oldgrappler

Springfield, MO; Indianapolis; Fort Wayne. These guesses are between 200-300 miles too far west.

After Disciplinary Officer, Sue Robinson, decides the punishment, The NFL Players Association or the NFL could appeal the decision to Commissioner Roger Goodell, whose decision would then be final. The NFL has recommended an indefinite suspension of at least one year. If this is what occurs, Watson could ask for reinstatement after the season. An indefinite suspension is better for the Browns than a decision to suspend Watson for 17 games. The indefinite suspension means the clock on Watson's contract would not start until 2023, so the Browns would have Watson on contract through the 2027 season. Robinson's decision is expected in a day or two. If Watson is out for the entire season, the Browns will add another QB to the roster. Read the article by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com

Cute kid, PP1. You are blessed. He also is blessed to have a parent who is on top of it and builds into his life. What, would you say, has been the single best resource for making you aware of autism and how those who are close to someone with autism can be a positive influence? (Sorry I'm late to see this)

You know, this headline kinda scared me for a moment. Glad it was about his birthday. I enjoy reading his posts.

When asked by Dan Patrick for an opinion on what Watson's punishment may be, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk said he heard that the NFL Players Association is bracing for something "unprecedented." Cleveland sports journalists are expecting an announcement by the NFL in the first or second week of July.

Yes. Reporter Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com thinks this is good news for Cleveland in that it removes the worst case scenario from the table. Worst case would have been for the league to place Watson on paid leave for 2022 and await the civil court ruling on the 24 suits. That could have meant that Watson would be out for the entire 2022 season and then face a partial or full suspension in the 2023 season. Pluto thinks the settlement of 20 of the 24 suits will mean that whatever the NFL does now will be held to the 2022 season, unless they slap him with a multi-year suspension which Pluto thinks is unlikely. Pluto believes settling the 20 cases puts some financial parameters on the 4 remaining cases. Pluto, by the way, was vocal about the Browns not trading for Watson when the possible trade was first reported.

1. Otto Graham: 10 seasons played, 10 championship games, 7 championship games won. Graham had his team in the championship game 100% of the seasons he played and won the championship 70% of seasons played. 2. Tom Brady: 22 seasons, 10 championship games, 7 championships won. 45% and 32%. 3. Joe Montana 4. Johnny Unitas 5. Peyton Manning

The bolded.

I am completely in agreement with all that you say about the sleaze of this and I am very disappointed in my Browns for pursuing DeShaun Watson and landing him. But I don't know where you all are getting your information about the contract being iron-clad. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported June 10: "The Browns do have typical club protection in the five-year deal — and extra protection as first reported in April by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk — that would enable them to void the contract in the event actions take place after it was signed, or actions from beforehand that come to light that would prevent him from fulfilling his duties." See full article at: Watson Contract And here is a bit of the article by Mike Florio of Profootball Talk on Apr 8 cited by Mary Kay Cabot: "If Watson admits to having sexual encounters with any, some, or all of those 18 women, could that get him suspended, regardless of the outcome of the investigation regarding the 22 massage therapists who accuse him of wrongdoing? The Commissioner could decide that Watson should miss games without pay as part of the effort to intervene and to resolve the behaviors that resulted in Watson repeatedly (if the evidence supports that conclusion) using massage sessions as cover for the solicitation of prostitution. If that occurs, and if that specific wrinkle hasn’t been included in the written disclosure mentioned in Watson’s contract, the Browns possibly would be able to void his guarantees and/or to recover a portion of his signing bonus, if it so chooses. Finally, the contract presumes that Watson will be suspended in 2022 or 2023. For any suspension imposed after 2023, the default language would apply, no matter what." Full article here: Mike Florio on Watson Contract And I recall Browns' GM, Andrew Berry, being asked point blank about the nature of the guaranteed contract. He responded that the contract contained the "typical club protections." Florio claimed to have seen the contract and confirmed those protections were there. So, it appears, if surprises develop in the Watson saga, the Browns will not have to fully pay his guaranteed contract, as the contract included protections for such an eventuality.

4. Inaugural coach and front office accelerator program. Each team sends two representatives to Atlanta for two days of networking, leadership development, and training in the business aspects of the league. "The program will provide senior women and minority prospects with leadership development sessions as well as networking opportunities. The effort is designed to continue building a diverse hiring pipeline for future head coach and general manager positions throughout the league." In addition, they "engage in candid discussions on how to take the next step in becoming a Head Coach or front office executive." Cleveland's GM, Andrew Berry, has a vision for the Browns to become like "a farm system for the NFL," meaning they hire and develop women and minorities who will probably end up in other organizations as they move up the ladder when opportunities become available. That's a little more than lipstick. You can criticize, complain, and lament the shortage of minorities in meaningful coaching and front office positions, or you can do something to change it. Cleveland, for one, is taking steps to change their own organization and impact the rest of the NFL. Here's a link to the full article on Cleveland.com: Coach Accelerator Program

There are often discussions on this forum about the lack of diversity in the NFL among coaches, owners, QBs, etc. Here's some of what the NFL or NFL teams are doing to address this issue. 1. Bill Willis Coaching Fellowship -- Hall of Famer, Bill Willis, played with the Browns from 1946-53. Willis, along with the Browns' Marion Motley ('46-'55), was among the first African-Americans to re-integrate professional football during the modern era. Israel Woolfork, is the Fellowship recipient for the Browns this year and will be working with QBs. This is a fellowship created by the Browns and given to rising minority coaches on the offensive side of the ball. “We created the Bill Willis Fellowship to help address an issue in our league that we all need to do our part to impact,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said in the press release. “(Executive Vice President of Football Ops and GM) Andrew (Berry) and I have tried to be very intentional about adding diverse perspectives to both the coaching and personnel side of our organization. Historically, there has not been enough diversity on the offensive side of the ball and specifically in the quarterback room. Woolfork, 31, has spent that last 8 years on staff at Miami University (Ohio). 2. Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship is an opportunity each NFL team offers during offseason programs. Woolfork received this fellowship during the 2021 offseason with the Browns. 3. John B. Wooten Award is presented by the Fritz Pollard Alliance. The award honors NFL teams that embody workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion across the hierarchy of the organization. The Browns were the first recipients of this award given out during Super Bowl week 2022. The organization was recognized for inclusion of minorities and women within the organization. John Wooten was a two-time Pro Bowler for the Browns across 9 seasons ('59-'67), opening holes on the OL for Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Ernie Green. Wooten also was a longtime executive in the NFL and was the first Chairman of the Alliance and its Executive Director until he retired in 2019. Pollard signed to play for the Akron Pros of the American Professions Football Association in 1920 becoming their coach in 1921. The APFA became the NFL in 1922 making Pollard the first African-American coach in the NFL. These are a few things that the NFL is doing to make a positive impact on diversity within the NFL. A. What other positive steps are being taken to promote diversity by the NFL, its franchises, or organizations associated with the NFL or its players? B. What are your reactions to this?

I felt sick when I heard it.

I've been out of town all week and away from all media. This is the first I heard about it. I did a quick search and found only abbreviated discussions of it. I read an article on SI.com about an anonymous report from a masseuse who is not among the 22 accusers. Key word there is anonymous, but if true, very troubling. All of it is really seedy and disgusting.

It could be that no team trades for him so he sits out of training camp and preseason forcing Cleveland to cut him just before the season begins, then he will have several teams come calling since they won't be on the leash for his 18.8 million dollar guaranteed contract.

The second grand jury refused to indict Watson wo claimed at his introductory press conference in Cleveland that he is innocent of all charges. He never assaulted or disrespected any woman. @theguru It is the highest guaranteed money ever--$230 million. Aaron Rogers is second at $150.8 million. There is no mystery as to why Watson chose Cleveland over the other 3 teams even though he said they were out of the running. 🥴

A second grand jury in a separate Texas county is considering whether to indict Watson. His attorney said it is not a new charge but is related to one of the 22 cases already heard. A decision by the grand jury is expected by Thursday or Friday.

You've got to see this cartoon at Cleveland.com: https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2022/03/browns-mayfield-is-virtually-last-qb-standing-after-trade-flurry-crowquill.html

Dee Haslem, co-owner of the Browns, is a member of the Player Conduct Committee. I don't know how much that will effect the number of games Watson will be suspended but I think the Browns are willing to put up with about any number this season. They are looking at Watson as a long-term, top-tier franchise QB. If they have to sacrifice this season to achieve that, I think they are willing.

Carolina?

I think Mayfield for a couple of reasons. He's younger by 4 years and his shoulder surgery is on his non-throwing arm whereas Garoppolo's surgery is on his right shoulder, which is his throwing shoulder. He won't be able to throw until late June. And then you have to hope everything goes right for him to be able to begin the season. Someone mentioned Mayfield's TD to INT ratio. One of the main reasons he was drafted is because of his accuracy (along with his fire). He had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. Officially, he had 27 TDs and 14 INTs. But midway in his rookie season, Hue Jackson was fired and Kenny Kitchens was calling plays and there was magic between the two of them for the latter part of that season, and Mayfield's production went up. Then, Kitchens was promoted to HC, which was over his head. He did not retain Ken Zampese as QB coach. Zampese was a key reason for Mayfield's success. Ryan Lindley took over as QB coach and didn't seem up for the job. 2019 was an horrendous year, but Kenny Kitchens should get a lot of that blame. The stout line he had in 2018 also was shaken up with Zeitler being traded and his replacement was not stellar. Beckham and Landry both played with injuries the entire season, WR Higgins was lost early in the season due to injuries and TE Njoku was injured in week two. 2020 was a new coach and the Browns went 11-5, nearly made the AFC Championship game, and Mayfield threw 26 TDs with only 8 INTs. When the front office and coaching sides of the ball are not in turmoil, and when he is healthy, Mayfield is a top 15 QB with a lot of competitive fire and accurate throwing arm. People see the bad with Mayfield but do not understand all that surrounded it. I still see the potential and that is why I would prefer Mayfield over Garoppolo and I prefer Mayfield over Watson with all his baggage.

@ColonelMike Thanks for the perspective. At least for Baker Mayfield, it is his non-throwing shoulder.

Haha. Nope you didn't miss it. The Brian Sipe years were fun, Cardiac Kids years. Gary Danielson was a place-holder between Brian Sipe and Bernie Kosar. He did offer some valuable tutelage to Kosar, though Kosar was such a smart guy he would have figured it all out any way. Danielson just sped up the process. The only Brown's QB in the HoF is Otto Graham, but that's one heck of a representation. Though no other Hof-ers, we did have some other QBs who were winners. Frank Ryan comes to mind and is the last QB to lead a Brown's team to the NFL Championship ('64). Bernie Kosar was another winner. If only Lindy Infante hadn't left to become HC at Green Bay. He knew how to get the most out of Kosar and the offense around him as Offensive Coordinator. Kosar ran like a duck and had an unorthodox throwing motion, but he could win and that is the truest mark of a great QB. In spite of that throwing motion, Kosar was the most accurate passer you'll see. I've never seen anybody whose deep passes were more on the money than Kosar.

I actually agree with everything you say here. I would have preferred to keep Mayfield and not trade for Watson. I wanted to see what he could do with this team when healthy. Came very close to leading us to the AFC Championship game in 2020. Mayfield is the best QB we've had since 1999. I don't think 2021 should be held against him because it was an injury year. I don't think people understand how much pain a torn labrum cause with almost any upper body motion. It definitely effected his play. I think he deserves credit for toughing it out. I hope he does get a fair shake with another team and is able to play at the top of his ability. I still think he is a top 15 QB with particular skills that can get a team to a Super Bowl when healthy and a good supporting cast. But man, the AFC is loaded with exceptional QB talent. Mayfield was not helped by a revolving door at HC and then when Stefanski seemed to bring stability, he got this stupid injury. Now, the Browns have found another dance partner with quite a few more moves. So, Mayfield's agent needs to find him an advantageous situation.

Hall of Fame. Otto Graham. Best QB ever.

Now let me answer your question a little more specifically. Scott Patsko of Cleveland.com addressed this very question. He pointed out that Houston ran a very different offense than that run by the Browns under Stefanski. However, Watson is mobile and Mayfield seemed to do better in this offense when he was mobile. The Browns ran a lot of play action while Houston did not. But in Watson's rookie season, Houston did run more play action and Watson performed well. His completion percentage goes down slightly when using play action but not enough to notice. Huston runs a lot of 3-WR sets. Cleveland does not. Cleveland uses a lot of 3-TE sets. Houston did use a lot of 2-TE sets so this should translate to Cleveland. And with Austin Hooper gone, I don't know if Cleveland will have three TEs on the field as often as they have the last two years. Watson's completion percentage has been over 67% and this bodes well in a ball control offense. With threat of Chubb and Hunt, and Watsons ability, I believe there will be more opportunities down field with Watson and I expect there to be more chunk plays added to what Stefanski had for Mayfield. I think Stefanski is going to enjoy scheming for the skills Watson brings. Here is a link the Cleveland.com article for who may be interested: Watson in Stefanski Offense?