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?