Short & Quick

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.