Sleeping On It
I wanted to sleep on a few additional thoughts I had after the Browns’ game yesterday to make sure my head was clear and I was thinking straight. My head’s fine and I haven’t changed my views after watching that 20-12 come-from-behind heart-stopping win at Cincinnati.
So here goes.
Braylon Edwards
As you know, I didn’t like him coming out of Michigan, thought he was pompous/arrogant once he got to town, and had atrocious hands. He’s the poster-child for what is wrong with today’s biggest premadona position in sports (wide receivers). After another sideline meltdown act and the “Guitar Hero” act that followed in the end zone after his first TD of the season, I actually felt embarrassed for the guy.
Edwards could never play for me. Period.
In my humble opinion, he’s the type of player who would complain he didn’t get enough touches after a win. Yea, I know, T.O. is the same way, perhaps worse. The only difference is T.O. will be in the Hall of Fame some day.
We can argue the merits of having that type of cancer on your team, but no one will ever convince me Edwards is worth the trouble. The only person who thinks Edwards is going to Canton some day is Edwards himself.
Clock Management & Quarterbacks
I have no idea why Romeo did not use a timeout with just under a minute remaining in the second quarter to get the ball back one more time when Cincinnati was lining up for a field goal.
The only logical explanation is that he had no confidence in his quarterback. Yet he put DA back out there to start the third quarter after another horrid first half. The only conclusion I can come to is he will never turn it over to Quinn unless DA goes down with an injury.
I am not a conspiracy theorist like others who feel he (RC) has a grudge against the Notre Dame grad. I have no idea why the kid hasn't played. I've stopped trying to figure it out.
I know one thing - if I'm Quinn's agent, I'm in Savage's ear this morning. The player can do and say all the right things, but the agent should be making waves behind the scenes.
Something along the lines of "If you refuse to play him at all, then deal him elsewhere where he can get on the field. There's plenty of teams that need a starting QB."
This whole mess begs the following question – Why ever have three quarterbacks active if you refuse to pull the starter under all conditions short a bone break or a concussion?
Romeo Has Lost This Team & Must Go
The following observation is a change in position on my part but it comes with an explanation. Hopefully, you buy it.
Last week, I wrote Phil Savage should allow Crennel to work through this season unless the roof caved in. My thinking was he (RC) deserved a chance to make the quarterback change and ride the season out as head coach and be evaluated at year's end.
I have changed my mind.
It is obvious I was wrong about Crennel’s intentions. He is married to DA – making that absolutely clear in the Cincinnati game. I firmly believe had Cincinnati had not been called off-sides precluding what would have been DA’s second pick, the Browns would have lost that game and Crennel would be fired today.
I have no way of proving that to be the case. Call it a hunch. Regardless, we all know he’s on a very short leash. Besides, it is clear now Crennel has lost any control he had.
Okay – follow me here.
We all know this team is headed absolutely nowhere. There is a good chance they will lose their next three games – putting them at 1-6 with the only victory coming against the Harvard QB led Bengals.
Even if Crennel and is staff manage to win a few games the rest of the season – he’s not coming back. Savage can’t bring him back after a 6-10 season that included playoff aspirations turning into yet another top-10 pick in the draft.
Pull the trigger now Phil! I know it goes against your nature. You are a cautious man. You proved that with the resigning of DA – which helped get the team into this mess.
I'm not going to say I told you so, I'm going to do you a favor and give you more free advice.
Do the following: Call ”Lockjaw” (aka Bill Cowher) and see if he wants the job. If he turns it down, give “There’s a Gleam, Men” (aka Marty) a buzz and let him know you can come home again.
My guess is one of these two future HOF coaches will take the job. Hurry before someone else makes those calls.
Why? Simple. The Lerners will have to make a financial offer too good to pass up. The new Browns’ head coach will likely be the highest paid head coach in the history of the NFL. It’s the only way to go.
No more assistants being promoted to run the “Brown and Orange." The Lerners have no choice. They’ve run this team like the LA Clippers since day #1 (1999). Think about it – Art Modell looks like a smart owner compared to these guys.
They (Lerner family) need credibility on the sideline to take some of the heat that’s about to finally land on them.
Don’t wait Phil. Get on the phone now. The owner will support you. GMs get at least one mulligan in choosing coaches – unless you are the Ford family of course. You just got yours (mulligan).
You are going to make the move at some point in the next four months anyway – we all know it. For once, don’t be behind the curve. Be a man, take your medicine and admit Romeo has lost this team and things are spiraling out of control.
Don’t worry about RC, he’ll be fine. You already went against our advice and made sure his children never have to work by giving him an extension last year when it wasn’t necessary.
What more do you need to see? How else do you explain the sideline arguments between players, silly penalties (i.e. neutral zone violations, late hits by receivers, etc..) and general lack of discipline?
You’ve got two weeks to start the treatment before the next game. Don’t wait until the patient (team) is dead. There’s still something to salvage this season with the right leadership. It starts with you Phil. You know what has to be done – be proactive.
Being reactive will only prolong the agony.
By the way, we made the same recommendation two years ago at this time. Perhaps this time, he'll listen.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Browns - Cincinnati Post-Mortem
Let’s take a quick quiz – How many of you could name the Bengals’ back-up quarterback before this week? Exactly.
The Browns dialed up last year’s formula in winning their first game of 2008 – play a winless team, and for kicks, make sure they are missing their starting quarterback.
There will be some that will tell you “a win is a win.” That’s true. It counts in the standings. So what? Does anyone who watched that game today think the Browns will be competitive in their own building against the Giants in two weeks, then go Washington and Jacksonville and come away with wins?
Come on.
The most fascinating part of today’s come-from-behind win against some guy named Fitzsimmons and the winless Bengals is trying to figure out how Cleveland’s defense could line up off-sides four times in one contest. I’ve never seen that before – four times for being in the neutral zone. Cincinnati almost matched the hapless Browns for comical relief by having to burn all three of its second half timeouts for having the wrong personnel on the field.
There’s a reason these two teams were 0-6 between them coming in.
At least the Bengals can say they were missing their quarterback. What was the Browns' excuse for their horrid performance? That’s right horrid.
When I sat down to watch this game, I saw some guy I never heard of before warming up at QB for the Bengals. I turned to my son and said – “They (Browns) can’t possibly lose this one if they can get to double figures today.” For three quarters, the Browns were proving me wrong. Fortunately for them, they stumbled into the victory.
Yea, it counts. But so what? The Browns have clearly regressed from a year ago. Their “Home Run Hitter QB” can’t complete a pass beyond 15 yards, Butterfingers is back to acting like a fool (aka unprofessional) on the sidelines and the head coach is likely to be canned soon – the only question is when.
There’s much more, but you saw the same game I did. We went back in time – which was fortunate for the hapless Browns and the fans that bleed brown and orange, and pay PSLs for a franchise that has been abysmal since its return (1999).
I told a friend this morning, the Browns have been arguably the worst run franchise in team sports the past 10 years - both on the field and off. He smiled, paused, and reminded me the Lions still play football. He was right. Okay – Cleveland is #2 on that dubious list.
How many other teams can win a game and appear to be taking a step backwards?
The Browns dialed up last year’s formula in winning their first game of 2008 – play a winless team, and for kicks, make sure they are missing their starting quarterback.
There will be some that will tell you “a win is a win.” That’s true. It counts in the standings. So what? Does anyone who watched that game today think the Browns will be competitive in their own building against the Giants in two weeks, then go Washington and Jacksonville and come away with wins?
Come on.
The most fascinating part of today’s come-from-behind win against some guy named Fitzsimmons and the winless Bengals is trying to figure out how Cleveland’s defense could line up off-sides four times in one contest. I’ve never seen that before – four times for being in the neutral zone. Cincinnati almost matched the hapless Browns for comical relief by having to burn all three of its second half timeouts for having the wrong personnel on the field.
There’s a reason these two teams were 0-6 between them coming in.
At least the Bengals can say they were missing their quarterback. What was the Browns' excuse for their horrid performance? That’s right horrid.
When I sat down to watch this game, I saw some guy I never heard of before warming up at QB for the Bengals. I turned to my son and said – “They (Browns) can’t possibly lose this one if they can get to double figures today.” For three quarters, the Browns were proving me wrong. Fortunately for them, they stumbled into the victory.
Yea, it counts. But so what? The Browns have clearly regressed from a year ago. Their “Home Run Hitter QB” can’t complete a pass beyond 15 yards, Butterfingers is back to acting like a fool (aka unprofessional) on the sidelines and the head coach is likely to be canned soon – the only question is when.
There’s much more, but you saw the same game I did. We went back in time – which was fortunate for the hapless Browns and the fans that bleed brown and orange, and pay PSLs for a franchise that has been abysmal since its return (1999).
I told a friend this morning, the Browns have been arguably the worst run franchise in team sports the past 10 years - both on the field and off. He smiled, paused, and reminded me the Lions still play football. He was right. Okay – Cleveland is #2 on that dubious list.
How many other teams can win a game and appear to be taking a step backwards?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mid-Week Hits & Misses
Romeo
It looks like Romeo Crennel is eager to go down with the ship.
Instead of naming Quinn the starter in week #4 as we predicted he would, he's decided to keep the status quo - albeit making it clear DA is on a short leash.
Bad Call RC. If the team fails to secure a victory on Sunday, this will make it easier for "Boy Wonder" Phil Savage to can him (RC) during the bye week if he decides to go in that direction. That way they start over with a new coach and new signal-caller all at once. Call it turning the page.
This way, he's (RC) called out his QB (DA) and put even more pressure on a player who now lacks confidence. You can do that with a right guard, but not with the guy who handles every snap.
In an interview this week, Savage stated "We all made mistakes heading into this season." You think?
We reiterate one of our core beliefs when it comes to sports - You don't can the coach/manager unless you have someone clearly better ready to step in.
Hopefully, Savage will show patience, especially since much of this mess can be placed on his doorstep. We covered this in our last entry.
As for this week's prediction, I have the Bengals winning by Vegas' number (3-4 points). Let's say 27-23. Cincinnati played the Giants tough and found some of its offensive mojo in that contest. Based on that, and the fact the game is in River City, we like the Bengals.
They key this week will be which QB makes the most plays and the fewest mistakes. I know - I am stating the obvious.
Besides, I look for CHUD and company to protect DA some this week. I expect the Browns to give Jamaal Lewis perhaps 25 touches or more versus Cincy. Making a commitment to the run should take some heat off Anderson and allow the Browns' offense to use play action more in the passing game - keeping some heat off Anderson.
On the other side of the ball, here's the rub - the Browns can't rush the QB without exposing their secondary. Therefore, Palmer should have a field day unless Wimbley and company suddenly surface. That's Kamerion Wimbley, as in their first round pick a couple years back. He's been MIA since Obama has been running for president - that's 18 months and counting.
Leaderless
We mentioned in our last entry about how the Browns lacked off-the-field leaders. If you listened to the players' comments this week, you would agree.
Many players commented on how tough the schedule was to open the season. Anderson, in particular, rationalized the poor start offensively to the quality of the defensive units the Browns faced out of the gate.
I will interpret - We can't score against good teams, only against bad ones. Didn't you see us play last year?
The more I see of DA, the more I think he's "soft." Unfortunately, I think he has a lot of company in that locker room. How else do you explain the Browns consistently getting muscled by many of their opponents?
Think about it - When was the last time a Browns' team physically beat up an opponent? When the Browns play, the opponent often looks like he's playing downhill, while the Browns often look as though they are on their heels.
In all fairness, last year the Browns' offensive line muscled some folks and we applauded their efforts - calling it the best offensive line play we have seen in Cleveland in the past 35 years.
That begs the question - They they dominate because they were good or because they were playing the league's easiest schedule?
We'll know the answer to that question at some point this season. So far it does not look good.
Indians
I hope Indian fans, and more importantly the team brass, isn't getting the wrong message from the fact this team played fairly well in the final two months of the season. I am not a big fan of using in-season auditions, after the pressure comes off, as a way of deciding your future course of action.
I know there were some good signs, but they still need a big bat, a closer and some set-up help.
The fact that Carmona pitched more like a #3 or #4 starter this year puts a great deal of pressure on Lee to be a true #1 - something he's not. To expect him in 2009to be anywhere near where he was this season is unreasonable to say the least. If Lee pitches in the future like he did prior to 2007, the Indians should be elated.
All this means is they do not have a true #1 heading into next year, even though Lee will be pinned with that label. This makes it all that much more important to add more talent in needed areas.
Hopefully, Shapiro can have a good off-season. The Indians need is badly.
CC
I am curious to see what CC could do in the post-season with the Brewers. If he fails again, as he did a year ago, he's still in line to get $20 million + a year from the Yankees, Red Sox, Giants, ....etc.
Is this a great country or what?
By the way, it was recently reported the Tribe offered CC in the range of $20 million per prior to the start of the 2008 season. If true and he turned it down, the Indians did him a huge favor on his way out of town. By not going public with the offer, the Indians kept the heat off CC, who woud surely had been booed at home if the paying public knew he turned down that kind of money. Of course, this is all based on the offer amount being accurate.
CC has said all along he just "wants to play where he and his family are comfortable and it's not about the money." Right.
Give me Albert (Joey) Belle anyday. Honest greed I can handle. Dishonest greed insults my intelligence.
Cavaliers
It was reported yesterday the Cavaliers have the second highest payroll in the NBA. What? Talent-wise, they aren't even close to one of the top teams in the league. Danny Ferry and company have overpaid all along the way and have gotten what in return?
When 23 dominates, the Cavaliers have a chance against anyone. When 23 doesn't dominate, they lose. Period.
Defensive coordinators in football have a term titled "11 as 1." The Cavaliers have a similar label - it's called "1 (James) and 11 little Indians."
The irony is the one guy (LJ) they need to pay and plan on paying may still walk after the 2009-10 season. That's okay Cavs' fans, rest easy, Sasha is locked up for a while. Amazing.
Yes, I like their latest move in acquiring M. Williams. He's certaintly an upgrade in the backcourt. However, I want to see him on a regular basis to make a full judgment of what they have in Williams.
Their first round pick (Hickson) better be able to give them some valuable minutes right away. Otherwise, they will severely miss Joe Smith coming off the bench.
USC
I say numerous pundits claiming SC was already in the National Championship game after beating Ohio State. I had heard this before of course. Now what?
I saw some of the SC game last night, and they were simply outplayed. I wonder how some of those "experts" feel today? This is the same crew that stated the Boise States' of this world had no business playing for a National Championship two years ago.
It's okay to go out on a limb. It shws guts. I do it all the time (GOR), but it would be nice if these folks had a decent batting average occasionally.
Politics
Here' my view on the reported $700 million bailout of Wall Street and those individuas who bought houses they couldn't afford. I don't like it.
I have never missed a payment, never bought anything I couldn't pay off and I do not have credit card debt. Yes, I would like to own a nicer car. Yes, I would like to go on vacation more often. Yes, I would like to do and buy a lot of things that are available to me if I decided to put it on plastic and worry about paying for it later. But I don't go there. I was taught differently. It's called living within yor means.
What is happening with the economy right now was certainly predictable. We went from a nation that saved as much a 10% of our income 30-40 years ago to a nation where the average family of four has approximately $6,0000-$8,000 of credit card debt at any given time.
What did you expect would eventually happen?
Now the same people who helped create this mess (Congress) want the taypayers to fork over to them nearly a trillion dollars to avoid a recession or worse from happening.
This is lunacy.
A deal will likely be struck. Okay. I don't like it, but there's not much I can do about it. But it better include some basic changes in how we do business in this country.
If I were in charge, the first thing I would do is allow one credit card per family and the limit on it would be based on your family's yearly income. I know, I know. This will never happen. I don't care.
You don't have to be an MIT graduate to understand the basic concept of people living WITHIN their means. If you have $100, you can't consistently spend $110without it catching up to you.
That includes everyone from the individual to Wall Street to everyone in-between.
There, I feel better now.
It looks like Romeo Crennel is eager to go down with the ship.
Instead of naming Quinn the starter in week #4 as we predicted he would, he's decided to keep the status quo - albeit making it clear DA is on a short leash.
Bad Call RC. If the team fails to secure a victory on Sunday, this will make it easier for "Boy Wonder" Phil Savage to can him (RC) during the bye week if he decides to go in that direction. That way they start over with a new coach and new signal-caller all at once. Call it turning the page.
This way, he's (RC) called out his QB (DA) and put even more pressure on a player who now lacks confidence. You can do that with a right guard, but not with the guy who handles every snap.
In an interview this week, Savage stated "We all made mistakes heading into this season." You think?
We reiterate one of our core beliefs when it comes to sports - You don't can the coach/manager unless you have someone clearly better ready to step in.
Hopefully, Savage will show patience, especially since much of this mess can be placed on his doorstep. We covered this in our last entry.
As for this week's prediction, I have the Bengals winning by Vegas' number (3-4 points). Let's say 27-23. Cincinnati played the Giants tough and found some of its offensive mojo in that contest. Based on that, and the fact the game is in River City, we like the Bengals.
They key this week will be which QB makes the most plays and the fewest mistakes. I know - I am stating the obvious.
Besides, I look for CHUD and company to protect DA some this week. I expect the Browns to give Jamaal Lewis perhaps 25 touches or more versus Cincy. Making a commitment to the run should take some heat off Anderson and allow the Browns' offense to use play action more in the passing game - keeping some heat off Anderson.
On the other side of the ball, here's the rub - the Browns can't rush the QB without exposing their secondary. Therefore, Palmer should have a field day unless Wimbley and company suddenly surface. That's Kamerion Wimbley, as in their first round pick a couple years back. He's been MIA since Obama has been running for president - that's 18 months and counting.
Leaderless
We mentioned in our last entry about how the Browns lacked off-the-field leaders. If you listened to the players' comments this week, you would agree.
Many players commented on how tough the schedule was to open the season. Anderson, in particular, rationalized the poor start offensively to the quality of the defensive units the Browns faced out of the gate.
I will interpret - We can't score against good teams, only against bad ones. Didn't you see us play last year?
The more I see of DA, the more I think he's "soft." Unfortunately, I think he has a lot of company in that locker room. How else do you explain the Browns consistently getting muscled by many of their opponents?
Think about it - When was the last time a Browns' team physically beat up an opponent? When the Browns play, the opponent often looks like he's playing downhill, while the Browns often look as though they are on their heels.
In all fairness, last year the Browns' offensive line muscled some folks and we applauded their efforts - calling it the best offensive line play we have seen in Cleveland in the past 35 years.
That begs the question - They they dominate because they were good or because they were playing the league's easiest schedule?
We'll know the answer to that question at some point this season. So far it does not look good.
Indians
I hope Indian fans, and more importantly the team brass, isn't getting the wrong message from the fact this team played fairly well in the final two months of the season. I am not a big fan of using in-season auditions, after the pressure comes off, as a way of deciding your future course of action.
I know there were some good signs, but they still need a big bat, a closer and some set-up help.
The fact that Carmona pitched more like a #3 or #4 starter this year puts a great deal of pressure on Lee to be a true #1 - something he's not. To expect him in 2009to be anywhere near where he was this season is unreasonable to say the least. If Lee pitches in the future like he did prior to 2007, the Indians should be elated.
All this means is they do not have a true #1 heading into next year, even though Lee will be pinned with that label. This makes it all that much more important to add more talent in needed areas.
Hopefully, Shapiro can have a good off-season. The Indians need is badly.
CC
I am curious to see what CC could do in the post-season with the Brewers. If he fails again, as he did a year ago, he's still in line to get $20 million + a year from the Yankees, Red Sox, Giants, ....etc.
Is this a great country or what?
By the way, it was recently reported the Tribe offered CC in the range of $20 million per prior to the start of the 2008 season. If true and he turned it down, the Indians did him a huge favor on his way out of town. By not going public with the offer, the Indians kept the heat off CC, who woud surely had been booed at home if the paying public knew he turned down that kind of money. Of course, this is all based on the offer amount being accurate.
CC has said all along he just "wants to play where he and his family are comfortable and it's not about the money." Right.
Give me Albert (Joey) Belle anyday. Honest greed I can handle. Dishonest greed insults my intelligence.
Cavaliers
It was reported yesterday the Cavaliers have the second highest payroll in the NBA. What? Talent-wise, they aren't even close to one of the top teams in the league. Danny Ferry and company have overpaid all along the way and have gotten what in return?
When 23 dominates, the Cavaliers have a chance against anyone. When 23 doesn't dominate, they lose. Period.
Defensive coordinators in football have a term titled "11 as 1." The Cavaliers have a similar label - it's called "1 (James) and 11 little Indians."
The irony is the one guy (LJ) they need to pay and plan on paying may still walk after the 2009-10 season. That's okay Cavs' fans, rest easy, Sasha is locked up for a while. Amazing.
Yes, I like their latest move in acquiring M. Williams. He's certaintly an upgrade in the backcourt. However, I want to see him on a regular basis to make a full judgment of what they have in Williams.
Their first round pick (Hickson) better be able to give them some valuable minutes right away. Otherwise, they will severely miss Joe Smith coming off the bench.
USC
I say numerous pundits claiming SC was already in the National Championship game after beating Ohio State. I had heard this before of course. Now what?
I saw some of the SC game last night, and they were simply outplayed. I wonder how some of those "experts" feel today? This is the same crew that stated the Boise States' of this world had no business playing for a National Championship two years ago.
It's okay to go out on a limb. It shws guts. I do it all the time (GOR), but it would be nice if these folks had a decent batting average occasionally.
Politics
Here' my view on the reported $700 million bailout of Wall Street and those individuas who bought houses they couldn't afford. I don't like it.
I have never missed a payment, never bought anything I couldn't pay off and I do not have credit card debt. Yes, I would like to own a nicer car. Yes, I would like to go on vacation more often. Yes, I would like to do and buy a lot of things that are available to me if I decided to put it on plastic and worry about paying for it later. But I don't go there. I was taught differently. It's called living within yor means.
What is happening with the economy right now was certainly predictable. We went from a nation that saved as much a 10% of our income 30-40 years ago to a nation where the average family of four has approximately $6,0000-$8,000 of credit card debt at any given time.
What did you expect would eventually happen?
Now the same people who helped create this mess (Congress) want the taypayers to fork over to them nearly a trillion dollars to avoid a recession or worse from happening.
This is lunacy.
A deal will likely be struck. Okay. I don't like it, but there's not much I can do about it. But it better include some basic changes in how we do business in this country.
If I were in charge, the first thing I would do is allow one credit card per family and the limit on it would be based on your family's yearly income. I know, I know. This will never happen. I don't care.
You don't have to be an MIT graduate to understand the basic concept of people living WITHIN their means. If you have $100, you can't consistently spend $110without it catching up to you.
That includes everyone from the individual to Wall Street to everyone in-between.
There, I feel better now.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Browns - Ravens Post-Mortem
Browns – Ravens Post Mortem
Let’s start by stating we won't take any shots at Romeo like everyone else will. As we stated in our previous entry, this is not all his fault. Unfortunately, in this business, the head coach goes before the GM does 99% of the time.
The fault is mostly on the wiz-kid Phil Savage.
He’s the one who played it safe in the off-season and kept DA when the team had numerous needs that could have been addressed by trading Anderson and turning the reigns over to Quinn.
Savage is the one that entered the season without acquiring a proven cover corner on the roster or a first-tier linebacker to help a defense ranked 30th in the NFL year ago.
The wiz-kid is the one who overpaid for Donte Stallworth – a career mediocre #2 receiver at best who has played – when he’s actually been on the field - for almost as many teams as Kenny Lofton – almost.
I could go on, but you get the point.
Here’s what is going to happen however. The media will of course be out for Crennel’s head. Savage, who already threw him (RC) under the bus last week by calling the Steelers’ game “the biggest game we’ve played recently,” will say all the right things. Behind the scene, he will be laying the groundwork for Crennel’s firing if the Browns lose in Cincinnati. In other words, he will be telling the Lerner family its Romeo’s fault – not his.
Meanwhile, Crennel has very few options heading into week #4. Remember, he has no leaders in the locker room – none, zero!
On the field, he currently fields a weak defense, an underachieving offense and mediocre special teams. There’s no need to cover the defensive flaws – they are ALL still there from a year ago.
Offensively, his quarterback is shell-shocked from actually being hit for the first time in his career and from missing open receivers. DA is finding out it’s more difficult to complete passes with people in your face – something he didn’t deal with AT ALL in 2007. In fact, his two TD passes on the year came on a 2-yard toss in the opener and a screen versus the Ravens. Savage’s “Homer Run Hitter” is turning into a dink and dime signal-caller for fear of turning it over or getting sacked.
The offensive line, the team’s strength a year ago, is floundering both in the running game and in pass blocking.
As for the special teams – so far in ’08, there’s nothing special about them.
Notice I didn't mention injuries once. There is ABSOLUTELY nothing that has happened on the field to indicate the Browns would be any better than 0-3 with ALL their personnel present and accounted for. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are playing you for a fool. There isn't a team in the NFL without injuries.
So what should Romeo do? He has two choices – get back to work this week and try it again at Cincinnati with the same personnel, or change quarterbacks and hope for a spark.
Changing quarterbacks at this point is unfair to all concerned, but it’s what you do in the NFL when a team is floundering. In baseball, they fire the manager, in football, they change the signal-caller.
Will it help? I have no idea. This isn’t the way it should have happened. Savage should have dealt Anderson when his value was at its peak in the off-season. We’ve covered this before.
Now, he has one quarterback who has lost his confidence and much of his trading value, and another one who is thrown into the fire after a 0-3 start, and all he'll be asked to do is salvage the season and the head coach’s job. Nice.
Remember during the off-season when Crennel was quoted as saying there would be open competition at QB. That was followed the very next day with Savage stating Anderson was the starter. That was unprecedented – a GM smacking down his coach.
Savage just gave Anderson a huge signing bonus and a three year deal. He obviously wanted to see a return on his investment. Well, he got it, a 0-3 start.
If this corner’s observation is on target, Romeo will make the change this week. What does he have to lose? His job is now already in jeopardy and Savage can’t stand in the way of a change at QB after a 0-3 start and two offensive TDs in three games.
Like we stated early – this mess is more Savage’s than Romeo’s. No one else will write or say this. The media will start the “Romeo Watch.” That’s just the way it is. But keep your eye on the big picture. The power struggle has begun. The backstabbing will ensue. The locker room could splinter.
The only thing that could save the season is if someone rides in on a shiny white horse. We like Quinn a lot, and have been calling for him to play since day 1, but this situation is officially a mess, not likely salvageable in ‘08, and created by a GM who played it safe.
What would I do? Since you asked, I’ll tell you.
•Call Arizona and see if they will do a straight up B. Edwards for A. Boldin deal. One disgruntled receiver comes east and one who is slowly wearing out his welcome in Cleveland goes west.
•Make a second call to Minnesota, among other clubs still in need of a QB, and see if DA has any value left. If you can still get a #2 and a #3, and/or can acquire a quality WR or corner, make the deal as fast as possible. Unfortunately, his (DA’s) stock has fallen the past three weeks – another residue effect from this horrid start. Remember, it’s not all on him. He’s had plenty of help.
•Sign Joe Horn and Ty Law immediately. We called for these moves weeks ago. Unless there are off-the-field issues involved with these two, they are both better than players we have playing at those positions RIGHT NOW. That is unless you enjoy watching Cedric Steptoe run around with his head cut off and E. Wright tackle receivers after first downs. The Browns are reportedly several million under the cap. Why not use some of that money to bring in some immediate veteran help and try to salvage the season? Stop-gaps can be effective.
•Try some basic 4-3, the defense the team’s two new acquisitions up front are more comfortable playing in. To play the 3-4, you need at least four GOOD linebackers. The Browns do not have four good linebackers. Period. This will also allow K. Wimbley to do what he does best - rush the QB from the end position instead of dropping in coverage and looking like a duck out of water. I know, I know, you can’t make this kind of switch in-season. Why not? It’s not as though what they are doing has worked the past two years. The off-week can certainly be used to tinker with the defense.
•Do not fire RC in-season. The organization will be tempted to do so if they lose to Cincinnati next week. The “Romeo Watch” has officially begun. The media will want a scapegoat and I’m afraid Savage might cave to cover his $#@. However, unless you have someone CLEARLY BETTER ready to take over (i.e. Marty of Bill Cowher), it serves no purpose other than to deflect attention from the real problem – the team was never as good as its 10-6 record in 2007 based on ground we have covered in the past. The same morons (Lerner/Savage) who gave him (RC) a contract extension pre-maturely, need to now show some PATIENCE and give RC a chance to get himself out of this mess.
There you have it. And please don’t tell me most of the above is not possible. The Browns need to shake things up in the non-traditional way. Don’t put it all on the head coach. There are still 13 weeks remaining. The organization owes it to the paying public to make every attempt to get better NOW.
It's only September.
Let’s start by stating we won't take any shots at Romeo like everyone else will. As we stated in our previous entry, this is not all his fault. Unfortunately, in this business, the head coach goes before the GM does 99% of the time.
The fault is mostly on the wiz-kid Phil Savage.
He’s the one who played it safe in the off-season and kept DA when the team had numerous needs that could have been addressed by trading Anderson and turning the reigns over to Quinn.
Savage is the one that entered the season without acquiring a proven cover corner on the roster or a first-tier linebacker to help a defense ranked 30th in the NFL year ago.
The wiz-kid is the one who overpaid for Donte Stallworth – a career mediocre #2 receiver at best who has played – when he’s actually been on the field - for almost as many teams as Kenny Lofton – almost.
I could go on, but you get the point.
Here’s what is going to happen however. The media will of course be out for Crennel’s head. Savage, who already threw him (RC) under the bus last week by calling the Steelers’ game “the biggest game we’ve played recently,” will say all the right things. Behind the scene, he will be laying the groundwork for Crennel’s firing if the Browns lose in Cincinnati. In other words, he will be telling the Lerner family its Romeo’s fault – not his.
Meanwhile, Crennel has very few options heading into week #4. Remember, he has no leaders in the locker room – none, zero!
On the field, he currently fields a weak defense, an underachieving offense and mediocre special teams. There’s no need to cover the defensive flaws – they are ALL still there from a year ago.
Offensively, his quarterback is shell-shocked from actually being hit for the first time in his career and from missing open receivers. DA is finding out it’s more difficult to complete passes with people in your face – something he didn’t deal with AT ALL in 2007. In fact, his two TD passes on the year came on a 2-yard toss in the opener and a screen versus the Ravens. Savage’s “Homer Run Hitter” is turning into a dink and dime signal-caller for fear of turning it over or getting sacked.
The offensive line, the team’s strength a year ago, is floundering both in the running game and in pass blocking.
As for the special teams – so far in ’08, there’s nothing special about them.
Notice I didn't mention injuries once. There is ABSOLUTELY nothing that has happened on the field to indicate the Browns would be any better than 0-3 with ALL their personnel present and accounted for. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are playing you for a fool. There isn't a team in the NFL without injuries.
So what should Romeo do? He has two choices – get back to work this week and try it again at Cincinnati with the same personnel, or change quarterbacks and hope for a spark.
Changing quarterbacks at this point is unfair to all concerned, but it’s what you do in the NFL when a team is floundering. In baseball, they fire the manager, in football, they change the signal-caller.
Will it help? I have no idea. This isn’t the way it should have happened. Savage should have dealt Anderson when his value was at its peak in the off-season. We’ve covered this before.
Now, he has one quarterback who has lost his confidence and much of his trading value, and another one who is thrown into the fire after a 0-3 start, and all he'll be asked to do is salvage the season and the head coach’s job. Nice.
Remember during the off-season when Crennel was quoted as saying there would be open competition at QB. That was followed the very next day with Savage stating Anderson was the starter. That was unprecedented – a GM smacking down his coach.
Savage just gave Anderson a huge signing bonus and a three year deal. He obviously wanted to see a return on his investment. Well, he got it, a 0-3 start.
If this corner’s observation is on target, Romeo will make the change this week. What does he have to lose? His job is now already in jeopardy and Savage can’t stand in the way of a change at QB after a 0-3 start and two offensive TDs in three games.
Like we stated early – this mess is more Savage’s than Romeo’s. No one else will write or say this. The media will start the “Romeo Watch.” That’s just the way it is. But keep your eye on the big picture. The power struggle has begun. The backstabbing will ensue. The locker room could splinter.
The only thing that could save the season is if someone rides in on a shiny white horse. We like Quinn a lot, and have been calling for him to play since day 1, but this situation is officially a mess, not likely salvageable in ‘08, and created by a GM who played it safe.
What would I do? Since you asked, I’ll tell you.
•Call Arizona and see if they will do a straight up B. Edwards for A. Boldin deal. One disgruntled receiver comes east and one who is slowly wearing out his welcome in Cleveland goes west.
•Make a second call to Minnesota, among other clubs still in need of a QB, and see if DA has any value left. If you can still get a #2 and a #3, and/or can acquire a quality WR or corner, make the deal as fast as possible. Unfortunately, his (DA’s) stock has fallen the past three weeks – another residue effect from this horrid start. Remember, it’s not all on him. He’s had plenty of help.
•Sign Joe Horn and Ty Law immediately. We called for these moves weeks ago. Unless there are off-the-field issues involved with these two, they are both better than players we have playing at those positions RIGHT NOW. That is unless you enjoy watching Cedric Steptoe run around with his head cut off and E. Wright tackle receivers after first downs. The Browns are reportedly several million under the cap. Why not use some of that money to bring in some immediate veteran help and try to salvage the season? Stop-gaps can be effective.
•Try some basic 4-3, the defense the team’s two new acquisitions up front are more comfortable playing in. To play the 3-4, you need at least four GOOD linebackers. The Browns do not have four good linebackers. Period. This will also allow K. Wimbley to do what he does best - rush the QB from the end position instead of dropping in coverage and looking like a duck out of water. I know, I know, you can’t make this kind of switch in-season. Why not? It’s not as though what they are doing has worked the past two years. The off-week can certainly be used to tinker with the defense.
•Do not fire RC in-season. The organization will be tempted to do so if they lose to Cincinnati next week. The “Romeo Watch” has officially begun. The media will want a scapegoat and I’m afraid Savage might cave to cover his $#@. However, unless you have someone CLEARLY BETTER ready to take over (i.e. Marty of Bill Cowher), it serves no purpose other than to deflect attention from the real problem – the team was never as good as its 10-6 record in 2007 based on ground we have covered in the past. The same morons (Lerner/Savage) who gave him (RC) a contract extension pre-maturely, need to now show some PATIENCE and give RC a chance to get himself out of this mess.
There you have it. And please don’t tell me most of the above is not possible. The Browns need to shake things up in the non-traditional way. Don’t put it all on the head coach. There are still 13 weeks remaining. The organization owes it to the paying public to make every attempt to get better NOW.
It's only September.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
GOR, Browns at Ravens, Week #3
Browns – Ravens
We like the Browns to finally break through in week #3 with a 27-17 win over Baltimore. The reasoning is based on two main factors.
First, the offense is due to wake up from its slumber. After having scored one touchdown in eight quarters of play, its time they get on the same page and put some points on the board this week.
Anderson should finally find his rhythm and “Butterfingers” is likely to catch at least as many passes as he drops. Heck, he might even catch a touchdown pass or two. We also expect Jamaal Lewis to give the Browns enough of a running game to keep the Ravens’ defense from pinning its ears back and coming after DA.
Secondly, the Browns defense should be able to put eight in the box and control the run while forcing some turnovers in the passing game against a rookie quarterback (Flaco).
This should give Cleveland’s offense good field position to work with – which should lead to multiple touchdowns this time out. That is unless Romeo decides he’d rather settle for field goals again.
If a worse case scenario occurs and the Browns lose to a rookie QB and the mediocre Baltimore team that surrounds him, the wolves (media & fans) will be out for Romeo’s head. If that does happen, it’s wrong. I will cover this later in this entry.
Regardless, we do not expect Romeo and company to lose on Sunday. Everything is aligned for a Cleveland win. The way we see it, the only way the Browns lose is if Lewis puts it on the ground several times or DA has a meltdown. The Ravens should not be able to outscore the Browns with that physically challenged offense of theirs and a novice at QB at the helm.
Finally, look for Josh Cribbs to play an important role this week. I have no idea how healthy he is, but if he’s close to his old self, that bodes well for Cleveland.
Trojans versus Buckeyes
I see where Ohio State is playing Troy this week. That’s three cupcakes out of four to start the season once again for the Buckeyes. And I’m not even including the Big 10 schedule.
Yet, they want to be taken seriously in Columbus as a big-time program. Come on. Take off your scarlet and grey glasses Buckeye Nation. Those players get absolutely nothing out of playing this kind of schedule.
Here’s some advice – cherish that fluke National Title you won in 2002. That’s right – fluke. I may be the only Ohioan honest enough to admit what happened. Everything bounced Ohio State’s way that season. That was far from a dominant football team.
However, in the end, they did earn that championship, mostly on the back of outstanding coaching by the defensive staff that fall. Some of those coaches are gone now. They’ve moved on to bigger and better things, and it shows.
How else do you explain the Floridas, LSUs and USCs of this world lighting up the Buckeye defense the past few years? OSU still has excellent talent on that side of the ball – just pay attention come NFL draft time if you want proof.
Yea, they can still stuff the likes of Purdue and Northwestern, and handle Michigan most of the time. But so what? The rest of the nation is laughing at OSU and this conference as a whole, and will continue to do so until they get some quality non-conference wins.
Sorry – Troy does not qualify.
Indians
I see where Wedge and company have come around and are playing Victor at 1B and letting my boy Shoppach catch most of the time. Good move. Next up in 2009 – look for Cabrera to finally move to shortstop as we suggested well over a year ago.
Remember what we said on day 1 – it’s all about having the stones to Get On Record (GOR) and having a good batting average to back it up.
Romeo
That’s (GOR) why I get upset when I start hearing and reading some in the media now taking shots at Romeo and the Browns for that extension he signed a while back.
Where the hell were they when it happened?
Anyone can complain after the fact – that’s called Monday Morning Quarterbacking. Columnists especially get my panties in an uproar. They are paid to get on record and occasionally get it right.
Unless you were opposed to RC getting the extension at the time, you have no business riding his %$#@ and the organization’s %$#@ now if the team goes south – unless as part of the piece you point out you didn’t oppose it at the time. That’s only fair.
You see, I didn’t like the move (extension) at the time. I got on record on these pages, but I don’t want to be right. Why - because I’ve watched RC and I like the man. So here’s hoping Romeo, a good guy, gets a win this Sunday and keeps the wolves off his back.
The same goes for DA, who I have ripped from day 1. I want him to throw five TD passes this week and lead the Browns to the playoffs. Why – because I’m a Browns’ fan first. I don’t need to be right all the time. It gets boring if that ever happens. And I’m not kidding. You have no idea how bored I am watching most sporting events. Actually, some of you do.
As for those who get paid to give their opinions (.e. columnists) and tell you absolutely nothing of value except what we can all see with our own eyes after the fact – shame on you. You are stealing money. Go dig a ditch for a living or join the Peace Corps. Do some good.
I feel better now. Thanks for the couch.
Remember - 27-17 Browns.
A Personal Note
One final personal thought. I have had several people inquire how things are going. It’s mostly very good. I am thoroughly enjoying my daytime job (teaching) and still covering sports occasionally on the side – just one night a week, that’s plenty for me.
I’m spending lots of quality time with my youngest – she’s 10, and hanging out with my son, 16, when he’ll have me.
By the way, my 10 year old daughter makes a mean margarita for daddy. I think the key is how many ice cubes she puts in the blender, but she won’t tell me. She says it's a secret. Relax. She doesn’t drink any of it. I handle that part.
Advice
Since I don't speak to many of you on a regular basis anymore because life moves us forward, not backwards, remember the basics - treat everyone with respect and do not let anyone insult your intelligence.
As for those of you in the business, and you know who you are - work hard, soak up knowledge and don’t think those around you know more than you. They might have more time punched in on the clock, but the large majority of them don’t have your skills. Trust me on this one. Some of you made me look good for a lot of years. For that, I will always be in your debt.
Till next time.
We like the Browns to finally break through in week #3 with a 27-17 win over Baltimore. The reasoning is based on two main factors.
First, the offense is due to wake up from its slumber. After having scored one touchdown in eight quarters of play, its time they get on the same page and put some points on the board this week.
Anderson should finally find his rhythm and “Butterfingers” is likely to catch at least as many passes as he drops. Heck, he might even catch a touchdown pass or two. We also expect Jamaal Lewis to give the Browns enough of a running game to keep the Ravens’ defense from pinning its ears back and coming after DA.
Secondly, the Browns defense should be able to put eight in the box and control the run while forcing some turnovers in the passing game against a rookie quarterback (Flaco).
This should give Cleveland’s offense good field position to work with – which should lead to multiple touchdowns this time out. That is unless Romeo decides he’d rather settle for field goals again.
If a worse case scenario occurs and the Browns lose to a rookie QB and the mediocre Baltimore team that surrounds him, the wolves (media & fans) will be out for Romeo’s head. If that does happen, it’s wrong. I will cover this later in this entry.
Regardless, we do not expect Romeo and company to lose on Sunday. Everything is aligned for a Cleveland win. The way we see it, the only way the Browns lose is if Lewis puts it on the ground several times or DA has a meltdown. The Ravens should not be able to outscore the Browns with that physically challenged offense of theirs and a novice at QB at the helm.
Finally, look for Josh Cribbs to play an important role this week. I have no idea how healthy he is, but if he’s close to his old self, that bodes well for Cleveland.
Trojans versus Buckeyes
I see where Ohio State is playing Troy this week. That’s three cupcakes out of four to start the season once again for the Buckeyes. And I’m not even including the Big 10 schedule.
Yet, they want to be taken seriously in Columbus as a big-time program. Come on. Take off your scarlet and grey glasses Buckeye Nation. Those players get absolutely nothing out of playing this kind of schedule.
Here’s some advice – cherish that fluke National Title you won in 2002. That’s right – fluke. I may be the only Ohioan honest enough to admit what happened. Everything bounced Ohio State’s way that season. That was far from a dominant football team.
However, in the end, they did earn that championship, mostly on the back of outstanding coaching by the defensive staff that fall. Some of those coaches are gone now. They’ve moved on to bigger and better things, and it shows.
How else do you explain the Floridas, LSUs and USCs of this world lighting up the Buckeye defense the past few years? OSU still has excellent talent on that side of the ball – just pay attention come NFL draft time if you want proof.
Yea, they can still stuff the likes of Purdue and Northwestern, and handle Michigan most of the time. But so what? The rest of the nation is laughing at OSU and this conference as a whole, and will continue to do so until they get some quality non-conference wins.
Sorry – Troy does not qualify.
Indians
I see where Wedge and company have come around and are playing Victor at 1B and letting my boy Shoppach catch most of the time. Good move. Next up in 2009 – look for Cabrera to finally move to shortstop as we suggested well over a year ago.
Remember what we said on day 1 – it’s all about having the stones to Get On Record (GOR) and having a good batting average to back it up.
Romeo
That’s (GOR) why I get upset when I start hearing and reading some in the media now taking shots at Romeo and the Browns for that extension he signed a while back.
Where the hell were they when it happened?
Anyone can complain after the fact – that’s called Monday Morning Quarterbacking. Columnists especially get my panties in an uproar. They are paid to get on record and occasionally get it right.
Unless you were opposed to RC getting the extension at the time, you have no business riding his %$#@ and the organization’s %$#@ now if the team goes south – unless as part of the piece you point out you didn’t oppose it at the time. That’s only fair.
You see, I didn’t like the move (extension) at the time. I got on record on these pages, but I don’t want to be right. Why - because I’ve watched RC and I like the man. So here’s hoping Romeo, a good guy, gets a win this Sunday and keeps the wolves off his back.
The same goes for DA, who I have ripped from day 1. I want him to throw five TD passes this week and lead the Browns to the playoffs. Why – because I’m a Browns’ fan first. I don’t need to be right all the time. It gets boring if that ever happens. And I’m not kidding. You have no idea how bored I am watching most sporting events. Actually, some of you do.
As for those who get paid to give their opinions (.e. columnists) and tell you absolutely nothing of value except what we can all see with our own eyes after the fact – shame on you. You are stealing money. Go dig a ditch for a living or join the Peace Corps. Do some good.
I feel better now. Thanks for the couch.
Remember - 27-17 Browns.
A Personal Note
One final personal thought. I have had several people inquire how things are going. It’s mostly very good. I am thoroughly enjoying my daytime job (teaching) and still covering sports occasionally on the side – just one night a week, that’s plenty for me.
I’m spending lots of quality time with my youngest – she’s 10, and hanging out with my son, 16, when he’ll have me.
By the way, my 10 year old daughter makes a mean margarita for daddy. I think the key is how many ice cubes she puts in the blender, but she won’t tell me. She says it's a secret. Relax. She doesn’t drink any of it. I handle that part.
Advice
Since I don't speak to many of you on a regular basis anymore because life moves us forward, not backwards, remember the basics - treat everyone with respect and do not let anyone insult your intelligence.
As for those of you in the business, and you know who you are - work hard, soak up knowledge and don’t think those around you know more than you. They might have more time punched in on the clock, but the large majority of them don’t have your skills. Trust me on this one. Some of you made me look good for a lot of years. For that, I will always be in your debt.
Till next time.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Steelers – Browns Post-Mortem & More
Who Is At Fault
Put this one squarely on the offense.
When an NFL team holds an opponent to 10 points, you should win. When the Browns hold someone to 10 points, it should be cause for celebration. Unfortunately, a loss is a loss – regardless of how you got there.
As usual, the Steelers found a way to beat Cleveland once again – that’s 10 straight and counting. This time, it involved playing close to the vest knowing the Browns were unlikely to score a touchdown unless Pittsburgh fumbled it in their own end zone and promptly ran away from the bouncing football as if avoiding the plague. Even then, the odds were 50-50 the Browns got possession before the pigskin fluttered out of bounds.
The Browns offense was so anemic, that when they got in the red zone – which was just three times by my count, on one occasion they never took a shot in the end zone, and in their final drive, decided to settle for a field goal instead of going for it on fourth down with under four minutes to play.
The logic of not trying to convert on fourth down eluded me last night.
Had they failed, they still had all their timeouts left with the Steelers pinned in their end. Even with the field goal, giving them a grand total of six points on the night, the Browns still needed to get a stop AND score a touchdown to win – something they have done just once in eighth quarters this season.
Others will focus in on that decision and try to convince you the game was lost there. Wrong. It was lost because the offense didn’t show up AGAIN.
DA
I said I would not pile on and I won’t. You all know my position on this dating back well over a year. When they (Browns) and the media figure it out, someone can call me.
Meanwhile, I just have this to say – Please DA, stop looking for timeout instructions from the sidelines during the 2-minute drill. You are the QB. You should know the situation at all times.
Secondly, NEVER throw a pass short of the goal line when you have 0:08 seconds remaining on the clock before halftime and no timeouts remaining. Had that pass been caught by a receiver instead of intercepted by Paluamalu, the defender was in position to make the stop short of the end zone. That’s not good.
Perhaps a fade would have been a better call?
To Anderson's defense, it's hard to completely judge him yet because he's had to deal with, by my count, eight drops in two weeks.
He’s Back
When a Pro-Bowl receiver has three non-descript receptions to go along with six drops after two weeks of play, it’s a story. Until he has more receptions than drops, he will once again be appropriately named “Butterfingers.”
It’s only right to do so. At least he (Edwards) takes credit for his flaws. Right.
HOF Duel
It was a pleasure watching K2 and Paluamalu go at it. Those two were locked in on each other all game long. If the pair stay healthy the rest of their careers, we will be seeing them in Canton.
Playmaker
We mentioned in the pre-season the Browns did not have one impact player on defense. Last night, nose guard Shaun Rogers was playing downhill from start to finish, disrupting the Steelers’ offense to not end. It was as good a performance as I have seen from a Browns’ defensive lineman in a long time.
Bad Trends
The Browns are the only NFL team to open with a pair of losses at home this season. Cleveland is already two games out of first after two weeks. The Browns have four of their next five on the road. They would need to go 10-4 the rest of the way to put themselves in a realistic position to make the playoffs – and that includes closing out the season week 16 at Pittsburgh.
How do things look so far?
OSU
I have been able to watch more Division I college football in the past two weeks than I have for the past 20 years. Here are my thoughts when it comes to Ohio State and its inability to beat other top programs.
The talking heads would have you believe it’s because the Buckeyes lack the overall speed and talent the SEC or Pac-10 have. Wrong.
OSU has had as many or more players reach the NFL than any other college football team in recent memory. The Buckeyes can recruit all over the country – just like USC, the Florida teams, LSU, etc… The Buckeyes have terrific talent.
Then why are they falling short against other top programs?
First, their schedule is weaker (Big 10); therefore, they are not as prepared. Secondly, the quarterbacking in the Big 10 is mediocre at best. That hurts them on the defensive end when they have to face a good QB out of a good conference who plays in a good system. And finally, the coaching is better elsewhere than in the Big 10, and I am not just talking about the head coach.
As for the loss to USC, I told my wife 10 minutes before kick-off we should have put this month’s mortgage check on the Trojans. That’s okay, had I done so, the Buckeyes would have covered. The point is it’s unfair to completely judge OSU by that loss because their best player by far (B. Wells) did not play.
The only, and I repeat, only chance they had in that game, was to have a healthy Wells carry it 35-40 times, be productive, and keep SC’s offense on the sideline. Wells is a top-5 pick in the 2008 draft if healthy. He would have made a difference. Would they have covered? I doubt it. But without him, they had no chance. No chance.
By the way, someone tell Tressel not to run the option with a non-option quarterback. That’s truly ugly to watch and fools absolutely no one.
NE – Jets
Again, I can’t stand him, but Mr. Bill is a genius. He took a QB who had not started since high school went on the road and beat a first ballot Hall of Famer in Brett Favre. That’s amazing. Meanwhile, the Browns complain about losing Sean Jones.
Vince Young
I don’t know all the facts, but one hopes Vince Young gets straightened out. When a pro athlete has a lot of time on his hands, bad things tend to happen, especially when they are injured and don’t feel like being part of the team anymore.
The locker room is the only place many of these young men feel comfortable and at ease. Take that away from them and trouble often follows. This is especially true for athletes who come from single parent homes. Here’s hoping he’s back playing soon, but more importantly, Young can learn to deal with the bumps on the road we all have to face.
Put this one squarely on the offense.
When an NFL team holds an opponent to 10 points, you should win. When the Browns hold someone to 10 points, it should be cause for celebration. Unfortunately, a loss is a loss – regardless of how you got there.
As usual, the Steelers found a way to beat Cleveland once again – that’s 10 straight and counting. This time, it involved playing close to the vest knowing the Browns were unlikely to score a touchdown unless Pittsburgh fumbled it in their own end zone and promptly ran away from the bouncing football as if avoiding the plague. Even then, the odds were 50-50 the Browns got possession before the pigskin fluttered out of bounds.
The Browns offense was so anemic, that when they got in the red zone – which was just three times by my count, on one occasion they never took a shot in the end zone, and in their final drive, decided to settle for a field goal instead of going for it on fourth down with under four minutes to play.
The logic of not trying to convert on fourth down eluded me last night.
Had they failed, they still had all their timeouts left with the Steelers pinned in their end. Even with the field goal, giving them a grand total of six points on the night, the Browns still needed to get a stop AND score a touchdown to win – something they have done just once in eighth quarters this season.
Others will focus in on that decision and try to convince you the game was lost there. Wrong. It was lost because the offense didn’t show up AGAIN.
DA
I said I would not pile on and I won’t. You all know my position on this dating back well over a year. When they (Browns) and the media figure it out, someone can call me.
Meanwhile, I just have this to say – Please DA, stop looking for timeout instructions from the sidelines during the 2-minute drill. You are the QB. You should know the situation at all times.
Secondly, NEVER throw a pass short of the goal line when you have 0:08 seconds remaining on the clock before halftime and no timeouts remaining. Had that pass been caught by a receiver instead of intercepted by Paluamalu, the defender was in position to make the stop short of the end zone. That’s not good.
Perhaps a fade would have been a better call?
To Anderson's defense, it's hard to completely judge him yet because he's had to deal with, by my count, eight drops in two weeks.
He’s Back
When a Pro-Bowl receiver has three non-descript receptions to go along with six drops after two weeks of play, it’s a story. Until he has more receptions than drops, he will once again be appropriately named “Butterfingers.”
It’s only right to do so. At least he (Edwards) takes credit for his flaws. Right.
HOF Duel
It was a pleasure watching K2 and Paluamalu go at it. Those two were locked in on each other all game long. If the pair stay healthy the rest of their careers, we will be seeing them in Canton.
Playmaker
We mentioned in the pre-season the Browns did not have one impact player on defense. Last night, nose guard Shaun Rogers was playing downhill from start to finish, disrupting the Steelers’ offense to not end. It was as good a performance as I have seen from a Browns’ defensive lineman in a long time.
Bad Trends
The Browns are the only NFL team to open with a pair of losses at home this season. Cleveland is already two games out of first after two weeks. The Browns have four of their next five on the road. They would need to go 10-4 the rest of the way to put themselves in a realistic position to make the playoffs – and that includes closing out the season week 16 at Pittsburgh.
How do things look so far?
OSU
I have been able to watch more Division I college football in the past two weeks than I have for the past 20 years. Here are my thoughts when it comes to Ohio State and its inability to beat other top programs.
The talking heads would have you believe it’s because the Buckeyes lack the overall speed and talent the SEC or Pac-10 have. Wrong.
OSU has had as many or more players reach the NFL than any other college football team in recent memory. The Buckeyes can recruit all over the country – just like USC, the Florida teams, LSU, etc… The Buckeyes have terrific talent.
Then why are they falling short against other top programs?
First, their schedule is weaker (Big 10); therefore, they are not as prepared. Secondly, the quarterbacking in the Big 10 is mediocre at best. That hurts them on the defensive end when they have to face a good QB out of a good conference who plays in a good system. And finally, the coaching is better elsewhere than in the Big 10, and I am not just talking about the head coach.
As for the loss to USC, I told my wife 10 minutes before kick-off we should have put this month’s mortgage check on the Trojans. That’s okay, had I done so, the Buckeyes would have covered. The point is it’s unfair to completely judge OSU by that loss because their best player by far (B. Wells) did not play.
The only, and I repeat, only chance they had in that game, was to have a healthy Wells carry it 35-40 times, be productive, and keep SC’s offense on the sideline. Wells is a top-5 pick in the 2008 draft if healthy. He would have made a difference. Would they have covered? I doubt it. But without him, they had no chance. No chance.
By the way, someone tell Tressel not to run the option with a non-option quarterback. That’s truly ugly to watch and fools absolutely no one.
NE – Jets
Again, I can’t stand him, but Mr. Bill is a genius. He took a QB who had not started since high school went on the road and beat a first ballot Hall of Famer in Brett Favre. That’s amazing. Meanwhile, the Browns complain about losing Sean Jones.
Vince Young
I don’t know all the facts, but one hopes Vince Young gets straightened out. When a pro athlete has a lot of time on his hands, bad things tend to happen, especially when they are injured and don’t feel like being part of the team anymore.
The locker room is the only place many of these young men feel comfortable and at ease. Take that away from them and trouble often follows. This is especially true for athletes who come from single parent homes. Here’s hoping he’s back playing soon, but more importantly, Young can learn to deal with the bumps on the road we all have to face.
Friday, September 12, 2008
GOR, Week #2, Steelers-Browns, & Palin
Prediction
Steelers 27-24.
Yea, they’ll play better this week, but in the end, it’s hard for me to pick the Browns over a team that has had their number nine consecutive times.
What To Watch
Keep an eye on the Browns pass rush – or lack there of. Big Ben, who has never lost to the Browns, was sacked 47 times in 2007 and some 90 times in the past two years. Everyone else seems to be able to get to him except one team – the Browns. If this trend continues Sunday night, the outcome will not please Browns’ fans.
Secondly, Josh Cribbs is expected to play. As we stated in our season preview, he’s a huge part of their offense because of the positive field position he gives them on a consistent basis. Without him, the Browns special teams are average at best. With him, Cleveland wins that match-up most weeks. If he plays and is healthy, he could be a key to success in week #2.
Finally, the Browns offense has to score early and often. There is no excuse this week. The offense has to carry this team if this team expects to make the post-season.
Honeymoon Over
The national media is already jumping off the bus.
The Browns were the popular pick to be this year’s “breakout team.” After the debacle in week #1 versus the Cowboys, the media is starting to figure out this club still has major holes – especially on the defensive side of the ball. For example, you are starting to hear whispers the Browns are trying to fit a round peg into a square hole by acquiring a pair of 4-3 defensive tackles in the off-season and trying to plug them into a 3-4 set.
Of course, had Cleveland won against the Cowboys, such talk would only be whispers among player personnel folk and NFL GMs.
It will get a lot worse if the Steelers roll the Browns this week. Romeo will be under fire once again, the defense will be ridiculed to no end, and if the offense doesn’t awaken, DA’s status as the starter will once again be questioned. By the way, all three criticisms will be legitimate.
This observer stated on more than one occasion, last year’s 10-6 mark was due in large part to a soft schedule and good health. In this case, I’m from Missouri – they have to show me they are ready to move up the NFL leader. Simply stated - this corner is hoping for a split but expecting a 0-2 start.
One final thought on this week’s contest. Being competitive is not good enough. I have the Browns doing just that but finding a way to come up short – as they have numerous times against the Steelers in the recent past. You get NOTHING for keeping it close. There are no moral victories in the NFL. The hard truth is 0-2 is 0-2 regardless of the competitiveness of the contest. The organization, players and local media can spin it any way they want, but such a start would be devastating with eight road games remaining out of 14 left to play, not just a blip on the radar.
It’s not like this team has several consecutive playoff appearances to fall back on for comfort. The heat will truly be on if they lose this week, not only from media and fans locally, but from the national press that does not like to be made fools of.
Player Speak
I was able to catch several post-game interviews with Browns’ players and was concerned with what I heard. It was as though they (players) had built in excuses for losing to the Cowboys. I was hoping there was at least one player in that locker room that was truly embarrassed with that loss and said so publicly, which leads me to my point – a lack or leadership on this team.
The team looked lousy in pre-season, and they followed that up with a 28-10 opening week loss that was not even as close as the 18 point margin indicated.
Wake up gentlemen. There needs to be a sense of urgency this week and it needs to be maintained throughout the season.
Romeo Or Butch
One of the reasons I like Romeo C. is his simple, matter of fact approach with the media. He left that approach in his office when speaking to the media during his weekly press conference on Monday following the $#@-whipping by the Cowboys. Romeo stated, and I am paraphrasing here, that the game would have been much different had the Browns connected on the long drop and if the defense had come up with the interception near the Browns’ goal line on the Cowboys’ third scoring drive.
I will now translate – if Braylon Edwards catches that TD pass from DA and A. Davis comes up with that pick thrown right at him by Romo, Cleveland had a chance to stay in it. This may be true, but one can say that most weeks. It’s a sign of desperation.
By the way, those plays weren’t made because Edwards does not have good hands and Davis is not a playmaking LB. I just wanted to make sure we cut through the bull and understood the basics.
Remember when Cleveland’s own Jamaal Lewis was putting up Madden 2009 numbers versus the Browns several years back when he wore Raven colors?
Former Browns’ coach Butch Davis echoed similar thoughts. Something along the line of – If we had held him on those three long gains, he would not have gotten all those yards. Right.
Please Romeo, don’t go there again. It makes you look bad and insults the intelligence of the 2% of the population that “gets it.”
Palin Power
We wanted a qualified woman on the Republican ticket and McCain listened. Now she’s being hammered by the media for not being qualified. That’s a legitimate concern.
However, I haven’t seen the media ask the same question of the #1 on their favorite ticket. That’s to be expected I guess.
If Palin can stay above water during this current media blitz she’ll continue to be a huge asset and will swing some of those Hillary voters. Add the fact the left keeps taking cheap shots at her and her family, and that just drives more people to her camp – which translates into McCain votes in November.
As for the Charlie Gibson interview (Part I) – I give her a C. She looked uneasy talking about foreign policy – which is not her strength obviously. Otherwise, she held her own. As for Gibson, I don’t have any problems with his tough questions, just the condescending tone he took. He would not have done that with Obama, McCain, Hillary or Joe “I’m the smartest man in the room” Biden.
The McCain Camp just needs her to weather the storm. In other words, she’s already ahead on points as far as the majority of Americans are concerned. Palin appeals to “Wal Mart moms” because that’s what she is. They can relate.
The elite media doesn’t get that and never will. They will continue to probe for weaknesses. They don’t understand how McCain could put what they call an ideologue (in reality "pragmatic") young female governor, who earned her spurs as the mayor of a small town in Alaska, on the national ticket.
Meanwhile, many America thinks it’s a neat idea. The women is a governor, a mom and a wife, and they like that – so they’ll continue to cut her slack as long as she continues to sound like she has common sense.
You see, many American don’t care she doesn’t know who the president of Poland is. They figure McCain can handle that end until she learns the gig. Besides, what better place to learn about foreign policy from then from the #2 seat?
If I were McCain, I would declare immediately she will be in charge of domestic energy production - her strength, if their ticket wins.
Here’s my favorite part of this whole dilemma. The left and the majority of the mainstream media are focused on the fact that they believe she would be unqualified to be president because she doesn’t know a whole lot about foreign policy.
What do they think would happen if a worse-case scenario occurred and Palin had to take over the helm? Do they really think she would be making important foreign policy decisions on her own?
Of course not, but that’s what they want you to believe.
Last time I checked, a president hires the BEST OF THE BEST in all fields to give him/her informed opinions, including foreign policy.
It’s not like the conversation would go like this:
Palin: “Hey kids, gather around the kitchen table here in the West Wing – family meeting. The Russians are invading the Ukraine. What do you think we should do? I want everyone in the family to give me their thoughts – from oldest to youngest. Then when we settle this little matter, we’ll talk about our summer vacation plans.”
To date, all Palin has done is re-energized the base, allowed McCain to reach out to more female voters, confused the media elites and thrown the Obama Camp off its game. That’s pretty good work for less than two weeks on the job.
Our post-game analysis of week #2 will come on Monday.
Steelers 27-24.
Yea, they’ll play better this week, but in the end, it’s hard for me to pick the Browns over a team that has had their number nine consecutive times.
What To Watch
Keep an eye on the Browns pass rush – or lack there of. Big Ben, who has never lost to the Browns, was sacked 47 times in 2007 and some 90 times in the past two years. Everyone else seems to be able to get to him except one team – the Browns. If this trend continues Sunday night, the outcome will not please Browns’ fans.
Secondly, Josh Cribbs is expected to play. As we stated in our season preview, he’s a huge part of their offense because of the positive field position he gives them on a consistent basis. Without him, the Browns special teams are average at best. With him, Cleveland wins that match-up most weeks. If he plays and is healthy, he could be a key to success in week #2.
Finally, the Browns offense has to score early and often. There is no excuse this week. The offense has to carry this team if this team expects to make the post-season.
Honeymoon Over
The national media is already jumping off the bus.
The Browns were the popular pick to be this year’s “breakout team.” After the debacle in week #1 versus the Cowboys, the media is starting to figure out this club still has major holes – especially on the defensive side of the ball. For example, you are starting to hear whispers the Browns are trying to fit a round peg into a square hole by acquiring a pair of 4-3 defensive tackles in the off-season and trying to plug them into a 3-4 set.
Of course, had Cleveland won against the Cowboys, such talk would only be whispers among player personnel folk and NFL GMs.
It will get a lot worse if the Steelers roll the Browns this week. Romeo will be under fire once again, the defense will be ridiculed to no end, and if the offense doesn’t awaken, DA’s status as the starter will once again be questioned. By the way, all three criticisms will be legitimate.
This observer stated on more than one occasion, last year’s 10-6 mark was due in large part to a soft schedule and good health. In this case, I’m from Missouri – they have to show me they are ready to move up the NFL leader. Simply stated - this corner is hoping for a split but expecting a 0-2 start.
One final thought on this week’s contest. Being competitive is not good enough. I have the Browns doing just that but finding a way to come up short – as they have numerous times against the Steelers in the recent past. You get NOTHING for keeping it close. There are no moral victories in the NFL. The hard truth is 0-2 is 0-2 regardless of the competitiveness of the contest. The organization, players and local media can spin it any way they want, but such a start would be devastating with eight road games remaining out of 14 left to play, not just a blip on the radar.
It’s not like this team has several consecutive playoff appearances to fall back on for comfort. The heat will truly be on if they lose this week, not only from media and fans locally, but from the national press that does not like to be made fools of.
Player Speak
I was able to catch several post-game interviews with Browns’ players and was concerned with what I heard. It was as though they (players) had built in excuses for losing to the Cowboys. I was hoping there was at least one player in that locker room that was truly embarrassed with that loss and said so publicly, which leads me to my point – a lack or leadership on this team.
The team looked lousy in pre-season, and they followed that up with a 28-10 opening week loss that was not even as close as the 18 point margin indicated.
Wake up gentlemen. There needs to be a sense of urgency this week and it needs to be maintained throughout the season.
Romeo Or Butch
One of the reasons I like Romeo C. is his simple, matter of fact approach with the media. He left that approach in his office when speaking to the media during his weekly press conference on Monday following the $#@-whipping by the Cowboys. Romeo stated, and I am paraphrasing here, that the game would have been much different had the Browns connected on the long drop and if the defense had come up with the interception near the Browns’ goal line on the Cowboys’ third scoring drive.
I will now translate – if Braylon Edwards catches that TD pass from DA and A. Davis comes up with that pick thrown right at him by Romo, Cleveland had a chance to stay in it. This may be true, but one can say that most weeks. It’s a sign of desperation.
By the way, those plays weren’t made because Edwards does not have good hands and Davis is not a playmaking LB. I just wanted to make sure we cut through the bull and understood the basics.
Remember when Cleveland’s own Jamaal Lewis was putting up Madden 2009 numbers versus the Browns several years back when he wore Raven colors?
Former Browns’ coach Butch Davis echoed similar thoughts. Something along the line of – If we had held him on those three long gains, he would not have gotten all those yards. Right.
Please Romeo, don’t go there again. It makes you look bad and insults the intelligence of the 2% of the population that “gets it.”
Palin Power
We wanted a qualified woman on the Republican ticket and McCain listened. Now she’s being hammered by the media for not being qualified. That’s a legitimate concern.
However, I haven’t seen the media ask the same question of the #1 on their favorite ticket. That’s to be expected I guess.
If Palin can stay above water during this current media blitz she’ll continue to be a huge asset and will swing some of those Hillary voters. Add the fact the left keeps taking cheap shots at her and her family, and that just drives more people to her camp – which translates into McCain votes in November.
As for the Charlie Gibson interview (Part I) – I give her a C. She looked uneasy talking about foreign policy – which is not her strength obviously. Otherwise, she held her own. As for Gibson, I don’t have any problems with his tough questions, just the condescending tone he took. He would not have done that with Obama, McCain, Hillary or Joe “I’m the smartest man in the room” Biden.
The McCain Camp just needs her to weather the storm. In other words, she’s already ahead on points as far as the majority of Americans are concerned. Palin appeals to “Wal Mart moms” because that’s what she is. They can relate.
The elite media doesn’t get that and never will. They will continue to probe for weaknesses. They don’t understand how McCain could put what they call an ideologue (in reality "pragmatic") young female governor, who earned her spurs as the mayor of a small town in Alaska, on the national ticket.
Meanwhile, many America thinks it’s a neat idea. The women is a governor, a mom and a wife, and they like that – so they’ll continue to cut her slack as long as she continues to sound like she has common sense.
You see, many American don’t care she doesn’t know who the president of Poland is. They figure McCain can handle that end until she learns the gig. Besides, what better place to learn about foreign policy from then from the #2 seat?
If I were McCain, I would declare immediately she will be in charge of domestic energy production - her strength, if their ticket wins.
Here’s my favorite part of this whole dilemma. The left and the majority of the mainstream media are focused on the fact that they believe she would be unqualified to be president because she doesn’t know a whole lot about foreign policy.
What do they think would happen if a worse-case scenario occurred and Palin had to take over the helm? Do they really think she would be making important foreign policy decisions on her own?
Of course not, but that’s what they want you to believe.
Last time I checked, a president hires the BEST OF THE BEST in all fields to give him/her informed opinions, including foreign policy.
It’s not like the conversation would go like this:
Palin: “Hey kids, gather around the kitchen table here in the West Wing – family meeting. The Russians are invading the Ukraine. What do you think we should do? I want everyone in the family to give me their thoughts – from oldest to youngest. Then when we settle this little matter, we’ll talk about our summer vacation plans.”
To date, all Palin has done is re-energized the base, allowed McCain to reach out to more female voters, confused the media elites and thrown the Obama Camp off its game. That’s pretty good work for less than two weeks on the job.
Our post-game analysis of week #2 will come on Monday.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Browns Week #1 Post Mortem vs. Cowboys
We had the Cowboys reaching 30+ and winning by two scores in our previous entry. We were in the ballpark.
Dallas did what we thought they would do offensively – whatever they pleased. Unfortunately, Cleveland’s offense, outside of the first drive, was inefficient – to say the least. The Browns are headed for Miami Dolphins 2007 territory if they average 10 points per contest this fall.
Here are our game observations.
I have no idea what the Browns’ defensive brains trust was doing in the first half having their best pass rusher, K. Wimbley, constantly dropping in coverage on obvious passing downs.
They made him a first round pick to get sacks, not cover space on third and 9. Wimbley had a tough enough sophomore season getting to the quarterback. He doesn’t need the coaching staff to make his job any harder in year #3. He gets paid to sack quarterbacks. Period.
The Cowboys made an adjustment in the second quarter and put Anthony Henry on the Browns best receiver – K2. That’s seemed to work. The Browns, for some unknown reason, rarely went back to K2 after he had several grabs on their first drive – which resulted in a 2-yard TD dink from DA to Winslow.
The Browns spent the first half dropping as many as eight in coverage in an effort to protect a weak secondary.
Of course, that meant no pass rush whatsoever and Tony Romo had a field day. They came with more numbers in the second half but had limited success with it. By then, Romo was in a groove, and although they bloodied him up once, he played pitch and catch all day – regardless of what the Browns tried.
Back to the drawing board.
My son is a huge Felix Jones fan, the rookie back out of Arkansas. I can see why. He came off the bench for Dallas and ran for over 100 yards today. Of course, you have to take into account the defense he was facing.
Let’s see, week #1 is in the books and we have already seen a QB throw for over 300 yards against the Browns, a back rush for over 100 yards and a team gain nearly 500 yards of total offense. And that’s with the Cowboys putting it in neutral most of quarter #4.
We’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. A. Davis is a good citizen and a hard worked, but he’s a mediocre NFL linebacker at best. He had a chance to pick off Romo near the Browns' goal line and stop a Dallas drive cold. Romo threw it right at him but he dropped it. You HAVE to make that play. The end result was another Cowboys’ TD soon after.
Don’t ask me to explain why Romeo C. kicked a field goal down 21 in the fourth quarter.
Every once in a while we see coaches do something really stupid to remind us they aren’t all geniuses. This was such a case. The Dawson FG cut the lead to 18 – that’s 18 as in the Browns STILL needing three more scores to overtake Dallas with less than 11 minutes to play. You would hope there was at least one assistant coach on the sideline with the guts to tell him that was a bad idea. I guess not.
It didn’t matter anyway but it sure looked bad. How bad? After the FG sailed through the uprights, I actually heard loud boos. When was the last time you heard hometown fans boo after a score? That said it all.
I saved the best for last. Braylon Edwards turned in a performance only paralleled by the infamous Dennis Northcutt Fiasco in Pittsburgh circa 2006.
Remember that one?
Dennis dropped four that night and wanted no part of the poor weather conditions or the Steelers’ physical play. It was the single worst performance I have ever seen turned in by a professional athlete in team sports in any era. Yea, that bad.
Braylon Edwards’ performance came close with four official drops of his own (although we only counted three). In fact, throw in a pair of penalties Edwards picked up today and you could argue he put on a better show than CUT did that fateful evening in Steel Town. We’ll still give the edge to CUT however, but it was close.
The network carrying the Cowboys - Browns game put up a stat indicating Edwards had the second most drops in the NFL in 2007 – 20. Only TO had more. I had Edwards with only 16 drops in ‘07. But why quibble over a handful of drops. The point is Edwards had a horrid day and no one in their right mind should excuse it to his foot injury.
QBs and NFL receivers spend more time together than with their spouses when you include all the mini-camps, the two-a-days, the pre-season, the regular season and the extra work on the side.
I expect Edwards to bounce back next week and play very well. They'll need him to if they want to be competitive. Besides, how could he be worse?
We took the "Butterfingers" label off Edwards last fall because he was turning in a Pro-Bowl season - even with all the drops. But I reserve the right to bring it back if he once again is among the league-leaders in drops.
The point is the Browns cannot afford such self-inflicted wounds on offense. They need to score 30 or more every time out if they hope to win more than they lose this fall. Their defense is poor – and that’s being nice. They know it. The fans know it. The NFL knows it.
Two suggestions for Braylon - apologize to your teammates, coaches and fans that paid $50 + to see that performance, and donate a small part of your game check to the charity of your choice. Say $10,000.
Of course that will never happen. But it would ingratiate him with many people if he did as much. It's a good PR move, and I may not be able to tar my driveway (that's for you Nick), and I barely know how to screw in a lightbulb, but I know a little something about PR.
Finally, those media member who already are on record as saying the Browns CAN afford to go 0-2 out of the gate and still make the playoffs are showing their clear hometown bias. It’s like watching MSNBC covering Obama.
Going 0-2 in your building to start the season puts you in a huge hole. That means you would realistically have to win half your road games (4-4) and win out the rest of the way at home (6-0) to secure a 10-6 record. And we found out last fall, 10-6 was not good enough.
Forget what others say or write, if they want to be playing in January, this is a MUST win for Cleveland against the Steelers – a team that has handled the Browns nine straight times.
Otherwise, this could snowball badly when you consider the competitive schedule they have in ’08 compared to the X-mas present of a schedule they had in ‘07.
Week #2 vs. Steelers prediction to come.
Dallas did what we thought they would do offensively – whatever they pleased. Unfortunately, Cleveland’s offense, outside of the first drive, was inefficient – to say the least. The Browns are headed for Miami Dolphins 2007 territory if they average 10 points per contest this fall.
Here are our game observations.
I have no idea what the Browns’ defensive brains trust was doing in the first half having their best pass rusher, K. Wimbley, constantly dropping in coverage on obvious passing downs.
They made him a first round pick to get sacks, not cover space on third and 9. Wimbley had a tough enough sophomore season getting to the quarterback. He doesn’t need the coaching staff to make his job any harder in year #3. He gets paid to sack quarterbacks. Period.
The Cowboys made an adjustment in the second quarter and put Anthony Henry on the Browns best receiver – K2. That’s seemed to work. The Browns, for some unknown reason, rarely went back to K2 after he had several grabs on their first drive – which resulted in a 2-yard TD dink from DA to Winslow.
The Browns spent the first half dropping as many as eight in coverage in an effort to protect a weak secondary.
Of course, that meant no pass rush whatsoever and Tony Romo had a field day. They came with more numbers in the second half but had limited success with it. By then, Romo was in a groove, and although they bloodied him up once, he played pitch and catch all day – regardless of what the Browns tried.
Back to the drawing board.
My son is a huge Felix Jones fan, the rookie back out of Arkansas. I can see why. He came off the bench for Dallas and ran for over 100 yards today. Of course, you have to take into account the defense he was facing.
Let’s see, week #1 is in the books and we have already seen a QB throw for over 300 yards against the Browns, a back rush for over 100 yards and a team gain nearly 500 yards of total offense. And that’s with the Cowboys putting it in neutral most of quarter #4.
We’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. A. Davis is a good citizen and a hard worked, but he’s a mediocre NFL linebacker at best. He had a chance to pick off Romo near the Browns' goal line and stop a Dallas drive cold. Romo threw it right at him but he dropped it. You HAVE to make that play. The end result was another Cowboys’ TD soon after.
Don’t ask me to explain why Romeo C. kicked a field goal down 21 in the fourth quarter.
Every once in a while we see coaches do something really stupid to remind us they aren’t all geniuses. This was such a case. The Dawson FG cut the lead to 18 – that’s 18 as in the Browns STILL needing three more scores to overtake Dallas with less than 11 minutes to play. You would hope there was at least one assistant coach on the sideline with the guts to tell him that was a bad idea. I guess not.
It didn’t matter anyway but it sure looked bad. How bad? After the FG sailed through the uprights, I actually heard loud boos. When was the last time you heard hometown fans boo after a score? That said it all.
I saved the best for last. Braylon Edwards turned in a performance only paralleled by the infamous Dennis Northcutt Fiasco in Pittsburgh circa 2006.
Remember that one?
Dennis dropped four that night and wanted no part of the poor weather conditions or the Steelers’ physical play. It was the single worst performance I have ever seen turned in by a professional athlete in team sports in any era. Yea, that bad.
Braylon Edwards’ performance came close with four official drops of his own (although we only counted three). In fact, throw in a pair of penalties Edwards picked up today and you could argue he put on a better show than CUT did that fateful evening in Steel Town. We’ll still give the edge to CUT however, but it was close.
The network carrying the Cowboys - Browns game put up a stat indicating Edwards had the second most drops in the NFL in 2007 – 20. Only TO had more. I had Edwards with only 16 drops in ‘07. But why quibble over a handful of drops. The point is Edwards had a horrid day and no one in their right mind should excuse it to his foot injury.
QBs and NFL receivers spend more time together than with their spouses when you include all the mini-camps, the two-a-days, the pre-season, the regular season and the extra work on the side.
I expect Edwards to bounce back next week and play very well. They'll need him to if they want to be competitive. Besides, how could he be worse?
We took the "Butterfingers" label off Edwards last fall because he was turning in a Pro-Bowl season - even with all the drops. But I reserve the right to bring it back if he once again is among the league-leaders in drops.
The point is the Browns cannot afford such self-inflicted wounds on offense. They need to score 30 or more every time out if they hope to win more than they lose this fall. Their defense is poor – and that’s being nice. They know it. The fans know it. The NFL knows it.
Two suggestions for Braylon - apologize to your teammates, coaches and fans that paid $50 + to see that performance, and donate a small part of your game check to the charity of your choice. Say $10,000.
Of course that will never happen. But it would ingratiate him with many people if he did as much. It's a good PR move, and I may not be able to tar my driveway (that's for you Nick), and I barely know how to screw in a lightbulb, but I know a little something about PR.
Finally, those media member who already are on record as saying the Browns CAN afford to go 0-2 out of the gate and still make the playoffs are showing their clear hometown bias. It’s like watching MSNBC covering Obama.
Going 0-2 in your building to start the season puts you in a huge hole. That means you would realistically have to win half your road games (4-4) and win out the rest of the way at home (6-0) to secure a 10-6 record. And we found out last fall, 10-6 was not good enough.
Forget what others say or write, if they want to be playing in January, this is a MUST win for Cleveland against the Steelers – a team that has handled the Browns nine straight times.
Otherwise, this could snowball badly when you consider the competitive schedule they have in ’08 compared to the X-mas present of a schedule they had in ‘07.
Week #2 vs. Steelers prediction to come.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
GOR, Cowboys/Browns Pick, W1
GOR/Week #1 – vs. Dallas
Coaching
The coaching match-up is a wash. Neither is entering the Hall anytime soon.
Offense
Both offensive units are equally capable of putting up a 30 spot against a subpar defense. Jamaal Lewis not being 100% could hurt the Browns dearly – especially if the Cowboys are able to pin their ears backs and go after a rusty DA. Remember, the Browns’ “O” line, the team’s strongest unit in 2007, struggled in this pre-season.
Defense
The Cowboys have a solid defensive unit while the Browns come off a season that had them rank #30 overall in the NFL – advantage America’s Team.
Special Teams
Cribbs may not play – bad news for the Brownies.
Summary
It’s shaping up to be a “first team to 30” type of game with both QBs expected to make a ton of plays. It’s not a “manage the game” match-up looming.
The Cowboys' trigger-man, Tony Romo, is healthy, athletic and should have plenty of time to throw and thus have a field day against a porous Browns’ pass defense.
Derek Anderson is coming off a concussion, hasn’t played in two weeks, and much more likely to have one of those 2 TDs/3 INT performances. Look for Anthony Henry and PacMan Jones to jump some routes.
Final Score
It's very hard to rationalize the Browns winning this one unless Romo has a terrible day. That's not likely with the weapons he has around him and the defense he's facing. Thus, we like the BOYS – 34-24.
Coaching
The coaching match-up is a wash. Neither is entering the Hall anytime soon.
Offense
Both offensive units are equally capable of putting up a 30 spot against a subpar defense. Jamaal Lewis not being 100% could hurt the Browns dearly – especially if the Cowboys are able to pin their ears backs and go after a rusty DA. Remember, the Browns’ “O” line, the team’s strongest unit in 2007, struggled in this pre-season.
Defense
The Cowboys have a solid defensive unit while the Browns come off a season that had them rank #30 overall in the NFL – advantage America’s Team.
Special Teams
Cribbs may not play – bad news for the Brownies.
Summary
It’s shaping up to be a “first team to 30” type of game with both QBs expected to make a ton of plays. It’s not a “manage the game” match-up looming.
The Cowboys' trigger-man, Tony Romo, is healthy, athletic and should have plenty of time to throw and thus have a field day against a porous Browns’ pass defense.
Derek Anderson is coming off a concussion, hasn’t played in two weeks, and much more likely to have one of those 2 TDs/3 INT performances. Look for Anthony Henry and PacMan Jones to jump some routes.
Final Score
It's very hard to rationalize the Browns winning this one unless Romo has a terrible day. That's not likely with the weapons he has around him and the defense he's facing. Thus, we like the BOYS – 34-24.
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