You are warned - I'm not in a good mood as I'm writing.
Let's start on a positive note however.
I know you don't care, but so what. I'm 3-1 as head coach after a Saturday sweep, including a come from behind 3-point win against a solid squad. My sixth grade Catholic girls actually manned up, laid the wood defensively and executed down the stretch to earn the W. That's saying something when you are dealing with normally "soft" Catholic kids who are more concerned about getting an I-pod Touch for X-mas than putting a body on someone when rebounding.
I'm very proud of the little ones. Big one today - we play the league's version of the New York Yankees. Yes, I'm having a ton of fun. As I've said over and over again, I like working with children much more than adults. Perhaps that's why I'm anti-social unless you are paying me to communicate with others.
Gilbert & Bernie
Is it just me or is there something inappropriate about the owner of the Cavaliers (Dan Gilbert), and now an executive for the Cleveland Browns (Bernie Kosar), on all the local radio talk shows last week pitching the casino amendment in the state of Ohio?
I voted for the damn thing, but that’s not the point. It just isn’t right for individual in those positions to be publicly lobbying for such a proposition.
Regardless, I doubt their leagues’ respective commissioners will do anything about it. In Gilbert’s case, it looks like he’s angling to invest and make money on casino gambling in Cleveland. Why am I the only one who thinks that’s inappropriate as long as he owns the local basketball team in town?
Cavs
I am starting to fade on Mike Browns, and it has nothing to do with the Cavaliers’
3-3 record. It’s early and they will win a ton of games. My criticism of Mike Brown has a four-prong analysis attached to it.
First, you cannot play Z and Shaq together very often or for very long. You can’t defend quicker front lines that way, especially when they go pick and roll against you. Why he’s experimenting with this group confuses me.
Secondly, I agree with Charles Barkley when he insists, time and time again, the Cavaliers need to speed up the game. They have the game’s best open court finisher (LJ) – it’s not even close. This team should run as much as possible. Instead, they still walk it up too much for my taste.
Third, I am SICK & TIRED of watching screen/roll with LJ and Andy V. There is absolutely no reason to run it with Andy. He’s no threat to score unless he’s standing under the basket with no one around him. Therefore, when Andy sets the screen, all that does is bring a second defender to LJ. And when Andy rolls to the basket now, with Shaq in the line-up, the lane is clogged more than in the past, making the roll to the basket more difficult.
If you are going to run screen/roll, you HAVE to run it with someone who can score the basketball, otherwise it does no good. This is the third time I've brought this specific criticism up.
Finally, I refuse to let him (MB) off the hook for his match-up decisions versus the Magic last spring. His stubborness in keeping a smaller defender on Hedo T. made it easy for Orlando to run its half-court and get the exact shot they wanted time and time again.
James on Hedo T. was the right call. Period. All Brown did was get Hedo paid in the off-season.
Many Acta
Firs, I have no idea how this guy will do. I do assume they hired him for three reasons however.
He’s used to dealing with young (aka: bad) teams. He’s Spanish and that helps a lot these days. And finally, he comes cheap. Yes, I know he was prepared, did his homework and said all the right things in his multiple interviews with Mark Shapiro.
But something tells me Shapiro simply doesn’t have the make-up (aka: stones) to hire someone with clout.
You see, some people are more comfortable hiring individuals to work for them who won’t dominate them in any way. You know where I’m going. These bosses are “insecure,” to put it nicely.
More and more, I get the read Shapiro falls in this category. No, I didn’t want self-promoter Bobby Valentine. But an experienced winner at the helm would have been a better choice.
Here’s the question you have to ask – Did the Indians clearly upgrade in going from Wedge to Acta? There is absolutely no way of knowing the answer to that at this point. And that, my friends, is the problem.
Regardless, we wish Acta well. And again, it won’t matter until you get quality starting pitching. I keep repeating myself, don’t I? Remember, with repetition, come retention. Hopefully, some of this wit and wisdom is rubbing off on you.
Many Good Options
Never has there been so many qualified football people out of work and available. I've harped on three - Bill C., Marty S., and Mike S., time and time again. What's wrong with Tony Dungy? Absolutely nothing. Make it four.
Randy Lerner can't possibly screw this up again. Or can he? Read below.
Browns Mess
So it’s George Kokinis’ fault the Browns are a disaster. Then we are told that Eric Mangini will have a hand in picking his new boss. Amazing. Who the hell with any credibility would come here if that’s true?
My guess is Randy Lerner will come to his senses after talking to qualified individuals and realize no one will come here if part of the deal is Mangini absolutely stays in 2010.
Hey, some of the same media members who okayed the move to Derek Anderson now go on record as saying Brady Quinn wasn’t given enough snaps as the starter to find out if he can play or not. Nice.
Next, they’ll tell us unemployment seems to be high now that’s its reached 10.2%.
These are also the same morons who have decided the Browns will definitely have two new quarterbacks in town next fall instead of Quinn and Anderson without knowing who will run the show next fall.
Kudos to former Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano, who nailed it last week, when Browns’ television color commentator Doug Dieken echoed the current media line, stating neither quarterback has done the job and next year’s quarterback is elsewhere.
Rutigliano then responded by acknowledging Quinn’s poor play in the first 2 1/2 games, but made clear the Browns have well over two years worth of footage on Anderson to go by but less than six full games on Quinn.
If Randy Lerner wants a wise, old football man to lean on, he should contact Rutigliano and offer him a corner office in Berea. He can't do worse.
More Browns’ Mess
The more I think about the Browns, the more I get ticked off. These so-called experts sleep in their offices 24-7, fly all over the country checking out prospects in their underwear and watch film until they are blue in the face.
Why do these people make it more difficult than it should be?
Thus, I leave you today with the following - my thoughts, on record, in the order I wanted the Browns to go on the first day of the draft.
Remember, I’m no scout, have no GM experience and watched a lot less DI football last fall than your average drunk 35 year old wearing his Charlie Frye game jersey looking to get laid on the end of a bar stool in some wings joint, in heaven because he can watch six different conferences on large plasmas at one time will sipping his seventh Michelob Ultra.
Here were my exact words in print just after the draft.
“If you read my previous entry, you were aware I preferred quality over quantity in terms of draft philosophy and that I wanted Cleveland to come away with a minimum of two of the following five players (in order of importance), in the 2009 draft – Crabtree (TT), Maualuga (USC), Jenkins (OSU) Moreno (GU) and Wells (OSU). And yes, the way the draft evolved, they could have easily had a combination of the two considering Maualaga’s free fall into the second round, as well as other factors.”
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Mangini's Meteoric Power Loss
I did not watch the Browns’ game today. I went 1-1 with my 6th grade girls’ basketball coaching duties, losing 13-12 in the opener before earning a 40 point win in game #2.
The sad part is we underachieved in game #1. That one was very winnable. I’ll take the blame. Unfortunately, whether you lose by one point or win by 40 – they both count the same. We sit at .500 unfortunately.
As for the Browns – I DVRd it and flew through it quickly. Nice.
While the media is now writing about DA’s quarterback rating, Quinn’s $11 million bonus he doesn’t reach if he doesn’t play, the fact this franchise, dating back to its original founding some 70+ years ago, may have hit rock, I've kept my eye on the ball – the record-setting speed by which Eric Mangini has lost power an influence – and I am not talking over his players.
Bernie Kosar was added as a consultant two weeks ago and here’s my interpretation of that act because it weighs heavily on the future of this franchise with each new ass-whipping.
Randy Lerner added Kosar for two reasons. First, this was a PR move to keep the fans from burning him in effigy. We get it. Everyone over 40 who follows the Browns likes or loves BK - even though, at times, he sounds like a punch-drunk 45 year old ex-fighter.
Secondly, this is a clear indication Lerner is already fading on Mangini. Mangini is his hand-picked guy. The coach he (Lerner) had to have minutes after finding out Mangini had just been fired in New York.
And here’s where we are eight games into the Mangini regime - the expansion Browns of 1999 would be -2 over this bunch. That's all you need to know.
Remember, Mangini was put in TOTAL control. What no one has mentioned is that Mangini looks as though he has made a bad organization worse - not just the play on the field mind you, but the whole shootin' match. Lerner even let Mangini hand-pick his own GM. There is no one else to blame folks.
Look at the resume so far - Mangini signed the free agents, traded down on draft day time and time again looking for quantity instead of quality - passing up potential playmakers in the process, he traded Winslow and Butterfingers when their value was at their lowest, waited forever to select a quarterback as though he were guarding a national secret, then threw his choice overboard quicker than a Hollywood DIVA gets a divorce, and finally, he surrounded his quarterbacks with what look like generic collegiate receivers - two of which he drafted in the second round just a few months ago.
Unfortunately, there is more - like could you believe, in 2009, Jim Brown has scored as many rushing touchdowns for the Browns as all the backs on the roster combined - none!
I'll stop now. This isn't funny.
It's all on him folks - there is nowhere for Mangini to hide and he knows it.
So where are we?
Mangini knows he’s already in trouble.
How do I know this?
Simple. He couldn’t keep Kosar, someone with absolutely NO NFL experience in terms of front office work, from being added to “supervise.” Lerner has begun stepping on Mangini’s toes and it will get worse.
And please, don’t believe the report that is circulating locally the addition of Kosar was “suggested” by Mangini. The reporter who broke that story should never be permitted in front of a laptop again. Oh, yea - the control freak coach went to the owner and suggested he (Lerner) hire a consultant with no experience to oversee what he (Mangini) was doing.
Look, I don’t see Lerner firing Mangini during the off-week and paying him and his staff for the next 3 1/2 years. That would take huge stones and what would it prove?
What would I do if I were advising Lerner?
Okay, let’s go over our suggestions post-2008 first.
First, hire a HOF coach – either Marty or Bill Cowher. He didn't.
If neither one wants it, be PATIENT, go slow and get it right. He didn't.
Look – Mike Shanahan just became available.
No, no. no. Don’t make Mangini the offer. Talk to Shanahan first. He didn't.
And what are you doing Randy hiring a coach before picking a GM? You only do that if a Hall of Fame coach is about to come to town – like Marty, Bill or Mike. You don’t give a head coach that kind of control unless he’s earned it. Hell, even Marty got too much power in Cleveland by most accounts in the late 80s.
He didn't.
This is all on record.
Here’s what likely happened.
Randy Lerner had no one around him to tell him he was doing it WRONG. You see, most people value their paychecks more than their credibility. Lerner was bombarded by the media and fans that this time around he needed to hire someone with NFL coaching experience. And that’s exactly what he did. He hired Mangini. You could see this one coming.
I wrote after the hiring that I understood why he hired Mangini even though I wanted someone with a much better resume. I also wrote I understood why Mangini hired his own GM. I would do the same if given that kind of power. That doesn’t make it right.
So where are we now?
Bernie Kosar’s power will grow with every future loss. Look I love BK. It wasn't hs fault we didn't get to the Super Bowl, it was a lack of a pass rush. That too is for another day. But BK is a rookie all over again. Then again, how much worse can he do?
So what would I do if I had Lerner’s ear now?
Here’s more advice he won’t follow - spend the next two weeks (bye week time) in search of the best available Team President/GM who happens to be out of work. Bernie can consult – that’s fine. But bring in a pro and put him at the top of the hierarchy. I would also tell Lerner to “man up” and join the new “team president” on the podium when the announcement is made.
The fans need to see Randy Lerner and he needs to address the media – even if he’s not comfortable. His Howard Hughes act isn’t working. Look, I like owners who stay in the background, but this is ridiculous. It borders on the bizarre.
If Mangini does not like having a boss – too bad What is he going to do – quit and lose 3 1/2 years of checks? That won’t happen. Mangini needs to focus on coaching the team. Period.
Soon, you will begin hearing media morons and idiot fans calling for Mangini to be fired and the defensive coordinator to be named interim ASAP. It’s actually already started. Good idea.
The Browns’ defense has been outstanding this fall. I think they rank 32nd in a 32-team league. Obviously, this guy has earned a raise in title and pay. Oh, I get it - they weren’t embarrassed against the Bears, so the guy should get the gig. That’s what drunk fans dream up before sleeping it off.
Look, the truth is I don’t know where this train is going. We are truly in uncharted territory folks. I have been watching this team since the late 60s and I can’t remember it being this bad. But I know a runaway locomotive when I see one, and this baby has no brakes.
Lerner may surprise me and decide to blow it up after the season and start over – AGAIN. If that happens, ownership will surely look to finally hire someone with immense status/credentials to either run the show (team president) or coach (HOFer).
Regardless, if Mangini survives and is back coaching this team in 2010, one thing is certain, he won't be in charge of trading down on draft day and picking a right guard late in round one. Hell, if this coninues and they finish 2-14 or there abouts, he might not have the authority left to model the locker room again.
This is a truly a meteoric fall. Which begs the real question Randy - What did he (Mangini) ever do to earn such total control of a billion $ organization in the first place?
The sad part is we underachieved in game #1. That one was very winnable. I’ll take the blame. Unfortunately, whether you lose by one point or win by 40 – they both count the same. We sit at .500 unfortunately.
As for the Browns – I DVRd it and flew through it quickly. Nice.
While the media is now writing about DA’s quarterback rating, Quinn’s $11 million bonus he doesn’t reach if he doesn’t play, the fact this franchise, dating back to its original founding some 70+ years ago, may have hit rock, I've kept my eye on the ball – the record-setting speed by which Eric Mangini has lost power an influence – and I am not talking over his players.
Bernie Kosar was added as a consultant two weeks ago and here’s my interpretation of that act because it weighs heavily on the future of this franchise with each new ass-whipping.
Randy Lerner added Kosar for two reasons. First, this was a PR move to keep the fans from burning him in effigy. We get it. Everyone over 40 who follows the Browns likes or loves BK - even though, at times, he sounds like a punch-drunk 45 year old ex-fighter.
Secondly, this is a clear indication Lerner is already fading on Mangini. Mangini is his hand-picked guy. The coach he (Lerner) had to have minutes after finding out Mangini had just been fired in New York.
And here’s where we are eight games into the Mangini regime - the expansion Browns of 1999 would be -2 over this bunch. That's all you need to know.
Remember, Mangini was put in TOTAL control. What no one has mentioned is that Mangini looks as though he has made a bad organization worse - not just the play on the field mind you, but the whole shootin' match. Lerner even let Mangini hand-pick his own GM. There is no one else to blame folks.
Look at the resume so far - Mangini signed the free agents, traded down on draft day time and time again looking for quantity instead of quality - passing up potential playmakers in the process, he traded Winslow and Butterfingers when their value was at their lowest, waited forever to select a quarterback as though he were guarding a national secret, then threw his choice overboard quicker than a Hollywood DIVA gets a divorce, and finally, he surrounded his quarterbacks with what look like generic collegiate receivers - two of which he drafted in the second round just a few months ago.
Unfortunately, there is more - like could you believe, in 2009, Jim Brown has scored as many rushing touchdowns for the Browns as all the backs on the roster combined - none!
I'll stop now. This isn't funny.
It's all on him folks - there is nowhere for Mangini to hide and he knows it.
So where are we?
Mangini knows he’s already in trouble.
How do I know this?
Simple. He couldn’t keep Kosar, someone with absolutely NO NFL experience in terms of front office work, from being added to “supervise.” Lerner has begun stepping on Mangini’s toes and it will get worse.
And please, don’t believe the report that is circulating locally the addition of Kosar was “suggested” by Mangini. The reporter who broke that story should never be permitted in front of a laptop again. Oh, yea - the control freak coach went to the owner and suggested he (Lerner) hire a consultant with no experience to oversee what he (Mangini) was doing.
Look, I don’t see Lerner firing Mangini during the off-week and paying him and his staff for the next 3 1/2 years. That would take huge stones and what would it prove?
What would I do if I were advising Lerner?
Okay, let’s go over our suggestions post-2008 first.
First, hire a HOF coach – either Marty or Bill Cowher. He didn't.
If neither one wants it, be PATIENT, go slow and get it right. He didn't.
Look – Mike Shanahan just became available.
No, no. no. Don’t make Mangini the offer. Talk to Shanahan first. He didn't.
And what are you doing Randy hiring a coach before picking a GM? You only do that if a Hall of Fame coach is about to come to town – like Marty, Bill or Mike. You don’t give a head coach that kind of control unless he’s earned it. Hell, even Marty got too much power in Cleveland by most accounts in the late 80s.
He didn't.
This is all on record.
Here’s what likely happened.
Randy Lerner had no one around him to tell him he was doing it WRONG. You see, most people value their paychecks more than their credibility. Lerner was bombarded by the media and fans that this time around he needed to hire someone with NFL coaching experience. And that’s exactly what he did. He hired Mangini. You could see this one coming.
I wrote after the hiring that I understood why he hired Mangini even though I wanted someone with a much better resume. I also wrote I understood why Mangini hired his own GM. I would do the same if given that kind of power. That doesn’t make it right.
So where are we now?
Bernie Kosar’s power will grow with every future loss. Look I love BK. It wasn't hs fault we didn't get to the Super Bowl, it was a lack of a pass rush. That too is for another day. But BK is a rookie all over again. Then again, how much worse can he do?
So what would I do if I had Lerner’s ear now?
Here’s more advice he won’t follow - spend the next two weeks (bye week time) in search of the best available Team President/GM who happens to be out of work. Bernie can consult – that’s fine. But bring in a pro and put him at the top of the hierarchy. I would also tell Lerner to “man up” and join the new “team president” on the podium when the announcement is made.
The fans need to see Randy Lerner and he needs to address the media – even if he’s not comfortable. His Howard Hughes act isn’t working. Look, I like owners who stay in the background, but this is ridiculous. It borders on the bizarre.
If Mangini does not like having a boss – too bad What is he going to do – quit and lose 3 1/2 years of checks? That won’t happen. Mangini needs to focus on coaching the team. Period.
Soon, you will begin hearing media morons and idiot fans calling for Mangini to be fired and the defensive coordinator to be named interim ASAP. It’s actually already started. Good idea.
The Browns’ defense has been outstanding this fall. I think they rank 32nd in a 32-team league. Obviously, this guy has earned a raise in title and pay. Oh, I get it - they weren’t embarrassed against the Bears, so the guy should get the gig. That’s what drunk fans dream up before sleeping it off.
Look, the truth is I don’t know where this train is going. We are truly in uncharted territory folks. I have been watching this team since the late 60s and I can’t remember it being this bad. But I know a runaway locomotive when I see one, and this baby has no brakes.
Lerner may surprise me and decide to blow it up after the season and start over – AGAIN. If that happens, ownership will surely look to finally hire someone with immense status/credentials to either run the show (team president) or coach (HOFer).
Regardless, if Mangini survives and is back coaching this team in 2010, one thing is certain, he won't be in charge of trading down on draft day and picking a right guard late in round one. Hell, if this coninues and they finish 2-14 or there abouts, he might not have the authority left to model the locker room again.
This is a truly a meteoric fall. Which begs the real question Randy - What did he (Mangini) ever do to earn such total control of a billion $ organization in the first place?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Packers-Browns Post-Mortem & More
Are you sure this isn’t 1999? Right now, the Cleveland Browns look like an expansion team. No NFL team should be consistently doubled and tripled in total yardage on an almost weekly basis.
This had the looks of a terrible match-up with the Pack's veteran lockdown corners up against a pair of kids at wideout for the Browns. The results were as expected. Ugly! Meanwhile, Green Bay came in having all sorts of problems protecting Rodgers. Today, he stayed clean and played pitch and catch.
What is it with running an inside handoff on 2nd and 17? Imagine how the huddle responds when DA barks out that call sent in by the wizards of smart – otherwise known as the Browns’ offensive coaching staff.
Why Green Bay decided to open the game running the ball on almost every down in their first series escapes me. All it did was give Rodgers and company just one first quarter possession.
Every time I see Kamerion Wimbley in space trying to cover a running back or tight end, I cringe. And here I thought they drafted him several years ago to rush the passer.
How do you run a defense that allows Donald Driver, the Packers’ best wide receiver, to run a seam route with no one covering him?
The Packers had so little respect for the Browns offense, they tried a 50+ yard field goal, giving the Browns the ball on their own 45 after the FG was missed.
After next week’s expected bloodbath in Chicago, Derek Anderson will have made as many starts this season as Brady Quinn has for his entire career (5). I am still amazed many in the media have determined Quinn can’t play after five NFL starts. They are either extremely intelligent or complete fools. I vote for the latter. There is only one local scribe, Tony Grossi, who nailed it when he stated weeks ago that Quinn has been “the most mismanaged player in Browns history since the team’s return in 1999.”
Even though Anderson is well on his way to losing the starting job in Cleveland for the third time in his career, I actually feel sorry for him. He doesn't have much of a chance with this group. No one does. Regardless, don't look for Mangini to make the QB switch. Clearly, Mangini doesn’t see Quinn as an NFL starter based on the fact he took forever to pick his starter and then had a quick hook less than three full games into the season. This leads me to assume he went with Quinn to start the season in part to placate the owner – who wanted to see his investment of three years ago on the field. Regardless, the sad fact is whoever takes the snaps with this bunch doesn’t have much opportunity for success when you consider the youth at receiver and at “O” coordinator.
I feel like I’m truly in the twilight zone watching Cedric Benson and Kyle Orton leading their respective teams to early success in 2009.
NBA
I like the Cavaliers and Lakers to play in the Finals with LA winning in seven. The Lakers have the large majority of their pieces back and have added a unique talent in Ron Artest. I just hope I’m wrong. Meanwhile, I picked the Cavs to reach the Finals because they added the "Diesel" inside, who still looks like he has 1/2 a tank left, and a pair of perimeter players who bring size and athleticism to the roster - something they neded desperately.
Indians’ Chief
I don’t know who they will choose but I don’t want Bobby Valentine. He’s a self-promoter first and last. I wanted Grover because of his track record in Cleveland. Whatever. Regardless, until they find several quality starters, it wouldn’t matter if Billy Martin, the best manager I’ve ever seen, comes back from the dead, they won’t succeed.
This had the looks of a terrible match-up with the Pack's veteran lockdown corners up against a pair of kids at wideout for the Browns. The results were as expected. Ugly! Meanwhile, Green Bay came in having all sorts of problems protecting Rodgers. Today, he stayed clean and played pitch and catch.
What is it with running an inside handoff on 2nd and 17? Imagine how the huddle responds when DA barks out that call sent in by the wizards of smart – otherwise known as the Browns’ offensive coaching staff.
Why Green Bay decided to open the game running the ball on almost every down in their first series escapes me. All it did was give Rodgers and company just one first quarter possession.
Every time I see Kamerion Wimbley in space trying to cover a running back or tight end, I cringe. And here I thought they drafted him several years ago to rush the passer.
How do you run a defense that allows Donald Driver, the Packers’ best wide receiver, to run a seam route with no one covering him?
The Packers had so little respect for the Browns offense, they tried a 50+ yard field goal, giving the Browns the ball on their own 45 after the FG was missed.
After next week’s expected bloodbath in Chicago, Derek Anderson will have made as many starts this season as Brady Quinn has for his entire career (5). I am still amazed many in the media have determined Quinn can’t play after five NFL starts. They are either extremely intelligent or complete fools. I vote for the latter. There is only one local scribe, Tony Grossi, who nailed it when he stated weeks ago that Quinn has been “the most mismanaged player in Browns history since the team’s return in 1999.”
Even though Anderson is well on his way to losing the starting job in Cleveland for the third time in his career, I actually feel sorry for him. He doesn't have much of a chance with this group. No one does. Regardless, don't look for Mangini to make the QB switch. Clearly, Mangini doesn’t see Quinn as an NFL starter based on the fact he took forever to pick his starter and then had a quick hook less than three full games into the season. This leads me to assume he went with Quinn to start the season in part to placate the owner – who wanted to see his investment of three years ago on the field. Regardless, the sad fact is whoever takes the snaps with this bunch doesn’t have much opportunity for success when you consider the youth at receiver and at “O” coordinator.
I feel like I’m truly in the twilight zone watching Cedric Benson and Kyle Orton leading their respective teams to early success in 2009.
NBA
I like the Cavaliers and Lakers to play in the Finals with LA winning in seven. The Lakers have the large majority of their pieces back and have added a unique talent in Ron Artest. I just hope I’m wrong. Meanwhile, I picked the Cavs to reach the Finals because they added the "Diesel" inside, who still looks like he has 1/2 a tank left, and a pair of perimeter players who bring size and athleticism to the roster - something they neded desperately.
Indians’ Chief
I don’t know who they will choose but I don’t want Bobby Valentine. He’s a self-promoter first and last. I wanted Grover because of his track record in Cleveland. Whatever. Regardless, until they find several quality starters, it wouldn’t matter if Billy Martin, the best manager I’ve ever seen, comes back from the dead, they won’t succeed.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Browns - Steelers Post Mortem
The Steelers were going to go for it on 4th and 10 from the Browns’ 35 in the first quarter. A procedure call prior to the snap changed their minds. I hate to see teams punt inside the opponent’s 40 and applaud Pittsburgh for the initial idea. The fact that Pittsburgh had absolutely no fear of the Browns' offense also helped.
The wildcat offense is a gimmick, but it can work on occasion however. What I don’t like is to see a quarterback (i.e. Derek Anderson) out wide in that offense. What’s he going to do out there? Why not put a receiver out wide in that set? At least then, the defense has to take his presence seriously.
The Brows have now scored four offensive touchdowns this season. That’s exactly one touchdown less than Tom Brady threw in his second quarter of play today. Nice.
Brandon McDonald is a perfect example of the Browns playing an NFL second teamer as a starter. He missed a couple more tackles today and had a pick go through his hands in the Browns' end zone this afternoon. Think about it - Thomas and Steinbach are the only offensive starters who would play elsewhere. Rogers, Jackson, Pool and perhaps Bowen are the only defensive starters who would see significant time on a decent NFL team. You do the math.
I am dumbfounded as to why the Browns have not given Josh Cribbs a new deal. Again, this is not MLB or the NBA – where the players have guaranteed deals. If you tear up his current contract, give him a new five-year package, then he goes down next year with an injury, you don’t owe him the final four years of the deal. Therefore, if this guy is your best player – which he is right now, and he wants to stay in town – which he does – why not fix this problem now? It’s not like this is going to start a run on Browns’ players wanting new deals. They don’t have anyone else who is close to Cribbs in terms of productivity.
Pittsburgh has an excellent passing game with a talented group of receivers in tow. I do think Big Ben holding the ball so long will, in the long run, be a negative for him and the franchise. Yes, it gives his receivers more time to get open. It also shows he’s extremely tough. However, taking that many hits, year after year, will eventually take its toll on his body and shorten his career.
I love the routes the Steelers run. They love crossing patterns, where the receivers are headed up field as they make the reception. It gives them multiple opportunities for yards after catch (YAC). It is also the most difficult route to cover when you are in man-to-man – where the defender is chasing a receiver across the field.
In the NFL, no team should outgain another 500+ yards to 190, like Pittsburgh did today against the hapless Browns. It’s one thing to see that in high school and college, where the talent difference can be huge, but not in the NLF – where they ALL get paid. That’s embarrassing. It makes one wonder what Eric Mangini, his staff and the Browns were doing in all those voluntary camps, mini-camps, two-a-days, etc… the past six months.
The Browns' lone touchdown today was a pass to the fullback. That’s right, fullback. Luckily, he (Lawrence Vickers) caught it. However, I would not suggest they make a habit of throwing to fullbacks on third down and goal. There’s a reason fullbacks block and do little else.
Only in Cleveland can the Browns give up the fourth most yards in a single game in team history while the offense produces one lone touchdown, yet the focus by some in the media is on why the refs gave the Steelers a first down after a fourth down play when the television angle seemed to show it might have been short.
With all the drops recently and general youth at wide receiver on this roster, does anyone really believe David Patten, a 13-year vet with rings, wasn't good enough to make this roster? Come on.
I saw Future Hall of Famer, according to the National Media, Mark Sanchez, throw three of his five picks today. He didn’t get pulled and likely won’t get pulled next week even though he has struggled the last three weeks. The Jets will show the appropriate amount of patience you need to display with a young quarterback you believe in. You see, now we find out about Sanchez, not when he was sitting at 3-0 with the media and fans so far up his rear they couldn't see any daylight.
The trading deadline is less than 48 hours away. How many more draft picks will Mangini and company try to acquire? A reminder - it's nice to have quantity, but I'd rather have quality (aka:talent/playmakers).
The wildcat offense is a gimmick, but it can work on occasion however. What I don’t like is to see a quarterback (i.e. Derek Anderson) out wide in that offense. What’s he going to do out there? Why not put a receiver out wide in that set? At least then, the defense has to take his presence seriously.
The Brows have now scored four offensive touchdowns this season. That’s exactly one touchdown less than Tom Brady threw in his second quarter of play today. Nice.
Brandon McDonald is a perfect example of the Browns playing an NFL second teamer as a starter. He missed a couple more tackles today and had a pick go through his hands in the Browns' end zone this afternoon. Think about it - Thomas and Steinbach are the only offensive starters who would play elsewhere. Rogers, Jackson, Pool and perhaps Bowen are the only defensive starters who would see significant time on a decent NFL team. You do the math.
I am dumbfounded as to why the Browns have not given Josh Cribbs a new deal. Again, this is not MLB or the NBA – where the players have guaranteed deals. If you tear up his current contract, give him a new five-year package, then he goes down next year with an injury, you don’t owe him the final four years of the deal. Therefore, if this guy is your best player – which he is right now, and he wants to stay in town – which he does – why not fix this problem now? It’s not like this is going to start a run on Browns’ players wanting new deals. They don’t have anyone else who is close to Cribbs in terms of productivity.
Pittsburgh has an excellent passing game with a talented group of receivers in tow. I do think Big Ben holding the ball so long will, in the long run, be a negative for him and the franchise. Yes, it gives his receivers more time to get open. It also shows he’s extremely tough. However, taking that many hits, year after year, will eventually take its toll on his body and shorten his career.
I love the routes the Steelers run. They love crossing patterns, where the receivers are headed up field as they make the reception. It gives them multiple opportunities for yards after catch (YAC). It is also the most difficult route to cover when you are in man-to-man – where the defender is chasing a receiver across the field.
In the NFL, no team should outgain another 500+ yards to 190, like Pittsburgh did today against the hapless Browns. It’s one thing to see that in high school and college, where the talent difference can be huge, but not in the NLF – where they ALL get paid. That’s embarrassing. It makes one wonder what Eric Mangini, his staff and the Browns were doing in all those voluntary camps, mini-camps, two-a-days, etc… the past six months.
The Browns' lone touchdown today was a pass to the fullback. That’s right, fullback. Luckily, he (Lawrence Vickers) caught it. However, I would not suggest they make a habit of throwing to fullbacks on third down and goal. There’s a reason fullbacks block and do little else.
Only in Cleveland can the Browns give up the fourth most yards in a single game in team history while the offense produces one lone touchdown, yet the focus by some in the media is on why the refs gave the Steelers a first down after a fourth down play when the television angle seemed to show it might have been short.
With all the drops recently and general youth at wide receiver on this roster, does anyone really believe David Patten, a 13-year vet with rings, wasn't good enough to make this roster? Come on.
I saw Future Hall of Famer, according to the National Media, Mark Sanchez, throw three of his five picks today. He didn’t get pulled and likely won’t get pulled next week even though he has struggled the last three weeks. The Jets will show the appropriate amount of patience you need to display with a young quarterback you believe in. You see, now we find out about Sanchez, not when he was sitting at 3-0 with the media and fans so far up his rear they couldn't see any daylight.
The trading deadline is less than 48 hours away. How many more draft picks will Mangini and company try to acquire? A reminder - it's nice to have quantity, but I'd rather have quality (aka:talent/playmakers).
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Browns Get A Win
Wow. I just witnessed the NFL’s version of a botched abortion. The Cleveland Browns’ 6-3 win over the Buffalo Bills might be the worst NFL game I have ever seen. Period.
Regardless, congratulations to Eric Mangini, his coaches and players for their first win of the 2009 season. It does count.
There were so many horrid things going on, I don’t know where to begin. For one thing, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many procedure and false starts by an offensive line – at any level. I realize the Bills have been hit hard by injuries, but all their linemen do get paid, don’t they? Even at the high school level, you don’t get that much movement prior to the snap.
When was the last time you saw an NFL game where the best player on the field was the punter? The Browns’ Dave Zastudil nailed three punts inside the Bills’ 5-yard line and had 386 yards punting on the day.
How is it possible for a pro team to complete its first pass with just 0:37 left in the half? Perhaps that’s why the Browns’ coaching staff sat on the ball with decent field position, timeouts in tow and the wind at their back late in the first half up 3-0. That was beyond conservative and bordering on the ridiculous. They won, so no one will mention it but me.
Speaking of the ridiculous, “Butterfingers” left town but left his calling card. I counted five drops on the day for the Browns. It must be infectious. When was the last time the Browns had that many drops and Braylon wasn’t involved?
I’m no offensive coordinator and don’t play one on television, but I would have tried to get the ball to TO more often if I were the Bills. He was the best talent on the football field – this side of Dave Zastudil of course. Thankfully for the Browns, the Bills decided to spread the garbage around.
On a positive note – and trust me – I had to look long and hard for one, the Browns have posted back-to-back 100 yard rushers in consecutive games. I knew turning the offense over to Derek Anderson would pay big dividends.
October 21 is the trading deadline I’m told. If true, I reiterate my hope that Brady Quinn has a new home address on Thursday the 22nd. Here’s a kid who actually wanted to play in Cleveland, waited patiently for his opportunity, went down with an injury once that opportunity came, came back and had to win the job again, was given the reigns, then yanked less than three games in. Quinn stunk in is 10 quarters of play in ’09 – no argument there. But anyone who has seen this mess of an offense, the schemes they use, the personnel packages they employ, and the overall talent level they possess and thinks that kid got a good, long look at QB needs a lobotomy.
As for next week’s trip to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers, I expect it to be as ugly as watching one of the Indians’ soft-tossing lefties (pick your favorite) try to get out a quality line-up without their best stuff. The Las Vegas line might actually reach 20 – something unheard of in NFL circles.
Regardless, congratulations to Eric Mangini, his coaches and players for their first win of the 2009 season. It does count.
There were so many horrid things going on, I don’t know where to begin. For one thing, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many procedure and false starts by an offensive line – at any level. I realize the Bills have been hit hard by injuries, but all their linemen do get paid, don’t they? Even at the high school level, you don’t get that much movement prior to the snap.
When was the last time you saw an NFL game where the best player on the field was the punter? The Browns’ Dave Zastudil nailed three punts inside the Bills’ 5-yard line and had 386 yards punting on the day.
How is it possible for a pro team to complete its first pass with just 0:37 left in the half? Perhaps that’s why the Browns’ coaching staff sat on the ball with decent field position, timeouts in tow and the wind at their back late in the first half up 3-0. That was beyond conservative and bordering on the ridiculous. They won, so no one will mention it but me.
Speaking of the ridiculous, “Butterfingers” left town but left his calling card. I counted five drops on the day for the Browns. It must be infectious. When was the last time the Browns had that many drops and Braylon wasn’t involved?
I’m no offensive coordinator and don’t play one on television, but I would have tried to get the ball to TO more often if I were the Bills. He was the best talent on the football field – this side of Dave Zastudil of course. Thankfully for the Browns, the Bills decided to spread the garbage around.
On a positive note – and trust me – I had to look long and hard for one, the Browns have posted back-to-back 100 yard rushers in consecutive games. I knew turning the offense over to Derek Anderson would pay big dividends.
October 21 is the trading deadline I’m told. If true, I reiterate my hope that Brady Quinn has a new home address on Thursday the 22nd. Here’s a kid who actually wanted to play in Cleveland, waited patiently for his opportunity, went down with an injury once that opportunity came, came back and had to win the job again, was given the reigns, then yanked less than three games in. Quinn stunk in is 10 quarters of play in ’09 – no argument there. But anyone who has seen this mess of an offense, the schemes they use, the personnel packages they employ, and the overall talent level they possess and thinks that kid got a good, long look at QB needs a lobotomy.
As for next week’s trip to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers, I expect it to be as ugly as watching one of the Indians’ soft-tossing lefties (pick your favorite) try to get out a quality line-up without their best stuff. The Las Vegas line might actually reach 20 – something unheard of in NFL circles.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
0-4 Browns
The bar is so low in Cleveland when it comes to professional football that there were actually people locally praising the Browns’ effort against the Bengals.
That’s right, Cincinnati went on the road and gave up a ton of yards on special teams, fumbled a kick return deep in their end, couldn’t convert on a chip shot field or on a potential game-winning PAT late, allowed the Browns to produce their first 100 yard back in two years and still won.
Yet, the Browns were praised by many for “being competitive.” Nice.
Kudos to Josh Cribbs, who almost single-handedly won the game by giving Cleveland ridiculous field position time and time again, to rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who had a breakout game with eight grabs for well over 100 yards, to James Harrison, for rushing for over 120 yards, to safety Brodney Pool, for playing perhaps his best game as a pro, and to Shaun Rogers, who dominated on the kick block unit.
As for the rest of the players and coaching staff, this was a win that got away – nothing more nothing less. And the last time I checked, the goal is still to win the game in the NFL. Moral victories are nice when dealing with Little Leaguers, not professional athletes and coaches, who currently stand at 0-4, are paid to win, and not just to finally show up 1/4 of the way into the season.
This leads us to this week’s game between the sub par 1-3 Bills and the hapless 0-4 Browns. Contrary to the popular belief locally that the Browns are now finally headed in the right direction after at least showing up last Sunday, we believe the mediocre Bills will win at home unless they decide to play atrociously on special teams, let a back rush for 100+ yards against them in their building and turn in over to the Browns deep in their own end a couple times. Even with all that, they might still pull it off in overtime against this Browns team. Cincinnati did.
Let’s say 27-17 Bills with TO finally making some plays. As always, we hope we’re wrong and there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
One final note on last week’s loss at home to the Super Bowl bound Bengals - someone needs to tell Cleveland’s offense coordinator not to jump up and down giving high fives to anyone in the vicinity and generally cheering like a fat drunk in the top row of the stadium after his offense scores.
Act like you know what you are doing, instead of like you are thrilled to death your guys finally got it right for once. It just looks bad, very bad.
No, I didn’t forget about Butterfingers. What do you want me to say?
We had it right when we said you don’t take him at 3. We had it right when we said he was underachieving his first two years in the league and they should deal him while he still had some value. We had it right when we congratulated him on an outstanding season in 2007, but noted one season does not make a career. And we had it right when we named him “Butterfingers” long before anyone else figured it out.
We do wish him well with the Jets. Why shouldn't we? He’s probably play well there. He’ll also drop some ball because that’s what he does. Regardless, one good performance on national television while with thr Jets will probably get him a fat contract next year. Coaches never learn.
One thing is still certain – he was another huge miss in the draft for the Browns and epitomizes why this is organization has been so hapless regardless as to who is roaming the sideline and in charge since its return in 1999.
That’s right, Cincinnati went on the road and gave up a ton of yards on special teams, fumbled a kick return deep in their end, couldn’t convert on a chip shot field or on a potential game-winning PAT late, allowed the Browns to produce their first 100 yard back in two years and still won.
Yet, the Browns were praised by many for “being competitive.” Nice.
Kudos to Josh Cribbs, who almost single-handedly won the game by giving Cleveland ridiculous field position time and time again, to rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who had a breakout game with eight grabs for well over 100 yards, to James Harrison, for rushing for over 120 yards, to safety Brodney Pool, for playing perhaps his best game as a pro, and to Shaun Rogers, who dominated on the kick block unit.
As for the rest of the players and coaching staff, this was a win that got away – nothing more nothing less. And the last time I checked, the goal is still to win the game in the NFL. Moral victories are nice when dealing with Little Leaguers, not professional athletes and coaches, who currently stand at 0-4, are paid to win, and not just to finally show up 1/4 of the way into the season.
This leads us to this week’s game between the sub par 1-3 Bills and the hapless 0-4 Browns. Contrary to the popular belief locally that the Browns are now finally headed in the right direction after at least showing up last Sunday, we believe the mediocre Bills will win at home unless they decide to play atrociously on special teams, let a back rush for 100+ yards against them in their building and turn in over to the Browns deep in their own end a couple times. Even with all that, they might still pull it off in overtime against this Browns team. Cincinnati did.
Let’s say 27-17 Bills with TO finally making some plays. As always, we hope we’re wrong and there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
One final note on last week’s loss at home to the Super Bowl bound Bengals - someone needs to tell Cleveland’s offense coordinator not to jump up and down giving high fives to anyone in the vicinity and generally cheering like a fat drunk in the top row of the stadium after his offense scores.
Act like you know what you are doing, instead of like you are thrilled to death your guys finally got it right for once. It just looks bad, very bad.
No, I didn’t forget about Butterfingers. What do you want me to say?
We had it right when we said you don’t take him at 3. We had it right when we said he was underachieving his first two years in the league and they should deal him while he still had some value. We had it right when we congratulated him on an outstanding season in 2007, but noted one season does not make a career. And we had it right when we named him “Butterfingers” long before anyone else figured it out.
We do wish him well with the Jets. Why shouldn't we? He’s probably play well there. He’ll also drop some ball because that’s what he does. Regardless, one good performance on national television while with thr Jets will probably get him a fat contract next year. Coaches never learn.
One thing is still certain – he was another huge miss in the draft for the Browns and epitomizes why this is organization has been so hapless regardless as to who is roaming the sideline and in charge since its return in 1999.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
10 Thoughts On Browns Entering Week #4 versus Cincinnati
Right now, this team looks in total disarray – perhaps worse than it has looks at any time since its return. That’s saying something.
After three weeks, not one unit on this football team has improved over a year ago, and one could argue that every unit has regressed.
The coaching staff lost much of its credibility by pulling it’s starting quarterback just 10 quarter into the season after spending months painstakingly deliberating and making a choice as to who would run this team. Having said that, Brady Quinn needs to take responsibility for regressing as a player from where he was a year ago. Regardless, he clearly deserved more time to find his way – or not. There simply is not enough of a “body of evidence” to make a judgment on him as a starting NFL quarterback, and anyone who says there is should not be taken seriously. It's best for BQ to go elsewhere. A lot can change quickly in the NFL, but this regime, which is likely here for a while, just tossed him overboad. I suggest his agent get on the phone ASAP.
The team is a national joke after rewarding a player with a starting quarterback role after throwing three picks in two quarters of play. When has that happened before?
On three different occasions, in the same game, a running back pranced untouched into the end zone last week against a defense that looks as though it quit. When has that happened before?
As we expected, Mangini got absolutely no “Honeymoon Period” from the media and fans due to his “MR. Bill Management Style” and the team’s embarrassing start. That will only make it more difficult for the coaches to get the players to “buy in,” especially if they see everyone on the outside not buying in either.
I would like someone to explain to me how so many starters on this roster have kept their job after three weeks when so many players are underachieving – once again?
A reminder - over half of this roster is new. Mangini and company brought in their own people and then some. As someone who studies words for a living and is well-versed in sports PR, I don't want to hear "it takes time" or "change doesn't happen over night" from this regime. That's a copout and insults my intellligence. This is the NFL - where solid leadership on and off the field leads to marked improvement sooner rather than later.
This corner expects the Browns to be competitive against the Bengals. However, after what we’ve seen to date, it’s impossible for us to pick the Browns to win over a team that arguably should be 3-0 right now. We like Cincinnati, 33-23. No, there is no such thing as a moral victory in professional sports.
Where are Bill Cowher, Marty of Mike Shanahan when you need them? And to think all three were available when the Lerner family fell in love with Mangini. Ownership bypassed our first sports commandment - HIRE THE BEST TALENT AVAILABE TO RUN THE SHOW! But we’ve been over that ground numerous times. Having said that, intelligent followers should not fall into the same trap some media members and most fans will now fall into, and start demanding the coach’s head on a platter. As big a trainwreck as this seems right now, it’s way too early for that. Whether you like it or not, Mangini is here to stay. Besides, who is going to call him on the carpet -the general manager MANGINI hired?
After three weeks, not one unit on this football team has improved over a year ago, and one could argue that every unit has regressed.
The coaching staff lost much of its credibility by pulling it’s starting quarterback just 10 quarter into the season after spending months painstakingly deliberating and making a choice as to who would run this team. Having said that, Brady Quinn needs to take responsibility for regressing as a player from where he was a year ago. Regardless, he clearly deserved more time to find his way – or not. There simply is not enough of a “body of evidence” to make a judgment on him as a starting NFL quarterback, and anyone who says there is should not be taken seriously. It's best for BQ to go elsewhere. A lot can change quickly in the NFL, but this regime, which is likely here for a while, just tossed him overboad. I suggest his agent get on the phone ASAP.
The team is a national joke after rewarding a player with a starting quarterback role after throwing three picks in two quarters of play. When has that happened before?
On three different occasions, in the same game, a running back pranced untouched into the end zone last week against a defense that looks as though it quit. When has that happened before?
As we expected, Mangini got absolutely no “Honeymoon Period” from the media and fans due to his “MR. Bill Management Style” and the team’s embarrassing start. That will only make it more difficult for the coaches to get the players to “buy in,” especially if they see everyone on the outside not buying in either.
I would like someone to explain to me how so many starters on this roster have kept their job after three weeks when so many players are underachieving – once again?
A reminder - over half of this roster is new. Mangini and company brought in their own people and then some. As someone who studies words for a living and is well-versed in sports PR, I don't want to hear "it takes time" or "change doesn't happen over night" from this regime. That's a copout and insults my intellligence. This is the NFL - where solid leadership on and off the field leads to marked improvement sooner rather than later.
This corner expects the Browns to be competitive against the Bengals. However, after what we’ve seen to date, it’s impossible for us to pick the Browns to win over a team that arguably should be 3-0 right now. We like Cincinnati, 33-23. No, there is no such thing as a moral victory in professional sports.
Where are Bill Cowher, Marty of Mike Shanahan when you need them? And to think all three were available when the Lerner family fell in love with Mangini. Ownership bypassed our first sports commandment - HIRE THE BEST TALENT AVAILABE TO RUN THE SHOW! But we’ve been over that ground numerous times. Having said that, intelligent followers should not fall into the same trap some media members and most fans will now fall into, and start demanding the coach’s head on a platter. As big a trainwreck as this seems right now, it’s way too early for that. Whether you like it or not, Mangini is here to stay. Besides, who is going to call him on the carpet -the general manager MANGINI hired?
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