Dawg Pound Lounge ,

Going okay.  I'm still above ground and not in an urn.

Not so sure that's not a better choice after watching our last Decade of Futility played by the Browns.

Do they make Cleveland Browns themed Crematory Urns? 






And not sure I'd wanna be (pardon the pun) caught dead in one.

And not sure I'd wanna be (pardon the pun) caught dead in one.

MOAN 

MOAN 

What's the matter?  Some of those old bones aching?  Try some Doan's pills. 

Worried about the Browns WR corps? Pat Shurmur isn't.

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BEREA — Despite the perception the Browns still need help at wide receiver, Pat Shurmur still is optimistic about the players currently on the roster.
“I think we have some guys, number one that are good players and I think they’ve had a chance to play a year in the system and to improve their game,” Shurmur said. “We’ve added some young players who have a chance to develop into good players.”
Shurmur feels improved quarterback play--likely by Brandon Weeden and running game led by Trent Richardson--will make a big difference for the receivers.
“When you have more efficient quarterback play and efficient running game, it all plays together,” Shurmur said. “For all of those reasons, I think they will be more productive as it fits together.”
Browns fans clamored for additions to the receiving corps in 2011 and the only notable addition was second-round draft choice Greg Little, who responded with 61 receptions for 709 yards and two touchdowns. Little has shed 11 pounds and the Browns are hoping he becomes a top receiver in the league.
Much the same was said this off-season, in terms of needing receivers, but the Browns thus far have failed to land a veteran receiver through free agency and the most notable addition was fourth-round draft choice Travis Benjamin from Miami (Fla.). Reports said the Browns pursued at least two free agents including Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, both of whom signed with the Redskins. 
Mike Holmgren mentioned high expectations for fourth-year receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and Shurmur was asked about him, as well.
“I think he’s had a great off season,” Shurmur said. “I’m very pleased with where he is. He’s come in healthy. He’s taken advantage of the off-season and he’s made plays out here. That’s money in the bank for him as he gets ready for training camp.”
Massaquoi had just 31 catches for 384 yards and two touchdowns in 2011 in 14 games. He had 34 receptions for 624 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie and 36 catches for 483 yards and two touchdowns in 2010. He also was knocked out of a game with a concussion by the Steelers’ James Harrison. He also missed two games in 2011 with a concussion.
Weeden said he’s impressed with Massaquoi.
“We’re getting our timing down,” Weeden said. “I love the way he runs the comeback route.” 
Shurmur said during OTAs last month that Little and Massaquoi are the starting receivers at this point heading into training camp. 
Maasaquoi is healthy now and Josh Cribbs had his best season as a receiver with 41 receptions for 518 yards and four touchdowns. Jordan Norwood had 23 receptions for 268 yards and a touchdown and Carlton Mitchell caught just three passes for 31 yards.
Benjamin has flashed his speed in the OTAs and mini camps, but his role has yet to be determined. Other candidates are undrafted free agents Owen Spencer, Bert Reed, Jermaine Saffold and Josh Cooper. Rod Windsor was on the practice squad last season. 
Weeden said he likes the receivers.
“I wasn’t here last year, but from what I see the group has a lot of ability and can play,” he said. “And not just the wide receivers, but we have a good group at the tight end position. That makes it easier for the quarterback.
“The group is still young and are going to keep growing and building.” 
Shurmur feels the Browns have a chance for the quarterbacks and receivers to make each other better this season.
“The receivers have to get open and the quarterback has to get them the ball,” he said. “I do know with a receiver who gets open and a quarterback who gets the ball to him accurately, now you have a chance to do something with the ball.”
Notebook
Dawson Back: K Phil Dawson was at minicamp after skipping the OTAs and booming kicks. He attempted one from 70 yards and was just short.
“Being away (this off-season) re-energized me,” he said.
Dawson was franchised for the second-straight year, but did say he hopes to finish his career with the Browns.
“Those are my thoughts exactly,” he said. “I’d like to finish my career here.
“There’s a right time and place for everything.”
Dawson said he figures it would take him about 2 ½ seasons to break Lou Groza’s career scoring record.
“That’s a goal I set in 1999.”
Room for All: Shurmur said he is not concerned that the running back position is too crowded with RB Trent Richardson, RB Brandon Jackson and RB Montario Hardesty. Also, RB Chris Ogbonnaya and RB Adonis Thomas are in the mix.
“There’s plenty of reps for everything we need to see,” he said. “They’ll all play and I’m not concerned about them getting reps.”
Shurmur was asked specifically about Jackson and Hardesty, both coming off of injuries. 
“They’ve looked good,” he said. “They’re running around and they look fast.”
Mini Camp and OTAs: Tuesday was the first day of the three-day mandatory minicamp. Shurmur was asked what the difference was between the two.
“The way you practice is the same,” he said. “The only difference is we have a walk through before we practice.” 
Shurmur said that all the players were in attendance, including K Phil Dawson, who had skipped the OTAs.
“Everybody is here and everyone is competing,” he said. “It’s a good setting for our guys. We’ve had six OTAs and we’ll revisit all the things we’ve done in the OTAs.”
Shurmur re-iterated not to read much into who gets the first snaps in team drills.
“I would encourage you when you’re watching--I know you want to get it out there--as to who the first guys are out there, but they’re just out there working.”
The Adonis: RB Adonis Thomas from Toledo was signed after trying out at the rookie minicamp and Shurmur was asked about him.
“He was here on a workout basis and felt good about what he did and since then he’s done the same thing,” Shurmur said. “He’s caught the ball well when we’ve thrown him the ball. He’s a bright guy who has a chance to compete.”
The Browns released RB Armond Smith to make room for Thomas.
Fujita Being Counted On: Shurmur said that despite the outcome of the three-game suspension for his role in the Saints Bounty Scandal, he is still a key player for the Browns.
“My interaction with Scott has been good,” Shurmur said. “I think we all as people have distractions in the background. Scott is a veteran player on our team and he’s an outstanding player. He’s dealing with a league issue and when Scott is back, he’ll play.”
Fujita said he was disappointed the arbitrator ruled that Roger Goodell had the authority to suspend him and the other players.
“It’s certainly disappointing, but it’s part of the process,” he said. “It’s ongoing.”
Fujita says he has no regrets for any of his actions.
Coming Along: Shurmur said the Browns are seeing what they expected out of rookie QB Brandon Weeden.
“I think we would all agree there is a high bar in this league,” he said. “What’s good about having an  offseason when you draft a quarterback, but it allows you to get familiar with your surroundings. We’re seeing what we saw before we drafted him and in what we ask of him.”
Weeden said he is progressing.
“I’m getting more and more comfortable,” he said. “I’m leap years farther along than the rookie minicamp. It’s like two totally different quarterbacks from the beginning. Now, I’m able to stop thinking and react.”
New Role: With Brad Childress taking the burden of being the offensive coordinator off of Shurmur, the head coach now has more flexibility at practice.
“I think I have the freedom to do more, but tend to watch certain things,” Shurmur said. “Brad does a very good job directing the offensive coaches and players and does a very god job. Brad is very important for us.”
Return of T.J.: Shurmur said that S T.J. Ward is back to near the level he was when he was injured last season with a foot sprain. He missed the final eight games of the season and ended up on injured reserve.
“He’s looking good,” Shurmur said. “He’s running around playing fast and is playing like he did before he was injured. He’s back healthy.”
Shurmur said he thinks Ward can be a leader on the defense, despite just entering his third year.
“I still look at him as a young player,” he said. “We expect the young players to exert themselves and typically, you are more of a leader when they know what they’re doing.”
Benard Impresses: Shurmur said that DE Marcus Benard has shown up in the early going. He has dropped weight from last season and is listed at 256 pounds.
“That’s the first phase and he’s shown up and done some good things,” Shurmur said. “He’s put himself in good position for training camp.”
If Benard can add a significant pass rush opposite DE Jabaal Sheard or DE Frostee Rucker, the Browns will have much more depth than they did a year ago.

Morning Loungers!


Way to early for the Plain Dealer to be annointing Weeden as the starting QB just because he took first team reps yesterday morning.  Colt took those same reps with the first team in the afternoon session.  All I care about is that one of them steps up when the season begins and produces for a change. 

Anyone else wish Fujita would just do his three game suspension and put the whole bounty thing behind him?


Have a good one all!



Rok   

Morning Bluez!

My verdict on Shurmur is still out.  Not leaning in favor of his efforts so far, but I'll give him till the fourth game of the season.

After that, the verdict is hopefully a positive one.



Rok

Rich's Rants
Forty-one years in The Plain Dealer sports department. Twenty-three years on Cleveland radio airwaves. Five years with the Orange and Brown Report. Now, a whole new place to piss people off.
MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012

Why not Matt Roth?
Scanned the list of remaining free agents in the National Football League and one name jumped off the screen: Matt Roth.

Yes, that Matt Roth. The same guy who played for the Browns in 2009 and 2010. The same guy who had 7½ sacks for the Browns in 22 games.

Remember him? He’s the outside linebacker who gave the Browns a semblance of a pass rush in those 22 games. And what could the Browns use on defense now? That’s right – a strong pass rush.

Wouldn’t he look good in a Browns uniform? You bet he would. At 6-4, 275 pounds and in the prime of his career, he’d look great opposite Jabaal Sheard at defensive end. He’s still pretty quick and very strong....

Morning Rok


counting down the days arent ya buddy ..the Senora has already finished up her tour ..your on deck


are you sure you want to go to Texas ? hot dry Texas


i hated it out there ..to hot for this fat boy

Not sold on Shurmur either ..i look for the Chilly signing to help him ..lord knows he needs it after making about every mistake in the book last season

Congrats Irish ..i will be knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten this week it appears ..my pitchers are LOSING points not gaining them for me ..thank you Homer Bailey

 feel like getting something done today, so I'm just going to sit here until that feeling passes...

• I hear there is scientific proof that birthdays are good for you... the more you have the longer you live.
• Tip Of The Week: When going through airport customs and you are asked "do you have any firearms with you?" do not reply "what do you need?"
• I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort.
• TEIAM - problem solved
• I just read a list of 'the 100 things to do before you die'. I'm pretty surprised 'yell for help' wasn't one of them...
• I went to the book store earlier to buy a 'Where's Waldo' book. When I got there, I couldn't find the book anywhere. Well played Waldo, well played.
• It recently became apparent to me that the letters 'T' and 'G' are far too close together on a keyboard. This is why I'll never be ending an e-mail with the phrase "Regards" ever again.
• I have an oven with a 'stop time' button. It's probably meant to be 'stop timer' but I don't touch it, just in case.
• Have you ever had a fly or small bug land on your computer screen and your first reaction is to try and scare it with the cursor?
• People think I'm too patronizing (that means I treat them as if they're stupid)
• The fact that I woke up this morning means that the assassins have failed again.
• If your relationship status says, "It's complicated" maybe you should stop kidding yourself and change it to "Single"
• I dream of a better world...where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned
• How long do you think it would take to solve a rubiks cube if you were color blind?
• I used to be good at sports. Then I realized that I could buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything.
• I decided to cancel my Twitter account.I don't want to sound paranoid, but I'm pretty sure people are following me.
• "Dammit Im Mad" is spelled the same way backwards. Think about it.
• Who decided that paper beats rock? Let's test this theory. Have someone hold up a sheet of paper in front of their face, then throw a rock at it. Who wins?
• Grammar is important. For instance, commas save lives, such as in this example: "Let's eat grandpa." vs "Lets eat, grandpa"

1. Sarcasm helps keep you from telling people what you really think of them
2. I once prayed to god for a bike, but quickly found out he didn't work that way...so I stole a bike and prayed for his forgiveness
3. A train station is where the train stops. A bus station is where the bus stops. On my desk, I have a work station...
4. You can't be late until you show up
5. War doesn't determine who's right, it determines who's left.
6. If you think things can't get worse it's probably only because you lack sufficient imagination.
7. Parents spend the first part of our lives teaching us to walk and talk, and the rest of it telling us to sit down and shut up.
8. Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.
9. Books have knowledge, knowledge is power, power corrupts, corruption is a crime, and crime doesn't pay..so if you keep reading, you'll go broke.
10. Never interrupt your opponent while he's making a mistake.
11. You can go anywhere you want if you look serious and carry a clipboard.
12. It may look like I'm doing nothing, but I'm actively waiting for my problems to go away.
13. Every rule has an exception, especially this one.
14. History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives. ~ Abba Eban
15. The United States is a nation of laws: badly written and randomly enforced. ~ Frank Zappa
16. Don't let your mind wander, Its too little to be let out alone.
17. Life's a bitch, if it were easy it'd be a slut.
18. I'd call you a tool, but even THEY serve a purpose.
19. Death is life's way of telling you that you've been fired. Suicide is your way to tell life, "you can't fire me, I Quit!"
20. Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

Prelude To The Dream | eldoraspeedway.com


its tonight . we always pull our funds .buy beer munchies and buy this . its only 24.95 $ on PPV  .It all goes to charity . a very fun race to watch for a great cause .

a friend of mine ..Ada , Ohio late model racer Jon Henry prepared  Danica Patrics car for her to wheel tonight .

even if you dont like racing ..who in the hell doesent like racing ..this is one you should watch . 900 HP on a 2300 lbs chassis on a high banked half mile dirt track . profesionals from all series sliding around in over powered  dirt late models the Big E ROCKS .

its fun for all . once again goes to a great cause . get your friends together .get beer ..get muchies and set back watch it all unfold .

i thought about heading over tonight but we chose to watch it from the couch . we will be there Saturday night for the 1000.00 $  to win Late Model Dream race ..

Tiny remnants of D-Day found on beach



take a moment today to give thanks to those who gave all for the free world .


this was the longest day for those involved . my father was there off shore on a US Navy Destroyer . the USS Weber



Thanks pop . thanks to all who fought for the free world .



RIP to those who gave all .

HAPPY HUMP DAY LOUNGE HOUNDZ

Goggles on

Morning ROK,

Morning BLUEZ,

(_)>=======

(_)>=======

This round is on me.

Way to early for the Plain Dealer to be annointing Weeden as the starting QB just because he took first team reps yesterday morning.  Colt took those same reps with the first team in the afternoon session.  All I care about is that one of them steps up when the season begins and produces for a change.

 
I couldn’t agree more ROK.  I too am sick of everybody anointing Weeden as the day one starter without ever seeing him play at this level.   Though I admit after watching this clip, I can see why Browns fans are excited about this guy. 

My verdict on Shurmur is still out.  Not leaning in favor of his efforts so far, but I'll give him till the fourth game of the season.
After that, the verdict is hopefully a positive one.
Not sold on Shurmur either ..i look for the Chilly signing to help him ..lord knows he needs it after making about every mistake in the book last season.

I don’t that any of us are sold on Shurmer as the HC, yet.  I do like the fact that he brought in Childress as the OC.  Even if Shurmer insists on calling the offensive plays.  Chilly can sit in the booth and help make the necessary adjustments to play calling. 

I hope we don’t have to wait 4 games before we see improvements.

 

i thought about heading over tonight but we chose to watch it from the couch . we will be there Saturday night for the 1000.00 $  to win Late Model Dream race ..

Enjoy Bluez…

I’m hoping the rain holds out so we can go watch the sprints run this weekend.

I don’t THINK that any of us are sold on Shurmer as the HC, yet. 

Wish my brain would let my fingers keep up

Thanks pop . thanks to all who fought for the free world .
RIP to those who gave all .

(_)>


I'll raise my glass in honor of those who served.

morning Crex ...clangs mugs



we get Kenny Wallace & Schrader this Fri night in UMP Modifeds at Limaland ..weather looks perfect for racing all weekend long .



NRA Sprint invaders which are Lima based are also on the ticket . they run the 360 Winged every Fri night but the NRA is a seperate points fund and they travel the area to include racing in M*CH*GAN & Indiana . it brings in quite a few different sprint cars adding to the normal huge car count that Limaland has on race nights . 

I need to get up to Desporadoe's road house to sign the books for this weeks drawing as i wont be there . if they draw my name i will still get half . the pot is up to around three grand .. yeah i would love half of that

time to get rear in gear here .

have a great day all.


Congrats Irish pretty sure you got me this week in our league


^&*% pitchers