Tag: anthony walker

How the Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in primetime showdown

The Cleveland Browns have to bounce-back against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Cleveland Browns get their first chance to show what they’ve got on primetime football tonight as their divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers travel to FirstEnergy Stadium. After getting punched in the gut a week ago against the New York Jets, this game will tell a great deal about what this team and locker room are made of.

After the rest of the AFC North stumbled just as hard as the Browns did in Week 2, Cleveland still has a chance to take over as the leaders in the division with a win tonight (at least until Sunday). The Steelers and Browns both sit at 1-1 entering this matchup, so it has the makings of another high-anxiety outing.

How do the Browns come away from this game with a 2-1 record? We dive headfirst into that conversation now.

Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. takes blame for loss to Jets, is ready for redemption in Week 3

Walker Jr. did not mince words in explaining his role in the #Browns’ latest loss.

After seeing their hopes of an undefeated start to the season end abruptly on Sunday, the Cleveland Browns are preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers that will decide their divisional standing. Players and coaches did their best to emphasize their disappointment in the team’s loss to the New York Jets in Week 2, but none were as blunt as linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.

In his comments to the media after the game, Walker explained that, in his eyes, the loss to the Jets was on him. He made no bones about it.

“I’m the communicator,” Walker said. “I’m the guy who is supposed to get everyone lined up, and obviously, I didn’t do my job two weeks in a row. I’ll take that one, and we will be back.”

They won’t have long to get back on the horse, though, and Walker told reporters that he sees an opportunity in the Browns’ short turnaround after the devastating defeat.

“One of the best things about taking this one is that we have a divisional opponent on Thursday,” He continued. “You can’t have any layover with this one so we will be back in the building tomorrow going on the first and second down game plan. That’s the best part about it. I wish I could be telling those guys this after a win, but we will be better and learn from it.”

The embarrassing loss to New York may prove to be a turning point in Cleveland’s season, though it is too early to tell at this juncture. It will take a team effort to bounce back from the disappointing result so early in their 2022 campaign, but after a thrilling Week 1 win, it would be foolish to count out this Browns squad.

It will take time and a concerted effort to improve after being wholly dismantled by the Jets, but with Walker leading the way, the defense might have better days ahead later in the season.

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”8HGdwsOS3i-2246044-7498″]

Browns make another flurry of moves Saturday

Three receivers return to practice, one receiver down for “awhile”, one defensive end to IR, another officially signed and a few other moves confirmed in a busy Saturday for the Browns:

The Cleveland Browns head into the week ramping up to their first preseason game with a few question marks. Outside of QB Deshaun Watson’s discipline process, the Browns injury concerns seem to be piling up, especially at the wide receiver position.

Thankfully, they also seem to be getting a few players healthy as well.

Injuries are a part of a game that is full contact and, often, a full collision sport. While focusing on one team often leads fans to think their team is more injury prone than the next, they often even out during training camp.

It is the injuries that cost key players their whole season or that hit during important stretches that really cause problems.

Saturday, Cleveland made another flurry of moves to update their roster:

LB Anthony Walker, WR David Bell coming off PUP list

Two of the players that have been on PUP since the start of camp join Jack Conklin as returning to practice this week according to a report:

The Cleveland Browns might be getting some positive news finally. As injuries and QB Deshaun Watson’s discipline continue to overshadow the team’s training camp, HC Kevin Stefanski and company continue to try to move forward with their plans.

OL Jack Conklin came off the physically unable to perform list (PUP) during the week and center Nick Harris’ injury, which ended his practice early, turned out to be minimal.

LB Anthony Walker Jr. and WR David Bell have been on the PUP list since the start of training camp. Walker had a groin injury coming into camp while the rookie Bell had a foot issue.

According to Chris Easterling, both Walker and Bell will be coming off the PUP list Saturday and returning to practice:

The Browns received some reinforcements on Saturday when they activated rookie receiver David Bell and veteran linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. off of the injury lists on which they’ve spent all training camp.

Walker will assume his role as a starting linebacker but, along with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, will have Jacob Phillips working hard to get snaps as well.

Bell’s return could be huge for the team as they had hoped the Purdue product would help fill the slot receiver role on the team.

Getting and staying healthy is vital for every team in the NFL and, finally, Cleveland is starting to get some positive news on that front.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw33aqtym0ft0g player_id=none image=https://brownswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Watson quickly endearing himself to new Browns teammates

Deshaun Watson hasn’t wasted any time winning over his new Cleveland Browns teammates. After being traded to Cleveland from the Houston Texans this offseason, it’s clear that the former Clemson quarterback has quickly endeared himself to the players …

Deshaun Watson hasn’t wasted any time winning over his new Cleveland Browns teammates.

After being traded to Cleveland from the Houston Texans this offseason, it’s clear that the former Clemson quarterback has quickly endeared himself to the players he’s now suiting up with as a member of the Browns.

Nick Chubb, a three-time Pro Bowl running back and first-team All-Pro in 2021, is one of the Browns players who have not only been impressed by what Watson is capable of doing on the field but also who the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback is as a person as well.

“He’s a great guy to be around. We all love him,” Chubb said, via Cleveland.com. “He’s a very natural leader. Comes naturally. He’s been here since OTAs have started. He took us all on the trip. I think those things kind of bring in the trust and the bonding for our team.”

The trip referenced by Chubb was an all-expenses paid trip to the Bahamas that Watson treated the offense to last week as a way for them to bond and build team chemistry.

Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. is a fan of Watson now, too, if he wasn’t before.

Watson gave Walker a Rolex watch during Walker’s interview following the Browns’ organized team activities Wednesday as a gift for Walker giving up the No. 4 jersey to Watson.

According to Cleveland.com, Walker offered to give Watson the No. 4 — the same number he wore at Clemson and with the Texans — on the day he was traded to the Browns in March.

Walker, who switched to No. 5 and reportedly didn’t ask for money or anything else from Watson in return for the No. 4, appreciated the gesture and gift from Watson.

“He’s a good guy, man,’’ Walker said, via Cleveland.com. “Appreciate that.’’

According to Cleveland.com, Walker will also get suits to wear on game days during the season, courtesy of Watson, who also donated $50,000 to the football program at a Miami-area high school where Walker’s father works and used to coach at.

–Photo for this article courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Deshaun Watson gifts Anthony Walker a Rolex and a charitable donation for No. 4

Walker didn’t ask for anything for the No. 4 but Watson still ponied up for the jersey number

Browns linebacker Anthony Walker was fielding questions at the podium after Wednesday’s OTA session in Berea when an unexpected visitor interrupted. New Browns QB Deshaun Watson stole the stage by handing Walker a small box and a big hug.

Anthony [lawrence-related id=75234]

In the box was a Rolex watch, part of an unsolicited price for Watson to take the No. 4 jersey from Walker, who wore it in his first season in Cleveland. It was a light moment for the two former AFC South rivals who are now critical leadership presences in Cleveland.

Watson is also donating $50,000 to the football program at the high school where Walker’s father works in Florida.

Browns Anthony Walker clears way for Deshaun Watson to wear #4

Lots of more important issues surrounding Watson in Cleveland but one minor one seems solved as Walker chooses his new jersey number:

The Cleveland Browns have announced the acquisition of QB Deshaun Watson. While Baker Mayfield is still on the roster, and the musical chairs don’t seem to be lining up for he or the Browns, the team has also added Jacoby Brissett to the roster.

Case Keenum was traded away to the Buffalo Bills after collecting a $1 million roster bonus in Cleveland.

While there are far more important issues with the Watson addition, one question was related to what number he would wear with the Browns. Watson wore the #4 at Clemson and then again with the Houston Texans.

Last year, Anthony Walker took the #4 shortly after the NFL allowed linebackers to wear single-digit numbers. That number was made famous in Cleveland by kicker Phil Dawson.

Walker re-signed with the Browns this offseason but a post to his Instagram story shows that he is taking the #5 for 2022 which clears the way for Watson to wear his familiar number:

With that minor issue settled, a few major ones still linger for Watson and the Browns. A press conference is expected but not yet scheduled for later this week as the next step. After that, a looming suspension along with his civil cases being resolved may take some time to play out.

Browns Anthony Walker to return in 2022 on a one-year deal

While the QB instability rages, the Browns brought back some stable leadership for 2022 and Greg Newsome celebrated on Twitter:

The Cleveland Browns continue their moves as free agency officially opens Wednesday at 4 PM. Legal tampering is taking place between teams and free agents from other teams but none of those deals or trades can be signed until later this afternoon.

Deals between teams and their own free agents can be completed at any time.

So far, the Browns have:

The team is now bringing back one of their own in linebacker Anthony Walker. Cleveland added him from the Indianapolis Colts last year. He was lauded for his leadership and play on the field.

Kimberley A. Martin first reported a deal was close:

Adam Schefter then added that the deal was another one-year deal for $5 million.

In 2021, Walker played in 13 games for the Browns with 113 tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended and one sack. Going into 2022, he will continue to pair with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah as starters with Jacob Phillips, Tony Fields II and Sione Takitaki providing the current depth.

Cornerback Greg Newsome took to Twitter to celebrate the news:

Stability among the ongoing quarterback instability is a good thing for Cleveland.

These 19 Browns will be free agents after the 2021 season ends

The pending free agents from the 2021 Cleveland Browns

With the end of the 2021 season coming soon, several Cleveland Browns will be spending their last weeks with the team. There are 19 current members of the Browns roster whose contracts expire when the disappointing 2021 season ends.

Here are the 19 players who will be free agents after the season, in order of 2021 salary. Restricted free agents are designated with the RFA label. Exclusive rights free agents are not included.

Browns activated Anthony Walker, add Kareem Hunt to COVID list, sign Kyle Lauletta

One activated, one signed and others officially added to the COVID list including Hunt who had not been reported previously:

The Cleveland Browns roster is in constant flux this week due to COVID-19 protocols. The team has had over 20 players on thier reserve/COVID-19 list most of the week. We have a separate post keeping track of all of the players as information becomes available.

Late on Friday, the team made official many of the new additions to the reserve list while also activating linebacker Anthony Walker off of the list. The Browns added eight players officially including running back Kareem Hunt, a player that had not yet been identified as someone who would be placed on the list.

The team also made the signing of quarterback Kyle Lauletta off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad official. Lauletta spent training camp with Cleveland before the final cut.

The following players were officially added to the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Browns Friday:

  • S Grant Delpit
  • LB Tony Fields II
  • CB A.J. Green
  • S Ronnie Harrison Jr.
  • RB Kareem Hunt
  • QB Case Keenum
  • LB Jacob Phillips
  • LB Mack Wilson

Of interesting defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was not added to the list today but will officially go on the list tomorrow.

The team also announced that assistant coach T.C. McCartney has tested positive.

Lauletta joins Nick Mullens and reportedly signed Jake Dolegala as the team’s quarterbacks for Monday’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders unless Baker Mayfield or Keenum are activated in time.