Ray Rice to Cleveland?

[MJAlltheWay24]

They were teasing it on Mike & Mike this morning but I didn't get to hear what they said about it.

[Godot]

Cleveland have discussed signing Ray Rice, Mike Pettine says

[NKY Bandit]

The only advantage I can see to taking an older vet over a fresh, young rookie is in the pass game. The vet should be able to pass block and diagnose blitzes better than your average rookie. His #'s were on the decline in Baltimore and two more years most likely won't make him significantly faster.

[uk#1fan]

The Browns are banged up at RB.

[theguru]

I would like to see Rice get another chance.

[NKY Bandit]

Not really opposed to a second chance. I believe that he'll get one if the football skills dictate that he should get one. That elevator video is a lot to overcome so the guy has to be a difference maker, IMO, and I thing those days are long over for Ray.

[ggclfan]

I would like to see Rice get another chance.

 

I agree. I actually think Rice is a decent guy who just did a really bad thing. Everything he has done before and since (at least what we can see) indicates he is a good guy. There are a lot of guys IMO playing in the NFL who are worse than him. That being said...he has to prove he can still play...

[theguru]

I agree. I actually think Rice is a decent guy who just did a really bad thing. Everything he has done before and since (at least what we can see) indicate he is a good guy. There are a lot of guys IMO playing in the NFL that are worse than him. That being said...he has to prove he can still play...

 

Agree on all counts. We all make mistakes. I know that one is inexcusable to many but either way he deserves another chance.

[oldgrappler]

There is an article on the Cleveland PD web site this morning explaining why they aren't going to take Rice. Has to do with diminished skills rather than assault and battery on his then-girlfriend.

 

This story is being bandied about for 2 reasons. 1. Cleveland Running Backs coach Wilbert Montgomery coached Rice for 6 seasons, four of which he gained better than 1,000 yards. Mike Pettine was also in Baltimore for a season at the same time as Rice. The suggestion the two may want to work together again is natural.

 

2. Montgomery called out the Brown's Running Backs and said it didn't look like anyone wanted to be the "go to" guy. He is upset with some for the shape they came into camp and that they aren't showing him the little things that indicate they are hungry. He said they are young and could use a veteran presence. If you look around right now, there's not much available, hence Rice is mentioned.

 

Pettine admitted to SI that Rice's name had been mentioned as they look at things but that they "aren't there yet." Meaning, every team keeps an eye out for talent all the time, esp. this time of year, and of course you have to at least acknowledge Rice is available. Doesn't mean the discussion goes further. When asked what impact Rice's recent issues would have on decision, Pettine said, "Why ask the question if the need never presents itself." In other words, they really haven't given Rice enough of a thought to even consider the baggage he brings and its impact on the locker room or the fans.

 

If Cleveland did pick up Rice, the first person who would meet him in the locker room would be DT Phil Taylor who said Rice spit in his face on the field. That was the reason Taylor gave for slappin' Rice upside the helmet.

 

I don't think there is much of a story here, yet.

[PurplePride92]

If he is good enough someone will give him a chance. I'm not sold he is good enough. If this happened 3-4 years ago he'd already be on a team by now. We'll see.

[98NCCalum]

The fact that he hasn't even been called by anyone to come in and work out is a travesty

[Blue Magic]

^ RBs are a dime a dozen and he wasn't that good 2 seasons ago. I'm not even a little bit surprised.