Getting to Know Browns Camp Quarterbacks John Love and Riley Neal

Getting to know the Cleveland Browns newest quarterbacks: Kyle Love and Riley Neal.

The Cleveland Browns opened their rookie minicamp with a lot of interest in their drafted players. The team also brought in a number of undrafted free agents, tryout players, and non-rookie rostered players.

Two of those were quarterbacks Josh Love and Riley Neal.

Love is a 24-year-old who played college football at San Jose State with his last season there in 2019. For his career in the MWC, Love attempted exactly 1,000 passes completing almost 58% of them for over 7,200 yards.

In his four seasons on the field, Love threw for 43 touchdowns while adding 29 interceptions. Love was not much of a running threat in college.

The Los Angeles Rams had Love in camp last year but he failed to make their roster.

Neal, also 24, played four years at Ball State before playing his fifth, and final, season with Vanderbilt in the SEC. In his five seasons, Neal threw for 8,978 yards while completing 60% of his passes.

Overall, Neal threw 55 touchdowns compared to 30 interceptions in college. He was also more of a rushing threat than Love, compiling 1,410 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns during his five years.

Following his transfer to Vanderbilt, Neal completed his Master’s Degree.

Neal signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft but was waived in July of 2020.

With veterans Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum and Kyle Lauletta leading the quarterback room, the Browns needed camp arms to make things go. It is unlikely that either Love or Neal will stick around but both players get another chance to keep their NFL dream alive during the Browns rookie minicamp.

Former Panthers DT Kyle Love announces his retirement from the NFL

Former Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love has announced his retirement from the NFL in an Instagram post.

Former Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love has announced his retirement from the NFL in an Instagram post.

Love thanked the Patriots organization for giving him his start in the league as well as Carolina, where he spent the majority of his career.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CM40vqRBMwu/

Love went undrafted after playing his college ball at Mississippi State. New England first picked him up in 2010. He spent three seasons with the Patriots then one game each with the Jaguars and Chiefs before joining the Panthers in 2014. His last game came in Carolina during the 2019 season.

All together, Love appeared in 115 games in the NFL, totaling 15 sacks, 30 quarterback hits and 19 tackles for a loss.

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Report: Jets signing former Panthers WR Chris Hogan

According to a reporot by Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, wide receiver Chris Hogan is signing with the Jets. 

A couple of former Carolina Panthers players found new homes in the NFL this weekend.

According to a report by Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, wide receiver Chris Hogan is signing with the Jets.

Hogan has been in the league since 2012, splitting 95 games between the Bills, Patriots and Panthers. He signed with Carolina last year but never really got involved on offense. Hogan played in seven games and caught just eight passes for 67 yards. He was placed on IR in early October with a knee injury and wasn’t reactivated until late in the season.

Hogan has never been a star receiver, but he excels at creating separation. This is another good low-key move by Jets GM Joe Douglas, who is making an admirable effort to break his extremely dysfunctional franchise out of a decade-long funk. The last time they made the playoffs was 2010.

In related news, former Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love has agreed to terms with the division-rival Buccaneers.

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Report: Buccaneers expected to sign former Panthers DT Kyle Love

According to a report by Greg Auman at the Athlet.ic, the Buccaneers are expected to sign former Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love.

According to a report by Greg Auman at the Athletic, the Buccaneers are expected to sign former Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love, who passed his physical. Love has played 115 games regular season games in his NFL career, split between several teams.

He spent the last six years in Carolina, where he totaled 9.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits and 11 tackles for a loss in a backup role.

While Love has never been a star (he hasn’t made one Pro Bowl), he has always offered quality reserve play for every team he’s suited up for.

Tampa already had a loaded interior line with Ndamukong Suh and Vita Vea projected to start. Adding Love just makes them a little bit deeper on the inside.

Love was one of several former Panthers players who it makes sense to bring back for 2020. On the bright side, Ross Cockrell backed out on the Giants, so he’s still available.

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Cam Newton’s former teammate questions his ability to take criticism from Bill Belichick

“This is just my opinion, but I don’t feel like Cam can take the pressure of coaches talking down about his play.”

Cam Newton’s fit with the New England Patriots has been in question since he signed in June.

Two things that were asked most frequently were regarding his health and his ability to play under Bill Belichick. Newton’s health doesn’t appear to be an issue and time will tell if he can handle an NFL game. His fit with Belichick is still unknown and will be interesting to keep an eye on.

The Patriots run a military-like system and its been overwhelming for many players over the years. Belichick expects players to conceal information during press conferences and it’s strictly business when it comes to football activities. Newton’s former teammate, Kyle Love, spent three years with the Patriots and he has a feeling the match won’t work.

“Being a professional in New England is different from being a professional in Carolina. It’s a whole different ballgame,” Love said to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. “Bill wants things run a certain way, wants things practiced a certain way and said a certain way in the classroom and in the media. New England is not for everybody. Every player does not fit will there physically or mentally.”

“This is just my opinion, but I don’t feel like Cam can take the pressure of coaches talking down about his play. If he had a bad game in Carolina, the coaching staff wouldn’t say much to him because they may have felt he could be a little frail about it or maybe pout,” he said. “They never really corrected to the point Bill used to correct Tom.”

Love has support for Newton and wants him to succeed, but it’s difficult to imagine he’ll mesh with Belichick.

“My fear is, can Cam fit in their box? Because I want Cam to win. I want Cam to be successful. I want to see him win games and even a championship, because I love that dude,” Love said. “I just hope he can do that within the guidelines of what Bill wants.”

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5 former Panthers players who could be worth bringing back for 2020

Here are five free agents who used to play for the Panthers they should consider.

If it happens, the 2020 NFL season is going to be a unique one. Teams have been unable to hold any kind of offseason program to date except in a virtual setting and the league is looking at cancelling half of the preseason schedule. This means that teams with continuity and familiarity will have an advantage over those that don’t.

That’s bad news for the Carolina Panthers, who have lost more snaps from 2019 than any team in the league by a huge margin. Bringing back some familiar faces could help. Here are five free agents who used to play for the Panthers they should consider.

TE Ed Dickson

Ed Dickson
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Greg Olsen hit the Panthers hard and they haven’t made any significant additions at tight end since. Especially after Seth DeValve was released due to a non football injury, the team could use more depth at this position. Dickson was never a star, but at the very least he would bring experience to a young and unproven tight end room that needs it. In 2018 with the Seahawks, Dickson scored three touchdowns and caught 12 of 13 targets from Russell Wilson. For the league minimum, he’s worth a look.