We discussed back in October the Browns had a legitimate shot at 10 wins and a playoff spot in 2007. We were half right.
Cleveland got to 10 – which is usually good enough to get you in - but a bad loss in Cincinnati late cost them football in January. They have no one to blame but themselves. The Browns opened the door for the Titans and Tennessee walked through it.
Sunday’s win against the 49ers was very predictable. San Francisco was down to its fourth quarterback, who had only been in camp for two weeks. Once Josh Cribbs went the distance with an early punt return, the Browns’ coaching staff decided to keep it simple – put it on the ground, chew up clock and see if Chris Weinke could beat you.
Anderson made one excellent toss to Braylon Edwards for BE's 16th touchdown catch of the season. That and Cribbs’ return is all that was needed. In total, he (DA) only threw it 20 times. As it turned out, all they needed on this day was a quarterback to, and I hate this term, “manage the game” to beat an inferior S.F. squad. A double digit season-clinching win soon followed.
Here is how we graded them out.
Ownership gets an A. They spent to money necessary to improve the offensive line and got back into the first round to get Quinn. Both wise moves - both short term and long-term.
Management deserves an A-. Most of Phil Savage’s moves panned out.
Romeo and company get an B+. They did get to 10 wins in year #3. The down side is it the defense was terrible, especially against the run, nine of 10 wins came against sub .500 teams, and along with having a relatively injury-free season by NFL standards, the Browns failed to reach the post-season. You've got to reach football in January to earn an A in my book.
Look for Romeo to pick up a ton of Coach of the Year votes. He's well-liked and got them to 10 victories. In the end, I see Mr. Bill (in New England)winning. However, he's disliked by many and Jeff Fisher could sneak in and get the honor since his team got in (post-season) without a ton of stars leading the way. Besides, you know my take on awards - to vote before the season ends makes no sense.
DA gets a B. Why a B? It’s simple, a good NFL quarterback posts, at minimum, a 2-1 touchdown to interception ratio and completes at least 60% of his passes behind this line, with these receivers and that running game. Anderson, like that hurler who has a 97 mph fastball but can’t spot it consistently, ran hot and cold. He has a big arm, a quick release and proved he can start in this league, but the Browns will have an new quarterback taking snaps in 2006. They didn't give up a #1 & a #2 to have Quinn hold a clipboard for long.
And for those in the media that are speculating the team might deal Quinn instead of Anderson in the off-season, they should have their pens and notebooks confiscated. That will not happen.
The offensive line gets an A+. A total of 20 sacks allowed and a 1,000 yard back says it all.
The running game deserves an A-. Lewis earned himself the starting lead back role for the foreseeable future.
The receivers earned a B+. The Browns were the only NFL team with two 1,000 yard receivers (K2 & Braylon Edwards)and a 1,000 yard back, but there were simple too many drops to give an A. We counted five drops in the season-finale alone - two by K2 who had his worse game as a pro in terms of catching the football. Call me old school, but if it’s thrown to you, and you get paid to catch it, you should.
Josh Cribbs, the team’s MVP, and his cohorts on special teams clearly earned an A+. Some are pointing to the blocked field goal against the Raiders as a special teams breakdown that caused the Browns to miss the playoffs. Right.
Without the consistent great play on special teams this fall, the Browns are at best a .500 team.
The secondary is by far the most difficult unit to grade out. Why you ask? Look at who they played against for most of the season. By my count, they went up against nine back-ups in a quarterback-starved league. The 49ers, for example, were down to their fourth signal-caller yesterday. Therefore, they (secondary) weren’t tested often. And when they were, they often failed. We’ll give them a C-.
This front seven can be graded as one unit as far as I am concerned. Their main job is to stop the run and put some heat on the QB. They did neither - especially the former. Therefore, a D is in order. The only reason it isn’t an F is the fact that they occasionally got stops on short yardage and they weren't lit up the final month of the season.
So what did we learn in 2007?
We found out that after years of futility, the team finally established home field advantage – setting a franchise record for home wins (7). That’s good news.
We now have an identity (read: swagger) on offense with a vertical passing game that features tall, athletic receivers who play with an edge, and a solid running game in reserve. That's very good news.
We also know that the defensive front seven needs overhauled. That’s bad news.
Imagine what kind of numbers L. Tomlinson might put up next week had the Browns reached the post-season? Scary isn’t it?
The key question heading into the off-season is as follows - are they (Browns) truly headed in the right direction with a 10 win season under their belt or was the double-digit win campaign a result of a very weak schedule and an injury-free year?
Much like the Cleveland Cavaliers of the past couple years, when a team is coming off a statistically successful season (back-to-back 50 win seasons in basketball & a 10 win campaign in football), there is a tendency to tinker only when it comes to making personnel changes.
For the record - this observer wants Savage and company to get very aggressive in terms of making changes on the defensive side of the ball, re-sign Lewis, add another quality receiver on offense and upgrade at quarterback.
That should just about do it.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Saturday Special
We have some time on on hands right now during the holidays, which is nice, so we decided to give you a Saturday Special.
(Romeo in Miami)
The national media is keeping the rumor alive that Bill Parcells would like to have Romeo Crennel as his coach in Miami.
Here is how I would handle it as the Browns’ GM – if I may be so bold.
A #2 pick and a #3 pick in the upcoming draft should just about do it.
Then the Browns can take their #2 and the Dolphins’ #2 - which will be at the top of the round, and turn it into a mid #1. Let’s keep it simple here guys - that #1 pick should be turned into the best defensive player available. Period.
While we are at it, let’s see if the “Big Tuna” wouldn’t mind doing a “two-for.” Perhaps he wants a quarterback to go along with a coach. I know a big, strong armed signal-caller who just set a Cleveland franchise record for touchdown passes that should be available. A sign and trade would do nicely here as well.
Meanwhile, while the Browns are negotiating with Miami over compensation for Romeo, they should also be talking to Marty and/or Bill Cowher about becoming the team’s new head coach. We covered this ground last year. But if the opportunity knocks again, open the door.
If the Miami rumors are true, Savage and the Big Tuna should already be talking. And if Vince Young doesn’t pull a DA and meltdown in the biggest game of his career against the Colts, the Browns can have the deal done early next week.
That would be a fairly productive start to the off-season, don't you think?
Get draft picks for Crennel, turn those picks into serious talent on defense and sign a future Hall of Fame coach to run your club.
My motto when it comes to changing coaches is as follows - I do NOT make a change unless I clearly UPGRADE. With all due respect to RC, MS or BC would be a serious upgrade.
If only the rumors were true and Savage was as aggressive as yours truly.
(More Miami)
The dumbest sports comment of 2007 came late but it was special. On Thursday, December 27, at approximately 1:13 p.m. in the afternoon, an ESPN analyst actually mentioned Maurice Carthon’s name with a straight face when discussing possible head coaches in Miami. Classic.
Yea, we know Parcells and Carthon go way back. But what qualifies Carthon to run a team?
A little history lesson from his days in Cleveland.
This is the same guy who had K2 off the field on third down, the same guy who had Dennis Northcutt ahead of Joe J. on the Browns’ depth chart and the same guy who took his best back off the field on short yardage plays. Need I go further?
You would think so-called analysts would have some common sense and think before spewing the garbage someone else is feeding them.
(Miami Take III)
Damon Jones wants traded. Not only that, he wants to go back to Miami. This guy is delusional.
Here’s a simple question – who wants him?
He’s limited in talent, overpaid, can’t defend and has shot the ball poorly since coming to Cleveland.
It was also reported that last week that Jones and Ira Newble refused to go into a game during garbage time when summoned in by Cavs' Head Coach Mike Brown.
Fining them is not enough. The Cavaliers should see if they can get 12 Spalding basketballs (men’s basketballs of course) for them in trade value. If not, they should be released.
You cannot let the inmates run the asylum. These two guys simply can’t play but somehow cashed in on life’s lottery when the Cavaliers signed them to multi-year deals several years ago.
The single dumbest move in Cleveland sports history was when the previous regime signed Kevin Ollie and Ira Newble, two guys who would have a hard time starting at North Carolina right now, to multi-year deals.
Remember that brainstorm? I always wanted to know how the thinking process on that one worked.
Here goes:
Cavs' Paid Player Personnel Professional #1: "We need these two guys. They are good."
PPPP#2: "Yea, you are right. I have seen them play. They would make us better."
PPPP#3: "And they are available too."
PPPP#4: "Hey guys, I hate to differ with you but these two are role players at best. Practice players if you will. Why would we offer them large multi-year deals? They belong on the end of an NBA bench at #10 through #12 in the rotation. Neither guy would see any quality time on a good team come playoff time. There is a reason they are available. Why should we make such a heavy investment on guys with minimal talent level?"
Former Cavs' GM Jim Paxson: "It's three to one. I'm going with the majority. I'll call their agents in the morning. Good work guys. We got a lot done here today and the franchise is better for it. Meeting adjourned. Hey, you guys want to go to Wendy's for lunch then come over to my condo and watch a VHS tape of me running off screens and nailing jumpers during my playing days in Portland?"
PPPP #1, #2, @ #3 - "Sure, boss. Good idea. Love to."
PPP#4 - "No thanks. I think I'll go home and update my resume."
Nice........
And you wonder why the Cavaliers are over the cap with minimal talent.
I'm back on point again. Stay with me.
Now they (DJ & IN) aren’t happy about their playing time. Only in America folks could this happen.
If you can’t deal them immediately, cut them loose. Send a message that this silliness will not be tolerated. You don’t need a cancer, or two, on the bench. It’s bad enough 23 doesn’t have any talent around him. Now he has malcontents there as well.
Come on Danny (Ferry), do something. Let me know you are still alive. We sent out an Amber Alert in the summer, we asked if you were in the Witness Protection Program back in the fall and we are counting down the days before the trading deadline when we demand your dismissal.
Show me you have a pulse – get active.
It’s not like these two aren’t replaceable. It would be the classic example of addition by subtraction. I know, I know. They would count against the cap if you let them go.
Sometimes, you have to cut bait and run. Don’t compound one mistake with another – in this case, keeping them around to cause headaches for your coach, who has a hard enough time trying to find four guys who can give him consistent minutes.
Point made.
(NFL Network)
Hey, if two NFL teams are playing but hardly anyone is watching, does it count?
The NFL finally threw the public a bone (read: caved to public pressure) and decided to air the Patriots – Giants game on national television instead of on their silly NFL Network alone. Good call.
One more time - the NFL Network concept, as designed, was the biggest mistake the NFL has made in years. The pompous league assumed cable companies would automatically add it to their service. Wrong.
Fans that do not have the package are unhappy and the league knows it. Look for that concept to change dramatically next year, regardless what the league is saying, so the average fan gets the games.
Don’t sweat the details. That’s for the league and cable companies to sort out. But you WILL be able to see all the games next year. The NFL should and will correct this blunder.
Patriots Versus The World
ESPN is at it again. This time they are already comparing the 2007 Patriots to some of the NFL’s greatest teams and having Bill Parcells analyze who would win.
We saw this stunt before, just three years ago when the network did the same thing with the USC team that featured several future first rounders, including the next OJ – Reggie Bush. I had to get that one in for you DB - it was too easy.
By the way, quick quiz: Which former USC back just went over 1,000 yards rushing for the season? Wrong. It wasn't Gale Sayers (aka: Reggie Bush). I'll give you a hint - he plays with the Titans and we stated back when he had the body to be a better "true" NFL back (read: 20-25 carry guy) than Mr. Bush when everyone else had Reggie in Canton already.
Here's the bottom line however- neither guy is going into the Hall of Fame.
Hey, we get one right once in a while.
We did found out one interesting tidbit about that game against Texas recently. Bush was not on the field on fourth and short late in the game when USC went for the kill. I have no problem with Carroll going for it. It showed some real stones. A first down conversion on fourth and two wins the game. With that offense, a two yard pickup should have been a better than 50-50 proposition. But Bush should have been on the field.
As much as we didn't think he was the next coming of Jim Brown, we too recognized his (Bush) immense skill level and you ALWAYS have your best players on the field at key moments unless they are on a stretcher getting treatment.
Nice move Pete.
Back on point again. I'm bouncing all around today. That's okay. If you can follow me, it means you are intelligent and learning at the same time.
A funny thing happened on the way to crowning that USC team as one of the greatest teams ever – they lost to Texas in the National Championship game.
ESPN should have learned a lesson the first time around. I know, I know – the bit makes for good television. Still, I think it’s appropriate for the Pats to win the Super Bowl first before they are mentioned with some of football’s best teams ever.
(Bowl Season)
Hey, when is the Peach Bowl being played? Oh, I forgot, that bowl went out of business years ago. That’s okay, there are over 30 more bowls to choose from. Only a sick freak (you know who you are) could watch ALL this stuff and enjoy it.
(No Post Play)
I watched some NBA this week and noticed something that is all but extinct – centers that can consistently score in the low-block. There aren't many true centers that can consistently score with their backs to the basket. In fact, many of the game’s best post players are actually power forwards, not true centers (i.e. KG, Duncan, Howard, Bosh, etc…), who actually are as comfortable facing the basket as they are posting up.
Look at Cleveland’s Z, he’s 7-3 and at his best catching 23’s drive and dish, and taking that mid-range jumper.
The NBA has turned into a jump shooting league – and a bad one at that, along with a running league, for those coaches who have figured out their team doesn’t have the consistent post play to win playing half court basketball.
That works when jumpers are falling (i.e. Bulls of 2006-07), but a recipe for disaster when they aren’t (Bulls of 2007-08). Ask Scott Skiles, a terrific coach, who just got canned because his post-less Bulls got out of the gate poorly this fall.
Years ago, most teams had a real threat down low. Now, the opposite is the case. The game is dominated by perimeter players, and has been for the most part, since MJ was winning titles in Chicago. Even then, you still had Akeem in Houston and Ewing in New York, true centers, who demanded attention in the block. What center playing today is of that caliber?
Yao Ming? Maybe. And that's a reach.
(Long Haired Safety)
Don't ask me why, but I love long-haired safeties, especially if they are Samoan. I saw a few minutes of the Boston College bowl game last night. That's right - I said "a few minutes." I told you I can't sit through a whole bowl game.
The guy wearing #44 was running around all over the place, throwing his body around like he didn't care. He had long hair too. The downside is he didn't look Samoan. Too bad.
Regardless, any guy who plays with reckless abandon and has those those flowing locks to go with it can play on my team anyday. I don't care what his wonderlick score is, what he runs the 40 in and how many times he can bench 225.
Geez, we covered a lot of ground today and you are better for it.
Feel free to respond. I have decided to begin answering inquiries/questions/comments, etc...
I'll also be signing books and doing a monthly reading at Borders in Cuyahoga Falls every first Tuesday of each month between 7-8:30 p.m. Yea, right.
See you next time.
(Romeo in Miami)
The national media is keeping the rumor alive that Bill Parcells would like to have Romeo Crennel as his coach in Miami.
Here is how I would handle it as the Browns’ GM – if I may be so bold.
A #2 pick and a #3 pick in the upcoming draft should just about do it.
Then the Browns can take their #2 and the Dolphins’ #2 - which will be at the top of the round, and turn it into a mid #1. Let’s keep it simple here guys - that #1 pick should be turned into the best defensive player available. Period.
While we are at it, let’s see if the “Big Tuna” wouldn’t mind doing a “two-for.” Perhaps he wants a quarterback to go along with a coach. I know a big, strong armed signal-caller who just set a Cleveland franchise record for touchdown passes that should be available. A sign and trade would do nicely here as well.
Meanwhile, while the Browns are negotiating with Miami over compensation for Romeo, they should also be talking to Marty and/or Bill Cowher about becoming the team’s new head coach. We covered this ground last year. But if the opportunity knocks again, open the door.
If the Miami rumors are true, Savage and the Big Tuna should already be talking. And if Vince Young doesn’t pull a DA and meltdown in the biggest game of his career against the Colts, the Browns can have the deal done early next week.
That would be a fairly productive start to the off-season, don't you think?
Get draft picks for Crennel, turn those picks into serious talent on defense and sign a future Hall of Fame coach to run your club.
My motto when it comes to changing coaches is as follows - I do NOT make a change unless I clearly UPGRADE. With all due respect to RC, MS or BC would be a serious upgrade.
If only the rumors were true and Savage was as aggressive as yours truly.
(More Miami)
The dumbest sports comment of 2007 came late but it was special. On Thursday, December 27, at approximately 1:13 p.m. in the afternoon, an ESPN analyst actually mentioned Maurice Carthon’s name with a straight face when discussing possible head coaches in Miami. Classic.
Yea, we know Parcells and Carthon go way back. But what qualifies Carthon to run a team?
A little history lesson from his days in Cleveland.
This is the same guy who had K2 off the field on third down, the same guy who had Dennis Northcutt ahead of Joe J. on the Browns’ depth chart and the same guy who took his best back off the field on short yardage plays. Need I go further?
You would think so-called analysts would have some common sense and think before spewing the garbage someone else is feeding them.
(Miami Take III)
Damon Jones wants traded. Not only that, he wants to go back to Miami. This guy is delusional.
Here’s a simple question – who wants him?
He’s limited in talent, overpaid, can’t defend and has shot the ball poorly since coming to Cleveland.
It was also reported that last week that Jones and Ira Newble refused to go into a game during garbage time when summoned in by Cavs' Head Coach Mike Brown.
Fining them is not enough. The Cavaliers should see if they can get 12 Spalding basketballs (men’s basketballs of course) for them in trade value. If not, they should be released.
You cannot let the inmates run the asylum. These two guys simply can’t play but somehow cashed in on life’s lottery when the Cavaliers signed them to multi-year deals several years ago.
The single dumbest move in Cleveland sports history was when the previous regime signed Kevin Ollie and Ira Newble, two guys who would have a hard time starting at North Carolina right now, to multi-year deals.
Remember that brainstorm? I always wanted to know how the thinking process on that one worked.
Here goes:
Cavs' Paid Player Personnel Professional #1: "We need these two guys. They are good."
PPPP#2: "Yea, you are right. I have seen them play. They would make us better."
PPPP#3: "And they are available too."
PPPP#4: "Hey guys, I hate to differ with you but these two are role players at best. Practice players if you will. Why would we offer them large multi-year deals? They belong on the end of an NBA bench at #10 through #12 in the rotation. Neither guy would see any quality time on a good team come playoff time. There is a reason they are available. Why should we make such a heavy investment on guys with minimal talent level?"
Former Cavs' GM Jim Paxson: "It's three to one. I'm going with the majority. I'll call their agents in the morning. Good work guys. We got a lot done here today and the franchise is better for it. Meeting adjourned. Hey, you guys want to go to Wendy's for lunch then come over to my condo and watch a VHS tape of me running off screens and nailing jumpers during my playing days in Portland?"
PPPP #1, #2, @ #3 - "Sure, boss. Good idea. Love to."
PPP#4 - "No thanks. I think I'll go home and update my resume."
Nice........
And you wonder why the Cavaliers are over the cap with minimal talent.
I'm back on point again. Stay with me.
Now they (DJ & IN) aren’t happy about their playing time. Only in America folks could this happen.
If you can’t deal them immediately, cut them loose. Send a message that this silliness will not be tolerated. You don’t need a cancer, or two, on the bench. It’s bad enough 23 doesn’t have any talent around him. Now he has malcontents there as well.
Come on Danny (Ferry), do something. Let me know you are still alive. We sent out an Amber Alert in the summer, we asked if you were in the Witness Protection Program back in the fall and we are counting down the days before the trading deadline when we demand your dismissal.
Show me you have a pulse – get active.
It’s not like these two aren’t replaceable. It would be the classic example of addition by subtraction. I know, I know. They would count against the cap if you let them go.
Sometimes, you have to cut bait and run. Don’t compound one mistake with another – in this case, keeping them around to cause headaches for your coach, who has a hard enough time trying to find four guys who can give him consistent minutes.
Point made.
(NFL Network)
Hey, if two NFL teams are playing but hardly anyone is watching, does it count?
The NFL finally threw the public a bone (read: caved to public pressure) and decided to air the Patriots – Giants game on national television instead of on their silly NFL Network alone. Good call.
One more time - the NFL Network concept, as designed, was the biggest mistake the NFL has made in years. The pompous league assumed cable companies would automatically add it to their service. Wrong.
Fans that do not have the package are unhappy and the league knows it. Look for that concept to change dramatically next year, regardless what the league is saying, so the average fan gets the games.
Don’t sweat the details. That’s for the league and cable companies to sort out. But you WILL be able to see all the games next year. The NFL should and will correct this blunder.
Patriots Versus The World
ESPN is at it again. This time they are already comparing the 2007 Patriots to some of the NFL’s greatest teams and having Bill Parcells analyze who would win.
We saw this stunt before, just three years ago when the network did the same thing with the USC team that featured several future first rounders, including the next OJ – Reggie Bush. I had to get that one in for you DB - it was too easy.
By the way, quick quiz: Which former USC back just went over 1,000 yards rushing for the season? Wrong. It wasn't Gale Sayers (aka: Reggie Bush). I'll give you a hint - he plays with the Titans and we stated back when he had the body to be a better "true" NFL back (read: 20-25 carry guy) than Mr. Bush when everyone else had Reggie in Canton already.
Here's the bottom line however- neither guy is going into the Hall of Fame.
Hey, we get one right once in a while.
We did found out one interesting tidbit about that game against Texas recently. Bush was not on the field on fourth and short late in the game when USC went for the kill. I have no problem with Carroll going for it. It showed some real stones. A first down conversion on fourth and two wins the game. With that offense, a two yard pickup should have been a better than 50-50 proposition. But Bush should have been on the field.
As much as we didn't think he was the next coming of Jim Brown, we too recognized his (Bush) immense skill level and you ALWAYS have your best players on the field at key moments unless they are on a stretcher getting treatment.
Nice move Pete.
Back on point again. I'm bouncing all around today. That's okay. If you can follow me, it means you are intelligent and learning at the same time.
A funny thing happened on the way to crowning that USC team as one of the greatest teams ever – they lost to Texas in the National Championship game.
ESPN should have learned a lesson the first time around. I know, I know – the bit makes for good television. Still, I think it’s appropriate for the Pats to win the Super Bowl first before they are mentioned with some of football’s best teams ever.
(Bowl Season)
Hey, when is the Peach Bowl being played? Oh, I forgot, that bowl went out of business years ago. That’s okay, there are over 30 more bowls to choose from. Only a sick freak (you know who you are) could watch ALL this stuff and enjoy it.
(No Post Play)
I watched some NBA this week and noticed something that is all but extinct – centers that can consistently score in the low-block. There aren't many true centers that can consistently score with their backs to the basket. In fact, many of the game’s best post players are actually power forwards, not true centers (i.e. KG, Duncan, Howard, Bosh, etc…), who actually are as comfortable facing the basket as they are posting up.
Look at Cleveland’s Z, he’s 7-3 and at his best catching 23’s drive and dish, and taking that mid-range jumper.
The NBA has turned into a jump shooting league – and a bad one at that, along with a running league, for those coaches who have figured out their team doesn’t have the consistent post play to win playing half court basketball.
That works when jumpers are falling (i.e. Bulls of 2006-07), but a recipe for disaster when they aren’t (Bulls of 2007-08). Ask Scott Skiles, a terrific coach, who just got canned because his post-less Bulls got out of the gate poorly this fall.
Years ago, most teams had a real threat down low. Now, the opposite is the case. The game is dominated by perimeter players, and has been for the most part, since MJ was winning titles in Chicago. Even then, you still had Akeem in Houston and Ewing in New York, true centers, who demanded attention in the block. What center playing today is of that caliber?
Yao Ming? Maybe. And that's a reach.
(Long Haired Safety)
Don't ask me why, but I love long-haired safeties, especially if they are Samoan. I saw a few minutes of the Boston College bowl game last night. That's right - I said "a few minutes." I told you I can't sit through a whole bowl game.
The guy wearing #44 was running around all over the place, throwing his body around like he didn't care. He had long hair too. The downside is he didn't look Samoan. Too bad.
Regardless, any guy who plays with reckless abandon and has those those flowing locks to go with it can play on my team anyday. I don't care what his wonderlick score is, what he runs the 40 in and how many times he can bench 225.
Geez, we covered a lot of ground today and you are better for it.
Feel free to respond. I have decided to begin answering inquiries/questions/comments, etc...
I'll also be signing books and doing a monthly reading at Borders in Cuyahoga Falls every first Tuesday of each month between 7-8:30 p.m. Yea, right.
See you next time.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
New Year’s Resolution Time
We’re going to try to back off on the following people this coming year:
We start with Cavaliers’ GM Danny Ferry, who we’ve described as being MIA for the past two years.
There is Browns’ quarterback Derek Anderson, who has established himself as a Vinnie Testaverde clone. The only difference is Vinnie rarely had this kind of protection and firepower around him.
Of course there is the 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Notwitzki, who has made taking fade-aways over shorter defenders an art form.
We will lay off those who use one of our favorite terms - “system quarterback.” There is no such thing. If you can play, you can play.
Here is the other beauty that gives me the shakes - "franchise player." I only want to see that term associated with a first ballot Hall of Famer, not some guy who just had a very good year.
We will also back off Z, Gooden and Hughes – who combine to take up a huge chunk of the Cavalier’s salary base, even though you rarely see all three on the floor at crunch time.
It is time to give Romeo Crennell a break – since he will be spending the better part of the off-season trying to improve what is supposed to be his forte – his defense.
I will not complain about the BCS anymore. Anyone who still defends that system is missing the basic gene the rest of us were provided with – the one that allows you to comprehend that titles are won on the field of play, not in a computer ranking devised by some of the same people who created Madden 2008.
We must avoid complaining about the hypocrisy in baseball – from the owners to the players and the networks included – all of whom played “hear, see & speak no evil” when guys were juicing up to the point where softball scores were the norm in MLB. Now they want the guilty to come forward while they play judge and jury.
It is time to lay off coaches in major college football & basketball, who hop like gypsies from one lucrative job to another, all the while telling their current players and future recruits they can be trusted.
I will try, although it will be very difficult, to refrain from complaining when I see a hitter swinging away early in the count with his team down three, as he leads off the bottom of the ninth, when it’s clearly appropriate to take a strike.
We try to go one year without calling Kobe Bryant the most selfish player in sports - the one who wanted “Big Deisel” out of town when LA was winning titles, then demanded more talent around him and since has asked to be traded.
It will be difficult, but I will resist calling Grady Sizemore an underachiever at the plate for striking out as much as he does when he could compete for a hitting title if he ever decided to shorten up some, especially with two strikes.
We will leave Pronk alone. He’s a good guy. It’s not his fault the Indians offered their DH $14 million a year while he was having his worst season ever. You would accepted it too.
I will not belittle the Yankees and Red Sox for having a huge resources advantage over the large majority of ML teams. Just please don’t tell me how bright Cashman and Epstein are. A blind monkey could run those clubs and they would still win 90+ with that kind of cash advantage.
I will try to abstain from saying anything negative about Mr. Happy, Bill Belichick. This resolution will be next to impossible to keep.
Of course the above is all subject to change if the mood hits me.
Now here are a few things I look forward to watching in sports in 2008:
I truly enjoy the unselfishness that is the Cavaliers’ #23.
Watching Victor Martinez make adjustments at the plate is worth the price of admission.
Seeing K2 snatch a football from midair is special.
I would pay to watch, pound for pound, the best player in NBA history do his thing – AI. He’s a warrior.
Observing Peyton Manning run the no huddle reminds me of what the sport was like before all the specialization - quarterback head sets, offensive coordinators calling the plays, scripting the first 15 plays, players studying photos of defenses prior to the snap, the Patriots cheating, etc… etc…
Watching a very ordinary looking (6-0/175 pounds) Steve Nash dominate the basketball floor against the world's best athletes is something to behold.
Here are things I will try to forget for 2008:
My prediction that the Broncos would be in this year's Super Bowl seems a bit off right now.
I wanted Michael Vick calling plays for the Browns if Brady Quinn was not available in the draft. How did I know he had a canine issue?
I thought the Indians would likely wilt down the stretch in ’07 like they did in 2004 & 2006, without Shapiro's help prior to the trading deadline.
I wanted to deal Butterfingers (Braylon Edwards) for a #2 pick prior to the ’07 draft. Yea I know, he set a Browns’ single-season record for TD receptions (15 and counting with one game to play). One reminder - he also likely set a team record for drops (14). The league probably has him at eight. Right.
I firmly believed some NBA team would tender Anderson Varejao an $8-10 million a year deal. If Larry Hughes is worth $12+ million a year, then AV is underpaid.
I thought Ohio State would lose at least three football games this season. Perhaps had they not played Kenyon, Oberlin and their third in-state rival, Mount St. Joseph, they would have. Hiram had no open date.
Those are just a few of our misses in 2007. Remember, when you get on record, you will swing and miss occasionally - even at a get me over fastball.
There is no need to remind you of the ones we nailed. They are too numerous to count of course. Niceeeeeee.
Browns 34 49ers 17
For what it is worth, we have the Browns handling their business against the 49ers next Sunday and the Colts taking care of the Titans. We love Vince Young, but figure the Colts at home will prevail - even with Manning wearing a ballcap in the second half. It will be interesting to see how Young plays in the biggest pro game of his young career.
That prediction probably means they (Browns) will be cleaning out their lockers on Monday.
Till next year you geeks, freaks and $#@!
We start with Cavaliers’ GM Danny Ferry, who we’ve described as being MIA for the past two years.
There is Browns’ quarterback Derek Anderson, who has established himself as a Vinnie Testaverde clone. The only difference is Vinnie rarely had this kind of protection and firepower around him.
Of course there is the 2007 NBA MVP Dirk Notwitzki, who has made taking fade-aways over shorter defenders an art form.
We will lay off those who use one of our favorite terms - “system quarterback.” There is no such thing. If you can play, you can play.
Here is the other beauty that gives me the shakes - "franchise player." I only want to see that term associated with a first ballot Hall of Famer, not some guy who just had a very good year.
We will also back off Z, Gooden and Hughes – who combine to take up a huge chunk of the Cavalier’s salary base, even though you rarely see all three on the floor at crunch time.
It is time to give Romeo Crennell a break – since he will be spending the better part of the off-season trying to improve what is supposed to be his forte – his defense.
I will not complain about the BCS anymore. Anyone who still defends that system is missing the basic gene the rest of us were provided with – the one that allows you to comprehend that titles are won on the field of play, not in a computer ranking devised by some of the same people who created Madden 2008.
We must avoid complaining about the hypocrisy in baseball – from the owners to the players and the networks included – all of whom played “hear, see & speak no evil” when guys were juicing up to the point where softball scores were the norm in MLB. Now they want the guilty to come forward while they play judge and jury.
It is time to lay off coaches in major college football & basketball, who hop like gypsies from one lucrative job to another, all the while telling their current players and future recruits they can be trusted.
I will try, although it will be very difficult, to refrain from complaining when I see a hitter swinging away early in the count with his team down three, as he leads off the bottom of the ninth, when it’s clearly appropriate to take a strike.
We try to go one year without calling Kobe Bryant the most selfish player in sports - the one who wanted “Big Deisel” out of town when LA was winning titles, then demanded more talent around him and since has asked to be traded.
It will be difficult, but I will resist calling Grady Sizemore an underachiever at the plate for striking out as much as he does when he could compete for a hitting title if he ever decided to shorten up some, especially with two strikes.
We will leave Pronk alone. He’s a good guy. It’s not his fault the Indians offered their DH $14 million a year while he was having his worst season ever. You would accepted it too.
I will not belittle the Yankees and Red Sox for having a huge resources advantage over the large majority of ML teams. Just please don’t tell me how bright Cashman and Epstein are. A blind monkey could run those clubs and they would still win 90+ with that kind of cash advantage.
I will try to abstain from saying anything negative about Mr. Happy, Bill Belichick. This resolution will be next to impossible to keep.
Of course the above is all subject to change if the mood hits me.
Now here are a few things I look forward to watching in sports in 2008:
I truly enjoy the unselfishness that is the Cavaliers’ #23.
Watching Victor Martinez make adjustments at the plate is worth the price of admission.
Seeing K2 snatch a football from midair is special.
I would pay to watch, pound for pound, the best player in NBA history do his thing – AI. He’s a warrior.
Observing Peyton Manning run the no huddle reminds me of what the sport was like before all the specialization - quarterback head sets, offensive coordinators calling the plays, scripting the first 15 plays, players studying photos of defenses prior to the snap, the Patriots cheating, etc… etc…
Watching a very ordinary looking (6-0/175 pounds) Steve Nash dominate the basketball floor against the world's best athletes is something to behold.
Here are things I will try to forget for 2008:
My prediction that the Broncos would be in this year's Super Bowl seems a bit off right now.
I wanted Michael Vick calling plays for the Browns if Brady Quinn was not available in the draft. How did I know he had a canine issue?
I thought the Indians would likely wilt down the stretch in ’07 like they did in 2004 & 2006, without Shapiro's help prior to the trading deadline.
I wanted to deal Butterfingers (Braylon Edwards) for a #2 pick prior to the ’07 draft. Yea I know, he set a Browns’ single-season record for TD receptions (15 and counting with one game to play). One reminder - he also likely set a team record for drops (14). The league probably has him at eight. Right.
I firmly believed some NBA team would tender Anderson Varejao an $8-10 million a year deal. If Larry Hughes is worth $12+ million a year, then AV is underpaid.
I thought Ohio State would lose at least three football games this season. Perhaps had they not played Kenyon, Oberlin and their third in-state rival, Mount St. Joseph, they would have. Hiram had no open date.
Those are just a few of our misses in 2007. Remember, when you get on record, you will swing and miss occasionally - even at a get me over fastball.
There is no need to remind you of the ones we nailed. They are too numerous to count of course. Niceeeeeee.
Browns 34 49ers 17
For what it is worth, we have the Browns handling their business against the 49ers next Sunday and the Colts taking care of the Titans. We love Vince Young, but figure the Colts at home will prevail - even with Manning wearing a ballcap in the second half. It will be interesting to see how Young plays in the biggest pro game of his young career.
That prediction probably means they (Browns) will be cleaning out their lockers on Monday.
Till next year you geeks, freaks and $#@!
Monday, December 24, 2007
DA Plays Santa
I guess I spoke too soon when I congratulated the Browns for making the playoffs.
I figured going into Cincinnati, only a meltdown of classic proportions would sink the Browns.
Well, it happened.
This week, you are going to read and hear about how “we” didn’t play well.” You are going to hear and read how “we need to learn how to finish.” You are going to read and hear how “we need to play better on the road if we want to be a quality team.”
Etc…etc…
Here is what you won’t hear – the Browns lost simply because their quarterback had another road meltdown. The only difference between this meltdown and the others he’s had in 2007 is the fact that he did it for 60 minutes instead of his usual 30 (first half) – see Oakland, New England, etc…
We have seen this all-too often. The man has 18 picks playing behind an offensive line that has kept his jersey clean for the better part of the season. He has 18 interceptions while throwing to one of the best receiving groups in the NFL. He’s managed 18 throws to the other team while possessing the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year – if such an award were to exist, Jamaal Lewis, running behind him.
Get him out of his comfort zone, (home) and his numbers are a very mediocre 164-of-296 (.554), with 15 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in 2007. And remember, these numbers were not posted against the Vikings' Purple People Eaters of the 70s, the 49ers of the 80s or the Cowboys of the early 90s, they were produced versus the likes of the Raiders, the Ravens, the Cardinals, the Jets and the woeful Bengals.
Here’s the other factor at work Sunday – the Bengals were horrible. They tried to give it back time and time again. Yes, they had a 100 yard rusher against the Browns' defense – who doesn’t? But overall, Cincinnati was anemic on offense. In the fourth quarter alone, the Browns had several drives that began in Bengal territory following a terrible punt and an ill-advised throw by Carson Palmer when all he had to do was hand it off and run clock. And when you thought the Bengals ran out of Christmas gifts, they coughed it up on their last possession – giving the Browns one last chance at survival.
The Browns didn’t lose Sunday because they could not run the ball. They did not lose because of dropped passes – although by my count they had four drops. By today’s NFL standards, that’s probably only two. They didn’t lose because the defense was shredded by Palmer and company. Cleveland lost because their quarterback had a horrible day against the same team he scorched for 50+ points the last time around.
Yes, the wind was bad. Here’s a bulletin - playing conditions in Ohio tend to be nasty this time of year. What do you expect the conditions on the Lake Erie to be come January if you ever make it to the post season – 60 and sunny?
Don’t worry about that forecast however. Unless Tennessee loses in Indianapolis, it’s wait till next year – again.
There is no reason why this team should not be in the post-season in 2007. They had everything going for them – a weak schedule, few, if any, key injuries and the bounce of the ball (see field goal/crossbar references).
Yet, they will likely have to wait and see what the Titans do Sunday night to determine their fate. You would assume the Browns will beat San Francisco. It’s at home, S.F. is not very good and Anderson will be in his ‘comfort zone” again (home) where he has thrown for 13 touchdowns and just five picks.
But it should not have come to this.
Here’s the semi-good news. The Colts have already announced they will play Peyton Manning one half next Sunday. That may be enough to beat the Titans and their anemic offense. I can’t see the Titans putting many points on the board in Indy.
Perhaps I’m wrong again – like when I said the Browns were in already.
I expect DA and the Browns to play well next Sunday and finish with 10 wins. The organization will spin it as a very successful season – regardless of what happens in Indianapolis later that evening. A 10 win season in the NFL is equivalent of a 50+ win campaign in the NBA. It looks very good on paper and wins you public relations points.
But the astute observer knows better. If you want to win it all – you’d better get it right with the guy taking the snaps. That’s on you Phil (Savage).
Don’t leave it up to Romeo, a career defensive coach who opened the season with Charlie Frye as his quarterback. RC is going to have a hard enough time heading into year #4 trying to figure out how to improve one of the league’s worse defensive units this off-season.
I figured going into Cincinnati, only a meltdown of classic proportions would sink the Browns.
Well, it happened.
This week, you are going to read and hear about how “we” didn’t play well.” You are going to hear and read how “we need to learn how to finish.” You are going to read and hear how “we need to play better on the road if we want to be a quality team.”
Etc…etc…
Here is what you won’t hear – the Browns lost simply because their quarterback had another road meltdown. The only difference between this meltdown and the others he’s had in 2007 is the fact that he did it for 60 minutes instead of his usual 30 (first half) – see Oakland, New England, etc…
We have seen this all-too often. The man has 18 picks playing behind an offensive line that has kept his jersey clean for the better part of the season. He has 18 interceptions while throwing to one of the best receiving groups in the NFL. He’s managed 18 throws to the other team while possessing the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year – if such an award were to exist, Jamaal Lewis, running behind him.
Get him out of his comfort zone, (home) and his numbers are a very mediocre 164-of-296 (.554), with 15 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in 2007. And remember, these numbers were not posted against the Vikings' Purple People Eaters of the 70s, the 49ers of the 80s or the Cowboys of the early 90s, they were produced versus the likes of the Raiders, the Ravens, the Cardinals, the Jets and the woeful Bengals.
Here’s the other factor at work Sunday – the Bengals were horrible. They tried to give it back time and time again. Yes, they had a 100 yard rusher against the Browns' defense – who doesn’t? But overall, Cincinnati was anemic on offense. In the fourth quarter alone, the Browns had several drives that began in Bengal territory following a terrible punt and an ill-advised throw by Carson Palmer when all he had to do was hand it off and run clock. And when you thought the Bengals ran out of Christmas gifts, they coughed it up on their last possession – giving the Browns one last chance at survival.
The Browns didn’t lose Sunday because they could not run the ball. They did not lose because of dropped passes – although by my count they had four drops. By today’s NFL standards, that’s probably only two. They didn’t lose because the defense was shredded by Palmer and company. Cleveland lost because their quarterback had a horrible day against the same team he scorched for 50+ points the last time around.
Yes, the wind was bad. Here’s a bulletin - playing conditions in Ohio tend to be nasty this time of year. What do you expect the conditions on the Lake Erie to be come January if you ever make it to the post season – 60 and sunny?
Don’t worry about that forecast however. Unless Tennessee loses in Indianapolis, it’s wait till next year – again.
There is no reason why this team should not be in the post-season in 2007. They had everything going for them – a weak schedule, few, if any, key injuries and the bounce of the ball (see field goal/crossbar references).
Yet, they will likely have to wait and see what the Titans do Sunday night to determine their fate. You would assume the Browns will beat San Francisco. It’s at home, S.F. is not very good and Anderson will be in his ‘comfort zone” again (home) where he has thrown for 13 touchdowns and just five picks.
But it should not have come to this.
Here’s the semi-good news. The Colts have already announced they will play Peyton Manning one half next Sunday. That may be enough to beat the Titans and their anemic offense. I can’t see the Titans putting many points on the board in Indy.
Perhaps I’m wrong again – like when I said the Browns were in already.
I expect DA and the Browns to play well next Sunday and finish with 10 wins. The organization will spin it as a very successful season – regardless of what happens in Indianapolis later that evening. A 10 win season in the NFL is equivalent of a 50+ win campaign in the NBA. It looks very good on paper and wins you public relations points.
But the astute observer knows better. If you want to win it all – you’d better get it right with the guy taking the snaps. That’s on you Phil (Savage).
Don’t leave it up to Romeo, a career defensive coach who opened the season with Charlie Frye as his quarterback. RC is going to have a hard enough time heading into year #4 trying to figure out how to improve one of the league’s worse defensive units this off-season.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Football Friday
Pro Bowl Snubs
We have been front and center harping on the Browns being 0-for-71 in terms of the team's inability to draft Pro Bowl talent since its return. Well, that streak has finally been snapped by Josh Cribbs and Braylon Edwards.
We called Cribbs the team’s MVP several weeks ago and see no reason to change our mind. As for Edwards, he officially becomes the first Michigan wide receiver to make it big in the NFL in the last 20+ years. Congratulations to both players, Phil Savage and the team’s player personnel department.
The Browns did deserve several more Pro Bowl mentions of course. Cribbs and Edwards were no-brainers, but the same can be said for the team’s starting left guard (Eric S.) and tackle (Joe T), and tight end (K2). I know they received alternate tags, but they have played better than that in '07. Their time will come if the team keeps winning.
One question – why do they vote for these awards with several weeks remaining in the season? Players clean out their lockers on Monday after the season’s final week. Why not have them vote on their wait out?
Romeo - COY
Look for Romeo (RC) to get plenty of Coach of the Year votes. The team is a win away from the playoffs, and whether some of you like it or not, he is in charge and should receive the credit. If they were 5-9 right now, he would be getting the blame, right? It's only fair he gets some credit then for the turnaround. How much real impact he's had on the success of the 2007 Browns team may never be known. My guess is RC's biggest strength is that players play hard for him because he is likable, he defends them in public and treats them like men. That means a lot in today's sports world where athletes often care about themselves first, second and always.
Yes, I know the record is mostly a reflection of a very weak schedule and an almost injury-free campaign. We were the first to point that out back in October. But if I were voting for Coach of the Year, RC would still have to be at the top of my list. Would I rather have someone else in charge? Yes. I've named those coaches in past entries. But that does not alter reality.
Play The Kids
Every team that’s been out of it the past few weeks should be playing their young players to see what they can do – especially at the most critical position on the field (quarterback). Why J. Russell hasn’t been taking all the Oakland Raiders’ snaps the past few weeks is beyond me. Speed up the learning curve for the youngsters and get them on tape so you can begin evaluating them. Getting them reps in real games will provide them with some base experience and some confidence heading into 2008. For example, I commend the Ravens for naming Troy Smith their starter this week. They should have done so weeks ago. We know what the Kyle Bollers of this world can do already and it ain't much. The same can be said for a lot of NFL teams and their starting signal-callers.
Bill Parcells
He’s overweigh and pompous as hell, but he can coach. How long before Tuna, the new VP in charge of football operations in Miami, fires his coach and wears both hats – GM and head coach? I give it two years – max.
Marty In Cincinnati
Marty may end up in Ohio after all. If I run the Bengals, I go get Marty to coach my football team. Marvin Lewis has been there long enough to have built the following resume – a good offense, a poor defense and the longest team wrap sheet in the NFL – by far. I went to the post office the other day to purchase X-mas stamps and four of the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted on the wall wore Bengal colors. Just kidding, but you get the point. Marty would bring stability to a franchise badly in need of it. And like Bill Parcells, the man is a quality coach.
That’s free advice to the Brown family.
We have been front and center harping on the Browns being 0-for-71 in terms of the team's inability to draft Pro Bowl talent since its return. Well, that streak has finally been snapped by Josh Cribbs and Braylon Edwards.
We called Cribbs the team’s MVP several weeks ago and see no reason to change our mind. As for Edwards, he officially becomes the first Michigan wide receiver to make it big in the NFL in the last 20+ years. Congratulations to both players, Phil Savage and the team’s player personnel department.
The Browns did deserve several more Pro Bowl mentions of course. Cribbs and Edwards were no-brainers, but the same can be said for the team’s starting left guard (Eric S.) and tackle (Joe T), and tight end (K2). I know they received alternate tags, but they have played better than that in '07. Their time will come if the team keeps winning.
One question – why do they vote for these awards with several weeks remaining in the season? Players clean out their lockers on Monday after the season’s final week. Why not have them vote on their wait out?
Romeo - COY
Look for Romeo (RC) to get plenty of Coach of the Year votes. The team is a win away from the playoffs, and whether some of you like it or not, he is in charge and should receive the credit. If they were 5-9 right now, he would be getting the blame, right? It's only fair he gets some credit then for the turnaround. How much real impact he's had on the success of the 2007 Browns team may never be known. My guess is RC's biggest strength is that players play hard for him because he is likable, he defends them in public and treats them like men. That means a lot in today's sports world where athletes often care about themselves first, second and always.
Yes, I know the record is mostly a reflection of a very weak schedule and an almost injury-free campaign. We were the first to point that out back in October. But if I were voting for Coach of the Year, RC would still have to be at the top of my list. Would I rather have someone else in charge? Yes. I've named those coaches in past entries. But that does not alter reality.
Play The Kids
Every team that’s been out of it the past few weeks should be playing their young players to see what they can do – especially at the most critical position on the field (quarterback). Why J. Russell hasn’t been taking all the Oakland Raiders’ snaps the past few weeks is beyond me. Speed up the learning curve for the youngsters and get them on tape so you can begin evaluating them. Getting them reps in real games will provide them with some base experience and some confidence heading into 2008. For example, I commend the Ravens for naming Troy Smith their starter this week. They should have done so weeks ago. We know what the Kyle Bollers of this world can do already and it ain't much. The same can be said for a lot of NFL teams and their starting signal-callers.
Bill Parcells
He’s overweigh and pompous as hell, but he can coach. How long before Tuna, the new VP in charge of football operations in Miami, fires his coach and wears both hats – GM and head coach? I give it two years – max.
Marty In Cincinnati
Marty may end up in Ohio after all. If I run the Bengals, I go get Marty to coach my football team. Marvin Lewis has been there long enough to have built the following resume – a good offense, a poor defense and the longest team wrap sheet in the NFL – by far. I went to the post office the other day to purchase X-mas stamps and four of the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted on the wall wore Bengal colors. Just kidding, but you get the point. Marty would bring stability to a franchise badly in need of it. And like Bill Parcells, the man is a quality coach.
That’s free advice to the Brown family.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Bad Weather W, The Mitchell Report, & 23
Here’s your weekly does of knowledge you sick freaks.
Browns
It’s hard to evaluate any football game where the weather completely dominates play. Therefore, I won’t spend much time on the Browns’ ninth win of the season other than to congratulate them on making the playoffs. Again, I know it’s not official. Nor was it official when we declared the Indians divisional champs well-before they clinched. But it’s pretty obvious the Brownies will be playing into January unless they fold like a cheap tent.
Speaking of freaks – I felt Braylon Edwards played his best game as a pro on Sunday against the Bills. That's right - his best game. I know he didn’t have fantasy league stats, but he made several outstanding grabs under terrible field conditions. I was impressed. He showed consistency from the first snap to the last. That’s exactly what we want to see - every week.
Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil
Bud Selig should be fired immediately. This steroids scandal occurred on his watch. The head guy should take the fall. Unfortunately, that won’t happen.
Why you ask?
Because the folks that pay his salary (owners) are also culpable. Anyone with an IQ over 75 knew 10 years ago baseball was in bed with the devil (steroids). We discussed it openly with some of this blog’s readers when they were mere pups, too young to get a drink or get into a #$@! bar. Remember?
MLB did not want to upset the gravy train that included two players chasing history and the rest of the league putting up numbers that made a 30/100 season merely seem average. The league was going through a renaissance, although it was obviously chemically induced. No one cared.
The owners didn’t want to ask questions, the players did not want to be tested – they never do - and the commissioner looked the other way.
The fans were also guilty – guilty of either not caring or being stupid. We love offense in our sports society. The rules are all bent that way to create more interest and to sell more Viagra on television. The fans went along for the ride because it got them up out of their seats more. They were being entertained.
ESPN, the network that brought you wall to wall coverage of the Mitchell report as though it was the death of a sitting president, is also at fault. I don’t remember anyone at that network crying foul when 5-9 middle infielders were hitting home runs the other way on balls down and away with regularity. I don’t recall any ESPN major investigation into this anomaly during the late 90s and beyond. Now they can’t get enough of the scandal – with their commentators sounding the familiar theme of “they need to clean up the game.” Right.
We complained about this near weekend softball league 10 years ago. I'm not that bright. Many people a lot smarter than me, and a lot closer to the action, knew exactly what was going on. Now these same entities say baseball needs to clean up its act.
Hypocrisy reigns supreme here. The bottom line - some people have no conscience.
Understand this - if it wasn’t for Congress getting involved several years ago, we would not even be where we are today. Sure, there would be testing, but it would be weak in nature and 50 home run seasons would still be the norm for power hitters.
For some reason, some 70+ players were named in the Mitchell Report. Everyone knows that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Why they had to name these specific names and what happens now is anyone’s guess.
Do they suspend the players that are still active? What can they do with players who retired years ago but were mentioned? How will this affect Hall of Fame entry?
Bud Selig stated that he will look at every player named “on a case by case basis and act accordingly.”
Who will look at his case? Who will judge the person in charge when all this took place? Who will decide if he stays or goes? Probably no one, that’s who.
MLB sold its soul for exposure and the almighty $. No one in a position of authority had the stones to step up and say something was amiss. Now everyone acts outraged.
What a joke.
23
Right now, when he (LJ) doesn't get a triple double, or close to it, the Cavaliers struggle. They will start winning again soon - especially at home. James will put them on his back again. But it is truly sad to see what is going on.
Think about it - what is worse, having no talent and no plan to turn the franchise around? Or having the game's best player and relying on him to do EVERYTHING EVERY NIGHT to get wins?
Pretty soon Danny Ferry will finally begin to draw criticism. As usual, everyone is behind the R. Jampo Curve - once again.
Till next time you geeks, freaks and $#@!.
Browns
It’s hard to evaluate any football game where the weather completely dominates play. Therefore, I won’t spend much time on the Browns’ ninth win of the season other than to congratulate them on making the playoffs. Again, I know it’s not official. Nor was it official when we declared the Indians divisional champs well-before they clinched. But it’s pretty obvious the Brownies will be playing into January unless they fold like a cheap tent.
Speaking of freaks – I felt Braylon Edwards played his best game as a pro on Sunday against the Bills. That's right - his best game. I know he didn’t have fantasy league stats, but he made several outstanding grabs under terrible field conditions. I was impressed. He showed consistency from the first snap to the last. That’s exactly what we want to see - every week.
Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil
Bud Selig should be fired immediately. This steroids scandal occurred on his watch. The head guy should take the fall. Unfortunately, that won’t happen.
Why you ask?
Because the folks that pay his salary (owners) are also culpable. Anyone with an IQ over 75 knew 10 years ago baseball was in bed with the devil (steroids). We discussed it openly with some of this blog’s readers when they were mere pups, too young to get a drink or get into a #$@! bar. Remember?
MLB did not want to upset the gravy train that included two players chasing history and the rest of the league putting up numbers that made a 30/100 season merely seem average. The league was going through a renaissance, although it was obviously chemically induced. No one cared.
The owners didn’t want to ask questions, the players did not want to be tested – they never do - and the commissioner looked the other way.
The fans were also guilty – guilty of either not caring or being stupid. We love offense in our sports society. The rules are all bent that way to create more interest and to sell more Viagra on television. The fans went along for the ride because it got them up out of their seats more. They were being entertained.
ESPN, the network that brought you wall to wall coverage of the Mitchell report as though it was the death of a sitting president, is also at fault. I don’t remember anyone at that network crying foul when 5-9 middle infielders were hitting home runs the other way on balls down and away with regularity. I don’t recall any ESPN major investigation into this anomaly during the late 90s and beyond. Now they can’t get enough of the scandal – with their commentators sounding the familiar theme of “they need to clean up the game.” Right.
We complained about this near weekend softball league 10 years ago. I'm not that bright. Many people a lot smarter than me, and a lot closer to the action, knew exactly what was going on. Now these same entities say baseball needs to clean up its act.
Hypocrisy reigns supreme here. The bottom line - some people have no conscience.
Understand this - if it wasn’t for Congress getting involved several years ago, we would not even be where we are today. Sure, there would be testing, but it would be weak in nature and 50 home run seasons would still be the norm for power hitters.
For some reason, some 70+ players were named in the Mitchell Report. Everyone knows that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Why they had to name these specific names and what happens now is anyone’s guess.
Do they suspend the players that are still active? What can they do with players who retired years ago but were mentioned? How will this affect Hall of Fame entry?
Bud Selig stated that he will look at every player named “on a case by case basis and act accordingly.”
Who will look at his case? Who will judge the person in charge when all this took place? Who will decide if he stays or goes? Probably no one, that’s who.
MLB sold its soul for exposure and the almighty $. No one in a position of authority had the stones to step up and say something was amiss. Now everyone acts outraged.
What a joke.
23
Right now, when he (LJ) doesn't get a triple double, or close to it, the Cavaliers struggle. They will start winning again soon - especially at home. James will put them on his back again. But it is truly sad to see what is going on.
Think about it - what is worse, having no talent and no plan to turn the franchise around? Or having the game's best player and relying on him to do EVERYTHING EVERY NIGHT to get wins?
Pretty soon Danny Ferry will finally begin to draw criticism. As usual, everyone is behind the R. Jampo Curve - once again.
Till next time you geeks, freaks and $#@!.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I'm Tardy This Week
I’m tardy. I apologize. It couldn’t be helped – trust me.
Browns
I almost fell asleep watching the Browns beat the Jets last Sunday. It was that bad. If you are any good, you beat the Jets by three scores – at least. We all know this team isn’t that good. But as we said back in early October, 10 wins is not out of reach. Now it’s well-within reach. As we stated a long time ago, there isn’t much difference between 6-10 and 10-6 in this league. That’s where the large majority of the league belongs.
Health, schedule and the bounce of the ball often determines whether you finish with 6 or 10 wins in any given campaign. It looks like the former in 2007.
By the way, don’t ask me to try and figure out what Eric Mangini was thinking. It’s fourth and 11 deep in Browns’ territory. No, the odds are you won’t make it, but so what? You have all three time outs remaining if you don’t convert on fourth down. Put nine in the box, get a stop and make the Browns punt from deep in their end.
The Jets would have gotten the ball in likely decent field position with over a minute remaining with no time outs. One minute is an eternity in the NFL – especially with teams dropping eight in coverage with no rush.
Jamaal Lewis’ run to ice it away was reminiscent of Kevin Mack - for those of you over the age of 35. The rest of you have no idea what I am talking about.
One more time – DA had all day to count the house on Sunday. This line IS the best pass blocking line in the NFL right now. I know the opposition has been, for the most part weak, but they handled the Steelers’ rush the last time out, and have pitched several shutouts in not allowing sacks in games. That’s some sick work being done behind a fairly immobile QB. Appreciate what you are watching.
Over the Cap & Lacking Talent
Why is it that the Cavaliers are over the salary cap and have to pay a luxury tax (around $8 million) this year, yet are void of talent after 23? That doesn’t make any sense, does it?
I’ll tell you why – Z is overpaid, Gooden is overpaid and Hughes is way overpaid.
I believe all this happened on Ferry’s watch. Meanwhile, Jason Kidd is available, but the Cavs “don’t have the pieces” to get him according to most experts. Let me interpret that for you – they have very little talent anyone would want. And they are over the cap. NICE!
Don’t worry, Superman will be back soon and they will start winning more than they lose again – at least until they hit a good team in the post-season.
Go Mark Go
The Indians are making noise about acquiring Rich Haren from Oakland . I guess his contract runs through 2009 and is market friendly (i.e. less than $9 per). If this move is made, it is to buffer the potential loss of CC – at least through ’09. Haren is one of the better starters in the American League. Adding him makes sense for when they deal CC. Notice, I said "when." I am thinking positively. It's the right move long-term for the club and you know it. We've covered this ground already. Trust me on this one.
Browns
I almost fell asleep watching the Browns beat the Jets last Sunday. It was that bad. If you are any good, you beat the Jets by three scores – at least. We all know this team isn’t that good. But as we said back in early October, 10 wins is not out of reach. Now it’s well-within reach. As we stated a long time ago, there isn’t much difference between 6-10 and 10-6 in this league. That’s where the large majority of the league belongs.
Health, schedule and the bounce of the ball often determines whether you finish with 6 or 10 wins in any given campaign. It looks like the former in 2007.
By the way, don’t ask me to try and figure out what Eric Mangini was thinking. It’s fourth and 11 deep in Browns’ territory. No, the odds are you won’t make it, but so what? You have all three time outs remaining if you don’t convert on fourth down. Put nine in the box, get a stop and make the Browns punt from deep in their end.
The Jets would have gotten the ball in likely decent field position with over a minute remaining with no time outs. One minute is an eternity in the NFL – especially with teams dropping eight in coverage with no rush.
Jamaal Lewis’ run to ice it away was reminiscent of Kevin Mack - for those of you over the age of 35. The rest of you have no idea what I am talking about.
One more time – DA had all day to count the house on Sunday. This line IS the best pass blocking line in the NFL right now. I know the opposition has been, for the most part weak, but they handled the Steelers’ rush the last time out, and have pitched several shutouts in not allowing sacks in games. That’s some sick work being done behind a fairly immobile QB. Appreciate what you are watching.
Over the Cap & Lacking Talent
Why is it that the Cavaliers are over the salary cap and have to pay a luxury tax (around $8 million) this year, yet are void of talent after 23? That doesn’t make any sense, does it?
I’ll tell you why – Z is overpaid, Gooden is overpaid and Hughes is way overpaid.
I believe all this happened on Ferry’s watch. Meanwhile, Jason Kidd is available, but the Cavs “don’t have the pieces” to get him according to most experts. Let me interpret that for you – they have very little talent anyone would want. And they are over the cap. NICE!
Don’t worry, Superman will be back soon and they will start winning more than they lose again – at least until they hit a good team in the post-season.
Go Mark Go
The Indians are making noise about acquiring Rich Haren from Oakland . I guess his contract runs through 2009 and is market friendly (i.e. less than $9 per). If this move is made, it is to buffer the potential loss of CC – at least through ’09. Haren is one of the better starters in the American League. Adding him makes sense for when they deal CC. Notice, I said "when." I am thinking positively. It's the right move long-term for the club and you know it. We've covered this ground already. Trust me on this one.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Better Late Than Never
The Cavaliers are about to match the three-year/$17 million offer sheet Anderson Varejao recently signed with Charlotte.
What took so long?
Varejao should have been in camp weeks ago since he truly is one of the team’s five best players and they need him on the floor.
How do I know this to be so?
Look down the stretch in the fourth quarter most nights and you will see AV on the floor. That’s all the evidence you need to know he was worth keeping and paying. This corner felt months ago AV would ask for an $8-10 million a year and get it from some NBA team if not the Cavaliers. We were wrong. So was Andy.
Regardless of that, the Cavaliers did not need to play hardball with AV. Why hurt a relationship with one of the few decent, young players with upside on this roster? Varejao wanted starters’ money but the Cavaliers felt he didn’t qualify. Just compromise and meet in the middle guys.
Someone forgot to tell Danny Ferry that it doesn’t matter who starts the game, it’s who finishes that counts, and the kid was on the floor in the game’s final minutes most of the time the past two seasons – certainly more so than either Z or Gooden.
So where are we now?
A disgruntled player is back in the fold. He can opt out after two years – which is possible if he plays well. No, the ill will created in the negotiating process will not last – especially with the fans, who will cheer loudly the first time AV takes a charge or goes on the floor for a loose ball.
LeBron and company will also be pleased to have their energy bunny back on the floor with them. They understand he brings a unique skill set to a roster void of high energy guys.
In the end, it turned out okay. It simply should not have taken this long.
At least they got it right this time by matching AV’s offer quickly. I just wish they would have done the same four years ago and matched Carlos Boozer’s Jazz offer sheet – a much better player than AV.
At least they didn't make the same mistake twice.
Cavaliers Without 23
The Cavaliers are winless since #23 has been out with an injury. Surprised? Of course not.
This is at best a 15-20 win team without him. We’ve been saying “get him HELP” for years now. Watching these guys trying to create offense without James on the floor almost makes one physically ill.
The clock is ticking Danny - we haven’t forgotten. You have 79 days and counting before you should be given a pink slip if you don’t improve this roster prior to the 2008 trading deadline (Feb. 22).
The Cavaliers are about to match the three-year/$17 million offer sheet Anderson Varejao recently signed with Charlotte.
What took so long?
Varejao should have been in camp weeks ago since he truly is one of the team’s five best players and they need him on the floor.
How do I know this to be so?
Look down the stretch in the fourth quarter most nights and you will see AV on the floor. That’s all the evidence you need to know he was worth keeping and paying. This corner felt months ago AV would ask for an $8-10 million a year and get it from some NBA team if not the Cavaliers. We were wrong. So was Andy.
Regardless of that, the Cavaliers did not need to play hardball with AV. Why hurt a relationship with one of the few decent, young players with upside on this roster? Varejao wanted starters’ money but the Cavaliers felt he didn’t qualify. Just compromise and meet in the middle guys.
Someone forgot to tell Danny Ferry that it doesn’t matter who starts the game, it’s who finishes that counts, and the kid was on the floor in the game’s final minutes most of the time the past two seasons – certainly more so than either Z or Gooden.
So where are we now?
A disgruntled player is back in the fold. He can opt out after two years – which is possible if he plays well. No, the ill will created in the negotiating process will not last – especially with the fans, who will cheer loudly the first time AV takes a charge or goes on the floor for a loose ball.
LeBron and company will also be pleased to have their energy bunny back on the floor with them. They understand he brings a unique skill set to a roster void of high energy guys.
In the end, it turned out okay. It simply should not have taken this long.
At least they got it right this time by matching AV’s offer quickly. I just wish they would have done the same four years ago and matched Carlos Boozer’s Jazz offer sheet – a much better player than AV.
At least they didn't make the same mistake twice.
Cavaliers Without 23
The Cavaliers are winless since #23 has been out with an injury. Surprised? Of course not.
This is at best a 15-20 win team without him. We’ve been saying “get him HELP” for years now. Watching these guys trying to create offense without James on the floor almost makes one physically ill.
The clock is ticking Danny - we haven’t forgotten. You have 79 days and counting before you should be given a pink slip if you don’t improve this roster prior to the 2008 trading deadline (Feb. 22).
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Browns – Cardinals Observations
It's Simple -3 Is Bad
I am a simple man, remember? I learned a long time ago if you lose the turnover battle in football, you usually lose the game. The Browns were -3 in turnovers today against the Cardinals. Ballgame. They (Browns)are not good enough to overcome that kind of turnover disadvantage.
Undisciplined
The Bodden kick, the Poole late hit and the Frazier head butt didn’t help the cause either. Again, this is far from a finished product and penalties of this type, especially on the road, usually leads to an L.
DA
He had another early meltdown with three early turnovers – one of which was returned for a score. Anderson rebounded and played well in the second half, but the damage was done. Unfortunately, this has happened several times this year on the road to DA.
Here is this week’s lesson boys and girls – outstanding players play well everywhere while average & role players usually play well at home, when within their comfort zone, but they tend to be inconsistent/struggle on the road. I don’t have the stats in front of me – but I would wager a fairly large sum that Anderson’s numbers are much better when playing within the vicinity of the dog pound than after taking a flight.
PICK 6
I wonder what the stats are, in terms of wins and losses in the NFL, when a quarterback throws a pick returned for a touchdown. I can’t imagine the teams that have done that have a good winning percentage.
Back of the Playbook Time
Kudos for the offensive trickery that resulted in Cribbs finding Winslow for the two-point conversion. We have been calling for Cribbs to be used in short yardage and goal line situations for a while now. He has to be accounted for when he’s behind center or in the shotgun. The funky look gives the defense something to think about. Good.
Short Yardage Adjustment
I was also pleased with the early third and one call that involved faking it to the fullback up the gut and pitching to #31 around the edge. Obviously, “Chud” adjusted from last week’s inadequacies on short yardage calls. An adjustment was needed and made successfully. That’s just one more sign “Chud” needs to be kept – regardless of the price in the off-season. He will be one of the game’s most sought-after assistant coaches for head coaching jobs this coming off-season.
Defensive Woes
A passing team, Arizona, marched right down the field running the ball down the Browns’ throats on the final drive, resulting in a field goal. Don’t let the goal line stand fool you, that was ugly to watch. If you can’t stop the Cardinals’ running game with the game on the line, who can you stop? On that drive, I heard K. Wimbley's name called for the only time all day. His regression as a player in year #2 has had a domino effect on the rest of this defense. If he isn't making big plays, who is? The answer is no one - at least not on a regular basis.
Braylon
I can’t seem to go a week without an observation or two on “the freak” known as Braylon Edwards. He had an excellent game today, but I would like to know what defense the Cardinals were in on his side of the field. On several occasions, he was allowed to run free and catch the ball downfield with no defender even in the picture after the catch. Today, Arizona gave new meaning to “cushion” in their coverage scheme.
Secondly, when DA threw one at BE’s knees on the Browns’ last possession, Edwards gestured to DA that he needed to bring it up a bit. I’m sure Anderson appreciated the advice. Perhaps on his (Edward’s) next drop, likely to occur between 4 & 7 p.m. next Sunday, Anderson will return the favor by making a cradle gesture. No, I think not. Anderson seems like he's too mature for that. I can’t say the same for BE however. I can't remember ever seeing that gesture from Largent, Joiner, Monk, Rice, etc...Or even from Slaughter, Langhorne, Brennan and company.
It's a different era - I know. But I don't have to like it and will remind you when something is, as a wise man once said, "bush."
No Wideouts
The Browns have caught numerous breaks this fall when it comes to the opposition’s health, including the Cardinals having to play most of the second half without their #1 & #2 receivers today. Imagine how Browns’ fans would whine if Winslow and Edwards were out of the line-up for any length of time?
Special Teams
I thought the Cardinals’ special teams outplayed the Browns’ special teams today. Josh Cribbs had as nice punt return late, but his fumble was costly. We will give him one mulligan - it’s his first fumble and we have already stated he might be their MVP this year so far.
Replay Gift
I though Edwards was touched by the safety flying by on his touchdown grab. The replay official saw it the other way. As for the game’s final play, they got it right. I hope none of you disagree. If you do, you are a true homer and shouldn’t be reading this column. I don’t want morons (average fans) here. They don’t have the brain capacity to comprehend the copy. I detest the average fan and some day I will tell you why.
K2
He needs to stop complaining to the officials about being held up/grabbed downfield. How else are they going to cover him? More importantly, if the officials are paying attention, he won't be allowed to push off as much either. Just adjust and beat the man K2. By the way, that was a great decision by DA to go to Winslow on the Browns' last play. You go to your best player with the game on the line. And it almost worked.
Final Thoughts
This loss is not a stunner. Coming in, both teams had talent on offense and lousy defensive units. Their QB played better than ours for the most part, and their special teams outplayed the Browns special teams slightly. It happens.
The Browns needed one of these two on the road in back to back weeks when looking at the big picture. Look at it in baseball/basketball terms - it's like opening a five game series away from home in games #1 & #2. You need to get one and hold serve in your building. Obviously, next week’s game against the lowly Jets becomes crucial. Again, the scheduling gods are shinning brightly on the Browns.
If they don’t lose the turnover battle and get back to dominating special teams’ play, like they have most of the season, they should come home with a W in Gotham and in good shape with three to go.
I am a simple man, remember? I learned a long time ago if you lose the turnover battle in football, you usually lose the game. The Browns were -3 in turnovers today against the Cardinals. Ballgame. They (Browns)are not good enough to overcome that kind of turnover disadvantage.
Undisciplined
The Bodden kick, the Poole late hit and the Frazier head butt didn’t help the cause either. Again, this is far from a finished product and penalties of this type, especially on the road, usually leads to an L.
DA
He had another early meltdown with three early turnovers – one of which was returned for a score. Anderson rebounded and played well in the second half, but the damage was done. Unfortunately, this has happened several times this year on the road to DA.
Here is this week’s lesson boys and girls – outstanding players play well everywhere while average & role players usually play well at home, when within their comfort zone, but they tend to be inconsistent/struggle on the road. I don’t have the stats in front of me – but I would wager a fairly large sum that Anderson’s numbers are much better when playing within the vicinity of the dog pound than after taking a flight.
PICK 6
I wonder what the stats are, in terms of wins and losses in the NFL, when a quarterback throws a pick returned for a touchdown. I can’t imagine the teams that have done that have a good winning percentage.
Back of the Playbook Time
Kudos for the offensive trickery that resulted in Cribbs finding Winslow for the two-point conversion. We have been calling for Cribbs to be used in short yardage and goal line situations for a while now. He has to be accounted for when he’s behind center or in the shotgun. The funky look gives the defense something to think about. Good.
Short Yardage Adjustment
I was also pleased with the early third and one call that involved faking it to the fullback up the gut and pitching to #31 around the edge. Obviously, “Chud” adjusted from last week’s inadequacies on short yardage calls. An adjustment was needed and made successfully. That’s just one more sign “Chud” needs to be kept – regardless of the price in the off-season. He will be one of the game’s most sought-after assistant coaches for head coaching jobs this coming off-season.
Defensive Woes
A passing team, Arizona, marched right down the field running the ball down the Browns’ throats on the final drive, resulting in a field goal. Don’t let the goal line stand fool you, that was ugly to watch. If you can’t stop the Cardinals’ running game with the game on the line, who can you stop? On that drive, I heard K. Wimbley's name called for the only time all day. His regression as a player in year #2 has had a domino effect on the rest of this defense. If he isn't making big plays, who is? The answer is no one - at least not on a regular basis.
Braylon
I can’t seem to go a week without an observation or two on “the freak” known as Braylon Edwards. He had an excellent game today, but I would like to know what defense the Cardinals were in on his side of the field. On several occasions, he was allowed to run free and catch the ball downfield with no defender even in the picture after the catch. Today, Arizona gave new meaning to “cushion” in their coverage scheme.
Secondly, when DA threw one at BE’s knees on the Browns’ last possession, Edwards gestured to DA that he needed to bring it up a bit. I’m sure Anderson appreciated the advice. Perhaps on his (Edward’s) next drop, likely to occur between 4 & 7 p.m. next Sunday, Anderson will return the favor by making a cradle gesture. No, I think not. Anderson seems like he's too mature for that. I can’t say the same for BE however. I can't remember ever seeing that gesture from Largent, Joiner, Monk, Rice, etc...Or even from Slaughter, Langhorne, Brennan and company.
It's a different era - I know. But I don't have to like it and will remind you when something is, as a wise man once said, "bush."
No Wideouts
The Browns have caught numerous breaks this fall when it comes to the opposition’s health, including the Cardinals having to play most of the second half without their #1 & #2 receivers today. Imagine how Browns’ fans would whine if Winslow and Edwards were out of the line-up for any length of time?
Special Teams
I thought the Cardinals’ special teams outplayed the Browns’ special teams today. Josh Cribbs had as nice punt return late, but his fumble was costly. We will give him one mulligan - it’s his first fumble and we have already stated he might be their MVP this year so far.
Replay Gift
I though Edwards was touched by the safety flying by on his touchdown grab. The replay official saw it the other way. As for the game’s final play, they got it right. I hope none of you disagree. If you do, you are a true homer and shouldn’t be reading this column. I don’t want morons (average fans) here. They don’t have the brain capacity to comprehend the copy. I detest the average fan and some day I will tell you why.
K2
He needs to stop complaining to the officials about being held up/grabbed downfield. How else are they going to cover him? More importantly, if the officials are paying attention, he won't be allowed to push off as much either. Just adjust and beat the man K2. By the way, that was a great decision by DA to go to Winslow on the Browns' last play. You go to your best player with the game on the line. And it almost worked.
Final Thoughts
This loss is not a stunner. Coming in, both teams had talent on offense and lousy defensive units. Their QB played better than ours for the most part, and their special teams outplayed the Browns special teams slightly. It happens.
The Browns needed one of these two on the road in back to back weeks when looking at the big picture. Look at it in baseball/basketball terms - it's like opening a five game series away from home in games #1 & #2. You need to get one and hold serve in your building. Obviously, next week’s game against the lowly Jets becomes crucial. Again, the scheduling gods are shinning brightly on the Browns.
If they don’t lose the turnover battle and get back to dominating special teams’ play, like they have most of the season, they should come home with a W in Gotham and in good shape with three to go.
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