From: mocnik@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro
Subject: Browns News - Aug 21st
Date: 21 Aug 92 08:07:05 EST

Browns News - Aug 21st

The Browns play the Vikings on Monday at Cleveland Stadium. Many of the
regulars are expected to see a lot of action. Bernie is scheduled for
3 quarters of work, but I feel he will only play the first half. Likewise
many borderline players should be getting a lot of work, with cut day
on the following day. The Vikings have yet to allow a touchdown in their
first 2 games, so this should be an interesting game to see if our
"non-existent" offense can wake up. 

1. Frank Minnifield is back in the hospital after his problem reappeared.
   (Blood in his urine). The doctors are baffled because the problem exits
   for a couple of days then goes away, only to reappear again. Belichick
   says, Frank has missed a lot of practice time and as of right now
   probably won't be ready for the season opener.

2. Mike Baab was released. Chris Thome is the new starter. The Browns have
   been hoping to replace Mike this season. They were not happy with his
   performance late last season and have been looking at a lot of players. 
   Mike was the glue of the line back in the mid-1980's, but he was never
   a powerful blocker. In Belichick's system a POWER blocker is a must.
   Let's pray that lightning doesn't strike twice on this one, if you
   know what I mean. [Remember when Mike was traded to New England. In
   the first game after the trade, Bernie was blindsided and injured his
   elbow. Bernie was unable to play for most of the season. Bernie and
   the offensive line haven't been the same since. ]

3. Scott Galbraith is still holding out. The Browns reduced their latest offer
   which has upset Scott's agent. No additional talks are going on. With Bavaro
   and Holohan, the Browns feel they don't need Scott. I agree.

4. Webster Slaughter's agent says he is waiting for the Browns to call, so
   they can start negotiations. The Browns say, Webster's agent promised he
   would call back with a proposal. The Browns say the promise was made in
   July. Meanwhile both sides wait by their phones. Also Webster's agent
   stated he is waiting for news from Minneapolis on the trial, such
   that he feels the verdict will have a big bearing on the contract.
   [ The trial is going into recess next week again, a vedict could be a
     couple of weeks away, plus with the appeals, a final verdict will take
     years. This assumes there is no out-of-court settlement. ]
  Don't expect a contract soon.

5. Eric Metcalf is still holding out too. No news on the negotiations.

6. The Browns traded for a backup Quarterback. Brad Goebel (pronounced gayble)
   was picked up from the Eagles. Brad was one of six Eagles QB's in camp.
   The Browns gave up what is believed to be an 11th round 1993 pick. Brad
   started a few games for the Eagles last season, when Randall and McMahon
   went down. [Obviously the Browns are concerned about Todd Philcox's
   performance and must not be too happy with Jeff Francis either. As I have
   stated before, I have not liked Todd's performance either and I welcome
   the addition of Brad. ]

7. Lynn James is practicing again, but he still has headaches from time to
   time. He may be able to play Monday.

8. Michael Dean Perry jogged for the first time the other day and reported 
   no pain. MDP is still atleast a week away from practicing, and may miss
   the season opener. But that's a little pessimistic on my part, we'll see.

9. Leroy Hoard has been riding the stationary bike, but still cannot run. He
   also may miss the season opener.

10. Cut day is Tuesday. All NFL teams must get to 60 at that time. 20 players
   must go. This cut isn't too difficult. It's the next one that hurts.

11. John Bosa, the former Dolphin, retired. He says his knees couldn't take
    the pounding. John was in camp for a week and played a little last week.

12. In my Monday posting, I will list the current roster with comments on how
    the players have performed so far. The roster currently stands at 80.

Have a good weekend,

Don Mocnik

GO-O-O-O-O BROWNS!!!!!!


Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro