“The Browns will be tough, and no one is more dedicated to winning than us.”
An hour before Jim Haslam is set to speak and the media table is buzzing. While eating another enjoyable salad and lunch at Tozzi’s on 12th Restaurant, just a mile down the road from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, their is constant chatter of rumors, inside info, and/or credible sources is all the rage. Faces are starting at phones and computer screens. What is forgotten by most avid fans, is when a new ownership group comes to town, all the previous “sources” and “relationships” to the front offices are lost or, at least, interrupted greatly.
The luncheon began in another amusing style, with a local priest saying a lengthy prayer and literally asking the Lord to help Johnny Manziel bring winning football back to Cleveland. To which Jim Haslam mentioned, “Brad Hoyer may have something to say about that prayer.”
I found Haslam to be refreshingly honest and forthright, in regards to his football team and the staff he assembled to build a winner. Haslam is often put in a Jerry Jones-type class due to his off the field success in building a very wealthy business, however, Jim Haslam, on several occasions stated his lack of knowledge to certain questions and furthermore his lack of insight to certain football related questions. Something that Jerry Jones will rarely, if ever, do. He quickly replied that “his staff”, “his GM”, and/or “his personnel” are more than capable of building what the Cleveland Browns need, and that is a tough, hard-nosed, winning football team. Mr. Haslam quickly brought to our attention that of all the NFL cities, Cleveland was #1 in the highest percentage of TV’s tuned into the 2014 NFL Draft. A fact that reminds Mr. Haslam and his staff that Cleveland, not only says they want a winner, but they will be the kind of fans that show up and participate in a championship-caliber season.
Mr. Haslam spoke on several things before the Q&A portion of the luncheon. He began by saying that no one is more impatient than he when it comes to success and that being in the draft room is intense. Cleveland stuck to their board, which had their top 162 picks listed in order. They were prepared to draft at #4 when Buffalo called and offered a trade that they could not refuse.
Haslam and GM Ray Farmer, who Mr. Haslam clearly stated had final say on EVERY move the Browns made in the draft, were on the same page, in that Cornerback and Quarterback are the 2 most important positions in football.
Media was not able to get an answer as to who the Browns were set to draft at #4 had Buffalo not called in with an offer of a first round and fourth round next year, but many believe that Sammy Watkins was the name on the draft board. Haslam said getting a first rounder next year really was the tipping point due to the immediate impact first round talents have on an NFL roster. The feeling was stockpiling two first-rounders next year was an exciting factor in making the trade. Haslam is very excited (and used “excited” about 1 million times throughout the talk) by getting CB Gilbert AND Johnny Manziel in the first-round this year, as well as, getting two first-rounders set for next year’s draft. Haslam said that you don’t go from 4-12 to 12-4 in just one year but that because of the draft haul they had this year and the draft they set themselves up for next year, that Cleveland is looking at a very bright future.
Something fans should appreciate is an owner who openly says that the production on the field has not matched the performance by Cleveland in supporting their team. An idea that all staff and personnel understands that Cleveland is hungry for a winner was a tone set on Day 1 by Jim Haslam. And after listening to the thoughts of Haslam and his insight with Ray Farmer, I’m willing to hold judgment on this ownership/management until after next year’s draft. He definitely bought the Browns one more year with the delivery at this luncheon.
Q&A Portion:
- The stadium renovations will remove approximately 2-3,000 seats, however, the lower bowl will be expanded and the fan’s view of the game will be second to none. The video boards will be among the largest of anyone’s in football. Phase 1 of renovations will be done by this season’s start and Phase 2 will be completed by start of next season’s games.
- It was asked what Haslam felt were 3 realistic goals for this season’s Browns and he said 1, To be competitive within the division. 2, Improvement of overall record. And 3, develop the “hard-nosed, Cleveland mentality.
- Hoyer is starting quarterback. Hoyer’s health is solid and he should be ready for full action by start of preseason. Manziel was told from day 1 meeting with Haslam and Head Coach Pettine, that Hoyer was starter and that Manziel would be back up. Haslam noted that everyone in the organization felt that Manziel was “ultra-competitive” and ready to compete for a starting job once camp began.
- Haslam feels strongly that Pettine is perfect coach for Cleveland. Not only does Pettine have a “tough and hard-nosed” demeanor, but also the ability to get in players faces and motivate them to excel.
- Haslam says that Pettine and the rest of the Cleveland organization is prepared for the Manziel clamoring if Hoyer struggles early on. Pettine has been very clear with players, including Manziel that he will play the guys that HE feels will help Cleveland win that given day. Manziel will NOT be rushed into action due to fans/media.