PRE-SEASON WEEK 3
News Prior to the games
Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson both were signed this week
> "One last chance?"-- It's been reported Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson have both signed one year deals just prior to the 3rd game of pre-season. Owens will attempt to add more success to his long resume with the Kansas City Chiefs, while his former Bengals partner Chad Johnson has inked a spot with the Baltimore Ravens. Whether or not these two comeback hopefuls are likely to make a roster is anyone's guess, but they at least have a chance
> "Ravens deal Doss" -- Ravens WR Tandon Doss never really developed like Ozzie Newsome had hoped and today, the Ravens dealt Doss to divisonal rival Pittsburgh in exchange for Center Joe Madsen. A minor move
GAME DAY: Pre-season Week 3
Browns Blank Colts 19-0 in defensive display
Colts QB Depth shattered in loss
The Aggressive Browns Defense battered the Colts into submission and hurt Hasslebeck with a serious injury
The Cleveland Browns finally got a pre-season win, and their supposedly improved Horton-lead defense finally showed up. The Game was generally a snooze fest, but there are a few happenings of note.
Beginning with the Offense, Jason Cambpell struggled as a starter going just 7/17 for 69 yards and an INT. Worse yet, Campbell showed an inability to make a big play when it was gifted to him on a silver platter. Early in the 2nd quarter, On-the-Bubble WR Sammie Stroughter split the defense on a seam route and was wide open. Campbell simply had to lob one in for a sexy looking score, but failed miserably, and overthrew the Oregon State Product. After, Campbell would rebound and stick one right between the numbers of TE Kellen Davis in the endzone, but the ball was dropped and Campbell wouldn't end up with a score. During his stewardship (1 half and 1 series) Campbell lead the Browns to a 6-0 lead.
After Campbell's uneven performance, Weeden came in and threw his first touchdown of the pre-season on a 9 yard strike to TE Gary Barnidge. Weeden would finish 3-9 for 60 yards with that one score.
Neither statline jumps out, but at least Weeden produced points. To this point, Campbell has no passing TDs and 3 interceptions to his credit. The battle looks bad, but Campbell may lose it by default of his own play.
Meanwhile depth RB Miguel Maysonet showed incredible potential and likely locked up a roster spot unexpectedly reeling off 92 yards on 9 touches including a 33 yard run and a 27 yard catch. He may be a hidden gem for the Browns and may make for a nice spell between Richardson and Dion Lewis.
Next, in the quest to make the Browns WR roster (even just to fill in for what will be a suspended Josh Gordon) Browns signees Ryan Swope and Sammie Stroughter may get one last look. Swope looked the better of the two, snagging 3 catches for 44 yards, while Stroughter looked to be on his way out with 2 drops by the 4th quarter. That is, until Stroughter created a highlight reel play seen around ESPN, diving from off-screen on viewers televisions and laying out to snag a poorly thrown ball by JaMarcus Russell that was not remotely intended for him. Whether or not one highlight can be evidence to make a roster is unlikely, especially with the talent being made available on a weekly basis via Pre-Season cuts. Still, stroughter will get one more look in the final pre-season game.
Finally, The Browns Defense obviously came up roses, pitching a shutout that would actually cause severe ramifications for the Colts' QB depth, but before we get to that, it is worth noting that an unsung Browns linebacker Justin Cole had the game of his life, notching 3 tackles, 2 sacks, a forced-fumble and a key injury. Cole earned the Player of the Game award for his efforts, and it was his hit that shook the Colts' foundations as he sacked Matt Hasselbeck and caused of fumble.
That sack may have ended the long career of Colts backup QB Matt Hasselbeck as it has been reported that the veteran will miss the 2013 season with a broken collarbone. Moreover, Cole's hit essentially caused the Colts to enter a tailspin as Chandler Harnish would play the rest of the game, but go just 4 for 16 on the day, unable to move the ball and respond to pressure.
As it happens, Cole would end the contracts of two Colts QBs on the day, as the Colts later announced that Harnish had been release after his abysmal efforts versus the Browns' second team.
Other Game day quick hits/ observations/ rookie work/ standouts
> Browns comeback QB JaMarcus Russell didn't do anything tremendous this game, but his 2-for-4 for 40 yards shows he still has the ability to hit the deep ball (even if an unintended WR made a great play). At this point, Russell seems a lock to make the Browns roster as third QB, after having a solid pre-season through 3 games.
> Browns rookie 1st round pick had his first career sack (of the pre-season) and also recorded 3 tackles. He lined up against the twos, however, and I would be more concerned if he did not dominate.
> The Browns Punting battle is over following the game, as the Browns announced that Spencer Lanning will assume Punting duties while P TJ Conley would be let go.
>Game day injuries: The Browns escaped unscathed, but the Colts had two players to place on injured reserve including QB Matt Hasselbeck and CB Josh Gordy.
Browns Extra!
The Browns released their most recent cut list which included Gronk family-member Dan Gronkowski
The Browns announced the following cuts after week 3
- TE Dan Gronkowski
- LT Rashad Butler
- MLB Adrian Moten
- C Christian Yount
AROUND THE LEAGUE
MAJOR HEADLINES Summary
While Favre certainly won't wear number #18, and he's far from a lock for the Colts' roster, one Colts-fan's longtime dream is closer to reality than ever
"Favre Gets Gig" -- Legendary Longbeard Brett Favre has got a call and wound up on a roster! After the Colts cut ties with Harnish and lost veteran Matt Hasselbeck for the season, Colts Owner Jim Irsay was reportedly eager to find a clear cut replacement. Sources say Irsay considered Tebow heavily, but decided not to put added pressure on Luck. Instead, he opted for another sensational story, officially inking Favre to 1-year deal on the Veteran minimum. Favre will obviously play a backup role, and he may not make the final roster, but he will see game time this week against the Bengals. Presumably, his play will determine whether or not he will proceed into the season as Luck's primary backup and mentor.
Irsay broke the news with a tweet: #Coltsfans, I'm commited to taking us all the way, and am bringing in a legend for a potential spot with us. Please welcome the @BrettFavre4Ever to our team.
Favre had little to say on the matter, presumably busy hopping a plane to Indianapolis for the coming game. What an unexpected turn.
"Big Hole"-- Dallas Cowboys starting LT Tyrone Smith will be lost for the season after a devestating ankle injury. It's a loss for the 'Boys that has no equivalent. Jerry must be freaking out.
"Up then Down; Show's Over?" -- Immediately following the game and just a few days after his reported signing, the Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly release Terrell Owens. Owens was a non-factor in the game and has likely seen his last call from an NFL team. Looks like it's the end of the line for TO.
"Speak Now or Hold your Peace"-- Eagles QBs Mike Vick and Nick Foles remain dead-locked in a high-performance QB battle. Coach Chip Kelly said the battle will rage on into the fourth and final pre-season week, with Nick Foles and Vick set to alternate reps. The winner of the battle will lead the Eagles going into the regular season
"Double Shutout" -- While we already know that the Browns shut out the Colts 19-0 this week, the Patriots notched a shut-out in finer fashion against the Lions, blanking them 31-0. Stafford posted a laughable 6.2 rating and threw 2 picks. Word is that the Lions are looking for more depth at WR following the loss
"Thank you and Goodbye" A number of special teamers were cut this week with the teams citing poor performance. After going just 1 of 7 from the field, the 'Skins terminated the contract of K Kai Forbath and replaced him with K Dan Carpenter. In a similar move, the Texas terminated the contract of 2nd year kicker Randy Bullock for poor performance (2 of 6) and signed YouTube sensation Havard Rugland.
MEDICAL CENTER INJURY SUMMARY (PRE-SEASON WEEK 1)
Losing starting LT Tyron Smith is a massive blow for the Cowboys who will have to dig deep into their roster for a replacement
DT Brandon Thompson, Torn Bicep-- Placed on IR
ROLB Sam Acjo (ARI), Dislocated Ankle-- 3 weeks
LE Jarius Wynn (SD), Broken Thumb-- 3 weeks
QB Matt Hasseleck (IND), Broken Collarbone-- Placed on IR
CB Josh Gordy (IND, Abdominal Tear-- Placed on IR
LT Tyron Smith (DAL), Broken Ankle-- Placed on IR
LT Johnathan Martin (MIA), Thumb-- 2 weeks
RG
RG Lance Louis (MIA), hand inury -- Placed on IR
LT Chris Hairston (ATL), Partial MCL Tear-- Placed on IR
LG Mike Iupati (SF), Ankle-- 6 weeks
C Brad Meester (JAX), Groin -- 3 weeks
RE Antonio Garay (NYJ), Groin-- 2 weeks
C Leroy Harris (DET) Broken Arm-- Placed on IR
SS MD Jennings (GB), Hamstring Tear-- Placed on IR
CB Phillip Adams (OAK) , Forerm fracture, Placed on IR
ROLB Jabraa Williams (STL) Ankle-- Placed on IR
DT Ron Brace (WAS), Groin-- 3 weeks
LT Terron Armstead (NO), Partial MCL Tear-- 6 weeks
LT Russell Okung (SEA), Broken Jaw -- 3 weeks
CB Brandon Browner (SEA), Forearm Fracture-- 5 weeks
RB Le'Veon Bell (PIT), broken Ribs -- 3 weeks
SS Troy Polamalu, Dslocated Knee-- 5 weeks
PRE-SEASON WEEK 3 CUT TRACKER
The following players have been released
Texas
RT Andrew Gardner
DT Chris Jones
FB Tyler Clutts
RB Deji Karim
MLB Mike Mohamed
MLB Cameron Collins
Vikings:
SS Andrew Sendejo
FB Matt Asiata
WR Joe Webb
DT Christian Ballard
Titans
|ROLB Patrick Bailey
LOLB Scott Solomon
FB Quinn Johnson
RB Jalen Parmele
WR Damian Williams
DT Karl Klug
Steelers
TE Zack Pianalto
WR Justin Brown
MLB Vince Williams
RB Isaac Redman
CB Ross Ventrone
TE Jamie Mccoy
Seahawks
LG Rishaw Johnson
RT Michael Bowie
FB Spencer Ware
WR Phil Bates
CB Ron Barker
TE Clint Gresham
Saints
LE Jay Richardson
WR Preston Parker
MLB Kevin Reddick
CB Korey Lindsey
FS Jerico Nelson
WR Courtney Roby
Redskins
DT Chris Neild
C Kevin Matthews
LE Chirs Baker
FS Jordan Pugh
RG Maurice Hurt
MLB Bryan Kehl
K Kai Forbath
Ravens
FS Anthony Levine
LOLB Adrian Hamilton
WR Brandon Stokely
TE Alex Silvestro
MLB JOsh Bynes
C Reggie Stephens
TE Cameron Graham
Raiders
ROLB Chase Thomas
FB Jamize Olawale
CB Taiwan Jones
WR Connor Vernon
DT Stacy McGee
TE Richard Gordon
Panthers
RB Armond Smith
SS Anderson Russell
DT Nate Chandler
Packers
C Brette Goode
WR Jarrett Boykin
TE Matthew Mulligan
RB DuJuan Harris
MLB Robert Francois
RE Mike Neal
LLions
CB Chris Greenwood
SS John Wendling
WR Patrick Edwards
Te Don Muhlbach
RB Montell Owens
DT Justin Bannan
Jets
SS Josh Bush
RE Lanier Coleman
RT JB Shugarts
QB Greg McElroy
WR Jeremy Kerley
CB Darrin Walls
TE Tanner Prudum
Jaguars
FB Will Ta'ufo'ou
QB Mike Kafka
WR Toney Clemons
CB Mike Harris
RB Johnathan Grimes
DT D'Anthony Smith
Giants
TE Zak DeOssie
RE Justin Trattou
CB Terrence Frederiuck
DT Mike Patterson
RB Ryan Torain
SS Tyler Sash
49ers
FB Will Tukuafu
DT Quinton Dial
LOLB Dan Skuta
WR Marlon Moore
CB Perrish Cox
RT Alec Savoie
Falcons
FB Bradie Ewing
CB Terrence Johnson
RB Antone Smith
DT
Travian Robertson
Egales
FS Colt Anderson
SS David Sims
FB Emil Igwenagu
WR Riley Cooper
CB Trevard Lindley
MLB Casey Matthews
Dolphins
CB Julian Posey
LOLB Josh Kaddu
Rokb Jonathan Freely
TE Kyle Miller
CB RJ Stanford
CB De'Andre Presley
Cowboys
LG Ronald Leary
FS Eric Frampton
WR Danny Coale
TE Andre Smith
DT Ben Bass
C Kevin Kowalski
Colts
RT Lee Ziemba
CB Marshay Green
RB Keerwynn Williams
LOLB Justin Hickman
RG Jeff Linkenbach
C Thomas Austin
QB Chandler Harnish
Chiefs
FB Braden Wilson
WR Terrell Owens
|TE Kevin Brock
MLB Orie Lemon
Chargers
MLB Bront Bird
CB Gregory Gatson
TE Kyle Nelson
WR Mike Willie
MLB Phillp Dillard
Cardianls
LOLB Matt Shaugnessy
RG
Paul Fanaika
CB Bryan McCann
MLB Reggie Walker
TE Kory Sperry
RB Andre Ellington
TE Mike Leach
Bucs
K Lawrence Tynes
K Rian Lindell
P Chas Henry
WR JordANn Norwood
DT Gary Gibson
RB Michael Smith
RB Jeremiah Johnson
Broncos
DT Anthony Hargrove
P Jeremy Kapinos
MLB Steven Johnson
WR Gerell Robinson
TE Jake O'Connell
Bills
RT Thomas Welch
DT Jarron Gilber
WR Chris Hogan
MLB Jamaal Westerman
WR Marcus Easley
MLB Brian Smith
Bengals
RB Bernard Scott
FB Chris Pressley
WR Ryan Whalen
RE Dequin Evans
CB Onterio McCalebb
RB Rex Burkehead
Bears
FS Tom Nelson
LG Derek dennis
FB Tony Fiammetta
WR Marquess Wilson
SS Cyhl Quarles
LE Turk McBride
Browns:
C Chrisian Yount
P TJ Conley
MLB Adrian Moten
LT Rashad Butler
TE Dan gronkowski