CLEVELAND, OHIO (TheOBR.com) - Good morning, Cleveland Browns fans!
Coming from a background as a technology consultant, I knew little about the ins and outs of journalism when I changed my focus to writing for and webdorking this website back in the early 2000s. Fortunately, I ran into guys like Fred Greetham and others who helped me learn what the profession was all about. One lesson I learned early on, courtesy of the late Rich Passan, was that fans always wanted to read about the quarterback. Over the years, I learned that the old hands in this business knew what they were talking about, and Rich was certainly right on that one.
The interest in quarterbacks is so high that more stories have been written about Taylen Green, a sixth-round pick, than about the far more NFL-ready players that were chosen before him. One outlet in particular is spending a lot of time on Green, whose utilization potential probably maxes out as a late-down gadget player in 2026.
Still, it's been a while since the Browns have drafted a player with the singular gifts of size and speed that Green possesses, so it's not totally unexpected that there's a certain fascination with him. There are several reports today on the Browns starting to work on his fundamentals as a quarterback, particularly his footwork and long release time. Long release times are not a great attribute in the NFL, as they allow defensive backs several critical moments to identify the play as it develops, and add precious time for aggressive NFL rushers to find the quarterback with the ball still in his hands.
Taylen Green
Taylen Green (Photo: Getty)
Fortunately, head coach Todd Monken says that Green is listening and working: "We're gonna have to be really diligent in trying to tighten down his release. When you're talking about check downs taken from as long of his release or long release he has, to really just being able to dart it to get it quickly out of his hands into the hands of whether it's a running back or a tight end. But I've been super impressed with his ability to really learn, process and take it to the field and then getting through his progressions, really impressive."
As encouraging as that is, it's a clear sign that Green has a ways to go before he's ready to compete for the starting role. Patience - an attribute wearing thin after 30 years of waiting for a quarterback - is needed with Green from the fans, media, and team.
THIS N' THAT
– Joel Bitonio is still out there, and we've yet to get a real sense of how Austin Barber and Parker Brailsford are going to fit in, but there are already some folks arguing that the Browns' starting offensive line already looks set. It's way, way too early for that, but speculation that Zak Zinter (3rd round, 2024) may be challenged to stick on the roster probably aren't misplaced.
– I hate talking about anything that touches on politics here, but it's impossible to ignore the government's recent saber-rattling about the NFL's increasing emphasis on streaming services as a means to further extract cash from broadcasters and, eventually, the American public. President Trump is taking shots at the NFL over streaming costs, claiming fans are paying "$1,000 a game" to watch football and warning the league it could be killing the golden goose by moving games behind paywalls. A media analyst at Awful Announcing pushed back, noting that streamers would need to offer an "astronomical" rights fee before the NFL seriously considers abandoning broadcast TV. The bottom line: the NFL isn't going anywhere off free TV anytime soon. They didn't become America's sport by being hard to watch.
– Today is Monday, which means it's Gang of Three night at 7:15pm. This, in turn, means I have an excuse to try to insert my lame-ass takes into an otherwise erudite discussion about Cleveland Browns football. I enjoy it each week, and hope you join me and root for Pete Smith and Lane Adkins as they talk me down from whatever ledge I'm perilously standing on that evening. Plus, Media Pete spent the weekend at camp, and this is an opportunity to get some insight from him about the team's rookie class.
Have a good one! GO BROWNS!
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Positive news from the world of sports and beyond...
- Man Re-Mortgages Home to Buy Favorite Pub And Save 100 Years of History: 'Pete's always been a legend'
Back when my wife and I were first married, and before we had kids, I'd have to say that we were close to being regulars at a local bar and restaurant called "Prime Time" here in Mentor. We both completed their "Beers of the World" challenge and had our own mugs hanging up behind the bar, which I was far too proud of back then. The place no longer exists, having since been replaced by a series of restaurants and, at this point, a Sheetz gas station. But I have fond memories of it, and sometimes lament that it no longer exists. So, I can relate to this story of a man who re-mortgaged his home to save his favorite pub. That wasn't an option for me, unfortunately - I was a renter at the time - but I get it.
WRAPPING UP
When not still exploring beers of the world, Barry McBride is the Publisher and Founder of the OBR and bloviates this nonsense every morning. You can follow him on Twitter @barrymcbride or write him at barry@theobr.com if you are so compelled.
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