Short & Quick

Browns First Pre-Season Game
What a difference one play makes. If Butterfingers makes that catch in the end zone, Quinn is being praised by all for a very good first outing. Regardless, Quinn can’t throw a pick in the red zone. He has to let the previous play go and stay totally focused on the next snap – especially in the red zone. Otherwise, he's not much different than DA. You have to make good decisions with the football unless you play in a system that demands you throw for 4,000 yards.

As for Butterfingers, what can I say? Unfortunately, he is the lone playmaker they have right now. If he doesn’t bounce back strong in 2009, this team will have trouble keeping defensive backs honest and off the short routes.

I will be very curious to see how long a leash Mangini gives him if he does not deliver. Crennel kept running him out there and lost his job. We'll see how Mangini deals with him if he (BE) fails. Hopefully, we won't have to find out.

I did like the aggressive play of several young players on defense last Saturday. Since it’s only one pre-season game, I won’t even mention their names yet. If they keep it up, then we’ll focus on them more.

Kamerion Wimbley did show some life. I’m told they will move him around a lot this fall. Whatever. All I know is this – I don’t care where he lines up before the snap, I just want to see him on top of the quarterback with ball in hand after the whistle on 3rd and 7, along with double-digit sacks at year’s end. If this scheme helps, fine.

I love the morons who buy the line the Browns didn’t want to show anything last week because they play the Packers this fall. If that’s the case, then how did Green Bay’s first unit score at will in the first quarter without showing anything either?

Don’t panic yet. The good news is it doesn’t count. Again, I want to see organization and physical play. What we saw against Green Bay was not encouraging, but everyone needs to wait and be patient – at least until they play for real.

If he stays healthy, Mike Furrey might catch 90 balls in this system, on this team, this year. He has good hands, a good work ethic, knows what he’s doing out there and few competitors in camp with his experience.

One final thought – they need to get Quinn a ton of reps before the bell rings. The kid has played less than three NFL games in 2+ years in the league. He’s on his second offensive coordinator and system already and has a host of new receivers.

Remember, I never bought into the “quarterback derby” we keep hearing is taking place. It’s Quinn’s job to lose – period. Again, Lerner would not have hired Mangini if he believed the new coach was open to another quarterback derby. Lerner’s been there, done that, and had to fire his GM and coach partly because of it.

What I Want to See
I would like to see the hurry up offense used occasionally this fall. First, I think Quinn can handle it, and secondly, this team's offensive talent level isn't good enough to simply line up and play basic football against the superior defense units they will face. The Browns need to try to keep teams off balance. A little creativity can't hurt.

Indians
It looks like Aaron Laffey has won a spot in the rotation for 2010. Okay, I can handle one mediocre soft tossing lefty in the #4 spot in the rotation. But one is all I can stomach. No, I don’t want a host of #4 starters in my rotation.

Here are my early impressions of newly acquired Justin Masterson. He looks like he will have some difficulty consistently getting lefties out as a starter. His release point (sidearm) makes it pretty easy for lefties to pick him up. He might be better suited as a set-up man or potential closer where he can lock in on his best two pitches while hitters only see him and his stuff once a night.

Don’t be fooled by the numbers some of the Indians are putting up the second half of the season. In the NBA, they call this “garbage time.” Some players simply play better when the pressure is off. We’ve seen this before with this team. Regardless of how they finish, this team has a ton of holes – especially on the mound.

Leon Powe
I like the Cavaliers’ addition of Leon Powe. He’s a hard worker, an overachiever and a good guy. How can you not appreciate all that in today’s world of selfish pro athletes? If and when he gets healthy, he’ll help the front line. Here’s hoping he gets well fast.

Brett Favre
I just found out Favre is a Viking. No surprise and I don’t really care. Yes, he’s better than what they had at QB, so I don’t blame Minnesota for begging him to play. But for me, Favre’s diva act got old quick – two years ago.