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Super Bowl Preview

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Super Bowl LIX is set to kick off today at 6:30 PM EST at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory, a feat not achieved since the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s. The Eagles, under quarterback Jalen Hurts, seek to avenge their narrow 38-35 loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII two years ago. 

Key Players to Watch:

• Kansas City Chiefs:

• Patrick Mahomes (QB): Despite not having his best statistical season, Mahomes has been instrumental in clutch moments, guiding the Chiefs through a 15-2 season. 

• Travis Kelce (TE): A consistent and reliable target, Kelce remains a pivotal part of the Chiefs’ offense.

• Chris Jones (DT): Anchoring the defense, Jones’ performance will be crucial in disrupting the Eagles’ offensive rhythm.

• Philadelphia Eagles:

• Jalen Hurts (QB): Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities have been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense, leading them to a 14-3 record.

• Saquon Barkley (RB): Acquired in the offseason, Barkley has had a historic season, adding a dynamic element to the Eagles’ ground game. 

• Jalen Carter (DT): Leading the defensive line, Carter’s ability to pressure Mahomes will be a key factor in the game’s outcome.

Coaching Matchup:

This game has been dubbed the “Andy Reid Bowl,” as Reid is the winningest head coach in both Philadelphia and Kansas City’s team history. Prior to being hired as head coach of the Chiefs, Reid was head coach of the Eagles from 1999 to 2012. With the Eagles, Reid held a record, and won one NFC Championship. Entering Super Bowl LIX, Reid has a record, five AFC Championships, and three Super Bowl victories with the Chiefs, serving as head coach since the 2013 season. 

Historical Context:

This marks the 11th Super Bowl hosted in New Orleans and the first since Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. The Chiefs previously won Super Bowl IV in New Orleans, while the Eagles lost Super Bowl XV in the same city. 

Entertainment:

The halftime show will feature a performance by Kendrick Lamar, with SZA as a special guest. Jon Batiste is set to sing the national anthem, and local artists, including Ledisi, will provide pregame entertainment. 

Prediction:

Analysts anticipate a closely contested game. While the Eagles boast a robust roster and are eager for redemption, the Chiefs’ experience and Mahomes’ leadership make them a formidable opponent. Some experts lean towards the Chiefs securing a narrow victory, but the outcome remains highly uncertain. 

As the football world eagerly awaits kickoff, fans can expect a thrilling game that could come down to the wire, echoing the excitement of their previous Super Bowl encounter.

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Garrett Asks For Trade

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In a surprising turn of events, Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has requested a trade after eight seasons with the team. Garrett, 29, expressed his desire to join a team with a stronger chance of competing for a Super Bowl. 

In a statement released today, Garrett said, “As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl—and that goal fuels me today more than ever. My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into … .” 

Garrett’s tenure with the Browns has been marked by individual success, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and setting the franchise record for career sacks. However, the team’s overall performance has often fallen short of expectations, with only two playoff appearances during his time in Cleveland. The 2024 season was particularly challenging, as the Browns finished with a 3–14 record. 

Analysts have speculated on potential landing spots for Garrett, considering both his desire to win and the financial implications of his contract. Teams like the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders in the NFC, as well as the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos in the AFC, have been mentioned as possible destinations. Garrett’s contract includes significant cap hits over the next two seasons, which could complicate trade negotiations. 

The Browns’ front office has previously expressed a desire to retain Garrett for the long term. General Manager Andrew Berry recently stated, “I think you can assume that we do anticipate at some point doing a third contract with Myles. We want him to retire here.” It remains to be seen how the organization will respond to Garrett’s trade request and what this means for the future of the franchise. 

Garrett’s departure would mark the end of an era for the Browns’ defense and could significantly impact the team’s rebuilding efforts. As one of the premier defensive players in the league, his potential move is expected to be a major storyline in the upcoming NFL offseason.

Browns, NFL

Browns to be Featured on Hard Knocks

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Berea, Oh— The Cleveland Browns have been selected to be featured on the Emmy Award winning HBO show “Hard Knocks”.

A 30-person NFL Films crew will be in Browns training camp at team headquarters in Berea, Ohio shooting more than 2,000 hours of footage over the course of the series. Camera and sound crews will have unencumbered access to players’ and coaches’ meeting rooms, training rooms, living quarters and practice fields.

HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE CLEVELAND BROWNS will be filled with interesting story lines as they follow head coach Hue Jackson and his football team as they attempt to turn around the teams misfortunes, including an 0-16 record. Other storylines will include number one overall pick Baker Mayfield adjust to the NFL, wide receiver Josh Gordon and his continued return to the NFL after missing time to drug suspensions and putting his life back together, as well as the relationship between Jackson and GM John Dorsey.

“NFL Films has always been exceptional at bringing fans closer to the game and they do an outstanding job with every show they produce, including HBO’s Hard Knocks,” said Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam.  “We have been asked multiple times about being featured on Hard Knocks, and we really felt like it was our turn this year and the timing was right. We want to be great partners in this league, and we also recognize Hard Knocks gives fans a special opportunity to learn more about our team and players. Organizationally, we are confident about where we are headed, but we have a lot of work to do in order for this franchise to earn the respect of our fans on the field. We understand winning is ultimately most important to our fans. We’re looking forward to partnering with HBO and NFL Films to show how our team is working hard at training camp to prepare for the 2018 season.”

“I’ve been a part of Hard Knocks and when you experience it first hand, you come to appreciate the inside look it really gives fans,” said head coach Hue Jackson. “We are excited about what we are building within our organization and feel good about the progress we have made this offseason. Being able to bring our fans in so they can get to know our players and our organization in a different way will be a huge positive for us. I want people to see how much our players and coaches care, how hard they work and how badly they want to win for Cleveland. This will be a great opportunity for our team.”

“Like many, I was reluctant about being the featured team on Hard Knocks but once we sat down and talked about it as an organization, I feel a lot better and understand why the time is right,”  said general manager John Dorsey.  “Hue and I both feel like this team is in a good place and that we are in the process of building something that will lead to success. Being a part of Hard Knocks will give our fans the opportunity to see how passionate the people in our building are about winning and how excited we are about getting to work and preparing for the 2018 season.”

Narrated by Liev Schreiber, the show will debut Tuesday August 7 at 10 p.m. with new episodes debuting on subsequent Tuesdays until the finale on September 4.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Get Avery Under Contract

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The Cleveland Browns have signed LB Genard Avery.

Avery, a fifth-round pick out of Memphis, played in 50 career games, starting 34 of them. The 150th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft recorded 232 career tackles with 45.5 of them for a loss.

He is expected to be an immediate contributor on special teams and could work his way to a regular member of the Browns defense as well.

The Browns have now signed four of their 2018 draft picks, as Avery joins OT Austin Corbett (second round), WR Damion Ratley (sixth round), and CB Simeon Thomas (sixth round) as picks under contract.

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Browns Sign Three Draft Picks

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On the final day of rookie minicamp in Berea, the Cleveland Browns reached terms with three of their 2018 draft picks.

Tackle Austin Corbett, a second round pick out of Nevada, wide out Damion Ratley, a sixth round selection from Texas A&M, and cornerback Simeon Thomas, a sixth rounder from Louisiana-Lafayette all signed their first NFL contracts.

Corbett’s deal is worth about $7.5 million, while the pair of sixth rounders deals will be worth about $2.5 million.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Add 13 Undrafted Free Agents

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The Cleveland Browns have announced the signings of 13 undrafted free agents.

The list includes three wide outs, three offensive lineman, three defensive backs, two defensive lineman, a running back, as well as a punter.

The 13 rookies will join the rest of the teams rookies from the 2018 NFL Draft at rookie mini camp which runs from May 4-6.

The list of undrafted free agents can be found below.

Evan Berry

WR

5-11

202

11/4/95

Tennessee

Fairburn, Ga.

Elijah Campbell

DB

5-11

190

8/24/95

Northern Iowa

St. Paul, Minn.

Michael Carrizosa

P

5-10

227

9/18/95

San Jose State

Salinas, Calif.

Christian Dilauro

OL

6-6

300

11/11/94

Illinois

Uniontown, Ohio

Daniel Ekuale

DL

6-3

300

1/13/94

Washington State

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Micah Hannemann

DB

6-0

195

8/15/94

BYU

Alpine, Utah

Desmond Harrison

OL

6-6

295

10/8/93

West Georgia

Houston, Texas

Dontrell Hilliard

RB

5-11

202

2/26/95

Tulane

Baton Rouge, La.

Fred Lauina

OL

6-4

315

5/17/95

Oregon State

Nuuuli, American Samoa

Montrel Meander

DB

6-2

215

9/20/94

Grambling State

Amarillo, Texas

Da’Mari Scott

WR

6-0

205

8/8/95

Fresno State

Muskegon Heights, Mich.

Trenton Thompson

DL

6-3

288

7/27/96

Georgia

Albany, Ga.

Derrick Willies

WR

6-4

207

10/17/94

Texas Tech

San Bernadino, Calif.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Get Edge Rusher Thomas in 3rd Round

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DALLAS— After trading the 64th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to Indianapolis for the 67th and 178th in this years draft, the Cleveland Browns have chose Chad Thomas, and edge rusher from Miami, with the 67th pick.

Thomas, a 6’5″ and 277 pound athletic freak, has outstanding speed off the edge and shows excellent hand usage. He is a fairly raw prospect, with an inconsistent motor, so it will be up to the coaching staff to get the most out of Thomas.

In his senior season at Miami, he had 4.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. Expect him to be a situational pass rusher early on in Cleveland who can rush from inside or out.

The Browns next selection is in the 4th round.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Get Chubb at 35

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DALLAS— With the 35th selection in the 2018 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns added former Georgia Bulldogs star running back Nick Chubb.

Chubb, a 5’10” and 227 pound wrecking ball from Georgia, ran for 1547 yards in his freshman season including 266 in the Bulldogs bowl game. In 2015, Chubb suffered a terrible knee injury and played in only 6 games. He returned in 2016 but showed some rust and did not look like the same running back, yet still ran for 1130 yards and six scores.

By 2017, Chubb started to regain his superstar form as he averaged 6.0 yards per carry en route to a 15 score and 1345 yard season that ended in the national title game against Alabama.

The addition of Chubb, along with the free agent signing of former 49ers running back Carlos Hyde and the returning Duke Johnson, gives the Browns an extremely talented three headed monster at running back entering the 2018 season.

The Browns final choice of the second day of the draft is the 64th pick.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Add Corbett with 33rd Pick

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DALLAS— With the 33rd pick overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns selected Nevada offensive lineman Austin Corbett.

With the sudden retirement of future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, the Browns signed former Steelers tackle Chris Hubbard in free agency and moved last years starter at right tackle to the other side of the line. With the addition of the 6’4″ and 306 pound Corbett, it gives the Browns another option on the left side.

Corbett trains in the offseason with Browns left guard Joel Bitonio and will now join him on a very solid offensive line in Cleveland.

The Browns next selection is 35th overall.

Browns, Draft, NFL

2018 NFL Draft: Top 10 Available on Day Two

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After selecting Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick and Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the fourth overall pick on day one of the draft, the Cleveland Browns enter day two of the draft with picks 33,35, and 64 in the second round. They do not have a third round pick after trading it to Buffalo for Tyrod Taylor.

With that being said, here are my 10 best players remaining on day two of the draft:

  1. EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College
  2. RB Derrius Guice, LSU
  3. DT Maurice Hurst, Michigan
  4. OT Connor Williams, Texas
  5. CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
  6. TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
  7. G Will Hernandez, UTEP
  8. RB Ronald Jones II, USC
  9. C James Daniels, Iowa
  10. EDGE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Select Denzel Ward with Fourth Pick

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DALLAS— With the fourth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns selected Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward.

Ward, a native of Macedonia, Ohio recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions for the Buckeyes in 2017. Seen by many as the top press corner in this years draft, Ward will be an instant starter in the Browns revamped secondary.

At 5’10” and 185 pounds, Ward ran a 4.32 yard 40-yard dash at this years combine. Ward is physical, athletic, and is excellent at not allowing receivers to get separation in routes.

On a team that has not had a shutdown corner since Joe Haden was healthy a few years ago, Ward will be a welcome addition.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Make Baker the Number One Pick

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DALLAS— With the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns have selected Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The 6’1″ 215 pound Mayfield, who went from walk on to Heisman trophy winner during his time in Norman, is the most accurate quarterback in this draft class. He completed 70.6% of his passes in his senior season while throwing for 43 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He also set the NCAA single season passing efficiency rating with a 198.90 mark while leading the Sooners to the Rose Bowl.

Outside of all of the stats, Mayfield excels as a leader on the field and lifts the play of those around him and that is exactly what GM John Dorsey hopes that he will do as a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Other than his size, the downside to Mayfield is that some question his maturity and attitude. He was arrested on February 25, 2017 and was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, fleeing and resisting arrest. However, for Dorsey and the Browns to select him number one overall, they clearly can see past his old mistakes.

The Browns next selection is the fourth overall selection in the first round which they received from Houston in the Deshaun Watson trade during the 2017 NFL Draft.

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