If Brady Quinn is in Cleveland next year, we strongly suggest that commitment should be accompanied with a safety blanket – Charlie Weiss to run the offense. Weiss will soon be out of a job and the Browns will soon have a new team Czar who will demand to bring in his own GM & Head Coach. So it makes sense, if you finally commit to a quarterback, you make it as comfortable for him as possible. Of course, this makes too much sense to happen.
It was good to hear the Browns and the Bills are both looking at former Super Bowl winners to roam the sidelines or call the shots from above. It won’t guarantee success, but it’s the right call.
Which begs the question - what took so long? Sorry. I remain amazed and contemptuous of how billion $ organizations can be so dysfunctional for so long. But I’m sure their executives are impeccably dressed, get weekly trims and carry $500briefcases.
Nice performance by the Browns’ passing game against the lowly Lions. Compared to where they were as an offense, last week looked like a record-setter. However, we caution patience. There are six more games to be played and everyone is in on the audition. I’ll be more impressed with Quinn and the offense if they can establish some consistency the rest of the way. Three or four touchdowns in Cincy this Sunday would be a good start.
I was very disappointed in Eric Mangini’s decision to call time-out - allowing the Lions’ quarterback to get back on the field for the game’s final play last week.
But I was much more concerned that he spent the majority of the timeout complaining to the officials instead of getting his defense ready to get a stop. Finally, he came up with a hat trick by spending part of his Monday morning press conference whining about the interference call in the end zone and claiming the Lions were faking injuries to slow down the Browns’ hurry up offense.
Bottom line – the guy did everything wrong. Yes, you can excuse him for the timeout – that’s a judgment call, but the rest of it speaks volumes of him as a leader of men.
Let me get this right – Mangini’s football team, 1-8 going in, blows a 24-3 lead to a team that has won two games in the past 2+ seasons, and the head coach, who is supposed to set an example for his team, whines and complain for two days instead of taking responsibility for blowing a game that should have been won.
By the way, did anyone ever tell C. Stuckey it would be a good idea to stay in bounds after catching a huge third down completion when you are trying to run out the clock?
Then you wonder why coaches want players with high football/basketball/baseball IQs. The same can be said for Kamerion Wimbley several weeks ago when he decided to bat down a fourth down pass from the 1-yard line instead of making the interception -thus giving his offense possession on the 20 yard line after the touchback instead of the 1.
Perhaps that is a window into why Wimbley has never reached his full potential. He had a terrific rookie year, and when the NFL adjusted in year two, Wimbley has been incapable of adjusting to the adjustments.
There are thousands upon thousands of superior athletes who never reach their full potential. Game intelligence is important - otherwise the guys with the best bodies and fastest feet would always be the best players.
The Atlanta’s Hawks’ Josh Smith can play for me anytime – size, athleticism, quickness and a mean streak are qualities I like in a basketball player.
I know some of you don’t like what you are about to read, but if I were Danny Ferry, I would have a talk with AI about coming off the bench and giving the Cavaliers 25 minutes a night of instant offense.
If AI truly wants a ring – and he’s spent the last 10 years telling is just that - this is might be a good fit. If Iverson agrees and can tamp his ego, the question then becomes can Mike Brown handle LJ, Shaq and AI on the same team?
Where are all those football experts who were ripping Jim Tressel and his beleaguered quarterback several weeks ago. One local moron talk show host even suggested T. Pryor be moved to wide receiver. Nice.
Look, Pryor is not ready for the NFL – not even close. But give him credit. He dealt with the scrutiny and criticism of being the quarterback at OSU and has played better in recent weeks. Good for him. Our view hasn’t changed since we saw him first play in 2009 – he was overhyped coming into Columbus in 2009 and he wasn’t as bad as many proclaimed when the 2010 season was in peril back in October. He's an amazing athlete still learning to play quarterback. Period.
As for Tressel – he is what he is – an outstanding, yet boring, college football coach. The offense is the same it was when Pryor was missing wide open receivers and throwing multiple picks in the first half of the season. The difference – Pryor and company are making more plays. Some times, the answer is simple, but many make it more complicated than it is.
I am currently watching Colt McCoy throw touchdown passes all over the field and run for 150+ yards against Texas A&M. I’m sure Mel Kipper will have this kid as the #1 pick overall in 2010 after this one. And of course, if he throws three picks in the National Championship game, Kipper and company will drop him out of the top 15. Right.
Actually, McCoy looks pretty good to me, but so does the kid on the other team (Johnson). He (McCoy) probably sealed the Heisman votes with this effort. If he did, good for him, he seems like a decent kid.
Speaking of the draft - where are all those geniuses that had J. Russell as the #1 overall pick? I bring this up because the 2010 draft is fast approaching and we will soon begin hearing the endless daily spin. After years of simple personal observation, I truly believe you have to be a moron to consistently blow day 1 picks (#1 & #2 rounds). Yet I see teams do it every year.
Over-analysis is deadly. I truly believe if the draft took place two weeks after the Super Bowl, fewer mistakes would be made. Think about it - the more time you spend looking at a multiple choice question on a test, the more likely you are to go against your first instincts and get it wrong.
I hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing some of you at dinner on December 22. If necessary, the table will be under Robert Jampo of course.
Next time – Health Care. I promise.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Criminalizing Terror
Yes, I still take requests. Sorry here goes for those of you who seek some hot issues wisdom from the “Wizard.”
In the famous boring words of coaches and athletes everywhere - "we are going to take it one issue at a time however."
Enemy Combatants In New York Court House
So let me get this right – the current administration is going to provide the same constitutional protections to enemy combatants captured on some foreign battlefield as granted a 16-year old pimple-faced kid in Gary, Indiana, who shoplifts a pack of extra small rubbers from the local Revco.
What’s wrong with this picture? Hell, where do I start?
First, this has never been done. These terrorists are not U.S. citizens and were not captured – notice I said captured not arrested – on U.S. soil. Therefore, by definition, they are strictly enemy combatants and should be dealt with in military courts - i.e. military tribunals. That’s what has always happened in the past and no U.S. law that I know of has been changed recently to affect a change in process/venue.
Secondly, bringing them to New York and putting them on trial in a civilian courtroom provides them rights and privileges that will make it harder on the prosecution and easier for the defense to turn this into a three-ring circus never see before on this planet.
This will make the OJ Trial look like the local drunk’s bi-yearly traffic court case in Plano, Texas.
Can you imagine the motions to suppress that will come of this alone?
For example, these creatures weren’t read their Miranda Rights after capture. Does that mean that some of the evidence gathered will not permissible? And that’s just one example from a non-lawyer who has a merely primitive understanding of our criminal judicial system. Think what a sharp attorney can come up with?
Third, this will give these pricks the stage they seek. They will be able to spew their anti U.S. venom in from of the world stage for months and months, if not years.
Fourth, the security measure alone will cost taxpayers in excess of $100 million dollars for this trial.
Fifth, this is a slap in the face of relatives and friends of the victims of 9-11 who were killed a few short blocks away. The large majority of those who still grieve today do not want this trial in their backyard. This will only serve to make them relive the horrors of that terrible day.
Sixth, the President and his attorney general (Eric Holder) have both publicly stated they are “certain” convictions will results and these individuals will be put to death for their crimes.
There’s nothing like poisoning the potential jury pool, hey guys? A first-year law student would have tons of fun with these asinine and inappropriate statements prior to trial when the jury selection process gets here.
Seventh, what if, by some chance, one lone jury – with an IQ near the daily temperature in San Diego, holds out and the prosecution fails to get full convictions?
You say it isn’t possible? In the famous words of an OJ juror as she left the courtroom after the verdict - “I don’t know nothin’ about no DNA!” Enough said.
Eight – the administration keeps going to the “we want to show that we are better than they are and show everyone how our system of justice can work” card. Right.
Then how come everyone with a law degree who has commented on this move has alredy stated, if by some chance these animals are acquitted, they would be re-arrested the minute they left the courtroom on other charges.
In other words, they ain’t going free! Period.
Do you think that set of circumstances would go over well in Algeria or South Yemen?
This group of morons in charge spent the past three years telling us how the previous administration recruited tons and tons of terrorists for the bad guys with how they handled the War on Terror, Gitmo, water boarding, etc.
And I’m sure this trial won’t disintegrate into a freak show, the Muslim world will fully grasp the nuances of our judicial system, and by some slim chance these guys get off and are re-arrested immediately, that won’t piss off jobless, 20-year old Muhammad Akbar Hakim in some refugee camp somewhere in the middle of some god-awful desert - making him an easy recruit to slip on 50 pounds of TNT with the desire to blow himself up and as many as he can take with him in some mall somewhere in middle-America.
Finally, this simply was not necessary. The administration has made it clear other terrorists are and will continue to be tried with military courts/tribunals. They (Obama & Company) specifically chose to put the biggest fish on trial in our criminal court system.
This was a cold, calculated, horrid decision with a downside the size of a lunar crater.
And here’s the kicker – these pieces of crap ALREADY CONFESSED & have asked to be sent to martyrdom where they can meet up with their 72 virgins.
No one has explained to me yet why a trial is even necessary when they’ve pled guilty already.
A personal note from a Catholic is in order here - if there truly is a God, the 72 virgins waiting are actually be 40 year-old men who look like they’re 60, with pot bellies, smelly pits and formerly possessed full NAMBLA membership while of this earth.
Now the only question remaining is why would this administration take this route?
Of course some of it has to do with appeasing the political base (far left nuts) – who want to see Bush and the CIA on trial as much, if not more, than the mastermind of 9-11.
My guess is the rest is likely pure arrogance – the belief by this bunch that they know best. It’s similar to the current health care debate. Forget what the majority of the people want. We are the smart ones and we know what is best for the masses.
This is dangerously close to a Marxist line of thinking – the concept that the masses cannot think for themselves and need to be guided, manipulated and controlled.
You see, assuming there’s no boom boom in New York City during this trial, Obama and his crew get a two-fer!
What’s a two-fer? I’m glad you asked. They (Obama & crew) get to blame George Bush and the CIA (read: Water boarding) all over again while likely getting full convictions.
The problem is the downside – the biggest circus trial in history, at a ridiculous financial cost, and more importantly, emotional expense for those near Ground Zero, and the nation for that matter, a job made more difficult with many more potential roadblocks for the prosecuting attorneys, and a world-stage for those who hate this nation, both in the courtroom in shackles and outside the courtroom across the planet.
The problem is - this bunch in charge simply don’t care. They have an agenda and they are simply grinding it out. The term used to describe the current administration is “ideologues.”
I would simplify it and just say what we have here is the radical 1960s/70s crew that was busy smoking as much pot as possible, dancing naked to Joplin/Hendrix songs, organizing sit-ins across college campuses, and basically rebelling against authority at every turn, now finally in charge and making the decisions - with a charming, likeable, personable, 48-year old, who looks in way over his head, as their figure-head in charge.
It's the inmates running the asylum.
America wanted change - and they got it. Boy did they get it.
Next – the Health Care Debate or Palin Mania – you choose.
In the famous boring words of coaches and athletes everywhere - "we are going to take it one issue at a time however."
Enemy Combatants In New York Court House
So let me get this right – the current administration is going to provide the same constitutional protections to enemy combatants captured on some foreign battlefield as granted a 16-year old pimple-faced kid in Gary, Indiana, who shoplifts a pack of extra small rubbers from the local Revco.
What’s wrong with this picture? Hell, where do I start?
First, this has never been done. These terrorists are not U.S. citizens and were not captured – notice I said captured not arrested – on U.S. soil. Therefore, by definition, they are strictly enemy combatants and should be dealt with in military courts - i.e. military tribunals. That’s what has always happened in the past and no U.S. law that I know of has been changed recently to affect a change in process/venue.
Secondly, bringing them to New York and putting them on trial in a civilian courtroom provides them rights and privileges that will make it harder on the prosecution and easier for the defense to turn this into a three-ring circus never see before on this planet.
This will make the OJ Trial look like the local drunk’s bi-yearly traffic court case in Plano, Texas.
Can you imagine the motions to suppress that will come of this alone?
For example, these creatures weren’t read their Miranda Rights after capture. Does that mean that some of the evidence gathered will not permissible? And that’s just one example from a non-lawyer who has a merely primitive understanding of our criminal judicial system. Think what a sharp attorney can come up with?
Third, this will give these pricks the stage they seek. They will be able to spew their anti U.S. venom in from of the world stage for months and months, if not years.
Fourth, the security measure alone will cost taxpayers in excess of $100 million dollars for this trial.
Fifth, this is a slap in the face of relatives and friends of the victims of 9-11 who were killed a few short blocks away. The large majority of those who still grieve today do not want this trial in their backyard. This will only serve to make them relive the horrors of that terrible day.
Sixth, the President and his attorney general (Eric Holder) have both publicly stated they are “certain” convictions will results and these individuals will be put to death for their crimes.
There’s nothing like poisoning the potential jury pool, hey guys? A first-year law student would have tons of fun with these asinine and inappropriate statements prior to trial when the jury selection process gets here.
Seventh, what if, by some chance, one lone jury – with an IQ near the daily temperature in San Diego, holds out and the prosecution fails to get full convictions?
You say it isn’t possible? In the famous words of an OJ juror as she left the courtroom after the verdict - “I don’t know nothin’ about no DNA!” Enough said.
Eight – the administration keeps going to the “we want to show that we are better than they are and show everyone how our system of justice can work” card. Right.
Then how come everyone with a law degree who has commented on this move has alredy stated, if by some chance these animals are acquitted, they would be re-arrested the minute they left the courtroom on other charges.
In other words, they ain’t going free! Period.
Do you think that set of circumstances would go over well in Algeria or South Yemen?
This group of morons in charge spent the past three years telling us how the previous administration recruited tons and tons of terrorists for the bad guys with how they handled the War on Terror, Gitmo, water boarding, etc.
And I’m sure this trial won’t disintegrate into a freak show, the Muslim world will fully grasp the nuances of our judicial system, and by some slim chance these guys get off and are re-arrested immediately, that won’t piss off jobless, 20-year old Muhammad Akbar Hakim in some refugee camp somewhere in the middle of some god-awful desert - making him an easy recruit to slip on 50 pounds of TNT with the desire to blow himself up and as many as he can take with him in some mall somewhere in middle-America.
Finally, this simply was not necessary. The administration has made it clear other terrorists are and will continue to be tried with military courts/tribunals. They (Obama & Company) specifically chose to put the biggest fish on trial in our criminal court system.
This was a cold, calculated, horrid decision with a downside the size of a lunar crater.
And here’s the kicker – these pieces of crap ALREADY CONFESSED & have asked to be sent to martyrdom where they can meet up with their 72 virgins.
No one has explained to me yet why a trial is even necessary when they’ve pled guilty already.
A personal note from a Catholic is in order here - if there truly is a God, the 72 virgins waiting are actually be 40 year-old men who look like they’re 60, with pot bellies, smelly pits and formerly possessed full NAMBLA membership while of this earth.
Now the only question remaining is why would this administration take this route?
Of course some of it has to do with appeasing the political base (far left nuts) – who want to see Bush and the CIA on trial as much, if not more, than the mastermind of 9-11.
My guess is the rest is likely pure arrogance – the belief by this bunch that they know best. It’s similar to the current health care debate. Forget what the majority of the people want. We are the smart ones and we know what is best for the masses.
This is dangerously close to a Marxist line of thinking – the concept that the masses cannot think for themselves and need to be guided, manipulated and controlled.
You see, assuming there’s no boom boom in New York City during this trial, Obama and his crew get a two-fer!
What’s a two-fer? I’m glad you asked. They (Obama & crew) get to blame George Bush and the CIA (read: Water boarding) all over again while likely getting full convictions.
The problem is the downside – the biggest circus trial in history, at a ridiculous financial cost, and more importantly, emotional expense for those near Ground Zero, and the nation for that matter, a job made more difficult with many more potential roadblocks for the prosecuting attorneys, and a world-stage for those who hate this nation, both in the courtroom in shackles and outside the courtroom across the planet.
The problem is - this bunch in charge simply don’t care. They have an agenda and they are simply grinding it out. The term used to describe the current administration is “ideologues.”
I would simplify it and just say what we have here is the radical 1960s/70s crew that was busy smoking as much pot as possible, dancing naked to Joplin/Hendrix songs, organizing sit-ins across college campuses, and basically rebelling against authority at every turn, now finally in charge and making the decisions - with a charming, likeable, personable, 48-year old, who looks in way over his head, as their figure-head in charge.
It's the inmates running the asylum.
America wanted change - and they got it. Boy did they get it.
Next – the Health Care Debate or Palin Mania – you choose.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
What You Won't Get Elsewhere
You are warned - I'm not in a good mood as I'm writing.
Let's start on a positive note however.
I know you don't care, but so what. I'm 3-1 as head coach after a Saturday sweep, including a come from behind 3-point win against a solid squad. My sixth grade Catholic girls actually manned up, laid the wood defensively and executed down the stretch to earn the W. That's saying something when you are dealing with normally "soft" Catholic kids who are more concerned about getting an I-pod Touch for X-mas than putting a body on someone when rebounding.
I'm very proud of the little ones. Big one today - we play the league's version of the New York Yankees. Yes, I'm having a ton of fun. As I've said over and over again, I like working with children much more than adults. Perhaps that's why I'm anti-social unless you are paying me to communicate with others.
Gilbert & Bernie
Is it just me or is there something inappropriate about the owner of the Cavaliers (Dan Gilbert), and now an executive for the Cleveland Browns (Bernie Kosar), on all the local radio talk shows last week pitching the casino amendment in the state of Ohio?
I voted for the damn thing, but that’s not the point. It just isn’t right for individual in those positions to be publicly lobbying for such a proposition.
Regardless, I doubt their leagues’ respective commissioners will do anything about it. In Gilbert’s case, it looks like he’s angling to invest and make money on casino gambling in Cleveland. Why am I the only one who thinks that’s inappropriate as long as he owns the local basketball team in town?
Cavs
I am starting to fade on Mike Browns, and it has nothing to do with the Cavaliers’
3-3 record. It’s early and they will win a ton of games. My criticism of Mike Brown has a four-prong analysis attached to it.
First, you cannot play Z and Shaq together very often or for very long. You can’t defend quicker front lines that way, especially when they go pick and roll against you. Why he’s experimenting with this group confuses me.
Secondly, I agree with Charles Barkley when he insists, time and time again, the Cavaliers need to speed up the game. They have the game’s best open court finisher (LJ) – it’s not even close. This team should run as much as possible. Instead, they still walk it up too much for my taste.
Third, I am SICK & TIRED of watching screen/roll with LJ and Andy V. There is absolutely no reason to run it with Andy. He’s no threat to score unless he’s standing under the basket with no one around him. Therefore, when Andy sets the screen, all that does is bring a second defender to LJ. And when Andy rolls to the basket now, with Shaq in the line-up, the lane is clogged more than in the past, making the roll to the basket more difficult.
If you are going to run screen/roll, you HAVE to run it with someone who can score the basketball, otherwise it does no good. This is the third time I've brought this specific criticism up.
Finally, I refuse to let him (MB) off the hook for his match-up decisions versus the Magic last spring. His stubborness in keeping a smaller defender on Hedo T. made it easy for Orlando to run its half-court and get the exact shot they wanted time and time again.
James on Hedo T. was the right call. Period. All Brown did was get Hedo paid in the off-season.
Many Acta
Firs, I have no idea how this guy will do. I do assume they hired him for three reasons however.
He’s used to dealing with young (aka: bad) teams. He’s Spanish and that helps a lot these days. And finally, he comes cheap. Yes, I know he was prepared, did his homework and said all the right things in his multiple interviews with Mark Shapiro.
But something tells me Shapiro simply doesn’t have the make-up (aka: stones) to hire someone with clout.
You see, some people are more comfortable hiring individuals to work for them who won’t dominate them in any way. You know where I’m going. These bosses are “insecure,” to put it nicely.
More and more, I get the read Shapiro falls in this category. No, I didn’t want self-promoter Bobby Valentine. But an experienced winner at the helm would have been a better choice.
Here’s the question you have to ask – Did the Indians clearly upgrade in going from Wedge to Acta? There is absolutely no way of knowing the answer to that at this point. And that, my friends, is the problem.
Regardless, we wish Acta well. And again, it won’t matter until you get quality starting pitching. I keep repeating myself, don’t I? Remember, with repetition, come retention. Hopefully, some of this wit and wisdom is rubbing off on you.
Many Good Options
Never has there been so many qualified football people out of work and available. I've harped on three - Bill C., Marty S., and Mike S., time and time again. What's wrong with Tony Dungy? Absolutely nothing. Make it four.
Randy Lerner can't possibly screw this up again. Or can he? Read below.
Browns Mess
So it’s George Kokinis’ fault the Browns are a disaster. Then we are told that Eric Mangini will have a hand in picking his new boss. Amazing. Who the hell with any credibility would come here if that’s true?
My guess is Randy Lerner will come to his senses after talking to qualified individuals and realize no one will come here if part of the deal is Mangini absolutely stays in 2010.
Hey, some of the same media members who okayed the move to Derek Anderson now go on record as saying Brady Quinn wasn’t given enough snaps as the starter to find out if he can play or not. Nice.
Next, they’ll tell us unemployment seems to be high now that’s its reached 10.2%.
These are also the same morons who have decided the Browns will definitely have two new quarterbacks in town next fall instead of Quinn and Anderson without knowing who will run the show next fall.
Kudos to former Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano, who nailed it last week, when Browns’ television color commentator Doug Dieken echoed the current media line, stating neither quarterback has done the job and next year’s quarterback is elsewhere.
Rutigliano then responded by acknowledging Quinn’s poor play in the first 2 1/2 games, but made clear the Browns have well over two years worth of footage on Anderson to go by but less than six full games on Quinn.
If Randy Lerner wants a wise, old football man to lean on, he should contact Rutigliano and offer him a corner office in Berea. He can't do worse.
More Browns’ Mess
The more I think about the Browns, the more I get ticked off. These so-called experts sleep in their offices 24-7, fly all over the country checking out prospects in their underwear and watch film until they are blue in the face.
Why do these people make it more difficult than it should be?
Thus, I leave you today with the following - my thoughts, on record, in the order I wanted the Browns to go on the first day of the draft.
Remember, I’m no scout, have no GM experience and watched a lot less DI football last fall than your average drunk 35 year old wearing his Charlie Frye game jersey looking to get laid on the end of a bar stool in some wings joint, in heaven because he can watch six different conferences on large plasmas at one time will sipping his seventh Michelob Ultra.
Here were my exact words in print just after the draft.
“If you read my previous entry, you were aware I preferred quality over quantity in terms of draft philosophy and that I wanted Cleveland to come away with a minimum of two of the following five players (in order of importance), in the 2009 draft – Crabtree (TT), Maualuga (USC), Jenkins (OSU) Moreno (GU) and Wells (OSU). And yes, the way the draft evolved, they could have easily had a combination of the two considering Maualaga’s free fall into the second round, as well as other factors.”
Let's start on a positive note however.
I know you don't care, but so what. I'm 3-1 as head coach after a Saturday sweep, including a come from behind 3-point win against a solid squad. My sixth grade Catholic girls actually manned up, laid the wood defensively and executed down the stretch to earn the W. That's saying something when you are dealing with normally "soft" Catholic kids who are more concerned about getting an I-pod Touch for X-mas than putting a body on someone when rebounding.
I'm very proud of the little ones. Big one today - we play the league's version of the New York Yankees. Yes, I'm having a ton of fun. As I've said over and over again, I like working with children much more than adults. Perhaps that's why I'm anti-social unless you are paying me to communicate with others.
Gilbert & Bernie
Is it just me or is there something inappropriate about the owner of the Cavaliers (Dan Gilbert), and now an executive for the Cleveland Browns (Bernie Kosar), on all the local radio talk shows last week pitching the casino amendment in the state of Ohio?
I voted for the damn thing, but that’s not the point. It just isn’t right for individual in those positions to be publicly lobbying for such a proposition.
Regardless, I doubt their leagues’ respective commissioners will do anything about it. In Gilbert’s case, it looks like he’s angling to invest and make money on casino gambling in Cleveland. Why am I the only one who thinks that’s inappropriate as long as he owns the local basketball team in town?
Cavs
I am starting to fade on Mike Browns, and it has nothing to do with the Cavaliers’
3-3 record. It’s early and they will win a ton of games. My criticism of Mike Brown has a four-prong analysis attached to it.
First, you cannot play Z and Shaq together very often or for very long. You can’t defend quicker front lines that way, especially when they go pick and roll against you. Why he’s experimenting with this group confuses me.
Secondly, I agree with Charles Barkley when he insists, time and time again, the Cavaliers need to speed up the game. They have the game’s best open court finisher (LJ) – it’s not even close. This team should run as much as possible. Instead, they still walk it up too much for my taste.
Third, I am SICK & TIRED of watching screen/roll with LJ and Andy V. There is absolutely no reason to run it with Andy. He’s no threat to score unless he’s standing under the basket with no one around him. Therefore, when Andy sets the screen, all that does is bring a second defender to LJ. And when Andy rolls to the basket now, with Shaq in the line-up, the lane is clogged more than in the past, making the roll to the basket more difficult.
If you are going to run screen/roll, you HAVE to run it with someone who can score the basketball, otherwise it does no good. This is the third time I've brought this specific criticism up.
Finally, I refuse to let him (MB) off the hook for his match-up decisions versus the Magic last spring. His stubborness in keeping a smaller defender on Hedo T. made it easy for Orlando to run its half-court and get the exact shot they wanted time and time again.
James on Hedo T. was the right call. Period. All Brown did was get Hedo paid in the off-season.
Many Acta
Firs, I have no idea how this guy will do. I do assume they hired him for three reasons however.
He’s used to dealing with young (aka: bad) teams. He’s Spanish and that helps a lot these days. And finally, he comes cheap. Yes, I know he was prepared, did his homework and said all the right things in his multiple interviews with Mark Shapiro.
But something tells me Shapiro simply doesn’t have the make-up (aka: stones) to hire someone with clout.
You see, some people are more comfortable hiring individuals to work for them who won’t dominate them in any way. You know where I’m going. These bosses are “insecure,” to put it nicely.
More and more, I get the read Shapiro falls in this category. No, I didn’t want self-promoter Bobby Valentine. But an experienced winner at the helm would have been a better choice.
Here’s the question you have to ask – Did the Indians clearly upgrade in going from Wedge to Acta? There is absolutely no way of knowing the answer to that at this point. And that, my friends, is the problem.
Regardless, we wish Acta well. And again, it won’t matter until you get quality starting pitching. I keep repeating myself, don’t I? Remember, with repetition, come retention. Hopefully, some of this wit and wisdom is rubbing off on you.
Many Good Options
Never has there been so many qualified football people out of work and available. I've harped on three - Bill C., Marty S., and Mike S., time and time again. What's wrong with Tony Dungy? Absolutely nothing. Make it four.
Randy Lerner can't possibly screw this up again. Or can he? Read below.
Browns Mess
So it’s George Kokinis’ fault the Browns are a disaster. Then we are told that Eric Mangini will have a hand in picking his new boss. Amazing. Who the hell with any credibility would come here if that’s true?
My guess is Randy Lerner will come to his senses after talking to qualified individuals and realize no one will come here if part of the deal is Mangini absolutely stays in 2010.
Hey, some of the same media members who okayed the move to Derek Anderson now go on record as saying Brady Quinn wasn’t given enough snaps as the starter to find out if he can play or not. Nice.
Next, they’ll tell us unemployment seems to be high now that’s its reached 10.2%.
These are also the same morons who have decided the Browns will definitely have two new quarterbacks in town next fall instead of Quinn and Anderson without knowing who will run the show next fall.
Kudos to former Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano, who nailed it last week, when Browns’ television color commentator Doug Dieken echoed the current media line, stating neither quarterback has done the job and next year’s quarterback is elsewhere.
Rutigliano then responded by acknowledging Quinn’s poor play in the first 2 1/2 games, but made clear the Browns have well over two years worth of footage on Anderson to go by but less than six full games on Quinn.
If Randy Lerner wants a wise, old football man to lean on, he should contact Rutigliano and offer him a corner office in Berea. He can't do worse.
More Browns’ Mess
The more I think about the Browns, the more I get ticked off. These so-called experts sleep in their offices 24-7, fly all over the country checking out prospects in their underwear and watch film until they are blue in the face.
Why do these people make it more difficult than it should be?
Thus, I leave you today with the following - my thoughts, on record, in the order I wanted the Browns to go on the first day of the draft.
Remember, I’m no scout, have no GM experience and watched a lot less DI football last fall than your average drunk 35 year old wearing his Charlie Frye game jersey looking to get laid on the end of a bar stool in some wings joint, in heaven because he can watch six different conferences on large plasmas at one time will sipping his seventh Michelob Ultra.
Here were my exact words in print just after the draft.
“If you read my previous entry, you were aware I preferred quality over quantity in terms of draft philosophy and that I wanted Cleveland to come away with a minimum of two of the following five players (in order of importance), in the 2009 draft – Crabtree (TT), Maualuga (USC), Jenkins (OSU) Moreno (GU) and Wells (OSU). And yes, the way the draft evolved, they could have easily had a combination of the two considering Maualaga’s free fall into the second round, as well as other factors.”
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Mangini's Meteoric Power Loss
I did not watch the Browns’ game today. I went 1-1 with my 6th grade girls’ basketball coaching duties, losing 13-12 in the opener before earning a 40 point win in game #2.
The sad part is we underachieved in game #1. That one was very winnable. I’ll take the blame. Unfortunately, whether you lose by one point or win by 40 – they both count the same. We sit at .500 unfortunately.
As for the Browns – I DVRd it and flew through it quickly. Nice.
While the media is now writing about DA’s quarterback rating, Quinn’s $11 million bonus he doesn’t reach if he doesn’t play, the fact this franchise, dating back to its original founding some 70+ years ago, may have hit rock, I've kept my eye on the ball – the record-setting speed by which Eric Mangini has lost power an influence – and I am not talking over his players.
Bernie Kosar was added as a consultant two weeks ago and here’s my interpretation of that act because it weighs heavily on the future of this franchise with each new ass-whipping.
Randy Lerner added Kosar for two reasons. First, this was a PR move to keep the fans from burning him in effigy. We get it. Everyone over 40 who follows the Browns likes or loves BK - even though, at times, he sounds like a punch-drunk 45 year old ex-fighter.
Secondly, this is a clear indication Lerner is already fading on Mangini. Mangini is his hand-picked guy. The coach he (Lerner) had to have minutes after finding out Mangini had just been fired in New York.
And here’s where we are eight games into the Mangini regime - the expansion Browns of 1999 would be -2 over this bunch. That's all you need to know.
Remember, Mangini was put in TOTAL control. What no one has mentioned is that Mangini looks as though he has made a bad organization worse - not just the play on the field mind you, but the whole shootin' match. Lerner even let Mangini hand-pick his own GM. There is no one else to blame folks.
Look at the resume so far - Mangini signed the free agents, traded down on draft day time and time again looking for quantity instead of quality - passing up potential playmakers in the process, he traded Winslow and Butterfingers when their value was at their lowest, waited forever to select a quarterback as though he were guarding a national secret, then threw his choice overboard quicker than a Hollywood DIVA gets a divorce, and finally, he surrounded his quarterbacks with what look like generic collegiate receivers - two of which he drafted in the second round just a few months ago.
Unfortunately, there is more - like could you believe, in 2009, Jim Brown has scored as many rushing touchdowns for the Browns as all the backs on the roster combined - none!
I'll stop now. This isn't funny.
It's all on him folks - there is nowhere for Mangini to hide and he knows it.
So where are we?
Mangini knows he’s already in trouble.
How do I know this?
Simple. He couldn’t keep Kosar, someone with absolutely NO NFL experience in terms of front office work, from being added to “supervise.” Lerner has begun stepping on Mangini’s toes and it will get worse.
And please, don’t believe the report that is circulating locally the addition of Kosar was “suggested” by Mangini. The reporter who broke that story should never be permitted in front of a laptop again. Oh, yea - the control freak coach went to the owner and suggested he (Lerner) hire a consultant with no experience to oversee what he (Mangini) was doing.
Look, I don’t see Lerner firing Mangini during the off-week and paying him and his staff for the next 3 1/2 years. That would take huge stones and what would it prove?
What would I do if I were advising Lerner?
Okay, let’s go over our suggestions post-2008 first.
First, hire a HOF coach – either Marty or Bill Cowher. He didn't.
If neither one wants it, be PATIENT, go slow and get it right. He didn't.
Look – Mike Shanahan just became available.
No, no. no. Don’t make Mangini the offer. Talk to Shanahan first. He didn't.
And what are you doing Randy hiring a coach before picking a GM? You only do that if a Hall of Fame coach is about to come to town – like Marty, Bill or Mike. You don’t give a head coach that kind of control unless he’s earned it. Hell, even Marty got too much power in Cleveland by most accounts in the late 80s.
He didn't.
This is all on record.
Here’s what likely happened.
Randy Lerner had no one around him to tell him he was doing it WRONG. You see, most people value their paychecks more than their credibility. Lerner was bombarded by the media and fans that this time around he needed to hire someone with NFL coaching experience. And that’s exactly what he did. He hired Mangini. You could see this one coming.
I wrote after the hiring that I understood why he hired Mangini even though I wanted someone with a much better resume. I also wrote I understood why Mangini hired his own GM. I would do the same if given that kind of power. That doesn’t make it right.
So where are we now?
Bernie Kosar’s power will grow with every future loss. Look I love BK. It wasn't hs fault we didn't get to the Super Bowl, it was a lack of a pass rush. That too is for another day. But BK is a rookie all over again. Then again, how much worse can he do?
So what would I do if I had Lerner’s ear now?
Here’s more advice he won’t follow - spend the next two weeks (bye week time) in search of the best available Team President/GM who happens to be out of work. Bernie can consult – that’s fine. But bring in a pro and put him at the top of the hierarchy. I would also tell Lerner to “man up” and join the new “team president” on the podium when the announcement is made.
The fans need to see Randy Lerner and he needs to address the media – even if he’s not comfortable. His Howard Hughes act isn’t working. Look, I like owners who stay in the background, but this is ridiculous. It borders on the bizarre.
If Mangini does not like having a boss – too bad What is he going to do – quit and lose 3 1/2 years of checks? That won’t happen. Mangini needs to focus on coaching the team. Period.
Soon, you will begin hearing media morons and idiot fans calling for Mangini to be fired and the defensive coordinator to be named interim ASAP. It’s actually already started. Good idea.
The Browns’ defense has been outstanding this fall. I think they rank 32nd in a 32-team league. Obviously, this guy has earned a raise in title and pay. Oh, I get it - they weren’t embarrassed against the Bears, so the guy should get the gig. That’s what drunk fans dream up before sleeping it off.
Look, the truth is I don’t know where this train is going. We are truly in uncharted territory folks. I have been watching this team since the late 60s and I can’t remember it being this bad. But I know a runaway locomotive when I see one, and this baby has no brakes.
Lerner may surprise me and decide to blow it up after the season and start over – AGAIN. If that happens, ownership will surely look to finally hire someone with immense status/credentials to either run the show (team president) or coach (HOFer).
Regardless, if Mangini survives and is back coaching this team in 2010, one thing is certain, he won't be in charge of trading down on draft day and picking a right guard late in round one. Hell, if this coninues and they finish 2-14 or there abouts, he might not have the authority left to model the locker room again.
This is a truly a meteoric fall. Which begs the real question Randy - What did he (Mangini) ever do to earn such total control of a billion $ organization in the first place?
The sad part is we underachieved in game #1. That one was very winnable. I’ll take the blame. Unfortunately, whether you lose by one point or win by 40 – they both count the same. We sit at .500 unfortunately.
As for the Browns – I DVRd it and flew through it quickly. Nice.
While the media is now writing about DA’s quarterback rating, Quinn’s $11 million bonus he doesn’t reach if he doesn’t play, the fact this franchise, dating back to its original founding some 70+ years ago, may have hit rock, I've kept my eye on the ball – the record-setting speed by which Eric Mangini has lost power an influence – and I am not talking over his players.
Bernie Kosar was added as a consultant two weeks ago and here’s my interpretation of that act because it weighs heavily on the future of this franchise with each new ass-whipping.
Randy Lerner added Kosar for two reasons. First, this was a PR move to keep the fans from burning him in effigy. We get it. Everyone over 40 who follows the Browns likes or loves BK - even though, at times, he sounds like a punch-drunk 45 year old ex-fighter.
Secondly, this is a clear indication Lerner is already fading on Mangini. Mangini is his hand-picked guy. The coach he (Lerner) had to have minutes after finding out Mangini had just been fired in New York.
And here’s where we are eight games into the Mangini regime - the expansion Browns of 1999 would be -2 over this bunch. That's all you need to know.
Remember, Mangini was put in TOTAL control. What no one has mentioned is that Mangini looks as though he has made a bad organization worse - not just the play on the field mind you, but the whole shootin' match. Lerner even let Mangini hand-pick his own GM. There is no one else to blame folks.
Look at the resume so far - Mangini signed the free agents, traded down on draft day time and time again looking for quantity instead of quality - passing up potential playmakers in the process, he traded Winslow and Butterfingers when their value was at their lowest, waited forever to select a quarterback as though he were guarding a national secret, then threw his choice overboard quicker than a Hollywood DIVA gets a divorce, and finally, he surrounded his quarterbacks with what look like generic collegiate receivers - two of which he drafted in the second round just a few months ago.
Unfortunately, there is more - like could you believe, in 2009, Jim Brown has scored as many rushing touchdowns for the Browns as all the backs on the roster combined - none!
I'll stop now. This isn't funny.
It's all on him folks - there is nowhere for Mangini to hide and he knows it.
So where are we?
Mangini knows he’s already in trouble.
How do I know this?
Simple. He couldn’t keep Kosar, someone with absolutely NO NFL experience in terms of front office work, from being added to “supervise.” Lerner has begun stepping on Mangini’s toes and it will get worse.
And please, don’t believe the report that is circulating locally the addition of Kosar was “suggested” by Mangini. The reporter who broke that story should never be permitted in front of a laptop again. Oh, yea - the control freak coach went to the owner and suggested he (Lerner) hire a consultant with no experience to oversee what he (Mangini) was doing.
Look, I don’t see Lerner firing Mangini during the off-week and paying him and his staff for the next 3 1/2 years. That would take huge stones and what would it prove?
What would I do if I were advising Lerner?
Okay, let’s go over our suggestions post-2008 first.
First, hire a HOF coach – either Marty or Bill Cowher. He didn't.
If neither one wants it, be PATIENT, go slow and get it right. He didn't.
Look – Mike Shanahan just became available.
No, no. no. Don’t make Mangini the offer. Talk to Shanahan first. He didn't.
And what are you doing Randy hiring a coach before picking a GM? You only do that if a Hall of Fame coach is about to come to town – like Marty, Bill or Mike. You don’t give a head coach that kind of control unless he’s earned it. Hell, even Marty got too much power in Cleveland by most accounts in the late 80s.
He didn't.
This is all on record.
Here’s what likely happened.
Randy Lerner had no one around him to tell him he was doing it WRONG. You see, most people value their paychecks more than their credibility. Lerner was bombarded by the media and fans that this time around he needed to hire someone with NFL coaching experience. And that’s exactly what he did. He hired Mangini. You could see this one coming.
I wrote after the hiring that I understood why he hired Mangini even though I wanted someone with a much better resume. I also wrote I understood why Mangini hired his own GM. I would do the same if given that kind of power. That doesn’t make it right.
So where are we now?
Bernie Kosar’s power will grow with every future loss. Look I love BK. It wasn't hs fault we didn't get to the Super Bowl, it was a lack of a pass rush. That too is for another day. But BK is a rookie all over again. Then again, how much worse can he do?
So what would I do if I had Lerner’s ear now?
Here’s more advice he won’t follow - spend the next two weeks (bye week time) in search of the best available Team President/GM who happens to be out of work. Bernie can consult – that’s fine. But bring in a pro and put him at the top of the hierarchy. I would also tell Lerner to “man up” and join the new “team president” on the podium when the announcement is made.
The fans need to see Randy Lerner and he needs to address the media – even if he’s not comfortable. His Howard Hughes act isn’t working. Look, I like owners who stay in the background, but this is ridiculous. It borders on the bizarre.
If Mangini does not like having a boss – too bad What is he going to do – quit and lose 3 1/2 years of checks? That won’t happen. Mangini needs to focus on coaching the team. Period.
Soon, you will begin hearing media morons and idiot fans calling for Mangini to be fired and the defensive coordinator to be named interim ASAP. It’s actually already started. Good idea.
The Browns’ defense has been outstanding this fall. I think they rank 32nd in a 32-team league. Obviously, this guy has earned a raise in title and pay. Oh, I get it - they weren’t embarrassed against the Bears, so the guy should get the gig. That’s what drunk fans dream up before sleeping it off.
Look, the truth is I don’t know where this train is going. We are truly in uncharted territory folks. I have been watching this team since the late 60s and I can’t remember it being this bad. But I know a runaway locomotive when I see one, and this baby has no brakes.
Lerner may surprise me and decide to blow it up after the season and start over – AGAIN. If that happens, ownership will surely look to finally hire someone with immense status/credentials to either run the show (team president) or coach (HOFer).
Regardless, if Mangini survives and is back coaching this team in 2010, one thing is certain, he won't be in charge of trading down on draft day and picking a right guard late in round one. Hell, if this coninues and they finish 2-14 or there abouts, he might not have the authority left to model the locker room again.
This is a truly a meteoric fall. Which begs the real question Randy - What did he (Mangini) ever do to earn such total control of a billion $ organization in the first place?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)