Tag Archives: Jordan Cameron

BRIAN HOYER’S COMMENTS ON THE 31-10 WIN OVER THE STEELERS

On his touchdown pass to TE Jordan Cameron:Brian Hoyer Sidelines vs Steelers

“I think we practiced it once this week, but we actually practiced it a few times the first week we played Pittsburgh.  We thought it would be good, and actually, the look they gave us was the second favorite look we were looking for.  The first was something else.  Jordan did a good job of adjusting and I saw that there was no one in the middle of the field and I just wanted to give him a chance.  He did a great job of going up.  It was a little bit behind him, but he ripped the ball away and ran in for the touchdown.”

 

On what a win like today does for the team’s belief in each other:

“What’s so great about this group of guys is we don’t care who gets the credit.  We just want to win the game.  I think good teams find different ways to win games.  Whether it’s winning on the last play of the game with a field goal, a touchdown pass, the defense coming out and really shutting their offense out or us hitting a few big plays here or there.  I think we had 17 pass attempts.  We moved the ball well and had big chunk plays.”

 

On the effectiveness of the run offense:

“You could tell that they were trying to stop the run, especially in our no huddle looks.  The safeties were down and that’s where we got a lot of our big passing plays was off of play-action in the no huddle.  When we have something that’s working really well and the defense tries to take it away, you have got to take advantage of what they try to do.  We hit some big passes behind that.”

 

On what a win against Pittsburgh means to Browns fans:

“I think the last time the Browns beat the Steelers, I was the backup quarterback for the Steelers that day.  Coming in after what we did last week and knowing what the situation was playing Pittsburgh at home, I knew the crowd would be crazy.  They did a great job.  I think there were a few false starts when they were loud and they stayed the whole time, which was great.  Even though it was 31-3, they stayed and they deserve it.”

 

On the loss of OL Alex Mack to injury during the game:

“It’s tough.  Other than (OL) Joe Thomas, he has been the anchor of that offensive line long before I got here.  You know how much it means to him.  When you see him get carted off and the whole team comes up to check on him, it shows how much he means to this offense.  In the same sense, we always talk about the ‘next man up’ and we knew coming into this game we had a couple injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball.  Guys are going down during the game and the next guy steps up.  (OL John) Greco shifts over to center and (OL) Paul (McQuistan) comes in and does a great job at guard.  That’s what great teams are made of: every guy on the team being ready to play.  You might be inactive one week and the next week, you have to step up and be ready to play.  They did a great job.  I think Greco gets enough reps at center throughout the week that I wasn’t worried about him snapping the ball or anything.  Usually when a center goes down, the first thing that comes to my head is, ‘Gosh, snap exchange problems.’  I’ve worked enough with John, for the past two years really, that I felt more than confident about that.”

PODCAST – THE RODA REPORT ON 92.3 THE FAN

Here’s my weekly conversation with 92.3 The fan’s Andy Baskin and Jeff Phelps discussing the Browns/Steelers game, injuries to Ben Tate and Jordan Cameron, Josh Gordon and the NFL and NFLPA Drug Policy conversations and more.

http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/09/10/roda-report-gordon-waiting-goodell-explaining-browns-ailing/

92.3 The Fan Logo

POSITION BREAKDOWN – BROWNS AT STEELERS WIDE RECEIVERS and TIGHT ENDS

The wide receivers are the worst in the league without Josh Gordon, who is suspended for the entire season. This is the biggest problem on the Browns roster.

At tight end Jordan Cameron has put up some nice numbers, but can he stay healthy for a full season and will he be able to shake the double teams that will be coming his way with Gordon out of the line up?

This is the one area where Ray Farmer has failed miserably so far as G.M. of the Browns. He chose not to select a receiver in any round of a deep wide receiver draft. Instead he tried to fill it through free agency with the signings of Andrew Hawkins (12 catches – 0 TD’s last year), Miles Austin (24 catches – 0 TD’s last year) and Nate Burleson who did score a touchdown last season, but he was cut. The rest of the receiving core is made up of LaRon Byrd, Marlon Moore, Jonathan Krause, Taylor Gabriel and Travis Benjamin who all failed to reach the end zone last season or didn’t even play in the league. That is why this unit will be ranked 32nd out of 32 teams in the National Football League!

The Steelers do have a big time receiver in Antonio Brown, but after that, they have some question marks as well. In the last three years Pittsburgh has lost Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery to retirement or free agency. Brown will still put up some big numbers, but will he get any help from second year wide out Markus Wheaten, rookie Martavis Bryant and free agent pick-ups Lance Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey?

The one compliment to Antonio Brown for Ben Roethlisberger will be a healthy Heath Miller at tight end. His combination of blocking, moving the chains on third down and being a favorite target of “Big Ben’s” in the redzone will help the Steelers passing attack immensely.

Because of Antonio Brown, veterans Moore and Bey and the potential of Wheaton and Bryant, along with Roethislisberger’s ability to create and make big plays and having his security blanket in Miller healthy, the Steelers passing game should be fairly potent at times this season.

 

WIDE RECEIVER and TIGHT ENDS ADVANTAGE – STEELERS

TOP 10 THINGS THAT I NEED TO SEE FROM THE BROWNS IN THE GAME AGAINST WASHINGTON

 

Brian Hoyer Drop Back Throw1) The Browns offense needs to score a touchdown against the Redskins first team defense.

2) Brian Hoyer has to step up and take the starting quarterback job.

3) Johnny Manziel staying in the pocket and going through his progressions instead of being a one read and then run QB.

4) Whoever plays wide receiver, do your job and “CATCH THE DAMN BALL”!

5) The Browns defensive front seven has to put pressure on the quarterback.

6) Cut down on the penalties, especially on defense.

7) Miles Austin and Jordan Cameron play, make plays on offense and don’t get hurt.

8) For first round pick Justin Gilbert to impact the game like other top draft picks Blake Bortles, Jadeveon Clowney and Ryan Shazier did this weekend.

9) Ben Tate to maintain his 4.0 yards per carry average, but more importantly, don’t fumble the football.

10) For the defense to prove they can shut down someone’s offense other than their own!

TRANSCRIPT OF MIKE PETTINE’S PRESS CONFERENCE 8-4-14

Mike Pettine Photo Mini Camp 5-1-14

On if today was a scheduled day for QB Johnny Manziel to take reps with the first-team offense:

“Yes, it’s just all part of the plan that we’ve had. It’ll go back and forth.”

On how Manziel did today:

“I said this a couple other days:  I don’t want to evaluate guys coming right off the field. Until I talk to the offensive coaches, see the tape, I’ll have a better feel then.”

On Manziel taking first-team reps causing a lot of talk:

“That’s great. That comes with the territory.”

On if Manziel practicing with the first team today was part of the plan from the beginning of camp or if it was decided after looking at the first week of practices and the Family Day scrimmage:

“No, we had talked about it beforehand but didn’t really put it in stone. It was not a result of anything that happened in the scrimmage.”

On if it seemed Manziel took steps forward after watching film from the Family Day scrimmage:

“Yeah, I think both quarterbacks took steps. I thought they both played to their skill set. I thought Johnny did a good job making some plays with his feet, keeping plays alive. (QB) Brian (Hoyer), I thought, showed some poise in the pocket and stepped into some throws. Let’s not forget that he’s a guy coming off of a knee [injury] and that was really the first true live work that he had gotten. I thought that was good work for him, as well.”

On if the first-team reps for Hoyer and Manziel will change each day or week:

“Probably more day-to-day at this point.  I don’t think we’ll do this for the entire week. Then, we’ll meet at some point mid-week to discuss how we want to handle the reps in the Detroit game.”

On if it is a concern that none of the quarterbacks were able to find the end zone during the Family Day scrimmage:

“Actually, [Manziel] did. We would have thrown the flag on the one (TE Gary) Barnidge catch. I think somebody had video from the stands that confirmed that he had two feet in and caught the ball. That was pointed out to me by our offensive guys yesterday. It wasn’t a concern. It’s really just the first time getting out there. It was just inconsistent play. It’s tough on those guys when the whole playbook is available. It’s not a game plan situation. Defensively, I’ve already spoken to it that I think we present more looks and sometimes I’ve seen it retard the growth of an offense during camp. It takes them a little bit of time because of all the looks they’re seeing. It wasn’t a concern.”

On if WR Josh Gordon being back at practice today was an encouraging sign:

“It’s still part of the process. He left practice a little bit early to go in. That’s part of the process, as well, that he’s involved with something with the league today. We’ve been patient so far, and it’s waited this long. Hopefully, a resolution is coming soon.”

On the running game during Saturday’s scrimmage:

“I thought they’re still finding their way with it. For a lot of guys, it’s a very different transition. I thought, defensively, our guys played well, played the run game well. I thought our pad level was good. They got off blocks. They tackled well. A few runs got out, but overall, the run defense was encouraging. I think the offensive guys came out of it knowing that they need to get better.”

On if he knows who will start at quarterback against Detroit on Saturday:

“I do not.”

On if Manziel taking first-team reps is a reflection of Hoyer’s first week of practice or the scrimmage:

“No, not at all. It’s just something we wanted to work them both in, and it’s part of our process.”

On if WR Willie Snead has made a good impression:

“He has. He stepped up in the scrimmage, made a big catch on fourth down to keep a drive going, made a big play here today. We talk about the Play like a Brown attributes, he hits a lot of those spots. Guys on defense don’t like him very much, which is usually a compliment because he mixes it up with them. I think there was a fight early in camp, but he’s not afraid to go in and get a little bit dirty blocking. I think he runs good routes and has good ball skills.”

On what it means for Manziel to take reps with the first team:

“It’s just part of our plan. We say we’re going to allow the quarterbacks to compete. At some point, you’ve got to mix up the supporting cast a little bit. It’s all part of it.”

On saying early in camp that barring something unforeseen, Hoyer would start the first preseason game:

“Yeah, I would still say that’s true, but I can’t say it’s 100 percent at this point. I would still say there’s more than reasonable chance that he’ll be the starter against Detroit. That had been the plan. I just want to confirm with (quarterbacks coach) Dowell (Loggains) and (offensive coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan) and see where they are with it.”

On whether he will defer to Loggains and Shanahan about which QB will begin the season as a starter:

“Yeah, absolutely. That will be a committee decision. We’ll meet together. I’m not an expert, but I also feel like I’m in charge of the big picture. We’ll formulate a plan, not just with quarterback but with all positions, that we feel gives us the best chance to win.”

On if using radio communication between the QBs is something new:

“No, that’s been (in) every practice so far and all of the spring.”

On DB Pierre Desir’s practice today:

“Pierre stepped up. He had a rough veteran camp and responded a little bit. The coaches challenged him before he went away on break, and he came back and really made some strides. We’ve been very pleased with Pierre. I think he’s one of the more difficult guys of the corners to get off (of) when he presses a guy just with his length. He’s gotten more patient. If you ask the receivers who the hardest guy is to get off press, they’ll probably say him.”

On if TE Jordan Cameron not practicing is still simply a precaution:

“It’s an AC issue with the shoulder, but it’s not anything. If this were a game week, more than likely he would’ve gone. I’m still not sure – we haven’t made a decision yet for Detroit – but more than likely, we will air on the side of caution.”

On who will get first-team reps at quarterback for tomorrow’s practice:

“I’m not sure. They wrote it out on the board. I’m not sure how they plan on doing it, but it will be a mix this week.”

On undrafted WRs on the team with Arena Football League and Canadian Football League experience:

“I think that it’s a testament to those guys, their perseverance, their dedication. You see a lot of guys that are very successful in this league that weren’t high draft picks, especially at that position. You can look at (WR) Miles Austin as a perfect example. There are a lot of ways to make it, and those are the guys that you know that aren’t going to give up because nothing has been handed to them.”

On if there’s an update OL Jason Pinkston’s status and if he’s closer to returning:

“No, at some point, I think that we’ll formally release something about it, but I don’t see him coming back in the foreseeable future.”

On what Manziel has improved on the most since the start of camp:

“I think the playbook stuff, the repetitions, calling the plays in the huddle and not just being able to call the play but then understanding what his reads are and where to go with the ball.”

On if the Browns acquired OL Michael Bowie believing he won’t be available all season:

“We’re not sure yet. He doesn’t get here until late today so after the physical, we’ll have a little more information on that.”

On if he’s disappointed that someone hasn’t run away with the starting QB position:

“No because they’re both competing and they’re both doing what they’re supposed to be doing. It would be hard for there to be a clear-cut guy anyway when they’re both being efficient in their play when they’re in there.”

2014 CLEVELAND BROWNS FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS

G.M. Ray Farmer and the Cleveland Browns feel they have made significant moves this offseason through the draft and free agency that will help them win football games in the NFL. But with the moves they have made, will it increase the value of any of their players when it comes to Fantasy football?

Here’s how I approach my Fantasy Football season and the player rankings. I have my own ideas on who I have ranked high and who I like for the upcoming season. I then go and buy my annual Fantasy magazine, which is Sports Illustrated and I also download information from two other highly reputable Fantasy outlets, ESPN.com and CBSSportsline.com. I then take the average of all four to come up with my rankings for my draft cheat sheet.

In starting my research it has become apparent to me that not many players on the Browns offense are being considered as starters or must haves on Fantasy rosters this year. With that in mind, here are the players and where the three major magazines/websites have Browns players ranked.

Sports Illustrated

QB – Johnny Manziel – 34th

QB – Brian Hoyer – 19th

RB – Ben Tate – 21st

WR – Josh Gordon 70th

WR – Andrew Hawkins – 82nd

TE – Jordan Cameron – 10th

ESPN.com

QB – Johnny Manziel – 23rd

QB – Brian Hoyer – 35th

RB – Ben Tate – 16th

WR – Josh Gordon – Not Ranked in Top 80

WR – Andrew Hawkins – 54th

TE – Jordan Cameron – 6th

CBSSportsline.com

QB – Johnny Manziel – 26th and  29th

QB – Brian Hoyer – Not Ranked in Top 32

RB – Ben Tate – 27th and  27th

WR – Josh Gordon – Not Ranked in Top 60

WR – Andrew Hawkins – Not Ranked in Top 60

TE – Jordan Cameron – 5th and  10th

So as you can see tight end Jordan Cameron, in the eyes of the experts, is your highest ranked Cleveland Browns player when it comes to expected Fantasy Football production this season. Josh Gordon would have been the top ranked Browns player if he didn’t have the potential season long suspension hanging over his head. However, not knowing his status at this point either has him ranked very low or not ranked at all. Should Gordon’s potential season long suspension be reduced, or if he miraculously is cleared to play in all 16 games this season, then he would once again be a top 10, if not a top 5 receiver on almost everybody’s boards and the top ranked Browns player.