Cleveland Browns receive 7th round pick for McCoy

The Cleveland Browns traded QB, Colt McCoy and a 6th round 2013 draft pick to the San Francisco 49’ers today. The compensation is reportedly a 5th and 7th round 2013 draft picks for the Cleveland Browns.

With the recent signing of QB, Jason Campbell, McCoy became expendable. McCoy started 21 games with the Browns in three seasons after being drafted in 2010. Injuries and the direction of the former regime’s offensive scheme often kept McCoy out of the fold.

The third round pick of the Browns now has a new start with the 49’ers, who also signed kicker, Phil Dawson during free agency. Colt will be competing for a backup position with San Francisco.

What direction the Cleveland Browns take with the #6 pick in the upcoming draft now takes an interesting twist. Will they choose Gino Smith at QB? This is also a good move by the Browns front office to give them flexibility in trading down in the draft.

cbssports.com intitially broke the news of the trade and no official word has come from the Cleveland Browns.

Should be an interesting scenario unfolding on NFL Draft Day in Cleveland!

Cleveland Browns Improve Defense!

(This article will appear in the new Rust Belt Chronicles- Browns Town Section).

The Cleveland Browns improved their defense significantly at the beginning of free agency.  Desmond Bryant, Paul Kruger and Quinton Groves should have opponents and (hopefully) quarterbacks reeling. Where they actually go from here is anyone’s guess. Browns fans must be excited to see the recent edition of players acquired to help bolster the new 3-4 defense of Ray Horton. The front seven of the defense is loaded with aggression and speed.

Stopping the run and applying quarterback pressure is a key factor in the AFC North. The Brown’s have been in many close games over the last few years and maybe we will finally win those games. Last season, a lot of the rookies received playing time due to injuries and that has to reap dividends this year. It was exciting to see the youth of the Browns excel at many of the defensive line and linebackers positions.

Perhaps, the factory of sadness is about to turn a corner?

The one major weakness is who will play opposite Joe Haden in 2013? So far in FA, the Browns haven’t signed a cornerback and many of the players approaching their prime have been signed. I believe the Browns will sign at least someone in free agency to cover in nickelback situations.

Does this mean the Browns are going for Dee Milliner in the 2013 Draft or have good reason to believe he will still be available at No. 6?  Perhaps the coaching staff has someone in mind from one of their former teams that could be negotiated through a trade?

Cornerback, Brent Grimes was in town to listen to the Browns and is waiting several days to make a decision. Grimes is recovering from last year’s season ending injury (Achilles) and may never be the player he was before the injury. Some believe he is just using other teams to up the ante with Atlanta. When healthy, Brent was a very good player, but; is he damaged goods?

Another position of need is free safety. Few players “in their prime” are available at this point of free agency.  It would be nice to get a player at the right price through FA. The Browns may draft a youngster and work with the kids on the current roster.

Personally, I believe they will choose a linebacker/pass rusher at No. 6, if the player the front office wants is on the board. If not, expect a trade down to get back the No. 2 pick we lost with Josh Gordon.

That’s what I love about this time of year- lot’s of speculation, hearsay, hype and rumors.

Right now we’ve got a solid, young front seven defensive unit. We are only one or two players from having a top 5 NFL defense. The Browns still have money to spend. Throw in Ray Horton’s aggressive style and for the first time in a long time, the game is going to be exciting on the lakefront!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

NFL Replacement Refs- Good or Bad?

After the ruckus following some of the NFL games last week, I don’t know if the substitute officiating is such a big deal or if something bigger is at play. What I’ve seen so far in regards to officiating is somehow refreshing.

Whose got the Ball?

 

I only follow one team, but the officiating mistakes appear to be honest and the consistency isn’t bad. I’ve often thought the regular referees are too fixated on whatever the commissioner’s office advice is for each week, based on the previous week. Consequently, the referees zero in on specific criteria, while other possible penalties are missed.

When officiating becomes a marketing extravaganza it takes away from the game. Watch any NBA playoff series to experience the hype and overkill.  Sometimes the NBA refs control the game and at other times- just let the players play. This may prevent tempers from getting out of hand, while another popular opinion is the control and tempo keeps the games close.

What Happened

 

Last week (week 2), the NFL coaches and players lambasted the referees. With the enormous popularity of the game, illegal and legal gaming interests at stake; I must ask a few questions:

·        Has the referee lockout affected television ratings?

·        Has the referee lockout reduced NFL game attendance?

·        Are the betting parlors in Las Vegas losing money?

·        Has the officiating made a difference in illegal gambling outcomes?

·        Will the coaches and players  tone down the hostility towards the refereeing this week?

·        Is the refereeing actually any worse than any other season?

·        Or is the heated controversy just a union ploy to end the lockout?

 

No Challenge Flag in Those Days

A former Cleveland Browns player on the old WEWS- Quarterback Club television show years ago mentioned the Cleveland Browns played in two games during the 1960’s which were investigated by the FBI and proven to have been fixed by the mob. One of those games involved the Dallas Cowboys back in the days of Bob Hayes. I am unable to recall the other game mentioned. The former player stated the games were fixed by the refereeing.

Interestingly, I was unable to find any information from any Browns-Cowboys game in reference to game fixing on the Internet. Although during the 1960’s, several players were investigated for ties to gambling and the mob.

Bottom Line

 

I don’t believe the NFL is dirty, nor do I believe the NFL has any direct ties  to organized crime. I’ve always trusted the officiating in the NFL. So trust isn’t the issue.

Is the question of the substitute referees about the performance on the field or the color of the field (money)?

What’s your opinion?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.