Weeden, the 22nd overall pick out of Oklahoma State, would complete three of nine passes for 62 yards, toss one interception and lose one fumble in a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions.

The former Oklahoma State standout would also be sacked once.

In finishing his first-ever NFL start with a QB rating of 19.0, Weeden’s so-so outing against the Lion’s vaunted “wide-nine” pass rush should be dismissed entirely.

While there are some in the school of thought that feel that former starter Colt McCoy, who would have a better stat line in completing six of eight passes for 88 yards and lead the Browns to a field goal, McCoy is a second—or even a third-string—back-up at this point in his NFL career.

Weeden throws a better deep ball and has more velocity on his passes, while McCoy has more mobility and is a threat to scramble. Weeden’s arm strength and ability to throw downfield is the reason why he is the Browns starting quarterback.

To compare a rookie in his first start against a third-year quarterback facing second-stringers is not only foolish but completely unfair to both quarterbacks

While McCoy would put up some respectable numbers, he would also show the same tendencies of leaving the pocket too early and putting his receivers in harm’s way, such as his 42-yard completion to tight end Jordan Cameron.

Cameron would leave the game with a lower back injury.

In comparing McCoy and Weeden, one must consider the fact that many of Detroit’s players that McCoy was facing were players who may never play a down in the NFL.

If McCoy would have hypothetically led the Browns downfield to a touchdown against the Lions first-team, then there may be reason to discuss why McCoy should start over Weeden.

In reality though, McCoy does not give the Browns the vertical ability to attack downfield in the passing game the way Weeden does, such as Weeden’s 34-yard completion to Travis Benjamin would demonstrate.

Fans calling for McCoy to start over Weeden need to take an objective and un-bias look at both McCoy and Weeden first and stop over-reacting to the tentative play of a rookie quarterback in Weeden.

Before criticizing Weeden, who only play a total of three series, McCoy apologists should as themselves, would he have done better?

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76

Benjamin, a 5’11, 175-pound wide receiver drafted 100th overall in the fourth round out of the University of Miami (FL), his blazing 4.36 speed was evident during the Cleveland Browns 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Benjamin would have two catches for 46 yards on three targets—highlighted by a 34-yard over-the-shoulder grab down the left sideline from quarterback Brandon Weeden.

The former Hurricane would also display his versatility on special teams by returning two kicks for 55 yards.

While Benjamin would make a strong case for the No. 3 wide receiver spot opposite Greg Little and Mohamed Massaqoui, fellow rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon did not help himself.

Gordon, whom the Browns would use a 2013 second round pick on in the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft, would show that he is still a work in progress, and raw at best.

The 6’4, 220-pound former Baylor standout would have zero receptions on three targets.

Benjamin’s solid performance, in addition to Gordon’s lackadaisical effort, gives Benjamin an inside track to start over Gordon.

It also causes many to ask what happened to the player who was once said to be the second coming of Randy Moss?

While it is only pre-season, one cannot help but wonder if Gordon is the by-product of media hype and fan speculation.

During the game, he would show bad footwork, difficulty getting off the line and the ability to gain separation. Gordon would also show an inability to run a tight route, which may be cause for some concern.

Gordon would also show that from a mental standpoint that he is not in “game shape”.

In defense of Gordon,what may be the case is that due to his off-the-field issues with marijuana, he is a project at best. Being out for the entire 2011 season is another factor that may slow his development into a NFL-ready receiver.

While he has the physical tools and talent, Gordon will have to show immediate improvement on the road against the Green Bay Packers.

With the recent head injury to Massaqoui, Benjamin and Gordon both have a chance to make an impact and contribute to the Browns offense in 2012-13.

If Friday’s game against the Lions is any early indication, it would not surprise anyone if Benjamin secures the No. 3 wide receiver slot in Cleveland.

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76

Thanks to a sloppy first-half in which the Browns would commit eight penalties, turn the football over twice, four injuries and one field goal, the first-team offense would struggle move the ball in a 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions.

The first-team offense resembled last year’s inept unit, thanks to the same—and predictable—subpar play-calling. The run defense still managed to look like a sieve as they would get gashed by the likes of Kevin Smith.

For the game, Cleveland would give up close to 200 yards—198—in a pre-season game. For a team that will face the likes of AFC North heavyweights, Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the regular season, that is simply unacceptable

If first impressions mean anything, the Browns so-called” West Coast offense” looked more like East Coast custard.

First round draft pick, quarterback Brandon Weeden would struggle in first ever NFL start by going 3-of-9 for 62 yards, one interception and one fumble lost.

Weeden, the 22nd overall pick out of Oklahoma State, would fumble—and be sacked—by defensive end, Willie Young. Young would also recover the ball for the Lions.

Moments later, Weeden would be intercepted Lions cornerback Dwight Bentley on a pass intended for wide receiver Greg Little in the first quarter.

Welcome to the league, Weeden.

Despite a so-so debut, Weeden would show that he can give the Browns offense a much-needed vertical boost, as he would complete his first-ever NFL completion to wide receiver Mohamed Massaqoui for 12 yards.  After a three-yard run by running back, Montario Hardesty, Weeden would connect with rookie wide receiver Travis Benjamin on a 34-yard completion down the left sideline two plays later.

Benjamin, the 5’10 speedster out of Miami(FL), would finish with two catches for 46 yards.

Second-year tight end, Jordan Cameron would continue his strong play in training camp by catching two passes for 58 yards.  Currently projected as the No.2 tight end on the official depth chart opposite starter Benjamin Watson, Cameron would haul in a 42-yard pass from second-string quarterback Colt McCoy before leaving the game with a lower back injury.

The Browns bad luck with injuries would continue as Massaqoui would leave with a head injury, the fore-mentioned Cameron would injure his back, cornerback Dmitri Patterson would injure his ankle and defensive tackle Scott Paxson would injure to his knee.

Cleveland, who is already without starters on defense Phil Taylor(pectoral), Scott Fujita(suspension) and Chris Gocong(Achilles tendon) can ill afford any more injuries.  With starting cornerback, Joe Haden facing a possible four-game suspension a failed drug test for his use of Adderall, 2012 looks to be another long season for the Browns.

If there was a bright spot for the Browns was the competition for the number two quarterback spot behind Weeden between McCoy and Seneca Wallace.  McCoy, who would start 11 games for the Browns in 2011-12, would lead the Browns to a field-goal in the second quarter. McCoy would finish 6-of-8 for 88 yards, no interceptions and a QB rating of 110.4

Wallace, who would play five games in place of the injured McCoy, would finish 7-of-13 for 86 yards, no interceptions and a QB rating of 100.2

Wallace would toss a 12-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end/fullback Brad Smelley at 8:22 in the third quarter.

With the need of a quality backup for teams such as the Arizona Cardinals—who would see starter Kevin Kolb suffer a rib contusion—it may be wise for the Browns to move McCoy while he still has some value, due to his knowledge and experience in the West Coast offense.

And to also eliminate any distraction of a possible quarterback change—and another quarterback controversy—if Weeden were to struggle.

In the case of Weeden and his shaky debut, it may not have been pretty, as there was some rough patches, but in the case of the Browns new look offense, call it a case of growing pains.

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76

According to Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, cornerback Joe Haden is facing a possible four-game suspension for a failed drug test.

Haden, the seventh overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, would test positive for the drug, Adderall, which is used to treat symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

A second test can be run off of Haden’s original sample, and if that test comes back positive, Cleveland could lose it’s top defensive back for the first four games of the season, per NFL performance-enhancing drugs policy.

If Haden is able to prove that he has a prescription for Adderall , then the NFL cannot punish him, as it would be a prescribed drug.

Haden’s four-game suspension could prove costly as the Browns will face Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, who have strong-armed quarterbacks in Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco and the Ryan Fitzpatrick-led Buffalo Bills.

Cleveland running back, Trent Richardson, the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, is en route to Pensacola, Florida to see world-renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, Thursday.

For many sports fans, anytime a player has to go see Dr. Andrews in regards to an injury, is not a good sign. Considering the Browns history of random and unexpected injuries to players, the possible loss of Richardson—in addition to linebacker, Chris Gocong to a torn Achilles tendon and Haden for the first four games of the season—would be devastating for a franchise that was beginning to show signs of heading in the right direction.

Richardson, who would be held out of training camp, will get a through evaluation on his ailing left knee, and as a precaution, will not play against the Detroit Lions, Friday, August 10.

Cleveland, who would draft Richardson, was hoping to see the former Alabama standout in action against the Lions.

With Richardson most likely to be unavailable, the Browns will now have to go with a combination of running backs Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya.

Hopefully, for both the Browns and their tortured—yet loyal—fanbase that is used to sudden injuries and tough luck, that Richardson’s soreness in his knee is not another example of the self-proclaimed “Cleveland sports curse”

As they say in Northeast Ohio, Only in Cleveland!

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76

It is well known that team president Mike Holmgren likes to name him starting QB as early in camp as possible so that the team can focus with the named starter under center with the first group.

I think the Browns made a great decision because I didn’t think that McCoy would ever be a great NFL quarterback and Weeden is already 28 and I feel he can step right in and be as good as McCoy from the first game. Weeden was drafted out of Oklahoma State University with a 1st-round selection in this year’s draft. Oklahoma State has a very prolific offense that should be similar to a pro style offense and allow Weeden to be somewhat comfortable right away.

It’s very simple; if you have a guy who is as good as the other guy and has a higher ceiling and more potential, then that is the guy you should start. In my mind Weeden gives you a better chance to win now and more potential to be better down the road.

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Former Philadelphia Eagles president, Joe Banner is rumored to be part of Haslam’s new management team and replace Holmgren as team president.

Banner, who would be Eagles president from 1995 to 2012, was an integral part of the Eagles run to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl.

More of a money-cap manager, Banner was the reason behind the surprise release of popular defensive back, Brian Dawkins, which would alienate Philadelphia’s vocal and rabid fan base.

Banner also reportedly in the middle of a power struggle with Eagles head coach and executive vice president of football operations, Andy Reid, which would lead to Banner’s abrupt departure from the team, his real role in the Eagles front office is much disputed.

Eagles Central writer for Rant Sports, Bryn Swartz would state in regards to Banner, “Joe Banner is an extremely intelligent man who is concerned with the business aspect of football but not the personal side.

You look at the Eagles’ habit of letting veteran stars walk through free agency (Brian Dawkins is the biggest example) and I believe that is Banner’s doing.

I liked his intelligence but I wasn’t a fan of him as a person. From a football standpoint though, he’ll do well in Cleveland. I’m sure he’ll have them as a contender in a few years. He’s reunited with Tom Heckert as well, and that’ll definitely help.”

Under Holmgren, the Browns have gone 9-23 and thanks to three solid drafts which would include Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Phil Taylor, Greg Little, Travis Benjamin and Mitchell Schwartz, appear to be turning the corner.

If Haslam III decides to go in a different direction under Banner, all signs point to a Eagles front-office re-union in Cleveland.

Banner worked alongside current Browns general manager—and former vice president of player of personnel, Tom Heckert from 2001-09.

Current Browns head coach, Pat Shurmur coached quarterbacks and tight ends coach under Banner from 1999 until 2009.

Whichever way, if Cleveland hopes to become a true contender again, there must be continuity in the front-office first, before one sees stability and results on the field.

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76

Gocong, who would tear his right Achilles tendon in training camp Saturday, would be carted off the field, will have season-ending surgery as early as Monday.  With the loss of Gocong, rookie linebackers James-Michael Johnson and Emmanuel Acho will vie for Gocong’s weak-side “Will” linebacker spot.

Cleveland, who was already going to be without starter Scott Fujita due to his—alleged—involvement in the New Orleans Saints pay-per-play performance program, “Bountygate”, is projected to have a starting lineup of Kaluka Maiava, D’Qwell Jackson and the fore-mentioned Johnson.

Tight end Evan Moore returned to the field Thursday after missing a week of training camp due to a undisclosed non-football related injury.  Moore, who would tie for the team lead in touchdown receptions with four, would play in all 16 games for the first time in his career.

The former Stanford standout would set a career high in both catches (34) and yards receiving (324).

At 6’6 and 250 pounds and great hands, Moore has the potential to become a prolific weapon in the red-zone for the Browns offense in 2012-13—provided that he can manage stay on the field.  With his ability to split out and play wide receiver and tight end, Moore’s versatility is a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses.

Due to missing time in training camp, Moore is getting a strong push from second-year tight end, Jordan Cameron for the No.2 tight end spot opposite starter, Benjamin Watson.  Cameron, a 6’5, 245-pound former basketball player out of USC, has been impressive in training camp by showing his unique blend of athleticism, speed and good hands.

With the good training camp that Cameron has had, along with strong showings from Dan Gronkowski and rookie fullback/tight end Brad Smelley, it appears that Moore has some catching up to do.

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76

Gocong injured himself defending a touchdown pass in practice. He immediately went down in pain grabbing his lower leg in the endzone. Gocong did not make contact with any other player during the play.

The Browns will now have to look elsewhere to try and find a defensive replacement for Gocong. How are the Browns going to be able to replace the man that was supposed to replace Fujita? Gocong recorded 67 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and three forced fumbles last season.

Once Gocong left the field, he was rotated out by rookie James-Michael Johnson and Kaluka Maiava. Undrafted rookies L.J. Fort and Craig Robertson also received more practice time at the linebacker position.

Head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters:

“We have enough veteran guys around here and quite frankly, anybody that’s come to our team has played enough football where they’ve seen injuries happen. As I mentioned, it’s the unintended consequence of this game. I thought they bounced back fine.

I don’t want an injury at any position, so we’ll just keep moving ahead. We’ll find out what’s wrong with Chris; we’ll find out how long he’ll be out and then, we’ll keep moving forward. Nothing can stop the train. We’ve got to keep going.”

We will see who will earn Gocong’s spot at the beginning of the season.

You can follow Ryan Gaydos on Twitter.

Although nothing has been confirmed as of yet, it’s believed that Gocong might have torn his Achilles tendon. If that’s the case, the Browns’ starting weak-side linebacker could be spending the entire 2012 season watching from the sidelines.

In hopes of pinpointing the issue, Gocong will undergo an MRI on Saturday afternoon. Until that MRI, his 2012 campaign remains in limbo.

If Gocong’s Achilles tendon is torn and his season has come to a premature end, the Browns will be forced to go with rookie James Michael-Johnson on the weak-side with the regular season just around the corner.

A fourth-round pick out of Nevada, Michael-Johnson has been battling relentlessly with fellow linebacker Kaluka Maiava for the Browns’ starting strong-side linebacker spot. Although Maiava was in the lead to land the spot, it appears that both linebackers might now be in line for starting gigs.

With starting linebacker Scott Fujita facing a suspension to start the season, the Browns are in desperate need of help among their linebacking corps. That latest setback, however, isn’t going to help them avoid coming in 30^th in the league in run defense like they did in 2011.

The Browns’ offense is looking much better this season assuming that rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden can play up to expectations. Their defense, however, continues to downgrade as injuries and off-field issues pile up.

Make sure to follow Gil Alcaraz IV on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

Haslam III, who was a minority investor in the arch-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, will acquire the majority shares of outgoing owner, Randy Lerner for $700 million in the first phase of the deal, and in the second phase pay the remaining $300 million.

The eight-time NFL and AAFC champion Browns would be ranked the 30th most valuable franchise in all of sports by Forbes Magazine with a value at $977 million.

Since their return to the NFL in 1999, the Browns are 68-140, and under Lerner’s ownership—who would inherit the Browns from his late father, Al in 2002—have gone 56-104, two winning seasons—9-7 in 2002 and 10-6 in 2007 and make the playoffs once.

Cleveland would lose to Pittsburgh, 36-33 in the 2002 AFC Wild Card Game at Heinz Field.

One may wonder why a shrewd businessman such as Haslam III would want to buy a team—that may be overvalued to some—and as mediocre as the Browns, the answer may lie in the occupiers of Cleveland Browns Stadium’s 72,000 seats.

The fans.

Browns fans have passionately supported the team since it’s return and through various debacles such as the infamous “Bottle Gate” incident against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001, Dwayne Rudd’s pre-celebratory helmet toss against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2002 and the Turkey Jones-like body slam by Pittsburgh linebacker, James Harrison of a fan, in a Steelers 41-0 thrashing at home in 2005.

Outside of the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh, Cleveland has the most loyal fanbase in the NFL, that buys merchandise in the form of jerseys, hats and shows up to support a team that can be mistaken for a Pop Warner league squad on Sundays.

With it’s fan support group, Browns Backers Worldwide, iron-clad stadium lease that runs through 2029 and steady TV revenue, Haslam got a sweetheart deal.

In Haslam, Cleveland finally has a owner that is a real football owner who will be “1000 percent” dedicated to focusing solely on the Browns and not some second-tier relegation-bound soccer team across the pond, the way Lerner was with his beloved Aston Villa.

It may take a while for the Dawg Pound to accept that Haslam was a self-proclaimed fan of the hated Steelers, anyone who has had the fortune to be associated with world-class ownership such as the Rooney’s proves that this sale is a win-win for both the fans and the win-starved Browns franchise, that needed an infusion of real ownership.

In terms of Haslam being a supporter of a hated rival, Dan Gilbert was a fan of the rival Detroit Pistons before becoming majority owner the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005, and that turned out pretty well.

Haslam’s more “hands-on” approach to football, as opposed to the much-maligned Lerner’s disinterest is a breath of much needed fresh air and the reason why many Browns fans—such as myself—feel that this sale will prove to be worth every penny.

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76