The Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com podcast

How the Browns will look different against the Saints (podcast)

Although the Browns have their best record to start the season since 2004, they're still winless at 0-0-1. Sunday's game in New Orleans against the Saints will be a difficult challenge to get that elusive win. On today's Cover 2: A Browns Podcast, Nate Ulrich and I look ahead to the game. One of the keys for the Browns will be changing up the offense. Last Sunday against the Steelers, quarterback Tyrod Taylor only completed 37.5 percent of his passes, wide receiver Josh Gordon was only targeted three times and the running game was often ineffective. Nate explains what the Browns might do differently this week on offense to upset the heavily favored Saints. On defense the Browns could be withoout defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. Nate talks about who could step up in his place. He also explains what Myles Garrett has done to be even better this season. We also go over which Browns cornerback will be given the difficult task of covering Michael Thomas, the star wide receiver and former Ohio State standout. We close today's podcast talking about Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his strong praise for Browns rookie Baker Mayfield.

Why a tie isn't such a bad thing for the Cleveland Browns

Is a tie such a bad thing? Maybe not when it comes to the Cleveland Browns. On today's Cover 2: A Podcast on the Cleveland Browns, Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository breaks down Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two teams tied 21-21, and for the Browns the game should be looked at as a positive. The tie came despite some questionable play and decisions. The oddest decision may have been starting undrafted rookie Desmond Harrison at left tackle. Steve goes deep on the play of the offensive line, including right tackle Chris Hubbard having trouble in pass protection. Offensive line woes weren't the only thing holding back the Browns. Starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor completed only 37.5 percent of his 40 pass attempts, and Josh Gordon was only targeted three times. All was not bad for the Browns though. Defensive end Myles Garrett somehow exceeded expectations and rookie cornerback Denzel Ward had two interceptions. We go over all of that and more on this week's Cover 2 podcast on the Cleveland Browns.

How the Browns can beat the Steelers and go 6-10 this season

Cover 2: The podcast on the Cleveland Browns is here. Nate Ulrich and I begin the show today with the ending of Hard Knocks. After a strong start, the five-episode season tumbled toward the end. The finale featured the notable cuts of Devon Cajuste, Carl Nassib, Nate Orchard and Brogan Roback. But did the show properly portray the moves? We also preview the season for the Browns, and explain why they could go 6-10 this season after going winless in 2017. The key reason is the sheer amount of changes that John Dorsey has applied to the roster as general manager. Defensive end Myles Garrett is another reason. We predict how many sacks the star pass rusher could have this season. We close today's show with a look ahead to Week 1 of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Is an upset possible? If so, there's one key matchup that could lead to a win for the Browns.

Why the Browns should cut Mychal Kendricks, roster bubble players and previewing the Lions game

On this week's Akron Beacon Journal and Ohio.com podcast, Nate Ulrich and I talk the latest Cleveland Browns news. We start this week's podcast looking back on the latest episode of Hard Knocks on HBO. The most newsworthy part of this week's show was the dynamic between offensive coordinator Todd Haley and top wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Among other things, it showed how Haley should get looked at as a potential NFL head coach again in the future. Next, we previewed Thursday night's preseason finale. Even though most Browns starters will be off, the game is worth watching for guards Kevin Zeitler and Austin Corbett. First overall pick Baker Mayfield will also get plenty of playing time, as will receiver Antonio Callaway. One player who won't be playing is linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who was charged with insider trading. Nate thinks that Kendricks should be let go, despite just being signed this offseason. We close out this week's show going over some players who are squarely on the roster bubble. That includes Hard Knocks favorites Nate Orchard and Devon Cajuste. Will either make the team? Nate has some thoughts on both, as well as other roster items to keep in mind.

Handing out Cleveland Browns training camp awards and previewing the Eagles game

On this week's podcast, Nate Ulrich and I are joined by Canton Repository Browns writer Steve Doerschuk. He's with us to help give out awards following the team's 18 training camp practices. That includes offensive and defensive MVP, most improved holdover on the team from last season, the biggest disappointment of camp and the most pleasant surprise. Former first overall pick Myles Garrett is the choice in more than one category for Steve and Nate. Because it's the Browns, though, we spent the most time covering the biggest disappoints from camp. Before the camp awards are handed out, we go over the third episode of Hard Knocks. The episode was a little light on news items, but eccentric offensive line coach Bob Wylie stole the show. We close out this week looking ahead to Thursday night's game in Cleveland against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. There are a few things to keep an eye on as the starters are expected to play the entire first half.