7 day forecast
NFL Notebook: Fans' plan for protest really irks Browns' Ryan
Share with others:
Eric Mangini has a Darth Vader mask hanging in his office. Appropriate perhaps, considering how Cleveland Browns fans feel about their team these days.
Fan displeasure is running rampant in Cleveland, where a 1-6 start has the Browns headed toward their eighth losing season in 11 years since returning to the NFL. Two longtime season-ticket holders are planning a protest before Cleveland's Monday night game Nov. 16, urging fans to stay away from their seats for the opening kickoff to send a message after so many years of losing.
At least one Browns coach is firing back: "That [ticks] me off. This is Cleveland. They're going to show up and back this damn team," outspoken defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said. "This is a town that's tough and that loves football. Nobody's happy. I hate me, too. So they hate me. Great. Doesn't mean you turn your back.
"I've got a kid who flunked a class one time and it [ticked] me off. I don't turn my back on him. I go get a tutor and help him."
Meanwhile, Browns rookie linebacker Kaluka Maiava was fined $5,000 for unnecessary roughness on his hit of Green Bay receiver Greg Jennings in a loss last week to the Packers. He was penalized 15 yards on the play.
There will be no cues from the public-address announcer for cheering or booing Brett Favre tomorrow at Lambeau Field. According to a Minnesota Vikings spokesman, the team has not done individual introductions on the road all season and there is no indication that they plan to change. If Favre is a game captain -- as he was Oct. 5 at the Metrodome -- he will have to walk out to the center of the field for the coin toss.
Minnesota will be without Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield when it faces Green Bay in a pivotal NFC North game tomorrow.
Indianapolis wide receiver Reggie Wayne (strained groin) and defensive end Dwight Freeney (knee) both took part in practice yesterday and are expected to play against the San Francisco 49ers.
• Colts cornerback Jacob Lacey was fined $10,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct when he went to the ground to celebrate after a touchdown in a win against St. Louis.
Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said it will be game-day decisions on whether quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson, both listed as questionable, play against the St. Louis Rams.
Miami inside linebacker Channing Crowder is doubtful for the Dolphins' game at the New York Jets because of a shoulder injury, and he could be sorely missed against a team that leads the NFL in rushing.
Marcus Trufant will make his season debut in Seattle's game at Dallas. The Seahawks activated the 2007 Pro Bowl cornerback, who had been sidelined by back problems, from the physically-unable-to-perform list yesterday.
Arizona safety Antrel Rolle was fined $7,500 by the NFL for hitting defenseless receiver Kevin Boss, a tight end for the New York Giants, in Arizona's victory last Sunday. Cardinals offensive tackle Levi Brown also was fined $5,000 for a chop block.
Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams was fined $5,000 for an illegal chop block in the loss last Sunday to Buffalo when he was late picking up a blitz.
Running back Ahmad Bradshaw of New York was fined $5,000 for unnecessary roughness for striking Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett in the face mask last Sunday. Safety Michael Johnson received a $5,000 fine for roughing the passer when he hit Kurt Warner in the head.
First Published October 31, 2009 12:00 am
