Clan-Members » Chad Townsend on Friday.It was a courageou

Still without a quarterback, having lost their leaders during free agency and with an owner renowned for his ruthless attitude to disposing of head coaches - the Cleveland Browns seem a long way from competing at the top level. The Browns havent had a winning season since 2007, and it was 2002 when the organisation last made the playoffs. Following his takeover in October 2012, owner Jimmy Haslam has seen four head coaches take charge of the franchise and since their reintroduction to the NFL in 1999, the team have had a record 24 starting quarterbacks.The inconsistency is staggering, and it doesnt take much to draw conclusions between an unsettled management team and poor results on the field. Free Agency LIVE! Latest rolling news as NFL sides recruit A frightened Johnny Manziel features in the Top 5 funny moments of 2015 Last year the Browns finished 3-13, ranking 25th in offence and 27th in defence. The head coach and general manger were both relieved of their duties as the franchise finished the season in turmoil.It feels like the team is once again starting over. Having released Johnny Manziel after two frustrating seasons, the Browns have seen their core group of influential players leave during free agency. Three time Pro-Bowl centre Alex Mack, who joined the Atlanta Falcons last Wednesday, cited his reason for leaving as the opportunity to join a winning franchise. Its hard to blame him, having gone 29-70 in seven seasons with the Browns. Tashaun Gipson, Travis Benjamin and Mitchell Schwartz have also left Ohio in search of success elsewhere. Alex Mack (right) has jumped ship and Joe Thomas could follow Its another blow for new vice-president Sashi Brown, who said at the Scouting Combine that keeping the experienced nucleus of the roster was a key task to rebuilding. With talk of trading Pro-Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas now on the cards, the squad is skeletal. Brown and head coach Hue Jackson now have a mountain to climb. The plan seems pretty clear; use the draft to develop a championship calibre side rather than splashing big money on players that care more about their wallets than their team. Browns HC Hue Jackson has an uphill struggle to build a competitive team The strategy is not unprecedented; the Packers, Bengals, Steelers and Patriots all tend to use free agency sparingly. However, the key difference between these organisations and the Browns is that the playoff contenders tend to lock down their stars before free agency approaches.The Browns have no starting pieces to build around, and their record in the draft in recent years has been notably poor. If things are going to change for this organisation, they need to be a little savvier in player recruitment. What do Cleveland need?Quarterback North Dakota States Carson Wentz is the top QB prospect in the draft Clevelands saving grace is that they have the No 2 pick in the draft. If they havent secured Colin Kaepernick, they are likely to have their pick of the board. Carson Wentz seems to be the stand-out choice, and Jackson is the perfect coach to develop the young talent from North Dakota State.Centre Nick Martin (No 72) of Notre Dame could be a Cleveland target Replacing Mack must be high on the Browns to do list. Developing a good relationship with the incumbent QB is pivotal in the offensive lines ability to protect the passer. They have been linked with the Jags Stefen Wisniewski but could look for a middle draft pick, potentially Notre Dames Nick Martin.Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (No 80) was a disappointment for Browns last season Dwayne Bowe was supposed to be Clevelands big splash in last years free agency. He caught five passes and ran for a total of 53 yards throughout the season. No 1 receiver Travis Benjamin has joined the Chargers, and Jackson desperately needs to hit on a WR in the draft to give the new quarterback a legitimate weapon.Tackle Alvin Bailey (No 78) has joined Cleveland but they need more support After losing Schwartz and supposedly considering a trade for Thomas, further development of the offensive line is inevitable. Alvin Bailey signed from the Seattle Seahawks last week, giving the Browns options at either tackle or guard, but further depth is needed. One option might be Baileys former team-mate Russell Okung, who is still available as a free agent.What happens next?It is another roll of the dice for owner Haslam. In Jackson, the Browns have a talented young coach who must be allowed time to develop a philosophy and get the fan base excited again. Drafting quality is key, and changing the mindset of a losing franchise into one that is ready to compete in the AFC North. Easier said than done, but the Seahawks have provided a perfect example that with stable infrastructure, anything is possible in the NFL. Also See: NFL Video Rookies guide NFL on Sky Sports Pundits Custom Cardinals Jerseys . Perez, 35, posted a 1-2 record with a 3.69 earned-run average in 19 relief appearances last season. His season ended Aug. 9 due to a torn ligament in his left elbow. Perez joins infielder Andy LaRoche and catcher Mike Nickeas with minor-league agreements for 2014 that include invitations to attend spring training. Daniel Ponce de Leon . -- Aldon Smith believes he is on the path to being sober for good. http://www.custommlbcardinalsjersey.com/custom-paul-dejong-jersey-large-1151q.html .B. - Sebastien Auger made 44 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs edged the visiting Acadie-Bathurst Titan 2-1 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Vada Pinson . -- PGA TOUR Canada member Steve Saunders took a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Web. Tyler ONeill . -- Al Jefferson found a groove just in time for the Charlotte Bobcats. Cronulla continue to close ranks around under-siege halfback Chad Townsend in a bid to preserve the playmakers confidence.Townsend was benched at a crucial stage in the Sharks NRL semi-final win over Canberra.And he heads into Friday nights preliminary final showdown against North Queensland facing a head-to-head battle with the games best Johnathan Thurston as the player from either side most under pressure.Townsend hasnt spoken publicly since his demotion last week.He declined post-match requests for interviews in Canberra, turned down reporters requests for a chat at the Rugby Leagues Players Association awards on Tuesday night and wasnt made available at a Sharks media day on Sunday.Coach Shane Flanagan said he was unlikely to reprise the shock move of shifting Jack Bird from the centres to halfback in place of Townsend against the Cowboys.Flanagan is confident Townsends confidence hasnt been affected by his semi-final sacking.He is all good, Flanagan said.It was a decision I had to make last week. It wasnt one I made lightly but it worked out OK for us.Chad has trained well. He is a really important part of our team.He gets our fielld position and gets all our calls going.dddddddddddd I am really confident he is going to fight back and you are going to see the real Chad Townsend on Friday.It was a courageous call from Flanagan and the right one considering the Sharks fought back to beat the Raiders.Flanagan said Townsend had accepted his shortcomings.Chad is really honest, he knows he wasnt doing what he was supposed to do, Flanagan said.He was the first one to come in on Monday and basically say I agree with what you do.He came back to us this year a lot more mature player and Im sure he is going to bounce back.Townsends halves partner James Maloney said he would learn the lessons of his game against Canberra.Chad is too good a player to not be ready to go on Friday, Maloney said.He has been a really important part of our team this year and we need him to be good.Hooker Michael Ennis said his combination with Townsend would be crucial against the Cowboys.We need him there Friday night and I know he is looking forward to it, Ennis said. 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