NFL Briefs BROWNS OWNER: TEAM “ON THE RIGHT TRACK”
berea, ohio» In his strongest statements yet regarding the direction of the Browns since taking over as their owner in October 2012, Jimmy Haslam vowed to be patient and not make more changes if things go poorly this season.
“We’re not going to blow things up, OK? I think we are on the right track,” Haslam said Saturday at training camp. “I understand why people might ask that after a couple bumps in the road the first couple years. I think we are putting together a good foundation.”
There are lingering questions about the futures of coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer. But Haslam insists he will stay the course.
“It’s unfair to say you have to win X amount of games because injuries happen, schedules are harder. ... It’s a tough league,” Haslam said. “You have to look at the body of work over a period of time. I feel good about where we are versus two years ago, even a year ago.”
Since taking over Browns ownership from Randy Lerner nearly three years ago, Haslam has had three head coaches and GMs. Last season the Browns were 7-4 and in contention for a playoff berth before losing their final five games. In the offseason, Farmer was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL’s policy on using electronic devices during games.
Josh McCown, signed during the offseason, is expected to be the Browns’ starting quarterback in their season opener. Johnny Manziel had a rocky rookie year, followed by a 10-week rehab stint. But Haslam said the Browns still believe in “Johnny Football.”
“Despite what everybody reads and says, we’ve not at all given up on Johnny,” the owner said. “We think he has the potential to be a good football player. Now having the potential and doing it are two different things, but I think we’ve said numerous times that you’re not going to win consistently in this league without a good quarterback, and we’re trying to make that happen.” canton, ohio» The Pro Football Hall of Fame will allow the daughter of Junior Seau to speak in an interview after his bust is unveiled next weekend.
“Sydney will be given a chance to share thoughts about her father immediately following the unveiling of his bronzed bust,” the Hall of Fame said in a statement. “The unveiling, which typically features just the presenter and enshrinee, will include Sydney and Junior’s three sons. Her remarks will be live and on stage in a fashion similar to interviews of returning Hall of Famers.”
Seau committed suicide in 2012.
Raiders linebacker Sio Moore, who is coming off hip surgery, participated in his first summer practice Saturday. “We need to find out what he can bring,” said first-year Raiders coach Jack Del Rio. ... Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, who suffered shoulder and knee injuries last season, said his passing arm “is as strong as ever, maybe stronger.” His knee is close to being OK. “I have a pretty good feeling about not worrying about it,” said Palmer, 35. ... The Jets promoted Jacqueline Davidson to director of football administration, making her one of the highest-ranking women in an NFL team’s front office. ... Jets rookie wide receiver Devin Smith has broken ribs and a partially punctured lung and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks. He suffered the injuries at training camp Friday.