Bleacher Report - Articles by Bobby Cash

Romeo Crennel Going Down with the Ship?

Bobby Cash — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:26:45 -0500

The fans realize it. The team looks like they are beginning to realize it. Maybe even he realizes it. Romeo Crennel's tenure as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns is all but over.

After becoming only the fifth team in NFL history to blow consecutive double-digit second-half home leads on Thursday night the Browns' head man probably lost his team, and maybe his job. I, personally, have never seen anything like what happened on Thursday night at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

And now reports are coming out that some Browns players feel that others quit during their primetime game against the Denver Broncos.

Jamal Lewis ripped into his teammates, stating that some players "need to check their egos at the door." Josh Cribbs questioned whether or not all of his teammates went all out for a full four quarters.

Those types of things are not good within a locker room, and it all reflects poorly on the coach.

Both Lewis and Cribbs' statements cannot go unnoticed. It is not like they are two backups lashing out. One is a Super Bowl-winning running back who had 84 all purpose yards and a touchdown. The other had 135 return yards, good for a 27 yard average on the night.

Defensive captain Andra Davis said Monday that guys like Lewis and Cribbs are listened to within the locker room because they have credibility.

It was supposed to be a breakout night—the franchise QB getting his first NFL start, at home, under the lights, primetime game. Yet everything went so very wrong in the fourth quarter.

How a defense can allow 21 points in the final 15 minutes of a game baffles my mind. And all your head coach had to say afterwards was "a 93-yard touchdown should never happen—ever." Well, Romeo, it did, and that was one of about 10 to 12 plays that made the Browns defense look embarrassing.

Romeo Crennel has finally lost his team. No sooner did the Broncos complete their 34-30 comeback than the Browns' hopes for the playoffs come to a crashing end.

The ship took on a lot of water after blowing a 14-point lead to the division rival Ravens. After blowing a 13-point lead to the always hated Broncos the ship is sinking and Crennel, like any captain, is going down with his ship.

Bright Notes from Thursday Night's Game

•Brady Quinn looked the part of the quarterback of the future. Still questions linger about his arm strength, but we all saw something we never saw from Derek Anderson: a pocket presence.

He has a great feel for the pocket and that gives him an extra second to let a receiver get open. He took very few shots down the field, but with the way Braylon has been dropping the ball, can you blame him for checking down to Kellen Winslow?

•Kellen Winslow had over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns. But what impressed me the most was his comments after the game in which he dropped a sure catch in the late drive.

Still fuming during an interview he told reporters, "The great ones, the legends make those plays. That's where I want to be and I'm going to take it as a lesson."

You have not heard any accountability like that from a certain receiver on the Browns who leads the NFL in drops.

•Even more admirable was Quinn, who said he told the team this loss was totally on him. I, however, don't know how anyone in the locker room could believe that coming from a guy who completed over 65 percent of his passes and threw for over 230 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

•Josh Cribbs' performance in the last two games has shown everyone in the NFL that he is one of the elite returners in the game. Oh, and he leads the team in special teams tackles, too!

•Sure, Brady Quinn was only one of three on passes over 11 yards. But he was also 22 of 32 on all of his other passes. Quinn reads the defense and if nothing presents itself down field he is completely content with dumping the ball off underneath.

Too many times we saw Derek Anderson go deep and after a drop or incompletion left the team with a second or third and long. With Quinn we saw a lot of third and manage-ables because he takes the yards wherever he can get them.

With time he will find the deep ball, but for now his ability to take what the defense gives him shows that he is the quarterback of the future for the Browns.

Quinn Era Set To Begin in Cleveland

Bobby Cash — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:48:14 -0500

If you drive through Cleveland on the shore way you will eventually make your way past Cleveland Browns Stadium and see a big orange billboard that reads "There's Always This Year." A comical poke at the usual Browns fans saying of "wait til next year." After a 3-5 start through the first half of the 2008 season fans are beginning to chant that familiar phrase.

The Browns' dismal record along with a struggling starting quarterback may have led the team to do the only thing it can do to generate excitement heading into Thursday night's game against the Denver Broncos: Name Brady Quinn the starting quarterback. That's right, the most hyped college quarterback to never start in the NFL is getting his chance Thursday night.

Many are saying that this move is just to please the fans, and Derek Anderson is not the only one to fault for the Browns disappointing season. After coughing up a 14-point second-half lead to the hated Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Browns fans were screaming Brady's name from the stands. And on Monday, it became official that the team was benching pro-bowler Derek Anderson, whose season numbers resemble nothing of a pro-bowlers' through eight games.

Romeo Crennel insists the decision to switch quarterbacks was his and not influenced by the fans. But he and all of the Browns must have heard the calls for the former first round pick echoing throughout the stadium on Sunday. Crennel has watched Anderson be thoroughly inconsistent all year, and decided to make the switch in a short week. The call for the switch so soon could be because the front office wants Brady Quinn's first start to be at home and against a below average NFL defense instead of on Monday Night Football on the road.

With all of the optimism heading into the 2008 season for the Browns, and the way the season has gone so far, this was a move that had to be made. At this point the Browns are a longshot to slip into the playoffs in the log-jammed AFC. This could give the team a jolt, a new face, and new energy they need to possibly turn the season around. For the front office, it is finally time to see if Quinn was worth the draft picks they gave up to get him.

Quinn will obviously have all eyes on his every move just as Aaron Rogers did in Green Bay when he took over for the legendary Brett Favre. The only thing Quinn can do is produce. He is the fan favorite because he is an Ohio native. The fans may tolerate a bad half, or poor first outing, but sooner or later it will be time for him to show us why our front office decided to make him the face of the franchise.

Unfortunately, Derek Anderson's stock has dropped so low that it seems almost impossible that the Browns would be able to get anything for him if they traded him in the off-season, assuming Brady Quinn secures the job as his. Which leaves you to think of what we could have gotten for him last off season instead of signing him to a three-year deal, while his stock was soaring.

There were reports that earlier in the season the Kansas City Chiefs offered the Browns two first round draft picks for Quinn and the front office balked. If that was truly the case, then Quinn should have been starting long before week 9. If you weren't willing to take two first round picks for him then he is obviously the quarterback you want on the field.

Finally, Quinn will get a chance to play for his favorite team growing up in Dublin, Ohio just outside of Columbus. If he produces and runs off multiple wins the fans will by wondering where this was from the beginning. If he bombs then the front office is back where they started; without a quarterback, and two years down the drain.

Midterm Report: Cleveland Browns, Just Average...

Bobby Cash — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:52:46 -0400

The Browns may have found a home away from home. If the Super Bowl is ever hosted by Jacksonville, I am making the Browns favorites to make it there. After their 23-17 win on Sunday against the Jaguars, the Browns have won their last four games in Jacksonville. Maybe they feel comfortable in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, or maybe they mistake it for old Municipal on the Lake.

Nevertheless, I am here to give my midterm grades on the 2008 Cleveland Browns.

Offense: The offense has been so spontaneous all year that it is hard to tell what kind of team this Cleveland Browns team really is. In 2007, they were explosive (near the top of the league in big plays), while this year, they have shown glimpses of the old explosive offense but have not been able to consistently get it done. Overall grade: C

Derek Anderson: I just cannot figure out D.A. He has great games and then downright terrible games. I was never sold on him being our quarterback of the future, especially not with our first-round selection in Brady Quinn. He has all the tools, but has never shown the consistency. Overall grade: C-
Braylon Edwards: I do not know if Braylon's struggles are due in part to the absence of Donte Stallworth for the first five weeks or if he is just having a down year. The drops are plaguing him, but he is still the most explosive weapon on our team. Overall grade: C
Jamal Lewis: Jamal, despite his age, is still a solid running back. When he touches the ball 20 times, the Browns usually have good success. He is a reliable downhill runner, who is the type of back who can keep the clock running when you have a lead. Overall grade: B+
Offensive Line: The line has been much improved since the Monday night game. The left side of the line is one of the best in the NFL, and the entire line has given D.A. ample time to throw the ball. The run blocking they showed against Jacksonville is what I expected to see all year long and is a big reason Lewis ran for over 1,000 yards last year. Overall grade: B

Defense: If you have watched the Browns all season long, you might wonder what is going on. It seems like the offense and defense have switched roles from last year. This year's defense is legitimate. The addition of Shaun Rodgers and Corey Williams is helping to stop the run and allowing our linebackers get into the backfield to disrupt plays.

The secondary, anchored by two veteran safeties, is beginning to become a solid defensive backfield. Overall grade: A

Defensive Line: The front office went out and revamped this line to help stop the run and it has shown up in a huge way. The defense held Jacksonville to 113 yards rushing which is skewed because 59 were on QB rushes. Take that away and the defense held Jacksonville's potent rushing duo of Jones-Drew and Taylor to just 45 yards rushing on 20 carries. That is what Rodgers and Williams were brought in for. Overall grade: A
Linebackers: For the first time in a while, Browns fans can get a glimpse at what linebackers should be doing. For a long time, the Browns' linebackers seemed nonexistent because they were being blocked by lineman. Now, with a solid defensive line, the linebackers can find holes and penetrate the backfield to help stop the run. Overall grade: A
Secondary: Sean Jones and Brodney Pool are the anchors. They are all over the field and even help in run support. Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald are showing improvement and made some nifty plays late in the game against Jacksonville. Overall grade: B+

Special Teams: Although, Josh Cribbs has not been able to "break the long one" yet this year, he has had some decent returns while being hampered by injuries. Phil Dawson is one of the most underrated place kickers in the NFL, ranking fourth all-time in accuracy for active kickers. Dave Zastudil has done a solid job flipping the field, which in turn has helped the defense. Overall Grade: B+

Coaching: Romeo Crennel seemingly always finds a way to win when it seems like he may be coming under fire. However, I still do not believe he is the coach that is going to bring this town a championship.

He gets a reputation as a players coach, but it comes off as a little complacent and soft. That, in turn, comes out in his players. For this team to take the next step, they need that mental toughness along with the physical toughness attitude which Romeo lacks. Overall grade: C

Play Calling: Rob Chudzinski's offense has all the weapons. It is just a matter of calling the right plays. I loved the fourth-down call in Jacksonville that resulted in a 51-yard pass play to Steve Heiden. However, I have to question his decision to call a play-action naked bootleg at the goal line in the fourth quarter. The play resulted in an incompletion, stopping the clock.

In that situation, we had the lead and a touchdown would put us up by 10. Even if the run is stuffed to make it third and goal, it still makes Jacksonville either use a timeout or allow the clock to continue to run. It seems like he tries to get too cute with his play-calling instead of just pounding away.

I also have to question the play-calls starting the second half. Up by 10 and the offense comes out throwing. That is the time to pound the run game and chew the clock, which is what the great teams do. Overall grade: C

Through eight weeks, the Browns sit a game below .500 at 3-4. They have two games less than a week apart, hosting the Ravens (Sunday at 1:00 PM) and the Broncos (Thursday 8:00 PM) in Cleveland, which will tell a lot about this team.

How they will handle the short rest is an unknown, but if they can win both games and move to a game over .500, they could turn the season around. With Pittsburgh's loss, they are only two games behind in the AFC North and they still have the showdown with the Steelers in the final week of the season. Pittsburgh's schedule is the toughest in football, so it is not out of the question that this team can still push for a playoff spot.

Good Hands Team: Previewing Ohio State's Receivers vs. Penn State's Secondary

Bobby Cash — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:53:55 -0400

We all know Ohio State's bread and butter is the power-O with a handoff to No. 28. But what happens if the Buckeyes find themselves in a 3rd-and-long situation, or behind by a couple of scores in the second half? They cannot continue to run the ball in those situations. Can they beat Penn State through the air?

Ohio State's receivers aren't very well-known. Something that you might expect when you have a Heisman Trophy candidate and one of the nation's top recruits starting in your backfield. But, Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline provide a usually steady set of hands for Terrelle Pryor to throw to. I say usually because the two have been inconsistent catching the ball up until last weekend's game at Michigan State.

The two are experienced and quality possession receivers. Robiskie excels at catching the ball on the sideline, while Hartline has made a name across the middle sitting in the soft spots of a zone. But who stretches the field? The receiving corps in Columbus lacks that Ted Ginn-like speed to stretch a defense.

To provide a comparison between Ohio State's offense and Penn State's defense, I decided to use the Illinois game, in which the Lions defeated the Illini, 38-24. Juice Williams threw 24 times; we know Pryor wont be called upon to throw that many times unless the Buckeyes fall into a large deficit. Arrelious Benn had over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, there is no freak of nature like Benn lining up wide for them.

But if they can run the ball well and make the safeties—including Penn State's best athlete in the secondary, Anthony Scirroto, who is coming off of a minor concussion—creep up to stop Beanie Wells, then there may be openings to throw the ball.

I think the only way that Pryor throws the ball more than 15 times is if the Buckeyes find themselves down by more than two scores. Otherwise, I would expect a heavy dose of Beanie Wells and Pryor running the ball. And when Tressel feels that he has the safeties looking toward the line of scrimmage, he will try to throw in a play-action pass and get Hartline or Robiskie one-on-one with a defensive back.

If Penn State gets up big early, it takes the best player from Ohio State out of the game, and I am sure OSU coach Jim Tressel will try to keep that from happening.

The Slipper Fits in Tampa Bay

Bobby Cash — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:01:33 -0400

It's a classic case of overachieving.

A bunch of young talent comes together, plays together, and wins together, before they were supposed to. When David Price got Jed Lowrie to ground out to second Sunday night, the only thing the Rays had to worry about was not getting hurt in the dog pile.

They had completed quite possibly one of the greatest turnarounds in MLB history. What has been known for so long as the doldrums of the American League is now home to the American League champions.

We knew they would get there some day. I mean for God's sake it feels like they have had ten number one draft picks. Well, that youth and talent is finally showing up at the big league level.

What is scary is the talent they gave up over the course of their bad years. Imagine this line up with Delmon Young still in it, or Josh Hamilton! Obviously parting with Young gave them the shortstop and pitcher they had to add to make this team a contender but their development of talent has been nothing short of spectacular.

All that said, it's time to make my pick for the World Series. Many believe that this Fall Classic is going to be a snooze fest. And I am sure all the big wigs at Fox were praying for a Red Sox comeback. But I think this match-up is intriguing.

The Rays have the momentum and home field advantage, but the Phillies have the back end of the bullpen that could be the neutralizer.

I am going to stay on the bandwagon and take the Rays. The way they persevered against Boston to make it to the World Series proved to me that this team is no joke.

I think Cole Hamels comes out and wins game one for the Phillies, but in the end I'll take the Rays in seven. Their starting pitching is so deep and their offense is timely.

World Series MVP: Carlos Pena.

Now let's take a look at the picks from last weekend's football action.

A pretty solid day in the college ranks. Ole Miss, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, and Illinois all covered.

The only misses were Wisconsin, who was thrashed by Iowa's running attack and UNC, who blew it late against Virginia.

On the day: 4-2.

A crazy day in the NFL didn't bode well for my picks. The Chargers, Jets, and Cowboys all lost on the road while the lone pick that covered was the Browns, who blew a chance to win on the road but only lost by 3.

On the day: 1-3.

For the weekend we went 5-5 to keep the overall record even at 15-15 for the season. Some big games highlight the college weekend this Saturday, including the big game at the Horseshoe between Penn State and Ohio State.

Check back on Thursday for my picks, also on Thursday my picks for the Breeders' Cup which will be held Friday and Saturday October 24 and 25.

Back To The Drawing Board....Again!

Bobby Cash — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:04:13 -0400

Just when they get your hopes up the Cleveland Browns go out and lay an egg. Coming off of one of the best performances they have had since returning to the NFL in 1999 on Monday night against the Giants the Brownies came out flat in another must win against the Washington Redskins.

I cannot understand how a team comes out with two completely different attitudes and intensities in less than a week. After looking dynamite against the defending champs they looked mediocre against the Skins.

The offense was stagnant until the last five minutes of the game which begs the question where was that play calling all game? Maybe it was not the play calling, but rather the focus. I cannot say for sure but what I can say is that Browns team we all saw Sunday evening mirrors the 4-12 team from two years ago not the 10-6 team from last year.

While watching the game three key points stuck in my mind.

1) The defense for this 2008 Cleveland Browns team is dare I say "good." They are not quite there yet when it comes to "smash-mouth" stop the run defense, but they are a lot better than we have seen in the past. The middle of the line is much improved and if the secondary stays together and molds it could become one of the best young secondaries in the NFL.

To gauge how well this defense is playing lets look deeper into the stats. In the last three games the defense is giving up just over 13 points per game. But, look even closer, in weeks one and three respectively the Browns gave up 28 points. The Cowboys put up 28 in Week One and it looked like it was going to be a long season on defense for the Browns. But Week Three against the Ravens the defense gave up 14 second half points coming off of turnovers while in our own red zone, seven of which were scored by Baltimore's defense.

Take that away and the only game the defense struggled was week one against one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. If you take those two scores away from Baltimore the Browns defense is giving up 12.8 points per game since Week Two. As it stands right now the defense is giving up just over 17.5 points per game on the year and that's with the second toughest schedule in the AFC. Right now I give the defense a B+ but improving vastly over last years squad.

2) Derek Anderson is not the answer at quarterback. Through six games this season Anderson is averaging only 165 yards per game. And his completion percentage of 49.2 puts him ahead of only Tyler Thigpen of Kansas City and he hasn't even started every game this year for the Chiefs.

Derek Anderson is the only starting QB to have started all of his teams' games in AFC and not have over 1000 yards passing. Even Jamarcus Russell and Joe Flacco have achieved that.

Sunday he went 14 of 37 passing, and I know there were drops but let's give him the four dropped passes by Braylon Edwards (which is a whole different story in itself) and Anderson is still under 50 percent completion for the day. And, his 136 yards give him a 3.7 yards per attempt average which at the NFL level qualifies as inept.

What I could not get over on Sunday was the amount of balls that were batted down at the line of scrimmage. Its no secret that Anderson is a pocket passer but the fact is he is one of the least sacked quarterbacks in the NFL which says he has ample amount of time to throw. I could not believe my eyes as I watched a fourth-and-goal attempt get knocked down at the line that's on the quarterback.

My grade for Anderson so far in 2008 is obviously an F. He showed a glimpse Monday night against the Giants but then proved it a fluke Sunday at Washington. I have said since last season that he was not the answer at QB and I am not saying that Brady Quinn is for sure the answer, but I am saying DA is not warranting his three-year multi-million dollar contract the Browns gave him after last seasons performance.

3) Romeo Crennel is slowly losing his team. I don't know if there is dissension in the locker room but it just looks like we have no clue what is going on out on the field. At 14-3 in the fourth quarter and a first-and-goal inside the two yard line I watched as the Browns managed to run off a good 3:30 minutes off the game clock.

Great strategy if you have the lead, but not when you are down by two scores. There is no sense of urgency amongst the players and at times it looks more like confusion. And then there is the accountability issue. I don't know why Braylon Edwards is allowed to drop three passes per game, but he is. And when he comes over to the side line its a "you're fine go get em next time" attitude.

I want someone who holds players accountable gets in their face when they screw up. It's called tough love, I guess, but what it does is brings out the best in your players. When you expect them to do things at the highest level it gives them confidence to do it.

But, when you baby them and make it okay when they drop passes, run bad routes, or takes silly penalties you just encourage them to perform at a lower level. And Crennel does just that. Considering the season they had last year, and the expectations coming into 2008 I give Crennel an F for managing the team the way he has so far. There is time for them to turn it around but it has to start in week eight.

I honestly thought the Browns would come out and win on Sunday only because of the way they played on Monday night and the sense of urgency and "backs against the wall" mentality they showed that night. But they came out totally flat and uninspired. Which leads me to believe this team is headed to another sub .500 year and another top 10 draft pick.

Pigskin Pick'em: NCAA Week Eight, NFL Week Seven Picks

Bobby Cash — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:42:28 -0400

Here we are, back for another weekend of football.

First of all, congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies for taking care of business on the road and becoming the first team to make it to 2008's version of the Fall Classic.

Cole Hamels has really shown the country something with his performance so far this postseason, and it will be interesting to see if he continues to throw that way in the World Series.

Tampa Bay squandered a huge opportunity by blowing their seven-run lead to the Red Sox in Game Five of the ALCS. This was a big chance for the Rays to put the defending champs away and advance to their first-ever World Series.

That being said, I still don't think the Rays will lose two in a row at Tropicana Field, unless Josh Beckett wakes up a completely different man tomorrow. We will find out what the Rays are made of this weekend when they defend their home turf with a chance for a trip to the Fall Classic on the line.

Now, on to the weekend picks...

NCAA

I will take Wisconsin on the road +3.5 at Iowa. The Badgers were dealt an ugly one-two punch the last two weekends, facing Ohio State and Penn State. Despite two losses, this team is still a solid Big-10 team. And I think they will come out and play a good game. The key for the Badgers is to run the ball and control the clock. Iowa is an overachieving team in the Big-10 and has to be very focused or this Badgers team will upset them at home.

My upset special is Ole Miss to go into Tuscaloosa +13 and take down the Tide. Alabama came out flat against Kentucky and played way down to their opponents. If they do that with this Mississippi team, they won't be able to squeak out a win. Ole Miss has proved they can go on the road in the SEC and win in one of the toughest places to play in America, the Swamp.

I'll take Ohio State -4 in East Lansing against Michigan State. With all of the talk about the Buckeyes' offense and their struggles, Beanie Wells gives them instant credibility. He also takes a huge load off of freshman Terrelle Pryor, who has already proved he can go on the road in the Big-10 and win. The pressure is on Michigan States' defense to slow down Beanie Wells and Terrelle Pryor. And if the defense can contain Javon Ringer, I just don't see Brian Hoyer beating the Buckeyes' experienced secondary through the air.

I like UNC -4.5 on the road in the ACC at Virginia. UNC is quietly having a good season, despite some key injuries. The loss of their WR Brandon Tate hurts but their team defense has been superb lately. I look for the Heels to come out and control the trenches on both sides of the ball.

I will go with Georgia Tech -2 on the road at Clemson. Rough week for the Tigers after Head Coach Tommy Bowden was fired. And as much as they want to go out and win it for him, the Ramblin' Wreck's defensive line is wicked good. This will be a low-scoring affair, but I like the Yellow Jackets in this ACC battle.

Finally, I will go with Illinois -15 at home against the Indiana Hoosiers. Coming off of an embarrassing loss last weekend, I look for the Illini to come out hungry. This is a must-win Big-10 game if Juice Williams and Co. want to keep their Big-10 title hopes alive. Indiana gives up points—lots of them. Juice should have a big day through the air and Daniel Dufrene should be able to find holes.

NFL

I like the Chargers to go on the road in a pick'em game and take down the Buffalo Bills. Last weekend's thrashing of the Patriots might be the spark that this team needed. Besides, they are a much better team than their 3-3 record. Buffalo is overachieving and the questions still linger at quarterback. It will be close, but I like the Chargers to keep their momentum going.

Let's go with the Cowboys -7 in St. Louis. Whether Tony Romo starts doesn't really matter because the Cowboys have talent all over the field. With Felix Jones' injury, I look for Marion Barber to have a huge game. I'm not sure how much Roy Williams will affect the offense yet, but whoever is throwing the passes has a bevy of talent to throw to.

I'll go with the New York Bretts -3 on the road in the Black Hole. Brett Favre is proving why he is one of the top-three quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL, despite being nearly 40 years old. I think he will throw three touchdowns in a rout over the Oakland Raiders. JaMarcus Russell was pretty bad last weekend (13-for-35 for 154 yards and one interception), which won't get you many wins in the NFL. The Raiders' season has spiralled downward due to Al Davis, in large part. This weekend will be no different.

Finally, I am going to take the Cleveland Browns +7 on the road in the nation's capital. Was Monday night just a fluke or is that the real Browns we will see for the rest of the season? If the Browns really do have hopes of sniffing the postseason, they had better start winning. Clinton Portis will run all day long, so the Browns have to limit Jason Campbell's ability to sit in the pocket and throw. If the Browns' secondary puts together another solid performance, they can take this game on the road.

Those are the picks for this great weekend of football. And in baseball, thanks to the Red Sox' miracle comeback for a great week. Check in Tuesday for a review of the week in football and a preview of the World Series.

Beware Dodgers and Phillies: History Is Not On Your Side...

Bobby Cash — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:19:05 -0400

Here is a little history lesson for those of you who are Dodgers or Phillies fans, and you might not like this fact.

The last three times the Dodgers and Phillies have faced off in the NLCS, the winner went on to lose the Fall Classic to an AL East opponent.

That does, however, bode well for those Rays and Sox fans.

Where have the Dodgers bats gone? Except for game 3, the 5-9 hitters are batting well under .250 for the series and have only driven in 2 runs.

The Phillies have had the timely hits and their bullpen has been solid.

The Dodgers do have one thing on their side and that is the experience of Manny Ramirez. He was a part of the Red Sox teams who came back from being down 3-1 to the Indians last year, and the Yankees in 2004.

He knows whats ahead for this young Dodgers team and their youth just may help them. They need solid starting pitching and Rafael Furcal must get on base if they are to come back from this deep hole they have dug themselves.

If you hadn't followed the AL this year you might think that the Rays were the team who had been to the playoffs each of the past four years. This Rays team has something about them that you cannot help but root for.

They are young, inexperienced, and remind me a lot of the youthful Indians teams of the mid '90s. If their starting pitching stays solid they just may be celebrating a championship come late October. And wouldn't that be the story of the year.

On to the recap of football from last weekend...

The NCAA games were not very nice to us this weekend...

The only games we hit were Michigan State -1.5 and Texas +7. Colt McCoy matched Sam Bradford throw for throw all day long and it was nice to see him finally get the big game. They have a tough test though against Mizzou coming off a tough loss at home so there is no time to bask in the lime-light.

In the NFL we broke even. Green Bay's defense looked good althought it was against the #3 QB for the Seahawks. And the Brownies looked like a completely different team coming out of the bye week against the defending champs. They need desperately to win this Sunday in Washington to validate this win against the Giants.

On the weekend we went 4-6 bringing the season total to 10-10.

Check back Thursday night for next week's picks and a World Series preview, if both series are completed.

Pigskin' Pick'em: NCAA Week 7, NFL Week 6

Bobby Cash — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:38:43 -0400

Another weekend of football is upon us and its time for some more picks...

Recapping last weekends picks. We went 6-4 combined. 4-2 in the college ranks and came out even in NFL action (2-2).

So let's get down to this weekend's action.

NCAA

I like Michigan State on the road -1.5 at Northwestern. Javon Ringer and Co. will end the Wildcats' 5-0 run and I wouldn't be surprised if Ringer carries the ball between 35 and 40 times.

I'll go with Indiana at home +5.5 points against Iowa. Iowa was gritty against the Spartans last weekend, but I like the Hoosiers at home. The Hoosiers can play, but are young. If they get solid quarterbacking, they should be able to pick up this Big 10 match up.

Let's go with Illinois to cover the -12.5 at home against Minnesota. The Illini offense is potent, and their defense should be able to hold up against a Minnesota team struggling to find its identity.

I like UNC at home -7.5 against Notre Lame. I mean Dame. The Tar Heels have been playing inspired football all year long. Butch Davis has the defense playing at a high level right now. As long as their QB play is solid, they should take down an improving Irish team.

My upset special for the week is Wisconsin at home under the lights +5.5 against Penn State. Logic says that there is no way the Badgers can lose twice at home in back-to-back weeks. The intensity will be there after losing their 16-game home winning streak last weekend to the Buckeyes. And the band will be back and give them the boost they need.

And finally in the big game in Dallas, I am going with the Texas Longhorns +7 to upend the Sooners. This game will be high octane offense all day. In the end Colt McCoy will show his vast improvement and lead his team to the big victory over hated rival Oklahoma. This is a win that could validate McCoy's so-far-quiet career in the big games for the Longhorns.

NFL

I like Carolina to go on the road +1 and take down the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. The Buccaneers are a solid football team. But the Panther offense is clicking both running and throwing the football, and their defense dominates the run. If Garcia struggles to throw the ball for the Bucs, it will be a long day.

My upset special for Sunday is the Cincinnati Bengals +6 at the New York Jets. The New York Bretts can throw the ball and score, however, their pass defense struggles. This was evident in their game against Arizona when Brett Favre threw six touchdowns and the game was still relatively close. If Carson Palmer gets it going early with Ocho Cinco and T.J. Whosyourmama, the Jets could be in for a fight.

I will go with Green Bay +2 at Seattle. The Packers need to bounce back after dropping three straight. And with QB concerns in Seattle this should be a good game for them to do so. Aaron Rodgers should have time to throw, and the D should be able to make some plays against the Hawks.

Finally, I am taking the Cleveland Browns +9 at home on Monday Night versus the New York Football Giants. I look for the Browns to finally get the offense going on Monday with the arrival of Donte Stallworth on the field, and as long as the defense can contain the passing game, they should be able to keep this close. The Browns have already lost twice at home, more than all of last year. This is a season maker for them and could turn the season around with a victory.

Those are my picks. This should be a good weekend to just sit back and relax and keep the remote close by.

On Tuesday, we will review the weekend and look at where the MLB playoffs stand. See you then.

Ohio Is Neither a Red Nor Blue State...It's Scarlet!

Bobby Cash — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:13:50 -0400

The Presidential election is now almost one month away, so I thought I would take it upon myself to give both candidates, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain, a little piece of advice. Since it seems that Ohio will decide the next President of the United States of America, I thought I would let the candidates in on a little secret—Ohio is Buckeye country.

Red, blue, elephant, donkey...Ohio is none of those. It's scarlet, with a giant nut. All a candidate has to do to win Ohio would be come out and say something to the likes of "Go Bucks!" or "Screw Michigan," although that might be political suicide elsewhere.

Let's think about this for a second. Ninety percent of people in Ohio are Ohio State fans. To me, this makes perfect sense. If I am Obama or McCain and I am in Ohio campaigning then I am walking out to Hang On Sloopy and opening my speech with a big "O-H."

We saw what happened when Carson Palmer spoke poorly about our beloved Buckeyes. He practically alienated his entire fan base because he wanted to talk about his Trojans. Well, Carson, karma is making its way back around, and your elbow tendinitis will hopefully keep you sidelined all year. Serves you right!

I have studied in political science and I brought this up to a professor of mine, and while he laughed about it, as it was only partly a joke; the more I think about this, the more I realize that a stunt like this would almost guarantee added support from Ohioans.

Seriously! If John McCain stopped in Ohio and came out wearing a scarlet sweater vest with an American flag pinned to it, would you not automatically cheer? I would. If Barack Obama showed up in Ohio wearing an Ohio State pin and singing Hang On Sloopy, would you not cheer? I would!

Unfortunately, none of this will happen. The candidates will make their stops in Ohio and chat with us about the jobs that we are losing, and the $700 billion bailout that we will all spend lifetimes paying off, and off-shore drilling, and on and on. But all they would have to say is two letters to garner my vote.

If one of them were to come out and start with a roaring "O-H!" I dont care who it is or what my political affiliation is, I am voting for them. At least they get what this state is all about. It's blue collar, 9-5, punch the clock, three yards, and a cloud of dust. Not some big suits sitting at a conference table wondering why their bigtime corporation just went bankrupt and now turning to the government to bail them out.

The truth does not lie. The only time a President has been elected without winning Ohio was 1944 and 1960. If you are doing math, since 1904, 24 of the 26 Presidents took Ohio. That is a 92 percent clip we are picking winners at. Further evidence that McCain should heed my advice: No Republican has been elected President without carrying Ohio since honest Abe Lincoln in 1860!

So, Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama, it is simple, really. Swing through Ohio and show your Buckeye pride. Maybe end your speech with a "how firm thy friendship, O-HI-O!" and see where it gets you.

I would be willing to bet that you would definitely gain supporters, even if everything else you tell us will never happen.

Calling All Wazzu Students...Here is Your Chance!

Bobby Cash — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:20:27 -0400

Every kid has inevitably had the dream. 4th and goal, two seconds on the clock. Scan the field, find the blitz, know your hot receiver, audible, drop back, fade to the corner...Touchdown! Ballgame, winner!

Well, Washington State students here is your chance! Head coach Paul Wulff will hold campus-wide tryouts for scout team QB. And who knows, at the rate WSU is going through QB's you just might end up being chased by Rey Maualuga against USC.

But think realistically here for a second. What does this actually mean? What level does your team have to be at to open a spot on the roster for any student on campus capable enough to throw a spiral? This could be an all-time low.

Sure those gamers out there who have led Washington State to a NCAA championship in EA's NCAA '09 probably think that this cannot be that tough. And there might actually be a student on WSU's campus who was a decent high school player and wants to give it a shot to see if he could do it.

But what about the average Joes who will more than likely show up because its a chance to play football on a NCAA Division 1 team? How will the rest of the team accept this guy (assuming they find someone who can do the job)?

Remember, this is only a scout team position, which basically means that you are the whipping post for the first team defense.

However, the scout team can be a crucial part to any team. It allows the first teamers to prepare and see an "example" of what the next opponent will look like. Still want the job?

What exactly is the school's AD thinking right now, too? This, no doubt, is a cry for help. But can a student off the streets actually help? This most certainly is not just a publicity stunt, because both of their top two QB's broke their backs.

Thankfully, both will recover, but neither will likely play college football again. So we turn to you, the ol' faithful student body of the Cougars. Is there someone out there willing to do the time?

College sports, especially in Division 1, are no joke. It is basically like a job. And this reporter is worried that this will turn into some sort of stunt and just anybody will show up to tryout.

However, I am interested in seeing the turnout and if anyone can actually fill the shoes of the scout team quarterback.

The tryout will be held on Monday. Let's show 'em what your made of! Cougar pride! And just don't get killed out there.