Phil, Browns - Texans & More

Phil Savage
We surmised several weeks ago following Kellen Winslow’s post-game couch session with the media that General Manger Phil Savage was “in over his head” in terms of how poorly he handled the situation (see said post).

Well, once is an unfortunate incident, but twice is a trend.

Following Monday’s win over the Bills, Savage exchanged e-mails with a fan. What was he doing exchanging e-mails with fans less than one hour after the win is bothersome, but the fact that he used some sort of expletive in his reply to the fan’s e-mail, is bewildering.

We have noted numerous time on these pages that fans are, for the most part, morons, when it comes to sports knowledge. Most fans mean well, but fall under the heading of “a little knowledge is dangerous” when it comes to understanding what is actually going on.

They live in the here-and-now and their attitudes and behavior patterns reflect that more often than not.

General Managers are supposed to know better and stay away from that kind of silliness. Quite frankly, it is beneath them to even have such a discourse – especially minutes after a game when emotions are running high.

There is a reason there is a cooling off period for players and coaches before dealing with media after a contest. In Cleveland, it looks like one needs to be implemented for the GM.

There is a time and place to talk to fans – the flagship’s station local radio show being one, or perhaps the chicken dinner special at the season holder luncheon. But that’s about it.

NEVER should the general manager waste his time reading fan e-mails or responding to said e-mails. He has more important things to do – like evaluate and gather talented football players.

And while we are at it, it needs mentioned that when the GM goes on a radio talk show to explain himself during a tough week where arguably the team’s best player is suspended (K2’s couch session), then proceeds to list about a dozen responsibilities he as and concludes with “Now, that’s a big job,” he should be pulled aside by his owner and told if he can’t hack the responsibility when things are going bad, he should find another line of work.

That’s right – if Savage wasn’t on his way out after the K2 debacle, he just iced the skids for himself this time around.

You see, he just lost his mulligan.

Remember what we stated in a previous post - the GM usually gets at least one mulligan in hiring then firing his first head coach who couldn’t get it done. Well, now it seems clear who the adult is in this playpen.

Romeo Crennel had to play grown up when Winslow whined about not getting any love after a tough loss, and he had to do it all over again yesterday after the news broke his GM is busy playing “on-line nasty” with some idiot fan who probably doesn’t know a strong side linebacker from a nickel back.

There is no way now Randy Lerner can dump Crennel at season’s end and keep Savage. How do you explain that one to the fans and media – especially the few that get it?

Right now, the GM has that “deer in the headlight look” we talked about several weeks ago while the head coach sounds thoughtful and rational. No, he’s not winning, but compared to Savage, Crennel looks professional and not ready to come apart at the seams.

That’s the real story here – not that Savage went off the reservation again and made news. It’s that Lerner and company are stuck for the rest of the season with a GM who is perhaps unstable and not up to the job, and a head coach, who is professional but unsuccessful in year #4.

That’s right – I said it – unstable. There is something going on there. I just haven’t figured it all out yet. How else do you explain Savage's behavior the past few weeks? At minimum, this guy has some self-confidence issues. However, I am not a psycholigist and don't play one on television.

The Browns have staff shrinks on call I'm sure. All pro teams do. Perhaps a session on the couch will do him some good. It can't hurt. I'm not kidding here. Players are asked to see pros when off-the-field issues arise, why not ask the same of front office types?

What does this all mean for the franchise?

It means what we suggested a long time ago is closer to taking place. Lerner now has no choice at year’s end but to turn the WHOLE operation over to an adult who brings instant credibility with him (i.e. Cowher or Marty).

Better late than never I say.

Neither Cowher nor Marty will want or need Savage around – unless they need someone to get them cream and sugar with their coffee in the morning.

It's a cold business, but don't feel sorry for them - Phil and Romeo will be well-compensated to play golf year round.

Sunday Pick
By the way, there’s a game to be played Sunday. In the contest on the field, we like the Browns to show up at home and handle their business against the Texans by a 31-17 score.

I expect them to play well this weekend – even on the defensive side of the ball. I have no explanation for it other then to say they are due to play a complete game.

Quinn's Finger
Word is Brady Quinn has a boo boo on his finger. He practiced during the week, so he obviously can play. Good.

We don't need a football version of the Tribe's prized prospect we have yet to see pitch in Cleveland, Adam Miller, who gets a blister on his throwing hand and they shut him down again, for a month.

Rich Rodriguez
After posting barely a handful of wins and telling the fans to “get a life” during OSU week, this guy obviously wants out. He’s one-and-done if I’m running the show in Michigan.