Sunday’s Thoughts

Browns Clinch
Okay, they haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet, but with five to go and seven wins in the book following the win over the Texans today, the Browns need to go 3-2 against weak competition the rest of the way to get to the magical number - 10. It would take a near disastrous December for them to be on the outside looking in at year’s end.

Now the bad news – they have beaten one good football team this fall (Seattle). The Seahawks are the only team the Browns will likely beat in 2007 that finishes with more wins than losses. That includes their five remaining opponents. Hopefully, Browns' fans, and more importantly management, will realize this is far from a finished product.

Shades of Maurice
Stop it CHUD! Run Jamaal Lewis on short yardage downs instead of handing it to Wright or Vickers. Their “O” coordinator has done a good job this fall, but those two bonehead personnel moves on the Browns’ first two possessions against the Texans reminded me of horror shows from the past. Even had they worked, I would be on his case. You run Lewis when you need tough yards. He couldn't have been tired, the game just started. What’s next, Winslow off the field on third and six? Hey Chud, don't get cute anymore when simple will do.

K2
Speaking of Winslow, he’s a freak and exactly what we though he would be when we declared he was the best player in the draft several years ago and suggested my hometown get a bust ready. Assuming he stays healthy and has a 10 year career – which is a big “if” of course with his daredevil habits, you are watching a Canton, Ohio, enshrinee. He and dad will be the first player father-son combination in the HOF. Enjoy and appreciate watching this rare athlete. They don’t come around often -especially in Cleveland.

O Line
This is getting repetitive, but I can’t emphasize it enough, the Browns’ offensive line was outstanding again today, allowing one sack while wearing down the Texans’ defense, allowing Lewis to romp for over 100 yards on the ground. They run block well and they do a terrific job in pass protection. Other than that, they stink.

Defense Ds Up
The defense today actually played well against the Texans. It's been a while since we could say that -like all season long. Nice work fellas.

McDonald
The rookie seemed to have a good game in his first start at corner. Hopefully, we'll see more of him and find out if this was a fluke or he's got some real skills.

DA
With every game that passes against these opponents, Derek Anderson’s value goes up. I was informed this past week that Bill Cowher listed him among the league’s 15 best signal-callers on a network program. Good. The more of that we hear, the better. If the Browns can somehow get a first day draft pick (#1 or ##2) for him next spring, it will be an absolute steal. I would take the best defensive player available with that pick – regardless of position. I’m always looking ahead folks – just like Nostradamus.

Braylon Watch
We acknowledged weeks ago BE was headed to Hawaii but he might also lead the NFL in drops. That’s looking like a pretty good prediction. So let's have some fun and start keeping track. Edwards had one TD reception and one drop against the Texans today. On the year, he has 10 touchdown receptions and 11 drops this fall by my count – and that’s being kind. Imagine how good he would be if he had good hands?

Rainbows #1
I have complained for years about the collegiate Division I football system. This year is even more comical with everyone having at least one loss. In my book, Hawaii is the National Champion if they don’t lose. Stop laughing. Are you absolutely certain this week’s anointed #1 (Missouri) would beat them? Hey, I thought Boise State deserved a shot at the National Title last year before they played Oklahoma. I was told by numerous intelligent college football fans they would get waxed against the sooners. Right.

The Buckeyes have found a new way to win a title – don’t play. That's another residue effect of this stupid BCS system. They (OSU) played in a weak Big Ten, scheduled three in state patsies and are on the verge of playing for the National Championship if one of the two teams above them loses. Do you really think they could run the table against three quality opponents in consecutive weeks? That's the point - we'll never know.

I am normally against Congress getting involved in sports because there are more important things for them to concern themselves with. But college football at the Division I level is now a business with plenty of entities getting greased due to this silly system – coaches, athletic directors, sponsors, networks, bowls, etc… Everyone is satisfied but the fans. Polls show over and over again that 75% of college football fans want some kind of playoff format.

It’s time for Congress to step in and threaten action if this system isn’t changed. Threatening the withholding of federal college aid money should do the trick. They’ve done it with pro sports. There is no reason not to do it with major college football. Otherwise, this system will never change. And please don't tell me Congress should not mess with the purity that is college athletics. This is the same group of people that jump conferences from one year to the next, signs coaches to multi-million dollar deals, then fires them after two bad years, and has a system in place where student/athletes sit around and don't play for five, six or seven weeks before playing their final contest of the year.

Remember, approximately half the 2006 Division I teams went to bowls last season. That says it all.