Sunday, September 27, 2009

Browns –Ravens Preview & More

Browns –Ravens Preview

On paper, this looks like it will be reminiscent of the Browns in 1999, when they had problems getting the ball across midfield against a good defense. All indications point to this getting ugly quickly.

Add the fact that Jamaal Lewis is out, means that Brady Quinn is likely to have absolutely no running game against the Ravens’ defense.

The upside is that Jerome Harrison should get a good, long look today and he’d better take advantage of it. Regardless, unless the Browns have something up their sleeve, Quinn could take a pounding.

The Ravens so far in this young season crush the run – as always - but have had problems against the pass. The Browns’ problem is this – Who do they have to throw to? Their #1 receiver, Butterfingers, is being doubled, and no one else is capable of getting open consistently.

Yes, spreading the field and trying to get one-on-ones (i.e. Harrison versus a linebacker) makes sense. However, will the line protect long enough for Quinn to find the open man?

Like I said, it could be a bloodletting.

On the other side, it would be nice to see the Browns defense play four full quarters –regardless of what happens on the other side of the ball. I love how some pundits put the defense’s second half collapses on the lack of offense -thus the "D" being on the field too long and wearing down.

Here’s my answer – get some three and outs on occasion and you won’t be on the field so long. And while you are at it, how about forcing ONE turnover?

Ravens 27-10 sound about right. Here’s hoping I’m way off.

Quinn
I was asked by a friend this week if I already soured on BQ after my last post where I called his play “very poor.” Absolutely not.

However, BQ looked tentative and held the ball too long against a mediocre Broncos defense. For me to suggest otherwise and let him off the hook would be wrong. My credibility is more important to me than being right.

BQ should have the full 16 game schedule to be evaluated properly. And there will be serious bumps along the way – like right now. I’m very curious as to how he handles those down times and if he progresses properly.

Yes, there is little talent around him. However, BQ touches the ball on every down. The quarterback needs to lead by example – regardless of the circumstances around him. Over the courses of 60 minutes and 60-70 offensive plays, there are opportunities to make some plays. Here’s hoping that begins this week in Baltimore.

Mangini and Bottled Water
A big deal was made this week of Eric Mangini fining a player the league maximum (close to $2,000) because he didn’t pay for bottled water taken from the team’s hotel in Denver.

Mangini’s point is no one is better than anyone else and he expects everyone in the organization – players, coaches, PR people, secretaries, etc. to act like adults at all times.

I’m sure there is more to the story than what has been reported. Regardless, we don’t have a problem with his decision, only that it was made public. To his credit, Mangini doesn’t just talk the talk when he says he wants high character people on his team.

However, if you lose, stunts like this will be interpreted by the media and fans as childish and overbearing. If the Browns were 2-0 right now, everyone would be saying how Mangini is running a tight ship and his style of discipline works. Such is PR in the world of sport. The "immediately memory only" of fans and media has fascinated me for years.

Indians
It looks as though the Indians' everyday line-up is pretty much set for 2010.

It goes as follows – LaPorta (1B), Valbuena (2B), Cabrera (SS), Peralta (3B), Brantley (LF), Sizemore (CF) and Choo (RF), and Hafner (DH). The only question remaining is at catcher, where the organization has numerous, if not, good options.

Here’s the problem – can you name the teams #1, #2 OR #3 starter for 2010?

I know I’m beating a dead horse, but remember – without pitching, you have no chance to be good.

On another note, the Tribe barely avoided tying a team record for consecutive losses (12) this week. So they started slow in April and finished even slower in September.

Which begs the question – who will manage this club next year?

I'm already on record as wanting either Grover or Buddy Bell. These two have been part of this organization when it was winning and both possess ML managing experience.

What I don’t want is someone who hasn’t managed at the ML level before. That was just tried and failed with Eric Wedge. Yes, Wedge took over a rebuilding project. However, it needs to be noted he also had several teams that were expect to contend in a relatively weak division.

His resume only has one post-season appearance on it – and that was a flame job up 3-1 against Boston with quality starters (1 through 3) lined up to close it out.

No one would argue, even his most stauchest supporters, that Wedge got the most out of his talent base. Shapiro and his scouts were of litte help (AKA: see any draft class), but that's another story altogether that we've covered before.

Secondly, in all the years he has managed the Indians, I can count on just one hand the times I witnesses a squeeze/suicide bunt or a succesfull hit and run being put on. Perhaps I missed it on occasion, but it’s clear that Wedge did not do much to manufacture runs.

Remember - in the post-steroids era, a manager in the American League, once again, on occasion, needs to be able to manufacture runs.

Yes, the Indians will be more athletic next year and possess more overall foot speed as a team. That's a good thing. But if you don’t use those tools properly, it does you no good.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

10 Things Following Browns-Broncos

I’ve seen this movie before – last week in fact. The Browns were in it at halftime and folded in the second half – again. The offense was non-existent and the defense wilted. It's rare to see the exact same act in the NFL in back to back weeks.

Brady Quinn played poorly, and that’s being kind. Yes, he doesn’t have much help around him (aka: playmakers). Regardless, he gets paid to score touchdowns. Right now, after two weeks in 2009, he looks as if he’s taken a step backwards compared to where he was when he played against the Broncos a year ago. My boy will need to start making some plays very soon. Otherwise, I can see Mangini going to the bullpen sooner rather than later – especially if he actually believes there isn’t much difference between Quinn and DA.

What happened to the screen pass that was so effective in pre-season? The Browns ran it once against the Broncos.

Eric Mangini is big on holding players accountable – at least that’s what we are told. Then why didn’t Brandon McDonald get pulled for a few plays when he got called for a defensive holding on 3rd and 19 for the Broncos in the first quarter. That’s inexcusable. Besides, it’s not like he’s indispensable. The Browns right now may have the worse set of starting corners in the league.

That’s eight full quarters played without this defense coming close to forcing a turnover this season.

There’s way too much energy being expended by Quinn and company on offense pointing fingers at defenders before the ball is snapped. That’s getting old quick.

The Broncos offensive coaches made the Browns defensive staff look silly on third and goal from the 2-yard line in the first quarter. Denver called a timeout then isolated a tight end on Kamerion Wimbley out in space. Result – an easy touchdown pass for Kyle Horton. Whatever defensive scheme has Wimbley effectively playing corner needs to be junked immediately.

Am I the only one who thinks something must be wrong if either one of our second round picks at wideout can’t beat out Josh Cribbs? I've mentioned this before, but it is concerning for another reason besides not getting any productivity from second rounders drafted by a bad team. Having Cribbs play receiver also takes him off the punt coverage and kick-off coverage units – where he excels.

The Browns have a lot of NFL second teams starting. That’s not good.

It would be nice to see some called rollouts for Quinn deep in the red zone.

Final thoughts: The wolves will be out this week. The local media and fans were already whining after the Vikings loss. Many dislike Mangini because of his attitude, won’t give him any wiggle room and will bury him at the first sign of failure. And most fans begin calling for the back-up at the first sign of trouble at QB. That’s the lack of patience that as made sports followers so easy to ridicule. Regardless, this is not what you want to have on your resume (0-2) heading into Baltimore in week #3. Ouch!

Browns at Denver

I like the Browns today.

Yea, I know that makes so sense with our history in that city – Denver, but I like the Browns today.

I like the Browns because of two words – Kyle Orton. If Eric Mangini can truly coach, he should be able to devise a defense that limits Denver offensively with Orton and those tools at his disposal.

I like the Browns today because their best offensive player (Brandon Marshall) is a bigger head case than our presumed best weapon (Butterfingers).

I like the Browns today because we have the edge in special teams with Josh Cribbs and company.

I like the Browns today because I don’t see Brady Quinn melting down in his first big road start.

I like the Browns today because I expect Jerome Harrison to be involved and make some plays.

I like the Browns today because Denver is like us right now – not very good.

I like the Browns today because this is a winnable game, despite the venue, and if Mangini’s organization and discipline are going to take hold – this should be where that process starts.

I like the Browns today because Mike Shanahan is not prowling the Broncos' sideline and #7 is no longer in uniform to torch the Browns on 3rd and long.

I like the Browns 24-20.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

10 Things About the Browns in Week 1

Point 1
• The actual score (34-20) was not indicative of how Minnesota dominated the second half of this game. The Vikings just wore the Browns down. Simply put – it’s a 60 minute game, not 30. You have to figure that out and play accordingly before you can beat a quality NFL opponent.

• What looked like an impressive defensive effort stopping the run early turned into another 200+ yard rushing effort allowed by the Browns. That’s not a good sign.

• Offensively, the Browns ran the ball relatively well early, but were unable to stay with the game plan once the Vikings got up two scores.

• One wonders who will consistently make plays for this team on both sides of the ball. You win with playmakers. The defense forced no turnovers and the offense had no big gains from scrimmage.

• Quinn looked like a rookie at times – which is to be expected against a good Vikings’ defense, especially once they were able to pin their ears back, up two scores. The late Cleveland score came in garbage time, but baby steps are necessary when you haven’t scored an offensive touchdown since prior to Thanksgiving of 2008.

• The loss was expected against a team the caliber of Minnesota. Getting worn down wasn’t a total surprise either. However, the penalties and poor tackling late showed a disturbing lack of concentration – similar of years past. We expect that to change under Mangini - sooner rather than later.

• I am not a fan of re-structuring contracts. This corner would never do so with NBA or ML players because those deals are guaranteed. However, the NFL is a different animal with no guaranteed deals and players playing for their pay from one year to the next. I would tear up Josh Cribbs’ deal and give him a new, better, incentive laden contract making arguably the team’s best player a happy camper. The fans love him, he wants to be here and you don’t have to worry about him coasting once he gets paid.

• A lot of NFL quarterbacks could have won that game for the Vikings today. Brett Favre actually “managed the game.” As you know, I hate that term. That’s uncharted waters for the future HOFer. But that’s what happens when you have a stud back up against one of the worst run defenses in the league the past 10 years. They however didn't bring Favre in to beat the Browns. He'll be asked to be Brett Favre against good teams at some point - especially come playoff time.

• On a positive note, the Browns’ defensive scheme early was refreshing to see and caused some confusion for the Vikings. Unfortunately, they decided to keep it simple in the second half and feed their horse (Adrian Peterson) until he got it rolling. The KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Philosophy works with sports too. Some coaches need to remember that.

• Next week’s road game in Denver is actually winnable. The venue is a difficult one, but #7 doesn’t take snaps anymore for the Broncos.

SC-OSU Post-Script
I thought the Trojans would handle the Buckeyes. It was closer than I expected and I was impressed with Ohio State’s defensive front. However, I was not impressed with the quarterbacking Ohio State received – especially in the game’s final drive. In the end, SC won because their extremely young quarterback made plays when it mattered most while OSU’s signal-caller couldn’t.

And no, it’s not Tressel’s conservative play-calling that hurts the Buckeyes in big games. That’s the same approach that won them a National Title. That’s his style – you can‘t congratulate him when it works and criticize him when it doesn’t. That’s being one of the 95%+ who don’t get it.

The problem for Buckeye Nation is as follows – without a stud future #1 NFL pick running the ball for OSU, Prior will need to make more plays in order to beat quality opponents. And I’m not talking about Northwestern. The kid is a great athlete, but far from a finished product under center - yet.

If you take a glass half empty approach you wonder if OSU will ever beat the likes of SC after having them in their house, in front of a raucous record crowd, playing against a quarterback that had just one college start under his belt with a revamped defense to boot.

A glass half full person believes these two teams will see each other again in the National Championship Game. Those are the Buckeye fans I have a problem with. They can even be ignorant &/or arrogant after another bad loss.

The truth is probably somewhere in between.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Short & Quick

Vikings- Browns
We like the Vikings to handle the Browns 27-20 in the opener. Minnesota should be able to hold and control the ball – keeping the Browns’ offense off the field and limiting their possessions. Unless Brett Favre implodes, it’s hard to imagine Cleveland winning this one.

I have had more than one individual remind me the “BQ Era” starts this weekend. I guess better late than never. One thing is for sure, Quinn wasn’t handed anything when he turned pro – unlike a lot of young athletes these days.

Quinn handled the past 2+ years with class. He could have complained after dropping in the draft, after sitting the past two years, and again after being told he had to compete with DA for the starting job in year three after Anderson imploded in 2008. He didn't whine. He just competed and said all the right things. Now this is finally his team. Good for him.

If I am right, he’ll quickly become the best signal-caller this city has seen since Bernie was earning MVP votes back in the late 80s while leading the Browns to a trio of AFC Championship game. If I’m wrong, this team will continue to wallow in mediocrity or worse for the foreseeable future.

Statistically, keep your eyes on BQ's touchdown to interception ratio. Remember, the first sign you have something special at that position (QB) is if the guy can consistently put up a 2-1 ratio or better from year to year. Anything better than that and you have a horse you can ride to a title with the right pieces around him.

Super Bowl
As far as the big picture, we have the Patriots winning the Super Bowl this year – assuming Tom Brady is healthy. It’s basically the same prediction we made a year ago before he went down. We picked the Steelers after Brady went down in '08.

This fall, New England again has too many weapons and too much experience. Their defense has lost several key pieces due to retirement and free agency. However, I trust Mr. Bill to reload on that side of the ball. You have to give the guy credit –he can flat-out coach defense.

As for who they will play – I have no idea.

Culture of Personality
I have complained about the “Culture of Personality” for years – both in real life (i.e.reality television and hero worship) and the silly world of sports. In sports, it began with athletes doing touchdown dances, stomping around after making tackles and generally genuflecting every chance they get.

This has led to teams wearing fatigues coming off planes (Miami, FLA), pre-game fights at midfield and players now taking swings at opponents after a tough loss.

The NCAA’s solution – have players shake hands at midfield before kick-off. Right. It’s a little too late for that boys. You can’t put the toothpaste back in the bottle. The NCAA, head coaches and athletic directors let this get out of hand years ago.

The solution involves stiff penalties for self-promotion and benchings from coaches when appropriate. For example, the moron who taunted in the post-game melee between Oregon and Boise State should have been suspended for a minimum of one game. He wasn’t. That’s a coach sending the wrong message. Period.

The same can be said for Alabama’s coaching staff last week when their best defensive player picked up two personal foul penalties on ONE play. They never took him off the field – not even for one play. Again, the wrong message was sent by Nick Saban and his staff.

SC-OSU
Yes, we like USC to double up Ohio State tonight. Again, the Big-10 lacks the quarterback talent to beat the big boys.

Here's hoping TP doesn't wear eye black with the dog killer's name on it tonight. That was a terrible idea a week ago. It made him look ignorant. Again, Tressel and company dropped the ball. If I'm a coach or AD at OSU, I would have made him clean that mess off his face immediately. And please don't tell me no coach saw it. That's an insult to my intelligence.

Sometimes I wonder where the adults are. Vick deserves a second chance. He paid his debt to society. But he shouldn't be honored in any way, shape or form.

Tribe
I have actually watched the Indians play lately. What can I say – I like watching the kids. One thing is certain, if Westbrook and Carmona don’t make it all the way back, it’s going to be very difficult for Cleveland to contend anytime soon.

The good news is they have added the power arms we were begging for long before anyone noticed. The bad news is they still need a couple veterans in the rotaton to stabilize the staff.