Browns | Coach Byner

Cleveland-Believeland

By Earnest Byner Ebyner
March 18, 2016
Browns,Browns Beat,Football,Game Within The Game,Motivation,NFL

They never lose hope. They never die. They always encourage their players. It can be football, basketball or baseball. It matters not to the fateful and loyal fans of Cleveland.

I had a connection to Cleveland/Believeland before I was summoned there by the game that I grew to and still love.

I was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 10th round of the 1984 NFL draft. It was actually the end of the 10th and almost the 11th round. I get the call after two long days of waiting by the phone, alone on the second floor of Belk Hall on ECU’s campus. There was no TV, radio or video games to pass the time. It was just me and the phone.

The first voice I heard was Art Modell. He welcomed me then handed the phone to Sam Rutigliano. He did the same. I had a good feeling when I spoke to both.

I can’t say I was excited, but I can say I was pleased to be drafted because I was assured of a signing bonus. I search the memory bank and find the first time I tasted Cleveland.

I was in mine and my oldest brother’s room at Granny’s house watching football. It so happened that the Browns were on. It stood out to me because the Pruitts made some plays. Greg broke off one of his tear away punt returns and Mike showed some quickness and power while getting a much needed first down. It felt like some type of indicator to me. It registered and as I normally did, went on outside to play some. Later in my life, I would end up on the same team, in the same meeting room and blocking for Mike. That moment at Granny’s house comes to mind.

When I got to Cleveland, I did not understand the type of history in sports I was surrounded by and walking into. However, I found out quickly what type of weather I was going to be dealing with. As I stepped off the plane, sleet and wind hit my ass in the face. I was also hit in the face with some of the grand history that weekend by the Browns. They had a meet and greet with some of the “Past Greats.” It was a pleasure to meet Lou Groza and others. The more you are around the Browns, the more you understand the tradition that exist. The more you are around, the more you understand the connection that the players and the fans have.

I started to get a feel for what that felt like myself. My family and I stayed around after the season. We learned that on some type of winter days it was everyman for him/herself. That meant I was getting out of the car and there was no waiting or opening doors. I’m gone and you get there as best you can. During those times we bought Cleveland Cav season tickets.

I recognized that we had become fans when after we left a game, in which they had lost, I felt like I had lost. Well dam! Why is that? It gave firsthand knowledge and understanding regarding how Cleveland fans felt after we lost a game. It’s we won or we lost. It’s real ownership and real kinship of and to the team.

The new ESPN 30 for 30 movie “Believeland” does a hell of a job connecting the grand history of the Cleveland culture while intertwining the grand history of Cleveland Sports. You see, they are one and the same. Some of the stories that I heard about Cleveland I totally disregarded. I disregarded them because I lived there and stayed there after the seasons were over. My oldest daughters started their early schooling there. We made Cleveland our home and found nothing lacking.

While I was living there, I knew that the city had a incredible energy about it. That energy I felt when attending some of the play-off games of the Indians. I felt it first hand when we were on our run of playoff appearances from 1985-88. During those times, I felt jolts of energy when I just went out to walk the neighborhood. It was so real, I decided during some of those times to not venture to the malls or go to stores. I would stay close to home. I learned to capture that energy and direct it into my practices, then ultimately into the games.

The connection with the fans and excitement associated with each team provided a fabulous vibration. It created a tremendous bond that transcends the passing of time and shows a devotion that is like no other.

Absent Minded Living

By Earnest Byner Ebyner
March 13, 2016
Browns,Football

THE GAME…
This phenomena shows up in the game of football as it does in real life. I don’t know how many times I’ve corrected a player on something I know that he knows he knows what he was supposed to do. I have witnessed this numerous times when dealing with guys that would not go through their A’s.

• Alignment
• Assignment
• Adjustment

Players have their base assignments when a play is called in the huddle. The information gives them their base alignment, their basic assignment and based on what happens after the snap…an adjustment. When you see players running back and forth behind the line of scrimmage, most of the time they didn’t get the alignment. They were in the huddle but not really mentally present…Absent minded

Sometimes you see someone running Scott free to the QB. When that happens, you may see someone clap their hands or look back over their shoulder and holler “look out.” Assignments are being missed.

When you see a QB throwing a ball to a receiver that is not where he was supposed to be, the adjustment may have been missed by him or the QB.

This is very elementary to say but, either one of these three being missed is a degree of absent minded playing of the game. Within the game they are called MA’s… Missed assignments. Miss any part of the A’s and miss enough of them then games are loss.

It leads to a stressful and harmful football existence.

LIFE
Now in real life. Not that the life of the player is not real. How does this play out?

How many times a day is this going to happen? I walk out of the door and dang it… I have to go back into the house to retrieve my phone. How about this one… There is a special key I need to get into the gate. I need to keep this with me at all times. I’m about to turn into the place where I have to swipe. I reach down to the ash tray to get it so I can proceed and SHIGGADDEE! The key is not there. So I gotta go through a process of where was it the last time I had it. Did I use it yesterday to get into the gate? Did I take it out if the car to get into the door as well? Shoot!!! How much time have I lost or will I lose each day with this absent minded living.

Living absent a mind is fricking nerve racking. The pressure starts to build when you have misplaced your keys, wallet or purse. The nerves start to get a little rattled until… until… Whew! There it is. I knew I put it there.

After I find what I was looking for, it’s no telling how much other productive things I could have been doing as opposed to losing the time and getting rattled. The time is not the only thing I lose with this type of living. As you know, time is money. I feel some life force is drained as well.

So what is the cause of this type of living? Is it due to the concussions I suffered while playing the game. Is it the natural aging process or can it be that I have not trained the mind to do its work?

There is no telling how much life is being taken out of me due to the poison that is being released when the nerves get frayed. I can feel the heart pumping when I get upset with myself and then…well the negative talk that I have with myself. The kickin my own ass mentality.

How about this. Let’s get a bit more energetic about our moments. Walk in a new light so we keep the spirits up. There has to be a willingness to exercise the mind, so as to build the mental muscle…Focus takes effort as much as absent mindedness does. But, it is a preemptive strike and puts us in a better frame of mind. It keeps us away from the energy that can do us harm.

Focusing, breathing and as much as you can, stay in the balance. This will help with staying present when the inevitable absent minded self shows up, and it will, help you minimize the damage that the system can do to itself. Hmmmm… SHIGGADDEE… I just misplaced my name tag. I swear it was just in my hand… Now it’s nowhere to be found… Well, it will show up or I’ll have to foot another… Time and money the absent minded way.

Be Blessed

Mental and Physical Stretching

As the body needs stretching to operate optimally, so does the mind. As with the body, when it hasn’t been stretched in a while, it resists what you are trying to do. If you fight with it, then it will continue to resist. If you have the courage to breathe deep and slow thus taking the attention away from the pain then you are feeling. Focus the attention nice and slow so that there is a relaxing and the muscle becomes more pliable.

When dynamic changes have come in our society, it was painful mentally to those who resisted. Those who took the time to observe, think and breathe were more able to look at universal truths and have their mind stretch in such a way that the adjustment wasn’t painful for them.

With some changes we have to be forced to deal with and accept because we get stuck in our ways. We become less flexible when we resist evolution. The world will evolve, so we should be on alert regarding. Then when our minds are forced to stretch, it won’t be as mentally painful as it is when we are inactive or active, but don’t stretch our muscles.

We should do our best to stretch both mentally and physically, so the body and the brain can absorb the change and growth needed to live a healthy vibrant life.

Browns Hope

There may be a little disappointment in the Browns runners at this point. It has been said that “Guys don’t want to be the lead bell cow guy.” Ooooo another feather got ruffled! The Browns are looking for a leader and some ownership from the backfield participants. There is disappointment but, there is hope for recovery.

My hope is in the position coach they have. He has been through many wars, as a player and as a long standing and good coach. He understands how to get into the minds of his guys and find out what motivates them.

My hope is also in the guys that are trying to play the position. West, based on interactions that I have seen, has to mature. At times, don’t spend time trying to prove you know what you are doing while showing that you don’t. Based on tape studied, he also has to develop his overall understanding of the run concepts so he can best help his lineman be better players. Setting up you lineman is one of the best things great runners do. I do feel that he will get it, after his brief example that the game can be taken away from you.

There may need to be more examples of that to keep him inspired.

Isaiah Crowell has been the healthiest so far. I liked his demeanor over all. I have felt he has the ability to step in. I like his overall demeanor and feel he can develop into a leader for the Browns team. Also, he may be the best pass protector.

Duke seems to have the best overall talent. After my brief encounter with him, I sense he has another gear mentally. When the games get bigger, he may be the one that can go to that next level. His best ability will be available.

Wilbert has been able to motivate, inspire and teach good players. Look for that to continue as the season progresses.

As for now Wilbert is >>>

Full Commentary>>>

NFL Training Camp- Then & Now

NFL TRAINING CAMP THEN-NOW

It’s the night before the final cuts of the 1984 NFL training camp. (REAL TRAINING CAMP) Cleveland Browns TC started the weekend after July 4th and lasted for almost 2 months. It was like being stuck in the twilight zone!

I’ve been balling from the beginning, so I haven’t had an uneasy feeling about being cut. But tonight is a little different. I slept well after I finally fell asleep while half expecting a knock on the door. My roommate has been gone for a week, so I’m alone.

I wake up to sunshine and no knock. I pop up and run to the door to take a peak out. QUIET. It was almost spooky. I call home to tell Granny and then call my wife. I made it!

After the call, I sat for a while to let it all sink in.

We have a team meeting at 9:00 am. I take what has become my normal seat. Mike Pruitt, Boyce Green, Charles White and Johhny Davis are the other backs. Marty is talking, but I’m in amazement now because I’m on the team with guys I’ve watched on tv.

The room is really half empty, so Marty Schottenheimer’s voice almost echoes. But once we get on the field… Wait! Where are the lines of guys waiting to get reps? This is it?! What a realization of how special it is to be on the roster and in the NFL.

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up on the game and the games played that you forget the specialness of being in the league.

Seeing those empty seats and short lines provided an “Oh Snap” moment for me. Love what you do and appreciate the constant challenge that can make you a better person and player.

Well that was way back when…training camp was actually about training and competing. It was where more uncertainty loomed regarding final roster spots. It felt like guys had a real shot at competing for a spot on the roster and veteran players could battle for the job another player was drafted for.

No more real training…well it’s still training but not at the levels of before. We were battle tested before we got to another team.

The evolution of the game has taken away the grueling aspect of camp. Salary caps have made it where there is more concern regarding safety and getting guys to the season as opposed to truly developing the roster from top to bottom.

Yes development still happens while keeping an eye on how much exposure the top tier players get. In some situations, I noted the player was being coached down as opposed to coaching him up or truly developing him and making him better.

Yep… Training camp is long gone never to return. There may still be some sleepless nights, but none like 1984. What a blessing for the chance a lil ole’ 10th rounder out of East Carolina from Milledgeville got just being in a true training camp.

Power of Adaptation

By Earnest Byner Ebyner
July 11, 2015
Browns,Food & Health,Football,Motivation,NFL

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1987 play-off game…Colts vs Browns in Municipal Stadium. It was one of Cleveland’s familiar wind off of Lake Erie cold days. It had been so cold, the field was frozen. For the most part, the green that was on the field was painted.

So, what does a running back wear on this type of field? There is no penetrating it with traditional cleats. Tennis shoes may work, but I may slide where grass is actually present.

Luckily, I have been playing hard firm and fast tracks in a pair of Pony shoes. They were a mixture of astro shoes and mini cleats. I decided to go with them.

That adaptation enabled me to play one of the finest play-off games, from a running backs perspective, in Cleveland Brown’s post season history.

The power of adaptation is a remarkable tool! As humans, we have a choice how we view each day. Each experience is a chance to exercise our decision making ability.

Granny use to say ” if they give you chicken sh_t make chicken salad.” Luckily I haven’t actually had to eat that type of chicken salad, but I have used that metaphor in all aspects of my life.

Adapting to the circumstances and situations we are provided in life, is a constant choice!

When you are in a position where you have no choice in making the situation like you want it, make the situation work out anyway. The ability is within you to make the necessary adjustments.

It’s a decision!

If you feel you don’t have the wherewithal, it’s no shame in seeking advice. My advice from Granny provided a lifetime of knowledge. That knowledge ultimately turned into wisdom.

Shelton and Browns Mentality

The talk leading up to the Cincy game was Johnny football. The talk has been since is…of course all about Johnny football. It was all about his first start and his lack of efficiency. No fairy or I should say, “Johnny dust,” to sprinkle and make it all good.

My thoughts at this point go back to the defense. I’m looking at two plays that gave the tone of the day for the Browns.

The Bengals get the ball first. Opposite of what I had envisioned as the beginning. Anyway, they get the ball and STEAM roll their way down the field. The first four run plays go 3,7,8 and six yards. A dominant way to start.

The picture below shows the blocking scheme that the Browns’ D had to face. It’s a play we use to call 36 BOB. B.O.B. means back on backer or from a defensive perspective Backer on Back. The fullback and the linebacker have to go man to man in the hole.

This is where “Big Shelton” can be of assistance from the nose or the three technique. These type of holes should be fewer.

In the picture below you can see the play has started and the action is on. The blocking scheme is taking full flight and Bam!! the full back is underneath the linebackers chin. No go on the technique by #53 Craig Robertson. He should be delivering a blow to the fullback. Same foot-Same shoulder, then separate to make the tackle. Look where his hands are. If you can see, it’s like he is hugging #89’s head. At this point in the season and with the season on the line, more discipline and a better mentality is needed by CR. Trust me 89 was tough the rest of this drive too.

This is a tone setter for what’s to come. An ass waxing is in order!

Shifting to pass Defense…

In the next picture, which was later in the first drive, Bernardo is about to release out of the backfield to run a wheel route. The two receivers will run shallow routes to shield/pick the defenders. Circled in black are four of the Browns defenders. Who should have the flat area? Well they don’t cover it.

The ball has been snapped and the shallow routes have begun and #25 is releasing on his wheel route. “Scott Free.” Circled in red are four Browns defenders. I ask again, WHO HAS THE FLAT??? Everyone is fixated on the receivers. Look at their heads. No one is looking at the runner. Pass complete for a big gain and a BS horse collar call on top of it all.

So the the topic can be on Mister football but the defense has a bunch to get right. Johnny has motivation to get his butt in gear as does the defense. They took a real physical butt whooping.

The draft gives new blood and brings with it excitiment from the young and motivation to the vets. This which should challenge and make all better.

Let’s go Dawgs

Body, Mind,Spirit

By Earnest Byner Ebyner
April 2, 2015
Browns,Food & Health,Football,Health,Motivation

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Continual Rehabilitation Poem

A body will return to its natural state of rest Naturally, it’s not wanting to stand for a test. It’s not always agreeing to do it’s best. Push it, coddle it or give it a caress.

When I pulled my hamstring during the Brown’s summer camp in 1994, I found myself looking at some of the healthy players and wondering why they were healthy and I’m not.

I had to be in the training room healing, instead of on the field competing for the starting job. Rehab was tedious. It was a weakening then a strengthening and healing process.

Working my way back from my first hamstring injury was totally different than, lets say, an ankle sprang. I thought I could work through it just like I had done with my other injuries. It was different!

Pinched nerves from my neck…no problem, ligament damage in my knee…come onnnn, dislocated fingers…piece of cake. That left hamstring!!! I tried to work through that and bam! I’m down another two weeks. It still hurts me to this day.

It still needs rehab. If I don’t workout, stretch or give it ice and the hot tub, it lets me know. Shiggadee…it hurts without that. Imagine how it would be if I didn’t rehab. The process is continual.

As we continue in the aging process, the natural inclination of the body is to lose muscle and tone. Atrophy happens quickly to a body that is at rest consistently.According to my studies, exercise in general is recommended for us all. For me, it’s most important for those that have played sports and suffered injuries. Yes! It’s going to hurt, but the alternative may be even worse.

Getting overweight, losing all your flexibility and dealing with the issues that come with those, is your alternative. Quality of life is at stake.

I’ve always been a little vain. I like to fit into some of my old clothes and like how I look in them. Is Coogi out of style? Hmmmm

Whatever the motivation, get yourself some rehab for your body, mind and soul. Self efficacy, health, vanity or rehabbing an old injury, may be your motivation. What ever it is, get it done.

NFL Play 60 does a good job encouraging our youth. Getting kids started in sports or exercise in general is key. Starting a lifestyle of exercise early is important. On the other hand, it’s never to late to get started.

Check with your Doctors first!

Take care of you so… “You” can take care of others.

Spirit, Mind, Body

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Browns Corner BLOG

Browns’ Corner Blog

March 13, 2015

By Coach Byner

The talk leading up to the Cincy game was Johnny football. The talk has been sense is…of course all about Johnny football. It was all about His first start and his lack of efficiency. No fairy or I should say Johnny dust to sprinkle and make it all good.

My thoughts at this point go back to the defense. I’m looking at two plays that give the tone of the day for the Browns.

The picture below shows the blocking scheme that the Browns D had to face. It’s a play we use to call 36 BOB. B.O.B. means back on backer or from a defensive perspective Backer on Back. The fullback and the linebacker have to go man to man in the hole.

In the picture below you can see the play has started and the action is on. The blocking scheme is taking full flight and Bam!! the full back is underneath the linebackers chin. No go on the technique by #53. He should be delivering a blow to the fullback. Look where is hands are. If you can see, it’s like he is hugging # 89s head. Trust me 89 was tough the rest of this drive too.

This is a tone setter for what’s to come. A ass waxing is in order.

The ball has been snapped and the shallow routes have begun and #25 is releasing on his wheel route. SCOTT FREE. Circled in red are four Browns defenders. I ask again, WHO HAS THE FLAT??? Everyone is fixated on the receivers. Look at their heads. No one is looking at the runner. Pass complete for a big gain and a BS horse collar call on top of it all.

So the the topic can be on Mister Football but the defense has a bunch to get right. Johnny has motivation to get his butt in gear just as all the others that took a real butt whooping.

Coach EB

Review, Rehearse, Remember

Coach Earnest Byner

March 4, 2015

How does a player make the plays under the pressure of the game? When the chips get down and the opposing team is attacking, there has to be a plan that precedes action.

Most of the plays, situations and adjustments have been covered either in meetings or on the practice field. The other place they get covered is in the privacy of a player’s mind.

The lessons of each situation are covered by the coaches. As Teachers of the game plan, they use valuable meeting time to go over most of the details. It’s never enough time to get it all. There has to be a dependency on the player, but rest assured the player is given his basics and possible adjustments…FOR THE MOST PART.

Here is where the team goes to another level. When they get enough guys to have ownership and buy-in, they have the ability to raise the preparedness and the level of play.

Review…

Shortly after receiving the information, game plan and assignments, the player should go back over notes and key points. Even the part that is known…skim it. What has not struck the mind in a way that is readily remembered, find something that causes you to pull it out of your mind when needed. So basically, go back over what you have been given.

Rehearse…

Now, this is an important part of the process as well. While reviewing also rehearse what you should be doing. Rehearse the initial responsibility, then, rehearse what your adjustments should be if…. If this, then I do that…if that, then I do this. Go through all your adjustments. REHEARSE…

REMEMBER…

When it’s reviewed and rehearsed… It will be remembered. The assignments will become like breathing. It will become innate. When this is done, it cuts down on the mistakes that are made. When the test is administered, the student is prepared.

Mistakes will still be made, but the score for the test/Game will be higher. Retention will be better as will the ability to have the information available at the right time.

Review, Rehearse, Remember

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