Bleacher Report - Articles by Dawgfather

Refs, Matthew Stafford Deal Browns Tough 38-37 Loss

Dawgfather — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:29:55 -0500

Browns fans. The one word that defines what happened today against the Lions is absurd. It was absurd, completely illogical.

Absurd.

That is the word of the moment and the official battle cry from Browns backers everywhere after seeing the most unbelievable loss in the NFL. And in true fashion, Cleveland had to be on the short end.

I've been watching football since I was three years old. My uncle got me into the Browns during the "Kardiac Kids" era and I grew up idolizing Bernie Kosar.

But in all my years of watching NFL football, it always seemed that Cleveland would get screwed, or that some absurd, fluke moment, would somehow haunt the Browns.

Sunday's game against Detroit is clear evidence that the NFL is out to screw Cleveland any and every chance it gets, and if the NFL headquarters doesn't get a barrage of faxes and e-mails from angry and livid Browns fans, I will be very disappointed.

I was actually supposed to be at the game in Detroit with the Southeast Michigan Browns Backers. I even had the pleasure of making some great new friends in both Jeff and Susan Oller and the President, Stan Gage.

I feel for them, as they, along with Dawgs everywhere are upset at the questionable pass interference call on a Hail Mary that dropped the Browns to 1-9.

Now, if you would have told me that the Browns, as in the offensively-challenged Cleveland Browns, would score 37 points in a NFL game, I would have mistaken you for a Jacob-obsessed, Twilight-enthralled tween.

If you would have told me that the Browns would score a franchise-record 24 points in the first quarter and that the long-ball challenged, noodle-armed QB Brady Quinn would open up two long strikes of 59 yards and 40 yards to Mohammed Massaqoui and Chansi Stuckey, I would have called you crazy.

And if you would have told me that Brady Quinn would throw for a career-best 303 yards and four touchdowns after looking awful against the Baltimore Ravens, I would have thought you were trying to con me.

For once, and I mean ONCE, the Browns offensive line protected Quinn, giving him time to find his receivers, who actually caught the balls thrown at them.

I can see that Brian Daboll finally found his owner's manual and unleashed Quinn to throw the ball down field.

And for once, I have to give Quinn some love for actually being aggressive in attacking a defense.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the defense, who let Stafford play like Bobby Lane and shredded the Cleveland defense for a rookie record five touchdowns and a career-best 422 passing yards.

If I were Stafford, I would send Terry McNaulty and his officiating crew a Thanksgiving turkey, because they clearly stuffed the Browns with the their own family style of yellow-flag dressing.

One can only imagine how much money Vegas made on the over/under as this game had the look and feel of a AFL shootout.

And it is really sad and completely unacceptable for a game to end on a bogus and completely flaky call like this one did.

Much like Ireland losing to France on a Thierry Henry handball, the Browns got screwed in the end.

At least one Ohio team won in Michigan.

Dawgfather.

Brady Quinn and Browns Look Pathetic in 16-0 Loss To Ravens

Dawgfather — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:02:44 -0500

So much for the bye week giving Mangini time to right their sorry ship eh?

In maybe the most eventful week since Kosar was sacked by Belichick for his "diminishing skills," it appears that the Browns offense and the Mangini experiment may be soon be diminishing along with the rest of this dreadful season.

Just when you thought that the offensive offense of Dumb and Dumber, Mangini and Daboll, couldn't do any worse, they manage to redefine the very definition of "pathetic"

In tonight's 16-0 "exhibition" prime-time defeat at the hands of Baltimore, the Browns offense manged to look as anemic as a model at New York Fashion Week. If that is even humanly possible, then that aforementioned fashion model is now a contestant on "The Biggest Loser."

According to ESPN, the Brown's have scored FIVE offensive TD's in their last 15 games, the fewest since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. The New Orleans Saint's ball-hawking defense has scored seven touchdowns by themselves.

Brady Quinn did not endear himself to being in Cleveland past 2010 with a horrid 13-for-31 performance for 99 yards along with two interceptions, one of which was returned 48 yards for a TD.

In Quinn's defense he didn't have a lot of time to set up in the pocket as he was constantly under duress from the aggressive Ravens defense that sacked him twice, as he barely had 2.5 seconds to throw the ball.

And even when he did have time to throw, he didn't look very accurate or confident in attacking downfield as he was 0-for-7 in passes of more than 10 yards.

I guess the urban legend of Quinn not being able to throw deep became a cold reality for the Browns and their offense tonight, and it would not surprise me if they draft a strong-armed QB like Colt McCoy from Texas or even Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen.

In watching tonight's game, it has become very obvious that NFL defenses have no respect for Quinn at all, and that he is nothing more than a glamorized by-product of Notre Dame hype and Weis' system.

And for the record, I grew up watching the great Notre Dame teams of Lou Holtz, so I don't want to hear that I'm bashing Notre Dame or Quinn. I'm just simply stating the fact that Quinn AND Anderson will both not be in Cleveland come 2010, because both of them quite frankly stink.

At 1-8, The Browns are at the point where they are now playing for their jobs and next big contracts elsewhere, and when Mangini loses to the Lions in Detroit he should do the honorable thing and resign and he can take Daboll with him.

I never figured that I would be saying this, but I miss Maurice Carthon, and that is saying something. The Browns lost more than a game tonight, by losing Joshua Cribbs, they lost their lone scoring threat.

The sign at tonight's game said it best, "Rebuilding Since 1964"

Dawgfather, http://roberts-rant.blogspot.com .

Bears Beat Browns, 30-6: DA Stands for Disgustingly Awful, not Derek Anderson

Dawgfather — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:32:11 -0500

Browns Backers,

Horrid: "extremely unpleasant or disagreeable."

For the Cleveland Browns, it would only seem fitting that on a day the Chicago Bears honor a man known as "Sweetness," the Browns would provide their own homage to being sour.

With the Browns getting stomped in Chicago 30-6, you have to wonder how much lower the Browns can sink. How much more garbage must Browns fans be treated to such a display of utterly pathetic football quickly becoming the NFL "standard" of embarrassing?

There are not enough words to describe the Browns' latest "peformance," other than it was total crap. And you really want to know why fans want to boycott the Monday Night Game?

You have a totally clueless head coach and poster-boy snitch in Eric Mangini and the WORST offensive coordinator in NFL history in Brian Daboll—who should be fired sometime during the bye week or at least relived of his play-calling duties. How did the Browns come to hire Daboll when more experienced coordinators, such as Brian Schottenheimer, Mike Martz, or even Josh McDaniels, were available?

The only bright spot on the coaching staff is defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, whose attacking defense has reinvigorated the Browns' pass, specifically ILB/DE Kamerion Wimbley, who is on pace to match his career-high in sacks.

Don't even get me started on the one-trick flash-in-the-pan artist known as Derek Anderson, who is making Ryan Leaf look like Sammy Baugh. Through three games he has the worst QB rating in the league at 40.6.

And just when you thought he couldn't do any worse, he did. Anderson would finish the game with a QB rating of 10.5. DA should now stand for Disgustingly Awful.

The only difference between Raiders QB Jamarcus Russell and Derek Anderson is Anderson has a Pro Bowl, albeit as an alternate, on his glorious resume. I don't know what spark he thought he may have seen in Anderson, but it may have been a mere flicker.

The only thing I can honestly say in Anderson's defense is his receivers continue to drop the few balls he does throw that are not too low or behind them.

Anderson is listed as 6'6", yet he manages to have balls deflected at the line of scrimmage. It makes one wonder if someone has pointed this out to him at Oregon State or even here in Cleveland, but it's bewildering why this flaw in his throwing mechanics were never addressed.

The fact of the matter is, the Browns are beyond horrid and hope at 1-7 . The early-season hope of Brady Quinn saving the Browns has about as much momentum as Thomas the Tank Engine. Watching this train-wreck of a team every Sunday is about as exciting as a snail trying to cross the Audubon only to see it get squashed by a 18-wheeler.

Will the Browns switch back to Quinn during the bye? Yes

Will it help them? No.

In my opinion, Quinn was not given a fair shot in being evaluated and developed, maybe Savage was right after all.

Only In Cleveland.

Dawgfather. http://roberts-rant.blogspot.com

Browns Drop Balls, Lose 12th Straight To Steelers, 27-14

Dawgfather — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:54:08 -0400

Browns Backers,

drop—"to let or cause to fall".

The classic cliche of football being a game of inches is indeed true, and in the case of the Browns game in Pittsburgh, the controversial spot of a ball that was clearly short of a first down can be used as a microcosm as to how this season is going.

But for once, you can't say that the Steelers dominated Cleveland in its 12th straight win in this so-called "rivalry" in name only, Cleveland just simply dropped the ball.

Make no mistake, the Browns played horrid in their latest loss to Pittsburgh, the defense did allow Roethlisberger to carve them up like a brown and orange turkey for his second-career 400 yard game.

The Browns were outgained 543-197, and yet Cleveland was within striking distance of the Super Bowl champions well into the third quarter. But as for all things Cleveland, the Browns let opportunities slip away.

Browns WR's have now dropped 14 passes in two games, including six today, which will make any quarterback look bad, not just Derek Anderson, so Browns fans should lay off of him for this week at least focus trading Stuckey back to New York for some draft picks.

Joshua Cribbs continued to haunt the Steelers as he ran a punt return back for a 98 yard TD and running some "Wildcat" plays, which kept the Steelers off-balance.

This game clearly brought into focus the main difference between The Steelers and Browns is one thing: EXECUTION.

The CBS announcers said it best: The Steelers make plays for their QB, and the Browns don't.

Regardless, if it is Quinn, or Anderson under center, the Browns will never be able to compete until their receiver's make big plays downfield.

Whether it is for a clutch third-down conversion, or even a big 25-yard touchdown reception, the Browns needs to make big plays in the passing game.

Roethlisberger is having a MVP-like season because he has two great receiver's in Ward and Holmes who make plays for him down field, as witnessed today, and while Anderson had another sub-par performance, it is not his fault that his receivers have a sudden case of Edwards syndrome.

Until the Browns receivers can learn to catch, it will not matter if Anderson, or Quinn is throwing them the ball, because like this season, the Browns will let it slip through their fingers.

And that is something that not even Paul Anderson can take away.

Only in Cleveland!

Dawgfather.

Cleveland Browns' 6-3 Win Is a Classic Example of How NFL Offenses Shouldn't Run

Dawgfather — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:22:41 -0400

Browns Backers,

bungle: "to perform or work clumsily or inadequately"

If there was a case study on NFL offense, one would study legendary coaches such as Paul Brown or Vince Lombardi.

If there was a modern thesis of how to run a NFL Offense, then one would study Sid Gillman, Billy Walsh, or even Don Coryell.

Today's 6-3 win by the Browns in Buffalo took the Browns off the winless schneid, but may have further shown that Eric Mangini and Brian Daboll will never be confused as offensive wizards.

I'm not sure if the Cleveland coaching staff didn't want to chance throwing into the stiff winds that were swirling around in Ralph Wilson Stadium, or they are worried about Derek's Anderson's little "interception" problem.

But clearly the Browns were adamant about establishing and sticking to the run, and for once, their plan actually worked in helping them snap their second-worst losing streak in team history.

Browns running back, Jamal Lewis looks like he still has a little left in him, as he rushed for 117 yards in his first game back from a hamstring injury. It was clear that he isn't about to hand his job to Jerome Harrison just yet.

If I'm a Browns fan, I would send Dave Zastudil and Billy Cundiff a complimentary bucket of ice for all the punts that pinned Buffalo deep all game and refer them both to a good podiatrist.

Both quarterbacks stunk it up on the field and while Buffalo quarterback, Trent Edwards was able to make some throws downfield, he was "stifled" by the Browns defense that continues to let opposing QB's scramble at will, one of which brought back a chilling Palmer-style run.

As for Derek Anderson, just when you thought he could build from his positive performance against Cincinnati, he becomes the first QB since the NFL-AFL merger to win an NFL game with a ZERO QB rating in the second half.

Anderson completed one pass for seven yards in nine attempts and one interception, and yet he is not as bad as former Bears QB Rex Grossman, who in 2006 had a QB rating of 1.3 in a Bears 23-13 win over the Vikings.

Maybe Anderson and Viking QB Gary Capuzzo, who has the lowest QB rating ever of ZERO to win a game, can compare notes.

This "performance" was not "ugly" or even "beautiful," because it would be a insult to both words by themselves but at the end of the day when your team ships off a ball-dropping diva to Gotham and the NFL decides to investigate your team over a little issue about a running back separating his shoulder for not practicing in pads.

Your starting QB tosses only TWO passes in a game and you win! A win is a win!

Only in Cleveland!

Dawgfather

Braylon Edwards Gets Traded To Jets, Browns Say Good Riddance!

Dawgfather — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:22:50 -0400

Browns Backers,

headache—an annoying or bothersome person, situation, activity, etc.

To quote my girlfriend when we both found out about Braylon Edward's being traded to the Jets, "Good riddance!"

Don't get me wrong, I was a fan of Edwards back in his Pro Bowl year of 2007, when he had 80 catches for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns.

But when you drop wide-open balls in games and punch a member of a mega-icon's entourage in a state in which you claim to hate and think people boo you because you went to the rival university up north, then it's time to go.

It wouldn't surprise me if Edwards' last incident as a Brown (punching Edward Givens in a Cleveland nightclub) helped Browns' management pull the trigger in trading him to the New York Jets for WR Chansi Stuckey, LB Jason Trusnik, and two draft picks.

Edwards, in his fifth season, has 10 receptions for 139 yards, but was held to no catches for the first time in his career in the winless Browns' 23-20 overtime loss to Cincinnati on Sunday.

This move is a win for the Browns in three ways.

(1) They don't have to worry about re-signing Edwards or seeing him walk for nothing. I applaud the bold preemptive move in getting something in return with Stuckey.

(2) The Browns will begin to showcase Mohammaed Massaqoui more and even elevate him to the No. 1 spot. After his 148-yard performance, it wouldn't come as a shock if he emerges as the Browns new go-to guy.

(3) The Browns do not have to tolerate or put up with Edwards' mental lapses such as drops and unexpected brain cramps. He leads the league in drops since last year and if he thinks that Cleveland fans hate him for what school he went to and dropping balls, then he doesn't know what it's like to play in New York.

One drop in a clutch game will have him in the crosshairs on Page Six faster than he can yell, "Taxi!"

Let's just hope he tangles with a member of Derek Jeter's posse.

Bye bye, Braylon! Don't let the ball hit the ground on you're way out!

-Dawgfather

Palmer, Bengals Escape Cleveland, Browns Lose 23-30 in OT

Dawgfather — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:34:12 -0400

Browns Backers,

slip - "to get away or free oneself from; escape (a pursuer, restraint, leash, etc.)"

In a game in which the Browns offense may have finally found a spark of life, it was the defense that once again flat-lined.

The question that remains is that at 0-4, will the Browns 2009 season need to call a coroner?

With their first win withing their grasp, Bengals QB, Carson Palmer manged to not only slip out of the grasp of the Browns, but also help keep the Browns first win out of reach.

Make no mistake about this latest loss, the Browns looked a lot more competitive and played tough and hard for a full 60 minutes.

Browns QB, Derek Anderson, yes THAT Derek Anderson, who is the bane of every Browns fan moved the team down the field and led them to a 17-14 lead well into the third quarter by running for a TD and finding TE Steve Heiden on one. He threw for 269 yards along with one INT.

Second round draft pick, WR Mohammed Massaqoui had a breakout game, catching a career best 148 yards, and looking like the new No. 2 Browns receiver in the process with some nice smooth catches. Massaqoui managed to keep fellow Browns WR, Braylon Edwards, without a catch.

Browns running back, James Harrison would gallop for 121 yards including some tough inside runs; and it would be a crime to not mention PR/KR Joshua Cribbs, as he would compile 223 yards of total offense and constantly set up the Browns with good field position.

So you have to wonder how the Browns, with this sudden offensive eruption after being dormant for so long; and managed to rally from a 14-0 deficit; are 0-4, their worst record since coming back in 1999.

I will first give Rob Ryan and his defense some credit, for playing a tough and hard game, highlighted by Shaun Rogers blocking two FG's and even getting some production from Kamerion Wimbley and Corey Williams.

But once again, the defense would fold like a cheap hand in Texas Hold-Em and allow a game-deciding score in the second half.

Except that this time it was in overtime.

Make no mistake, Mangini showed some serious cojones in benching Quinn and starting Anderson. He did this despite the unanimously negative Cleveland backlash in benching the hometown hero, Quinn. Since, even Brain Daboll ditched his offensive courdinator's instruction manual for once.

Anderson played confident, spread the ball around and didn't throw an INT.

This team must now learn to finish a game and play a full and complete 60 minutes of football.

If the offensive output and tough-as-nails defense can continue the way it did today, then I am confident in saying Cleveland is indeed heading in the right direction.

A spark may have been lit after all.

Dawgs Die Hard!

2007 Redux? Turning to Anderson Will Not Help Browns Inept Offense

Dawgfather — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:08:24 -0400

Browns Backers,

redux–"brought back; resurgent"

You have to wonder who is the most hated man in Cleveland sports right now?

Is it the reclusive part-time billionaire owner, Randy Lerner for his invisible style of ownership, Eric Mangini for his wannabe Edgar Hoover CIA style super-secrecy or is it the outcast who took the starting QB job from Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson?

Because if I had to choose one it is Derek Anderson and just when you think the Browns can continue to live up to their "dysfunctional" reputation they go ahead and do this, can you wonder why every Browns fan is on the edge of anger and frustration.

The Browns are a lot like Eric "E" Murphy from my favorite show, "Entourage", a perennial underdog you cannot help but pull for and while E doesn't have the beauty of Vincent Chase, the hip street-smarts of Turtle or the big bother toughness of Johnny Drama The Browns—like E—cannot seem to let go of Anderson, who much like Sloan is nothing but a tease at times, and just when the Browns think they have it figured out with Quinn they go back to Anderson!

The question is will the results be the same for E/Sloan and they are for the Browns and Anderson

While I am an Anderson fan, I think the Browns need to stick with Quinn and at least see what we have in him because we all know what Anderson has and the whole league knows what DA can and cannot do.

I think the real culprit behind the bad start for the Browns isn't the offensive line, or the schedule or even the fact our defense cannot stop a worm. It is Brian Daboll.

This is what the Browns get for hiring a no-name to coach a NFL offense with no experience, can you say Maurice Carthon all over again as Daboll's playcalling has all but handcuffed Quinn and prevented him from letting him play to his full potential.

Turning to Anderson will not help the lowest ranked overall offense in the NFL score points, and having the worst ranked QB in Anderson since last year—he has the lowest QB rating of 62.6 for a minimum of 150 attempts—isn't going help the Browns. Quinn has the third worst QB rating of 64.9 percent.

The funny thing is that there was another ballyhooed, Ohio-born QB who beat out Anderson in training camp, who went out and lost a game in a eerily similar fashion, the same way Quinn did and was then traded, and Anderson played his first game as Browns starter against? You guessed it– Cincinnati!

Anderson would ride that game to the Pro Bowl and a 10-5 record as a starter.

Can Anderson do it again versus the same team in the same stadium in similar circumstances? For Mangini's sake, that spark he saw in Anderson had better be more than just a brief flicker.

Only in Cleveland!

Dawgfather.

QB Circus Is Back In Town, Ravens Rip Browns 34-3

Dawgfather — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:08:59 -0400

Browns Backers,

sorry - " wretched, poor, useless, or pitiful "

Bradford, Tebow or McCoy?

If you just got through watching the 34-3 massacre in Baltimore, you cannot help but wonder. Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson looked and played like Dumb and Dumber. They simply are not cutting it.

With four interceptions tossed by both of them it would not surprise me to see third-stringer, Brett Ratliff play. The Browns are now officially the new Detroit Lions of 2009.

Once again, the Browns were completely blown out in front of our very eyes. It’s getting to the point where fans will no longer care, or they will walk away from this sad excuse for a team.

The Browns are the poster boy for confusion and dysfunction, and when Quinn was yanked for the equally inept and anemic Derek Anderson, it was all over.

Quinn would finish 6-for-8 for 34 yards and one INT.

Derek Anderson didn't do much better in relieving Quinn by tossing three INT and just missing a fourth pick.

The Browns have completely fumbled away this season and may have set themselves back ANOTHER five years in their handling of the QB spot.

This team cannot score, pass, or defend. Cribbs is a marked man, Edwards is getting double-teamed, and the defense gets run over and treated like a construction cone.

The sad and cold realty is that yanking Quinn, who was not helped at all by his offensive line or Daboll's play-calling, for an even less effective Derek Anderson doesn't make the offensive issues go away. This can only damage the team's fragile chemistry and defeated locker room.

The sooner the Browns find a QB and stick with him, the better they will be. They will not have to worry about hoping to score a TD, or have unwanted headlines such as fining one of your own players $1,701 for not paying the hotel bill for a $3 bottle of water.

I've never been a fan in the hiring of Mangini from the start. I have also always felt that Lerner is a clueless and soccer-loving owner. Both of them dropped the ball in not naming a starter during training camp. Instead they put this team and its fickle and impatient, yet passionate fan base thru the wringer with their incompetence and lack of football savvy.

The Browns still have the Bengals and Steelers twice and a potentially embarrassing Monday night game with the Ravens up in Cleveland.

Unfortunately, this season is already lost before it began. This will be another sad year for the Cleveland Browns.

Later,

Dawgfather

Brady Quinn And Browns Fall To 0-2! Is Quinn A Legit QB?

Dawgfather — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 01:07:51 -0400

Browns Backers,

stymie - " a situation or problem presenting such difficulties as to discourage or defeat any attempt to deal with or resolve it."

I guess the classic saying of "Be careful what you wish for you just might get it," can be said for Browns fans' unrequited love affair with quarterback Brady Quinn.

Fans who have wanted Quinn start for the Browns are right now searching for answers or even a clue as to explain his Charlie Frye-like 161-yard, one INT performance in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Because right now he is not living up to his lofty Notre Dame pedigree, let alone the hype.

Don't get me wrong, I want to see Quinn succeed, but in watching today's putrid performance against the nemesis Denver Broncos, you have to wonder is he even a legit NFL QB?

Once again Cleveland couldn't find the end zone if it were circled with a giant red X on MapQuest and the play calling looks like a Maurice Carthon remake as Brian Daboll continues to take another step toward unemployment by calling predictable runs with Jamal Lewis and four- and six-yard routes when you need eight or nine for a first down.

One thing Quinn really needs to improve on is getting rid of the ball quickly and avoiding unnecessary sacks, I haven't seen a Browns QB go down this many times since Bernie Kosar was sacked 11 times by the Colts in 1992.

Where are wide receivers Mike Furrey and James Davis? The only positive I can take from this game is WR Braylon Edwards' 92 yards receiving, but where is the play-action downfield?

The answer is nowhere because once again Quinn is showing the league that he CANNOT throw a ball longer than five yards.

Sooner or later the entire league will notice it and the Brady Quinn show will soon be cancelled.

The much-hyped "attacking defense" was once again mauled by the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback better known as Kyle Orton who had so much time in the pocket he could check his fantasy scores on his i-Phone as the Browns imitation of a NFL defense continued to look like a rag doll.

Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald continued to get abused like an unwanted stepchild by opposing WRs and after seeing their "cover-zero" defense, I can see where they get the name from.

Bottom line is that for Quinn to lead this team, he needs to make quicker decisions and be more decisive with his throws, holding on to the ball too long and throwing short passes in the NFL isn't going to cut it.

Quinn would also be helped if the offensive line gave him some protection and not be mistaken for tackling dummies like John St Clair was.

And while completing nearly 60 percent of your passes and having a mediocre QB rating of 66.6 is passable, it is not enough to do put points on the board and Ws in the column

The cold hard facts for the Brady Bunch is that Quinn is 1-4 as a starter and currently 0-2 this season. And with the Browns' next game with Baltimore on the road, the Browns could very easily be 0-3 and really beginning to wonder if they chose the wrong QB.

Later,

Dawgfather

UNLEASHED - OIC http://roberts-rant.blogspot.com

Vikings-Browns: Brady Quinn Stumbles in 34-20 Loss

Dawgfather — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:16:37 -0400

Browns Backers: stumble—"to make a slip, mistake, or blunder"

Browns fans finally got their wish in seeing Brady Quinn start; too bad that it was more of an audition for NFL Follies.

During one play in the game the ball slipped out of Quinn's hands only to be recovered for the Vikings. Let's just hope he plays more like the Browns' golden boy savior than Garo Yepremian did in Super Bowl VII.

At least the Browns scored an offensive TD for the first time since last November and Joshua Cribbs showed Browns management how you negotiate a contract with his seventh career punt return for a touchdown.

With Quinn playing tentatively for much of the game thanks to a conservative game plan instituted by Mangini and Brian Daboll, you have to wonder where the offense went as other than TE Robert Royal, RB Jamal Lewis, and WR/KR Joshua Cribbs, the rest were missing in action.

The Browns seemed to be playing more against Brad Childress' challenges than against his team. One challenge resulted in overturning a TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards after he was pushed out on a pass interference call.

I would be remiss if I said that the bright spot of the game was the "attacking defense" promised by former Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan. The defense sacked Brett Favre four times, including one by Kamerion Wimbley, and managed to keep Favre in check while holding RB Adrian Peterson to 25 yards in the first half.

Then the third quarter began.

Peterson broke loose on a punishing 64 yard touchdown that included a stiff arm slam of Eric Wright. He would finish the game with 185 yards, three touchdowns, and most importantly showed that the Browns are not even in their galaxy in terms of talent.

Quinn would finish 20-of-31 for 205 yards, with one fumble and one interception that looked, dare I say, very Anderson-like.

I'm not sure if there was a miscommunication on the route, but the ball looked like it was underthrown, and while Quinn tried to engineer plays out of the shotgun, what was with all the delayed-hand off calls?

I can understand trying to keep the Vikings honest in attempting to neutralize their defense, but the inside handoffs and draws were not fooling the Vikings. Memo to Brian Daboll: Use some playaction!

Now I don't want to rile up the Brady Bunch, but it will not be long before the rest of the league sees Quinn for what he is and that he cannot threaten NFL defenses. In this game you saw Minnesota bringing eight in the box and daring Quinn to beat them by throwing deep.

Quinn may be the Golden Boy in the eyes of many, but on this day he looked like cheap varnish.

Cleveland Browns Need to Stop Adrian Peterson to Win Against Minnesota Vikings

Dawgfather — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:31:10 -0400

Browns Backers,

schism—"division or disunion, esp. into mutually opposed parties"

One would never guess that the Minnesota Vikings were theologically astute when they alluded to the fact that there was a "schism" among players in their locker room, in their support for QB's Tavaris Jackson and long-time NFC nemesis from their arch rival, Brett Favre.

You can't help but wonder if it will ever be along the lines of the "Great Schism" that split the Catholic Church in the 11th century, but you can always guess.

As the Browns prepare for the home opener against the Vikings, who can be considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Vikings have the guile of a legend in QB Brett Favre, the top overall player in the NFL in RB Adrian Peterson, and the defensive line tandem known as the "Williams Wall"; that may give the Great Wall of China a run for it's money.

For the Browns to have chance of winning, they must stop All-World RB Adrian Peterson, and that will be a tall order for a defense that had a tough time stopping a run of diarrhea, ranking bottom in run defense.

With the Browns focused squarely on stopping Peterson, this will open up the passing game for Favre to attack the Browns defense. Look for rookie WR Percy Harvin to gash the secondary with some clutch down-field catches.

For the Browns to win they will need three things: (1) Come out aggressively with Quinn, (2) Keep the Vikings defense honest with play-action, and (3) Feed off the crowd.

In coming out aggressive with Quinn, Daboll will need to throw multiple screens to Davis, Lewis, and Cribbs to keep DE Jaron Allen and the Williams Wall honest. Don't be surprised to see Quinn test the suspect Vikings secondary with a couple of shots down field.

Expect Quinn to throw safe underneath check-down passes and extend plays by being using his mobility outside of the pocket. WR Mike Furrey will be his "safety blanket" on third down plays and tight spots when the protection breaks down.

The last thing the Browns will need to do is feed off the energy of the home crowd, Browns fans everywhere have been waiting to see their future savior QB on the field.

The Browns must keep the Vikings under pressure with long drives utilizing dink-and-dunk passes. This will eat up the clock and tire the Viking's defense, allowing Quinn to be in position to land the knockout blow.

Prediction: Browns 27, Vikings 24

GO BROWNS!

Dawgfather

DT Shaun Smith Cut from Detroit Lions

Dawgfather — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:22:43 -0400

Browns Backers,

I guess even Detroit has standards!

Two weeks after getting cut from the Browns after a verbal run-in with linebackers coach, Bryan Cox, DT Shaun Smith was cut today by the Lions.

As you may know Shaun Smith punched starting Browns QB, Brady Quinn, in the locker room following a Browns game last year.

The Browns signed the 6'2 325 lb six-year veteran from South Carolina as a restricted free agent in 2007 from the Bengals in 2007 to help beef up the defensive line, too bad Smith never lived up to his contract despite playing in 15 games and started 10 for the Browns in 2007.

Smith would start nine of 11 last year and finish with 47 tackles.

He had career highs of 63 tackles and 2 sacks in '07 and but will more known for talking and calling teammates out instead of sacking opposing QB's.

Three weeks ago, Smith suggested that ex-Lion and current Brown, Shawn Rogers, should come back to Detroit before the Browns played the Lions.

According to profootballtalk.com, Smith verbally attacked Browns GM, Geroge Kokonis during the game.

Maybe he can become former Oregon RB, LeGarrette Blount's personal mentor and teach him how to alienate teammates and ruin your NFL career 101!

Later,
Dawgfather.

Brady Quinn Scores a Decisive Round 4 Knockout in Browns' Quarterback Race

Dawgfather — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:40:09 -0400

Browns Backers:

define- "to make clear the outline or form of."

Browns fans everywhere owe field judge Terry Brown a bottle of wine and a thank you for helping Derek Anderson trip over himself, and he wasn't even on the field.

In fact, he was too far from the sideline and was flagged 15 yards.

With Quinn's performance tonight, Anderson may not be on the Browns sideline in the near future.

Let's be clear here—Tennessee is not Detroit. And perhaps Anderson's performance was a fraud, but tonight's game offically clinched the starting job for Quinn, because he clearly displayed the qualities of an NFL starting quarterback.

With both quarterbacks in a "dead heat" according to Mangini, both of them needed to play well. Quinn played like, and looked like, a starter against one of the more stout defenses in the league.

The playcalling was a combination of aggressive and safe with spices of play-action thrown in, and to see a screen pass for the first time since 1993 was priceless.

Quinn came out strong by marching the Browns down the field after trailing 7-3, and threw the first touchdown by either quarterback since last year. He basically sealed the deal for the starting quarterback spot.

He would go on to finish 11-of-15 with 128 yards passing and one touchdown in his four series.

Anderson, on his behalf, played fairly well in a likely last-gasp attempt to either become or remain the starter. He took a sack, and he may have seen his last chance to win the competition go down hard like he did.

Anderson finished 7-of-11 for 77 yards and led the Browns to one field goal on two possessions, including a would-be touchdown reception to wide receiver Braylon Edwards ruled out of bounds.

In the three preseason games for the Browns, Anderson has completed 15 of 26 passes for a 57.6% completion rate for 207 yards and two interceptions for a QB rating of 51.28%, while Quinn has completed 21 of 31 passes at a 67.7% completion rate for 225 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception.

Quinn threw the first touchdown pass, while Anderson led the first drive to a touchdown.

Tough choice?

Not really when you consider that Anderson still looks like he is trying to force throws into double coverage and is still telegraphing like he is Thomas Edison.

Any more questions about Quinn's arm strength in my eyes are laid to rest and are now null and void, as he fired some nice passes to wide receivers Michael Furrey, Joshua Cribbs, and even running back Jamal Lewis on a nice 14-yard gallop.

I will even go as far as to say that Daboll will throw in some more agressive stuff in the regular season that will work towards Quinn's stengths, with some safe high-percentage short to intermediate routes, as well as a some deep vertical strikes.

Yes, Quinn can throw the ball deep. But as Kosar mentioned, he does a nice job of checking down to a safer play, which is what the Browns need.

If tonight's game was truly a dress rehearsal, then it is safe to say that the Browns have shed their old beaten-up jacket for a sharp Armani suit.

Round 4 goes to Quinn with a knockout.

Now Anderson is done.

Quinn and Anderson Need to Make Closing Statements For QB Job Tonight

Dawgfather — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:39:53 -0400

Browns Backers,

statement—" a communication or declaration in speech or writing, setting forth facts, particulars, etc. "

You cannot help but wonder how Jack McCoy from Law and Order would prosecute the Browns for their handling or mishandling of this quarterback competition drama. Because this is as far from pro bono as it gets.

But even the renowned district attorney would advise both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn that they must provide a strong closing statement on their behalf as to why they should be the 2009 Cleveland Browns quarterback.

With Cleveland Browns Stadium serving as the courtoom and the fans acting as the deciding jury. It will be up to Eric Mangini to be a decisive and non-partial judge.

As it stands both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson have not emerged as the front-runner for the gig, and even though the hometown hero, Brady Quinn, with his "intangibles and leadership" has not managed to pull away from the former Pro Bowler fluke gone bad, and all around area outcast, Mr Anderson.

Tonight's game will clarify who the starter WILL be, not SHOULD be.

There is no doubt that Quinn is the overwhelming favorite to be the starter. If there is one thing that Browns Backers can all agree on is that it is Brady's time NOW!

My major concern if I'm a Quinnbot is the fact that for all of his "leadership and field presence" that have Dawgs drooling over his every move, why has he not already been named the starter over Derek Anderson?

And for Derek Anderson, he really needs this game just to pull even in the eyes of many Browns fans, for the fact that he will NEVER surpass Brady on even his best day simply for the fact that he is DA which generally means Disaster Area.

As I stated in my last column, Lions; Is Derek Anderson "The Man?"">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/242237-da-strikes-back-in-round-3-vs-lions-is-anderson-the-man , I mentioned that The Brady Bunch would dismiss DA's performance vs DET, but what exactly has Quinn done to lock this down?

Aside from leading some good drives and being a Edwards drop and Fraley penalty away from strengthening his case, not a whole lot, but to both QB's, Tennessee is not Detroit that is obvious and this game will serve as a excellent test and unbiased litmus as to who will start in two weeks.

Quinn may be the overwhelming favorite to win, and Anderson may be on death row, but both must present a strong and overwhelming argument to convince the jury.

Enjoy The Game,

Dawgfather.

DA Strikes Back in Round 3 vs. Lions; Is Derek Anderson "The Man"?

Dawgfather — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:26:13 -0400

Browns Backers,

doubt - "to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe."

You have to wonder sometimes if Browns QB, Derek Anderson knows pop singer, Katy Perry because he has a tendency to be hot and cold.

When Anderson is hot like he was in the epic and now legendary 51-45 Madden-style shootout win vs. fellow PAC-10 gunslinger, Carson Palmer, he can be a truly formidable QB.

Who can forget his improbable three-touchdown, 310-yard masterpiece against the defending Super Bowl champion, New York Giants in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football?

But in the back of many Browns fans minds, the reason why he is a pariah in the eyes of the "Dawg Pound" are his "cold" games such as the 2007 meltdown in "The Jungle" by tossing four INT's vs. the Bengals costing the Brown's a wild card birth to go along with his irritating habit of being inconsistent.

Love him or hate him, Anderson may have either pulled even or even nudged ahead of the QB race and despite it coming against the Lions, beggars can't be choosers.

As I watched from the 20-yard line in section 106, row 16, seat 7. I have to say I came away with the feeling that Anderson clearly won Round 3 on Saturday.

From the start he came out aggressive with some nice and decisive throws in the first quarter including completions to Braylon Edwards, Mohamed Massaquoi and Joshua Cribbs.

If there is any tie-breaker in who gets the starting job of QB, consider that Anderson led the Browns to their first offensive TD since the last days of the Bush administration.

Now I'm sure that "The Brady Bunch" will rebutt by saying that "it was against Detroit" and "they had a rookie QB", but consider that for once Anderson looked comfortable, confident and accounted for 13 of the Browns 27 points, while Quinn went 3-5 for 29 yards and was sacked on his first play in the game and put zero points on the board.

Anderson did throw his traditional INT, which immediately prompted chants for Brady, but for once Anderson shook those off and played a good game and provided a much better showing after going 0-2 with a INT in Green Bay last week.

I also have to say that the Browns may have found themselves a late-round gem in rookie RB, James Davis, who ripped of a nice 81-yd touchdown run to close the game, it would not surprise me to see Davis get some PT this year.

While Anderson provided some much needed offense, I think maybe Joshua Cribbs should be the QB, considering he scored the most points than any player with 14, if not for a holding call on his first kick-off return being called back.

Here are some accumulated stats for both QB's from both games so far:

Brady Quinn : 10-16, 97 yards, 1 INT, 0 TD

Derek Anderson : 8-15, 130 yards, 2 INT's, 2 TD

This race is coming is heating up and both QB's appear to be in a dead heat, and one of them has to emerge, but on Saturday, Anderson clearly won Round 3.

Later,

Dawgfather.

Anderson, Quinn Have A Lot On The Line For Browns-Lion Showdown

Dawgfather — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:58:04 -0400

Browns Backers,

Greetings from Cleveland!

I have come up from Pittsburgh to go see the annual snooze-fest called the Great Lakes Classic. This will be a fight between two downtrodden teams from two depressed Rust Belt cities.

You just have to wonder, which is worse? A team that went winless or a team that has redefined the meaning of offensive?

When the Browns and Lions square off tonight, both teams will be playing for more than a shot of redemption. Both are coming into tonight's game trying to find a bona fide leader.

For the Browns, it comes down to Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn. The Lions have to determine whether Matthew Stafford is worthy of the No. 1 pick and being the new face of the once-proud Detroit Lions.

I will have to say that Stafford playing in the toughest conference in college football—the SEC, which should stand for Simply Elite Competition—has more than prepared him for the NFL.

His pocket presence and rocket arm helped his status in the draft. Tonight will be his first-ever NFL start on the road against a team who is struggling to attack the QB, and often treats offenses like they have the swine flu.

I would not be surprised to see Stafford develop into a respectable QB who can help the Lions win some games this year.

The question is whether he can lead them and gain the veterans' respect.

On the other side of the coin, the Browns are in need of a decision from Mangini as to who will be the starting QB.

While Quinn put up some fair numbers in Green Bay and moved the team down the field, it is never good to leave points on the field.

In the case of Derek Anderson, time is running out for him to stake his claim to being the starter.

If he does indeed start tonight's game at home, he will need to come out in his 2007 Pro Bowl form, not the 2008 incarnation that had many Browns fans begging and counting down the days to his release.

This preseason game is vitally important for Anderson, and he must play well to keep the Cleveland media and fan pressure off of him for at least another week.

For Brady Quinn and Matthew Stafford, this game could be the prelude to many starts and—for the Browns—hopefully many points and some wins.

Talk you after the game,
Dawgfather

Browns QB's Quinn and DA Get Chessecaked By Packers, 17-0

Dawgfather — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:53:18 -0400

Browns Backers,

sample - " a small part of anything or one of a number, intended to show the quality, style, or nature of the whole; specimen."

I always thought that remakes are supposed to be better than originals, I guess Hollywood will never do a remake of the 2008 Cleveland Browns that's for sure. Let's just hope we don't get a straight-to DVD 2009 special edition this year.

Before reading this article take a deep breath and step back to remind yourself that this is only a pre-season game. Despite the Browns anemic and otherwise pathetic performance in losing 17-0 to the Green Bay Packers, it is only the first pre-season game right?

Now that I've gotten your attention, let's take a moment to think about the promises of a "improved defense" and a "new attacking more aggressive pass rush" that we heard all year and even during training camp or even the fact that Quinn had supposedly widened his lead over Anderson to be the 2009 QB and a more competitive team... tonight's 17-0 defeat didn't exactly leave a good first impression.

You have to wonder who is the tortoise and who is the hare in this snail-paced race to be the starting QB of the Cleveland Browns. It is still too close to call even after tonight. While statistically Quinn outperformed Anderson by going 7 for 11 and 68 yards he also threw a INT. You have to wonder why fans aren't screaming for Brett Ratliff at this juncture.

To be fair to Quinn he does look to be starting QB material as he did lead the Browns down the field in two series to score only to have them both nullified by a Hank Fraley penalty on a FG and a Anthony Smith INT in the endzone thrown behind WR Braylon Edwards. To not even put up ZERO points against a team that had seven starters out makes you wonder if Quinn will ever establish himself as the starter.

Derek Anderson looks like he is ready to leave Cleveland and can no longer hide behind the facade of his 2007 Pro Bowl pedigree. He is still shell-shocked from his 2008 performance and you have to wonder if it is the lingering effects of his concussion he received last pre-season vs the Giants or if he has plateaued. If tonight's game is any further fuel to the fire being lit by "The Brady Bunch" then he is a walking Smores bar at this point.

While I like Anderson, I can realistically say that he is chartering his own one-way ticket out of Cleveland. With tonight's putrid performace of 0 for 1 and one INT, it will not be a matter of "if" he will be moved or traded but a matter of "when".

The whole team deserves to run laps after tonight's game as the offense once again resembled a remake of the 2008 season complete with illegal procedures, dumb penalties, and not being to find the endzone with a GPS. Did I forget to mention the invisible pass rush?

First impressions mean a lot especially if you're trying to score on a job interview or anything else in life. Tonight, I will have to give Round Two to Quinn.

Later,

Dawgfather.

Browns' Quinn Sends a 51-Yard Touchdown Message To his Critics

Dawgfather — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:05:56 -0400

"Lack of arm strength, dink, dunker and noodle arm."

All these things can be used to shape a general consensus and unfair slight in public opinion at times.

I guess Brady Quinn heard enough of those insults pointed in his direction.

At the annual intra-squad Browns training camp game, Quinn completed 12 of 19 passes for 121 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. The main highlight of his day was a 51 yard touchdown pass to Lance Legett.

With such a strong opening performance, you have to believe that Quinn is now the front-runner in the race to start for the Browns.

As for his internal competition, Derek Anderson had a pedestrian performance going 12-for-21 for 107 yards and 1 INT.

If Anderson hopes to change Brown's fans opinion of him, he needs to play up to his true potential and not throw dumb interceptions and hissy-fits at his teammates.

That is not going to get it done.

While the "Brady Bunch" can revel that their Golden Boy threw a ball longer than 13 yards, the pass came in a glorified practice.

Still, it looks like Quinn will start against Minnesota and could give the Browns their best chance of finally having a franchise quarterback.

Quinn could be exactly what the Browns need and according to many observers, is outplaying Anderson so far in training camp.

But, in the words of All-Star point guard Allen Iverson, "Practice man, we're talking about practice."

Derek Anderson Feeling Minnesota? Viking QB Sprains MCL

Dawgfather — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:23:16 -0400

Browns Backers,

Your wish of seeing Derek Anderson leaving Cleveland could be coming true sooner than you think. According to ESPN, Minnesota Vikings starting QB Tavaris Jackson sprained his MCL in training camp and could miss six to eight weeks.

The injury occurred when defensive lineman Letroy Guion fell at his feet and rolled over his leg during an 11-on-11 drill. Jackson folded to the field in pain as trainers rushed to check on him. but was able to walk off on his own power.

This could be a major setback for Minnesota whom many see as a Super Bowl contender with All-Pro RB Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor and the "Williams Wall" defensive line and after their failed attempt to land "retired" QB Brett Favre. The Vikings must now make due with journeyman QB Sage Rosenfels, which brings up the possibility of either reinstated QB Michael Vick or Cleveland Browns QB, Derek Anderson landing in the Twin Cities.

Derek Anderson would be a great fit for the Vikings and their system as he would not be required to try and win a game on his own and can just hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson. He would also have a top-flight reeiver in Bernard Berrian and Florida rookie Percy Harvin to go along with premier TE in Visanthe Shiancoe.

And this would also clarify the Cleveland QB situation once and for all, Quinn can make the Browns his team without Derek Anderson looming over his shoulder, like Brett Ratliff is ever a threat, seriously?

Stay tuned.

Dawgfather.

QB Controversy in Cleveland? Really?

Dawgfather — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:11:17 -0400

Browns Backers,

duel - Any contest between two persons or parties.

With the NFL regular season a little over five weeks away, training camps have already started all across the league and with fans flocking in droves to havens such as Berea, it will be their first opportunities to see new faces such as C Alex Mack, WR’s Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaqoui.

But the main attraction of Browns training camp 2009 will be the winner-takes-all high stakes poker style duel between 2007 Pro Bowl QB Derek Anderson, and Notre Dame heartthrob and area hero, QB Brady Quinn 2009 looks to be an intriguing year to say the least.

I’ll come straight to the point this year, this is Brady Quinn’s team now and his job to lose and the reason why I say that despite liking Derek Anderson is the fact that the Browns organization have more financially and marketing wise invested in Quinn than they do in Anderson.

In terms of letting a late first round pick ride the pine for the least two seasons and having $5 million tied into Quinn makes Quinn the logical choice and since he is the perceived “face of the franchise” then it should only be fair for him to start right?

Maybe.

Considering that three games is not a lot to judge and fairly evaluate Quinn, but is it also fair to him and his confidence to hand him the NFL’s most anemic offense? I am being completely honest and non-biased when I say that Brady sells, he sells his good looks on magazine covers and Subway and female Browns fans swoon over him “Twi-hards” envelop Robert Pattinson from Twilight but will it translate into putting points on the board and getting wins?

I love a good homecoming story like everyone else does but I find it so funny that everyone says that Quinn is a “hometown boy” He is from the greater Columbus suburb of Dublin and last time I check Columbus and Cleveland are two completely different cities!

If you want a real hometown boy think Ravens QB and Ohio State alumnus, Troy Smith who is from the East Side tough neighborhood of Glenville, or even the Browns newest WR, Brian Robiskie of Chagrin Falls. Since when did being a “hometown boy” make you an automatic god in the eyes of Browns fans?

Don’t get me wrong I know my history of sports inside and out, and the pantheon of great Browns QBs is generally considered in no particular order, Graham, Ryan, Kosar, Sipe and Nielsen and with the exception of Kosar no other QB is from the greater Cleveland area, let alone Ohio.

Otto Graham is from Waukegan, IL, Bill Nielsen is from Los Angeles, California, Frank Ryan is from Fort Worth, Texas and Brian Sipe was from San Diego, California and most recently Trent Dilfer was from Fresno, California.

Do you remember all the hype and ink about QB Charlie Frye and that he was going to be the next “Brett Favre” and that since he was from the humble borough of Willard, Ohio and was a Browns fan that he was going to be a great QB, and then he played and we all know how that ended right?

Which brings me to the perceived villain in this QB duel, a 6-6 gun-slinger from Scapoose, Oregon named Derek Anderson who had a breakout season in 2007 that landed him in the Pro Bowl, albeit a alternative, I sure he is still saying “mahalo” but this whole QB controversy is a ruse and a polite formality to only drum up interest from other teams in hopes of adding a QB.

There are some rumors that Seattle, Minnesota, San Francisco and Carolina might be interested and if you talked to the average Browns fan you would swear he was as devious as Michael Vick and as self-absorbed as Brett Favre, minus the dog-fighting and media circus.

Anderson in his own right had played fairly well enough to not lose his job because he knew he was one bad INT away from the “Brady, Brady!” chants but was benched in Week 10 for Quinn and would ultimately end his 2008 campaign with a calf injury, but in 25 starts he is 13-12 with 43 TD’s, 35 INT’s a 75.1 QB rating to go along with 6,195 yards passing.

And while fans want and demand Quinn it would not surprise me if Anderson starts and considering that Mangini didn’t draft Quinn, Mangini owes Quinn no loyalty, but in all honesty this duel is not even a draw or a dramatic sudden death shootout but a sad joke to both players involved and expect Quinn to line up under Mack against Minnesota in five weeks.

Till then,
Dawgfather

With Mangini On Board, Browns Have Work Ahead of Them in 2009

Dawgfather — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:09:05 -0500

Browns Backers,

With the Browns and Eric Mangini reaching a four year deal to become the 12th head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Mangini will have his work cut our for him and not in the way of dealing with New York cabbies who have road rage.

Mangini, 37, will be entering a mess in Cleveland, with the whole organization in complete disarray following the Savage/Winslow public feud, reports of players quitting, Shaun Smith hitting his first QB in a long time in punching QB, Brady Quinn, and the failed hands of WR Braylon Edwards not to mention the horrid defense.

Mangini can either turn the Browns around in 2009 like he did the Jets in his rookie year and go potentially 10-6, or fail in addressing the ugly warts that the Browns have and opt for major surgery.

While many Browns fans are either lukewarm or not happy in Lerner hiring another Belichick branch from the "Belichick Tree" Mangini could prove to be his own redwood and establish his own roots and seeds in Cleveland.

And the Browns have as much talent as the Jets but it was never properly utilized by the former regime, which shall not be named on penalty of death but, Mangini is actually coming into a good situation in Cleveland with two young and promising QB's and both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, a promising young DB tandem in Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald and a young and yet untested defensive core in D'Qwell Jackson, Alex Hall and Kamerion Wimbley that will be looking to redeem itself in 2009.

Mangini's first actions as head coach should include:

Identifying your QB

This is actually fairly easy and will eliminate any future distractions and drama for the Browns, while former starting QB, Derek Anderson played like the next Brett Favre in terms of throwing picks, there is still some talent in him that can be harnessed under Mangini and maybe a new offensive system would do him some good.

Brady Quinn looked very promising during his first three starts under center, but is that REALLY enough to just hand him the reins to a potentially deadly offense that will be getting its true slot WR, Joe Jurivicius back? Mangini needs to pick his QB and stick with him.

Lose the Dead Weight

What I mean here is lose the players, who you think could hold this team back or don't fit into your plans for the future, players such as LB Andra Davis, DB's Terry Cousins, Mike Adams and Travis Daniels come to mind immediately but also look for the Browns to possibly release RB Jamal Lewis, especially if they draft a RB in April.

It also wouldn't surprise me if the Browns cut QB's Derek Anderson and/or Ken Dorsey, WR Donte Stallworth and possibly let SS Sean Jones leave if they decide to draft a DB, maybe USC SS Taylor Mays or Ohio State standout, Malcolm Jenkins.

Bring Back the 4-3

For those of us who have had to watch the Browns' play defense, this is a easy call, The Browns don't have the linebackers to play a 3-4, and with the tackling dummy also known as LB Andra Davis on his way out, along with Willie McGinest's upcoming retirement, now would be a good time to switch back to a 4-3, and with potential free agent's that are capable of playing the 4-3 out there, Mangini must decide between keeping the 3-4 or bringing back the 4-3.

The Browns must decide not only who to target in free agency but also the draft, as such noteworthy LB's such as Wake Forest's Aaron Curry, USC LB Ray Malaluga and Ohio State LB, James Laurinitis and Texas DE, Brian Orapko could be a major factor here.

This in my opinion is the second biggest action next to deciding between Quinn and Anderson that Mangini will have to make.

Utilize your Playmakers

While in New York, Mangini used RB Leon Washington in a lot of various ways, slot WR, kickoff returns, etc. Fans were creaming at their TV's wondering why Romeo never used similar players like RB Jerome Harrison and WR/KR Joshua Cribbs more effectively.

I get the vibe that under Mangini that could change and if Lewis is released look for the Browns to make a run at Chargers RB, Darren Sproles and potentially have a two-back set of Sproles and Harrison split behind Quinn/Anderson.

Manigini will also have his hands full in trying to coach up prima-donna WR, Braylon Edwards who had a bad case of the dropsies and now feels that the fans don't like him, I hope E tells Braylon to just CATCH THE DAMN BALL! and all will be fine.

Draft Fearlessly

Mangini strikes me as the type who will do whatever it takes to draft the best player and currently the player that fits the Browns needs the most is USC LB, Rey Malaluga, he is fearlessly, intimidating and actually HITS people, another player I wouldn't be surprised to see him want is SS Taylor Mays from USC.

Mays reminds him of former Pitt standout and current Jets DB Darnell Revis, a real ball-hawk and someone who can change games, Safety is becoming the new prime position in case you haven't watched Troy Polamalu or Ed Reed, the Browns need a intimidator in the Eric Turner type of mold.

Form a Partnership With the New GM

George Kokonis, Rich McKay, Tom Heckert or Scott Pioli, the names are coming from all angles and we keep hearing different things about each and I'm not all that high on Kokonis because of his lack of experience being a GM.

I think the perfect fit for Mangini would be Eagles GM, Tom Heckert, they both seem to be tough, passionate men who want the best for their teams and with Heckert's track record of success coupled with Mangini's youth and potential, Heckert a Heckert/Mangini union could very well work, considering that both are experienced and have something to prove.

Is Manigini the Right Fit for Cleveland?

You will get no argument from Mangini's brother-in-law, Mark Shapiro, Mangini does have connections in Cleveland and while I'm not sure if that played a big factor in hiring him but at 37 Mangini is young enough to relate to the veterans on the team such as Shaun Rogers and Jamal Lewis and old enough to be able to talk to the young guns such as Quinn, Winslow, Edwards and Cribbs.

Mangini may not be the people's choice as was Bill Cowher, but he does have a chip on his shoulder now to prove Lerner right in hiring him and New York wrong in letting him walk.

And in the long run, Mangini just might work.

—Dawgfather

Report: Eric Mangini To Become Browns Coach By End of the Week

Dawgfather — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:58:29 -0500

Browns Backers,

According to WEEI 850AM Sports Radio's Michael Holley in Boston, ex-Jets coach Eric Mangini will become the new coach of the Cleveland Browns by the end of the week and has already begun targeting assistants from his old New York Jets staff to come join him in Cleveland, as reported by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Although it is not confirmed or official yet, it wouldn't come as a surprise since Mangini first emerged as the frontrunner for the Browns head coaching job after a very good interview with Browns owner Randy Lerner last week.

Mangini, 37, was 23-26 during his three years with the New York Jets. He led New York to the playoffs in his rookie year with a 10-6 record after their 4-12 season in 2005.

Mangini had the Jets on a collision course with the crosstown Giants and a potential all-New York Super Bowl at 8-3 before watching his team lose four out its last five games, including a home game for the AFC East title to ex-Jets quarterback Chad Pennington and the Miami Dolphins, which all but sealed his fate.

Personally, Mangini was unfairly made the scapegoat for Brett Favre's choke job and maybe a change in scenery would be good.

While that remains to be seen, and with the Browns looking to talk to Eagles GM Tom Heckert, Lerner might get the proven and experienced GM that he sorely needs.

More to come later,

Dawgfather

Gini In a Bottle? Mr. Aston Villa Needs to Get it Right Or Sell the Browns!

Dawgfather — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:33:42 -0500

Browns Backers,

I'm back!

After taking a two-week break to watch the playoffs and listen to all the nonsense of the Browns seriously considering Eric Mangini as head coach, I gotta say it is time to either storm Berea or boycott the team for turning this once proud franchise into the NFL's running punchline of incompetence.

Seeing the various reports from ESPN and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns part-time owner, Randy Lerner has settled for the Jet's sloppy seconds in little E and Baltimore director of pro player personnel George Kokinis.

And if the Plain Dealer is correct in that Lerner is obsessed with the "Belichick Tree," I think Mr Aston Villa had better go piss in another forest and stop acting like he's Johnny Appleseed, because the Belichick Tree tends to rot and wilt outside of Foxboro.

As a lifelong Browns fan, I hate Art Modell for taking my original team(which won in Miami today) and giving me this second-rate clown outfit that I have had to watch all year make an embarrassment of itself not only in the regular season but by it's current actions of having it's chain yanked by both Bill Cowher and Scott Pioli, But poor little rich boy Randy makes Art look like George Halas!

That sound you hear is the cowher09.com website shutting down permanently and while getting Bill Cowher to coach the Browns was the collective wet dream of every Browns fan from Cleveland to Fiji, once again Pittsburgh not only foils Cleveland once again but utterly owns it.

If I'm a Browns fan right now you have to be wondering George Kokinis who? I don't care if he worked as a usher at the old Stadium, what makes him qualified to be a GM?

I know that Mangini got a raw deal with drama king, Brett throwing picks like Derek Anderson but the fact of the matter remains that the Jets were 8-3 and dreaming of a Super Bowl and Mangini got canned because he could motivate a marching band of ants, let along grown men.

My main burn is on this clueless rich boy that owns OUR team(or at least trys to) and yet spends too much time in jolly ol' England eating crimpets and cheering his coveted Lions to the top four of the English Premier table and while he is making a effort in trying to get the right match in coach and GM, let me make a small suggestion:

Hire a President, then hire a GM, and finally a coach!

All the pressure is on Lerner at this point because if Browns fans feel that this is "Groundhog Day" as first mentioned on every Browns forum, then I suggest Lerner get this right or sell the team to a REAL owner who will invest not only his money and undivided attention on the Cleveland Browns but will be more competent in hiring the right personnel.

And Lerner can go move to England and watch his Lions as much as he wishes.

Dawgfather

Romeo Crennel Fired, Bill Cowher Turns Down Cleveland Browns

Dawgfather — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:34:26 -0500

Thanks, ESPN, for making me jump the gun!

Romeo Crennel was officially fired today, as reported by both ESPN and The Cleveland Plain Dealer, after ESPN aired a conflicting "Breaking News" piece following the Browns' 31-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Crennel's firing came after meeting with Browns owner Randy Lerner. It has been coming in the eyes of many Browns fans for months, following the NFL-record 24 quarters of not scoring an offensive touchdown, raised expectations, head-scratching, and bone-headed play calling, on top of the dysfunctional QB carousel. This is a day of rejoicing as far as Backers Worldwide are concerned.

Randy Lerner also met with Bill Cowher in New York to discuss the Browns head coaching position and was rebuffed by the former Steeler boss, who has said that he was happy with his role at CBS and lifestyle in North Carolina, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

So with Cowher removed from the list, the Browns may turn their eyes towards Patriots offensive coordinator and John Caroll alum Josh McDaniels, Giants defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnoula, or even recently-fired Jets coach Eric Mangini.

The Browns are ready to interview Patriots Executive VP Scott Pioli for the vacant GM position and can talk to him now that the Pats are done for the year.

Cleveland Browns Fire Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel

Dawgfather — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:37:10 -0500

I guess Lerner could wait till Monday after all!

According to ESPN, the Cleveland Browns fired both Senior VP/General Manager, Phil Savage, and Head Coach Romeo Crennel hours after the Browns' 31-0 defeat in Pittsburgh.

Crennel's firing which has been rumored for weeks shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, considering that his 24-40 record over four years was bad. However, Romeo's tenure will be remembered for the fact he went 0-8 against the hated Pittsburgh Steelers.

Phil Savage who was once thought to be safe, was also let go on Sunday. Savage will be best remembered for his profane e-mail he sent a Browns fan during the Buffalo game and the public spat he had with Browns TE Kellen Winslow.

During Savage's time, the Browns signed veteran free agents such as RB Jamal Lewis, LG Eric Steinbach, and WR Joe Jurivicius. But Savage will also be remembered for the wasted trade of DL Corey Williams and free agent WR Donte Stallworth.

His draft record wasn't so bad with the celebrated coup of QB Brady Quinn, LT Joe Thomas, and CB's Eric Wright. Though, with LB/DE Kamerion Wimbley officially a bust, the Savage era will be somewhat tarnished considering the Browns passed on current Ravens DE Haloti Ngata.

With the housecleaning well underway, this puts the Browns in a excellent position to go after former Pittsburgh coach and current CBS analyst Bill Cowher, former Browns coach, Marty Schottenheimer, and Giants defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnoula.

The Browns are also looking at Patriots VP of Operation, Scott Pioli, and Dolphins boss, Bill Parcells.

Whatever the case, the 2009 draft is only three months away, So stay tuned browns fans!

Dawgfather

Browns-Bengals: The Battle of Oh-No!

Dawgfather — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:32:43 -0500

Browns Backers,

Ohio likes to refer to itself as "The Heart Of It All," mainly because of its demographics and influence in politics and hearty Midwestern values. The upcoming Browns-Bengals game will turn the 71th renewal of state bragging rights into the Battle of Oh-no and might induce heart failure!

Forgive me for not writing sooner, but after watching Cleveland's latest flop in South Philly on Monday night can you blame me! This season can't end soon enough!

If there was ONE good thing that came out the Philly debacle is that I'm in my first ever FFL championship, and if I didn't care about appearance I would gladly kiss Andy Reid's fat head along with DB Brandon McDonald's hand.

I was ahead 21 points with my rival, "Kev," starting QB Donovan McNabb, Kev needed 21 points to beat me and advance to the title game, so just try and imagine me pacing and being a nervous wreck while watching your home-town team getting smashed.

ESPN projected McNabb at 14 points(249 yds, 2 TD's 2 INTs), so with my calculations McNabb needed to throw for around 550 yards or 325 yds and two TD's or three TD's and against the Browns defense anything is possible.

When Brandon McDonald made that sweet one-handed INT in the end zone, I screamed like a maniac at work shouting "Run, Run, Run!" and after I was let go I flew into a virtual "Eagle's Nest" at the Browns Backers bar, Peter's Pub, which was overrun by Philly college students cheering on their Birds and with only five brave Backers, we were not only outnumbered in the Pub but on the scoreboard.

When Reid finally pulled McNabb for backup Kevin Kolb, let's just say I was very relieved when I came back home and saw that McNabb came up short with 17 points and I edged out "Georgia Bulldogs" 215-213.

Besides beating Kev, the only other good thing that I took from the game was that Braylon actually caught some balls, but Braylon being Braylon dropped the ball again when he inferred that he was mainly being booed because he went to Michigan.

I suggest the Braylon call up former Cleveland Brown and SCUM alum, FB Leroy Hoard, to ask for help in pulling his foot from his mouth, because personally I don't care WHAT school you went to as long as you play and produce you're good in the eyes of Browns fans.

Consider that our best player is from Cryami, we have a hometown WR who defected to Penn State, our former starting Pro Bowl QB went to freaking Oregon State, and our glamour boy signal caller went to Notre Dame, Braylon just needs to either get neutered or buy a muzzle and just shut up and play!

Bear with me and humor me fro a second. Let's say that the Browns drafted Troy Smith instead of Brady Quinn; now, while you may or may not like Quinn because he went to ND, there is a high expectation that comes along with being QB at such a storied program, and I think that is the main reason for the anti-Quinn backlash, because whether you like ND or hate them, you will always have an opinion.

I think that if Smith was a Cleveland Brown, he would bear a greater burden and MORE pressure because he is from the tough East Side hood of Glenville, played at Ohio State, went 3-0 vs Michigan, won a national title as a freshman and won the Heisman his senior year.

Add to the fact that he would have distractions at every turn and constant media pressure to win, I think being from Cleveland and having a successful career in Columbus would bring MORE pressure than Braylon could ever understand.

Moving on to the Bengals, this game is for nothing more than pride and bragging rights and with the Bengals upsetting the Redskins last week, they are either due for a letdown or can rally together and kick some dirt on Cleveland's grave and spoil what's left of it (and hopefully get Crennel fired right after the game!).

But I expect Cedric Benson to carry a load in this game, and considering Cleveland's porous defense don't be surprised to see a lot of the first round bust from Texas.

T.J. and Ocho Nono could be a factor if Fitzpatrick has time to throw because other than McDonald the Browns' secondary doesn't intimidate QB's. For the Browns, they must establish the passing game first(feel free to chuckle!) in order to establish Jamal on the ground effectively and maybe Dorsey could attack down-field with some play-action.

Look for the Browns' defense to come up big with some sacks and a couple of INT's and maybe there will be some good times at the lakefront.

Prediction: Browns 21 Bengals 10

Barking for a FFL Title,
Dawgfather

LT Joe Thomas Selected to Pro Bowl, NT Shaun Rogers Selected As Reserve

Dawgfather — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:48:17 -0500

According to ESPN.com and NFL.com, Browns LT Joe Thomas and NT Shaun Rogers have been selected to the NFL Pro Bowl, which will be played in Honolulu, Hawaii a week after the Super Bowl.

Joe Thomas, a second-year left tackle from Wisconsin, will be going to his second Pro Bowl. Shaun Rogers, a seven-year veteran from the University of Texas acquired by the Browns via trade, will be going to Hawaii as a reserve.

Although this season is quickly becoming one to forget for Browns fans, Rogers has been a one-man force on a otherwise mediocre defense, while Joe Thomas has quickly established himself as a much-needed anchor on the Browns' offensive line.

Browns Hit a Low Note in Music City Malaise

Dawgfather — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:59:42 -0500

Browns Backers,

atrocity - " the quality or state of being atrocious. "

With 2009 three weeks away, the Cleveland Browns are playing more like it's 1999. After the latest 28-9 loss to Tennessee, Cleveland will most definitely remember these Titans.

It wasn't like this wasn't expected, especially after both former starting QB's Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn go down with injuries playing on the road against a team that is now 12-1, like me you probably would have found some sort of distraction on Sunday to take you mind of the inevitable onslaught like running errands, getting ready for your fantasy football playoffs or even going X-Mas shopping.

If you're a Dawg for Life like me you would be a happy loyal glutton begging for punishment. I decided to brave the harsh Pittsburgh cold and trek crosstown to watch the hapless Browns and their latest "masterpiece" like a loyal deer caught in the headlights of a speeding 18-wheeler and considering that the Browns were not too far from Knoxville, it quickly turned into the Rocky Horror Football Show.

Watching this game, let alone this WHOLE season takes an immense amount of dedication to go along with a stomach coated in titanium, it might also help to pop a couple of Tums like they are PEZ Candy because this game was uninteresting, dull and quite frankly very boring to watch, did I forget to mention painful.

I watched this latest atrocity of a NFL football game with 12 of my fellow suffering brothers at Peter's Pub and there was a brief sense of hope which quickly got squashed once Tennessee starting scoring, one fellow Backer took a nap AT the bar, and another left at halftime to wrap X-Mas presents.

I can't blame either one at all considering that watching the Browns tends to induce both nausea and drowsiness, and I guess that sleepiness made its way down to the sidelines, paraphrasing CBS commentor Dan Fouts on Crennel's gutlessness to challenge a 50-yard Cribbs pass to Edward Scissorhands, whom actually CAUGHT something, it would have been the longest play of the game, Lerner if you are reading this, PLEASE FIRE THIS IDIOT!

The Browns really hit a new low in offensive futility when you consider that the Titan's RB tandem of Lendale White and rookie Chris Johnson had more rushing yards (235 yards) than the ENTIRE Browns team did (178 yards). Even more embarrassing is that Joshua Cribbs had more rushing yards (24) than Jamal Lewis (seven).

You have to wonder how did Ken Dorsey ever win a BCS national title at Miami because after seeing him throw on Sunday it really makes ME actually like Brady Quinn even MORE, considering my main harp on Quinn has always been his arm strength. Sadly, a wet cardboard box has more strength than Dorsey!

And once again the defense actually came to play by picking off Kerry Collins twice and recovering a fumble, they all but gift-wrapped potential points for K Phil Dawson, considering that the offense decided to stay AWOL.

Considering that the Browns are the NFL poster child of a dysfunctional train wreck you have to wonder if Britney Spears was thinking of Cleveland when she named her new CD, Circus after them considering that the team has played more like clowns.

At 4-9 the only thing that the Browns can hope for now is to beat Cincinnati and MAYBE spoil Pittsburgh's season, and after watching that attempt at playing football, since the Browns were in Nashville, the CMA's should stand for Crennel Must Abort!

Singing the Music City Blues,
Dawgfather

Cleveland Browns Sign Former Bucs QB, Bruce Gradkowski To Two-Year Deal.

Dawgfather — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:40:39 -0500

According to ESPN.com, the Cleveland Browns have signed former Tampa Bay QB and Toledo University standout Bruce Gradkowski to a two-year deal today.

The deal comes on the heels of starting QB Brady Quinn opting for surgery on his finger and one-time starter QB Derek Anderson tearing his MCL in the Browns 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The 25-year-old 6'1, 220 lb Pittsburgh native will backup starting QB Ken Dorsey for the remainder of the season, and with the way things are going, the Browns might search the waiver wire to see if Tim Couch and can still throw.

Peace Out, Dawgs, it is going to be a LONG month!

Dawgfather