Browns
Win the turnover battle 4-0 + all trick plays work + 2 defensive TDS = Upset over defending Super Bowl Champions.
Congratulations to the coaching staff for having the players ready to play, an excellent game plan and the best single game execution yet in the Mangini Era. There’s no other way to describe the win over New orleans. We’ll soon see if this is an anomaly or a sign of things to come.
I was especially impressed with the running game late when the Browns shoved it down the Saints’ throats – chewing up time and adding a field goal to stretch the lead to 13.
The Browns were more physical than the Saints – which is a good thing after getting their butts kicked up front the past two weeks.
Do you think Scott Fujita was fired up? He played like a Pro Bowler against his old mates.
When you aren’t very good as a team, you get the third team doing the play-by-play and color. That was evident late when neither talking head mentioned if the Saints won their final challenge, Eric Mangini would take the “hands to the facemask” penalty – basically making the challenge moot.
It took them forever to figure that one out. What’s more perplexing is the fact that obviously no one whispered in their ear up in the booth to cove that ground.
The more you watch 43, the more you have to like him. He can’t cover anyone – that’s expected for a safety – but he’s always around the ball and will smack you in the mouth. On a negative note, he dropped another pick Sunday. He’s had at least two clear chances at INTs and failed both times the past two weeks. That’s the difference between being considered a good-looking rookie and a potential 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
Think about it – Ward might lead the team in tackles as a rookie DB. Couple that with a pick six or two gives you a player everyone is talking about.
A few more screens were in order yesterday to slow down the Saints’ pass rush.
Quiz – Which will have a harder time getting open (football) or open looks (basketball) – the Browns receivers or the Cavs' perimeter players this winter?
Think about it – we’ve covered it time and time again the lack of talent at WR on this team before anyone else started talking about it, but imagine how difficult it will be for the Cavs to score in the half court without anyone needing a double team nor any players who can take guys off the dribble.
It will be ugly to watch most nights. Be prepared Cavs fans. Why do you think Byron Scott wants to run so much with this bunch?
How does 29-53 sound? I have them going 21-20 at home and winning single digits on the road (8-33). No stars, little depth, and few players who can truly defend usually means a very rough road record in the NBA.
Regardless, unless Byron Scott is a wizard and a couple new guys can flat out play, I just don't see much room for error beyond 29 wins. Unfortunately, I see 28 on the top end for the Cavs. They are much closer to 20 wins than 35 victories in my mind.
Finally, what’s with the chew in Mangini’s mouth? Is he trying to show he’s a tough guy? Okay, I’ll back off. The guy did his best coaching job yet. Let’s let him enjoy it now that his job is secure until at least week 18. Why do you think he was smiling so much after the win?
The Browns can’t lose this week (bye), but a double digit loss (27-17) is in order the following week when they host the Pats. I don't buy they've turned the corner - lack of talent folks.
BQ
Are you telling me Brady Quinn couldn't be an effective starter for the Cardinals and that offense compared to what they are running out there behind center? Come on.
Till next time.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Short & Quick
College
I don’t even know the kid’s name, but the Auburn quarterback looks like a poor man’s Vince Young to me. I saw the kid play over the weekend and was impressed by his size, speed and demeanor. And for those of you who still hate on my boy Vince, he’s still winning two of every three starts, and now that he actually has some weapons at WR, his passing numbers should get better.
I watched the Ohio State game over the weekend and was stunned by how bad Tressel’s special teams are. I’m told this has been an on-going problem all year. Of course, when you play Thiel (aka YSU), it doesn’t matter. This guy is as an “old-school” coach if there ever was one. For his ST units to be so bad must drive the dude crazy.
Watched five minutes of the Oregon game last night and realized they are using the fast paced offensive system I have always wanted to see employed. It’s basically a two minute offense being used for 40 minutes. For years, we heard you can’t run the hurry-up for the whole game because it will also tire your players (the offense). Oregon is showing teams it can be done.
In other for it to work, you have to have the talent (as always), depth (to keep people fresh) and be in great shape. They seem to have all three. I’m sure in a copycat world, everyone will be going to it in the coming years, especially if Oregon wins big this year (i.e. National Title).
Pros
The Colts basically do it at the pro level with Manning and company. Yet, my Browns are headed in the other direction with a 1970 approach of having Ed Potolak (look him up) as their main runner and receiver.
The irony is amazing to me. In the age of spreading the field, making defenses cover sideline to sideline/tackle in space, and getting off as many plays (mostly passing) as possible, Cleveland is back in the Dark Ages.
I know better than anyone that it’s their best chance to keep it close, but it doesn’t make it right. Boy do they have work to do in terms of upgrading their talent.
Memo to the Browns, here’s a second round wide receiver who can play – the Caucasian Buckeye wide out with the long name. I’ve seen the kid play 3x now and I don’t need to see more. He’s better than the garbage Cleveland puts out there now.
If Brett Favre sent unsolicited pictures of his schlong to a female Jets’ co-worker, he should be called on the carpet. If all he did was leave a phone message asking some slim-waisted, big-breasted 20 something year-old if she wanted to come over, then there’s no “there” there.
There’s a real line between harassment and some childlike mid-aged jock acting foolish. If it’s just a call, she can say $#@off. If he did more than that, he has bigger problems than a league fine and the NOW wenches who are unhappy with what nature gave them picketing his workplace. His old lady will unload on him and take half of what he’s worth.
Yea, Colt McCoy handled his first start well. No, I’m not ready to crown him king like some moron fans/media are right now in town. These are the same folks who would be ridiculing the organization for taking him had he gone 10-for-29 with three picks.
Obviously, he should be the starter from here on out. There’s absolutely nothing to lose – assuming you can keep him upright. Just like we said with Brady Quinn, the more experience you can get a young player (QB) the better. Unfortunately, they didn’t listen with Quinn. Hopefully, the Walrus will step in and make sure Mangini does the right thing.
One final note on McCoy – he needs to know where he is on the field. In the third quarter, he took a sack on third down that knocked them out of potential field goal range. There's no escuse for that - at any level. No one mentioned it on the broadcast, so I figured I’d do it.
Overall, the kid looks accurate and mobile. And I was impressed he got them in and out of the huddle without drawing flags. That’s also a good thing. Let’s see more of him now.
I just found out last Friday the Browns traded my boy Jerome Harrison. Here’s a guy who saves Mangini’s bacon last year. So Mangini turns around and rewards him by bringing in another back (Hillis) to take his place, then trades Harrison. Nice.
Loyalty works both ways in sports/business folks. If he didn't like him as their lead back, which was obviously the case, he should have done it before the season started when the kid’s value was higher. And, it would have given Harrison an opportunity to perhaps earn serious playing time with his new team. Now, the kid is back on the bench with his head spinning. He simply deserved better for saving Mangini’s job.
Yea, we almost nailed the Steelers’ score dead on - 27-10. See, I can be right sometimes.
When you lose the turnover battle 3-1 to a better team and you give up 5 sacks while registering none yourself, you have the makings of a bloodbath. Fortunately, it wasn’t a total embarrassment except for one thing – for the second straight week, the Browns were manhandled, beaten up, bullied. You choose the adjective. And this coach preaches toughness. Right!
There is absolutely no team identity with this bunch yet. After two years on the job, that’s another indictment of the head coach added to a horrid winning percentage.
So not only do we have a 1-5, bad, slow, under-talented team, but they are relatively soft compared to teams they've played. Nice. The only Browns’ player I see flying around causing havoc is #43. Check that - Josh Cribbs is mentally and physically tough as well.
Some other thoughts follow.
How much longer are they going to sit Haden on the bench on first and seconds down? Come on!
The Harrison hit on M. Ali deserved a flag. I’m not sure there is a clear solution to this mess but here’s my angle - go back to leather helmets. I’m not kidding.
If you wear a leather helmet (or a 21st century facsimile thereof ) you won’t lead with the head – ever, unless you are nuts. Everything else will follow – i.e. how tackling is taught).
No one asked me, but I would have neurologists, engineers and ex-players working together on head gear that’s light, still protects the athlete and simple. What they are wearing now looks like a weapon to me. And it's often used that way unfortunately.
I’m glad to see the Browns decided to change the snap count on occasion in the second quarter. The Steelers were getting a running start at McCoy until then.
Mangini elected to go into the locker room down 7-3 at halftime against the Steelers without even attempting to move the ball forward on the team’s last possession before the break. Doesn’t he know his players view that as a lack of faith in them? At least try a draw or screen.
Then he uses his timeouts with Steelers pinned back deep in their end prior to halftime, but DOESN’T attempt to rush the punter on fourth down with seconds remaining on the clock. What the hell is that?
New Orleans 34 Cleveland 17.
Till next time.
I don’t even know the kid’s name, but the Auburn quarterback looks like a poor man’s Vince Young to me. I saw the kid play over the weekend and was impressed by his size, speed and demeanor. And for those of you who still hate on my boy Vince, he’s still winning two of every three starts, and now that he actually has some weapons at WR, his passing numbers should get better.
I watched the Ohio State game over the weekend and was stunned by how bad Tressel’s special teams are. I’m told this has been an on-going problem all year. Of course, when you play Thiel (aka YSU), it doesn’t matter. This guy is as an “old-school” coach if there ever was one. For his ST units to be so bad must drive the dude crazy.
Watched five minutes of the Oregon game last night and realized they are using the fast paced offensive system I have always wanted to see employed. It’s basically a two minute offense being used for 40 minutes. For years, we heard you can’t run the hurry-up for the whole game because it will also tire your players (the offense). Oregon is showing teams it can be done.
In other for it to work, you have to have the talent (as always), depth (to keep people fresh) and be in great shape. They seem to have all three. I’m sure in a copycat world, everyone will be going to it in the coming years, especially if Oregon wins big this year (i.e. National Title).
Pros
The Colts basically do it at the pro level with Manning and company. Yet, my Browns are headed in the other direction with a 1970 approach of having Ed Potolak (look him up) as their main runner and receiver.
The irony is amazing to me. In the age of spreading the field, making defenses cover sideline to sideline/tackle in space, and getting off as many plays (mostly passing) as possible, Cleveland is back in the Dark Ages.
I know better than anyone that it’s their best chance to keep it close, but it doesn’t make it right. Boy do they have work to do in terms of upgrading their talent.
Memo to the Browns, here’s a second round wide receiver who can play – the Caucasian Buckeye wide out with the long name. I’ve seen the kid play 3x now and I don’t need to see more. He’s better than the garbage Cleveland puts out there now.
If Brett Favre sent unsolicited pictures of his schlong to a female Jets’ co-worker, he should be called on the carpet. If all he did was leave a phone message asking some slim-waisted, big-breasted 20 something year-old if she wanted to come over, then there’s no “there” there.
There’s a real line between harassment and some childlike mid-aged jock acting foolish. If it’s just a call, she can say $#@off. If he did more than that, he has bigger problems than a league fine and the NOW wenches who are unhappy with what nature gave them picketing his workplace. His old lady will unload on him and take half of what he’s worth.
Yea, Colt McCoy handled his first start well. No, I’m not ready to crown him king like some moron fans/media are right now in town. These are the same folks who would be ridiculing the organization for taking him had he gone 10-for-29 with three picks.
Obviously, he should be the starter from here on out. There’s absolutely nothing to lose – assuming you can keep him upright. Just like we said with Brady Quinn, the more experience you can get a young player (QB) the better. Unfortunately, they didn’t listen with Quinn. Hopefully, the Walrus will step in and make sure Mangini does the right thing.
One final note on McCoy – he needs to know where he is on the field. In the third quarter, he took a sack on third down that knocked them out of potential field goal range. There's no escuse for that - at any level. No one mentioned it on the broadcast, so I figured I’d do it.
Overall, the kid looks accurate and mobile. And I was impressed he got them in and out of the huddle without drawing flags. That’s also a good thing. Let’s see more of him now.
I just found out last Friday the Browns traded my boy Jerome Harrison. Here’s a guy who saves Mangini’s bacon last year. So Mangini turns around and rewards him by bringing in another back (Hillis) to take his place, then trades Harrison. Nice.
Loyalty works both ways in sports/business folks. If he didn't like him as their lead back, which was obviously the case, he should have done it before the season started when the kid’s value was higher. And, it would have given Harrison an opportunity to perhaps earn serious playing time with his new team. Now, the kid is back on the bench with his head spinning. He simply deserved better for saving Mangini’s job.
Yea, we almost nailed the Steelers’ score dead on - 27-10. See, I can be right sometimes.
When you lose the turnover battle 3-1 to a better team and you give up 5 sacks while registering none yourself, you have the makings of a bloodbath. Fortunately, it wasn’t a total embarrassment except for one thing – for the second straight week, the Browns were manhandled, beaten up, bullied. You choose the adjective. And this coach preaches toughness. Right!
There is absolutely no team identity with this bunch yet. After two years on the job, that’s another indictment of the head coach added to a horrid winning percentage.
So not only do we have a 1-5, bad, slow, under-talented team, but they are relatively soft compared to teams they've played. Nice. The only Browns’ player I see flying around causing havoc is #43. Check that - Josh Cribbs is mentally and physically tough as well.
Some other thoughts follow.
How much longer are they going to sit Haden on the bench on first and seconds down? Come on!
The Harrison hit on M. Ali deserved a flag. I’m not sure there is a clear solution to this mess but here’s my angle - go back to leather helmets. I’m not kidding.
If you wear a leather helmet (or a 21st century facsimile thereof ) you won’t lead with the head – ever, unless you are nuts. Everything else will follow – i.e. how tackling is taught).
No one asked me, but I would have neurologists, engineers and ex-players working together on head gear that’s light, still protects the athlete and simple. What they are wearing now looks like a weapon to me. And it's often used that way unfortunately.
I’m glad to see the Browns decided to change the snap count on occasion in the second quarter. The Steelers were getting a running start at McCoy until then.
Mangini elected to go into the locker room down 7-3 at halftime against the Steelers without even attempting to move the ball forward on the team’s last possession before the break. Doesn’t he know his players view that as a lack of faith in them? At least try a draw or screen.
Then he uses his timeouts with Steelers pinned back deep in their end prior to halftime, but DOESN’T attempt to rush the punter on fourth down with seconds remaining on the clock. What the hell is that?
New Orleans 34 Cleveland 17.
Till next time.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Short & Quick
Let’s get the bad news out of the way – Steelers 27 Browns 10. We can’t see how Cleveland will move the ball offensively, but we’ll give them double figures based solely on kindness. Obviously, this one has all the makings of getting real ugly quick if the Browns don’t man up at the line of scrimmage.
Speaking of line of scrimmage, I learned one thing from this past Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. Atlanta is very physical. They beat up the Browns – literally. What was especially disappointing was Darcy Egan’s buddy at left tackle. The former All-Pro (Joe Thomas) got beat like a South East Asian prostitute entertaining a pair of drunk/angry Merchant Marines. Thomas needs to spend less time doing a fishing show on Lake Erie and more time in the weight room. Is it me, or is he regressing?
The guy that destroyed him (Abraham) was a Pro-Bowl end made available by the Jets several years ago. At the time, we wrote the Browns should move heaven and earth to get him since true pass rushers aren’t made available every day and the Browns haven’t had one since Kennedy was banging chicks two at a time in the White House. Unfortunately, no one figured it out. Who needs a playmaker on defense anyway?
By the way, the rookie D-lineman for the Falcons (Biermann) may have made the most athletic play I have ever seen out of a near 300 pounder when he batted a pass in the air, caught it on a roll, got up and scampered the distance for a score. Meanwhile, our DBs can’t catch a cold on the rare occasion the opposing QB puts it in their hands.
Why the Browns don’t sign Antonio Bryant, a NFL #2 receiver currently looking for a job, is beyond me. You don’t need 20 years of watching film to determine Bryant is better than anything currently on the roster.
Why didn’t the Browns end the first half with a hail may pass from midfield? Why not take a shot? What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Look, we like Peyton Hillis. He’s a tough kid. But his running style is conducive to getting hit often from all sides. He won’t last very long in this league at this pace.
Did I mention the Browns may have less team speed that Hiram?
Overall, considering they have no pass rush and lack any true playmakers, the defense has performed relatively well. And no, I don’t blame the coordinator every time they blitz and get beat downfield. He has stones, realizes he has no pass rush and understands the guys on the field are not going to make many big plays on their own. He’s forcing the action. I prefer that approach than the sit back and give up 10 play/75 yards drives. Secondly, their red zone defense has been especially good.
Once again, no special plays on special teams. I never thought I’d say this, but Josh Cribbs has been MIA so far this season. He’s been the single most disappointing player in 2010. When you lack talent and your only playmaker isn’t making many plays – you have a real problem. To be kind, they are using him more in the basic offense due to lack of talent at WR. Still, that’s no excuse for not making an impact yet in his specialty. This week would be a good time to get it going.
As for Colt’s debut, my expectations are limited. This is perhaps the worst environment in football to make your first start (Pittsburgh). Still, he is getting paid. I expect a lot of running and dump passes. The offensive line MUST perform well this week. They handled the Ravens up front but then regressed against the Falcons. That can’t happen this week, or else they may be on their fourth QB before we even get to break week.
Right now, it looks like the Browns will realistically be sitting at 1-6 at the break. I doubt anyone with real street credibility (i.e. Chucky) would take the job in the middle of the season, but don’t be stunned if the “Walrus” make a change and turns it over to Ryan if they get blitzed the next two weeks (Steelers & Saints). The margin of defeat will be key for Mangini to keep his job through the holidays.
You know things are bad when all the local media has left is "They are playing better this year. They just don't have a lot of talent." Wow. And here I thought the idea in the multi-billion $ world of professional sports was to accumulate talented athletes, coach 'em up, and win a lot more than you lose. In Cleveland's NFL, it's turned into not looking bad when you lose.
Till next time.
Speaking of line of scrimmage, I learned one thing from this past Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. Atlanta is very physical. They beat up the Browns – literally. What was especially disappointing was Darcy Egan’s buddy at left tackle. The former All-Pro (Joe Thomas) got beat like a South East Asian prostitute entertaining a pair of drunk/angry Merchant Marines. Thomas needs to spend less time doing a fishing show on Lake Erie and more time in the weight room. Is it me, or is he regressing?
The guy that destroyed him (Abraham) was a Pro-Bowl end made available by the Jets several years ago. At the time, we wrote the Browns should move heaven and earth to get him since true pass rushers aren’t made available every day and the Browns haven’t had one since Kennedy was banging chicks two at a time in the White House. Unfortunately, no one figured it out. Who needs a playmaker on defense anyway?
By the way, the rookie D-lineman for the Falcons (Biermann) may have made the most athletic play I have ever seen out of a near 300 pounder when he batted a pass in the air, caught it on a roll, got up and scampered the distance for a score. Meanwhile, our DBs can’t catch a cold on the rare occasion the opposing QB puts it in their hands.
Why the Browns don’t sign Antonio Bryant, a NFL #2 receiver currently looking for a job, is beyond me. You don’t need 20 years of watching film to determine Bryant is better than anything currently on the roster.
Why didn’t the Browns end the first half with a hail may pass from midfield? Why not take a shot? What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Look, we like Peyton Hillis. He’s a tough kid. But his running style is conducive to getting hit often from all sides. He won’t last very long in this league at this pace.
Did I mention the Browns may have less team speed that Hiram?
Overall, considering they have no pass rush and lack any true playmakers, the defense has performed relatively well. And no, I don’t blame the coordinator every time they blitz and get beat downfield. He has stones, realizes he has no pass rush and understands the guys on the field are not going to make many big plays on their own. He’s forcing the action. I prefer that approach than the sit back and give up 10 play/75 yards drives. Secondly, their red zone defense has been especially good.
Once again, no special plays on special teams. I never thought I’d say this, but Josh Cribbs has been MIA so far this season. He’s been the single most disappointing player in 2010. When you lack talent and your only playmaker isn’t making many plays – you have a real problem. To be kind, they are using him more in the basic offense due to lack of talent at WR. Still, that’s no excuse for not making an impact yet in his specialty. This week would be a good time to get it going.
As for Colt’s debut, my expectations are limited. This is perhaps the worst environment in football to make your first start (Pittsburgh). Still, he is getting paid. I expect a lot of running and dump passes. The offensive line MUST perform well this week. They handled the Ravens up front but then regressed against the Falcons. That can’t happen this week, or else they may be on their fourth QB before we even get to break week.
Right now, it looks like the Browns will realistically be sitting at 1-6 at the break. I doubt anyone with real street credibility (i.e. Chucky) would take the job in the middle of the season, but don’t be stunned if the “Walrus” make a change and turns it over to Ryan if they get blitzed the next two weeks (Steelers & Saints). The margin of defeat will be key for Mangini to keep his job through the holidays.
You know things are bad when all the local media has left is "They are playing better this year. They just don't have a lot of talent." Wow. And here I thought the idea in the multi-billion $ world of professional sports was to accumulate talented athletes, coach 'em up, and win a lot more than you lose. In Cleveland's NFL, it's turned into not looking bad when you lose.
Till next time.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Short & Quick
Browns’ First W
The only conclusion I can come to from watching the Browns’ win over the Bengals is that Carson Palmer is on the back 9 of his career.
Matt Roth was able to make a couple of big plays rushing the quarterback. Part of the reason was that #58 was back in the line-up and often drew a chip from the back, allowing Roth to go one-on-one coming off the other edge.
On one of Roth’s two sacks, it was good coverage that allowed it to happen. The Browns will take it any way they can get it.
The Browns figured out in the past two weeks that they need to run the ball early and often. Had they employed that approach against their first two opponents they might not be sitting at 1-3 right now.
I give absolutely no credit to Mangini and his staff for getting it late. This wasn’t difficult to figure out – especially after how they won four in a row down the stretch in ‘09. The problem is you can’t win a lot of games in this league if you can’t throw it at all.
But that’s all they have right now – thanks to some horrid drafting. Take a look at the 3 #2s Mangini took in the 2008 draft and you’ll hurl chunks. That set this team in talent back several years. You can’t blow all three.
If you know what you are doing, 2 of 3 are starters and contributing heavily. If you don’t know what you are doing, 1 of 3 is helping. And if you are officially Joe Biden smart, all three have yet to do a damn thing (aka: Cleveland).
Cleveland actually had a wide receiver catch a pass in the third quarter I never heard of before (#85). Been there done that when it comes to that crew. Everyone else in town is starting to figure it out – two years late.
Seneca Wallace played well in his third start. He has improved steadily with each appearance. He should be sitting with 3 TDs and one pick had not a receiver had the ball bounce off his hands Sunday into the hands of a waiting DB.
What is just as important that fails to get noticed is the sacks he’s avoided with his mobility. He’s not Tom Brady, but he can play.
So Mike Alstot is back. Peyton Hillis did not rush for a ton of yards (27 for 102 yards), but kept the chains moving from time to time and was able to somehow turn the corner late in the game to pick up a first down and seal the win. What does that say about the Bengals D? Hillis will become a folk hero in town if he keeps it up with his hard-hat approach.
Now the down side – this is the slowest group of skilled players on an NFL roster I have ever seen. You have a fullback playing tailback and no speed (we’ve already covered talent) at receiver.
If I were coaching this group of WRs, I would play Evan Moore at WR much more. He may be slow (aka: a tight end), but he’s a big target, has good hands and seems to screen off defenders well. The touchdown pass Wallace hit him with came with Moore lined up wide.
It’s simple, if your #2 tight end is a better receiver than your #1 receiver, you play the tight end. Plus, Moore is somewhat of a hybrid. He’s not a true NFL tight end. He seems fairly comfortable in space. But what do I know?
The Browns punt and kickoff coverage units don’t get enough credit. Special teams play has been this team’s strength during the Mangini Era. On the flip side, the return units (Josh Cribbs & company) however, have not been stellar so far in 2010.
Teams seem to be adjusting to Cribbs in the wildcat formation. Maybe it’s because they can put 11 in the box knowing he’ll keeping it. They need to add a new wrinkle or two.
And I don’t like going to Cribbs at QB nearly as much this year when you already have a mobile guy in Wallace back there. The Browns need to utilize his ability to bootleg more often – especially in third and short situations and near the goal line. Get Wallace out in space on occasion and give him one pass option to go with the run option.
Falcons win 23-20. I actually think this one is very winnable if the Browns don’t cough it up and they can make a couple special teams plays.
I am just having a hard time picking them against a decent team when they have no passing game, the slowest skilled players in the history of the sport and a poor pass rush. If Atlanta has any talent (aka: “The Franchise” Matt Ryan) and the ability to adjust, they should win. I hope I am wrong.
McNabb
I was glad to see the Philly fans cheer Donovan McNabb. He earned it.
Indians
The Indians quietly Monday announced some front office shake ups. In simple English, they won 69 games, missed out on the playoffs for the eighth year in the last nine tries and everyone got promoted. I’m not making this up. Where do I go to get my application?
I Was Wrong
I need to fess up. I was obviously wrong about Steve Fuller (aka: Kyle Orton). Either that or little Belichick (aka: Josh McD.) is a hell of a QB coach. He took what was a back-up signal-caller in Orton and has turned him into a quality starter –or so it seems. Perhaps it’s a little of both.
This begs the question – How bad was Chicago’s offensive system and talent for all those years?
When I mess up, I fess up.
Classic Over-coaching
I caught the replay of LSU’s wonderful clock management against the Vols this past Saturday. I don’t know what was worse – LSU running guys in and out from the 1 yard line prior to the game’s last play or the Vols matching LSU’s madness by having 13 guys on the field.
Can you say OVERCOACHING? The specialization in football has gradually gone from the ridiculous to the sublime. These guys (coaches) spend way too much time looking at film and trying to come up with stupid schemes, plays and personnel groups to justify their jobs.
You are at the 1 yard line. Why the hell do you need to change personnel groups when you were already in your short yardage set prior to that play?
But then again, on third and inches, I would never put the QB in the shot gun and have the ball go back several yards before I try to go forward to get John Holmes’ type yardage. Call me crazy!
Cavaliers
If a team opens camp and no one hardly notices, did it happen? The Cavs have started playing exhibition games but they barely get a notice.
It will get much worse when they are sitting at 12-29 at the half way mark and the media & fans start dumping hard on Gilbert & company hard for not having a plan B. – something we have been saying for a long time.
To make matters worse, they just opened up a brand new two story gift shop at the Q. Obviously, when the team’s number crunchers planned that out they had 23 staying in town. Call me crazy, but I can’t see Daniel Green jerseys flying off the shelf.
And if anyone really thinks this team, as it’s constituted, has a chance at the 8th seed, they need a lobotomy. Again, I hope I am wrong and these coaches can squeeze champagne out of piss.
Till next week.
“Luck is the residue of hard work.”
The only conclusion I can come to from watching the Browns’ win over the Bengals is that Carson Palmer is on the back 9 of his career.
Matt Roth was able to make a couple of big plays rushing the quarterback. Part of the reason was that #58 was back in the line-up and often drew a chip from the back, allowing Roth to go one-on-one coming off the other edge.
On one of Roth’s two sacks, it was good coverage that allowed it to happen. The Browns will take it any way they can get it.
The Browns figured out in the past two weeks that they need to run the ball early and often. Had they employed that approach against their first two opponents they might not be sitting at 1-3 right now.
I give absolutely no credit to Mangini and his staff for getting it late. This wasn’t difficult to figure out – especially after how they won four in a row down the stretch in ‘09. The problem is you can’t win a lot of games in this league if you can’t throw it at all.
But that’s all they have right now – thanks to some horrid drafting. Take a look at the 3 #2s Mangini took in the 2008 draft and you’ll hurl chunks. That set this team in talent back several years. You can’t blow all three.
If you know what you are doing, 2 of 3 are starters and contributing heavily. If you don’t know what you are doing, 1 of 3 is helping. And if you are officially Joe Biden smart, all three have yet to do a damn thing (aka: Cleveland).
Cleveland actually had a wide receiver catch a pass in the third quarter I never heard of before (#85). Been there done that when it comes to that crew. Everyone else in town is starting to figure it out – two years late.
Seneca Wallace played well in his third start. He has improved steadily with each appearance. He should be sitting with 3 TDs and one pick had not a receiver had the ball bounce off his hands Sunday into the hands of a waiting DB.
What is just as important that fails to get noticed is the sacks he’s avoided with his mobility. He’s not Tom Brady, but he can play.
So Mike Alstot is back. Peyton Hillis did not rush for a ton of yards (27 for 102 yards), but kept the chains moving from time to time and was able to somehow turn the corner late in the game to pick up a first down and seal the win. What does that say about the Bengals D? Hillis will become a folk hero in town if he keeps it up with his hard-hat approach.
Now the down side – this is the slowest group of skilled players on an NFL roster I have ever seen. You have a fullback playing tailback and no speed (we’ve already covered talent) at receiver.
If I were coaching this group of WRs, I would play Evan Moore at WR much more. He may be slow (aka: a tight end), but he’s a big target, has good hands and seems to screen off defenders well. The touchdown pass Wallace hit him with came with Moore lined up wide.
It’s simple, if your #2 tight end is a better receiver than your #1 receiver, you play the tight end. Plus, Moore is somewhat of a hybrid. He’s not a true NFL tight end. He seems fairly comfortable in space. But what do I know?
The Browns punt and kickoff coverage units don’t get enough credit. Special teams play has been this team’s strength during the Mangini Era. On the flip side, the return units (Josh Cribbs & company) however, have not been stellar so far in 2010.
Teams seem to be adjusting to Cribbs in the wildcat formation. Maybe it’s because they can put 11 in the box knowing he’ll keeping it. They need to add a new wrinkle or two.
And I don’t like going to Cribbs at QB nearly as much this year when you already have a mobile guy in Wallace back there. The Browns need to utilize his ability to bootleg more often – especially in third and short situations and near the goal line. Get Wallace out in space on occasion and give him one pass option to go with the run option.
Falcons win 23-20. I actually think this one is very winnable if the Browns don’t cough it up and they can make a couple special teams plays.
I am just having a hard time picking them against a decent team when they have no passing game, the slowest skilled players in the history of the sport and a poor pass rush. If Atlanta has any talent (aka: “The Franchise” Matt Ryan) and the ability to adjust, they should win. I hope I am wrong.
McNabb
I was glad to see the Philly fans cheer Donovan McNabb. He earned it.
Indians
The Indians quietly Monday announced some front office shake ups. In simple English, they won 69 games, missed out on the playoffs for the eighth year in the last nine tries and everyone got promoted. I’m not making this up. Where do I go to get my application?
I Was Wrong
I need to fess up. I was obviously wrong about Steve Fuller (aka: Kyle Orton). Either that or little Belichick (aka: Josh McD.) is a hell of a QB coach. He took what was a back-up signal-caller in Orton and has turned him into a quality starter –or so it seems. Perhaps it’s a little of both.
This begs the question – How bad was Chicago’s offensive system and talent for all those years?
When I mess up, I fess up.
Classic Over-coaching
I caught the replay of LSU’s wonderful clock management against the Vols this past Saturday. I don’t know what was worse – LSU running guys in and out from the 1 yard line prior to the game’s last play or the Vols matching LSU’s madness by having 13 guys on the field.
Can you say OVERCOACHING? The specialization in football has gradually gone from the ridiculous to the sublime. These guys (coaches) spend way too much time looking at film and trying to come up with stupid schemes, plays and personnel groups to justify their jobs.
You are at the 1 yard line. Why the hell do you need to change personnel groups when you were already in your short yardage set prior to that play?
But then again, on third and inches, I would never put the QB in the shot gun and have the ball go back several yards before I try to go forward to get John Holmes’ type yardage. Call me crazy!
Cavaliers
If a team opens camp and no one hardly notices, did it happen? The Cavs have started playing exhibition games but they barely get a notice.
It will get much worse when they are sitting at 12-29 at the half way mark and the media & fans start dumping hard on Gilbert & company hard for not having a plan B. – something we have been saying for a long time.
To make matters worse, they just opened up a brand new two story gift shop at the Q. Obviously, when the team’s number crunchers planned that out they had 23 staying in town. Call me crazy, but I can’t see Daniel Green jerseys flying off the shelf.
And if anyone really thinks this team, as it’s constituted, has a chance at the 8th seed, they need a lobotomy. Again, I hope I am wrong and these coaches can squeeze champagne out of piss.
Till next week.
“Luck is the residue of hard work.”
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