Cover 2 - A Podcast on the Cleveland Browns

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 covering the good and mostly bad of the Browns — with plenty of movie and food takes sprinkled in. 

The final episode from Nate and Dan is a retrospective of sorts. Get your tissues. Here's a little bit of what was talked about on this episode: 

- Nate details his most memorable games while on the Browns beat for the past 12 years. That includes some love for Brian Hoyer, Baker Mayfield's debut in 2018 and the helmet swing heard around the world by Myles Garrett.

- Nate explains why veteran Browns left guard Joel Bitonio was among his most favorite players to cover over the years.

- What are the Brownsiest Browns moments since 2010? The Johnny Manziel saga that included a helicopter searching for him? The team going 1-31? Josh Gordon's numerous suspensions? Beyond all that, there is something more recently that sticks out that defines "Browns is Browns." 

- We couldn't let Nate off the beat until he makes a prediction for how the Browns will do in 2022. Of course, that comes with caveats based on whether or not quarterback Deshaun Watson will get suspended, and for how long.

This episode closes with some heartfelt and earned recognitions 

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 throwing the ball in Berea.

As good as Watson has looked, the defense — specifically the secondary — is challenging the quarterback. Although you can’t judge too much because it’s spring practices, the most you can glean is from watching the pass catchers going against defensive backs.

That includes safeties John Johnson III and Grant Delpit. Nate explains how the pair is gelling thus far. He also gives an update on new wide receiver Amari Cooper and the extra work he and Watson are putting in.

This week's show also includes some thoughts on tight end David Njoku getting a new contract, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney re-signing and why fans shouldn’t expect Ndamukong Suh in Cleveland.

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 misconduct during massage sessions that took place in 2020 and 2021. During a pretrial deposition last week, one of the encounters with a massage therapist reportedly ended with the woman crying. Watson followed up the incident by texting the woman an apology, according to her attorney.

Given the serious nature and the sheer volume of alleged incidents, it can be difficult to parse out fact from fiction from Browns follower fanaticism.

To help clear things up, the Cover 2 podcast with Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar brought in special guest Brent Schrotenboer from USA TODAY. Brent has closely covered Watson’s case for USAT and broke down what everything means, the most significant developments in the case and where the potential for more lawsuits or criminal complaints stands.

Whether Watson’s legal issues continue or they conclude, the NFL will ultimately have to make a decision on disciplining the three-time Pro Bowler. 

As Nate points out, there are four ways the NFL could go in its discipline of Watson. But beyond that, it’s murky.

“They are in uncharted waters in terms of what the suspension should be,” Schrotenboer said on the podcast when it comes to the league’s decision. 

(Editor’s note: At one point Harrison County is mentioned during the podcast. It is Harris County.)

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-time games on the schedule — the NFL is clearly saying they're cautious about the Browns. That's probably due to the uncertain situation involving quarterback Deshaun Watson.

What else did we learn about the Browns schedule? Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk through the highlights of the schedule and pick out their favorite games on this week's Cover 2 podcast.

They also take a look back on the 2022 NFL Draft. The Browns picked nine players in the draft this year, starting with cornerback Martin Emerson. Which of the nine players run the risk of not making the team? And who needs to impress at this weekend's rookie minicamp? 

They also talk about why the selection of wide receiver David Bell of Purdue was so important. 

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 and Dan Kadar are back with the Cover 2 podcast to try and get a grasp on Mayfield's future, and why Browns General Manager Andrew Berry will need to be get creative with a trade.

They also talk about the positions the Browns will be targeting with the No. 44 pick, and some specific prospects who could be in play. 

Nate and Dan also make their picks for the Browns in a draft where anything could happen. There's one key indicator on what type of prospect Berry and the Browns could be looking at. 

The guys also talk about why Jadeveon Clowney is more likely to return to Cleveland than Jarvis Landry, Michigan's David Ojabo being available and much more.

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 the Browns? The Cover 2 podcast with hosts Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar is finally back to map out what the Browns could be targeting in this month's NFL Draft.

What the positions and who are the players the team could be targeting beginning with the No. 44 pick in the draft? Nate and Dan have plenty of ideas.

Before they get deep into the draft talk, the podcast this week starts with some thoughts on the addition of Watson and and why it appears as though the Browns are preparing for him to be suspended.

Not only that, but for the Browns to be successful with Watson, or new backup Jacoby Brissett, head coach Kevin Stefanski will have to make some scheme change to his offense.

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 throughout his career. 

In 15 games last season, Njoku had 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns. He had four or more receptions in just two games and had one or zero receptions in five games. 

Nate and Dan also discuss what the return of Njoku in 2022 could mean for the Browns offense and what bearing it may have on the future of fellow tight end Austin Hooper.

Nate also gives a recap of the NFL Scouting Combine with some thoughts on his favorite players and why wide receivers Treylon Burks and Garrett Wilson would fit on the Browns.

They close this episode talking about what the future may hold for Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, running back D'Ernest Johnson and wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

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 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah be named the team's best rookie? Who is the team's most underrated — or even underutilized — player?

The guys hand out their awards with a few surprises mixed in.

Before the awards show starts, Nate and Dan talk about the hiring of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah by the Minnesota Vikings, and why it's good news for the Browns. 

They also have some thoughts on Baker Mayfield's social media vow and whether or not a player should find motivation in 280 characters or less on Twitter.

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, inaccuracy and interceptions. Is he really the future of the franchise?

Based on what Berry and Stefanski said, Mayfield is at least for 2022. For now, at least. Nate breaks down why the coach and general manager said what they said about Mayfield, and why the team still has to do its due diligence at quarterback this offseason. And in doing so, the Browns also have to balance how Mayfield may react to competition being brought in.

They also talk about wide receiver Jarvis Landry, his future with the team and why i was so disappointing not to hear from him for most of the season.

The podcast closes with some thoughts on what the theme of the offseason will be for the Browns. 

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, there still isn't an answer.

Mayfield has been playing through injuries throughout the season, and it's impacting his play. That was evidenced in Week 16 when when he threw four interceptions in a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Nate and Dan discuss why going in to 2022 the Browns simply can't just be status quo at quarterback. But does that mean drafting or signing legitimate competition for Mayfield, or replacing him with a star quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson or Russell Wilson? 

Of course, the Browns are still in contention for the playoffs, though they need a lot of help. The guys talk about the return of Jedrick Wills Jr. and whether or not he should play at right tackle with Joel Bitonio holding his own at left tackle.

They also talk about the improved Browns defense, and whether or not coordinator Joe Woods could get some interest as a head coach this offseason.

This week's show closes with a preview of "Monday Night Football" against the Pittsburgh Steelers in what could be Ben Roethlisberger's final game at Heinz Field. Nate and Dan end the show with some thoughts on the passing of football titan John Madden.

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

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 Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski? On this week's Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar talk about the relationship between Cleveland's coach and quarterback.

They also talk more about the "conservative" nature of the Browns offense. Can an offense built on the running game and playing multiple tight ends be anything but conservative?

Nate and Dan also talk about the play of Nick Chubb the past few weeks. Chubb averaged only three yards per carry in two games against the Ravens. Is that due to Baltimore's run defense, or is it something else?

The guys also talk wide receiver Rashard Higgins and his place on the Browns right now.

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.

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 is completing just over 50 percent of his throws for less than 500 yards and as many interceptions as touchdowns.

One of the overarching storylines for the season is Mayfield’s contract status. He’s under contract for the 2022 season, but that’s it.

On this episode of the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar discuss Mayfield’s future and if the Browns may be hesitant to give him a longterm contract.

This week Browns General Manager Andrew Berry said the team will look at Mayfield’s body of work, but is that a good thing for Mayfield? And is he on a five-game audition for his job? 

Mayfield isn’t the only issue for the Browns. The offense in general has looked questionable. Can head coach Kevin Stefanski make an adjustment during the bye to turn things around?

This show closes with some thoughts on the defense, a tip of the cap to cornerback Denzel Ward. Like Mayfield, Ward is also playing for a new contract.

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

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.

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 the Cover 2 podcast, Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar try and figure out why the Browns are so inconsistent, especially on defense. They also have some thoughts on star defensive end Myles Garrett and why he erred on complaining about the team not making adjustments in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots.

This week's show concludes with a look ahead to Week 11 and a home game against the 0-8-1 Detroit Lions. If the Browns can't beat Detroit, things will really start to look grim for a disappointing team that's on the brink.

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.

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 ahead to Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. In a game between two 5-4 teams, the Browns face a tough test against New England head coach Bill Belichick and rookie quarterback Mac Jones.