Still a Good Season

Look, the Browns are terrible. The national media laughs when they are brought up and their own fans organize sit-outs from the kickoff of home games.

There have been more injuries in this season than this fan ever remembers in any previous seasons. But please, let us remember how awful this team was before the injuries.

What has happened since then has not been a winning streak or even really good professional football, but a slow development of young players is happening right before our eyes. Who knew that Eric Mangini had a kid on the practice squad who has more heart and talent than Kellen Winslow? (See link for more info on that)

Brady Quinn can throw the football. Give him a little more than one second and the kid ain't half bad. Plus, we have seen that he can run the ball, and even catch if he has to.

It is a bad season, and so is this article. I felt obliged to the many fans out there requesting new material. It will get better.

It's Been Awhile

The Browns teed it up against the Ravens on Monday Night Football tonight in what could have been the most unheralded Monday night game of the season, or ever.

However, the announcers made the game a Browns love-fest. Innuendos were abound as Jon Gruden churched up Brady Quinn and the entire Cleveland Browns history. Will Gruden coach the Browns next season? Judging by the broadcast, there was no question.

However, Gruden signed a multi-year deal with media giant ESPN on Monday, leaving little doubt about his future as a head coach in the NFL next season.

The Browns got 90% of the talk Monday night and went as far as to show Gruden's childhood pictures in Browns gear, much like the pictures of Brady Quinn. They even showed a letter he wrote to Leroy Kelly, telling Kelly that he was Gruden's favorite player.

Browns fans were sadly misled. Gruden will not coach the Browns next season. Eric Mangini will. The team has 11 draft picks next season but no stars to build around.

Brady Quinn got the starting job at quarterback and was allowed to play an entire game. This is rare in Cleveland, where the position seems to be unsettled at best.

Browns fans were faced with the proposition to sit outside of their seats until after the opening kickoff as a protest to the team's poor performance and perceived lack of direction. That protest was not evident on television and the fans were as loud as ever, showing support for a team that has done little to deserve it.

Of course, the Ravens beat the Browns 16-0, and there does not seem to be much hope for the lowly Browns. 10-year veteran Steve Heiden was injured early and the best player on the team, Josh Cribbs, was carted off by an ambulance late in the game. By then the stadium was practically empty, and deservedly so.

This team is terrible. They seem to have no identity. The defense seems solid until the second half and the offense is suspect at best.

Who knows what owner Randy Lerner will do next. If changing coaches isn't the answer (and I don't think it is) then what the hell? There is a direction that leads to nowhere, and the Cleveland Browns are following all the way.

High points from a low viewer

After finally forcing myself to watch the Packers-Browns preseason game, I feel awful.

The starting defense, minus number 92, was visibly overmatched; even listening to the game on the radio on a 28-second-delay the defense sounded bad.

The offense showed a little spark against the Green Bay back-ups and quarterback Brett Ratliff looked good, aside from the two picks. Overall, if yellow flags indicate a rank of any sort, that is what the Cleveland Browns deserve on offense.

Despite lackluster showings from both sides of the ball, there were a couple of hustlers on the second/third team defense that deserve some spotlight:

Rookie defensive tackle Adam Hoppel, Cincinnatti, and rookie linebacker David Veikune, Hawa'ii.

Veikune saw plenty of playing time at the outside linebacker spot. He hustled after every play and ran sideline to sideline on several occasions, making himself the second man on several tackles, but usually the first. This should be encouraging seeing as Veikune played defensive end at Hawa'ii and is making the transition to a run stopping, coverage linebacker, hopefully with pass rushing abilities.

Hoppel seemed to make big hits whenever he got the chance. He exploded backs within arms reach. He was one of three lineman who was able to push his opponent consistently. Granted he played garbage time, but that is when young talent usually plays. If Adam Hoppel can continue to play with the same intensity every day he may have not only a shot at the final 53 man roster, but some serious minutes behind Big Baby.

To Ticket or not to Ticket?

I have this question in my mind every year about this time.

NFL Sunday Ticket is not the cheapest seat in town.  But it beats going to the bar every Sunday, getting stuck in the corner with the smallest TV and having to listen to Steelers and Ravens fans cheer and give high fives.  

But with 'these tough economic times' should one sacrifice the Browns experience being shared by all in the comfort of the home of a Browns fan?  This is the question I pose to all you fans who are not fortunate enough to get the games on TV in your local area.  

Last season truly felt like a wasted Ticket, but you never know with the Browns.

Thoughts before camp

The Cleveland Browns are a different team than they were last year.  

Along with some veterans are some new faces.  While the starting quarterback position remains an "open competition," according to head coach Eric Mangini, several problem positions have been addressed by the new staff.  

Center Alex Mack, from Cal, was not the draft pick some fans were looking for, but he is versatile in that he can rotate to the guard spot as well.  The two receivers being picked in the second round signifies an effort by the new regime to rectify the issues at the skill position of wide receiver.  

With 5th year man Braylon Edwards entering his final year of his rookie contract, the Team had to bring in some guys in order to evaluate their ability to adapt to the new offense and assess their NFL abilities.  

I think the running back has a chance to make an impact, especially because of the lack of NFL experience on the depth chart.  

Overall, the Browns had a decent draft, despite my draft day convictions.  Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter reported in the May 4, 2009 issue: "Each of his (Eric Mangini) top four picks received all-academic honors either nationally or within their conferences, and sixth-round cornerback Don Carey of Norfolk State could have gone to Yale if he'd so chosen."

I'd say that is a draft that built for years down the road.  The Browns played for knowledge and experience over skill; a luxury given to those with four year contracts.  

P.S.

Pay attention to the potential signing of Graham Harrell, NCAA record breaking quarterback from Texas Tech.  (If you feel bad about losing Michael Crabtree in the draft, it ain't bad to have the guy that tossed him the skin for two or three years, depending on how you evaluate eligibility standards in the NCAA.)

2009 Schedule Released

It looks like another tough battle for the Browns this season.  

They will get 2 prime-time games, although one is a Thursday game on NFL Network.  

I see this turning into a 5-11 to possibly 6-10.  It is always a little harder to win in the best division in football.  Hopefully this season, though, the Browns can actually be one of the tough teams in the AFC North.

Sanchez could be good pick at 5

I know it is a stretch, but if Aaron Curry is not available at the fifth pick in this month's draft, then why not pick Mark Sanchez?

Sanchez supposedly had tremendous work outs and great reviews from guys like Trent Dilfer.  If the Browns end up trading Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson or both, a quarterback is not such a bad pick.  Why not Matthew Stafford?

I think Sanchez over Stafford because everyone thinks the opposite.  Seriously, everybody thought Tim Couch could be great.  I think Sanchez is better long-term.  We may have to wait a few years to see, but I'm sure we'll all remember, I called it!

Kellen Winslow says the Giants "great fit" for Braylon Edwards

According to Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards would love to play for the New York Giants. On a SIRIUS radio show, Winlsow said that Edwards would love to play in the Big Apple.

“For some reason I don’t (think he’ll play for the Browns in 2009),” Winslow said. “I know Braylon would love to go to New York. The Giants would fit him to the ‘T’ and he would have so much fun up there. I know he loves Cleveland but New York would be a great fit for him.”

If he gets what he wants, I'm sure he'll play great. I think we need to keep Edwards due to the lack of talent at wide receiver. Maybe the Browns can make a sign and trade deal next season. Without Steve Smith from the Giants, this deal does not happen.

Oops, we dropped Braylon.

For a couple of draft picks, why not trade Braylon Edwards?

Brandon McDonald, We like it.

Brandon McDonald, CB for the Cleveland Browns, is getting some recognition.  

The former University of Memphis standout and current NFL starter has recently received several awards.  The best one for his bank account is an impressive $329,803 from the NFL.  The league bases the bonus on performance and Mr. McDonald has certainly earned his money.  

What will John Calipari do?

By now we have all heard that University of Memphis head basketball coach John Calipari has been offered the same position by the University of Kentucky.  The deal, according to ESPN, is for eight years and $35 million.  That deal would make him the highest paid coach in college basketball.

Here's the kicker.  A source has let me know that last night, Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson and the biggest monetary contributors to the university had a private meeting with Calipari. 

The coach was made an offer to stay at Memphis for $60 million and 10 years.  That deal would make John Calipari the second highest paid coach in all of American sports, collegiate or professional.  The highest paid coach in American sports is Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers.  

ESPN is not reporting this, but I think this offer has been put on the table.

Memphis in May Music Festival

This is an incredible lineup of music.  If love live music this is the best show for the money.  Especially in these "tough economic times."

Memphis in May official website.

Welcome Patten? Bye, Bye B.E?

Wow.  

I heard the rumors, but this sounds like something is in the works.  Browns GM George Kokinis in talks with the Giants about a deal for Braylon 'Mitten Hands' Edwards. 

Browns Mix.

Browns Gab.

Go Browns.

Welcome David Patten.  35-year-old wide receiver.  He played for the Browns in 2000.  He has also won some Super Bowl rings.   

Some Teams Don't Cry in the Spring?

No Bias.  No Bull.  Bull####!

Middle Tennessee State University football is on the rise.  This is good example of what the college teams do while 'Big Babies' in the NFL whine about training camp and people not saying hello to them.  

MTSU football

Possible Inside Information:

Look for Gene Delle Donne, TE  Sr. (RS) to make a big impact this season.

Quinn To Be Traded?

It doesn't seem that he knows about it.

With all the trade rumors going around that involve Brady Quinn and Jay Cutler, it appears that the Browns quarterback has not heard anything.

Full story.

Underrated?

Anytime a team from Michigan gets beat, it's a good thing. The Middle Tennessee State Lady Raider basketball team got that opportunity on Sunday morning.

Alysha Clark (left, #22) was her usual high scoring self as the Blue Raiders played on the "neutral" home court of Michigan State in East Lansing, MI.

Clark fouled out with 33 points and 10 rebounds with 1:33 left to play and the score tied at 57.

Unfortunatley, the Lady Raiders were unable to overcome the physical play of Michigan State and fell 60-59. The Lady Raiders led most of the game until the latter stages of the second half.

This one hurts for all Blue Raider fans who were hoping to make some noise in this year's NCAA tournament. What a tough way to end a great season. Congratulations to the Middle Tennessee State Lady Raiders and head coach Rick Insell, Sun Belt Conference Champions.

By the way, we will see every player on the roster back next season along with a top 25 incoming recruiting class. Keep that in mind selection comittee.

Don't Mess With Herron?

I should probably watch what I say about this guy.

This post from a Tampa Bay Bucs fan says it all.

What the Herron?

Noah Herron, career backup running back, has been signed by the Cleveland Browns. This move makes a lot of sense. We just lost our stud backup Jason Wright. Why not sign another stud? Especially a guy that has been cut by every team he has played for!

The Browns will cut him before the season starts. Look for  a running back in the draft and maybe one or two more free agent RBs.  The fact is the Browns have two quarterbacks and now they have three running backs. If that does not change, don't look for much this season. But I think we all know it will change and there is always something to look forward to next season when you are a Cleveland Browns fan.

Browns Bringing Meat to the Table?

That's right. Floyd "Porkchop" Womack is a Cleveland Brown. The 6'4 330(?) lineman joins the team after spending a solid eight years in Seattle.

Get your napkins out Browns fans!

Browns Mix.com


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What Does Donte Stallworth do in the Offseason?

Apparently, he drives a Bentley.  

Way to go, man.  Here's $4 million.

Click here for story, if you haven't already heard.  

Rebuilding?

Kevin Shaffer is gone.

The Always Sure-Handed Joe Jurevicius is gone.

It seems the new regime is content with getting rid of all the players that Phil Savage brought in, regardless of the cost.  It appears that getting rid of guys now and paying for it later is what the Browns want to do.  They are also okay with getting rid of guys that the fans liked.

The saying goes, "If you listen to the fans, you'll be sitting with the fans."  (right, Romeo?)

If they can actually improve THIS YEAR without either of these two players, I would be surprised.

Dropping two starters does not seem like the right direction.  The Browns are lacking talent from roster spots 34-53.  I think dropping some of those names is more likely to improve this team.  That is what teams that win Super Bowls do right?  

Is Cleveland rebuilding or downgrading the roster for monetary reasons?  One would think that if it is for money, then they actually plan on spending some.  

Browns Fan Also a Memphis Grizzlies Fan?

I think this is okay.

I am a Memphis Grizzlies fan.

I liked the team in Vancouver. I am from Memphis and I loved it when they came to town. I know this is a blog for the Browns, but sometimes I can't help it.

I love this quote from Michael Heisley, the owner of the team:

"If what I believe happens in three years, then people will say I'm a genius," Heisley said. "If it doesn't, they'll say I'm a fool."

I make a point to not trust people in these positions when they are commenting about their investments, but I think the Grizzlies are set up for some pretty good things. They have a young team with a lot of talent. They have good veteran leadership. By that I mean quality guys who are not getting in trouble or complaining about playing for a losing team.

I never have understood players who do that, complain about a losing team. You're part of it!

Anyway, they will most likely have to part ways with a few of the players I have become accustomed to, but that is nothing new with this team. I hope they can keep the core together and make some noise in the playoffs in a couple of seasons.

New Coach, New Team?

New head coaches have a tendency to rid themselves of the "baggage" from the previous administration.

Eric Mangini is no different. The Soldier is gone. Sean Jones is gone. The lockers that divided the locker room are gone. Hopefully so is losing.

All of those changes along with an endorsement for the AFC Championship from Colin Cowherd can give fans a cause for excitement. I might even pay for another season of NFL Sunday Ticket.

I don't think Mangini is done quite yet, though. I predict that Rogers will be out of Cleveland before the season begins. I like the fact that a guy can plug up the middle and get to the QB, but if we can get some value for him, do it. I would be happy with the Rogers/Quinn for Cutler/3rd round draft pick.

We would then have two Pro Bowl QB's on the roster and be able to draft another interior defensive lineman. That sounds good to me.

How 'bout you, Coach?

Who Is the Baddest Man on the Planet?

"I was just sitting at home, anxious, wondering who I was going to bleed for this year - and if he could stand up to it."

Who said that?  

None other than The Electrifying Joshua Cribbs, A.K.A. The Baddest Man on the Planet. 

Everybody's Favorite Brown, A.K.A. The Finisher, was slightly unorthodox in his meeting with new head coach Eric Mangini.  Instead of waiting until the whole team meets together later this month, J.C. went ahead and barged in on the new ball coach.  

Check out the story.

Blogger Can't Outsmart the Weather

This video shows wreckers pulling my red truck out of a creek after a large amount of sudden snowfall and ice in Murfreesboro, TN.  Click on the video, look for the red truck and then a few seconds later they show my other vehicle, the white SUV being pulled out after I got stuck trying to retrieve a few items from my truck in the icy cold water.

After Winslow Trade, Firesale in Cleveland?

The recent trade of tight end Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers doesn't feel like the end of roster moves for the Browns. John Clayton reported on ESPN that the Browns were shopping many different players. One tends to think this might mean Braylon Edwards or Derek Anderson.
Braylon is in the last year in his contract and will most likely be looking for a long term deal to get done during the season. That means that he will have to put up numbers. That also means he will have to catch the ball. Maybe a contract incentive is what The Big Drop needs.
DA is gone before the season starts. Anybody who thinks any different is not thinking long term. He is starting quarterback in the NFL. The Browns need him to enhance his trade value. A strong showing in training camp or an injury to another team's guy could trigger a desperate, hopefully leading to a lucrative, trade for DA. I'm sure doesn't want to wait that long. Don't be suprised to see him in Tampa, folks.
Getting rid of K2 probably gets Cleveland the most amount of draft picks they could have gotten for him. Waiting too long can be a bad thing. But, they also get rid of his contract. This gives the Browns a little more room to sign either draft picks or free agents. Phil Savage did a pretty good job of draining the extra cash pool.
Without Winslow, Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson lose a phenomenal tight end. He was willing to go over the middle to catch the ball. He had the best hands on the offense last year, behind Josh Cribbs.
I also think he tanks on plays occassionally.
The point is, I won't know how to react until the Browns show why this was a good decision.

Is Shaun Rogers the Latest Brown Frown?

Appartantly another high paid footballer does not want to play for the Browns. Shaun Rogers allegedly does not want to play in Cleveland anymore. I say, if this is true, and I want to stress that, then good riddance. I am sick and tired of guys coming here and not wanting to play. Let them leave.

If they don't realize that they have an opportunity to play for a franchise that is starved for a winner and will fill the stands no matter what, then let them go. What these players don't seem to understand is that it takes time to build a unit that will play and win together. Even though Rogers is arguably the best player on the defense, the fans and the organization deserve a little more class.

Apparantly new head coach Eric Mangini is the reason behind this new attitude from Big 92. I am not sure who is being the bigger toddler in this situation, but it appears that if they can't get along, then someone has to go. My guess is that is would be Rogers, so here is my suggestion:

Trade Shaun Rogers back to Detroit for their two first round picks. Or do a first and a third round pick, similar to the deal the Browns made for him. I don't want any of their players though. They already cut Leigh Bodden, the guy they got from us for Rogers last off-season.

Story link : Browns Gab

What to do with the 5th pick?

The Cleveland Browns have the fifth pick in this year's draft. I am thinking running back. I know there are needs elsewhere, but there is some talent out there this year, what do y'all think.

Could Derek Anderson Net the Browns a First Round Pick?

Word on the street is, the Detroit Lions are the worst team in the NFL, and apparantly they need a quarterback. Now, I know they just worked a deal for Duante Culpepper, but that deal extends his bonus out over three years where the Lions can let him go with no real penalties. That being the case, the Lions have a void at the quarterback spot, and draft picks.

With 2 first round picks, Detroit could keep the number 1 pick and send the second pick to Cleveland for Derek Anderson. The Browns could then use two first round picks on a linebacker and a defensive back.

Whatever they pick, this seems like a good deal for both teams. I think Anderson is better than Quinn right now and may have a better career, but if you can get a first round pick for a guy that had a year like DA had, go for it. Quinn will do. Really, all that matters is winning. To win, the Browns need some more talent and better attitudes. You get that in the draft. We haven't had one in a while, so this could be nice.

I say we get Kelly Holcomb in to back up Brady Quinn.

Kobe and Shaq All Star Game Co-MVP's?

What is this all about? I know the game doesn't mean anything and they don't really play defense, but this Shaq and Kobe thing is a little ridiculous.

Hasn't this drama been played out enough?

"We like each other." "We hate each other." "It was all for the media."

I like both players. Shaq is the most dominant player, that's right, player, not big man, that I have ever seen. He revolutionized modern basketball and what teams look for in a big man. Many have tried, but there is only one Shaq. (see, Bryant Reeves, Michael Olowakandi, Eddie Curry)

Kobe is the best player in NBA right now. He has been for a few years. No one is a better shooter, be it in the first quarter or in the last seconds of overtime. Kobe is the man.

With that being said, Co-MVP's of the All Star Game? Come on.

Shaq was funny because he played like a point guard. He didn't take the customary three pointer, but the between-the-legs pass on Dwight Howard was hilarious. He got the ball a lot because the game was in Phoenix, nothing new to the All Star game that the hometown guy gets the ball a lot.

Kobe put up numbers, but nothing too flashy. Some dunks and big shots, a normal day at the office.

Did y'all see Chris Paul? It looked like he had the ball on a string. He always seemed to look first to pass, then to shoot. Then, his shot looked like he thought about it at the last second. I don't have his numbers in front of me, but I had to vent.

Chris Paul for MVP!

Grizz Reject Stoudamire?

Rudy Gay, Mike Conley and Hakim Warrick for Amare Stoudamire. No thanks. Good job Grizz.

What Do Y'all Think?

A-Rod? Love him or hate him. He got paid lots of money for putting up big numbers. Now, granted those numbers are probably all tainted, should baseball rewrite the record books? It doesn't seem that fans care either way, seeing as ticket sales and ratings are up more all the time. Do you really care?

Who Will Play 3rd String Quarterback for the Browns? plus antwan peek update

Well, sorry folks, it looks like Ken Dorsey is going to have to hold someone else's clipboard next season. The Browns released Dorsey and Bruce Gradkowski.

I thought Dorsey was a lifer.

Plus, Antwan Peek is done not playing up to his potential for the Cleveland Browns. Granted he was out this year, but let's face it, he was never fast enough, strong enough or talented enough to be successful at the professional level.

Mangini Not Saying Much

Browns Head Coach, Eric Mangini was asked if it’s possible he will keep both Quinn and Anderson, who is due a $5 million roster bonus next month. “I don’t really have it defined in terms of which way it has to go,” he said. “I think I’m open to all different possibilities, and not just at that position.” Mangini said he and general manager George Kokinis have spent the past few weeks familiarizing themselves with the Browns’ roster. They’ve spent hours breaking down game tape to rate players, analyzing medical and security reports and figuring out what they have and, more importantly, what they need.

http://www.brownsgab.com/2009/02/04/mangini-comments-on-qb-position-for-2009/

Thanks Clevelander in Exile

http://aclevelanderinexile.blogspot.com/2009/02/thank-god-its-over.html

Brady Quinn Puts Up 405!?

Brady Quinn on The Herd with Colin Cowherd (1/27/09) - Last 1/3 of segment, don't have to wait for the download to fast forward.

What has happened to the Dallas Cowboys?

Roy Williams says the Detroit Lions practice harder than the Dallas Cowboys.

This morning on "The Herd" with Colin Cowherd, I HEARD an interview with Darren Woodson of the Dallas Cowboys. When Cowherd made a comment about Tony Romo not being able to finish a game, Woodson laughed.

Super Steelers?

The Steelers have won Super Bowl 43. Way to go. They have almost caught up with the Browns for the most professional football championships.

What is the meaning of life? Or more importantly, who is going to play quarterback for the Cleveland Browns next season?

How many Pro Bowl quarterbacks are on the Cleveland Browns' roster?
One.
How many first round draft pick quarterbacks are on the Cleveland Browns' roster?
One.

The trouble is, they're not the same guy.

Derek Anderson (the former) and Brady Quinn (the latter) both got the chance to start for the greatest franchise in the history of professional football this past season. The general perception is that Anderson is on his way out the door and Quinn is the man of the future. This perception is not unfounded, seeing as Anderson was replaced as the starter in week 10. Quinn subsequently started three games and then was sidelined for the rest of the season with a finger injury. Anderson replaced him for a short while before sustaining a season ending concussion.

And for all you Ken Dorsey fans, don't worry. There has never been a quarterback with a higher clipboard rating. He is a Brown for life.

So who will carry the torch for new head coach Eric Mangini? This is where the fun begins.

Derek Anderson can flat out toss the bladder. Let's have a look at a typical pass play on offense for the Browns this season. Shotgun formation with Jamal Lewis in the backfield next to Anderson. Edwards wide left, Josh Cribbs wide right. Kellen Winslow slot left, Syndric Steptoe slot right. Hank Fraley snaps the ball, good snap. Anderson controls, looks right, nobody open, looks left, linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle in his face. A flick of the wrist and DA sends the ball 65 yards down the field to Braylon Edwards in stride, who then drops the ball on the six yard line.

In summary, the offensive line could not block an eighth-grader for large portions of the season, wide receivers were not up to par and, although not mentioned above, the O-line also had trouble getting holes for Jamal Lewis. "The Truck" was still able to plow his way to over a 1,000 yards, with some help from the playcalling during the Steeler game.

Brady Quinn ran into similar problems. He did not have much time to throw the ball and Edwards continued to drop passes. It seemed that Kellen Winslow was the only guy willing to make a catch for either quarterback. It is harder to assess Quinn because he didn't play much. There is no doubt excitement about the possibility of him leading the Browns to the playoffs and more, but I think we need to calm ourselves down a little bit. He throws a better short game than DA, but nobody besides Winslow wants to catch the ball over the middle.

Derek Anderson is by far the better choice for the Browns right now. Word on the street is that Mangini favors the short game. That's fine, let DA get into it in the offseason. He would be well suited to get with a system where he is comfortable and knows that he will have time to work through his check downs. His ability to throw the deep ball keeps safeties honest on the blitz, allowing Jamal to power his way to the second level and demoralize anyone in his way.

I say you give the Pro Bowler a chance with the new system and see what happens. It can't be any worse than last season. Brady will get his chance, but let Derek Anderson get our Team to the next level offensively.