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As part of the NFL’s continuing mission to improve the public images of their players and to prevent further national embarrassment, the league has recently mandated group counseling sessions for all 32 teams. Although the NFL’s new wellness policy prohibits the release of confidential information based on these sessions, a Cleveland Reboot intern managed to sneak a rather cumbersome 1980’s style tape recorder and microphone into Shaun Smith’s buttocks. The following is a transcript of the session featuring several prominent Browns players.

In an attempt to illuminate the prospects of the 2009 Browns, Cleveland Reboot has sought to entertain and occasionally inform fans through its As It Stands Again series. The series profiled the essential positions on the Browns’ roster that could ultimately determine success for the team during the 2009. Beginning with Linebackers and finishing with Defensive Backs, the series offered conflicting perspectives, predictions and puzzles related to a team that finds itself once again in transition.

Realizing this increasingly familiar scenario, it is likely that the 2009 Browns will struggle to find their footing under new coach Eric Mangini.

Great stuff from every Browns fan’s favorite mythical uncle, Terry Pluto. I’ve been reading Pluto for years and unlike a lot of other aging print sportswriters, he has demonstrated a wonderful humility in presenting his material. Pluto’s even-handed approach, genuine appreciation for the game and wonderful sense of history brings a much needed balance to the often cynical beast that is the Cleveland sports media.

Reading Pluto on a Sunday morning is a true highlight, especially in the dark days of July. His take, which is hopefully the last one, on Donte Stallworth strays from being overly judgmental (we get it – Stallworth is a bum and/or has some bad luck)…

As the long weeks leading up to training camp slowly begin to dissipate, and much like the legitimacy of a Phil Dawson holdout, prognosticators are beginning to unsheathe their sharp knives, readying for the possible realities that lie ahead. Or, in other words, the suspense is killing me….what is this team going to look like in 2009?

On the surface, the Browns are entering another regime change and have questions at almost every position among the roster. Although the arrival of Eric Mangini signals that this often directionless franchise headquartered in Berea finally has some much-needed order and stability…

The blindingly gorgeous prospects of an early July allow us all to parade around the bandwidths of public opinion, emerging as gridrion prophets and caretakers of the endless optimism that surrounds a sun-drenched Berea. For in July, it really doesn’t matter that the 2009 Browns are entering yet another first year of a new coaching [...]

The following is Part Seven of a series profiling the most essential positions that will determine success for the Browns in 2009. So far, the rankings have broken down like this: 1. Linebackers 2. Defensive Line 3. Wide Receivers 4. Offensive Line 5. Running Backs 6. Quarterbacks The basis behind these rankings is as follows….First, [...]

Here’s a couple little pieces that offer some reflection on the Browns’ recent past, but also are relevant for the team heading into 2009 and beyond. So, let’s take a look at some different aspects of power in Berea before we celebrate America’s independence by buying hundreds of dollars worth of Chinese made fireworks. Of course, I’m not referring to economic independence. Emerging economic superpower? Whatever, China. Not if we’re broke.

And speaking of broken (and lame transitions), the great folks at TheOBR.com, via Sports Radio Interviews.com have found the first full-length interview given by former Browns coach and alleged “good guy” Romeo Crennel.

The following is Part Six in a series profiling the most essential positions that will determine success for the Browns in 2009. After beginning the series by looking at the team’s traditional weaknesses at linebacker and along the defensive line, Reboot profiled the team’s drama drenched shortcomings at wide receiver, then focused on the intriguing [...]

As the last moments of June slowly fade away, some familiar feelings are starting to return to Browns fans…those of fleeting hope. Looking at the past several days’ worth of blog and newspaper articles, there seems to be an emphasis on feel good personal profiles and an endless array of idealistic possibilities.

Robiskie Fitting in With Browns

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche highlights the opportunity being presented to the Browns’ young wideouts in 2009 in lieu of Donte Stallworth’s likely suspension…and the alarming lack of overall depth at the position.