Orange and Brown Talk: Cleveland Browns Podcast

It doesn’t sound like a foregone conclusion all of a sudden that Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will play on Saturday in Seattle. Head caoch Kevin Stefanski said he will make a final decision later this week. That’s where Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start on Tuesday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast. They look ahead to Saturday’s game and what the value is of playing Watson in the game. They also talk about expectations for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and a very crowded cornerback room. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns played their second preseason game on Saturday night, losing to the Vikings, 27-12. As with most preseason games, the final score was secondary. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe hit the big three topics of the day from the game on the Orange and Brown Talk postgame podcast, starting with the decision to play Mike Hall Jr. in the game and how surprising it was given his arrest and injury this week. Then they talk about the tackle situation and losing more bodies there on Saturday night. They wrap up the podcast by talking about the battle at third quarterback and spend time talking about what they saw from Jameis Winston — even though he didn’t play — on Saturday night. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns’ joint practices with the Vikings provided an opportunity to see quarterback Deshaun Watson lead the offense against a different defense that presented new challenges. How did Watson and the offense look? What about the defense against the Vikings offense? Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe recapped the second day of joint practices on Thursday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast, starting with what they saw and heard from Watson. Then they spend time on the defense and why it was encouraging to see them play at a high level for most of the two practices. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was allowed to practice on Wednesday, a day after he was charged for domestic violence. It was a bit of a surprise seeing him out there and head coach Kevin Stefanski evaded questions about it following practice. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe discussed the decision to allow Hall to practice on Wednesday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast and why the Browns couldn’t just make the easy decision, at least for a day. They also discuss how Stefanski handled the situation and if he could have done a better job discussing it. They also talk about their first joint practice with the Vikings as well as Denzel Ward once again going into the concussion protocol and his next steps. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns will welcome the Vikings to town on Wednesday and Thursday for a pair of joint practices ahead of Saturday night’s preseason game. The practices are the highlight of a week when very few first and second-teamers will play in Saturday night’s preseason game. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talk joint practices on Monday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast, but first they get into Kevin Stefanski announcing Deshaun Watson is expected to play against the Seahawks in the Browns’ third preseason game. Then they look ahead to the practices with the Vikings and discuss what they’re watching on both sides of the ball and why these practices are important. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns played their first preseason game on Saturday night, losing to the Packers, but Amari Cooper was front and center on the minds of our Football Insider subscribers. We asked our subscribers what they wanted to know on our first postgame Orange and Brown Talk podcast of the season and Cooper was the big topic. Should fans be worried Cooper might request a trade? Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talked about that before they got into questions about how the wide receiver room is shaking out behind the Top 3, the performance of Dorian Thompson-Robinson and how the Browns will manage injuries on the offensive line. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns backup quarterback Jameis Winston, who will start Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium, spoke to the media on Thursday and made a strong case for why he believes in Deshaun Watson. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start Thursday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing what Winston had to say and why he’s so important to the Browns and Watson this season. Then they turn their attention to Saturday night’s game. They get into the battle for third quarterback between Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley, the offensive tackle situation and sorting out the crowded defensive line room. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The saga of where 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will land is still hanging over all the teams involved, including the Browns and star wide receiver Amari Cooper. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talked about the latest on Aiyuk as of Tuesday evening on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast and how they think these trade rumors are affecting Cooper and what it might mean if there’s fallout with Cooper if they don’t make the deal. They also talk about some starters playing the preseason opener on Saturday — but not Deshaun Watson — and why it matters to get a look at Jameis Winston in this game. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns showed off their brand new weight room to the media on Monday and it lived up to the hype. It is one of those areas where they are seeking an edge over their opponents on the field and in free agency. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talked about what they saw on Monday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast, but first they discussed the injury to defensive end Za’Darius Smith which, for now, is a minor scare. They talk about the importance of Smith and how the rest of the defensive line is shaking out. Then they get into why the weight room matters and how the Browns are spending their way into having an edge in training, recovery and technology. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns and GM Andrew Berry are never shy about adding talent, so naturally their name will crop up when a player like Brandon Aiyuk potentially becomes available. Would they really be in the mix of San Francisco decided to trade the wide receiver? Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe begin Sunday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing Aiyuk, if there’s a real possibility it could happen and if it would be worth giving up Amari Cooper to get it done. Then they look back at the day at training camp and talk about what they saw from Jerry Jeudy in his return to team drills. They also talk about Deshaun Watson and what he showed them hitting a few deep passes during practice. They wrap up the podcast by talking Denzel Ward and the cornerback’s start to training camp. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns wrapped up their final training camp practice at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia on Friday afternoon, and we’re here to recap all the action. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe recap the week starting with Deshaun Watson and how he looked throwing for six straight days to open camp. They also discuss the Browns defensive line not being at full strength to kick camp off. Next, they hit on the receiving corps, discussing how Jerry Jeudy practiced only the final two days and Elijah Moore being evaluated for a concussion on the final day. They go over what those absences might mean as the offense tries to navigate choice routes. Finally, Mary Kay, Ashley and Dan hit on some standouts from the opening days of camp, including David Njoku, Martin Emerson Jr., Denzel Ward and Cedric Tillman. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pads were back on for the Browns on Thursday in their penultimate practice at The Greenbrier before heading home on Friday. Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe recapped the day here, starting with a scary injury to running back D’Onta Foreman and the scene around it. Then they talked about the returns of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and Za’Darius Smith and right tackle Dawand Jones getting banged up. Lastly, they get into what they saw at practice, including a challenging day for quarterback Deshaun Watson and why he’s struggling so much with the deep ball early in training camp. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns can feel good about Deshaun Watson after the way he finished practice on Tuesday, perfroming well in red zone work to wrap up the session, even after getting off to a slow start. Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe start Tuesday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing Watson’s performance and what it means heading into a day on Wednesday when the Browns won’t hold a practice. Then they talk about consultant Mike Vrabel and what he had to say when he talked to the media on Tuesday and why him working with the Browns is so important for the team and for him. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson appeared to shut down his practice session early on Monday and, while all indications are it's nothing to worry about, Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe start the Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing why it was worth at least noting that something seemed strange at the end of practice, even if it ends up being nothing. They talk about whether it's worth worrying about and where they expect things to go from here. They also talk about Andrew Berry and what he had to say about the stadium and Amari Cooper's future with the Browns. They also talk about some of the updates he gave regarding injuries. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saturday at Browns training camp brought us our annual press conference from Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam and Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe reacted to what they heard from them on Saturday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast. They start with how the Haslams talked about Deshaun Watson and their belief in him moving forward and how they have stood behind Watson ever since acquiring him. Then they turn their attention to the stadium and what the Haslams said about the possibility of renovation vs. building a new stadium. They talk about what they believe Browns fans want and the pros and cons of both. Then they look at the day's practice and what Mary Kay and Ashley saw as the Browns held one of their more competitive practices of early camp. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson spoke for the first time in training camp on Friday and said he’s “blocking out” the noise this season. Why did he decide to deliver this message today and what did we think about it? Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talk about what Watson had to say and their thoughts on how Watson is framing his approach this season. First, they discuss Kevin Stefanski’s decision to retain playcalling and why they all agree with the decision. Then they spend time on Nick Chubb sprinting and doing agility drills after practice. Could he be ready Week 1? They also talk about what Mary Kay and Ashley saw and heard at practice on Friday. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns and Amari Cooper ended Cooper's contract stalemate quietly this week before training camp opened, guaranteeing him $20 million and adding $5 million in incentives. Cooper reported to camp and all is well for the Browns as they land in West Virginia. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe discussed the resolution to Cooper's contract stalemate on Thursday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast. They talk about why it ended up being a win for both sides, offering flexibility, and why it was so important to get something done. They also peek ahead to the start of practices at The Greenbrier on Thursday and what to expect as the Browns get going on the 2024 season. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns training camp is always about competition and players proving themselves and Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe prepare for camp this week by picking out three players with plenty to prove this summer. Obviously, Deshaun Watson is one, so they pass on another quarterback discussion for now and pick three different players, including two wide receivers and a defensive player who may not have to prove he belongs but still has to prove where he belongs. They kick off the podcast with a little talk about The Greenbrier, where the Browns are starting camp for the second year in a row, and their experience there last year and what they're expecting this year as they venture into the depths of West Virginia. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns report for training camp in Berea this week and travel to and begin practicing at The Greenbrier in West Virginia on Thursday. We're starting this week of camp pods off with a Hey, Mary Kay! edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast. Mary Kay Cabot joins Dan Labbe to answer questions from our Football Insider subscribers. They start by talking storylines. What are the big storylines they're watching this camp? What about some under-the-radar storylines? Which rookie and which veteran could exceed expectations. They also spend time on bigger issues, like whether Amari Cooper could stage a hold-in, whether the Browns should explore a trade for Brandon Aiyuk and how the defense can improve in the red zone. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns kick off training camp next week at The Greenbrier in West Virginia and a number of battles will go under the spotlight, especially when the pads go on a few days in. Lance Reisland joined Dan Labbe on Friday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast to look ahead to some of the camp battles he's looking forward to watching. They look at the logjam at offensive tackle and how it could play out between Jedrick Wills Jr., Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin. They also look at the defensive tackle room and how the Browns will sort out the crowd in there. They discuss the wide receiver depth chart and what will happen after the first four and spend time at linebacker and safety and get into the importance of special teams. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns are set at the top of the receiver depth chart, but it doesn't mean there isn't plenty of intrigue at the position. Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talk through the position on this edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast. They start with the addition of Jerry Jeudy and why the Browns made the move and extended him. They also talk about how he fits with Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. Then they dig more into Moore and what his role could be now that the Browns have a better feel for how to use him and how he fits with Cooper and Jeudy. They move down the depth chart and talk about the strong spring Cedric Tillman had and then get into the numbers game at the bottom of the receiver depth chart and who might be in or out. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most important factors in a team's fate is how they perform and where they finish in their division. The Browns finished in the top half of the AFC North for the first time since 2007 but had to play a road playoff game. Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe take a closer look at the Browns division on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast as they continue their keys to this team making it to the Super Bowl this season. They start by talking about the Steelers and their quarterback situation and who they think the Browns will face when they take on Pittsburgh for the first time in the season's second half. They move on to Cincinnati and the return of Joe Burrow and if people have forgotten about the Bengals after a down year last year. Then they wrap up by looking at the defending division champs, the Ravens, and if they can repeat or if the Browns can dethrone them. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski just signed an extension and is going into his fifth season with the Browns in 2024. He's set up to lead this team for remainder of the decade. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe continue their series on keys to the Browns winning the Super Bowl this season by focusing on the man leading the charge. What do they see in Stefanski that gives him a chance to be the guy to lead them to the promised land. Can he become the Browns' version of Mike Tomlin or John Harbaugh? Does it matter if he calls plays this year or hands things over to Ken Dorsey? How important was it for the Browns to land him after a messy year with Freddie Kitchens? They cover all the bases with Stefanski on this edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns defense was dominant in its first year under Jim Schwartz in 2023, helping the Browns win 11 games and return to the playoffs. Year 2 under Schwartz is next up in our series of keys to the Browns winning the Super Bowl and life will be a little more difficult for Schwartz and Co. in 2024. They face a difficult quarterback schedule and will be tested throughout the season by some of the league's top signal-callers. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe look ahead on today's Orange and Brown Talk podcast to how the defense will evolve in 2024 and if they can repeat their performance from a season ago and go through the quarterbacks they have to face. They discuss which quarterback aside from Patrick Mahomes will be the most challenging and how they will deal with the gauntlet ahead of them. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns' wild card loss in Houston is still stuck in the minds of Browns fans, especially considering how poorly their defense played in the first half. Do they need to make changes based on what the Texans did to them? That's one question our Football Insider subscribers had for Lance Reisland as he joined Dan Labbe on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast for a Q&A. Lance talks about what he saw in that game and why it went so poorly. They also talk about the Browns' run game after Nick Chubb got hurt and what could change, roles for the wide receivers, what Lance has seen from Jameis Winston on film and what makes Amari Cooper such a good route runner. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris expressed strong thoughts about the future of the NFL's offseason program and a proposal that would eliminate it and replace it with an earlier report date for training camp. Harris spoke with Ashley Bastock about his thoughts on the program and Ashley and Dan Labbe spend Friday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast discussing her interview with Harris and the story she posted about it at cleveland.com/browns on Friday. They get into the 18-game schedule and how the potential of adding a game is impacting all of these discussions and what the NFLPA is trying to get out of allowing the NFL to add an 18th game. They also get into some of the ins and outs of the offseason program and why it's valuable to the NFL from a marketing and content standpoint and what they get out of it as well as the issues the NFLPA sometimes has when it comes to achieving solidarity. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett continued earning high praise this offseason, being voted the league’s top edge rusher by NFL executives, coaches and scouts. It’s a big reason Garrett is one of our 15 keys for the Browns to win the Super Bowl in 2024. Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe spend Wednesday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast discussing Garrett and what the expectations are for him heading into another year of high expectations for him and his team. Will this be a run of Defensive Player of the Year awards for Garrett? What are our expectations for him statistically this season? How does winning impact how he is viewed? We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns are counting on edge rusher Za'Darius Smith to follow up a strong first season with the Browns with another good season rushing the passer and it's why he is one of our 15 keys to the Browns winning the Super Bowl. Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe spend Tuesday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast discussing Smith and what to expect from him in his second season with the Browns. They talk about why the Browns decided to bring Smith back and what to realistically expect from him in his second season on the other end of Myles Garrett. How can Smith and Garrett be better together this season and how will Smith continue to benefit from Garrett and Jim Schwartz's scheme. They also talk about how the Browns have approached their No. 2 edge rush position and how it has been impacted by the lack of a first-round pick the last three drafts. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns safety Grant Delpit had his best season as a pro in 2023 and was rewarded with a contract extension, making him one of the core pieces of the defense. Ashley Bastock wrote a feature on Delpit that ran on Monday (You can read it here) all about Delpit's early life and path to the NFL and his penchant for being patient when life throws him curveballs. Ashley and Dan Labbe talked about Delpit and her feature on him on Monday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast, continuing our series on keys to the Browns making a Super Bowl run. They start by discussing the story and how it came together as well as what Ashley learned about Delpit in the process and what she left out of the story. Then they talk about Delpit's fit in Jim Schwartz's defense and his development on and off the field. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL is changing it's kickoff rule in 2024 and the Browns and the rest of the league are all trying to figure out how to handle what could be a seismic change. Lance Reisland joined Dan Labbe on Wednesday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast to discuss the new rule and what it could look like. They start by simply explaining the rule and what fans can expect to see when they get their first look at it. Then they get into some of the strategies teams might employ and the types of players they will look to utilize in both returns and coverage as they operate in closer quarters. They also discuss injuries and how teams might try to protect their kickers in a world where they might have to make more tackles. They discuss why they believe this will lead to more injuries. If you want to learn more about the rule, check out this explainer from the NFL. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday continues our look at football concepts and ideas as we dive into Football 101 with Lance Reisland. Lance joins Dan Labbe and they focus today on the offensive side of the ball and choice routes, one of the phrases of the offseason as the Browns install a new offense under Ken Dorsey. What is a choice route and how does it change things for the Browns? First, Dan and Lance talk offensive personnel groupings and what it means when someone says a team is in 11 personnel or 12 personnel and how to figure it out. Then it's on to those pesky choice routes and how it's going to look in the Browns offense. Why will Browns receivers work in this type of offense? Where else have we seen this style of route running be effective? We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What coverage are the Browns in most under Jim Schwartz? How can someone tell what type of coverage they're in from play-to-play? What about defensive alignments? What is a 3-technique anyway? Football is complicated and it's easy to get lost in the jargon and the terminology that gets thrown around with ease but not much explanation. Cleveland.com's film expert, Lance Reisland, is here to try to simplify and explain what you're watching on Sundays. In the first of a series of Orange and Brown Talk podcasts, Lance walks us through a few things on the defensive side of the ball. First, he and host Dan Labbe talk coverages. How would he describe what the Browns do on the back end and what can fans watch to get an idea of what they're doing? Why are they able to run it? What is a quarterback looking for? Then they turn their attention to the defensive line. How are the alignments of defensive linemen numbered and why? We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t announced whether he or new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey will call plays in 2024. It’s one of the remaining questions as the Browns get set to open training camp next month. Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe answer five Browns questions on Friday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast, including who they think should call plays when the season kicks off in September. They also discuss which new coaching hire will have the biggest impact, if a player besides Myles Garrett could win Defensive Player of the Year for the Browns, if the Amari Cooper situation will be resolved by the time camp opens and if they believe the Browns will finally make a first-round pick again in 2025. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns running back Nick Chubb is working his way back from a serious knee injury that ended his 2023 season and required two surgeries to repair. Chubb has become the face of the Browns and is a favorite of fans and teammates. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe continued their look at keys to winning a Super Bowl for the Browns on Thursday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast. The focus today is Chubb and the Browns running back room. They talk about when Chubb could make his return and the importance of not rushing him back. They also get into what to expect from his on-field performance coming off a serious injury. They discuss the running back room as a whole and the roles some of the team's young backs could fill and even ask if the Browns should have considered bringing back Kareem Hunt. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns defense was one of the top units in the NFL in 2023, buoyed by defensive player of the year Myles Garrett and a handful of other high-priced veterans like Denzel Ward, Dalvin Tomlinson and Juan Thornhill. The thing that really completed the defense, however, were the youths, recent Andrew Berry draft picks who are playing on rookie deals and playing well. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe picked out two in particular as they discuss a few topics from their 15 keys to winning the Super Bowl series -- linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. They spend Wednesday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast discussing the impact each player makes and how they've managed to fit in and thrive in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns tight end David Njoku had a breakout season in 2023, especially in the season's second half, and expectations are high for him in the Browns' new offense. How high could his ceiling be this season? Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe continue looking at keys to the Browns winning the Super Bowl on Tuesday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast with a look at Njoku and what the Browns should expect from their start tight end. How can he build on a productive second half of the season? How has he compared to expectations during his career? Are we too hard on Njoku and why? They dig into what could be a big season for him under new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and his role in the Browns' talented pass catching corps. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns and wide receiver Amari Cooper are at a contract impasse after Cooper skipped the team's mandatory minicamp two weeks ago. He wants a new deal and the Browns have a decision to make as far as how to approach their star wideout. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe begin a look at their 15 keys to winning the Super Bowl series -- with stories running throughout July -- by looking at Cooper and why he's so important to the Browns on Monday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast. They start with how the Browns will or should approach Cooper's contract and how a deal could get done before they get into why Cooper is so important to this team reaching its goal this season. They also discuss the possibility of a swap for 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk and delve into what the receiving corps would look like without Cooper. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Amari Cooper's minicamp holdout, he continues to be the main topic on the minds of Browns fans. Mary Kay Cabot and Ashley Bastock start Thursday’s Hey, Mary Kay! edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast by answering a question about what GM Andrew Berry had to say about Cooper in a recent interview. They also discuss why trading Cooper, even for a younger player like Brandon Aiyuk, would be out of character for this regime. The two also answer questions about QB Deshaun Watson and his shoulder rehab, starting with the significance of Berry saying the quarterback is "ahead of schedule." Then, they dive into choice routes: Will they make the offense more complicated? Why haven't the Browns and Kevin Stefanski implemented them into the offense earlier? Finally, the two throw out some names on both sides of the ball when discussing who could be "sleeper contributors," in the vein of Dawand Jones in 2023. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking about "Hard Knocks" can be "contagious" for Browns fans. On Monday, news came out that the Browns will be featured on “Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North," and on this episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Mary Kay Cabot and Ashley Bastock are offering a preview and their thoughts on what to expect. The two discuss how this is the first time "Hard Knocks" has focused on an entire division, as well as all the storylines that make the AFC North compelling -- particularly with each team's quarterbacks. They also go through the Browns' schedule and try to piece together some of the key games the cameras will chronicle, as well as go through the difficult logistics of filming during the season. Finally, it's a trip down memory lane with a look back at the last time the Browns were featured on "Hard Knocks," which was during training camp in 2018. Ashley and Mary Kay go through the drama that came to light at the time, the different highlights -- including Jarvis Landry's "contagious" speech -- and how the organization is in a very different place six years later. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re starting the week on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast by looking ahead to The Greenbrier and the start of training camp. Sure, there’s a break between the offseason program and training camp, but it doesn’t mean that players can’t have momentum coming out of the spring. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe spend the podcast by listing Browns players who had strong springs and could carry that momentum into the summer and training camp. They cover a bunch of areas of the team, moving from the back end of the defense to names who stood out on offense. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns are off for the summer but the business side of the league doesn’t stop. They have a situation to figure out with wide receiver Amari Cooper, who held out of mandatory minicamp, seeking a contract extension. Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe start Friday’s Hey, Mary Kay! edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast by answering a question about what a reasonable number would be for Cooper. They also discuss if the Browns could consider trading Cooper and get into the ins and outs of the situation. Then they talk about OTAs and the vibes around them, why Myles Garrett has struggled to finish strong in recent years and the left tackle situation. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had one of his best days of the offseason program on Thursday and his best day of all the practices open to the media. It was an encouraging spring for the team's starting quarterback coming off of major shoulder surgery. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe discussed Watson's performance on Thursday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast recapping the day at minicamp. First, they talk about Myles Garrett pulling up with a hamstring injury and if it's something to worry about. (Spoiler alert: It's not.) They also discuss the strong spring second-year wide receiver Cedric Tillman had and his opportunity in minicamp with Amari Cooper not reporting and Jerry Jeudy not practicing due to injury. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wide receiver Amari Cooper was once again not in attendance during Wednesday's Browns minicamp practice, which is where Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe begin Wednesday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast. They discuss what it means that Cooper wasn't there for Day 2 and if it only adds to the feeling this could drag out longer. They also talk about what terms the Browns could cook up to make an extension with Cooper work for both sides. Then they talk about Myles Garrett, who spoke on Wednesday. How can he make sure he finishes the 2024 season strong, right as the Browns schedule toughens up? What standard should Garrett be held to after winning his first Defensive Player of the Year award? We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper didn’t show up to mandatory minicamp and head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed his absence is unexcused. Cooper is holding out and the Browns will have to navigate a tricky situation. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start Tuesday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing Cooper’s holdout and how the Browns will approach the situation with their No. 1 receiver. Then they discuss what Deshaun Watson had to say after practice about where he’s ranked in the league and if it means anything to him. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns are all back together this week for their three-day mandatory minicamp, featuring three practices open to the media. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start Monday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast by looking ahead to minicamp and what they're watching. What will Deshaun Watson be able to do? How will all the receivers line up? What about the defensive line with some of the new additions on the interior? Then they look back on their experience at David Njoku's celebrity softball game, which featured a collision between Watson and tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden that gave everyone in attendance momentary pause. Mary Kay walks us through her thoughts as she chased the story before they all recap a day that featured lots of security and a promise from Ronnie from Jersey Shore. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns signed GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski to extensions and Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe start Friday's Hey, Mary Kay! edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast by giving credit to the people who write the checks. They discuss how Dee and Jimmy Haslam have grown as owners and why this is such an important milestone in their tenure, as well as Paul DePodesta's role in all of this. Then they turn their attention to on-field questions. Thye start with the play calling and what they think will happen on that front. They get into the defense in Year 2 under Jim Schwartz and if it can actually be better this year than last year. They end the podcast by answering questions about kickers and get into their role in the new kickoff and discuss the the Browns stadium situation. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spent our Wednesday Orange and Brown Talk podcast focusing on extensions for Browns GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski as well as what running back Nick Chubb had to say. Thursday, we're cleaning up some of what we left behind on Wednesday's podcast from our final day at OTAs. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start Thursday's podcast by discussing if Myles Garrett has another level and if new defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire can coax it out of him in 2024. Are there other pass rushers Cesaire can help? Then they discuss the addition of Duce Staley and what they've seen and heard from the Browns' new running backs coach. How is he different from Stump Mitchell and how will the running back room shake out behind Chubb, whether he's ready to go Week 1 or not. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday started off with news the Browns had agreed to extensions with GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski, the long-awaited deals getting done after the Browns made the playoffs for the second time in four years with the two together. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start off the Wednesday edition of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing the extensions and what they mean for Berry and Stefanski moving forward. They also talk about Nick Chubb, who spoke to the media on Wednesday and what stood out about what Chubb had to say and when they might see him on the field again. Then they wrap up by talking about the day on the practice field or, more specifically, who wasn't on the practice field on Wednesday. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browns will hold their final open practice of OTAs on Wednesday before they hold their mandatory minicamp next week, leading into some time off before it's time to report for training camp. Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe start Tuesday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing the next steps for starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Will we see him throw more over the next two weeks? What about what he'll do before training camp? Will he host a passing camp? Then they look at the first two practices they've watched in OTAs by talking about what has stood out to them so far. From the performance of rookies to the new coaches to receivers how have stood out, they go over all of it. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We saw Deshaun Watson throw for the first time at an open media session last week and, on Monday at the Browns annual charity golf outing, Kevin Stefanski reiterated what he said about Watson a couple weeks ago. So what's left to say about Watson? Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe talk about Watson and what's left to say until we see the next steps in his rehab process. They also get into a video Mary Kay tweeted from OTAs that went viral and if it meant anything. They start Monday's Orange and Brown Talk podcast by discussing the future of Joel Bitonio, who spoke on Monday, and how much longer the team's left guard could play. They wrap up the podcast by getting into Justin Jefferson's contract extension, the future of the market and how the Browns and GM Andrew Berry are trying to stay ahead. We were Voted best podcast by Cleveland Magazine readers! Want to become a Football Insider subscriber? Get more info here. Music credits: Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices