will get something back for the disgruntled Edwards. Who knows if the change of scenery will help Braylon drop less passes but I do believe he still can be a great WR in the league. Plus he has incredibly good looking Mark Sanchez throwing him the ball now.

****Update****
The Jets have reached an agreement to acquire Braylon Edwards from the Browns for Chansi Stuckey, Jason Trusnik and draft choices, the Jets' official website reports

Edwards Punches Lebron's Friend

"The NFL is investigating whether Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards violated the league's conduct policy following accusations he assaulted a man outside a nightclub. Edwards allegedly punched promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA superstar LeBron James, early Monday morning following an argument in downtown Cleveland.

"We are looking into it," league spokesman Greg Aiello said Tuesday in an e-mail. "It is premature to speculate about potential discipline."

Although Edwards has not been charged with a crime, the league's conduct policy states that discipline may be imposed for "the use or threat of violence." James called Edwards "childish" for punching his friend (ESPN)."

Edwards is such a punk. Who punches a guy who ways like 130 pounds. All Braylon will ever be is another over hyped WR who is more trouble then he is worth. He has feet for hands, and really doesn't even play like he is a #1 WR on a bad team. I bet the NFL suspends him for a game or 2 for this stunt...