GOR/Aug 24, '08

Browns' O-Line Woes
After three pre-season games, the most disturbing aspect of Browns' camp isn't the injury list - all the key characters are expected to be healthy when the bell rings in September. The most distressing aspect of camp has been the horrid play of the first unit offensive line.

In the last two weeks, Derek Anderson suffered a concussion against the Giants following a blind-side hit, and Brady Quinn was hit early and often by the Lions.

The Browns can't excuse this to injuries. The line is healthy. It's just not performing well. Check that - it's performing poorly.

Coach Crennel needs to light a fire under what was the strongest unit on the team just one year ago. Otherwise, it will be a long season. Remember, in 2007, DA rarely got his jersey dirty because of the OL.

Defense
There does not seem to be any improvement on defense so far this camp. There has been no pass rush and the secondary has been torched by just about everyone who has been under center against them in the first three pre-season games. And I haven't even mentioned the linebackers - who don't scare anyone.

Needs
The Browns are still a work in progress but it's clear the team needs another quality receiver and a legitimate cover corner (I keep repeating myself with the CB needs, I know). We begged them to sign Ty Law weeks ago. I cannot imagine them opening the season with this secondary and expect to be successful getting off the field on third down - especially when you combine the talent level in the secondary with the lack of pass rush up front. That's a nasty stew waiting to happen.

As for the receiving group - when Edwards is out, the team lacks a true #1 wideout and the ability to get YAC yards (yards after the catch). It was ugly watching the Browns' wide receivers try to get separation against the Lions' secondary this past Thursday. Either the Lions have an oustanding secondary or the Browns' WRs are clearly less than average by NFL standards with Braylon and Joe J. out.

Good News & pre-season week #4
The good news is these games don't count -whether you are 0-4 or 4-0. The final pre-season game takes on added meaning however. With so many starters out in pre-season game #3, the coaching staff may want to play the starters at least one half in the final tune-up to get everyone on the same page. Most teams take their starters out early in pre-season game #4 to avoid injuries. Cleveland may not be able to afford that luxury since their #1s - especially on offense - have not played much or well to date.

Cliff Lee
CLiff Lee is quietly having the best season I have ever witnessed from an Indians' starter.

I go back to the early 70s and Gaylord Perry - so we are talking nearly 40 years. He's 18-2 and has an ERA in the 2s on a bad club. Imagine where they would be without him - perhaps looking at a 100 loss campaign. Lee isn't overpowering hitters - even though his strikeouts are up. He's throwing a ton of first pitch strikes, then challenging hitters with his best stuff. It's a simple formula but one that works - get ahead then trust your stuff!

Jensen Lewis.

He's 5-for-5 as a closer. If he finishes strong, it may give the Indians' deep thinkers second thoughts about acquiring a veteran closer in the off-season. I would still pursue a true closer - depending on the asking price of course.

Redeem Team
Good for them - they won the gold. The best news for Cavs' fans is that 23 did not get hurt. Several media members covering the Olympics got to see James up close and personal the past few weeks. Most came to the conclusion that 23 established himself as the best player on the planet. We already knew as much.

Obama & McCain
Joe Biden is a solid VP choice for B. Obama. He brings to the ticket what Obama lacks - foreign policy credentials and 30+ years of Wshington D.C. experience. However, there clearly was a better choice if Team Obama wanted its best chance of winning - choosing Hillary Clinton to be VP. Althought she carries a ton of baggage and then some (Bill Clinton), she would have energized and united the democratic party. Biden was probably the best of the next best choices but it might not be enough.

This gives John McCain a clear opening to get a good percentage of Hillary's 18 million voters. Polls consistently show that as many as 20% may either not vote or vote for McCain - that's between 3-4 million voters. That's a lot of voters folks, and it could be the difference in a close race.

McCain should pick a strong women to run with him - remember Condi Rice was our first choice for McCain months ago. We see no reason to change that view. If he does not want Rice because she's from Bush's team, then KB Hutchinson out of Texas woud be a good fit.

For those of you who have no idea who I am talking about - relax. She's more than qualified and would be solid in a debate versus Biden - who loves to hear himself speak.

The point is there are clearly several qualified female republicans who would bring with them the group republicans have trouble getting on election day - women. Older women (40+) especially are there for the taking this time around. McCain needs to be bold (think out of the box) and go with a qualified female to attract disgruntled Hillary voters.

In the end, it's true - people vote for the presidential candidate, not the running mate. However, such a unique pick by McCain would indicate he is willing to roll the dice. And who doesn't like a gambler?

No, we don't like Mitt Romney - the odds-on favorite to be his VP pick. He and Romney dislike each other. Trying to sell him as your #2 after you spent the better part of the primary knifing each other will not sell with the voting public. Plus, Romney's hair is too perfect. I always worry about model-looking types with perfect hair. Although qualified, Romney looks too much like someone you would see inside an LL Bean catalog.

Finally, we don't believe Obama giving his acceptance speech in a large stadium front of 75,000 people is a bit too much. Americans are not electing a rock star. They are electing a president. His speech in front of 200,000 people in Germany did not go over well in the U.S. The acceptance speech site is also a risk. For example, what happens if it rains?

Till next time.