Browns News and Notes for 8/20

Jul 30, 2012; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Brian Sanford (70) walks on the field during training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

– The trade with the Seattle Seahawks for John Moffitt was voided after Moffitt did not pass his physical because of a concern with his knee.  As a result, Moffitt went back to Seattle and Brian Sanford returned to the Browns.  It was clear something was up when Moffitt was suited up and tried to go to practice and was sent back in by the coaching staff.  Now, the Browns are presumably back on the search to bring in another guard to avoid needing to rush Garrett Gilkey into a starting role the first couple weeks of the season.

The Seahawks turned around and made a deal with the Denver Broncos to send Moffitt there for defensive tackle Sealver Siliga.  The Broncos want Moffitt for many of the same reasons the Browns did, though it remains to be seen if they will pass him on the physical.  The Broncos have suffered more injuries along their offensive line and most recently had their free agent acquisition in Louis Vasquez suffer a minor injury.  Beyond that, Dan Koppen went down for the year and the Broncos have questions at center.  Moffitt can play center in addition to guard, so if healthy, could be a way to address one of two spots.

– The Dan Patrick Show mentioned the Browns positively for the second day in a row.  A well listened to radio show, there was a discussion about the AFC North.  Unprompted, DP mentioned that he liked the Browns.  He thought they were probably a year away but seemed to like the way they were going.  This has to be the first time in that show’s history this has happened.  The show has only been around for a handful of years though, so it is understandable.  The last time the Browns had any positive momentum from a national audience was when people fell for what turned out to be fool’s gold in 2008 after the surprise 2007 season.  It is an odd feeling to have the Browns come up in random conversation as it did in this scenario.  It has been so long that it is unusual.

– The Miami Dolphins released cornerback Richard Marshall.  Yes, Marshall has a history with Ray Horton, is 28, and had the best season of his career in 2011 with Horton in Arizona.  It remains to be seen if the Browns will take a look or not.

– Oh, yea.  The Browns officially named Brandon Weeden as the team’s starting quarterback too.  It is unclear how the team would have survived another day without this announcement.