The Cover 2 podcast from the Akron Beacon Journal is coming to a close. Well, at least for hosts Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar. Nate is transitioning off the Browns beat full to focus on writing in-depth features on Northeast Ohio athletes from all walks of life. The exact date it started is nebulous, but the podcast has gone several hundred episodes c…

The Cleveland Browns have now gone through two weeks of voluntary organized team activities with new franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Although the media has only been allowed to view two practices, there is still plenty to learn. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich explains how Watson looks effortless throwin…

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s legal situation is as complicated as he is talented. Acquired earlier this year in a blockbuster deal with the Houston Texans, Watson thus far has had more depositions than practices with the Browns. Watson’s case took a turn last week. The 26-year-old quarterback is being sued by 22 women for accused sexual misc…

There are always storylines baked into the NFL schedule release. There are specific matchups the league wants. There are games where a star player plays against his former team. Those are obvious. Not so obvious is what the NFL says about a team based on the schedule they lay out for them. Specifically about the Browns — who have just two prime-tim…

The 2022 NFL Draft is here, and the biggest issue surrounding the Browns is the fate of estranged quarterback Baker Mayfield. We all know Mayfield's days as a member of the Browns is winding down. But the question is where he will end up, how he'll get there and when it will happen. Could it happen this week during the 2022 NFL Draft? Nate Ulrich a…

If there is a quiet portion of the offseason for the Browns, it is happening right now. The big rush of acquisitions resulted in the Browns acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper. There was a string of cuts that saw wide receiver Jarvis Landry and center JC Tretter let loose. After all the fireworks, what is next for th…

After a long sabbatical, we're finally back with the Cover 2 podcast brought to you by USA Today Sports+. On this episode Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar offer their thoughts on the Browns giving tight end David Njoku the franchise tag. For Cleveland, the move is a risky one. While the 25-year-old Njoku is loaded with talent, he's been inconsistent throu…

Get your fancy dresses and tuxedos, because Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar are handing out the annual Cover 2 podcast awards to the Cleveland Browns. There are some obvious choices when it comes to the best offensive and defensive players for the Browns this season, but the awards run deep. What was the best play of the season? Should Greg Newsome II or…

After a disappointing 8-9 season, Browns players, coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry met with the media this week. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar discuss the most important topics that were touched on. That starts with quarterback Baker Mayfield. In his fourth year, Mayfield struggled with injuries, inaccur…

The Cleveland Browns closed a disappointing 2021 season with a win against the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals. Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich break down the game and what comes next for the Browns. That starts with the relationship between quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski.…

Throughout the season on the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar have been checking in with their thoughts on Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. The overarching theme to the Browns' season is whether or not Mayfield can be the longterm franchise quarterback the team drafted him No. 1 overall to be. Through 16 games of the regular season, the…

Sportswriters from the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository break down the Cleveland Browns 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday.By Gannett

Note: This podcast was recorded before the news about the latest COVID-19 outbreak hit the Browns. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield had some interesting comments following the team's 24-22 win on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Namely, he referred to the Browns offense as "conservative." Is that a sign of some discontent between head and Brow…

The Cleveland Browns dominated the first half against the Baltimore Ravens, the second was a case of too close for comfort in the team's 24-22 win.By Gannett

The bye week is finally here for the Browns, and it couldn’t have come any sooner. At 6-6, the Browns are struggling through a season of failed expectations and lackluster play. At the center of it is quarterback Baker Mayfield. With numerous injuries impacting his play, Mayfield has struggled. Especially lately. In his last three games, Mayfield i…

Gannett writers from the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository break down the Cleveland Browns' 16-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.By Gannett

Writers from the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository talk the Cleveland Browns' win over the Detroit Lions and the struggles of quarterback Baker Mayfield.By Gannett

In a season full of great expectations, the Browns find themselves in a familiar situation. At the tipping point. At 5-5, the Browns can go one of two ways. They can overcome the issues that have been multiplying this season, or they make everyone think they're just the same old Browns as they sputter through an uneven season. On this edition of th…

The Cleveland Browns season is currently teetering on the edge after an embarrassing 45-7 loss to the New England Patriots where the team lost in all phases of the game. We break down what happened.By Gannett

What a week for the Browns. On our latest Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar discuss everything going on with the team. That includes the good — right guard Wyatt Teller getting a deserved contract extension. To the bad — the resolution to the Odell Beckham Jr. saga and running back Nick Chubb testing positive for COVID-19. They also look a…

Our group of reporters break down the Browns' 41-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. In the first game post-Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns put together a complete game with strong performances by the offense and the defense.By Gannett

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich take a look back at Sunday's Cleveland Browns loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even in a game where Baker Mayfield returned and the defense allowed just 15 points the Browns couldn't get a win. What's next?By Gannett

It seems like every time Baker Mayfield's injured shoulder gets brought up, there's something worse going on. First it was a partially torn labrum. Then it was a fully torn labrum. Now it's a shoulder fracture in addition to the labrum tear. And yet, there are still questions about whether or not the Browns quarterback should try and play through i…

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich take a look back at Thursday night's Cleveland Browns win over the Denver Broncos. The game featured unlikely heroes for Cleveland like quarterback Case Keenum and running back D'Ernest Johnson.By Gannett

To play or not to play? That is the question when it comes to Baker Mayfield and the Browns. The quarterback told the media on Tuesday that the labrum in his left, non-throwing shoulder is fully torn. That is worse than expected. Mayfield said the decision on playing Thursday against the Denver Broncos will be up to him. But what is the best option…

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich break down what went wrong for the Browns in their 37-14 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.By Gannett

Look around any position group on the Browns and you'll see an injured player. The offensive tackles are hurt. The defensive ends are hurt. There are injuries with the cornerbacks. On this week's Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar break down the biggest injuries on the team. Arguably the one that hurts the most is wide receiver Jarvis Landr…

The Cleveland Browns lose to the Los Angeles Chargers in a shootout, but who bears the blame for this "L." There's plenty to go around.By Gannett

Who could've seen this coming? The rebuilt Browns defense, and not the vaunted offense behind quarterback Baker Mayfield, is carrying the team. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about how the defense has carried the team the last two weeks. That included a dominant showing against a Minnesota Vikings team with a…

Writers for the Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository break down the Cleveland Browns 14-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings.By Gannett

Through three weeks of the NFL season, no team runs the ball more times per game than the Browns. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt — arguably the best running back tandem in the league — it's understandable. Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 of the season, the Browns may have to rely on the passing game a little more. The Vikings run a high-oc…

Writers Nate Ulrich, Steve Doerschuck, Marla Ridenour and George Thomas of Gannett break down the Cleveland Browns 26-6 win over the Chicago Bears.By Gannett

On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, hosts Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar take a look at the issues facing the defense for the Browns. Is it a scheme problem? Does the rebuilt defense need time to gel? They have some thoughts. But first, the guys cover the news of wide receiver Jarvis Landry landing on injured reserve. His absence on the field will b…

Reporters Nate Ulrich, Marla Ridenour and George Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal and Steven Doerschuck of the Canton Repository talk about the first win of the season for the Cleveland Browns.By Gannett

What's next for the Cleveland Browns after losing in Week 1 of the NFL season to the Kansas City Chiefs? The Browns were once again competitive against the Chiefs, but a series of turnovers in the second half resulted in a 33-29 loss. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar give a big-picture overview of the Browns and wha…

Beacon Journal Cleveland Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich, columnist Marla Ridenour and sportswriter George M. Thomas on the Browns vs. Kansas City.By Gannett

At long last the 2021 season for the Cleveland Browns is here. On this episode of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar preview the season, touching on the biggest storylines, how far the Browns can go and they make several fun predictions about the team. What is the next step for the Browns,? Are the Browns a Super Bowl team? Can Baker Ma…

NFL cut down day has come and gone and the Browns made a few unexpected moves to get down to the required 53 players. Which move was the most surprising? Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar are here to talk about, the impact it could have on the Browns. They also talk about how rookie sixth-round pick Demetric Felton stepped up and stole a roster spot on the…

Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal break down the 19-10 win by the Cleveland Browns over the Atlanta Falcons to close out preseason.By Gannett

Steve Doerschuk, Marla Ridenour, George Thomas and Nate Ulrich check in with their thoughts on the Browns beating the Giants 17-13 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.By Gannett

Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah made his NFL debut in earnest over the weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The second-round pick from Notre Dame stole the show in Cleveland's 23-13 win. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about what's next for Owusu-Koramoah, and whether or not he …

Nate Ulrich and George Thomas look back on the Browns winning their first preseason game of the year, a 23-13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Among the standout was rookie second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The linebacker played the majority of the game after Mack Wilson was injured, and showed why some thought he would be a first-ro…

The Cleveland Browns have now taken to the practice field in Berea 10 times. On this edition of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar break down what's been happening at training camp and which Browns players are standing out. As Nate explains, training camp for the Browns is a little different this year. It's been a more low key camp for …

The Cleveland Browns have several key players who are due to earn new contracts. That includes quarterback Baker Mayfield, cornerback Denzel Ward and guard Wyatt Teller. No longer on that list is running back Nick Chubb, who agreed to a three-year $36.6 million dollar contract with the team on Monday. On this week's Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and…

Cleveland Browns training camp is finally here, and on this episode of the Cover 2 podcast, we talk about the key things to watch this year. Going into this season, things are a little different for the Browns. Expectations are high for one of the league's most talented teams. Unlike previous seasons, there are no major holes in the roster, and Bak…

Cleveland Browns minicamp has concluded, and the biggest takeaway involves the return of injured stars Odell Beckham Jr. and Jadeveon Clowney. On the latest Cover 2 podcast, Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich gives his thoughts on Beckham and Clowney, and how they look coming back from injuries. We also talk about the contract status of running back Ni…

The offseason for the Cleveland Browns plugs along. Following voluntary minicamp sessions the past two weeks, the team is ramping things up next week by dropping the voluntary qualifier. On the latest episode of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar look ahead to minicamp, and some key things to watch. The main thing is seeing how wide rec…

The 2021 NFL schedule is out, and Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar are here to break down the 17-game slate for the Cleveland Browns. Following a playoff win, expectations are high for the Browns this season. But they face a daunting schedule that starts with the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. After Week 1, the schedule is loaded with intriguing storyli…

The 2021 NFL Draft is over and the grades are in. They're resoundingly positive for the Cleveland Browns, largely for their first two picks. In the first round, the Browns landed cornerback Greg Newsome II and in the second they traded up for linebacker Jereamiah Owusu-Koramoah. What does it all mean for the Browns? Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar give a…

A lot of people expected the Browns to select Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in the 2021 NFL Draft. In the first round. The Browns managed to get him in the second round with the 52nd overall pick. Nate Ulrich, George Thomas, Marla Ridenour and Steve Doerschuk recap Day 2 of the draft and the picks of Owusu-Koramoah and Auburn wide r…