Been There Done That
This time it’s New England’s Scott Pioli’s name as the new, hot, up-and-comer who may be brought in to run the Browns. If Pioli is the hire, how far behind will Josh McDaniels be as the potential new head coach or someone like him?
I have nothing against Pioli or however he is likely to hire to coach the team. I’m sure he’s qualified and deserving, and the people he hires under him will be fit as well. But we’ve seen this act before a number of times. The Cleveland Browns are notorious for hiring the guy next in line for a promotion.
This organization has gone this route for the past 40 years. In that time, Cleveland has won exactly 0 Super Bowls and in the recent past (since 1999), this team has been atrocious.
We have been over this ground time and time again, but good, sound advice doesn't lose its appropriatness over time.
Okay, Bill Cowher wants no part of the Browns although he may be interested in coaching the Jets.
Fine - move on to plan B. We suggested nearly two years ago plan B was Marty.
Yea, I know what his playoff record is. And if the worst thing you can say about Marty is he gets teams to the playoffs then loses, then you are actually giving him a compliment but are too much of a moron to realize it – especially considering where this (Browns) franchise has been since he left town 20 years ago.
Who wouldn’t prefer regular playoff appearances with the possibility of going to the Super Bowl over a franchise now known for setting an NFL mark for going almost two months without scoring an offensive touchdown?
And what do I do if Marty isn’t interested? I’m glad you asked.
Next in line is Dick Vermeil, followed by Jimmy Johnson.
None of these guys will sign up you say? How do you now that to be a fact? Besides, it doesn't cost you anything to make the inquiry.
If the Lerners were smart, they would have already covered much of this ground already in the past few weeks by putting out appropriate feelers.
I've always said I want someone with clout - a coach who brings instant respect and credibility to the town, the organization, and the locker room.
If you are an avid reader you are probably wondering why I am skipping over the GM hiring since I’m always said the GM is chosen first followed by letting him choose his coach. You are wise my friend.
I am skipping that variable because when you have a chance to hire a Hall of Fame coach, you do it, and then worry about filling in the gaps.
And what do I do if none of the above is available?
Well, then I see which very successful former team president/GM who wants back in the game is the best fit for Cleveland, unless ofcourse there is someone with rings out there already employed who may be on his way out (i.e. Bill Parcells in Miami).
If Parcells stays put, former Packers’ executive Ron Woolf, for example, comes to mind, but I’m sure there are others to interview as well.
So if I were consulting for ownership, I would be emphasizing two key elements - DON’T RUSH THE PROCESS AND HIRE SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT.
You see, it’s simple – the margin for error is greater with someone who has been to the mountain top.
Look- If I want to climb Mount Everest, I want a sherpa leading the expedition who has been to the summit, not his assistant, Akeem, who has only reached Base Camp Alpha but has plenty of promise.
Now do you get it? That's no slap at Akeem, I just want his boss instead if I'm running a $1 billion franchise.
Revising History
We are now being told by the local media that it was mostly Phil Savage’s fault.
That makes sense – everyone liked RC more, so Savage will take more heat from here on out. You could see this one coming.
The media’s plan of attack involves informing the public that not only did Savage do all the drafting with no input from Crennel but he also picked the 53-man roster – which is unusual at best. That’s (choosing the roster) usually the head coach’s responsibility with input from the GM.
We’re also told Savage picked Crennel’s assistant coaches as well – which is amazing if true.
If this is all true, why not go public with this information a year ago when the team was 10-6 and the toast of the town or prior to that point?
And please don’t tell me no one knew what the set-up was back then. If no one knew, it’s an indictment on those who get paid to cover this team on a daily basis. If the media knew, then it’s another indication of lack of spine.
Come on.
Whether the team wins or not, who in their right mind thinks that's a good set-up for running an organization? It's certainly worth an open discussion BEFORE the roof caves in.
And who would be stupid enough you take the head coaching job if you weren’t allowed to hire the people under you?
I know the answer to the second question – money talks.
To this observer, someone with integrity and confidence in his abilities does not take the head coaching gig with this many strings attached, if true, regardless of the money involved. Sorry Romeo, you have to take some heat for this one.
Hell, based on this information, all that Crennel was responsible for was choosing the team captains and when to throw out the challenge hanky.
This set-up was a recipe for disaster and indicates either Savage’s total lack of confidence on the coach he hired or a control freak let run-a-muck – or both. Either way, it’s not good.
The end result – both guys get canned after year #4 after totally making a mess of things to the point where I doubt either will ever be in charge again as a GM or head coach.
Of course, the local media is only starting to cover this ground now after the fact. Sound familiar?
Year End Awards
Split all the special awards between the Dolphins and Falcons, from Executive of the Year & Coach of the Year all the way down.
Those two organizations had startling one-year turnarounds and deserve congratulations. Besides, picking between them would be foolish.
NFL Player of the Year
My NFL Player of the Year goes to Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and his 20 sacks. Getting 10 sacks in a season usually gets you to the Pro Bowl, but 20 is good enough in my book for POY.
You figure he probably drew at least another half-dozen holding penalties as well, so this guy had a freak of a season playing the single, most important role on the defensive side of the ball (pass rusher).
Disappointment of the Year
That’s easy – my Cowboys. There was too much talent there for this team to not make the post-season. And although I am not a fan of Jerry Jones’ management style, he does whatever it takes to win in terms of bringing in talent.
This time I agree with the experts - the talent was there but the chemistry was off.
Special Mention
We said the Patriots would not make the playoffs once Tom Brady went down. We were technically right, but actually wrong.
“Mr. Happy” took them to 11-5 after their HOF quarterback went down with a signal-caller in charge who wasn’t even a starter in college. That's amazing.
Once again, we want to acknowledge that organization’s strong identity that allowed tem to persevere where others would have failed miserably. In opinion, that was his (BB) best coaching job – including the Super Bowl years.
It's interesting those under him have not done very well once they left the coop - Mangini, Crennel, Weiss. I haven't figured that one out yet.
Lions
If I had the cash and it were legal, I would take a patent out on the Lions' 0-16 season and make memorabilia from it – including a ball cap that read "0-16."
I doubt the NFL and the Lions will allow it, but it’s a great idea and would sell. Regardless, if the cap does become available, I want one.
It’s sick history, but history nonetheless. Fifty years from now, few will remember who won the 2009 Super Bowl without looking it up but many will remember the futility that was the 2008 Lions.
By the way, credit the Lions’ players for competing hard in the season finale last Sunday. The same can’t be said for several other teams – including the Brownies and Boys, among others.
If I am a new GM or head coach coming in, I would look at video of the games that meant absolutely nothing first to evaluate my roster.
That's where you find character or lack there of.
Late Addition: I just heard Mike Shanahan was fired in Denver. All he's done is win two Super Bowls and the large majority of his games as a head coach.
If he had won Sunday night against Sand Diego and gotten his team into the playoffs, he still has his job. Nice work Pat Bowlen - you just joined my Top-10 Moron list.
Randy Lerner's interview list just increased to include John Elway's old coach if he has half a brain.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
X-mas Edition
Quarterback Perception
Perception is reality. This is especially true when talking quarterbacks.
One quarterback has 23 touchdown passes and 12 picks while completing 63% of his passes while the other has 15 touchdown tosses and nine interceptions with a 60% completion mark.
Which is more deserving of Pro Bowl honors? Wrong.
Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers had the better stats going into Mondays’ game against the Bears, but it is Atlanta rookie Matt Ryan who is going to run away with the NFL Rookie of the Year Award and is being hailed as a “Franchise QB” by the media.
The difference is obvious – Ryan’s team had an amazing one-year turnaround from 2007 while the Packers went from 13 wins last season to under .500 in ’08.
It’s all about winning – especially at the quarterback position.
Keepers
After watching some of the Browns’ 14-0 loss to the mighty Bengals, I came to the conclusion that D’Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis should return next season.
No one has been more critical of Cleveland’s linebackers than me the past two years. However, Jackson improved from his rookie season of 2007 to be among the league-leaders in tackles n ‘08.
I don’t ever see him as an impact player at that position, but he could develop into a solid starter for years to come based on where he is after two years in the league.
Davis returning is more of an emotional call on my part. He’s seen more than his share of losing and turmoil playing for the Browns the past eight years and he’s been a class act on and off the field.
Yes, they need to upgrade at that position and if the draft were held tomorrow and the Browns had the #1 overall pick, I would take USC’s Rey Maualuga to take Davis’ spot.
Regardless, if the veteran agrees to come back as a part-time player, I would make a roster spot for him. He’s good in the locker room and does what’s asked of him.
Top-5
I have revamped my top-5 players coming out this year. Here goes.
I have seen USC player three times this season and they have numerous defensive players who will be playing on Sunday in 2009, but none will have more impact than the aforementioned Rey Maualuga.
USC linebackers usually do very well in the NFL and this guy has some Junior Seau in him.
Next on my list at 2A & 2B include Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins, who we already have said can play any of the secondary positions on the field at the next level and excel, and Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree (aka: Hines Ward).
You can’t go wrong with either one. It just depends which side of the ball you have the greater need at.
We also love SC’s 6’3’’/230 pound safety Taylor Mays, placing him at #4 overall. He has some Steve Atwater in him; the hard-hitting safety who roamed Denver’s secondary while John Elway was playing Superman on the other side of the ball.
The final player on the list is courtesy of my inside source – my 17-year old son. He’s good at this and this year he’s settled on Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo as his “best senior” in the draft.
The kid’s at about 75% when picking out potential first round studs, a much better percentage than the experts that get a paycheck for doing this.
Here’s the good news for Browns’ fans. Even they can’t screw this up. They are heading for a top-5 pick and should not waste time and money sending their scouts anywhere and everywhere to prepare for their first choice. Just take Maualuga if he’s there, followed by Jenkins, then Crabtree, etc…You get the point.
Fewer Downs Versus More Yards
I caught some of the Bears’ – Packers’ and noticed something that has been bothering me for some time. Why do teams, the large majority of the time, take a five yard penalty and push the offense back instead of taking the loss of down after a no gain or minimal gain play.
I would much rather give a team just two cracks at getting nine yards than three shots at getting 15. This is especially true if I’m defending in the red zone. I guess I’m in the minority, but I don’t get why.
Too Soft
Pretty soon, NFL players will only be allowed to make tackles below the knees. The horse collar penalty is about as ridiculous as you can get. I understand not being allowed to go to the head anymore. That’s similar to pitchers head hunting – it’s very dangerous. But when was the last time a player suffered a career-threatening injury due to a horse collar?
Marvin Lewis
Why does Marvin Lewis keep his job? He’s had more guys show up on the 10 Most Wanted List than Pro Bowlers and he hasn’t won consistently, even with a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback on his roster.
Yes, his winning percentage is better than many who came before him, but it’s under .500 and the team gets more publicity for off-the-field issues than on-the-field success. Besides, he was touted as a defensive genius coming in and his offense has carried that franchise since he’s been there.
Affordability
Times may have changed some for the Tribe in terms of finances.
A few years back, the Indians would never have considered a $10 million deal per year deal for a relief pitcher. In fact, it took the ill-fated Travis Hafner signing ($14 million per) for the Tribe to have their first eight figure a year player. Unfortunately, Hafner looks closer to Carlos Baerga after the switch hitter hurt his wrist than the MVP candidate Pronk was before he went down.
Give John Hart (aka: I love the cameras) credit on this one. He got it right with Carlos and dealt him when it was unpopular fearing he was done as an everyday player. Shapiro got it wrong and signed Pronk – despite our suggestion to let him walk.
I don’t know what that says, but I know what I would do next.
The Indians need to try to sign their best player, Grady Sizemore, to an extension ASAP. This will be a watershed moment for this franchise after not being able to keep any of their best players, this side of Hafner in the last 10 years of trying.
We have been critical of Sizemore’s long swing and mediocre batting average. However, he is a special player and this organization cannot afford to lose its fourth potential Hall of Fame everyday player in the last 10 years.
Think about that. The Tribe’s farm system produced three everyday HOF talents since the early 90s - Albert Belle, Jim Thome & Manny Ramirez. Unfortunately, MLB economics did not allow Cleveland to keep them.
And before, you take me to task for mentioning Belle, I realize he won’t get into the HOF because of the hip injury that cut his career short. Regardless, even with his abrasive personality, he was a shoe-in for the HOF had he stayed healthy.
The signing of a relief pitcher for $10 million per season indicates Cleveland will go to the wall to sign Sizemore. As usual, it will be up to the player to decide if he REALLY wants to sign with the home team.
DÉJÀ VU
The Browns are down to their fourth quarterback in the season finale against the Steelers. This one should be off the board in Vegas, but that’s another story.
The point is how awful the offensive line has played in recent weeks. Some of those guys have obviously packed it in. Hopefully, the new coach will look carefully at film to see who sustained their blocks and who didn’t in December when the wheels came completely off for this team.
The “O” line play has by far been the most disappointing aspect of this team’s play to this observer in 2008. We raved about the line’s play in 2007, indicating it was the best work by a Browns’ OL unit we have ever seen dating back to the late 1960s.
Unfortunately, we have to go the opposite direction this time around. With the exception of a brief four-week stretch in the middle of the season, the “O” line has failed miserably in ‘08.
In 2007, thanks in large part to that unit up front, DA hardly got touched and put up good numbers that convinced many he was the real deal at quarterback, while in 2008, all the quarterbacks on the roster when the season began have been abused and will be in street clothes this coming Sunday. Enough said!
Trade Rumors
The S. Marion for Andy V. and Wally Z. rumors persist.
Marion is a byproduct of playing with Steve Nash in a run and gun system. Nash made Marion a lot of money, but he’s (Marion) not nearly as good as he thinks he is. Just check is numbers post-Nash.
Secondly, Andy V. brings a unique skills set to the Cavaliers – something we have stated over and over again.
Right now, we see no reason to make that trade. We like Marion’s athleticism and ability to score, but we think the Cavaliers have enough scoring right now, and the loss of Andy V. would cost the team a variable off the bench in the front-court that’s hard to replace.
Bowl Selections
Go Boise State and Utah!
Enjoy the holidays....
Enjoy the holidays.
Perception is reality. This is especially true when talking quarterbacks.
One quarterback has 23 touchdown passes and 12 picks while completing 63% of his passes while the other has 15 touchdown tosses and nine interceptions with a 60% completion mark.
Which is more deserving of Pro Bowl honors? Wrong.
Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers had the better stats going into Mondays’ game against the Bears, but it is Atlanta rookie Matt Ryan who is going to run away with the NFL Rookie of the Year Award and is being hailed as a “Franchise QB” by the media.
The difference is obvious – Ryan’s team had an amazing one-year turnaround from 2007 while the Packers went from 13 wins last season to under .500 in ’08.
It’s all about winning – especially at the quarterback position.
Keepers
After watching some of the Browns’ 14-0 loss to the mighty Bengals, I came to the conclusion that D’Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis should return next season.
No one has been more critical of Cleveland’s linebackers than me the past two years. However, Jackson improved from his rookie season of 2007 to be among the league-leaders in tackles n ‘08.
I don’t ever see him as an impact player at that position, but he could develop into a solid starter for years to come based on where he is after two years in the league.
Davis returning is more of an emotional call on my part. He’s seen more than his share of losing and turmoil playing for the Browns the past eight years and he’s been a class act on and off the field.
Yes, they need to upgrade at that position and if the draft were held tomorrow and the Browns had the #1 overall pick, I would take USC’s Rey Maualuga to take Davis’ spot.
Regardless, if the veteran agrees to come back as a part-time player, I would make a roster spot for him. He’s good in the locker room and does what’s asked of him.
Top-5
I have revamped my top-5 players coming out this year. Here goes.
I have seen USC player three times this season and they have numerous defensive players who will be playing on Sunday in 2009, but none will have more impact than the aforementioned Rey Maualuga.
USC linebackers usually do very well in the NFL and this guy has some Junior Seau in him.
Next on my list at 2A & 2B include Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins, who we already have said can play any of the secondary positions on the field at the next level and excel, and Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree (aka: Hines Ward).
You can’t go wrong with either one. It just depends which side of the ball you have the greater need at.
We also love SC’s 6’3’’/230 pound safety Taylor Mays, placing him at #4 overall. He has some Steve Atwater in him; the hard-hitting safety who roamed Denver’s secondary while John Elway was playing Superman on the other side of the ball.
The final player on the list is courtesy of my inside source – my 17-year old son. He’s good at this and this year he’s settled on Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo as his “best senior” in the draft.
The kid’s at about 75% when picking out potential first round studs, a much better percentage than the experts that get a paycheck for doing this.
Here’s the good news for Browns’ fans. Even they can’t screw this up. They are heading for a top-5 pick and should not waste time and money sending their scouts anywhere and everywhere to prepare for their first choice. Just take Maualuga if he’s there, followed by Jenkins, then Crabtree, etc…You get the point.
Fewer Downs Versus More Yards
I caught some of the Bears’ – Packers’ and noticed something that has been bothering me for some time. Why do teams, the large majority of the time, take a five yard penalty and push the offense back instead of taking the loss of down after a no gain or minimal gain play.
I would much rather give a team just two cracks at getting nine yards than three shots at getting 15. This is especially true if I’m defending in the red zone. I guess I’m in the minority, but I don’t get why.
Too Soft
Pretty soon, NFL players will only be allowed to make tackles below the knees. The horse collar penalty is about as ridiculous as you can get. I understand not being allowed to go to the head anymore. That’s similar to pitchers head hunting – it’s very dangerous. But when was the last time a player suffered a career-threatening injury due to a horse collar?
Marvin Lewis
Why does Marvin Lewis keep his job? He’s had more guys show up on the 10 Most Wanted List than Pro Bowlers and he hasn’t won consistently, even with a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback on his roster.
Yes, his winning percentage is better than many who came before him, but it’s under .500 and the team gets more publicity for off-the-field issues than on-the-field success. Besides, he was touted as a defensive genius coming in and his offense has carried that franchise since he’s been there.
Affordability
Times may have changed some for the Tribe in terms of finances.
A few years back, the Indians would never have considered a $10 million deal per year deal for a relief pitcher. In fact, it took the ill-fated Travis Hafner signing ($14 million per) for the Tribe to have their first eight figure a year player. Unfortunately, Hafner looks closer to Carlos Baerga after the switch hitter hurt his wrist than the MVP candidate Pronk was before he went down.
Give John Hart (aka: I love the cameras) credit on this one. He got it right with Carlos and dealt him when it was unpopular fearing he was done as an everyday player. Shapiro got it wrong and signed Pronk – despite our suggestion to let him walk.
I don’t know what that says, but I know what I would do next.
The Indians need to try to sign their best player, Grady Sizemore, to an extension ASAP. This will be a watershed moment for this franchise after not being able to keep any of their best players, this side of Hafner in the last 10 years of trying.
We have been critical of Sizemore’s long swing and mediocre batting average. However, he is a special player and this organization cannot afford to lose its fourth potential Hall of Fame everyday player in the last 10 years.
Think about that. The Tribe’s farm system produced three everyday HOF talents since the early 90s - Albert Belle, Jim Thome & Manny Ramirez. Unfortunately, MLB economics did not allow Cleveland to keep them.
And before, you take me to task for mentioning Belle, I realize he won’t get into the HOF because of the hip injury that cut his career short. Regardless, even with his abrasive personality, he was a shoe-in for the HOF had he stayed healthy.
The signing of a relief pitcher for $10 million per season indicates Cleveland will go to the wall to sign Sizemore. As usual, it will be up to the player to decide if he REALLY wants to sign with the home team.
DÉJÀ VU
The Browns are down to their fourth quarterback in the season finale against the Steelers. This one should be off the board in Vegas, but that’s another story.
The point is how awful the offensive line has played in recent weeks. Some of those guys have obviously packed it in. Hopefully, the new coach will look carefully at film to see who sustained their blocks and who didn’t in December when the wheels came completely off for this team.
The “O” line play has by far been the most disappointing aspect of this team’s play to this observer in 2008. We raved about the line’s play in 2007, indicating it was the best work by a Browns’ OL unit we have ever seen dating back to the late 1960s.
Unfortunately, we have to go the opposite direction this time around. With the exception of a brief four-week stretch in the middle of the season, the “O” line has failed miserably in ‘08.
In 2007, thanks in large part to that unit up front, DA hardly got touched and put up good numbers that convinced many he was the real deal at quarterback, while in 2008, all the quarterbacks on the roster when the season began have been abused and will be in street clothes this coming Sunday. Enough said!
Trade Rumors
The S. Marion for Andy V. and Wally Z. rumors persist.
Marion is a byproduct of playing with Steve Nash in a run and gun system. Nash made Marion a lot of money, but he’s (Marion) not nearly as good as he thinks he is. Just check is numbers post-Nash.
Secondly, Andy V. brings a unique skills set to the Cavaliers – something we have stated over and over again.
Right now, we see no reason to make that trade. We like Marion’s athleticism and ability to score, but we think the Cavaliers have enough scoring right now, and the loss of Andy V. would cost the team a variable off the bench in the front-court that’s hard to replace.
Bowl Selections
Go Boise State and Utah!
Enjoy the holidays....
Enjoy the holidays.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
This & That
Romo
I watched Tony Romo’s post-game press conference last week following the Cowboys' win over the Giants’ and was very impressed by his demeanor, intelligence and unassuming nature. I can see why he is so well-liked.
Amani Toomey
Okay. I finally found a Michigan wide receiver that has had a solid NFL career. The Giants’ Amani Toomey is in his 13th year in the NFL and has the third most receptions in history for a player to never earn Pro Bowl honors. As you know, I am not a fan of Wolverine wide outs – with good reason.
I forgot Toomer was a Michigan grad. I don’t remember what round he was drafted in but it doesn’t matter – he’s been solid.
Braylon
Speaking of Michigan receivers - Braylon Edwards said this past Monday that he was “unappreciated by the fans in Cleveland.” The guy can’t catch a break. Right.
You would think his advisers would suggest he keep quiet and not draw any more attention to himself. He’s done enough damage to his reputation with his embarrassing play in 2008. Log this one under the category of “delusional.”
More On WRs
John Madden said on the air the other night the following – “TO is a great receiver but he will drop the ball.” This begs the question – Can you be a great receiver if you don’t have good wide receiver hands?
I covered this ground last year in a piece following Braylon Edwards’ selection to the Pro Bowl. I stated that I had to adjust my position on what a “great receiver” is based on today’s wide outs and their propensity to drop double digit passes in any given season.
Perhaps I was too quick to give in. All I know is the best wide receivers in the game 20 and 30 years ago rarely dropped passes at this rate.
The only likely answer is they are bigger, faster and stronger today but not as fundamentally sound. You could probably say that about many of our best athletes across the sports spectrum today.
Baseline
I will go to my deathbed not understanding why basketball teams, at all levels, are taught to give up baseline to the ball handler when he’s on the wing.
It only works if the helps comes quickly and the offensive player in question is unable to adjust to the help defense. The majority of the time I see a defender give a player baseline, the offensive player ends up getting a layup, fouled, or setting up a teammate for the finish.
Why not just continue to play good defense and stay in front of your man and not give him a clear lane to the basketball? John Wooden couldn’t convince me that’s not the best approach to take. I’m stubborn I guess.
Thinking Out of the Box
One of the reasons bad teams become good teams overnight involves thinking out of the box. That’s the case with the Miami Dolphins, who took ILB Joey Porter and made him a pass rusher this season.
He’s now among the league-leaders in sacks – wreaking havoc in the backfield all year long helping his defense get off the field on third down. And think, Porter is arguably on the downside of his career.
I never understood why teams don’t blitz their middle & inside linebackers more when he’s clearly their best linebacker. Dropping a tacking machine in coverage all the time seems like a waste of talent to me.
For example, I’ve always wondered what kind of damage Ray Lewis could do if you turned him loose after the quarterback more often on second and eight and third and five.
It’s a simple philosophy – take your best player in your front seven and tell him to get the QB – regardless of what position he plays.
Indians’ Smoke Screen
While the Indians spend the off-season revamping their bullpen and trying to acquire a quality middle infielder and a big outfield bat, the key to the Tribe’s success in 2009 will depend heavily on Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez.
These two bats need to put big numbers this coming summer to ease the pain of Cleveland lacking team speed, having a mediocre defense and any other warts that may appear during the long, hot summer.
Simply – their #3 and #4 hitters of past years need to stay healthy and perform like they belong there again. Period.
Auburn & Charles
How do you hire a football coach to compete in the SEC who has posted a 5-19 record in two years at Iowa State? Auburn’s AD and company are either brilliant or total and complete morons. We’ll know in three years time or less.
That’s about all the patience Tiger fans will have before they start calling for heads to role. I realize Gene Chizik has roots at Auburn, but 5-19?
As for what Charles Barkley said pertaining to race being a major factor – of course it’s true. Can you imagine a 5-19 black head coach getting a similar post?
Barkley’s best point went unnoticed because everyone focused on the race comments – as usual. Barkley stated Auburn needed to “shake things up” or do something different based on the other programs in the conference and Auburn trying to compete against the success they are having. He’s dead on.
Had I been the AD at Auburn, Turner Gill would have been my first, second and third choice. The guy turned around one of the most pathetic college football programs in the country (U. Buffalo) in just three years time.
The fact that’s he’s black would have shaken things up in Alabama, and the SEC in general, and would have been a plus when Gill entered a young man’s home trying to recruit him.
The last time I checked, nearly 55% of Division I college football players are black. Auburn, along with 115 other programs at that level, have it backwards. Being a black head coach is a positive in recruiting football players.
If redneck alums and boosters don’t like it, so what?
If you (AD) are right and he wins, they’ll be on board. And if he (Gill) fails, you are going to can him after three or four years whether he’s white, black or green. That’s unfortunately the nature of the business these days.
Think about it – which carries more weight when he enters your home recruiting your son - Gill, a former All-American quarterback from Nebraska, who as a young coach has already proven he can turn a program around quickly, or another middle-aged, grey-haired white guy who has five career victories on his resume? Come on.
Joe Thomas
I’m no offensive line coach, but you have a better chance of convincing me Global Warming (aka: Global Climate Change) is real than convincing me Joe Thomas earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008.
This season, he looked like a rookie.
I suggest Thomas spend his off-season working out instead of shooting his Cast-Fishing television show or whatever it is.
They Play 16 Not 14
And why does the league make the NFL players choose their Pro Bowl picks after 14 games are played? Why not wait until after the season ends? It’s not like the last two games are important.
That’s like picking the AL and NL MVPs on September 1.
Again, no common sense at work – again.
Celtics
Boston is off to the best start in franchise history. Again, at the moment, I maintain the Cavaliers are slightly better.
I base it on Mo Williams being a huge pickup for Cleveland while the Celtics have not added another quality piece of this magnitude.
If the series started today, I would say Cavaliers in six. And no, I’m not a homer – you know me better than that. They (Cavs) match up very well with Boston.
The Cavs have the size and depth inside to make Garnett work (Ben Wallace & Andy V.) - as they did last season.
LeBron should be well-rested come April and May, he is playing the best defense of his career and should easily the best player on the floor – again.
Finally, Williams should give the Cavaliers a true tempo setter and the second consistent scorer they have lacked in the post-season to get them over the hump.
The Celtics should NOT be able to consistently run two and three players at James with Williams on the floor. He should eat that up.
That being said – you want game #7 in your building – if necessary. That’s why Cleveland needs to continue to grind out win after win.
Greg Oden
When Greg Oden came out of Ohio State, I questioned his ability to score consistently at the NBA level early in his career. The little I saw of him in college indicated to this observer he was a “project” offensively in the NBA.
That’s not to say he won’t eventually be a force at both ends. I just don’t see teams having to double-team him any time soon inside when he gets his touches.
That being said, I wasn’t a huge fan of “Mr. Skinny” out of Texas either, who went to Seattle (now Oklahoma City). If you are 6’9, you should be able to bench press more than your average Division I female post player.
My problem with both players was the “franchise player” tag that was put on them by the media – again, before they played one minute in the NBA.
That’s the speech teacher in me coming out again observing silly words being used time and time again by folks (media members) who get carried away.
Oden has a chance to dominate, although I question if he’ll ever be that kind of player at both ends. I don’t ever see Kevin Durant being anything more than a terrific scorer – which will still make him a lot of money.
One final note – I would rather have Durant than Carmelo Anthony. They are both pure scorers, but one appears coachable and one doesn’t. You figure it out who’s who.
I watched Tony Romo’s post-game press conference last week following the Cowboys' win over the Giants’ and was very impressed by his demeanor, intelligence and unassuming nature. I can see why he is so well-liked.
Amani Toomey
Okay. I finally found a Michigan wide receiver that has had a solid NFL career. The Giants’ Amani Toomey is in his 13th year in the NFL and has the third most receptions in history for a player to never earn Pro Bowl honors. As you know, I am not a fan of Wolverine wide outs – with good reason.
I forgot Toomer was a Michigan grad. I don’t remember what round he was drafted in but it doesn’t matter – he’s been solid.
Braylon
Speaking of Michigan receivers - Braylon Edwards said this past Monday that he was “unappreciated by the fans in Cleveland.” The guy can’t catch a break. Right.
You would think his advisers would suggest he keep quiet and not draw any more attention to himself. He’s done enough damage to his reputation with his embarrassing play in 2008. Log this one under the category of “delusional.”
More On WRs
John Madden said on the air the other night the following – “TO is a great receiver but he will drop the ball.” This begs the question – Can you be a great receiver if you don’t have good wide receiver hands?
I covered this ground last year in a piece following Braylon Edwards’ selection to the Pro Bowl. I stated that I had to adjust my position on what a “great receiver” is based on today’s wide outs and their propensity to drop double digit passes in any given season.
Perhaps I was too quick to give in. All I know is the best wide receivers in the game 20 and 30 years ago rarely dropped passes at this rate.
The only likely answer is they are bigger, faster and stronger today but not as fundamentally sound. You could probably say that about many of our best athletes across the sports spectrum today.
Baseline
I will go to my deathbed not understanding why basketball teams, at all levels, are taught to give up baseline to the ball handler when he’s on the wing.
It only works if the helps comes quickly and the offensive player in question is unable to adjust to the help defense. The majority of the time I see a defender give a player baseline, the offensive player ends up getting a layup, fouled, or setting up a teammate for the finish.
Why not just continue to play good defense and stay in front of your man and not give him a clear lane to the basketball? John Wooden couldn’t convince me that’s not the best approach to take. I’m stubborn I guess.
Thinking Out of the Box
One of the reasons bad teams become good teams overnight involves thinking out of the box. That’s the case with the Miami Dolphins, who took ILB Joey Porter and made him a pass rusher this season.
He’s now among the league-leaders in sacks – wreaking havoc in the backfield all year long helping his defense get off the field on third down. And think, Porter is arguably on the downside of his career.
I never understood why teams don’t blitz their middle & inside linebackers more when he’s clearly their best linebacker. Dropping a tacking machine in coverage all the time seems like a waste of talent to me.
For example, I’ve always wondered what kind of damage Ray Lewis could do if you turned him loose after the quarterback more often on second and eight and third and five.
It’s a simple philosophy – take your best player in your front seven and tell him to get the QB – regardless of what position he plays.
Indians’ Smoke Screen
While the Indians spend the off-season revamping their bullpen and trying to acquire a quality middle infielder and a big outfield bat, the key to the Tribe’s success in 2009 will depend heavily on Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez.
These two bats need to put big numbers this coming summer to ease the pain of Cleveland lacking team speed, having a mediocre defense and any other warts that may appear during the long, hot summer.
Simply – their #3 and #4 hitters of past years need to stay healthy and perform like they belong there again. Period.
Auburn & Charles
How do you hire a football coach to compete in the SEC who has posted a 5-19 record in two years at Iowa State? Auburn’s AD and company are either brilliant or total and complete morons. We’ll know in three years time or less.
That’s about all the patience Tiger fans will have before they start calling for heads to role. I realize Gene Chizik has roots at Auburn, but 5-19?
As for what Charles Barkley said pertaining to race being a major factor – of course it’s true. Can you imagine a 5-19 black head coach getting a similar post?
Barkley’s best point went unnoticed because everyone focused on the race comments – as usual. Barkley stated Auburn needed to “shake things up” or do something different based on the other programs in the conference and Auburn trying to compete against the success they are having. He’s dead on.
Had I been the AD at Auburn, Turner Gill would have been my first, second and third choice. The guy turned around one of the most pathetic college football programs in the country (U. Buffalo) in just three years time.
The fact that’s he’s black would have shaken things up in Alabama, and the SEC in general, and would have been a plus when Gill entered a young man’s home trying to recruit him.
The last time I checked, nearly 55% of Division I college football players are black. Auburn, along with 115 other programs at that level, have it backwards. Being a black head coach is a positive in recruiting football players.
If redneck alums and boosters don’t like it, so what?
If you (AD) are right and he wins, they’ll be on board. And if he (Gill) fails, you are going to can him after three or four years whether he’s white, black or green. That’s unfortunately the nature of the business these days.
Think about it – which carries more weight when he enters your home recruiting your son - Gill, a former All-American quarterback from Nebraska, who as a young coach has already proven he can turn a program around quickly, or another middle-aged, grey-haired white guy who has five career victories on his resume? Come on.
Joe Thomas
I’m no offensive line coach, but you have a better chance of convincing me Global Warming (aka: Global Climate Change) is real than convincing me Joe Thomas earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008.
This season, he looked like a rookie.
I suggest Thomas spend his off-season working out instead of shooting his Cast-Fishing television show or whatever it is.
They Play 16 Not 14
And why does the league make the NFL players choose their Pro Bowl picks after 14 games are played? Why not wait until after the season ends? It’s not like the last two games are important.
That’s like picking the AL and NL MVPs on September 1.
Again, no common sense at work – again.
Celtics
Boston is off to the best start in franchise history. Again, at the moment, I maintain the Cavaliers are slightly better.
I base it on Mo Williams being a huge pickup for Cleveland while the Celtics have not added another quality piece of this magnitude.
If the series started today, I would say Cavaliers in six. And no, I’m not a homer – you know me better than that. They (Cavs) match up very well with Boston.
The Cavs have the size and depth inside to make Garnett work (Ben Wallace & Andy V.) - as they did last season.
LeBron should be well-rested come April and May, he is playing the best defense of his career and should easily the best player on the floor – again.
Finally, Williams should give the Cavaliers a true tempo setter and the second consistent scorer they have lacked in the post-season to get them over the hump.
The Celtics should NOT be able to consistently run two and three players at James with Williams on the floor. He should eat that up.
That being said – you want game #7 in your building – if necessary. That’s why Cleveland needs to continue to grind out win after win.
Greg Oden
When Greg Oden came out of Ohio State, I questioned his ability to score consistently at the NBA level early in his career. The little I saw of him in college indicated to this observer he was a “project” offensively in the NBA.
That’s not to say he won’t eventually be a force at both ends. I just don’t see teams having to double-team him any time soon inside when he gets his touches.
That being said, I wasn’t a huge fan of “Mr. Skinny” out of Texas either, who went to Seattle (now Oklahoma City). If you are 6’9, you should be able to bench press more than your average Division I female post player.
My problem with both players was the “franchise player” tag that was put on them by the media – again, before they played one minute in the NBA.
That’s the speech teacher in me coming out again observing silly words being used time and time again by folks (media members) who get carried away.
Oden has a chance to dominate, although I question if he’ll ever be that kind of player at both ends. I don’t ever see Kevin Durant being anything more than a terrific scorer – which will still make him a lot of money.
One final note – I would rather have Durant than Carmelo Anthony. They are both pure scorers, but one appears coachable and one doesn’t. You figure it out who’s who.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A Variety of Thoughts
Browns & Pride
It doesn’t serve any purpose to pick a winner in the Browns' game each week anymore. Their season has been over for a while and they are playing purely for individual pride since the coaching staff is out of here at the end of the season and so are many of the players.
When you consider everything involved, it’s been the worst season I can remember since the original Browns’ last year in Cleveland in the mid-90s.
This regime misread last year’s 10 wins versus a puff schedule, made the wrong call on the starting quarterback that also cost them valuable time in developing their first round pick of two years ago, their Pro-Bowl players (Thomas, Winslow, Edwards) of 2007 took a step, or in Butterfingers’ case, a cliff-dive, backwards in ’08, their GM embarrassed himself off the field by being the first player personnel type I can remember to get into a s%$#@ match with a fan over the internet, their head coach lost total control of the team and is dead man walking in terms of being fired at year’s end, and their owner, who is first and foremost a soccer fan, didn’t start paying attention until the Browns’ crowd in the stands come the fourth quarter resembled an Indians' game down at the old Stadium circa 1980.
You tell me when it’s been worse?
Marty
Marty S. recently gave notice he would like to be part of the Browns’ new front office if the Lerner clan chooses Bill Cowher to coach the team. Bad idea.
Marty is a Hall of Fame coach, not a Hall of Fame talent evaluator. It would be like paying an outstanding high school math teacher to be a science teacher instead –a waste of funds.
If Lerner wants to throw away his money giving Marty a token job (i.e. VP in charge of bringing back the gleam) for PR sake, fine. But DON’T give him any real responsibility. He’s a coach not a GM.
Kurt Warner
Someone recently brought up the subject of Kurt Warner and his chance of being enshrined in the NFL’s Hall of Fame.
It’s not a close call – Warner is already in. The guy has two league MVP awards, a ton of career passing yards and he makes 300 yard passing games look easy.
What more does he need to do?
Check it out, there are plenty of quarterbacks in the HOF who haven’t put up his numbers or even come close. And you can’t go to the “they have a ring” card. So does he!
Had he not been a late bloomer and a product of the Arena Football League, this wouldn’t even be an issue. And because he didn't play in N.Y. (i.e Phil Simms), his qualifications are still being questioned.
Football Cardinals
I am rooting for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL playoffs. The last time they won a division title, Eric Metcalf’s dad, Terry Metcalf, led the way in 1975. I was a junior high patrol boy at the time - damn good at it too.
The Cardinals winning a division crown took me back to my youth, so the least I can do is root for them. Plus, I'm a softy at heart and like underdogs.
CC
I’m stunned he finally signed with the Yankees for the most money offered. Actually, I’m shocked. And here I thought it was all about landing somewhere his family could feel “comfortable.”
Remember what we wrote nearly two years ago – he was gone, likely to NY, or a facsimile there of, as soon as his contract was up.
Good work Mark Shapiro – you go it right and dealt him before he walked. Now, let’s hope the guys in question the Tribe got in return can play.
From here on out - this is a CC free zone. At least until he gags in the post-season again. I'm curious that he reportedly got an "out clause" after three years if he so chooses. Perhaps, he's afraid of what awaits him in the Big Apple.
Because I have news for him, no one is going to give him more than he's making now with NY - unless it's NY (i.e. A Rod). No, C.C. isn't about the money. Not at all. Right.
Indians and Kerry Wood
The Indians reportedly have offered Kerry Wood a two-year/$20 million deal to close in 2009 & 2010. I hope they were able to get a reputable insurance company to buy in. This guy goes on the DL about as often as you and I change underwear. I don’t question his talent, just his ability to stay healthy.
Plus, $10 million a year is a lot for the Tribe to pay for a closer unless he’s named Mariano Rivera. It’s a reach in terms of money spent, but I’m sure they are covered nicely insurance-wise if he goes down.
Johnny P
My boy Johnny Peralta is playing 3B in winter ball. That means they are moving him there in 2008. I always wanted him to move to 2B instead because his bat would be a luxury there. What this tells us is they will be trading for or signing either a SS or 2B very soon. I just hope the player in question is a first division talent – otherwise, it’s a step backwards.
LJ & Charles Part II
We want to go a step further and suggest that LeBron not only shut up about his future home, as Charles Barkley recommended a couple weeks ago, but that he also stop talking about his favorite sports teams and their needs.
I could give a $#@! what he thinks of the Yankees signing CC. My guess is LJ would have a tough time naming the Yankees starting rotation last season. The fact that he openly roots for the Yankees and Cowboys when they are in town playing the Indians or Browns annoys me still. If it doesn’t annoy you and you like the home teams, then it says something about you as well.
That’s okay, I will enjoy his immense talent the next year and a half realizing he’s headed elsewhere in the summer of 2010. You can take that to the bank.
Like I wrote earlier, I would spend this coming off-season taking offers for 23. You don’t want to hear it but it’s the right call long-term for the Cavs. That is unless you want to be left holding the bag (getting nothing in return) once he skips town when his current deal is done.
Yes, we see him landing in the same general area code as we told you CC would land in – New York. Sorry, the truth can be painful.
The only thing that may keep him in town is for the Cavaliers to win the NBA Championship this season and he sees the possibility of getting several rings with this bunch if he stays put. But don’t bet on it.
For being a tremendous team player on the court (alla Magic & Bird), LJ seems to me to be the most selfish individual I have seen in sports off the court.
What do I mean by that – remember what his people have stated publicly, they expect him to be a “global icon” and the world’s first “billion $” athlete.
Mind you, nothing about winning multiple championships, just about his worldwide conquest ambitions.
Hey, I just call them as I see them.
JJ Hickson
Hickson reminds me of a stronger Roy Hinson. Those of you who are too young to remember Hinson, he was a lanky power forward who gave the Cavaliers 16/9 on a regular basis and could defend and block shots.
It’s early, but I like Hickson’s athleticism and how comfortable he looks banging bodies inside. Some players look like they want no part of the NBA’s rough and tumble inside game. This kid likes it.
Steelers-Ravens
I will watch the Steelers – Ravens game this coming weekend. It’s old time football with both teams trying to bully the other. Again, both teams have a clear identity – something that has been lacking in Cleveland since the late 80s.
NFC
I read where the Carolina Panthers would be the #1 seed in the NFC if they win out. That tells you all you need to know about the NFC. I still like the Steelers and Cowboys in the Super Bowl – assuming the “Boys” get in. Since Brady went down for the year, we have been riding the Steelers’ bandwagon in terms of who we think will win the Super Bowl. Our opinion hasn’t changed.
Heisman
Why is the winner almost always a guy who either throws the ball, runs with the ball or catches it? They are better off naming it “College Football’s Skilled Player of the Year Award.”
Don’t tell me the best college football player in all the land never plays on the defensive side of the ball.
For example, even I knew Champ Bailey was the best football player under the age of 22 when he was a senior in college. Why didn’t he win it?
College B-ball
I have yet to watch a college basketball game this year. I'll pay attention come March or when my wife (a Duke fan) and son (a NC fan) make me watch when they face off.
I did catch Dick Vitale going off about how NC could take on some of the NBA's worst teams right now and be competitive. He's off his rocker again.
I remember when he declared the following when one-time Duke guard Jason Williams was lighting up some college cream puff - "the second best point guard on the planet next to Jason Kidd."
I laughed then, and I laugh now when he gets silly. He is great for college basketball however. Just don't take him seriously if you are a pro GM.
Going Pro
I hear some of these current high profile college QBs who are expected to go in the first round are thinking of coming back to school. Bad move. Get paid, go learn the pro game, then finish your degree in the off-season.
It doesn’t serve any purpose to pick a winner in the Browns' game each week anymore. Their season has been over for a while and they are playing purely for individual pride since the coaching staff is out of here at the end of the season and so are many of the players.
When you consider everything involved, it’s been the worst season I can remember since the original Browns’ last year in Cleveland in the mid-90s.
This regime misread last year’s 10 wins versus a puff schedule, made the wrong call on the starting quarterback that also cost them valuable time in developing their first round pick of two years ago, their Pro-Bowl players (Thomas, Winslow, Edwards) of 2007 took a step, or in Butterfingers’ case, a cliff-dive, backwards in ’08, their GM embarrassed himself off the field by being the first player personnel type I can remember to get into a s%$#@ match with a fan over the internet, their head coach lost total control of the team and is dead man walking in terms of being fired at year’s end, and their owner, who is first and foremost a soccer fan, didn’t start paying attention until the Browns’ crowd in the stands come the fourth quarter resembled an Indians' game down at the old Stadium circa 1980.
You tell me when it’s been worse?
Marty
Marty S. recently gave notice he would like to be part of the Browns’ new front office if the Lerner clan chooses Bill Cowher to coach the team. Bad idea.
Marty is a Hall of Fame coach, not a Hall of Fame talent evaluator. It would be like paying an outstanding high school math teacher to be a science teacher instead –a waste of funds.
If Lerner wants to throw away his money giving Marty a token job (i.e. VP in charge of bringing back the gleam) for PR sake, fine. But DON’T give him any real responsibility. He’s a coach not a GM.
Kurt Warner
Someone recently brought up the subject of Kurt Warner and his chance of being enshrined in the NFL’s Hall of Fame.
It’s not a close call – Warner is already in. The guy has two league MVP awards, a ton of career passing yards and he makes 300 yard passing games look easy.
What more does he need to do?
Check it out, there are plenty of quarterbacks in the HOF who haven’t put up his numbers or even come close. And you can’t go to the “they have a ring” card. So does he!
Had he not been a late bloomer and a product of the Arena Football League, this wouldn’t even be an issue. And because he didn't play in N.Y. (i.e Phil Simms), his qualifications are still being questioned.
Football Cardinals
I am rooting for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL playoffs. The last time they won a division title, Eric Metcalf’s dad, Terry Metcalf, led the way in 1975. I was a junior high patrol boy at the time - damn good at it too.
The Cardinals winning a division crown took me back to my youth, so the least I can do is root for them. Plus, I'm a softy at heart and like underdogs.
CC
I’m stunned he finally signed with the Yankees for the most money offered. Actually, I’m shocked. And here I thought it was all about landing somewhere his family could feel “comfortable.”
Remember what we wrote nearly two years ago – he was gone, likely to NY, or a facsimile there of, as soon as his contract was up.
Good work Mark Shapiro – you go it right and dealt him before he walked. Now, let’s hope the guys in question the Tribe got in return can play.
From here on out - this is a CC free zone. At least until he gags in the post-season again. I'm curious that he reportedly got an "out clause" after three years if he so chooses. Perhaps, he's afraid of what awaits him in the Big Apple.
Because I have news for him, no one is going to give him more than he's making now with NY - unless it's NY (i.e. A Rod). No, C.C. isn't about the money. Not at all. Right.
Indians and Kerry Wood
The Indians reportedly have offered Kerry Wood a two-year/$20 million deal to close in 2009 & 2010. I hope they were able to get a reputable insurance company to buy in. This guy goes on the DL about as often as you and I change underwear. I don’t question his talent, just his ability to stay healthy.
Plus, $10 million a year is a lot for the Tribe to pay for a closer unless he’s named Mariano Rivera. It’s a reach in terms of money spent, but I’m sure they are covered nicely insurance-wise if he goes down.
Johnny P
My boy Johnny Peralta is playing 3B in winter ball. That means they are moving him there in 2008. I always wanted him to move to 2B instead because his bat would be a luxury there. What this tells us is they will be trading for or signing either a SS or 2B very soon. I just hope the player in question is a first division talent – otherwise, it’s a step backwards.
LJ & Charles Part II
We want to go a step further and suggest that LeBron not only shut up about his future home, as Charles Barkley recommended a couple weeks ago, but that he also stop talking about his favorite sports teams and their needs.
I could give a $#@! what he thinks of the Yankees signing CC. My guess is LJ would have a tough time naming the Yankees starting rotation last season. The fact that he openly roots for the Yankees and Cowboys when they are in town playing the Indians or Browns annoys me still. If it doesn’t annoy you and you like the home teams, then it says something about you as well.
That’s okay, I will enjoy his immense talent the next year and a half realizing he’s headed elsewhere in the summer of 2010. You can take that to the bank.
Like I wrote earlier, I would spend this coming off-season taking offers for 23. You don’t want to hear it but it’s the right call long-term for the Cavs. That is unless you want to be left holding the bag (getting nothing in return) once he skips town when his current deal is done.
Yes, we see him landing in the same general area code as we told you CC would land in – New York. Sorry, the truth can be painful.
The only thing that may keep him in town is for the Cavaliers to win the NBA Championship this season and he sees the possibility of getting several rings with this bunch if he stays put. But don’t bet on it.
For being a tremendous team player on the court (alla Magic & Bird), LJ seems to me to be the most selfish individual I have seen in sports off the court.
What do I mean by that – remember what his people have stated publicly, they expect him to be a “global icon” and the world’s first “billion $” athlete.
Mind you, nothing about winning multiple championships, just about his worldwide conquest ambitions.
Hey, I just call them as I see them.
JJ Hickson
Hickson reminds me of a stronger Roy Hinson. Those of you who are too young to remember Hinson, he was a lanky power forward who gave the Cavaliers 16/9 on a regular basis and could defend and block shots.
It’s early, but I like Hickson’s athleticism and how comfortable he looks banging bodies inside. Some players look like they want no part of the NBA’s rough and tumble inside game. This kid likes it.
Steelers-Ravens
I will watch the Steelers – Ravens game this coming weekend. It’s old time football with both teams trying to bully the other. Again, both teams have a clear identity – something that has been lacking in Cleveland since the late 80s.
NFC
I read where the Carolina Panthers would be the #1 seed in the NFC if they win out. That tells you all you need to know about the NFC. I still like the Steelers and Cowboys in the Super Bowl – assuming the “Boys” get in. Since Brady went down for the year, we have been riding the Steelers’ bandwagon in terms of who we think will win the Super Bowl. Our opinion hasn’t changed.
Heisman
Why is the winner almost always a guy who either throws the ball, runs with the ball or catches it? They are better off naming it “College Football’s Skilled Player of the Year Award.”
Don’t tell me the best college football player in all the land never plays on the defensive side of the ball.
For example, even I knew Champ Bailey was the best football player under the age of 22 when he was a senior in college. Why didn’t he win it?
College B-ball
I have yet to watch a college basketball game this year. I'll pay attention come March or when my wife (a Duke fan) and son (a NC fan) make me watch when they face off.
I did catch Dick Vitale going off about how NC could take on some of the NBA's worst teams right now and be competitive. He's off his rocker again.
I remember when he declared the following when one-time Duke guard Jason Williams was lighting up some college cream puff - "the second best point guard on the planet next to Jason Kidd."
I laughed then, and I laugh now when he gets silly. He is great for college basketball however. Just don't take him seriously if you are a pro GM.
Going Pro
I hear some of these current high profile college QBs who are expected to go in the first round are thinking of coming back to school. Bad move. Get paid, go learn the pro game, then finish your degree in the off-season.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Browns & Much More
Phil Savage Has No Shame
Let’s start with something that involves a total lack of integrity and loyalty - the Phil Savage Story.
Some individual take responsibility for their actions and can admit mistakes, and some never do – enter Phil Savage.
I was going to do a larger piece on this guy later this coming week, but I’ll keep it short and sweet instead. He came out of hiding last week and did a “try to save my job press conference” for the media. It was despicable.
At one point, he reiterated that he picked the 53 players but did not coach them. There’s more, but you get the point. This guy is delusional. He deserves at least as much of the blame for the team’s on-the-field failures in 2008 as RC. Now, he’s doing a PR tour trying to save his own neck.
I knew a guy like this once. The individual actually stood up in a staff meeting, of people he hired, and shouted - "If someone's going to get fired, it will be all of you before me."
I kid you not.
Phil seems like he lacks some of the same integrity DNA.
You can bet others around in the NFL have also noticed. Remember, when Randy Lerner finally hires someone with clout, that individual won’t want or need Savage around – unless it’s in a diminished role he won't accept.
Look for Savage to go up his sleeve for an ace and try to convince Lerner to bring in Brian Billick as head coach of the Browns. This is where I would go if I were Phil Savage thinking purely about survival and nothing else.
Think about it - Billick is one of his boys from Baltimore, he’s won a Super Bowl, so he can be sold to the media and public, and if Lerner goes for it – SAVAGE KEEPS HIS JOB!
My guess is Lerner has had enough of Savage’s embarrassing performance and will clean house.
Browns- Titans Post-Mortem
No defense should ever give up a 17 yard gain on a draw play on third and 16 like the Browns did early in this contest. That’s ridiculous.
I cannot stand the NFL’s long-standing defensive interference call that awards the offense possession at the spot of the foul. No penalty should ever cost a team more than 15 yards. That would be the first rule I would change if I ran the show.
There are two Browns’ players who have not quit on their teammates and their coaches - D’Qwell Jackson and Josh Cribbs. And to complete the puzzle, there are two players who have unfortunately already packed their bags – Butterfingers and Donte Stallworth.
Cleveland had arguably one of the top-5 receiving corps in the NFL in 2007. You could argue they have the worst receivers, as a group, in the league in 2008 with Butterfingers’ total meltdown, Stallworth giving them nothing but valuable experience for the team trainers, and the rest of the group, likely be out of the league by this time next year.
My how much difference one year can make.
I detest watching teams run off-tackle after the defense forces a big turnover in the opponent’s end. D’Qwell Jackson gets a pick inside the Titans’ 30-yard line and the Browns follow that up with a vanilla running play on first down.
Hell, run some play action and take a shot deep. If it’s not there, check down to the back in the flats. What do you have to lose?
I have no idea why teams do not run the 2-minute offense more often. Is there a rule that says you can’t run it unless there are actually two minutes left in each half?
The old Bengals, with the mad doctor Sam Wyche in charge, ran it a lot and were successful with it, and ditto for Jim Kelly and the Bills, during their numerous Super Bowl runs in the 90s.
Even if you do not have an outstanding quarterback, use it occasionally to shake things up – especially if nothing else is working.
Why haven’t the Browns ever utilized the shovel pass? It would seem like a natural with scat back Jerome Harrison in the backfield. And it just might slow down the pass rush some.
Speaking of Harrison, we called on CHUD to use him more a couple weeks ago when it was clear the season was over and it was time to look at the kids. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. Please, start the kid the next three weeks and get him 20 touches a game so he can be evaluated.
Of course, this coaching staff will not be around next season, so they don’t give a $#@! what the right thing to do is. That’s part of the problem – everyone is on lame duck status, and they don't care about 2009 like the rest of us do.
Boy, the Browns’ offense looks awful pedestrian this season. And it’s been that way with all three quarterbacks. For some reason, there have been very few long pass completions.
And trust me - everyone is at fault.
First, the quarterbacks have not been accurate the few times guys have gotten open downfield.
Secondly, when the ball has arrived, there have been too many drops.
Third, the offensive line has not sustained their blocks long enough to allow the quarterback and receivers time to go downfield.
Fourth, the quarterbacks have done a lousy job of leading the receivers so they have an opportunity to turn up field quickly after the catch.
And finally, the receivers have not gotten much separation in 2008.
Did you follow all that?
Where does that leave us?
The field shrinks for the defense and you find yourself getting a five yard completion and immediate tackle on third and eight. That has happened way too often in 2008.
This offense right now looks a lot like the Tim Couch offense of 2000. Sorry Tim, it’s not all on you. You had very little help.
Again, it’s amazing how much can change in one year. Last year, the Browns were among the league-leaders in 20+ yard completions.
I won’t even go into how many consecutive quarters the Browns have gone without scoring a TD. It’s getting uglier and uglier.
You want to know what discipline is - It’s not getting a “hands to the face" penalty like one of the Browns’ corners was called for when the Titans were facing a 3rd and 20+.
The Browns have been playing more four-man defensive fronts the past few weeks and it has not significantly helped the pass rush. They still get very little pressure unless it’s off a blitz package.
That Bengals – Browns game down the road looks like a thriller in the making.
Hail To The Steelers
The Steelers found a way to win over the Cowboys today. Good teams with a clear identity do that.
Their formula is simple – draft well, stop the run on defense, and run the ball on offense. It’s been the same identity for the past 40 years and it has worked.
That’s the best organization is sports my friends. I said so several years ago and it’s still true. We in Cleveland may not want to hear it but there is a reason why they are competitive just about every year – they have an identity, and to have an identity, you need good people in the background choosing and developing the talent.
You also need plenty of patience, which is totally lacking in sports today, and something the Rooney family has had plenty of.
The Browns had a little of that back in the late 80s with Marty ball, but then he got too much power, screwed up the draft, and eventually was let go because he couldn’t win the big one.
Well, he still hasn’t won the big one – but that’s another story alltogether.
Yours truly was opposed to canning Marty back when. The same can be said when the Cavaliers dumped Mike Fratello and when the Indians fired Grover, when the genius John Hart claimed he wanted someone in charge who could "take the Indians to the next level."
How did those moves work out?
One of my sports commandments is as follows – never dump a leader who gets the most out of the talent he has (i.e. Mike Fratello) or one who wins consistently (i.e. Grover/Marty)!
The point – the Rooneys would have never fired Marty. They may not have given him complete control either. Remember, it took Bill Cowher 14 years before he won a Super Bowl and there were plenty of media types and fans who wanted him canned prior to 2005 because of his post-season failures in Steel Town. Morons!
It’s called hiring good people and being patient.
Troy
By the way, pound for pound, the best player in the NFL right now is Troy Polamalu. It’s not even close. He’s been one of the NFL’s best run stopping safeties for a long time, but now he’s making more and more big plays in passing situations. He's the best safety I have seen since Ronnie Lott was patrolling the secondary for S.F.
Aaron Rodgers
The Packers were right. Aaron Rodgers can play. And I’m saying this as the Pack is sitting under .500 for the first time in a long time.
It’s not his fault. He has done a lot more good than bad this year. The defense has let them down time and time again.
I was one who would have brought Brett Favre back and stated so on these pages. However, I can see what they saw. Rodgers can play and should be a very good quarterback for them for a long time.
Favre may have won an extra game or two for the Pack in '08, but even he couldn’t have gotten them to the playoffs this season with that defense – in my humble opinion.
The Packers were clearly tired of the yearly off-season soap opera with Favre and they felt confident in Rodgers. They decided to bite the PR bullet (criticism) and moved on.
Some will criticize the Pack if the Jets make the post-season and Green Bay does not, but it’s not Rodgers’ fault. His numbers have been good enough.
Green Bay showed big stones with the move, it did not pay off in the short run but should down the road.
I still would have kept Favre. Another one of my sports 10 commandments is as follows: You ride a Hall of Famer until he’s done!
However, I give the Pack credit for stepping out on a limb like that. Most teams would not have been so bold even if they truly believed in their young QB.
Guts like that are rare in sports where people spend a good deal of their time covering their rear (i.e. see first entry up top).
Let’s start with something that involves a total lack of integrity and loyalty - the Phil Savage Story.
Some individual take responsibility for their actions and can admit mistakes, and some never do – enter Phil Savage.
I was going to do a larger piece on this guy later this coming week, but I’ll keep it short and sweet instead. He came out of hiding last week and did a “try to save my job press conference” for the media. It was despicable.
At one point, he reiterated that he picked the 53 players but did not coach them. There’s more, but you get the point. This guy is delusional. He deserves at least as much of the blame for the team’s on-the-field failures in 2008 as RC. Now, he’s doing a PR tour trying to save his own neck.
I knew a guy like this once. The individual actually stood up in a staff meeting, of people he hired, and shouted - "If someone's going to get fired, it will be all of you before me."
I kid you not.
Phil seems like he lacks some of the same integrity DNA.
You can bet others around in the NFL have also noticed. Remember, when Randy Lerner finally hires someone with clout, that individual won’t want or need Savage around – unless it’s in a diminished role he won't accept.
Look for Savage to go up his sleeve for an ace and try to convince Lerner to bring in Brian Billick as head coach of the Browns. This is where I would go if I were Phil Savage thinking purely about survival and nothing else.
Think about it - Billick is one of his boys from Baltimore, he’s won a Super Bowl, so he can be sold to the media and public, and if Lerner goes for it – SAVAGE KEEPS HIS JOB!
My guess is Lerner has had enough of Savage’s embarrassing performance and will clean house.
Browns- Titans Post-Mortem
No defense should ever give up a 17 yard gain on a draw play on third and 16 like the Browns did early in this contest. That’s ridiculous.
I cannot stand the NFL’s long-standing defensive interference call that awards the offense possession at the spot of the foul. No penalty should ever cost a team more than 15 yards. That would be the first rule I would change if I ran the show.
There are two Browns’ players who have not quit on their teammates and their coaches - D’Qwell Jackson and Josh Cribbs. And to complete the puzzle, there are two players who have unfortunately already packed their bags – Butterfingers and Donte Stallworth.
Cleveland had arguably one of the top-5 receiving corps in the NFL in 2007. You could argue they have the worst receivers, as a group, in the league in 2008 with Butterfingers’ total meltdown, Stallworth giving them nothing but valuable experience for the team trainers, and the rest of the group, likely be out of the league by this time next year.
My how much difference one year can make.
I detest watching teams run off-tackle after the defense forces a big turnover in the opponent’s end. D’Qwell Jackson gets a pick inside the Titans’ 30-yard line and the Browns follow that up with a vanilla running play on first down.
Hell, run some play action and take a shot deep. If it’s not there, check down to the back in the flats. What do you have to lose?
I have no idea why teams do not run the 2-minute offense more often. Is there a rule that says you can’t run it unless there are actually two minutes left in each half?
The old Bengals, with the mad doctor Sam Wyche in charge, ran it a lot and were successful with it, and ditto for Jim Kelly and the Bills, during their numerous Super Bowl runs in the 90s.
Even if you do not have an outstanding quarterback, use it occasionally to shake things up – especially if nothing else is working.
Why haven’t the Browns ever utilized the shovel pass? It would seem like a natural with scat back Jerome Harrison in the backfield. And it just might slow down the pass rush some.
Speaking of Harrison, we called on CHUD to use him more a couple weeks ago when it was clear the season was over and it was time to look at the kids. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. Please, start the kid the next three weeks and get him 20 touches a game so he can be evaluated.
Of course, this coaching staff will not be around next season, so they don’t give a $#@! what the right thing to do is. That’s part of the problem – everyone is on lame duck status, and they don't care about 2009 like the rest of us do.
Boy, the Browns’ offense looks awful pedestrian this season. And it’s been that way with all three quarterbacks. For some reason, there have been very few long pass completions.
And trust me - everyone is at fault.
First, the quarterbacks have not been accurate the few times guys have gotten open downfield.
Secondly, when the ball has arrived, there have been too many drops.
Third, the offensive line has not sustained their blocks long enough to allow the quarterback and receivers time to go downfield.
Fourth, the quarterbacks have done a lousy job of leading the receivers so they have an opportunity to turn up field quickly after the catch.
And finally, the receivers have not gotten much separation in 2008.
Did you follow all that?
Where does that leave us?
The field shrinks for the defense and you find yourself getting a five yard completion and immediate tackle on third and eight. That has happened way too often in 2008.
This offense right now looks a lot like the Tim Couch offense of 2000. Sorry Tim, it’s not all on you. You had very little help.
Again, it’s amazing how much can change in one year. Last year, the Browns were among the league-leaders in 20+ yard completions.
I won’t even go into how many consecutive quarters the Browns have gone without scoring a TD. It’s getting uglier and uglier.
You want to know what discipline is - It’s not getting a “hands to the face" penalty like one of the Browns’ corners was called for when the Titans were facing a 3rd and 20+.
The Browns have been playing more four-man defensive fronts the past few weeks and it has not significantly helped the pass rush. They still get very little pressure unless it’s off a blitz package.
That Bengals – Browns game down the road looks like a thriller in the making.
Hail To The Steelers
The Steelers found a way to win over the Cowboys today. Good teams with a clear identity do that.
Their formula is simple – draft well, stop the run on defense, and run the ball on offense. It’s been the same identity for the past 40 years and it has worked.
That’s the best organization is sports my friends. I said so several years ago and it’s still true. We in Cleveland may not want to hear it but there is a reason why they are competitive just about every year – they have an identity, and to have an identity, you need good people in the background choosing and developing the talent.
You also need plenty of patience, which is totally lacking in sports today, and something the Rooney family has had plenty of.
The Browns had a little of that back in the late 80s with Marty ball, but then he got too much power, screwed up the draft, and eventually was let go because he couldn’t win the big one.
Well, he still hasn’t won the big one – but that’s another story alltogether.
Yours truly was opposed to canning Marty back when. The same can be said when the Cavaliers dumped Mike Fratello and when the Indians fired Grover, when the genius John Hart claimed he wanted someone in charge who could "take the Indians to the next level."
How did those moves work out?
One of my sports commandments is as follows – never dump a leader who gets the most out of the talent he has (i.e. Mike Fratello) or one who wins consistently (i.e. Grover/Marty)!
The point – the Rooneys would have never fired Marty. They may not have given him complete control either. Remember, it took Bill Cowher 14 years before he won a Super Bowl and there were plenty of media types and fans who wanted him canned prior to 2005 because of his post-season failures in Steel Town. Morons!
It’s called hiring good people and being patient.
Troy
By the way, pound for pound, the best player in the NFL right now is Troy Polamalu. It’s not even close. He’s been one of the NFL’s best run stopping safeties for a long time, but now he’s making more and more big plays in passing situations. He's the best safety I have seen since Ronnie Lott was patrolling the secondary for S.F.
Aaron Rodgers
The Packers were right. Aaron Rodgers can play. And I’m saying this as the Pack is sitting under .500 for the first time in a long time.
It’s not his fault. He has done a lot more good than bad this year. The defense has let them down time and time again.
I was one who would have brought Brett Favre back and stated so on these pages. However, I can see what they saw. Rodgers can play and should be a very good quarterback for them for a long time.
Favre may have won an extra game or two for the Pack in '08, but even he couldn’t have gotten them to the playoffs this season with that defense – in my humble opinion.
The Packers were clearly tired of the yearly off-season soap opera with Favre and they felt confident in Rodgers. They decided to bite the PR bullet (criticism) and moved on.
Some will criticize the Pack if the Jets make the post-season and Green Bay does not, but it’s not Rodgers’ fault. His numbers have been good enough.
Green Bay showed big stones with the move, it did not pay off in the short run but should down the road.
I still would have kept Favre. Another one of my sports 10 commandments is as follows: You ride a Hall of Famer until he’s done!
However, I give the Pack credit for stepping out on a limb like that. Most teams would not have been so bold even if they truly believed in their young QB.
Guts like that are rare in sports where people spend a good deal of their time covering their rear (i.e. see first entry up top).
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Mid Week Thoughts
Browns at Titans Pick
First thing first.
What do you expect? Titans to cover and I have no idea what the line is.
It will be interesting to see who packs it in and who doesn’t. That is if I can stay awake watching this mess.
Quinn is on the IR, so I can’t watch to see if he’s improving with each outing and RC probably won’t play the kids.
Give me one good reason to watch? I probably will anyway – at least for a while.
DA & Injury
An article in one of the local papers the other day had a sub heading titled “Quarterback’s Career Might Be Over.” Yet, the article did not focus on the severity of the injury.
For those who just skim such pieces, as many do, they might come away with the belief that Anderson’s pro career may be over. This is a clear example of a headline writer misrepresenting the writer’s intention, and more importantly, it was unfair to Anderson.
This isn’t even inappropriate speculation. That would be the case if the reporter focused his article on Anderson’s odds for returning to full health. To write such a piece just days after the injury speaks of bad taste & poor timing to me.
That wasn’t the issue here. This is just someone (editor/headline writer) sticking in a sub-head for attention sake and not thinking about the consequences.
This is a why some folks dislike the media so much. You want to write about Anderson’s drop-off in performance - fine. But this is simply wrong.
You are talking about someone’s livelihood. Even hinting this early in the process this might be career threatening is poor journalism.
Gradkowski Pick Up
The Browns signed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski this week to replace DA and Brady Quinn – both out for the year with injuries. Here’s my take on Gradkowski, who I have actually seen play on several occasions, so I feel confident enough to form an opinion on the 2006 University of Toledo product.
Gradkowski is a legitimate NFL signal-caller. The fact that he wasn’t on anyone’s current active roster doesn’t bother me in the least. You know my opinion of the experts that pick and evaluate players. This guy is a good athlete who has an NFL arm and tools to go with it.
He has made several starts (11) and has held his own, and on occasion bought time to finish plays that were not there initially. I like him and with good coaching should be able to, at minimum, be a quality #2.
The fact that he set an NCAA record for completion percentage (.682) while at Toledo, including two seasons where he was over 70%, should not be overlooked. The most important aspect of being a quarterback is the ability to complete passes (accuracy). Everything else is secondary. Good pickup.
O Line
You know my view of the Browns “O” line play in 2007. I felt it was the main reason DA had such a good year. When you get that kind of protection, if you are any kind of NFL quarterback, you should have at minimum a 2-1 TD to INT ratio and complete 60%of your passes or more. You know this because I have stated this before - this is a simple reminder.
The guys up front in 2007 were the best I have seen as a group in Cleveland since I began following this bunch back in the early 70s.
That said, the fact that two quarterbacks have gone down this year is another indication of how the line play has slipped dramatically in 2008. It hasn’t been horrible, jut mediocre at best – including the play of second-year left tackle Joe Thomas.
Now, I would be the first to tell you I am not an expert on determining line play, but my eyes don’t lie either. There have not been as many huge gaps in the running game on the left side as their were a year ago.
As a unit, they have also had real problems picking up the blitz.
For example, the Quinn injury, I believe, came on a blitz up the gut against the Bills where he was hit while releasing the football.
Bottom line – this needs to be addressed.
Also, the Browns must determine in the off-season if the lack of a 100 yard running back in any single game this year goes mostly on Jamaal Lewis for losing a step, the “O” line, or both.
Whatever answer they come up with is not good.
QB Adjustment
Whoever is in charge next season MUST take into account Quinn’s mobility ad get him out of the pocket more to avoid the rush, especially the blitz up the gut, which has been effective against Cleveland this season.
Suspensions
The NFL suspended six more players for using banned substances this week – including Minnesota’s twin-towers on the defensive line, Kevin Williams & at Williams. I stated in the past that common sense dictates this is a likely rampant problem throughout the league based on the fact that football is the most physically demanding of all team sports.
I have no proof, but when being big and strong is a prerequisite for playing, you can bet many individuals will cut any corner to achieve that goal and then some.
Somehow, NFL players have done a better job of hiding it than their baseball counterparts. Or perhaps the league-wide testing in the NFL is not as stringent – because they don’t really want it to be.
I don’t have the answer to that question, but I truly believe this is a smoldering scandal that hasn’t reached the surface – yet.
Fan Behavior
Much has been made the past few days of Browns’ fans either booing or cheering when Anderson was helped into the locker room following his season-ending injury. Many have complained, and some even claimed being shocked at such behavior by the “great fans of Cleveland.”
Give me a break.
Fans are the same everywhere. Many football fans go to the game tanked or get tanked once they are on site. They act like fools all day long, including using profanity, throwing objects, get involved in fights, and yes, even boo their own players.
To be stunned those morons, which is what stoned football fans are, would boo an injured player, is naïve beyond description.
Hell, that’s one of the main reasons I don’t go to athletic events unless they pay me or someone with my DNA (family member) is performing. I don’t like crowds, especially inebriated ones, and I don't like morons either.
Actually, I don't like people in general, even though I worked nearly 20 years in PR. But again, if you pay me to do it, I will bust my $#@! for you and be good at it.
Plaxico Burress
Enough already!
ESPN is treating the Plaxico Burress shooting like he’s the president-elect about to take over. It’s wall to wall coverage. They actually had a reporter on site break in and tell us at exactly what time Burress showed up at the Giants’ team complex Tuesday morning.
“Breaking news - Plaxico Burress showed up at Giants’ Headquarters at exactly 9:17 a.m. this morning.” Later in the day, they changed it to 9:20 a.m.
Who give s a $#@ when he showed up.
If he were playing for the Houston Texans, you would barely get a follow up story. And don’t tell me it’s because the Giants won the Super Bowl last year. I repeat, if the Texans had won the Super Bowl, and Andre Johnson were in Burress’ shoes, it wouldn’t get anywhere near the attention.
Andre Johnson
Speaking of Andre Johnson, the sixth-year wide receiver out of Miami (FLA), is arguably the NFL’s best kept secret. He’s having another Pro-Bowl season and is on pace to shatter his single-season best reception campaign of 2006, when he posted a league-best 103 grabs.
There Is No Curse
So you still think the Browns are cursed? Right. They would not be losing so many games if they knew what they were doing on draft day – something we have pointed out over and over again.
Here’s a great example – every time I see the Steelers’ James Harrison turning the corner on some poor tackle on his way to mauling yet another opposing quarterback, I think of how the Browns let this guy get away.
How many more wins would they have if they had him in uniform the past couple years?
It’s not like he played in Midland, Texas. Kent State is right down the road from Berea.
Did they even scout him, and if they did, what did the report say?
Perhaps something like this - “He’s a project at best and in my professional opinion don’t believe he will ever beat out Ben Taylor or Kevin Bentley.”
It’s not like they need a pass rusher. They’ve only been searching for one for some 40 years - since I got off the plane from Europe back in September of ’68. I kid you not.
Hey, at least they got Cribbs out of KSU – right?
NBA Dream Finals
In the 1980s, the NBA got its “Dream Finals” often when Magic’s Lakers and Bird’s Celtics squared off numerous times. We may be seeing a repeat this spring with LeBron’s Cavaliers and Kobe’s Lakers headed don a collision course.
With the addition of Mo Williams, the Cavaliers are clearly better than they were a year ago when they took the Celtics to seven games – mostly on 23’s back.
I don’t believe the Celtics are better than a year ago, regardless how may wins they accumulate during the regular season. Williams gives Cleveland – something they did not have last season – a clear advantage at the point.
Now the tough part – he (Williams) has to play like it when it counts most – come May and June. If he plays big, they probably reach the Finals and may win it.
That's right, they are that close this time around.
Browns & Jenkins
If the season ended today and the Browns had to make a pick immediately, the player I believe is most ready to play at a high level in the NFL right away is OSU's Malcolm Jenkins.
He would start at any of the four secondary position for the Browns right now and be a clear upgrade.
Overtime
Every time I see the silly overtime period in the NFL, I cringe. The don't do "first to score wins" in MLB and the NBA when those games end in a tie. Explain why they do in football?
Just play the extra 15 minute period and see who is ahead at that point. If there is no clear winner, then call it a tie.
What's so difficult to understand here? Morons.
First thing first.
What do you expect? Titans to cover and I have no idea what the line is.
It will be interesting to see who packs it in and who doesn’t. That is if I can stay awake watching this mess.
Quinn is on the IR, so I can’t watch to see if he’s improving with each outing and RC probably won’t play the kids.
Give me one good reason to watch? I probably will anyway – at least for a while.
DA & Injury
An article in one of the local papers the other day had a sub heading titled “Quarterback’s Career Might Be Over.” Yet, the article did not focus on the severity of the injury.
For those who just skim such pieces, as many do, they might come away with the belief that Anderson’s pro career may be over. This is a clear example of a headline writer misrepresenting the writer’s intention, and more importantly, it was unfair to Anderson.
This isn’t even inappropriate speculation. That would be the case if the reporter focused his article on Anderson’s odds for returning to full health. To write such a piece just days after the injury speaks of bad taste & poor timing to me.
That wasn’t the issue here. This is just someone (editor/headline writer) sticking in a sub-head for attention sake and not thinking about the consequences.
This is a why some folks dislike the media so much. You want to write about Anderson’s drop-off in performance - fine. But this is simply wrong.
You are talking about someone’s livelihood. Even hinting this early in the process this might be career threatening is poor journalism.
Gradkowski Pick Up
The Browns signed quarterback Bruce Gradkowski this week to replace DA and Brady Quinn – both out for the year with injuries. Here’s my take on Gradkowski, who I have actually seen play on several occasions, so I feel confident enough to form an opinion on the 2006 University of Toledo product.
Gradkowski is a legitimate NFL signal-caller. The fact that he wasn’t on anyone’s current active roster doesn’t bother me in the least. You know my opinion of the experts that pick and evaluate players. This guy is a good athlete who has an NFL arm and tools to go with it.
He has made several starts (11) and has held his own, and on occasion bought time to finish plays that were not there initially. I like him and with good coaching should be able to, at minimum, be a quality #2.
The fact that he set an NCAA record for completion percentage (.682) while at Toledo, including two seasons where he was over 70%, should not be overlooked. The most important aspect of being a quarterback is the ability to complete passes (accuracy). Everything else is secondary. Good pickup.
O Line
You know my view of the Browns “O” line play in 2007. I felt it was the main reason DA had such a good year. When you get that kind of protection, if you are any kind of NFL quarterback, you should have at minimum a 2-1 TD to INT ratio and complete 60%of your passes or more. You know this because I have stated this before - this is a simple reminder.
The guys up front in 2007 were the best I have seen as a group in Cleveland since I began following this bunch back in the early 70s.
That said, the fact that two quarterbacks have gone down this year is another indication of how the line play has slipped dramatically in 2008. It hasn’t been horrible, jut mediocre at best – including the play of second-year left tackle Joe Thomas.
Now, I would be the first to tell you I am not an expert on determining line play, but my eyes don’t lie either. There have not been as many huge gaps in the running game on the left side as their were a year ago.
As a unit, they have also had real problems picking up the blitz.
For example, the Quinn injury, I believe, came on a blitz up the gut against the Bills where he was hit while releasing the football.
Bottom line – this needs to be addressed.
Also, the Browns must determine in the off-season if the lack of a 100 yard running back in any single game this year goes mostly on Jamaal Lewis for losing a step, the “O” line, or both.
Whatever answer they come up with is not good.
QB Adjustment
Whoever is in charge next season MUST take into account Quinn’s mobility ad get him out of the pocket more to avoid the rush, especially the blitz up the gut, which has been effective against Cleveland this season.
Suspensions
The NFL suspended six more players for using banned substances this week – including Minnesota’s twin-towers on the defensive line, Kevin Williams & at Williams. I stated in the past that common sense dictates this is a likely rampant problem throughout the league based on the fact that football is the most physically demanding of all team sports.
I have no proof, but when being big and strong is a prerequisite for playing, you can bet many individuals will cut any corner to achieve that goal and then some.
Somehow, NFL players have done a better job of hiding it than their baseball counterparts. Or perhaps the league-wide testing in the NFL is not as stringent – because they don’t really want it to be.
I don’t have the answer to that question, but I truly believe this is a smoldering scandal that hasn’t reached the surface – yet.
Fan Behavior
Much has been made the past few days of Browns’ fans either booing or cheering when Anderson was helped into the locker room following his season-ending injury. Many have complained, and some even claimed being shocked at such behavior by the “great fans of Cleveland.”
Give me a break.
Fans are the same everywhere. Many football fans go to the game tanked or get tanked once they are on site. They act like fools all day long, including using profanity, throwing objects, get involved in fights, and yes, even boo their own players.
To be stunned those morons, which is what stoned football fans are, would boo an injured player, is naïve beyond description.
Hell, that’s one of the main reasons I don’t go to athletic events unless they pay me or someone with my DNA (family member) is performing. I don’t like crowds, especially inebriated ones, and I don't like morons either.
Actually, I don't like people in general, even though I worked nearly 20 years in PR. But again, if you pay me to do it, I will bust my $#@! for you and be good at it.
Plaxico Burress
Enough already!
ESPN is treating the Plaxico Burress shooting like he’s the president-elect about to take over. It’s wall to wall coverage. They actually had a reporter on site break in and tell us at exactly what time Burress showed up at the Giants’ team complex Tuesday morning.
“Breaking news - Plaxico Burress showed up at Giants’ Headquarters at exactly 9:17 a.m. this morning.” Later in the day, they changed it to 9:20 a.m.
Who give s a $#@ when he showed up.
If he were playing for the Houston Texans, you would barely get a follow up story. And don’t tell me it’s because the Giants won the Super Bowl last year. I repeat, if the Texans had won the Super Bowl, and Andre Johnson were in Burress’ shoes, it wouldn’t get anywhere near the attention.
Andre Johnson
Speaking of Andre Johnson, the sixth-year wide receiver out of Miami (FLA), is arguably the NFL’s best kept secret. He’s having another Pro-Bowl season and is on pace to shatter his single-season best reception campaign of 2006, when he posted a league-best 103 grabs.
There Is No Curse
So you still think the Browns are cursed? Right. They would not be losing so many games if they knew what they were doing on draft day – something we have pointed out over and over again.
Here’s a great example – every time I see the Steelers’ James Harrison turning the corner on some poor tackle on his way to mauling yet another opposing quarterback, I think of how the Browns let this guy get away.
How many more wins would they have if they had him in uniform the past couple years?
It’s not like he played in Midland, Texas. Kent State is right down the road from Berea.
Did they even scout him, and if they did, what did the report say?
Perhaps something like this - “He’s a project at best and in my professional opinion don’t believe he will ever beat out Ben Taylor or Kevin Bentley.”
It’s not like they need a pass rusher. They’ve only been searching for one for some 40 years - since I got off the plane from Europe back in September of ’68. I kid you not.
Hey, at least they got Cribbs out of KSU – right?
NBA Dream Finals
In the 1980s, the NBA got its “Dream Finals” often when Magic’s Lakers and Bird’s Celtics squared off numerous times. We may be seeing a repeat this spring with LeBron’s Cavaliers and Kobe’s Lakers headed don a collision course.
With the addition of Mo Williams, the Cavaliers are clearly better than they were a year ago when they took the Celtics to seven games – mostly on 23’s back.
I don’t believe the Celtics are better than a year ago, regardless how may wins they accumulate during the regular season. Williams gives Cleveland – something they did not have last season – a clear advantage at the point.
Now the tough part – he (Williams) has to play like it when it counts most – come May and June. If he plays big, they probably reach the Finals and may win it.
That's right, they are that close this time around.
Browns & Jenkins
If the season ended today and the Browns had to make a pick immediately, the player I believe is most ready to play at a high level in the NFL right away is OSU's Malcolm Jenkins.
He would start at any of the four secondary position for the Browns right now and be a clear upgrade.
Overtime
Every time I see the silly overtime period in the NFL, I cringe. The don't do "first to score wins" in MLB and the NBA when those games end in a tie. Explain why they do in football?
Just play the extra 15 minute period and see who is ahead at that point. If there is no clear winner, then call it a tie.
What's so difficult to understand here? Morons.
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