New Month - New Thoughts

Browns Spring Cleaning Begins
We aren’t surprised the Browns have started the house cleaning.

That’s common when a new regime takes over a franchise, especially after a four-win campaign on a team loaded with head cases. If I am right, you won't recognize this team come September.

Yes, we are on record as wanting to keep Winslow and deal Edwards, but Mangini obviously felt Winslow was damaged goods - in more ways than one.

When we said a long time ago this team had little or no leadership in the locker room, we meant it.

Look for “Butterfingers” and DA to be next.

If you are going to deal K2 because he’s a pain in the rear and because he has the body of a 10-year vet, then Braylon Edwards can’t be too far behind. He (Edward) doesn’t have Winslow’s talent and is also apt at running his mouth.

As for Anderson, he’s due that $5 million bonus on March 5, so he should be dealt this week. We are somewhat surprised he wasn’t dealt on day one of free agency.

Perhaps there isn’t much of a market for the former Pro Bowler. Remember, there certainly wasn’t last March on day one of free agency when he became available for four hours (from midnight to four A.M.) before “the wizard” (Phil Savage) signed him to an extension.

That, my friends, was the beginning of the end to the Savage/Crennel Era in Cleveland.

I would attempt to get first day picks for both Edwards and Anderson, and if I couldn’t, I would try to move them for established NFL players that fill holes – something the Browns have plenty of.

Trading former Pro Bowlers, who are in their prime age-wise, for second day picks, just doesn't seem right to me - even with all their issues.

We also would not be surprised to see the team’s best defensive player in 2008, Shaun Rodgers, be dealt after his not so private request to be moved.

Moving Rodgers now makes sense in that his value is at an all-time high after a Pro Bowl season. The opposite is true of Edwards and DA - thanks to the lack of stones and foresight of the previous regime.

Am I concerned Mangini and company will leave Brady Quinn with no weapons in 2009?

Yes - even if Mangini brings in a couple of quality receivers, it will take time for the group to get its timing down.

Nonetheless, we will wait and see if there is a method to their madness before commenting further.

One final thought on Winslow.

This corner felt all along he had Hall of Fame talent. His play on the field when healthy did not change our view in the least. However, we once again found out the hard way that today’s modern day athlete is “different.”

If he (K2) were not such a pain off the field, he would still be a Cleveland Brown – even with all the injuries. But he is, and now he’s gone.

We understand Mangini’s desire to get “high character” guys, as he described them in his initial press conference. All coaches talk about character, but most don’t really follow through.

Mangini learned his craft under Mr. Bill, who does not tolerate a “me first” atmosphere in the locker room. Belichick was even able to tame Randy Moss the past two years.

Of course, having three Super Bowl rings and a locker room full of outstanding players also helps quiet potential problems.

We shall see if Mangini can create the same atmosphere in Cleveland. That would be nice.

More importantly, he’d (Mangini) better win soon, or the fans and media will turn on his approach quickly – especially if the players he casts off have success elsewhere.

That’s just the nature of sports.

Notice, at no time did we mention the new GM of the Cleveland Browns. That’s because Mangini has all the power. He was hired first and he signed off on the hiring of his buddy to fill the GM role.

Until that individual (George Coco Crisp or something to that effect) actually shows us something, we will put it all on Mangini.

Speaking of Character
It happened quietly, but LB Andra Davis left the Browns via free agency. From all accounts, all he did was work hard every day at his craft, regardless of the team's lack of success during his long tenure in Cleveland. He also carried himself with class off the field.

No, he wasn't a first division LB, but that doesn't matter here. The fact is he is the type of player Mangini wants in uniform - hopefully, with more raw skills.

Good luck to Andra Davis in his future endeavors.

Matt Cassel
Scott Pioli must have incriminating photos of Bill Belichick in hand.

That’s the only explanation for New England dealing Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel for a #2 pick. Cassel, under tremendous pressure replacing a Hall of Famer, clearly showed he can play from day one.

Yet, Mr. Bill dealt him to K.C. for a mere second rounder.

To this day, I am astonished teams place such a high value on draft picks over proven NFL talent.

I just don't get it and never will!

Here is my simple test to prove the point. You can do this at home yourself without props. And it will make you look smart at dinner parties with those who like to talk sports while stuffing their faces while drinking like fish.

Ask yourself this question anytime a player is dealt for a draft choice - Where would (fill in the blank) go in this year’s draft?

In Cassel’s case, he would be the first quarterback drafted.

And please don’t tell me there are quarterbacks in this draft with more up side. No NFL GM would take a rookie to run their team over a guy who led the Patriots to an 11- win season. And he didn’t do it by “managing” the game either. Cassel put up Pro Bowl numbers.

This gets us back to our initial thought – why did Bill give him away? Let’s just say Pioli should not expect anything wrapped with a bow on it from Mr. Bill next December. The gift already arrived.

Manny
In the middle of an economic downturn, the guy turns down a 2-year/$45 million offer from the only team who wants him – the Dodgers. What stones!

Here’s the rub – the Dodgers are likely to cave at some point and give him what he, and his arrogant agent, Scott Boras, want.

Only in America!

Cavalier Bigs
I am still waiting for the Cavaliers to add another “big” soon. I just have not seen enough improvement from JJ Hickson to expect him to carry 20 minutes a night come playoff time. Has anyone seen Joe Smith?

Say It Ain't So
If the Cavaliers truly had a chance to get Shaq Daddy before the deadline for role players, a rookie (JJ Hickson) and a #1 pick, and didn’t pull the trigger, Danny Ferry should have his head examined.

I’ll just assume the rumors were false. To think otherwise would make my head explode.