
--Return specialist Joshua Cribbs surprised his wife one day in training camp by hiring a plane to fly over the practice fields trailing a banner with the message: Maria, Happy 6th anniversary - Josh.
--Illinois Senator Barack Obama campaigned at Baldwin-Wallace College less than a mile from the Browns' training complex. For security reasons, most of the parking areas for fans were blocked off. Obama did not visit practice.
Twenty years ago, President Ronald Reagan was campaigning for George Bush at Baldwin-Wallace. He did stop by practice and told a couple tales as players, coaches and reporters listened.
--It is becoming clear Brady Quinn is not totally in step with being the backup to Derek Anderson without having a chance to compete for the job. Asked before the preseason opener whether he could envision being in the same situation next year, Quinn responded:
"We have a big season coming up. I don't know if you know that. I'm not trying to focus on anything outside our first preseason game."
--It has been a tough road for safety Gary Baxter since tearing both patellar tendons playing against the Broncos on Oct. 22, 2006. He has not played in a game since. On July 27, he broke up a pass in practice. It was a big step for him, but it was the last time he practiced before undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to remove damaged cartilage Aug. 5. Now his career is in jeopardy again; the Browns released Baxter Saturday because they did not want him taking up a spot on the 80-man roster while he recovers.
"Last year we were able to hold a roster spot open for Gary as he attempted to make a monumental comeback," general manager Phil Savage said. "After he underwent a knee scope last week, we are unfortunately not in a position to hold a roster spot this year.
"We are releasing Gary in hopes he will be able to continue his rehab and get back into the NFL, either with another team or possibly with the Browns. Gary has made tremendous strides thus far and we believe he can play professional football again in the future."
--Since returning to the NFL in 1999, the Browns are 19-19 in preseason games. They are 50-94 in the regular season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come. Shaun (Rogers) is a big body, but moves around well up there." -- Browns LB Kamerion Wimbley, on the Browns' first-team defense after stopping the Jets on downs on their only defensive series.
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