Bleacher Report - Articles by Nate Powers

Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Carousel Continues

Nate Powers — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:15:07 -0400

Derek Anderson will start at quarterback for the Browns today against the Bengals. This marks the seventh time in two years that the position has changed.

Since their return in 1999, the Browns have had 21 changes at quarterback, granted nine were due to injuries. My calculations say that 12 quarterback changes in 11 seasons is a little too much indecision.

And people ask why is it the Browns can't find a quarterback who can establish himself?

In these eleven years, the Browns have used a number one overall pick a third round and another first round on quarterbacks. Tim Couch lasted five seasons, Charlie Frye was gone after two, and Brady Quinn is on the bench again.

Only once has a quarterback started all 16 games for the Browns in an entire season; that was 2001 when Tim Couch started every game under Butch Davis' first season as head coach.

The following season after leading the Browns to their first playoff berth since the return, Couch broke his leg and Kelly Holcomb played a phenomenal game against the Steelers.

Holcomb was named the starter the next year and soon suffered a broken leg. Couch replaced Holcomb and was told that he would be the quarterback from now on.

So what did the Browns do? They signed Jeff Garcia in the offseason and named him starting quarterback.

Looking back at stats I have decided to give you my top three quarterbacks since the Browns returned in 1999.

No.1—Kelly Holcomb.

Holcomb had the best completion percentage and was the only quarterback to have a rating over 80. Yes he was 4-8 as a starter, but if Dennis Northcutt didn't drop the pass against the Steelers in the playoffs, or Dwayne Ruud decided to keep his helmet on his head instead of throw it across the field; or if the Browns could have beat the Bengals when Holcomb threw for 413 yards and five touchdowns it would be different.

No. 2—Derek Anderson.

The best win percentage and the only quarterback to lead the Browns to a 10-win season. He has 43 touchdowns to Tim Couch's 64, and he did it in half of the attempts. Should Anderson bail the Browns out again he should never have to worry about his job again. His low rating is due to the chances he takes downfield.

No.3—Tim Couch.

The only quarterback to throw for 10,000 yards. He did throw too many interceptions but he was always looking over his shoulder and could never find a groove.

Trent Dilfer didn't take any chances. Jeff Garcia couldn't stay healthy and he had a 0.0 rating against the Cowboys. Charlie Frye couldn't make decisions and he never really recovered from the butchery that was the Christmas Eve game against the Steelers.

It is hard being a quarterback in the NFL; it is nearly impossible to be a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.

Even when they do something good it's not good enough. If they do something wrong then it's time for a crucifixion. Do I expect Anderson to throw five touchdowns against the Bengals again? No, but I didn't expect it when it happened.

I do expect the Browns to move the ball and I do believe they are headed in the right direction with Anderson at the helm.

Mangini needs to make his mind up and stick with the quarterback he chooses because nothing good comes out of competitions and nothing good comes out of looking over your shoulder for the guy who is going to replace you.

The Man who Turned the Indians Into a Winning Franchise

Nate Powers — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:02:27 -0400

It has been a long time since I have contributed to this site; I've been busy with work and school. But I have run across a headline that I knew I had to write about and share my thoughts. The headline involved former Cleveland Indians owner and multi-millionaire, Dick Jacobs.

Dick Jacobs passed away on Friday, and I knew it would be inappropriate not to mention his legacy in the city of Cleveland.

Mr. Jacobs bought the Indians in 1986 when they were the laughing-stock of baseball, media, and movies.

Before the Indians, Jacobs was a businessman who built and renovated buildings; he loved to make things that could last and be seen and touched.

When he bought the Indians, he got rid of the veterans and invested in young, risky, and inexperienced players.

He built a system that involved creating and maturing talent in the minors—an approach paid out more then he could have ever hoped. It has triggered a new way that major league clubs function now a days.

Dick also put a pulse into the heart of downtown Cleveland by helping get Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field) and Quicken Loans Arena built. He also helped get restaurants started near these facilities.

The Cleveland Indians were the team to beat in the 1990s, and every team in the majors wanted to be like them. The Indians sold out every home game for 455 straight games, which used to be a major league record.

During his regime, his team also went to the playoffs every year from 1995-2001, including two World Series trips.

Let's just remember that Dick Jacobs got a major Cleveland sports team closer to a title in any year since the Browns won it all in 1964—they were three outs away from a victory in the 1997 World Series.

Without Dick Jacobs, who knows where the Cleveland Indians would be. There might not even be an Indians team.

Another Cleveland Browns Quarterback Bites the Dust

Nate Powers — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:04:30 -0500

It's a tough job being a quarterback in Cleveland. Just ask expected one-time saviors Tim Couch, Trent Dilfer, and Jeff Garcia.

In this season to forget, Browns fans may add the team's top two quarterbacks—young gun Brady Quinn, and veteran Derek Anderson—to a pile of potential signal callers that for one reason or another, have not been able to get the job done under center in Cleveland.

Quinn's finger injury will probably require surgery, and Anderson is out with a torn ligament in his knee that he suffered in the fourth quarter of the Browns' 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

When DA fell down and started to hold his knee, a chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd. I attended the game, but I'll inform you that I was not one of the people to cheer.

For all of those fans that cheered, you should be ashamed of yourselves. This Pro Bowl quarterback led the Browns to a 10-6 record and one game away from the playoffs.

Shame on you guys. You are not real Browns fans.

Enter Ken Dorsey.

Dorsey threw three passes in his 2008 debut, all of which fell incomplete. The final pass found its way into the hands of Colts defensive back Antoine Bethea.

With four games remaining in the season, Ken Dorsey is scheduled to start for the rest of the season.

Some say, "Why not let Joshua Cribbs start?" Because he played quarterback for Kent State. For those who are not familiar with Kent State, I'd like to inform you that they haven't been in contention for the MAC championship since 1970.

He may hold most of the records at Kent, but there's a reason Cribbs wasn't drafted in 2005, and there's a reason that he was signed to be a return man and one day hopefully a receiver.

Cribbs is an ultimate professional, but he is not a quarterback capable of playing in the NFL let alone Cleveland, a city were the fans cheer when their Pro Bowl quarterback gets hurt, a city were they boo Charlie Frye (the one-time savior from Akron) out of town.

Cribbs gets Cleveland and the passionate fans stating, "It's tough being a quarterback in Cleveland. Just count how many have come through here in the past 10 years."

In case you are wondering, there have been 10 quarterbacks in 10 years: Ty Detmer, Tim Couch, Spergon Wynn, Kelly Holcomb, Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn.

I agree Cribbs should get more playing time because he is an explosive player, and he can't be that type of player in the limited role he occupies right now.

What Cribbs had on his mind was the offense. "When you hold a powerhouse offense with a future hall of Fame quarterback to three points, you have to win the game."

Crennel even admitted thinking about putting Cribbs in some plays.

I'd love to see Cribbs play some quarterback, but only a couple plays a game. No offense, Josh, but I don't think you'd help at that position.

Before Anderson went down, I believed that the season could only go up from where they were, and I was wrong. If you think that the first 12 games were hard to watch, you're gonna be in for a treat.

Love,

The Newest Former Browns Fan (Nah, I'm just kidding.)

Phil Dawson: Kudos to the Cleveland Browns' Kicker

Nate Powers — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:04:54 -0500

Phil Dawson is the full package when it comes to not just kickers, but professionals too. He has been an ultimate professional since arriving with the 1999 expansion Browns.

His on-the-field record makes him perhaps the greatest kicker in team history, and his approach makes anyone want to imitate him as a professional and a man.

Since becoming a pro in 1999, his field-goal percentage is 83.6 percent, which ranks him first on the Browns all time and fourth all-time in NFL history.

He made his 200th kick earlier this year (He now has 206), and he is the only player in Browns history to make a 50-yard field goal in three consecutive games.

He is the only player to score 100 points in four consecutive seasons, and with 96 points this year, he seems to be on his way to five. He is ranked third all-time in points on the team with 872.

With his field goal at the end of the Monday Night game at Buffalo, he recorded his 11th career game winner. Romeo Crennel didn't even flinch when he sent Dawson out to kick.

The low point in his career came two years ago, when he missed a 26-yard kick in a home game against the Jets, and boos echoed through the stadium.

What nobody knows is that he spent the entire night at the Cleveland Clinic, to be with his daughter who was being treated for a staph infection she didn't have.

This happened after his daughter stopped breathing at home and she was rushed to the hospital. His daughter was born that summer.

The missed field goal followed and so did the news that the staph infection was wrongly diagnosed, and her blood sample was misplaced. She returned home after three days and is as healthy as his other two children.

After the season, a rumor spread that the Browns were interested in Olindo Mare, even though Dawson was more productive in cold weather.

Believed to be on a short leash, Dawson delivered with one of his best seasons if not his best. He won a game in Baltimore and with the help of "the Dawson bar," and also setting a career high in points with 120 (second best in team history).

Who can forget kicking the 49-yard field goal against Buffalo, which also hit the Dawson bar. The kick might have been the most amazing play since the Browns' return in 1999.

As the years go on, Dawson gets better, and he gets more chances at longer field goals. In his first three years in the league he didn't try a field goal longer than 50 yards. Since 2002, he has tried 14 and has made 10.

Dawson was an undrafted free agent from Texas, where he made 9-of-15 from 50 yards or longer. Dawson's offseason lasts two weeks, and then he's back on the weights preparing for the next season.

When Dawson was signed in 1999, he almost went unnoticed since the Browns had signed so many players that year because of their return.

He credits his standard of work ethic off of his father, and his mentor, former Browns punter Chris Gardocki.

After 10 years Dawson has established himself as one of the best kickers in Browns history, if not the best.

Dawson has always show respect for the great ones that came before him whether it be from the Browns, or the Longhorns, Even his high school where another Browns kicker, Matt Stover went to school.

The Browns kicker has never sold himself short, he leaves it all out on the field.

Browns fans should be happy with the kicker they have, because people like Phil Dawson don't come around to often.

"The Name On The Door is Cleveland"

Nate Powers — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:33:39 -0500

The saying in Browns football is "The name on the door is Cleveland." The phrase was made up by Cleveland Browns' owner Randy Lerner.

Lerner sees the Browns as bigger than any one player, coach, general manager, or owner. Lerner believes the Browns belong to the fans.

In a rare occasion the Browns owner talked to the media. And as always he did so without any cameras. He quickly changed subject when asked about the future of Romeo Crennel, and Phil Savage.

Randy Lerner doesn't like trying to do the job of the people he hired like some other owners around the NFL, he lets the men do their job. Every decision will play itself out one way or another.

The last thing this team needs is a non football guy trying to be a football guy.

Lerner stepped forward Tuesday to address the media because the people he hired have not done their job and he is hurting as much as any other fan.

While stating that he is frustrated to the "maximum" this season he hid his embarrassment over Savage's knotty email last week.

Believing the Browns have a core group of guys that are under-performing and called Sunday's loss "sickening."

Lerner also said that he would have to take all the criticism into account at the end of the season when deciding people's fates, and he also said that the money committed to people last year won't enter into the decision.

It's about time for the man in charge to step in and show leadership and involvement. This can be done while respecting the people you hired to do the job.

Ultimately someone has to look to the owner and ask, "Why do you let this nonsense happen."

The slogan may say "The name on the door is Cleveland."

The team might belong to Cleveland, but the responsibility for nonsense ends with the name on the door that says Lerner.

Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou, Romeo?

Nate Powers — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:38:24 -0500

With five games remaining in the 2008-09 NFL season, Romeo Crennel's coaching career in Cleveland looks to be nearly over.

Crennel's predecessor, Butch Davis, stepped down with five games left in his fourth season at the helm in Cleveland.

Davis' record as a head coach for the Cleveland Browns? It stood at 24-35.

Romeo Crennel's record is 24-35 as of Sunday's mediocre loss to the Texans at home.

An offense that was eighth in the league last year is ranked 27th this year. Crennel's specialty is defense but the Browns' defense is at the bottom of the league yet again and also ranked 27th in the league.

It doesn't help that he has a pro bowl quarterback who can't throw to receivers, and when he does happen to get it to the receivers the wide outs drop the pass.

Braylon Edwards leads the league in dropped passes.

Off the field incidents have plagued the team, ranging from a staph infection cover up concerning Kellen Winslow, to Phil Savage losing control of himself in an email, and quarterback controversies.

Unlike Davis, the players are behind Crennel. They care for him like a grandfather.

Crennel has backed up Savage, even when he knew the outcome was bad. Earlier in the year Savage told Crennel to put Brady Quinn in after a loss to the Ravens.

Earlier that day Romeo told the media that Anderson was the man under the center, only to change his mind a few hours later. He was quoted saying, "Brady is our man, hopefully he won't fall on his butt." Way to be behind your quarterback, coach.

Romeo has come out publicly and has blamed himself for the debacle that is the 2008-09 Browns.

In last week's loss to the Texans Crennel took out Quinn in favor of Anderson, sparking a huge amount of boos in Cleveland Browns stadium. The fans started chanting "Cowher, Cowher..."

This might have been a last ditch effort to save his job, but he might be a little too late. With every loss, Crennel's job is on the line.

His only hope is to try and get the Browns to finish at .500, which is a far stretch. The only thing that can change the way the Browns have been since returning to the NFL is to change the entire front office, and it starts with owner Randy Lerner.

LeBron James Headlines 2010 Free Agent Class

Nate Powers — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:19:04 -0500

During an offseason where a group of NBA professionals played for Olympic gold, a team moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City, and major names signed huge contracts with new teams, the top subject happened to be LeBron James and his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2010 season.

Rumors have spread that James will sign with the Knicks or possibly the Nets when he becomes a free agent. Note to the media: LeBron's a winner, the Knicks and Nets are not. Sure New York is a great city with so much to do. It's one of my favorite places to visit.

The Knicks are saying that they have the money to take LeBron away from the Cavaliers. The NBA bases its contracts on the fact that the team that owns a player can not be outbid by an opposing team.

The Knicks have that working against them and the losing seasons they have built up over the beginning of this century.

In case you were wondering, LeBron has money (Nike, Sprite, etc.).

Say LeBron stays in Cleveland, the area he has spent his entire life, with a team that is capable of winning a championship this year.

If the Cavs win a championship, LeBron isn't leaving. This is what the Nets and Knicks are hoping doesn't happen.

Say LeBron stays in Cleveland where he belongs. Who can the teams of the NBA bank on? Well they are lucky because there are plenty of bachelors.

I can think of nine notable players that will make an impact for any team.

Dwyane Wade is one of the best guards in the league. Not to mention, he has an NBA title.

Tracy McGrady has been on some bad teams (Magic, Raptors). If he is put on a decent team, he can lead them to a championship.

Manu Ginobilli is the best bench player in the league. He's good enough to start and lead a team. He is a class act and non-stop hard worker. Who wouldn't want him on their team?

Amare Stoudamire is a powerhouse in the paint and a great scorer and rebounder. He is still young and will be around for a very long time.

Michael Redd is an Olympic gold medalist. He is often overlooked because he plays for a mediocre Milwaukee Bucks team. But, he is a hard worker and great player.

Ray Allen is a defending NBA champion. He is always a deep three-point threat in every game. While he played for a plague of a team in Seattle, his career has been revived since going to Boston.

Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors is another option. He is often overlooked because he was drafted out of the class of 2003 with James, Wade, and Anthony. He is a hard player and great rebounder.

Dirk Nowitzki is a class NBA veteran. He is also a hard worker and a threat on offense from any point on the floor.

Joe Johnson is an offensive machine. He scores at will and he lead the below par Hawks to the playoffs last year. Not to mention that he almost helped the Hawks overthrow the Celtics in the playoffs last year.

So if LeBron stays in Cleveland, which he probably will, the Knicks, Nets, and every other team have plenty of other choices to choose from.

As we all know, only time will tell.

Phil Savage Puts Icing on the Cake for the Browns' Season

Nate Powers — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:02:40 -0500

The 2008-2009 Browns season has seen its ups and downs. Pretty much downs.

Even when Cleveland manages to siege a victory on Monday Night (again), something stops the celebration. This time it wasn't Kellen Winslow or Braylon Edwards, it was the GM.

Phil Savage has been the most successful GM since the Browns have returned, but this doesn't say much when you throw Butch Davis and Chris Palmer in the mix.

Earlier this week, Savage received an email from a beleaguer fan known only as Brett, because he wanted to stay anonymous. Brett has supposedly been a Browns fan his entire life, but ironically, he lives in Pittsburgh. (What kind of true Browns fan can live with Steelers fans.)

What kind of GM reads emails from fans, especially from Pittsburgh, and during a Monday night game, where the Browns were on the verge of losing their third straight game after leading by 13 points.

Luckily, the other Phil (Dawson) was able to save the Brownies.

Savage responded to the email with some explicit language that went a little like, and I quote, "F*** You!"

Some believe that Savage's Blackberry was stolen by someone that typed the message to the fan.

I believe Savage responded the way he did because he cares about this team, and he cares about his job and his friends job Romeo Crennel.

By this email Savage shows that he has a passion for the game and for his team. That's what the Browns have been missing ever since returning to the NFL in 1999.

Randy Lerner should not fire Savage over this. Roger Goodell should not fine Savage, because last time I checked, Goodell just reinstated "Pacman" Jones and he still has the "cokehead" Matt Jones still in the league.

If Savage loses his job it is going to be because of his front office moves and his inability to bring in big names from college and free agency. Not because he said a word that everyone wants to yell when they deal with the media and fans who have no clue about the stress that is involved with Savage's job.

NASCAR's Hall Of Fame To Open In 2010

Nate Powers — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:46:36 -0400

When you hear "Hall of Fame," you probably think of Canton or Cooperstown, not Charlotte.

With construction underway for NASCAR's Hall of Fame, to be located in Charlotte, North Carolina, I take a look at who should be inducted into the Inaugural class.

Charlotte was chosen because of the rich NASCAR history in the area. Many teams have their shops based there and it is the site of the Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Let's just say, for argument's sake, that NASCAR will induct ten people in the first year and have a yearly vote to induct more.

I looked at the stats of the best drivers, best crew chiefs, and best owners.

This is what I came up with as the ten original inductees.

1-Bill France. Without France, NASCAR wouldn't exist. France took the racing off the streets and built an empire that has the fastest rising fan base in all of sports. So, those who follow Bill owe their allegiance to the man,literally, behind the wheel.

2-Richard Petty. This was a no brainer. The King won 200 races in a career that lasted four decades. He has seven NASCAR Cup championships, tying him for the most in stock car history. His team, Petty Enterprises, has a NASCAR record 268 wins. There is no doubt that he gets 100 percent of the votes.

3-Dale Earnhardt. The Intimidator was a force to be reckoned with. His seven NASCAR championships tie him with Richard Petty for the most all time. He ranks seventh on the all time wins list, with 76 victories. Earnhardt was always known for his aggression and his claim that he could actually see the wind going over the car. You may not haved liked the way he drove, but you have got to respect the man.

4-David Pearson. Pearson has always been known as the man who could beat Petty. A fact that most people don't know is that he is ranked second on the all time wins list with 105 career victories. He is only the second person to break the century mark in their career. Pearson racked up three championships, all of which in the 1960's.

5-Darrell Waltrip. Waltrip collected 84 career victories, which ties him for fourth all time. He also has three championships under his belt. Waltrip was always known as the man who stood up to Earnhardt, and the two created a great rivalry. Waltrip recently became famous for his work in the broadcast booth and his famous catch phrase "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity."

6-Cale Yarborough. Yarborough has 83 career victories, fifth all time. He also has three championships. He won the from 1976-78, making him the only driver to record back-to-back-to-back championships. Yarborough will always be remember as starting a fight on the track with Donnie brother Bobbie Alison during the first televised running of the Daytona 500.

7-Bobby Allison. Bobby grew up in a racing family, with both his father and brother racing at NASCAR's highest level. Bobby won 84 races, tied for third all time with Darrell Waltrip. He also recorded a championship in 1983.

8-Junior Johnson. Johnson recorded 50 career victories in his racing days. However, Johnson is more known for his success as an owner. As an owner he has 140 victories and won championships with Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip. His 140 victories is third all time behind Petty Enterprises and Hendrick Motorsports.

9-Rick Hendrick. His team has recorded 172 career victories, second only to Petty Enterprises. Hendrick Motorsports has also recorded seven championships. He has fielded such drivers as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Benny Parsons, Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

10-Lee Petty. The elder Petty won the first ever Daytona 500. He has 54 career victories, and three championships. He created Lee Petty Engineering, which is now known as Petty Enterprises. He is the first generation of NASCAR's oldest racing family.

Other Notables:

Rusty Wallace (55W, 1C), Ned Jarrett (50W, 2C), Fireball Roberts (33W), Jack Roush (108 team wins), Wood Brothers Racing (96 team wins), Tim Brewer (Crew Chief, 53 wins), Kirk Shelmerdine (Crew Chief, four Championships).

Active Drivers:

Jeff Gordon (81W, 4C), Jimmie Johnson (37W, 2C),Tony Stewart (32W, 2C)

Soon Enough NASCAR Will Lose A Legend.

Nate Powers — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:56:41 -0400

Since Jeff Gordon's debut to NASCAR in 1992 he has been a center of controversy. Either you loved the man or despised him, there was no gray area.

Gordon's career stats consist of 81 victories which is sixth all time behind Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip, and Cale Yarborough.

He has four Sprint Cup Championships which is third behind Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt.

He has the highest win percentage of any active driver(15.14%), and is win less in 2008.

Gordon hasn't recorded a championship since 2001. Since the race for the championship started in 2004 Gordon has led the points going into the ten race playoff only to be beaten by Kurt Busch(2004) and Jimmie Johnson(2007).

If the old system was still in place Gordon would have two more championships under his belt and would be one more championship away from tying Petty, and Earnhardt.

In 2007 Gordon had one of the greats years of any driver in NASCAR's rich history. In 36 races he recorded six wins, 21 top fives, and 30 top 10s.

That means he finished out of the top ten only six times in 2007(he finished 11th and 12th in two races).

Getting to the facts, Gordon isn't the same young man he was ten years ago. He is 37 years old and had his first child last year.

Gordon has hinted retirement and he only signed a two year deal with Dupont which expires in 2010. He was quoted saying, "I started my career with Dupont, and I want to end my career with Dupont."

When Gordon burst onto the NASCAR scene he became instant rivals with Earnhardt(that is why so many people despise him.).

When Earnhardt died in 2001 Gordon's main competition was gone and he didn't feel the push that drove him to success.

It is good to see that he won't stick around like many other drivers way past their golden years(Dale Jarrett, Ricky Rudd, Darrell Waltrip, and Bill Elliot just to name a few), but it will be hard to imagine NASCAR without it's golden boy.

Competition: How it defines sports.

Nate Powers — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:02:56 -0400

Most of use, assume that competitive sports teach all sorts of lessons, and games by definition must produce a winner and a loser. All games involve achieving a goal despite the presence of an obstacle.

Not a single one of the advantages to sports actually require competition. Running, climbing, biking, and aerobics- all of which give you a great workout without the competition.

From the time we first enter sports children learn to envy winners and dismiss losers. Competition causes it to be difficult to regard others as friends, because even if you aren't a rival today you maybe tomorrow.

I'm not saying all competitors aren't friends because I would be lying. It is kind of hard to trust one who's success is based on your failure. Could you imagine trying to play tennis without trying to make you opponent try to miss and fail.

No matter the outcome of the game we tend to blame others for failure instead of focusing on the positives of the event.

All in all "Sportsmanship" is a way to try and limit the damage caused from competition.

The problem isn't that we compete the wrong way or we push children on to winning and only winning to early, it is competition itself.

What we need to tell children is that they are capable of having a good time-a better time- instead of creating a battlefield instead of a ball field.

This article is for all of those people who have finished second(or as Ricky Bobby once said "If you aren't first, your last").

Don't let a loss cause you to become a bad competitor, because the real winners are the ones who have fun while competing.

What Happened to the PGA's Big Five?

Nate Powers — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:45:41 -0400

Remember a few years back, when week in and week out, the PGA tournament was won by one of the same five guys every Sunday?

The men were Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, and Retief Goosen.

Everyone knows that Tiger is by far the best golfer in the world, and he has been for a long while now. Woods' injury at the U.S. Open was devastating for the PGA.

When he returns, he will take back the PGA to rule for years to come, on his way to becoming the greatest golfer ever.

Second to Tiger would have to be Phil Mickelson. Lefty has shown the most consistency out of the other four golfers, but has lost control of his game since blowing up in the final round of the Masters a few years back.

Remember "I can't believe I just did that. I'm such an idiot!" ? Indeed you are, Phillip.

Ernie has had some major back problems over the past couple of years. Before he was sidelined, he gave Tiger a run for his money by gaining fans and winning tournaments. It's too bad he has never returned to his same form since rehab.

Vijay Singh seemed to get old after he passed Tiger on the money list early in the 21st century. Due to Tiger's injury, Vijay has taken control of the FedEx standings and regained his composure. Maybe he can keep this up and give the PGA a rivalry once more.

Retief Goosen won two U.S. Opens and was on the rise when he, too, suffered injuries. Like Els, he has never truly returned to his form.

All in all, Tiger has shown that either he is way more advanced than the other PGA golfers, or he just doesn't have any competition. The PGA would really benefit from having another big-time player, but I don't see any takers in the near future.

So sit back and watch Tiger, because golfers like Woods don't come around often and we may never see one as remarkable as he.

Can the Cleveland Browns Restore the Luster in the NFL's Greatest Rivalry?

Nate Powers — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:11:31 -0400

The first meeting between the Browns and Steelers took place on Oct. 7, 1950. The rivalry had begun. There has been 112 games between these two teams, making it the oldest rivalry in the AFC.

When the Browns moved from the AAFC to the NFL, they won the first eight meetings between the Steelers. The Browns would win three championships in the '50s (1950,1954,1955), and another in 1964.

Soon enough, the Steelers started to fight back and evened up the records under Chuck Noll, who was a former Brown.

In 1970, the AFL merged with the NFL. This caused the NFL to split up into the AFC and NFC. Former Browns owner Art Modell volunteered the Browns for the AFC so they could have an intrastate rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Modell was able to convince Art Rooney to join him and continue the rivalry. The Steelers would win four Super Bowls in the '70s.

While the teams would exchange victories in the 1970s and 1980s, the Steelers would gain control by the 1990s.

Since the last series sweep by the Browns in 1988, the Steelers are 26-8 and have finally passed the Browns on the all-time series lead. Lead by Head Coach Bill Cowher, another former Brown and assistant under Marty Schottenheimer.

The Steelers are also 2-0 against the Browns in the playoffs; both games were played in Pittsburgh.

After the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999 (Modell moved the team to Baltimore), the series has been all Steelers.

I believe the rivalry would have died if both of the fanbases weren't the most hardcore in the league.

The Steelers have won nine-straight games against the Browns. Cleveland came close to breaking that streak last year.

Is this the year the Browns take back the rivalry? Only time will tell.

Tribe's Last Memory from the Golden Age Overtaken by The Red Sox

Nate Powers — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:15:00 -0400

Do you remember when the Indians played in Municipal Stadium? That old blue colored building that sat on Lake Erie. Both the Browns and Indians played ball there.

Dick Jacobs had bought the Tribe and had sold part of the team's share on Wall Street (Though it didn't seem, this brought in a lot of revenue). In 1993 Jacobs developed a new Gateway plan that would build three new stadiums in downtown Cleveland, each to host one of the towns biggest sports teams.

Art Moddell, owner of the Browns wanted nothing to do with paying for a new stadium, when he could just renovate the rust bucket on the Lake(Modell had some MAJOR financial problem and couldn't afford a new stadium so he moved to Baltimore).

Once the plan was set Jacobs field and the Gund Arena were built. These marvels were the top of the class in there respective leagues.

With a new ballpark came a new life. the Indians started to contend for the first time since the 1950s. When the Tribe contended the fans showed. They showed up for 455 consecutive home games, stretching from June 12th, 1995 to April 2nd, 2001. Winning was new in the Cleveland area and the fans were excited.

They had one of the most beautiful ball parks in baseball and one of the best offenses in the Major League. With contention came expectations, since the Tribe went to the playoffs every year from 1995 to 2001 the fans assumed they could just wait until September to see their Tribe. When it really counted.

After opening day in 2001 the Jacobs Field didn't sellout spelling an end to the record.

Now a new team is ready to take the realm. The Boston Red Sox sold out their 456 consecutive home game on Monday September 9th, 2008. Becoming the sole possession holder of the all time consecutive home sell out streak.

In the movie Fever Pitch actor Jimmy Fallon quoted:

"The Red Sox never let you down. Every April, they're here. At 1:05 or at 7:05, there is a game. And if it gets rained out, guess what? They make it up to you. Does anyone else in your life do that? The Red Sox don't get divorced. This is a real family. This is the family that's here for you."

In a way, that quote is correct. The Red Sox have always been a great team and their fans are one of the best, if not the best. Though I don't like saying it I respect the organization.

I am writing this article because I attended many games during that streak in Cleveland, and I have to say the games were a lot more entertaining when 45,000 people were there watch with you.

So for all of those Red Sox fans, attend a game if you already havn't because this is an experience where you as a fan can enjoy and be a part of this historical franchise and feat.

Congratulations, SOX!

Cleveland's Next Bob Feller

Nate Powers — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:21:29 -0400

The Cleveland Indians' new ace of the pitching lineup as of the C.C. Sabathia trade in July recorded his major league leading 21st victory last night in a 3-1 victory over the woeful Royals.

Cliff Lee has all but locked up, and put away the American League Cy Young award in 2008. His 21-2 record with a 2.28 ERA is by far the best in the MLB. Lee stepped into the MLB limelight in 2004 posting a 14-8 record in his first full season in the majors.

In 2005 Lee had a stellar 18-5 record and lead the Tribe one win away from the playoffs, and finished second in the Cy Young race behind former Indian Bartolo Colon (Who Cleveland traded for to get Lee, Brandon Phillips, and Grady Sizemore).

Again Cliff won 14 game in '06, but also had 11 loses and a 4.40 ERA. After the 2006 season the Tribe tried trading Lee for an outfielder. At first they found one taker, the American League East bottom dweller Tampa Bay Rays.

A deal was almost made to acquired speedy left fielder Carl Crawford, but the Rays backed out leaving the Indians alone with a fading pitcher. In 2007 the Indians started hot behind the bats of Sizemore, Victor Martinez, and Travis Hafner. The pitching was anchored by long time Indian ace C.C Sabathia, and newcomer Fausto Carmona, along with Paul Bryd and Jake Westbrook and a phenomenal bullpen led by two Rafaels, Perez and Betancourt.

Unfortunately Lee didn't he had a 5-8 record with a 6.29ERA. He was sent to the minors in mid season, as the Indians came one win away from the World Series(if they had Crawford, I believe they would have won). Again the Indians tried trading Lee, but had no takers. He was almost cut in training camp and won the last spot on the roster.

A slow start due to injuries in the lineup had the Indians trading away C.C. because they knew they had no chance to sign him in the off season. Just imagine if the Tribe had C.C., Fausto, and Cliff. Three potential 20 game winners. That would be unbelievable, at least in Cleveland. Cliff wins by locating his pitches and by not walking batters. He is the fastest to win 20 games in a season.

The first since Gaylord Perry in 1974. His name is being put next to Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Gaylord Perry, Roger Clemons, and Curt Shilling. Lee has shown in the past that he is capable of winning games.

My question is can he win enough to one day bring a Championship back to the great city of Cleveland, which has been deprived of a winning team since 1964(Indians last won in 1948).

Browns: Trouble in C-Town

Nate Powers — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:40:30 -0400

The Browns went into the game as underdogs, and they showed why they were underdogs.

The Boys kept the Browns in their dog house, while dominating the game on both sides of the ball. Romo dominated the Browns secondary scorching them for 320 yards. While running all over the Browns line.

if the Browns are going to trade away their best corner in Leigh Bodden then they better get a good line. The acquisitions of Williams, and Rogers didn't show today. I know that they are injured but if the brown want to get to the playoffs for the first time in six years then they need to play football.

They won 10 games last year due to their offense, it looks like that's how they need to do it again. The only solution to a better defense is trading for Lito Shepard from Philadelphia. He doesn't like it their and they don't use him.

I was disappointed today. Not because the Brownies lost, but by how they lost. I am going to the game next Sunday night against Pittsburgh, and i just hope Big Ben and his hooligans in black and gold, don't dominate the Browns like the 34-7 outcome last September.