Bleacher Report - Articles by Jeff Smirnoff

Browns-Broncos: Brownies Bomb in Denver, 27-6

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:02:07 -0400

It is often said that things sometimes have to get worse before they can get better.

The Cleveland Browns better hope for two things. One, that the proverb is true and two, that they can’t get much worse then their performance in a 27-6 loss to the Denver Broncos.

In a game that could have been a lot worse if not for two Matt Prater missed field goals, the Browns once again kept it close in the first half only to be manhandled after the second half kickoff.

Failing to take advantage of opportunities presented by the Broncos and presenting more than a few to Denver was the story for the beaten and battered Browns.

Cleveland got a gift on the opening kickoff when Peyton Hillis fumbled. But the Browns was unable to convert the turnover into a touchdown and had to settle for a Phil Dawson field goal. The Broncos, on the other hand, were able to convert an Alex Mack botched snap into a touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Tony Scheffler.

If the Browns play-calling could be described in two words I would go with "boring" and "horrible." Once again deciding not to stretch the field, Eric Mangini and Brian Daboll instead attempted to utilize a short passing attack.

This was rendered ineffective by Brady Quinn’s inefficiencies and the inability of the offensive line to give Quinn time to throw.

After looking decent in two starts in 2008, Quinn has looked over-matched and unable to make plays.

Today was no different as he seemed to have little or no cohesiveness with his receivers all game. Tackle John St. Clair did not help things as he yielded four sacks to Denver’s Elvis Dumerville, which set a Broncos franchise record.

It was, once againm another game without an offensive touchdown, which makes it seven inept games out of eight for the Browns.

The Browns defensive performance mirrored that of the first game versus Minnesota. They managed to keep the team in the game in the first half, helped by Prater’s two missed kicks, but derailed as the second half wore on.

Whether it is just being worn down by the opposing offense, not having enough playmakers on that side of the ball, or just losing faith that the offense will keep you in a game, the Browns defense can not seem to put a complete game together.

So it’s 0-2 for the Browns with a trip to Baltimore to face the rugged Ravens staring them right in the face. If the Browns don’t find some sort of consistency—or more importantly, some sort of team identity—in a hurry, they are looking at an even more brutal season than most predicted.

For the Browns sake, they better hope that proverb exist for a reason. Because it will be very difficult to get much worse than they have been in the first two games of the season.

The Cleveland faithful would rather these games not get much more difficult to watch.

The Browns Table: 2009 Season Preview

Jeff Smirnoff — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:19:43 -0400

We are back and better than ever!

Welcome to the 2009 edition of The Browns Table, a season-long look at the Cleveland Browns from views of the Browns fans here on Bleacher Report.

We have a special season preview edition of The Browns Table this week. Taking a look at the Browns no longer secret QB situation (Damn you, TO!) along with what we expect on both sides of the ball and where we thing the Browns will finish in 2009.

Thanks to fellow Browns fan Samantha Bunten for her contributions this week and throughout the course of the 2009 NFL season. Anyone willing to participate can contact me by leaving a note on my profile.

As Adam Carolla would say, “Let’s get it on” and let’s talk some Browns football…

Brady Quinn was finally named the starting QB for the Browns. What do you think of the decision and what does he need to do in 2009 to show you he is the QB of the future for the team?

Samantha Bunten:

Quinn was the obvious and correct choice. I agree with the decision, but I don't truly believe he is the quarterback of the future for this team. Quinn will be better than Anderson, but that doesn't mean he will be good. I haven't seen anything out of Quinn that convinces me he can lead this franchise anywhere.

However, nothing would make me happier than to have Quinn prove me wrong. He has the swagger and the mobility to command the position, but he needs to prove he has the ability to make adjustments and to truly be the team's field general, not just the guy taking the snaps.

And speaking of snaps, Mangini hasn't done Quinn any favors by failing to name a starting center for the opener. A relatively inexperienced quarterback needs to establish as much consistency and routine for himself as possible, and that's tough when you don't even know who's going to feed you the ball in a couple of days.

Jeff Smirnoff:

It was the only sane decision. Anyone who didn’t think he was the guy from Day 1 was fooling themselves. Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Heath Shuler and many other first round choices got 1-2 seasons to prove themselves (or disprove themselves, I should say) while Quinn has had 3 games, one with a broken finger. The Browns need to know if he is their franchise QB for years to come or if they need to address the position in the off season. Derek Anderson has had a chance to be evaluated and we know his strength and weaknesses and they were still evident in preseason. I think he is a great backup QB and can still be a starter in the NFL but 2009 is about evaluating Quinn.

The offense failed to score a touchdown in the final six games of 2008. What do you expect from them in 2009 and what position has you most concerned on that side of the ball?

Samantha Bunten:

The offense can only get better, and get better they will. The question is how much better. Feature back Jamal Lewis will be a workhorse as always, but he's well past his prime. I'm excited to see what James Davis can do to bring some youth and energy to the position.

The receiving corps has a huge upside...if any of them can ever hang onto the ball. Robiskie, like Edwards, worries too much about where the hit is coming from to focus on the ball, and Massaquoi spent his whole senior season at Georgia with a mean case of the dropsies. If he can improve upon that though, he looks to be solid at the position and is a huge threat after catching a ball.

What concerns me most...just one position? Ok, ok. I'll go with tight end. The Browns have no stand-outs at this position. Heiden is solid, but not a number one guy. Beyond that, the position is staffed only with mediocre talent like Robert Royal and Martin Rucker.

Jeff Smirnoff:

Consistency. With Quinn at the helm, I expect a lot more sustained drives and a professional looking offense. It will be interesting to see how Brian Daboll works as a first time coordinator. I think the line will gel over the course of the year with Alex Mack and Rex Hadnot and that will help Quinn’s growth. Braylon Edwards and Josh Cribbs can make some plays in the passing game with Mike Furrey being a poor man’s Joe Jurevicius. If Daboll can find a way to work Jamal Lewis, Jerome Harrison and James Davis into the backfield to take the pressure off Quinn it will help the cause.

On defense, there a lot of seasoned veterans and young up and comers but not a lot of impact players. What area of the defense scares you the most heading into 2009?

Samantha Bunten:

Two things about the defense really scare me. The first is that the perpetually troublesome position for the Browns, OLB, is still looking like it will be just as much of an Achilles' heel for the team as it has been in years past.

Wimbley is a great guy and a great teammate, and there is still a chance he can be the guy we thought he would be after watching his rookie season in 2006, but for the most part he underachieves on the field in terms of making sacks and applying pressure. I'm not sold on David Bowens, one of many of Mangini's former "Pet Jets", but youngster Alex Hall may help the pass rush.

The second thing about the defense that scares me is the lack of depth at safety. I like Brodney Poole a lot, and Abram Elam is, for better or for worse, a very similar player to Sean Jones, the guy he will be replacing. The problem is that beyond those two, there's nobody waiting in the wings who I am comfortable sending onto the field on any given Sunday.

Jeff Smirnoff:

Linebacker. The 3-4 defense is all about the front three eating up blockers to allow the linebackers to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. This requires hard hitting, aggressive ILBs and OLBs who can generate a pass rush. The Browns have no such playmakers at linebacker currently. Maybe Alex Hall can develop. Maybe Kamerion Wimbley can return to his rookie form but those are maybes. D’Qwell Jackson is a solid second ILB but not an impact ILB the Browns sorely need. Until they address the LB core the team’s growth will be stunted.

Which player on the defensive side of the ball most needs to "make the leap" to help the Browns evolve into a competent defense?

Samantha Bunten:

D'Qwell Jackson is the guy who needs to "make the leap", and for once, the Browns may actually get what they need, as Jackson is capable of doing it. Jackson is already a standout at LILB and should only get better.

He's very accurate and misses blocks well. What he needs to improve on is his aggressive play, from forcing more turnovers to performing better in coverage and adapting to the new 3-4 scheme adopted by the defense this season. Jackson has the athleticism and the mental ability to do what he needs to do to make the leap, and hopefully, this will positively impact for the entire defense.

Jeff Smirnoff:

Abram Elam, no doubt. It would help if Alex Hall could develop into an impact OLB or Kamerion Wimbley would revert back to his rookie form but it all rests on Elam. The Browns have needed a leader and hard hitter in the defensive backfield since Brian Russell was not resigned. The 3-4 is all about impact LBs and a smash mouth safety. There are no impact LBs evident as of today but Elam has shown flashes of being able to take control at safety. If he can fill it, its one less huge hole they don’t need to address in the off-season. If not, someone page Taylor Mays of USC.

The Browns have a number of rookies that have a chance to make an impact. Who do you think steps up and becomes a player this season?

Samantha Bunten:

If Alex Mack can own the Center's position and wrest it away—permanently—from Hank Fraley, he could have a huge impact on helping Brady Quinn's game. Mack struggled in camp, but lined up at Center for the final three pre-season games, indicating that Mangini is considering him for the position as much as Fraley. Mangini has stated that he isn't opposed to playing both, but I think for Quinn's sake, it would be far better to be lined up behind the same guy every week. If Mack steps up, he could be that guy.

Massaquoi, as mentioned above, could be an impact receiver if he can hold onto the ball, particularly in heavy traffic. David Veikune was great at getting to the quarterback in college. If he can duplicate that in the NFL, he could be huge.

Jeff Smirnoff:

Kaluka Maiava on special teams and James Davis on offense. Maiava was in on every tackle on special teams. Rookie WRs hardly ever make a huge impact so Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi are out. David Veikune is adjusting to moving NFL OLB from NCAA DE which will take time. Alex Mack will start but offensive lines take time to gel. Davis has a chance to take advantage of a worn down Jamal Lewis and injury prone Jerome Harrison and become and intricate part of the Browns’ offense. The second year in a row that the Browns’ last draft pick is their best.

OK, call your shot. What record do the Browns finish at in 2009 and why?

Samantha Bunten:

I'll say the Browns finish at 5-11, but will be better than their record indicates. The schedule-makers didn't do the Browns any favors this year, just as being in the tough AFC North hurts them by forcing them to play a quarter of their schedule against the likes of Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

Their weakest opponents, like Kansas City and Denver, are unfortunately road games. The Browns are going to have to fight hard for every victory this season. Let's hope they're up to the challenge

Jeff Smirnoff:

Until I actually see the Browns punch the Appalachian Inbred and Ratbirds back when they get punched themselves I can not pick them to beat their two historic rivals. Throw in the Bengals being improved if Carson Palmer is healthy and I don’t see more than one win in the division. I see them splitting the other 10 games for a 6-10 record. I think the offense will begin to gel under Quinn with the O-line and rookies developing but the defense will hold them back until they get playmakers at safety and linebacker. Too many good QBs on the schedule to exploit the defense.

Browns' 2009 Can Not Be Judged By Wins Alone

Jeff Smirnoff — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:23:12 -0400

With the Cavaliers falling short in the NBA playoffs and the Indians’ reverting back to their mid-1980s ineptitude, Cleveland fans are starved for some winning.

With the NFL about to kick off 2009, the Browns don’t look like they are going to change that trend anytime soon, but when it comes to this season the Browns cannot be judged by their record.

Lacking an identity from the top down since their reincarnations, the Browns’ have been mismanaged by three separate regimes since the Lerner Family was awarded the franchise in 1999.

Eric Mangini is the latest to take a chance at rebuilding the once-proud franchise after three up an down years at the helm of the New York Jets.

What Mangini lacks in personality and forthrightness he makes up with attention to detail and accountability. The latter is something that has been missing in Cleveland for a long time.

While Mangini may or may not be able to generate a winning record in his first year along the shores of Lake Erie, how he constructs the team is of much more importance.

Since their return, the Browns have not just played bad football. At times, it would be hard to classify the product on the field as professional football.

If Mangini can make the Browns look like a professional football team for 16 weeks, it would be a giant step in the right direction.

Minimal penalties, competent games plans and putting players in a position to succeed are things that have not been seen on the North Coast for the last 10 years.

These things along with crisp execution and motivation need to be laid as the foundation to establish a consistent winning franchise in the NFL.

While establishing this foundation is key, the wins will not follow quickly in 2009 as the Browns face a serious lack of talent on both sides of the ball.

This is why the 2009 campaign cannot be judged by the win column. How many players and at what positions are what Mangini’s Browns should be evaluated upon.

On offense it’s time to turn over the reins to Brady Quinn and see what he can do. A first round draft pick QB needs at least two seasons to be evaluated properly.

Brady Quinn has had three games. The likes of Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith and Heath Shuler have gotten more than that.

No offense to Derek Anderson, but we have seen what he can and cannot do. He may be a serviceable NFL QB, but the need to evaluate Quinn is paramount to 2009.

Because if neither Quinn nor Anderson is the answer, then the Browns have a huge hole they need to fill for 2010 and beyond.

The rest of the offense is young and their development must parallel Quinn’s. A number of questions need to be answer that will determine the direction of the franchise for 2009 and beyond.

Can James Davis and Jerome Harrison be a formative duo to supplant Jamal Lewis in 2010 if not sooner?

How will Brian Robiskie and Mohammed Massaquoi develop as complements to Braylon Edwards?

Does Edwards fit into Cleveland’s long term plans and can he realize the enormous potential that rests deep inside?

The Browns also need to develop a cohesive offensive line. The offensive line is always more than the sum of its parts.

In 2007, moving Ryan Tucker to guard somehow made The Human Parking Cone, Kevin Shaffer, into a serviceable NFL right tackle.

Rookie Alex Mack is thrown into the fire at center with Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach anchoring the left side of the line. How this unit gels will undoubtedly affect the development of the offense as a whole.

The defense is an even bigger cause for concern. Shaun Rogers looks to me the only playmaker on that side of the ball in a defense that desperately needs more.

The 3-4 defense demands a hard hitting impact player at ILB. D’Qwell Jackson may be a good second ILB but the Browns will need to find and develop a playmaker.

They also lack the pass rush from the OLB position that Kamerion Wimbley provided in 2006 but has been unable to replicate since.

Without that pass rush, young CBs like Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald are left on island more often that not for way longer than a DB should have to cover.

The safety position is also a concern, as Abe Elam has looked shaky in pre-season and Brodney Pool suffered yet another concussion that may inevitably cut his career short.

A rugged, ball-hawking safety needed to lead the defensive backfield and set the tone across the middle. The Browns have no one ready to fill that role.

So the key for the Browns in 2009 is not how many games they win, but how many players they can develop. Because if they can fill a number of personnel voids internally this year it will minimize the areas that they have to focus on in 2010.

If they do not have the players in place to fill some of these needs, or they are incapable of developing them, then the Browns face a much steeper mountain than they already do climb back to respectability.

In a city that is starved for sports related success, the words patience, progress and development are not popular ones.

But when it comes to the 2009 Cleveland Browns, they are the only ones that can be used to accurately gauge if their campaign is a successful one of not, regardless of what the win column says.

For Mangini's Browns Its a Deja Vu Debut

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:12:18 -0400

Well that was definitely worth the wait. Ineffective quarterback play. Porous run defense. Inopportune penalties. Bad tackling. Failure to capitalize on opportunities. All were consistent traits of the Romeo Crennel led Cleveland Browns for the past four seasons. Unfortunately for Eric Mangini, they were all traits of his Cleveland Browns in his head coaching debut, a 17-0 whitewash at the hands of the Green Bay Packers.

Mangini was brought into Cleveland to instill hard work, discipline, and work ethic to a floundering franchise. An actual touchdown would be nice for starters as the Browns failed to find the end zone on offense again after six straight games with the same problem in 2008.

The only difference was that in this game the Browns actually were thought to have two “capable” quarterbacks at their disposal and not placeholders named Ken Dorsey or Bruce Gradkowski. But neither Brady Quinn nor Derek Anderson was able to put points on the board against a Green Bay defense that was using the 3-4 against live competition for the first time.

Quinn started and looked very effective out of the gate hitting crafty veteran Mike Furrey on a couple of third downs during the opening Browns' drive to move the chains. Jamal Lewis ran tough as the Browns mixed the run and pass effectively and a well timed end around to Josh Cribbs netted 29 yards, which was the Browns’ high individual rushing total for the game.

In the end, Quinn was unable to put any points on the board as he misfired on a third down pass to Cribbs and the Browns has to settle for a 31 yard field goal attempt by Phil Dawson. That kick split the uprights but a holding penalty by Hank Fraley pushed the kick back 10 yards and Dawson pushed the ensuing kick wide right to give the Browns nothing to show for their troubles.

Anderson fared no better as he led two drives that totaled five official plays. A three and out on the second series of the game and a two play drive that started on the 50 yard line after a Mason Crosby miss of a 60 yard field goal. The three and out was much better than the second series as Anderson was picked after being hit while throwing on the second play of the drive. Even worse, both series took place against the Packers’ second string defense.

Quinn returned on the last series of the half as the Browns ran the two minute drill down 14-0. He used Furrey, Cribbs, and new tight end Robert Royal to put the Browns into the Red Zone for a second time. But the results were the same as the Browns were held scoreless once again. Braylon Edwards dropped a touchdown in the back of the end zone on a difficult, but catchable, ball on 2nd-and-goal. On 3rd-and-goal, Quinn scrambled and went back to Edwards but was intercepted by Anthony Smith.

In the end, no light was shed on the quarterback conundrum that the Browns face as Quinn failed to make plays when he needed to and Anderson was not given enough of an opportunity (five plays) to establish a rhythm. Those hoping for The Brett Ratliff Experience to provide a spark were treated to two quarters of skittish play that resulted in three sacks and two interceptions.

Those hanging their hat on the defense being improved under Mangini and Rob Ryan were also left disappointed despite allowing only 17 points. The Green Bay first team offense carved up the Browns’ defense for 14 points in two series with very little effort. In fact, the Green Bay offense held the ball so much in the first half, it only allowed Quinn and Anderson two series apiece.

Aaron Rodgers took advantage of Abe Elam on the first drive of the evening. On 3rd-and-10, with the Browns only rushing three, Rodgers surveyed the field with no one open. He scrambled and stepped up in the pocket and that was enough to entice Elam to break towards the line of scrimmage and allow Donald Driver to blow past him. Rodgers hit Driver in perfect stride for 53 yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

The Packers’ second possession yielded the same result as they methodically marched down the field on a 12 play, 68 yard drive that culminated in a Ryan Grant touchdown and a 14-0 lead. Rodgers picked apart the Browns defense through the air while Grant, Brandon Jackson, and DeShawn Wynn ran all over the field on the ground.

In the end, the Browns defense conceded 392 yards to the Packers with 230 of them being on the ground. The lack of consistent pressure that was common during the Crennel years was still in place under Ryan and Mangini. Defensive holding penalties and too many men on the field infractions extended both Packers’ touchdown drive in the first quarter.

Ahtyba Rubin and Kendrick Moseley were the only two Browns to stand out on defense providing constant pressure and activity thought the first half. Rookies Coye Fancies and David Veikune were recipients of interceptions from Brian Brohm but those picks only prevented the score from being more lopsided.

In the end the Browns were left with the same questions that seem to have plagued them for the ten years since their reincarnation in 1999. Do they have an NFL quarterback on the roster? Can they effectively stop the run on defense? Do they have impact playmakers on either side of the ball that can change the course of a game? Do they have enough talent on their roster to be competitive in the brutal AFC North?

In fact, the night was symbolized perfectly by the solid, brown pants that they wore for the first time since the pre-season debacle in New York last season. Instead of being ready for prime time, the 2009 Cleveland Browns looked exactly the same as the 2008 model… the same color of their pants. Complete and udder crap.

The Detroit Lions come to the Erie Shore next weekend for pre-season week number two. The Lions went 0-16 last season but anyone who watched the Browns for the last six weeks of 2008 knows that the Lions were not the worst team in the NFL during that time. For Cleveland’s sake they better hope they can change that in the next seven days or its going to be a long 17 weeks in the regular season.

Indians-Yankees: Series Rewind

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:40:23 -0400

Most of the time, splitting a four game series in New York with the Yankees is cause for celebration for the Cleveland Indians.

While the Tribe has many things to be encouraged about after the inaugural series in New Yankee Stadium the thought that they had the chance to christen the new venue by sweeping the Yankees out of their new home has to eat them alive.

The first game of the series featured the last two AL Cy Young award winners in Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia. Unlike some Cleveland fans I wish CC Sabathia no ill will.

He resigned here when he was younger and never had any qualms about saying he was going to test the market. That being said, I hope he pitches like crap every time he faces the Tribe.

Both aces labored in and out of trouble all game with Lee somehow scattering seven hits and three walks over six innings while Sabathia surrendered five hits and five walks in only five and third.

After Lee left the game after the sixth with the score tied at one the Indians erupted for nine runs in the top of the seventh off the Yankee bullpen. This included a grand slam by Grady Sizemore and a solo shot my Victor Martinez. The Indians finished off the game with a final score of 10-2.

The struggling Rafael Perez pitched two rough innings, giving up one run while Eric Wedge trotted out Rafael Betancourt to pitch the meaningless ninth. We’ll come back to this point later in Bullpen Management 101.

Game two began what looks to be the rechristening of Yankee Stadium as Coors Field Northeast. The Yankees hit five solos homers en route to a 6-5 victory over the Indians.

Anthony Reyes pitched decently but did not make it beyond five innings. Home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi did not help either he or Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain with one of the most inconsistent strike zones I have seen n quite some time.

The Yankees held a 3-2 lead going into the fifth inning but the Tribe managed to plate three in the top of the fifth to take a 5-3 lead. Here is where the Bullpen Management 101 would have been beneficial to Eric Wedge.

Wedge pitched Perez and Betancourt in the 10-2 blow out the day before, therefore neither was available to pitch in the second game. Perez has been horrid so pitching him two innings in a meaningless game made sense.

Betancourt has been up and down and is coming off a bad 2008 but why pitch one of your bullpen stalwarts and leave yourself shorthanded for the next game.

Well that is what Wedge did and long man Zack Jackson cam on to pitch the sixth. He lasted two-thirds of an inning (four batters) giving up two hits including a home run to Robinson Cano to make it 5-4 Indians. Then Joe Smith came on for one batter to end the sixth.

Instead of rolling with Smith in the seventh Wedge went with veteran Vinnie Chulk, who is the last man in the bullpen. Let me repeat. Vinnie Chulk is the last man in the bullpen. Why is he pitching the seventh inning of a 5-4 game? Because Wedge pitched Betancourt the day before instead of Chulk.

Yes, hindsight is 20/20 but Wedge left himself short in the pen on a day he knew he had a starter in Reyes who struggles to get past five or six innings routinely. Chulk promptly gave up a couple of walks and made an error himself to turn a 5-4 lead into a 5-5 tie after seven.

Would Betancourt have done better than Chulk? Who knows but the ODDS were that Betancourt would done better than Chulk.

So with the game tied in the bottom of the eight Jensen Lewis came on struck out two and surrendered a pop up to Derek Jeter. Unfortunately, the New Yankee Stadium jet stream turned this routine pop up into the worlds weakest home run and a 5-5 tie into a 6-5 Yankee lead.

Phil Cuzzi then reared his ugly head again with another inconsistent inning behind the plate as he rang up Mark DeRosa in the bottom of the ninth with two men on and Mariano Rivera on the hill. Not the reason the Indians lost but the poor game called by Cuzzi was extremely noticeable.

If the Tribe was upset with their pissing away a game they came out like gang busters on Saturday on National TV. They drubbed the Bronx Bombers 22-4 behind a 14 run second inning. The Indians belted 25 hits, including six homers, tied a club record with 50 total bases, and set a club record with 52 at-bats in the game.

Asdrubal Cabrera hit a grand slam to highlight the 14 run second and Mark DeRosa continued his hot streak with six RBI. DeRosa, Sizemore, Shin-Soo Choo, Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner also went yard for the Erie Warriors. Fausto Carmona gave up four runs in six innings but looked more consistent than his previous two starts.

Up two games to one, the Indians had a chance to take the first ever series at New Yankee Stadium but the Tribe bullpen would not let that happen. Carl Pavano ignored the Yankee venom and turned in a stellar six inning, four hit, one run performance and left the game with a 3-1 lead.

The Indians failed to capitalize on a bases loaded situated in top of the seventh and Wedge called for the scuffling Perez to start the bottom of the seventh. Two hits and one run later it was 3-2 lead for the Tribe. Jensen Lewis relieved and after getting one out dug in to face pinch hitter Jorge Posada.

Posada lifted a flyball to deep right field that Trevor Crowe had a bead on. He got back to the wall and was met by the outstanding arms of two Yankee fans in the front row. Cuzzi, umpiring second base this time, signaled home run as Wedge came out to argue.

The play went to MLB review and the umpiring crew left the field while replays appeared to show the fans reaching over the wall and making contact with Crowe’s glove in the field of play.

This is the key issue of the play. Whether fan interference occurs is decided by whether (1) the player is reaching into the stands or (2) the fans are reaching into the field. In situation (1) the ball is fair game and a home run. In situation (2) the ball is in the field of play and the batter should be out.

In my humble opinion, it definitely appeared to be situation (2) but the umpires thought otherwise and the play stood, 4-3 Yankees. Once again not something that caused the Indians to lose the game but it definitely didn’t help things.

Rafael Betancourt then squashed all hopes of an Indians comeback by relieving Betancourt and allowing three more runs to make it 7-4 Yankees. Ball game.

So while the Tribe did put two whoopings the Yankees and somewhat ruin their opening series the fact that potentially let a sweep of the Bronx Bombers slip away is disconcerting.

The offense has begun to wake and the starters have shown signs of life but the bullpen, that was supposedly improved, can’t get the game to lock down closer Kerry Wood to save their life.

The Indians sit at 4-9, 3.5 games behind the Royals, Tigers and White Sox who are at 7-5. The Twins sit a game behind the AL Central leading trifecta with a 7-7 record. Even though they could, and I argue should, be 7-6 or 6-7 they have a chance to make up ground this coming week. Their next six games are against the Royals and Twins, all at home.

Series Rewind: Indians-Royals

Jeff Smirnoff — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:25:57 -0400

The Tribe dropped their third series in a row, losing the first two of three to division rival Kansas City. Fausto Carmona started off very rough, giving up three runs in the bottom of the first. He rebounded from there to give up only one run the next four innings but that’s where the Indians’ trouble for the first half of the season lie.

Their starting pitcher only went five innings, taxing an already frail bullpen. Carmona tossed 106 pitches in just five innings and was pulled. In this game, Rafael Betancourt and Masa Kobayashi were able to hurl three combined innings of scoreless baseball to keep the Tribe in the game. Unfortunately, it was the Indians’ offense that kept them out of it.

Royals starter Zack Greinke was good but not great, needing 104 pitches to get through five innings himself. The Indians helped him out by going 4-13 with RISP, with most of those hits in the ninth inning, and starting 12 men on base. Once again,u failure to get the clutch hit doomed the Tribe.

In game two, the Indians’ bats came up empty again. Tribe starter Carl Pavano improved on his opening performance of one IP with nine ER, and a six inning effort in which he yielded four ER. His only real fault was allowing two runs in the bottom of the fifth after the Tribe had tied the game at two in the top of the inning.

The Indians’ bullpen could not keep the Tribe in this game after Rafael Perez came on in the seventh inning with a 4-3 deficit. He looked shaky in that inning, but manager Eric Wedge sent him out in the eighth, and the game derailed. Perez promptly gave up a run to widen the gap to 5-3.

He then loaded the bases with one out, when Wedge finally pulled the plug and called on Vinnie Chulk, who promptly gave up a grand slam to Kansas City catcher John Buck. 9-3. Ballgame to the Royals.

The Indians managed to avoid the sweep with a 5-4 victory on Wednesday. Recently promoted Aaron Laffey was solid in his 2009 debut, giving up only two ER in 5 1/3 innings. He had a 2-0 lead going into the bottom of the sixth, but a fielding gaffe by Shin-Soo Choo put runners on second and third, instead of first and third.

By overthrowing the cut-off man, Choo turned a ground-ball double play into a run scoring out, and allowed the runner on second to eventually score and tie the game at two. He did redeem himself later in the game, nailing Mark Teahan at second, but when a team is scuffling, things like hitting the cut-off man are magnified ten-fold.

The Indians broke through for three runs in the sevent to take a 5-2 lead, but another managerial head scratcher by Wedge almost cost them the game again. Jensen Lewis worked out of a jam in the bottom of the sixth, getting the final out of the inning. He then worked a sketchy seventh inning, giving up a run to make the score 5-3.

For the bottom of the eighth, Wedge sent Lewis back into the game after struggling to get through the seventh. Just as he did the night before—sending a struggling Perez back in for a second inning.

However, this was Lewis’ third inning he was pitching, which is odd for any reliever who is not the long-man or mop-up guy. Teahan drilled his single that Choo threw him out at second, and Mike Jacobs immediately followed with a home run to make it 5-4. It SHOULD have been 5-5 if Teahan had not gotten greedy, but thanks to Choo redeeming himself, it was only 5-4.

Cue Rafael Betancourt v. 2007, for 2/3 of a hitless inning and, Kerry Wood for a seven pitch, perfect, 1-2-3 ninth for the save, and the Indians hung on to win 5-4 to move to a putrid 2-7 for 2009. It’s nice to have a legit, flame throwing closer. It may make the ninth inning anti-climactic, but it’s a nice change of pace.

So now the Indians shuffle off to New York for a four-game series with the Yankees to christen New Yankee Stadium. The only way the Tribe is going to get back into the swing of things is to start winning series. Three out of four would be ideal, but it is going to be tough, even with the Yankees starting slow.

Series Rewind: Toronto Blue Jays-Cleveland Indians

Jeff Smirnoff — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:42:29 -0400

Well at least they won one. The Tribe dropped the first two in almost the same fashion they dropped all three to the Rangers to open the season. They got behind early thanks to poor starting pitching and then failed to come through with the clutch hit with runners in scoring position. The ugly numbers:

Game One - 1-5 RISP, 11 K, 8 LOB, 1 DP
Game Two - 1-9 RISP, 9 K, 8 LOB, 2 DP
Game Three - 2-7 RISP, 11K, 11 LOB, 1 DP
Totals - 4-21 RISP (.190), 31 K, 21 LOB, 4 DP

The strikeouts totals are maddening. The Tribe striking out over 10 times a game is just a killer. Teams are going to make outs but when a third of those outs are completely unproductive it makes it very difficult to win.

Not that advancing runners into scoring position would have mattered with the prestine .190 average with RISP. Add into in that your first two hitters Grady Sizemore (10 K in 25 AB for the season) and Mark DeRosa (11 in 26) are your main culprits it means the table isn't getting set as much as you need either.

Victor Martinez looks to be back to a hitting machine and Travis Hafner is actually showing signs of life despite still look a bit slow on his swing. Shin-soo Choo has started to rake and Rayn Garko has been an OBP machine. If the Tribe can cut down on the strikeouts and improve in the clutch this team will score a boatload of runs in 2009.

The starting pitching remains horrid. Scott Lewis landed himself on the DL with elbow soreness that he has had the last few starts of spring but never said anything about. Aaron Laffey will start in his place on Wednesday.

Cliff Lee had another poor outing giving up four runs in five innings pitched. He did rebound in the last two innings of the start by working out of jams for the first time in a while but had already worked his pitch count over 100.

Anthony Reyes was the first Tribe starter to last over five innings going six strong on Sunday. He gave up four runs but three came after Shin-soo Choo lost a ball in the sun in right field. Still he put the Indians in position to win and beat out the Washington Nationals for last remaining win less team...phew!

The bullpen was very bipolar as Vinnie Chulk looked decent in his Tribe debut and Jensen Lewis bailed the Tribe out of a mess on Sunday to help secure the victory. And what can you say about Kerry Wood? An Indians closer blowing away the side, all via strikeout, in the 9th inning was a sight for sore eyes.

On the other end of the spectrum Rafael Perez now sports a 14.73 ERA with three walks and no strikeouts. Joe Smith and Masa Kobayashi continue to walk opposing batters at an alarming rate and Rafael Betancourt has been so-so at beast in his appearances.

But hey they finally won one, and even at 1-5, only sit 2.5 games behind the 4-3 Detroit Tigers. A seven game road trip to Kansas City and having the honor of opening up New Yankee Stadium await them this week.

Anything less than a 4-3 trip may leave them in an April hole that they are all too familiar with under Eric Wedge.

Series Rewind: Indians-Rangers

Jeff Smirnoff — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:33:41 -0400

The Texas Rangers wiped the floor with the Indians in Arlington to kick off 2009. Three games, three losses for the Erie Warriors: 9-1, 8-5 and 12-8.

Yup, that’s 9.7 runs/game allowed. Easy to do when your starters rattle off the following gems:

Cliff Lee: 5 IP, 10 H, 7 R/ER, 1 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, 5K, 12.60 ERA

Fausto Carmona: 5 IP, 7 H, 6 R/ER, 1 HR, 1 HBP, 2 BB, 4 K, 10.80 ERA

Carl Pavano: 1 IP, 6 H, 9 R/ER, 2 HR, 0 HBP, 3 BB, 1 K, 81.00 ERA

With 22 earned runs in 11 innings that is a cumulative 18.00 ERA by the starting staff. It’s tough to win when you are behind by 6 or more runs after three innings gentlemen, and I use that term loosely. Scott Lewis, the bar has been set low for the home opener, my friend, god speed.

The offense slowly got itself together after looking putrid versus Kevin Millwood on Monday. They actually had a few extra base hits on Wednesday before jacking five homeruns on Thursday.

It is difficult, however, to win a game when you are playing catch up after just a few innings.

A few feathers for some caps and some guys who need to be scalped.

FEATHERS IN THEIR CAP

Masa Kobayahi – 2 Scoreless IP, 1 H, 1 BB in 2 appearances. No alternative lifestyle adult movie appearances. I don’t know which was more unlikely.
Joe Smith – An easy scoreless inning of relief. Nice Tribe debut.
Zach Jackson – Showing why he won the long relief spot in the pen.
Victor Martinez – 5-12 with a long HR. Power slowly coming back but still a hitter.
Travis Hafner – You hit the ball fair over the wall on a fly. It’s a start I guess.
Trevor Crowe – Looked smooth in RF despite taking an 0-5 collar at the plate.
Grady Sizemore – Two 2-R HR on Thursday. Three of his four this in the series were XBH.
Asdrubal Cabrera – 2-2, 2 BB, 2 R, 1 RBUI on Thursday after looking overmatched the first two games.

SCALP ‘EM

Starting pitching – See above. Special recognition for Carl Pavano for getting the Tribe down 5-0 after 14 pitches. FOURTEEN F’N PITCHES!!!
Hitting with RISP – 1-4 on Monday. 1-16 on Wednesday. 1-5 on Thursday. That’s 3-25 overall. A sparkling .120 clip. Not good.
Grady Sizemore – He led of each game with a strikeout. Table setting 101 says this is poor form. Six Ks in 14 ABs is also way too high.
Jensen Lewis, Rafael Perez, Rafael Betancourt – You all pitched pretty well but you all gave up a home run in one of your appearances. Shame!
Kerry Wood – Struck out the side but looked shaky giving up 2 hits, a walk and a run.
Mark DeRosa – 0-12 collar for the series with 5 Ks. No a good debut. Hopefully the friendly confines of Progressive Field lead you to many hits.
Travis Hafner – He still looks over matched to me despite the HR.

The Indians return home to Progressive Field for a three game set with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Tribe is 0-3, 2 GB Kansas City in the AL Central. Toronto is 3-1 and leads the AL East by ½ game over Baltimore and Tampa Bay.

A bad start for the Indians but keep this in mind… the last time the Tribe started 0-3 was 1996 and they won the AL Central that season.

Texas Rangers Whallop Indians 9-1

Jeff Smirnoff — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:10:10 -0400

Well the only way to go is up. The Tribe got rolled by the Texas Rangers 9-1 getting outplayed in all aspects of the game. Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee came off a brutal spring with an even worse opening day performance: 5 IP, 10 H, 6 R/ER, 1 monster home run to Hank Blaylock.

He got hit in his pitching arm in the second and promptly gave up four runs with two outs for a 4-0 Texas lead. He went unscathed in the third and fourth before Blaylock's jack in the seventh. He couldn't spot his fastball and most of his stuff was up in the the zone and against the potent Rangers, that is a recipe for disaster.

Cliff Lee's worst game last year was at Texas where he gave up six runs in five innings. He had a 6.17 ERA versus Texas last year. He had a 6.42 lifetime ERA versus Texas coming into today's game and it just went up. He historically struggles versus Texas. But let's see how he does on Saturday versus Doc Halladay and the Blue Jays before going ballistic.

I was more disappointed in the Indians managing only five hits and a walk versus the Rangers. Kevin Millwood was brilliant but other than a Shin-soo Choo liner in the 7th, none of them were hard shots. I expect nothing from Travis Hafner until I see something that looks like Travis Hafner and a slap hit to left is not Travis Hafner.

He got into a number of 0-2 counts and those rarely turn out well. He did battle but produced an easy, inning ending double play with runners on first and third in the 3rd.

I will say he actually looks a bit athletic after his weight loss. He scored the only run on a wild pitch that I don't think he scores on at his previous weight. But the Indians need the Pronk version of Travis Hafner not the slap-hitting version.

One game but a crappy one at that. Fausto Carmona looks to rebound from an awful, injuried plagued 2008 on Wednesday. New day, new ballgame. Go Tribe.

Cleveland Indians Look To Rebound in 2009

Jeff Smirnoff — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 21:22:48 -0400

The Cleveland Indians stumbled to a disappointing 81-81 record in 2008 after an ALCS appearance in 2007. Injuries on offense decimated the Tribe in the first half of 2008 and forced the trade of veterans CC Sabathia and Casey Blake for prospects.

The Indians’ 2008 bullpen rivaled their infamous “Bullpen from Hell” of the 1980s as they did everything in their power to torture Tribe fans on a nightly basis.

But as the Cleveland Indians’ 2009 campaign gets set to begin, there is cause for optimism along the shores of Lake Erie. Despite those injuries on offense, the Indians scored the seventh most runs in MLB with 805 and led all of MLB with 379 runs in the second half.

The offense should be as good, if not better, than last year with a healthy Victor Martinez, the heart and soul of the ball club. Infielders Ryan Garko and Asdrubal Cabrera came into Spring Training in shape and focused. Shortstop Jhonny Peralta looks to build off of a 40-double, 20-homerun season while Grady Sizemore looks for an encore to a 30-homerun, 30-steal campaign.

The wild card is DH Travis Hafner. Can he return to his 2004 to 2006 form where he averaged 34 homers, 38 doubles, 111 RBI and hit well over .300?

A nagging shoulder injury led to a substandard 2007 and a disastrous 2008 that saw Hafner hit .197 with little or no power. If he even returns to 75% of his previous form the Indians’ offense could be one of the elite in 2009.

General Manager Mark Shapiro was aggressive in the off-season in addressing the Tribe’s much maligned bullpen. Shapiro inked bona fide closer Kerry Wood to provide stability to the Indians’ weak link in 2008.

Submarine reliever Joe Smith was also acquired via a three-team trade to help provide an established hierarchy in the bullpen.

With Wood penciled in for the ninth inning it allows Rafael Perez, Jensen Lewis and Smith settle into their set-up roles in the seventh and eighth innings.

Rafael Betancourt could work his way back into the back end of the bullpen after a horrendous 2008. After a dominant 2007 Betancourt was lit up for 11 homeruns and a 5.07 ERA in 2008.

The Indians also have a wave of arms waiting in the minor leagues in case of injury or performance issues.

The starting pitching, which has been the stalwart of the Indians during the past few years, is now the main cause for concern. Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee is coming off a 22-3 season with a sterling 2.54 ERA. That may me too much to expect in 2009, but you could put Lee down for 15-16 a year prior to his poor 2007.

But after Lee, there are a bunch of question marks. Is the real Fausto Carmona the 19-game winner of 2007 of the wild throwing, emotional wreck of 2008?

Having Martinez back behind the plate for his starts may prove to be the calming influence he needs. Carmona responded by having an excellent spring.

Carl Pavano, Scott Lewis and Anthony Reyes round out the Tribe’s starting rotation to start the season. Pavano looks to rebound from four injury riddled years with the New York Yankees.

Reyes brings his own injury concerns after arriving in 2008 from the St. Louis Cardinals. Lewis was a late 2008 surprise going 4-0 in four September starts for the Indians but was roughed up in the Arizona spring after winning the job.

The Indians also have depth sitting in AAA Columbus if one of the previous three starters struggles.

Aaron Laffey was the Scott Lewis of 2007 and is looking to rebound from an injury-filled 2008.

Jeremy Sowers was the Laffey of 2006 and has struggled mightily in the majors since the start of 2007.

David Huff has torn up each and every level of the minors and looks to be primed and ready if and when the Indians call.

Zach Jackson starts the season as the long reliever but odds of him starting a game at some point are good.

There are tons of questions for the 2009 Tribe, but there are a plethora of options for answers to those questions.

Manager Eric Wedge has the versatility in the field to mix and match line-up, which always seems to be his MO. The season may hinge on Wedge’s ability to keep his bullpen fresh while dealing with a lot of uncertainty in the rotation.

If Wedge can effectively use the bullpen and not wear out the back end, a la Perez and Betancourt in 2007, the Indians should be able to stay in more games than not with their offense.

Wedge will also have to be aggressive in addressing and shortcomings in the shaky starting rotation. If one the starters cannot perform, Wedge and Shapiro cannot hesitate to make a change.

The Indians face a brutal start to 2009 with 10 of their first 13 games away from Progressive Field. They also play the powerful Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays 21 times in the first two months of the season.

The Indians have been notorious slow starters throughout Wedge’s tenure. The only season they started out well was in 2007… the only season they have made the play-offs under Wedge.

There are a lot of questions and some adversity to face at the start of the 2009 season for the Cleveland Indians. That shouldn’t damper the Indians’ outlook for the new season.

They are healthy, hungry and looking for redemption from a bad end to 2007 and a sub par 2008. They just need something to bring it all together…

The Joy Of Matt Stover's Parting With Baltimore

Jeff Smirnoff — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:08:05 -0500

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Ravens and kicker Matt Stover have parted ways and Stover will not be returning to Baltimore in 2009.

Matt Stover is a great guy (I actually hope he hooks on somewhere) and a good kicker but pardon me when I say, "Suck it, Matt Stover!"

Why the angst? Why the excitement over a 41-year-old kicker being released? Well, for the educated Browns fan it is simple.

Stover was the last Ravens player on their roster to play for the original incarnation of the Cleveland Browns in 1995. The last one—for what seems like the last five years.

Annoyingly every CBS Sports announcer, I am looking squarely at you Dick Enberg, loved to bring up this fact once a game, if not more, whenever Stover took the field to kick-off, attempt a field goal or extra point.

It's been thirteen seasons since the transgression took place but it seemed like every time I turned on a game, that fact was brought up.

No longer. And it is refreshing. Vinny Interceptaverde moved on years ago. Earnest Byner was forgiven and was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends Hall of Fame.

Many others have long since left the Eastern Shore. Yes, Benedict Ozzie is still in Baltimore but I will give him props for only signing Browns gear despite working for the Ratbirds.

But the last on-the-field connection is gone. The franchises have their own separate lineage and history.

Sorry Matt Stover but suck it long and suck it hard. I don't know of anything else that could make me happier right now...

... unless YOU KNOW WHO were to bite it.

Cleveland Browns Deploy "The Soldier" To Tampa Bay

Jeff Smirnoff — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:12 -0500

The first act of the Cleveland Browns Eric Mangini / George Kokinis regime wasn’t a peace summit with Shaun Rogers. It wasn’t a declaration of a starting quarterback named Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson. It was a minor surprise, the shipping out of Kellen Winslow II to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft choices.

The common consensus has the Browns receiving a 2009 2nd Round draft choice and a 2010 5th Round draft choice from Tampa Bay for Winslow. If this information is accurate it would be almost identical to what the New Orleans Saints traded to the New York Giants for Jeremy Shockey last off-season. Anything less in return for Winslow would be a disappointing proposition.

Winslow, when healthy, can be one of the premier receiving tight ends in the NFL. Back to back seasons of 89 catches in 2006 and 2007 are not easily attained by a tight end. He also would seem to be a perfect fit for a young quarterback, especially Quinn, who will be running the New England Patriots style offense that offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is rumored to run in 2009.

No one can question Winslow’s intensity and effort between the lines on each Sunday. Love him or hate him the guys busts his ass for 60 plus minutes each and every game he plays in.

However, Winslow does have his detriments as well. The number of injuries he has sustained over his short career has left him with a shorter shelf life for his career. He struggles in 2008 with getting separation from opposing defenders and has often been criticized for poor route running.

He can also show up a teammate from time to time on the field as well. No matter what he says he also wanted another huge payday, because of his shortened career, which is the only reason players switch to agent Drew Rosenhaus mid-contract.

But the revelation is not that Winslow was traded, what he was traded for or if the trade is a good or bad move. The revelation is what the move signifies.

Right now, no matter whom the Browns draft with the choices they received, the Browns are not as good of a team as they were with Winslow. Whether the move was made because of Winslow’s attitude, his desire for more money or to maximize his trade value the Browns lose one of their main offensive weapons plain and simple.

The only reason this move is made is with the future of the team in mind. It says that the Mangini / Kokinis regime is looking past the 2009 season for long term stability and success.

It also says that they do not feel that their chances for success in the 2009 season itself are great as the team is weaker without the presence of Winslow. It may be addition by subtraction off the field but on the field the Browns are not as good of a football team today as they were yesterday.

Whether the move is the right move will not be known until after the 2009 season, or beyond. But it is the first tip of the hand by Mangini and Kokinis. They are looking toward the long term success of the franchise and to build the core of the team via the draft. Whether or not they can actually do it will depend on the strategy they deploy next.

No Trade News Is Good News for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Jeff Smirnoff — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:52:00 -0500

The NBA Trading Deadline passed on Thursday without the Cavs making a move. While many are disappointed in GM Danny Ferry’s failure to make any sort of a trade with the rumored offers out there Ferry made the right move by standing pat.

While there will not be any new blood entering the equation the eminent return of Delonte West can provide the spark that a trade might have otherwise brought. West has missed the last 16 games and counting, including both losses to the Lakers, and was playing the best basketball of his career before injury.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas has also missed 16 games this season and is still being bothered by a sore ankle and foot at times. Reserve guard Tarence Kinsey was finally starting to get some quality minutes before he missed seven games with an ankle sprain.

Sasha Pavlovic is also out indefinitely with a sprained ankle and Daniel Gibson has had what can only be referred to as a horrible season and that is being kind. Ben Wallace’s touch football injury that may keep him out for a few games is the latest injury issue to befall the Cavs.

Despite all the injury issues the Cavs still sit at 42-11 with a 15-game lead in the Central Division over the Pistons. They are one half game behind the Celtics for the best record in the East and two-and-a-half games in front of the Magic.

While the Cavs are getting healthy the Celtics and Magic have been dealt injuries to Kevin Garnett and Jameer Nelson, respectively. The opportunity to seize the number one seed in the Eastern Conference play-offs has presented itself.

Yes, Wally Szczerbiak’s expiring contract was a big chip they had to play, but would the cost have been worth it?

If they would have shipped him off to Phoenix for Shaquille O’Neal it would have left them with a dearth of big men and short in the backcourt, especially with the aforementioned injuries.

It also would have put them in a salary cap conundrum for the next two years with Anderson Varejao up for free agency after this season. LeBron James is eligible in 2010...in case you didn’t know that.

Everyone cried about not trading Szczerbiak for Marcus Camby, but the Clippers did not make him available. The same goes for the Suns’ Amare Stoudamire. He was taking off the trading block after Terry Porter was fired as head coach.

Richard Jefferson may have been a nice fit, but Milwaukee already did the Cavs a huge favor by delivering Mo Williams on a silver platter in the off-season.

Szczerbiak may be a role player but his presence has been valuable especially with the injuries that occurred in the first half of the season. He may not be winning games for the Cavs on a nightly basis but he is contributing and the Cavs do benefit from his expiring contract after this season.

For what was being offered by other teams, Danny Ferry made the right move by standing pat and not taking a deal that would handcuff the team. It may not be the most popular or glamorous move but if the Cavs seize the opportunities laid of in front of them everyone will forget the lack of activity in February.

Thank Goodness The NFL Season Is Over

Jeff Smirnoff — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:00:38 -0500

Thank the lord. The NFL season is over, finally.

Not only did the Browns devolve from 10-6 to 4-12 but we had to witness the Steelers take home NFL Championship number six and an AFC Championship Game where they faced off against the Ravens.

We should be thanking our lucky stars that we at least have the Bengals… what’s that? We finished behind them, too? F@#$.

The only thing we can really hang our hats on is that many are asking questions about the Appalachian Inbred title once again.

Where was the clipping call on James Harrison’s Pick Six to end the first half? Did he even get into the endzone?

Why didn’t Santonio Holmes get a personal foul for using the ball as a prop after his tippy toe TD?

Why wasn’t the last play reviewed? It looked like a fumble but why not make sure?

Was James Farrior’s 15 yard penalty for his Dwayne Rudd impersonation part of it?

I’ll channel my inner Lt. Frank Drebin one more time just for shits and grins [time stamp 6:30 to 7:07]…

“The attempt on Nordberg's life left me shaken and disturbed, and all the questions kept coming up over and over again, like bubbles in a case of club soda.

"Who was this character in the hospital? And why was he trying to kill Nordberg? And for whom? Did Ludwig lie to me?

"I didn't have any proof, but somehow, I didn't entirely trust him either. Why was the 'I Luv You' not listed in Ludwig's records? And if it was, did he know about it? And if he didn't, who did? And where the hell was I?”

Bottom line they still won the game and made plays when they had to.

But after number five was shrouded with some referee controversy in of itself and numbers one through four have always had a steroid cloud around them, number six doesn’t seem totally clean either.

They should be saluted. Being a Browns fan, the proper way to salute them is to extend your right arm and extend your middle finger. To paraphrase Ron Burgundy, “GO F@#$ yourself, Pittsburgh.”

So now we can worry about the more important things like the painting over of murals, the lack of any witty repartee from the head coach and soccer in England. These are what are really important in the NFL.

Not the need for an impact draft with only four selections. Not the fact that the owner hired the head coach before the GM. Not the fact that we have no President of Football Operations. We painted a wall. “We can build on this!” as Herm Edwards would say.

No offense to Joe Thomas, Shaun Rogers or Ryan Pontbriand but it’s over. Have fun in Hawaii boys, don’t get injured but thank God this stink pickle of a 2008 NFL season is complete.

I can now relax and focus on the fun prospects for the spring.

First off, the Cavs’ quest for an NBA Title and LeBron’s drive for an MVP trophy. The way the team actually enjoys playing together is magnificent to watch and they are all very likable characters unlike that Appalachian Inbred team (and fanbase).

If they can lock up home court over the Celtics and Magic, their odds of making our dreams come true in June and July are increased dramatically. The excitement builds with each game the Wine and Gold tip off.

The Tribe breaks camp with just as many questions as there are about Super Bowl XLIII.

Is Travis Hafner going to be anywhere near to himself, circa 2004-2006? Can Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona anchor a shaky starting rotation? Can Masa Kobayashi be effective in his second MLB season? By effective I mean not appear in any alternative lifestyle Japanese adult films again.

Will Asdrubal Cabrera give me reason to text people with “AS-MAN! AS-MAN! AS-MAN!” on a routine basis? How the hell is this whole first base/catcher/designated hitter platoon thing going to work out? Will Kerry Wood, Mark DeRosa, Joe Smith and (gulp) Carl Pavano be key pieces to the Indians’ puzzle?

I have a very weird feeling about the Indians in 2009. Like a good weird. I can’t explain it. It isn’t like in 2007 when I thought they had a shot or in 2008 when I thought they’d win it all. It’s different, but I can’t put my finger on it.

I do know one thing, it’s a hell of a lot better than I felt when it was still the NFL season. Thank the heavens that it is over.

This article originally appeared at A Clevelander In Exile on February 3, 2009.

Cleveland Browns Cut Seven

Jeff Smirnoff — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:03:13 -0500

Cuts, cuts, cuts. I love cuts. The Cleveland Browns trimmed some dead weight yesterday releasing seven players on the first day permissible by NFL rules. No one of real consequence, but some familiar names nonetheless.

The unfamiliar names were punter Mike Dragosavich, kicker Jason Reda and offensive lineman Eric Young. Young spent the entire year on the non-football injury list after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee.

Dragosavich and Reda have the misfortune of playing positions manned by two of the toughest players on the football team. The Browns have the misfortune of having those positions being punter and kicker, respectively. Sad but true for the Brown and Orange.

Linebacker Antwan Peek was also jettisoned after two injury plagued season in Cleveland. Peek missed the entire 2008 season with a torn patellar tendon he suffered right before the season began.

He had four sacks in an injury plagued 2007 and hopes were high that he and Kamerion Wimbley could provided the pass rush the Browns have been lacking since Wimbley’s rookie year in 2006. We all know how that turned out in 2008.

Cornerback Terry Cousin was also jettisoned to the chagrin of Browns opponents everywhere. He may be a crafty veteran, but the Browns were torched over the middle of the field in almost every game this season. That falls right on the nickel cornerback and anyone who watched the Browns at all this season saw Cousin get abused over the middle on a weekly basis.

But the two big names, if you can call them that, were signal callers Ken Dorsey and Bruce Gradkowski. The zero offensive touchdowns might have something to do with the decision. Dorsey’s zero to seven touchdowns to interceptions ratio and Gradkowski’s 2.8 QB rating might also have something to do with it.

I am not a stat guy but those numbers can not be ignored.

Dorsey was only around to mentor Brady Quinn plain and simple. People forget he was released before the 2007 season and was only resigned after the Browns traded away Charlie Frye after less than one half of football. Once Dorsey actually had to play significant time his lack of arm strength and NFL ability were exposed.

His release signifies that the new regime values his roster spot for someone who can actually play and not a glorified coach in waiting. This is no knock on Dorsey, I am sure he brought a good mind to the table, but we all know the beating that quarterbacks take in the league and all too often a third stringer is required to take some significant snaps in the NFL.

2008 was proof positive that you can't afford to have Ken Dorsey take significant snaps in the NFL.

Gradkowski comes as no surprise either. The Browns picked him up in the last quarter of the season. The fact that no other team picked him up on a flier prior to that is telling in itself. The previous regime signed him to a two year deal in hopes he could back up in the future but his performance, even with him being pressed into duty quickly, showed he could not.

The moves tell me that if, and they should, the Browns trade Derek Anderson they will be in the market for a reliable, proven back-up quarterback. Someone who will fill the mentor role to Brady Quinn that Dorsey had while at the same time being a legitimate option to play should Quinn get hurt.

So nothing of great note but news nonetheless. Now when Anderson or Kellen Winslow get traded things might perk up a little bit. But until then…Dorsey, Gradkowski…CUT!

The Browns Causing Fear and Loathing in Cleveland

Jeff Smirnoff — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:14:09 -0500

It's mid-January in Cleveland and the Cavaliers are off to their best start in franchise history, pushing towards a potential first seed in the Eastern Conference.

LeBron James is looking like the clear cut NBA MVP due to an elevated intensity on the defensive end and a willingness to play offense without controlling the basketball. Mike Browns has opened up the offense, without sacrificing his trademark defense-first philosophy, by turning over some of it to assistant John Kuester.

Across the country, the Indians are just under a month from taking the field at their new spring training complex in Goodyear, AZ, hoping that the namesake of their new home is an understatement of what they will accomplish in 2009.

For maybe the first time ever the Dolan Family opened their pocketbooks despite a crumbling economy. Mark Shapiro took advantage by being aggressive and creative after an off-season of sitting on his hands in 2008 blew up in his face.

While I love the rosy prospects for both the Cavs and the Tribe in 2009, I find myself fearing and loathing the Browns at so many levels it shrouds my excitement for everything else Cleveland sports related.

Right or wrong, the Browns are the team that is associated with and defines the city. LeBron may be able to chance that in the very near future, but for now when one thinks Cleveland, the Browns come to mind.

I love the fact that Randy Lerner does not want to sell the Browns and I appreciate that he does not want to be the face of the franchise. However, it scares me to death that he is so introverted that he can not even speak in front of a camera for ten minutes to explain his rational behind hiring a head coach.

It is embarrassing when Team President Mike Keenan, who has been around for about a year, has to introduce himself at a press conference before he introduces the head coach.

I appreciate that Lerner seemingly found “his guy” in Eric Mangini and that he values a coach more than a General Manager even though it is an ass backwards approach to me. But I wonder what Lerner would have done if Mangini had not come available after Bill Cowher and Scott Pioli became unviable options.

And what if the Ravens’ George Kokinis decides to stay in Baltimore? I have no faith that Lerner has even considered that situation.

It looks like the Browns only fallback options are Shack Harris who resigned from the Jacksonville Jaguars GM post after free agent signings of Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence blew up in his face and he was unable to get first round draft choice Derrick Harvey into camp on time.

Former Broncos GM Ted Sundquist is begging Lerner for an interview which does nothing to sooth my fears.

I even have concerns about Eric Mangini, who I actually am intrigued by, as the head coach of the Browns. I may not like they way that Lerner went about selecting Mangini but I do think the scrutiny of the New York market and three years of actual head coaching experience will benefit him.

It does scare me that while coaches in their second go round do experience success many of them, like Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, either took time off from football or went back to the coordinator ranks before their next head coaching gig.

The 14 days off that Mangini had between being fired by the Jets and hired by the Browns makes me worry how much he could really learn from his mistakes in that short time.

So instead of celebrating the success of the Cavs or analyzing the potential of the Indians I find myself worrying about the Browns when they should be an afterthought in my mind.

Fearing that an organization has failed to learn from its worst decade of football in franchise history and loathing the fact that we may be looking at another decade of the same.

2009 Cleveland Browns Cut List

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:44:19 -0500

Yes, it's that time again. In the honor of legendary Coach Homer J. Simpson, it's time for the 2009 Cleveland Browns Cut List. A look back at the 2008 season, who should stay, who should go, who I hate and who I love. Some of the reasoning is logical, some of it is insane. That's the beauty of the Cut List. The only thing missing is Rob Chudzinski and Mel Tucker carrying Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage’s lifeless bodies around. Without further ado, let get to the cuts…

Begin Slideshow

The Browns Table: 2008 Year in Review

Jeff Smirnoff — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:33:29 -0500

Welcome to The Browns Table, a season-long look at the 2008 season for the Cleveland Browns from the point of view of the Browns fans here on Bleacher Report. We have a special season ending edition of The Browns Table. Effectively eulogizing a disappointing and depressing 2008 for the Cleveland Browns. Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage have been fired. The Browns failed to score a touchdown on offense in their last six games. Brady Quinn told Shaun Smith that Shaun he had a small penis. Ah, the memories! Thanks to Browns fans John Arend, Samantha Bunten, Greg Cooksey, The Coop, Chris Davies, Scott Glisson, Dustin Haley, David Serdniak and Michael Taylor for their contributions this week and throughout the course of the season. Without further ado, lets it’s time to hand out some 2008 awards and let’s talk Browns football…

Begin Slideshow

Before You Question Eric Mangini, You Must Question Randy Lerner

Jeff Smirnoff — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:08:21 -0500

The Cleveland Browns made it official today. Eric Mangini is now the 12^th full-time coach in franchise history, and the first head coach with previous head coaching experience since Nick Skorich in 1971.

Mangini comes to the Browns a little over a week after being fired as the head coach of the New York Jets for three seasons. Mangini compiled two winning season in three years and totaled a 23-35 record and a first round loss in the 2006 NFL playoffs.

Many question the selection of Mangini in the first place and rightfully so, for a wide variety of reasons. Certain Jets players including one NFL Icon apparently didn’t like playing for Mangini in New York. The Jets flushed away an 8-3 start in 2009 and ended with a 9-7 record, including a season-ending clunker versus Miami at home.

Mangini has the reputation of being a strict disciplinarian. Having come from the Bill Belichick coaching tree his interviews, comments, and interaction with the media have come under fire as well.

He also has faced scrutiny for turning Belichick and the New England Patriots in to the league for the infamous “Spygate” controversy last season. The Browns were the only team to show any sort of interest in Mangini, which is sure to raise some eyebrows, but rumors of his being blackballed due to the being the Spygate snitch have been mentioned.

Mangini did have his fair share of backers as well. Many believe the Jets’ epic 2009 collapse doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders. Some former players like Leon Washington have actually come out and shown support for their departed Jets leader.

Mangini still is young, at age 37, and does have three years of NFL head coaching experience. Dick Vermeil, Mike Shanahan, Tom Coughlin, and even Belichick himself have had success in their second go-rounds as head coaches. If Mangini can learn form his mistakes in New York and use that knowledge in Cleveland he does have a chance to succeed.

The bottom line is that Mangini will be judged on wins and losses. If he wins no one will care about how dull his press conferences are. If he loses no one will care he used to be a ball boy for the Browns in the mid-1990s when Belichick was a first-time coach and Mangini caught his eye.

However, for all the questions being asked about Eric Mangini there should be more questions being asked of Browns owner Randy Lerner.

While Lerner does deserve some credit for having a list of candidates by priority: Bill Cowher, Scott Pioli, and Mangini. One has to question the way Lerner has gone about the process of structuring his football organization.

Since their return in 1999, the Browns have failed to structure their organization in a way that promotes an environment that is conducive to winning on a consistent basis. The structure of the football team starts in the front office and works its way down.

The Browns have lacked a solid team president, on the football operations side, since John Collins was dismissed after the 2004 season. The president of football operations is necessary to establish and define the identity and direction of the organization on and off the field. One only needs to look to Miami to see the impact that Bill Parcells has had in this role.

This is the role that Lerner needed to fill first. He does not want to be the face of the franchise like Bob Kraft in New England or Jerry Jones in Dallas. If anything he is camera shy to a fault, even going so far as to have an agreement with the networks to keep him off television.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Lerner does in fact attend every home game. Many love to point to his ownership of the Aston Villa football club in the English Premier League as a lack of commitment to the Browns. His ownership of Aston Villa is totally unrelated and has no effect on his commitment to the Browns.

Despite that commitment, Lerner himself admits that he has no knowledge or desire to run an NFL franchise. He’s not a “football man.” That’s why one has to question Lerner for not bringing in someone to run the football side of the franchise on a daily basis. No offense to current Team President Mike Keenan but he is skilled/schooled in the business side of things, not the football side.

Lerner also has to be taken to task for interviewing both GM and head coaching candidates. Once again, he is admittedly not a “football man” by any means, what qualifications does he have to select the GM and/or coach on his own? Even if he is getting advice from respect NFL peers and colleges, how can he effectively judge a candidate on his merits?

By employing a president of football operations it would give Lerner an effective counterpart to independently evaluate every candidate. As I stated previously, an organization needs to be built from the top down to ensure a common focus and establish a hierarchy of command.

Based on that, the next logical step would be to hire a GM, who reports to the president, to run the player personnel and development in the direction and identity the owner and president desire. Based on those criteria the owner, president, and GM would select a head coach who they all felt shared the same vision for the identity of the team.

Randy Lerner, however, chose to go about things in a rather backwards kind of way. Lerner fell in love with Mangini the moment he heard that he had been fired by the Jets. That in itself is fine but once again the way in which he went about things has to be questioned.

Rather than fill the GM spot and collaborate on the selection of the head coach, Lerner chose to hire his head coach, Mangini, first. This is not a knock on Mangini, but on Lerner. Lerner has asked Mangini for his input on whom he feels could be a competent GM whom Mangini can work hand in hand with after the departed Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel, who were obviously not on the same page for their four years in Cleveland.

While the desire to have the coach and GM on the same wavelength in the correct line of thinking, the way Lerner has gone about it is all wrong. In effect, Lerner is letting Mangini choose who his superior is. That in itself is extremely flawed logic. If you are going to have organizational stability and accountability you need to have the general manager in place before the head coach.

The other problem that selecting the head coach first creates is that in limits the number of candidates for general manager. Pioli and Eagles GM Tom Heckert have already withdrawn their names from consideration for the Browns’ GM job now that Mangini has been appointed head coach. Again, not a knock on Mangini, but most GMs are going to want to have input on their head coach.

So here the Browns sit after the worst decade of football the city of Cleveland has ever seen, by far, with a new head coach but without a team president or general manager.

While I remain cautiously optimistic and intrigued about the potential of Eric Mangini, I am worried to death about the structure of the Browns organization as a whole and if Mangini has any change to succeed because of it, not himself.

It is these questions about Randy Lerner and the organization that his family is restructuring, for the fourth time in 10 seasons, which should be asked and explored. Those questions about Eric Mangini and his qualifications should take a back seat to those about the Browns organization as a whole.

Steelers Put Browns Out Of Their Misery, 31-0

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 09:11:34 -0500

The outcome was never in doubt. Whether or not the Browns would set records of futility were. The Browns were shutout in consecutive games for the first time in franchise history courtesy of a 31-0 beat down at the hands of the AFC North Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Browns also managed to set an NFL record by going 24 full quarters without an offensive touchdown. The last time they scored was in the fourth quarter of the Monday night game versus the Buffalo Bills. That game was on November 17^th.

The Browns managed to keep the game close in the first quarter and a half but their only chance to put points on the board went wide left with Phil Dawson’s 53-yeard field goal attempt on their opening possession. The vaunted Heinz Field winds took the ball from the right goal post past the left one.

The Steelers drove into the red zone on their ensuing possession but Sean Jones intercepted Ben Roethlisberger inside the Cleveland 10 yard line to keep the game scoreless.

Both teams traded punts back and forth until Willie Parker broke a 43-yard sweep to the right and handed Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead that was never threatened. It was Parker’s longest run in what has been a disappointing season for the Steelers’ rushing attack.

Pittsburgh received a scare on their next possession when Roethlisberger was hit while rolling out by Willie McGinest and D’Qwell Jackson. Roethlisberger was on the ground for over 15 minutes as medical personnel treated him. He was carted off the field, into an ambulance and to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion.

It was the only scare the Browns put into the Steelers all afternoon.

Byron Leftwich took over on the drive and led the Steelers into a 3rd and Goal from the Browns’ 8. In a microcosm of their defense for 2008, four Browns whiffed on the less than mobile Leftwich and he waddled into the end zone for a 14-0 Steeler advantage right before halftime.

The second half was just as putrid for the pitiful Browns as a Tyrone Carter interception set up a Jeff Reed field goal. Gary Russell then powered in from three yards to finish off a drive that was met with little resistance from the Browns defense. Browns’ quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was intercepted for a second time, again by Carter, who returned it to the house for the 31-0 final.

The Browns only managed 126 yards of total offense while Willie Parker had 116 on the ground by himself. Gradkowski was only 5-of-16 for 18 yards and the two interceptions. If this was a test to see if he could be the Browns’ back up in 2009, he failed spectacularly.

Head coach Romeo Crennel’s was the only one who outdid his performance. Crennel fell to 0-8 versus Pittsburgh making his the only full time Browns coach in franchise history to have never beaten the Steelers. Crennel is expected to be relieved of his duties tomorrow.

The only bright spot for the Browns was running back Jamal Lewis who ran for 94 yards on 23 carries. That gave Lewis 1,003 yards on the season, the first Browns running back to have consecutive 1,000-yard season since Greg Pruitt.

For the rest of the Browns and their fans it was a fitting end to a miserable season. A season the 1999 expansion Browns would ever be embarrassed by.

The Browns Table: The Battle of Woe-HIO

Jeff Smirnoff — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:19:20 -0500

Welcome to The Browns Table, a season-long look at the 2008 season for the Cleveland Browns from the point of view of the Browns fans here on Bleacher Report.

This discussion is not just meant for the contributing Browns fans. Please feel free to comment on any of the questions or any of our answers below.

We welcome any comments and an open discussion about the Browns below. If you would like a seat at the table leave me a note on my profile and we will try and get you in the rotation.

As always thanks to Browns fans The Coop, Dustin Haley and Michael Taylor for their contributions this week.

The guys and gals debate what losing to the Bengals means, the upcoming game against the Appalachian Inbred and how a Browns-Lions match-up would end up.

Put another log on the fire and let’s talk Browns football…

The Browns lost to the Bengals, 14-0. Are you more surprised they lost or are you more surprised how they lost?

The Coop:

Ironically, I’m more surprised they lost. The way they lost was basically a microcosm of the entire season: boring play-calling, inept offensive execution featuring pathetic QB play, costly turnovers and penalties, and an inability to stop the run. What is surprising about that?

But to seemingly lack the pride, intensity, focus, and desire to beat a miserable team like the Bengals? That caught me off guard. I knew the offense would sputter, but to produce absolutely nothing when, theoretically, the Browns are a more talented team, well, that’s just embarrassing.

Do you realize that opposing defenses have scored three touchdowns since the Browns’ offense last scored one itself? Talk about pathetic.

Dustin Haley:

Coming into the game I knew the variables, so I wasn’t expecting much offensively. Dorsey will always struggle and throw interceptions. Defensively this season we have struggled against the run. So I wasn’t taken back with Benson’s 171 yards. Amazingly he didn’t score. I knew this game would be an ugly one. So the word surprised really isn’t applicable for me.

Jeff Smirnoff:

I am not surprised they lost but am surprised they got shut out. If you throw out the interception for the touchdown, the Browns’ defense only gave up seven points. Yes, Cedric Benson ran for 171 yards but the Browns were able to keep the Bengals off the scoreboard sans one drive.

I cannot believe that the offensive game plan did not involve every sort of play they had for Josh Cribbs, Jerome Harrison, Jason Wright and Jamal Lewis. With the wind so severe, and Ken Dorsey at the helm, it was pointless to try and pass. Open up the playbook, change the pace of the game with all your playmakers and you have a chance. Once again a game plan without any designs on winning the game.

Michael Taylor:

Neither, the Bengals no matter their record have played better in recent weeks. The Browns on the other hand have been a complete and utter disaster beyond imagination no matter the personnel situation. No offensive touchdowns in five straights weeks! Enough said.

Ken Dorsey is now questionable for the season finale with a concussion. That is three quarterbacks that have gotten hurt this season. Joe Thomas made the Pro Bowl but what so you think of the offensive line’s performance in 2008?

The Coop:

I’d say it’s been very, very mediocre. As much as people want to blame Jamal Lewis’ age and “happy feet” for the sub par running game, the main reason for Lewis dancing around in the backfield is because the holes simply haven’t been there.

But why is that? Ultimately, I believe the offensive line, along with Jamal Lewis, has suffered tremendously due to the ineffective quarterback play and horrendous play calling. Because of these factors, defenses can stack the box against the Browns, play much more aggressively, and stop just about anything.

In the passing game, the Browns have given up only 22 sacks this year (less than 1.5 / game), which is 7th best in the NFL. That’s pretty darn good.

And while we’re at it, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Browns have missed Ryan Tucker for most of the year. Tucker has been called the team’s best offensive lineman by coaches and members of the front office, so while it’s not an excuse for their performance, it’s also a huge loss that cannot be overlooked.

Dustin Haley:

It is amazing isn’t it? The effect that one, almost mediocre, player can have on a single unit. Missing Ryan Tucker has been huge this season. He solidified the right side of the line and really opened up what we could do offensively, compared to our ability now.

The right side of the line needs revamped. Hadnot is neither quick nor agile, and Schaffer may be better suited as an interior lineman. Either could serve as a quality backup lineman for depth, but both should be removed from the first unit and replaced.

Joe Thomas making the Pro Bowl is a great feat considering what he has had to deal with this season. Some say he’s regressed, but it’s obvious it has had more to do with coaching. Defenses overload him with blitzes and the coaches have been expecting him to engage an end first, and then bounce out to the appropriate pass rusher, not an easy task for even the most experienced tackle.

Jeff Smirnoff:

Thomas has been solid but has not played as well as he did in 2007. Eric Steinbach has been injured most of the season and it has shown in his performance. Hank Fraley and Kevin Shaffer have played very poorly for stretches after having one of their best years in 2007. Rex Hadnot is serviceable but a big drop off from Ryan Tucker. The Browns need to develop some young depth at center and tackle to help transition some youth into the offensive line. I wrote about topic this last week.

Michael Taylor:

I don't think it is as bad as many out it out to be. Looking up sacks allowed, the Browns are seventh in the league with just 21 allowed. That is a far cry from the near 50 that seemed to happen on a yearly basis just a few years back. I also believe that the yards per carry average has taken a bit of a hit from Jamal Lewis' career regression. He is slower and does not have a run past 29 yards this season, but congratulations are in order for hitting the 10,000-yard career mark in rushing Sunday. The offensive line is not the problem of this team. Injuries happen, its part of the game. It's just unfortunate that all three quarterbacks went down.

Word came out after the game that Shaun Smith and Brady Quinn got into a physical altercation on Wednesday that culminated with Smith hitting Quinn in the face with a barbell weight. Smith was inactive while Quinn was absent from the sidelines Sunday. What does this incident tell you about the current state of the Browns?

The Coop:

In reality, this doesn’t tell us anything about the Browns that we don’t already know. There is clear frustration in the locker room, which has been growing all season long, and this isn’t even the first rumor of a fight that we’ve heard about this season. The only reason this one is getting such attention is because it involves Quinn.

I do find it interesting that two guys who haven’t contributed anything in weeks are getting into it with one another. Having played a little football in college, I can assure you that fights between teammates are fairly commonplace - although I'll grant you I never saw anyone hit another guy with a barbell weight.

It’s noteworthy that Smith (whom I’ve always respected) is the “mystery player” that Josh Cribbs and Jamal Lewis were referring to when they spoke of the team “quitting” during the Denver game.

I guess if I’m trying to look for the silver lining, and Smith really is the player who teammates thought quit, I would be happy if Quinn confronted him, as it seems to be further establishing him as a team leader. And just look at the fight between Carolina’s Steve Smith and Ken Lucas and what it did for their team.

Dustin Haley:

Doesn’t tell me anything I don’t already know. It’s been painfully obvious there are problems within the organization. This incident is just another chapter in the saga that is the 2008 Cleveland Browns.

If the reports of this incident are true, then Shaun Smith should be sent walking immediately. In all fairness both sides should be investigated, but hitting someone, a potential franchise quarterback nonetheless, with a barbell weight is inexcusable whether in defense or retaliation. In my opinion, Shaun Smith has been a cancer to the team anyhow, as this is not the first time he has had off field issues.

Jeff Smirnoff:

It tells me that the coaching staff, and this regime in general, has lost the team. Why is a guy, Smith, who has underperformed and has been injured most of the year taunting a second year quarterback who is on injured reserve. Quinn also deserves criticism for not walking away. It just shows how undisciplined the entire team is and how the current regime has lost them.

Michael Taylor:

Wow. I hadn't heard this rumor yet. I'll have to watch the "Red Zone" on STO to see if Smith makes his regular appearance alongside Mary Cabot and Andre Knott. What a joke this season has become. This actually would usually be a shocking event, but after the 2008 Browns, nothing will surprise me anymore. The whole organization down needs to take a step back and reassess what the (bleep) is going on. They are completely in disarray with no leadership to calm the rough waters. I'm not just talking player leadership or coaches. This has to be deeper with the rampant situations that appear weekly now.

The Browns’ season mercifully ends in Pittsburgh this week. Pittsburgh has nothing to play for as they are locked into the second seed in the AFC. I think we all know that despite that we are looking at the 11^th consecutive loss to the Appalachian Inbred. How bad is it going to be?

The Coop:

I know you had to ask it, but this question just makes me sick. With the Steelers having clinched a playoff bye, their starters will barely break a sweat before being pulled. Sadly, the Steelers’ backups are probably just as good as the Browns starters, and definitely better than the Browns’ own backups. I expect the Steelers to systematically destroy the Browns much like Tennessee and Cincinnati each did. The question you have to ask is, would a Browns victory over the Steelers make you feel any less awful about the Browns’ 2008 season?

Dustin Haley:

With the likelihood that Gradkowski will be helming the signal calling position this week, it’s going to be bad. Like, two shutouts in a row bad. We will rely on our defense to create turnovers and score points. The bad news is the Steelers will probably go 75% to 80% run in play calling. They’ll be looking to grind out the game with minimal effort and risk to their players.

Jeff Smirnoff:

It is going to be bad. It may not be the Christmas Eve Massacre (41-0) bad but the Browns will be shut out unless they get a defensive or special teams return deep into Steelers territory or a touchdown. Even if Pittsburgh plays their back-ups the entire game they still would win. The Steelers players know how much this game means to their Inbred fan base and will play hard. The Browns just want to go home.

Michael Taylor:

I don't know and frankly don't even care. I honestly have not sat down to watch a Browns game since the Houston debacle in November. You could see it then that this team was finished. I just lost the desire to put an effort into rooting for this team this season if they were not putting in the effort to play it out. As a side note to this I did catch part of yesterdays game, and once again heard an announcer pointing out how poorly Braylon Edwards is running routes.

This may make me a poor fan, but I have had it. I will still root for and love this team in the future, but until they show me something that resembles an effort to become a respectable franchise I will care a lot less. Now we know what Bengals fans have been going through for 20 years! Bring on Opening Day baseball!

Theoretical question of the week: If the Browns played the 0-15 Detroit Lions this weekend, would the Browns win?

The Coop:

Yes, the Browns would win 2-0 when Dan Orlovsky inexplicably runs out of the end zone in overtime. In an ironic twist of fate, Romeo Crennel is instantly fired and Orlovsky is given a contract extension by Lions' management.

Dustin Haley:

At Detroit, yes. In Cleveland, no. I say this based on the lone fact that the home team’s lackluster performance would be booed out of the game by halftime.

Jeff Smirnoff:

No, the Lions would. The team is incapable of moving the ball let alone scoring a touchdown against anyone. The Lions could at least find the redzone and put up some points. It would be close but right now the Lions could beat the Browns.

Michael Taylor:

Four or five weeks ago yes, but right now no way!

Hines Ward Gets Lit Up, Defenses Rejoice

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:21:32 -0500

A picture is truly worth 1,000 words.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward was leveled by Tennessee Titans defensive back Courtland Finnegan in the Titans' 31-14 victory Sunday in Nashville.

Ward who is one of the most intense, hardest working and physical players in the NFL, and also has a reputation of being one of the dirtiest. He is, by far, the best blocking wide receiver in the league but his propensity to specialize in the clean, blind-side hit often draws the ire of opposing defenders. So much so the Baltimore Ravens allegedly (they did) put out a bounty of him for their second contest of the season.

While Ward is a great receiver and excellent role model off the field, some of his action on it are questionable. While he may not be the team distraction like Terrell Owens or Randy Moss have been or even a "look at me" player like Chad Johnson or LenDale White, Ward does something that is just as classless: He taunts.

It is often hidden or dismissed because of the giant smile that he always wears, but Ward's disrespect for opposing teams and players is a reality. Whether celebrating the clean hit that broke the jaw of Bengals' linebacker Keith Rivers or any other hit he connects on, the taunting is there.

He has mocked Ray Lewis' entrance dance after scoring a touchdown against the Ravens. He has mocked the "Fly Eagles Fly" fight song of Philadelphia after scoring in the city of Brotherly Love. He has wiped his feet like a dog in the direction of the Dawg Pound in Cleveland.

He may be a great player but please don't let that shroud the fact that he is also one who shows no sportsmanship.

So for one play, he got what was coming to him. Hopefully there will be many more to follow. Then may his taunting and unsportsmanlike antics will finally cease.

Bengals-Browns: Cincinatti Feigns the Death of Cleveland, 14-0

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:52:24 -0500

"Worst season I've ever played in," Browns running back Jamal Lewis.

That could be the understatement of the century as the visiting Cincinnati Bengals shutout the Cleveland Browns 14-0 in windy Cleveland Browns Stadium. With the victory in the 71^st battle of Ohio, the Bengals took the all-time series lead 36-35. The Bengals recorded their first shutout since holding the Browns scoreless on Nov. 26, 2006, also the last time the Browns were shutout.

The game was basically over after two offensive series. The Bengals received the opening kick-off and drove to midfield before their drive stalled. On the Browns’ ensuing possession, third-string quarterback Ken Dorsey hit Leon Hall in the left flat for a 50-yard touchdown. Unfortunately for the Browns, Hall plays corner back for the Bengals.

Hall torched Dorsey and wide receiver Braylon Edwards all night long, intercepting him three times total. The high winds off of Lake Erie bothered Dorsey just as much as he completed a respectable 10-17 passes, but only for 68 yards, the longest being a 15-yarder to Edwards, and the three costly interceptions.

Cincinnati’s Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled with the wind as well, but the Bengals’ game plan had him only throwing nine passes for the entire game. He completed five for 55 yards, including a perfectly thrown corner route to Chris Henry. Henry beat Browns’ cornerback Eric Wright in the middle of the second quarter for the insurmountable 14-0 lead.

With the 14 point cushion and the Browns’ failure to score an offensive touchdown in the previous four games, the Bengals turned to running back Cedric Benson. Benson rushed a career high 38 times for 171 yards as the Cincinnati simply played keep away and ate up the game clock for most of the final two and a half quarters.

The Browns failed to score an offensive touchdown for the fifth consecutive game and got another quarterback hurt in the process. Dorsey, playing because of season-ending injuries to Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, suffered a mild concussion and injured ribs late in the fourth quarter

Enter recently signed QB Bruce Gradkowski, who may have to start the season finale in his hometown of Pittsburgh against the Steelers. Gradkowski was an unimpressive 2-5 for eight yards and an interception. Bengals linebacker Brandon Johnson tipped and intercepted Gradkowski’s second pass on the second to last drive of the game.

Jamal Lewis finished with 76 yards on 16 carries to become the 24th player in NFL history to rush for 10,000 career yards. Lewis came in needing 63 yards to eclipse the mark and achieved the milestone on an eight-yard burst in the third quarter. It was the lone highlight for the Browns on an otherwise frigid day.

The Bengals can actually pass the Browns for third place in the AFC North with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Cincinnati and a Browns’ loss in Week 17.

The Browns travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in Week 17 where they will be legitimately looking at the possibility of a sixth consecutive game without an offensive touchdown. The Steelers have beaten the Browns ten consecutive times and, on paper, should have no problem making it eleven, even if they rest their starters for most of the afternoon.

The Top 10 NFL Super Bowl Contenders

Jeff Smirnoff — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 11:33:59 -0500

With two weeks left in the NFL regular season lets handicap the ten teams that have the best shot at taking home the Lombardi Trophy from the Super Bowl in 2009. It's a wide-open field in 2008 and any one of these teams could wind up hoisting the championship in February 2009. The play-offs are always about running the football and defense and all of these teams can do that in some sort of capacity.

Begin Slideshow

Browns-Bengals: Breakdown of the NFL's Must-See Game of Week 16

Jeff Smirnoff — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:49:40 -0500

The juggernaut Cleveland Browns (4-10) host the Cinderella darlings of the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1), in the 71st battle of Ohio this Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Those who thought that the epic battle that these two teams waged in Week Two when both teams were 0-3 couldn’t be outdone have to be kicking themselves.

The series stands tied at 35 wins apiece. Who stands to take the lead in this back and forth series? Let’s break it down by position.

QUARTERBACK

Carson Palmer has had his ups and downs since his horrific knee injury in the 2005 playoffs but still has to be considered in the upper tier of NFL quarterbacks. Brady Quinn has the college pedigree, hype, and looks to be a superstar in this league.

They both...What? They aren’t playing? Neither one? Really? What’s the deal?

Is Carson filming those sexually suggestive hot dog adds this weekend? Partying with Matt Leinart, maybe?

And where is Quinn? Pimping Myoplex and Subway sandwiches? At a wedding dancing to “YMCA” by the Village People again?

Oh, they're both injured, fine. Then who is...

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ken Dorsey?!? Are you f’n kidding me? No, seriously, these guys are STARTING? Sweet lord.

Normally you would take the guy from “Tha U” over the guy from Harvard, but Fitzpatrick is actually athletic where as Dorsey makes Bernie Kosar look like Michael Flatley.

Advantage: BENGALS

RUNNING BACK

Jamal Lewis versus Cedric Benson. The former is nearing 10,000 career rushing yards as he looks old and slow. The later is a former first-round bust that had his first production game in over two years last week.

Tough call.

Well, Lewis got busted for dealing crack a few years back and had to serve hard time. Benson likes to get over-served and has a hard time driving afterwards.

Advantage: BROWNS

RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS

Braylon Edwards is sad because nobody likes him because he is from Michigan. Chad Johnson is sad because he would have had to buy 10,000 jerseys if he wanted to change his name to Chad Ocho Cinco.

T. J. Houshmandzadeh is banged up and so is Kellen Winslow. But Winslow is a soldier! But at least Houshmandzadeh is playing.

This may come down to Chris Henry versus Donte Stallworth—a dream matchup that no one could ever imagine. Who do you go with here? The guy with the rap sheet longer than most Christmas lists or the guy who thinks his brain is inhabited by a Martian.

I got it. Oregon State alum Derek Anderson says go with my fellow alumni Johnson and Houshmandzadeh over Edwards. Why, because Anderson hates Michigan, too? No, because they don’t drop the football when it is thrown to them.

Advantage: BENGALS

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Browns have a guy, Kevin Shaffer, who I call “The Human Parking Cone” (HPC) because putting a parking cone at right tackle would do just as good of a job. Rex Hadnot has a beard. Hank Fraley is fat. Joe Thomas is better that Levi Jones. But Browns NT Shaun Rogers might eat Bengals center Eric Ghiaciuc.

Advantage: BROWNS

DEFENSIVE LINE

Did I mention Sean Rogers might eat Eric Ghiaciuc? Carson Palmer said that Shaun Smith looks like the hamburglar when he wore the Bengals’ striped uniform, which is awesome! I’m stopping right there. I’ve seen enough.

Advantage: BROWNS

LINEBACKERS

I don’t know who plays LB for Cincinnati, but I do know that other than D’Qwell Jackson no other LBs play for Cleveland.

Advantage: BENGALS

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Michigan alum Leon Hall is playing corner for the Bengals. Browns fans don’t like him… because he plays for the Bengals. Former Brown Chris Crocker returns to Cleveland for the first time since being traded.

Brandon McDonald set a team record for most interception yards in a game and the greatest back flip into the end zone when you team is still down by 20 points. You stay classy, B-Mac!

Advantage: BENGALS

SPECIAL TEAMS

Shayne Graham has red hair. Phil Dawson might be the best player on the Browns and he’s the freaking kicker. Plus his wife is hot, can sing the national anthem, and was a cheerleader at the University of Texas.

Dave Zastudil is having knee problems and the Browns’ apparently have a “secret punter” on call in case he can not punt. Please God let it be Scott Player and his awesome 50-year-old man porno-mustache!

Oh wait, Josh Cribbs, duh.

Advantage: BROWNS

COACHING

Marvin Lewis has floundered at the helm of the Bengals but owner Mike Brown isn’t going to fire him in this economy. Plus, he is just trying to ruin his father’s name more than the Browns are currently trying to do.

Browns fans are just happy that Romeo Crennel remembers to wear pants on the sidelines, let alone make decisions on challenges, field goals, and personnel. Would it surprise you to see Romeo enjoying a nice, cool mojito and about four pizzas on the sidelines on Sunday?

It’s as if he is Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun...

“The attempt on Nordberg's life left me shaken and disturbed, and all the questions kept coming up over and over again, like bubbles in a case of club soda. Who was this character in the hospital? And why was he trying to kill Nordberg? And for whom?

"Did Ludwig lie to me? I didn't have any proof, but somehow, I didn't entirely trust him either. Why was the 'I Luv You' not listed in Ludwig's records? And if it was, did he know about it? And if he didn't, who did? And where the hell was I?”

But more like...

The attempt on Nordberg's life left me shaken and disturbed, and all the questions kept coming up over and over again, like bubbles in a case of club soda. Who was this staph infection in the hospital?

And why was he trying to kill Kellen Winslow? And for whom? Did Phil Savage lie to me? I didn't have any proof, but somehow, I didn't entirely trust him either. Why was the 'Brady Quinn' not listed in my roster records? And if he was, did I know about it? And if I didn't, who did? And where the hell was I?

Advantage: PUSH

Well, shoot I have no clue about this one folks. That is how colossal this matchup of two NFL titans is. It truly is the proverbial irresistible force versus the immovable object. But something has to got to give in the 71st Battle of Ohio...well unless they tie.

Are the Cleveland Browns' RB Answers Already in Cleveland?

Jeff Smirnoff — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:25:18 -0500

As the Browns stumble towards the finish in 2008, many personnel questions are up in the air for 2009. Who is going to play linebacker other than D’Qwell Jackson? Should strong safety Sean Jones resign? Can Joe Jurevicius come back from a seventh knee surgery? The Browns have some talent but they also have some awfully large gaps to fill.

One position that is also often talked about is running back. Workhorse Jamal Lewis will hit the dreaded 30-year-old mark for running backs in 2009. It has looked like that unwritten guideline for running backs is holding true with him as well as this year he has been a step slow to holes, lacks an initial burst off the snap and often tip-toes to line instead of hitting it full bore.

His stat lines from 2007 and 2008 also tell a similar tale:

2007 – 298 Rushes, 1,304 Yards, 4.4 Average, 9 TD (16 games)

2008 - 240 Rushes, 832 Yards, 3.5 Average, 4 TD (through 14 games)

Lewis, the coaching staff, and GM Phil Savage all say that Lewis has been battling through a number of nagging injuries all season. While it is noble that Lewis is playing hurt through this dismal Browns season, the signs of deterioration cannot be ignored.

The knee-jerk reaction is to go out and grab a Knowshon Moreno type in the first round of the 2009 draft or pick up a young, free agent—a la Michael Bush—to fill the hole.

However, the Browns have many more significant holes to fill, especially on defense, which they desperately need to address on draft day. Also, when Michael Bush is one of the headlines in the crop of free agent running backs, that crop is not deep at all.

One intriguing possibility is a three-headed monster.

Lewis, while having a lot of wear on his tires, can be effective in certain situations if used properly. See Jerome Bettis’ final few years in Pittsburgh as a reference. Think 15 to 20 touches a game with a focus on short yardage and wearing the opposing defense down when it counts.

Mix in a little Jerome Harrison. Now, Harrison may be somewhat undersized, but that has been said about many running backs before him. The quick, shifty, scat-back can come in and take the hand-off off the edge and can break it at any time. He also can be a weapon in the short passing and screen game, something that the bigger Lewis often struggles with.

The final piece of the puzzle is Josh Cribbs. Yes, Cribbs is one of the best special-teams players and returners in the NFL and the Browns can not afford to lose him there. However, he has such big play ability he warrants around ten touches a game.

While currently classified as a receiver, Cribbs was a quarterback at Kent State. Many pro scouts actually saw him as a running back at the next level, not a wide receiver. As a receiver, Cribbs has had a minimal impact on the Browns. His route running is not crisp and he seems to struggle without the ball in his hands right away.

However, the few glimpses we have seen of Cribbs in the “Flash Package” have shown he is more than capable as an NFL runner. Using him in the role of a “third-down back” gets him the ball in his hands right away and he would not be a liability in pass blocking as he has already proven his toughness on special teams.

So while the Browns have plenty of holes to fill in the 2009 off season they just may have the pieces in place to fill the running back void already. It may take a little bit of chicanery and a pinch of tomfoolery, but that’s what good organizations do to win football games.

Browns-Bengals: A Brief History of a Rivalry Ruined

Jeff Smirnoff — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:03:29 -0500

It once was a rivalry of great pride for the state of Ohio and both cities. Cleveland, situated on Lake Erie in the northeast, Cincinnati situated on the Ohio River in the southwest.

Both teams’ initials matching those of their common founder Paul Brown. Both teams’ using orange as a secondary color as homage to Brown’s beloved Massillon Tigers.

The Bengals came into existence when Brown was fired from the team that bore his name by Art Modell. Brown responded by founding the Bengals shortly thereafter in 1968 and an instant rivalry was born, founded on the hatred between the two men. The rivalry hit its peak in the 1980s when both teams were perennially battling for play-off positioning.

The rivalry began to deteriorate in the 1990s when Paul Brown’s sons, led by Mike, took over the day to day operations of the team. The Bengals embarked on a downward spiral that they still have not come out of today. Their focus on money, namely not spending it, has held them back and makes them a laughingstock of an organization.

Of all the NFL franchises, they put the least amount of money into college and free agent scouting. This has resulted in an inordinate amount of off the field transgressions by their players.

It also handcuffs them in the front office as the fail to make personnel changes in the coaching and management offices in fear of having to pay salaries in full while also paying those who would take over.

This resulted in a 52-108 record in the 1990s and a 54-74 record from 200 to 2007. The Bengals only made two play-off appearances in that time, 1990 and 2005.

While the Browns feasted on the Bengals in the 1990s, that dominance was short lived. Not because of action on the field but those off it.

Modell ran his businesses into the ground financially and faced personal bankruptcy. To avoid it, Modell moved the Browns franchise from Cleveland to Baltimore after the 1995 season. The city of Cleveland fought to keep the name, history and colors of the team while Modell was in essence granted a new team and clean slate in Baltimore.

Cleveland waited for three years for the Browns to return in 1999, but the expansion form of the Browns look nothing like its glorious history. Dealt a bad hand by the NFL who awarded ownership to Al Lerner with little time to prep for 1999 the Browns suffered their worst seasons in team history in 1999 and 2000.

Lerner passed away and his son, Randy, took over the reigns. The Browns have had three regimes in the ten years the team has been under their watch and has produced only two winning seasons (2002, 2007) and one play-off appearance (2002) under their watch.

In five of the last six seasons, the Browns have accumulated ten or more losses. It is, by far, the worst ten year span in team history. The team faces a fourth possible “reboot” under the Lerner Family after the team fell from 10-6 last year to 4-10 this season.

The teams have met 70 times, with each franchise winning 35. It is fitting for two teams that share the same state and founder. Disappointing, in that both teams have tarnished the image and legacy of that man, Paul Brown, by running their franchises into the ground both on the field and off it.

Until Mike Brown and Randy Lerner figure out how to turn their respective teams around, the Bengals and the Browns will continue to flounder, and a once proud rivalry will continue to be ruined.

The Browns Table: Monday Night Masochism

Jeff Smirnoff — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:52:54 -0500

Welcome to The Browns Table, a season-long look at the 2008 season for the Cleveland Browns from the point of view of the Browns fans here on Bleacher Report.

This discussion is not just meant for the contributing Browns fans. Please feel free to comment on any of the questions or any of our answers below.

We welcome any comments and an open discussion about the Browns below. If you would like a seat at the table leave me a note on my profile and we will try and get you in the rotation.

As always thanks to Browns fans John Arend, Samantha Bunten, and The Coop for their contributions this week.

The guys and gals touch on the Browns’ offensive woes, Braylon Scissor-Hands, Sean Jones’ future, Phil Dawson’s legacy and the upcoming “Battle of Ohio.”.

It may be painful, but let’s talk Browns football…

The offense has been struggling all season and continues to do so under third string QB Ken Dorsey. Do you see this team putting up an offensive touchdown in the final two games?

John Arend:

There are only two situations I foresee the offense scoring a touchdown in the remaining games. First, if they can get a rhythm going against the Bengals horrid defense, they might be able to play with some confidence and actually find the endzone. Second, if Romeo finally just says "screw it" and puts in players like Rucker, Steptoe, Cribbs, et al as starters and sends a message to the real first string team. This might make them think they actually have to work to keep their jobs.

Samantha Bunten:

If I recall correctly, the last time the Browns scored an offensive touchdown was in week 11 against the Bills. That was a very, very long time ago. Playing the odds (and considering they have Cincinnati coming next), you have to assume they'll get one more before their 2008 season mercifully comes to a close.

I think it pretty much sums up how our season has gone: we're all sitting here wondering if the Browns can score just one single touchdown in the next two weeks, giving them a grand total of well...one touchdown, during the last six games of the season. Yikes.

The Coop:

It's hard to imagine the Browns wouldn't muster a single offensive TD in the last six games... but then again, it is the Browns, so who knows?

Since their last touchdown, they've put some nice drives together but have had to settle for field goals. Maybe they'll luck into a touchdown if a defensive back falls down, or if they get amazing field position thanks to a turnover or big return from Josh Cribbs.

Either way, you've got to figure their best bet to score a TD is against Cincinnati, but with the way the Bengals played against Washington, I'm not holding my breath.

Jeff Smirnoff:

They have a shot versus Cincinnati but no way in Pittsburgh. I honestly don’t seeing them putting into the endzone in either game. I expect Phil Dawson to be very, very busy kicking field goals.

Braylon Edwards caught the ball all night, including a couple of great grabs. Why do you think he has struggled all season?

John Arend:

I'm hearing a tune in my head right now. You know, the beat Vanilla Ice stole for "Ice Ice Baby" That's right, "Under Pressure." I have a feeling Braylon Edwards heard this song all season until it didn't matter if the team won or lost. Go back and look at all of his drops... Now go back and look at all of his catches... I'm willing to bet that it’s a pretty clear split between crucial and unimportant downs.

Samantha Bunten:

If Edwards could ever get his head and his hands on the field at the same time for a few weeks in a row, he would probably be fine. Edwards has the talent, I'm just not sure he has the drive or the willingness to fine tune his fundamentals to ever be consistently successful. Edwards needs to get over his fear of getting hit. He needs to concentrate, clean up his footwork, and most importantly, follow through on each play from beginning to end.

Edwards can't hold onto the ball because his mind is already halfway down the field with it before he's made the catch. Until he can sync up his brain and his hands in the exact moment he's posed to make the grab, he will continue to look lazy, arrogant, and inept.

The Coop:

It's been a lack of focus combined with a solid dose of Braylon thinking he's Jerry Rice when he's actually a lot closer to Dennis Northcutt. His now infamous bet with Michael Phelps proves that he figured things would come very easy for him.

I still think that a benching by Romeo Crennel after the Washington game two months ago—maybe for a quarter, maybe a half—would have been a great way to get the point across that the team is unwilling to put up with his unreliable play and would have allowed him to refocus and rededicate himself to his craft. Instead, by keeping him in there, his confidence eroded rapidly and his problems with catching the ball snowballed as a result.

He has looked better catching the ball in recent weeks, which would have been nice to see when the games meant something. Our only hope is that this nightmare of a season will give him something to learn from and build on for 2009.

Jeff Smirnoff:

Lack of focus, weak mental character and the heel injury in camp. The injury just totally put him out of sync and off to a bad start. Then when he struggled because he has trouble dealing with adversity he struggled. He was unable to get focused on a week to week basis and it has shown in his up and down performances. He’s always going to drop a few balls but the staggering numbers this season are do to it being in his head. If he can become mentally tough I can see his drops decreasing significantly.

The defense struggled but Sean Jones and Brandon McDonald came up with big interceptions. Sean Jones is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. Do you feel the Browns need to make resigning him a priority?

John Arend:

This is a tough one... From a strictly leadership standpoint, I want him on the team to keep things consistent. From a talent standpoint, I'd love to keep him because he's best we've got. From an injury standpoint, I just he's playing at 100 percent if we do bring him back.

Samantha Bunten:

This team has so many problems that it is difficult to focus in on how much priority to place on one guy, at least at this point. Still, they have to start somewhere, and Jones has been a solid member of our defense, one of the few who consistently performed well. I would like to keep Jones around, but this will depend largely on what his demands are and what the team proposes to do after assessing what ALL of our needs are, and which are most pressing, during the off-season.

The Coop:

I have always liked Sean Jones and I do feel he should be an integral part of the defense in years to come. He has had some injury problems this year but has done his best to get on the field whenever possible, and has even played hurt. In 2006 and 2007, he started every game. He is a hard-nosed player, appears to give it his all, and is a clear leader on the defensive unit.

Jones is pretty strong against the run, a decent tackler, and has good ball skills for a strong safety. Unfortunately, as is the case with all Browns' DBs, he looks a lot less-talented thanks to the non-existent pass rush. When QBs have all day to stand in the pocket and pick apart the coverage, even the best lock-down coverage players will struggle mightily.

Make no mistake: of all the Browns' problems, especially on defense, the secondary is the least of their worries.

Jeff Smirnoff:

Over the previous two seasons I thought Jones would develop into the impact safety (a la Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu) the Browns need. But after the beginning of the year when he had elective knee surgery while they were 0-3 and said he did it because he was a free agent after the year I began doubting that. If he stays for a reasonable deal, keep him. If he just wants to break the bank and take the money and run, let him go.

Phil Dawson broke the Browns’ single season record for field goals against Philadelphia. That obviously speaks volumes about the offense’s struggles. What does it tell you about Dawson?

John Arend:

Nothing we don't already know. His best season was obviously last year, because of the clutch kicks he made, however he seems to have more power in his leg this season. He set his career long this season, but he also missed a few kicks that some considered "chip-shots". I like Dawson he goes out and does his job. Maybe the rest of the team could learn something from him.

Samantha Bunten:

It tells us Dawson is the only guy on the team who is doing his job. Mostly though, as stated in the question, it tells us about the horrendous offense. I don't think anyone needed Dawson to set a record to realize that the Browns offense is about as bad as it gets, but numbers like these do an excellent job of providing quantitative proof that the offensive game is in shambles.

The Coop:

It tells me that he is the consummate professional. He is a captain and team leader which obviously shows the respect that his teammates have for him. He is the Browns' MVP for 2008 (perhaps by default?).

Although he recently hit a little patch where he missed a few, he is typically extremely reliable, and what more can you ask from a kicker? Additionally, he has made enough kicks from long-distances (50+) and in the clutch to remain the Browns kicker until he decides to retire or his leg falls off from all the field goal attempts, whichever comes first.

He would be a Pro Bowler this year if he played on a better team and might even end up in the Browns' Hall of Fame when it's all said and done.

Jeff Smirnoff:

He is the most underrated kicker in the NFL right now. He is the fifth most accurate kicker in NFL history. He might be the great pure kicker in Browns’ history in terms of clutch-ness and consistency. I have said it before, he is the best player the Browns have had since their reincarnation and would be a Pro Bowler if he did not play with the Browns.

The Browns play Cincinnati in the final home game of the season. The Bengals are only 2-11-1 but are coming off a win versus Washington. Who do you have in the Battle of Ohio?

John Arend:

The battle of Ohio will be the battle of back-ups. This is funny because I also have a sinking feeling that it will be a high scoring affair. Not because the offenses involved will magically become spectacular, but because the defenses are horrible. Shoot-outs have occured twice in the past five years when these two teams meet. Each time the home team has won. So in keeping with the trend, I pick the Browns to come out on top and secure the all-important third place AFC North spot.

Samantha Bunten:

I predict a 12-12 tie. Four field goals a piece.

The Coop:

While the Browns are a pretty bad team, I refuse to believe that Cincinnati is a better team, even with Ken Dorsey at the helm for the Browns. I've got the Browns coming away with an ugly 19-17 victory. (That's 1 TD, 4 FGs for the Browns if you're scoring at home.)

Cincinnati played the entire NFC East extremely tough, so they've got at least a little bit of talent and pride, but there is a reason why they have two wins. Like the Browns, they always seem to self-destruct and never stop searching for a new way to lose a ballgame.

I think the Browns will see this as their last chance to send Romeo Crennel off with a victory, which might end up being the last of his head coaching career. I expect the Browns to be ready to play and display a level of pride that indicates that they refuse to lose to an inferior team such as the Bengals.

Finally, I hope the Browns will be anxious to give the home fans—the few who will be there—something to cheer about after such a dismal showing in 2008, namely at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Jeff Smirnoff:

I hate to say it but I have to go with the Bengals. They can actually score points on offense while the Browns can not. Their defense is just as bad as ours but has been playing well recently. With Dorsey under center I don’t see us exploiting any of their weaknesses. I see a 16-12 snooze-fest.

Eagles-Browns: Philadelphia Beats Down Cleveland 30-10

Jeff Smirnoff — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:37:03 -0500

In an outcome that surprised no one, the Cleveland Browns fell to the far-superior Philadelphia Eagles, 30-10, on Monday Night Football. The Eagles outclassed the Browns from the opening drive and only their futility in the red zone and propensity for turnovers kept the score closer than it should have been.

The Eagles drove effortlessly down the field on their opening possession for a touchdown as Donovan McNabb converted two third downs on the drive. The first to Jason Avant for 21 yards and the second when he hit Kevin Curtis for the touchdown on a fade route in the right corner of the endzone and a 7-0 advantage.

The Browns came into the game without scoring a touchdown on their opening drive for 20 consecutive games. They made it 21 in a row, but were able to put a Phil Dawson field goal on the board, a single season Browns record 30th, for a 7-3 ballgame. It should have been 7-7, but Darnell Dinkins dropped a sure touchdown on 3rd-and-goal on a perfectly timed crossing pattern.

The Eagles then took control from that point forward and were only held back by turnovers and inefficiency in the red zone. McNabb converted two more third downs on the Eagles’ second drive, but failed to convert a third inside the Browns 10 and Philadelphia had to settle for a David Akers field goal and 10-3 lead.

The Browns were unable to answer and Philadelphia took over and drove down the field. On 3rd-and-goal from the Browns’ 8, receiver DeSean Jackson line-up in the shotgun formation, bluffed a drawn and under threw a pass that would have been a sure touchdown. Browns safety Sean Jones made an amazing, diving interception and prevent the Eagles from opening up a bigger lead.

But not to worry for the Eagles, as Ken Dorsey paid them back and then some as he threw an interception right into the arms of Asante Samuel. Samuel then dashed down the sideline for a touchdown that put the Eagles up 17-3.

After another Browns punt, Philadelphia once again marched into Cleveland territory and beyond. McNabb just picked apart the Browns defense with no threat of a pass rush to worry about. The Eagles faced a 2nd-and-goal at the Browns’ 1-yard line after Brian Westbrook was stopped short of the goal line.

With 9 seconds left in the half and no timeouts remaining, McNabb threw a quick pass to the left that Browns’ corner Brandon McDonald leaped up and snared one-handed, and raced down the sideline. Westbrook however hustled and caught him inside the 5-yard line to prevent the score. In the end, it was the longest interception return not for a touchdown, 98 yards, in NFL history.

The score may have only been 17-3 but the first half stats showed how lopsided the game really was. The Eagles ran 39 plays to the Browns’ 22. Twenty-three of Philadelphia’s plays were in Browns’ territory compared to only five for Cleveland. The Eagles possessed the ball for just under 20 minutes compared to 10 for the Browns.

The second half was no different that the first as the Browns were unable to generate anything on offense while the Eagles continued to drive without resistance but stall inside the 20. They put up two Akers field goals on their first two drives and added a touchdown when McNabb found Greg Lewis after another Dorsey interception.

The Browns added a gift touchdown late when Eagles’ back-up QB Kevin Kolb’s pass found McDonald and he wiggled his way 24 yards for a touchdown. Down 30-3 at that point McDonald took the classy rout into the endzone by doing a somersault into the endzone to cap the scoring for the night. It was the Browns first touchdown in a month.

Other than the interception, there were not a lot of positives for the Browns other than Dawson’s field goal record. Braylon Edwards has his third good game of the season, all on Monday night, posting a five catch night for 102 yards, and no drops. Shaun Rogers was a beast once again, despite leaving briefly after reaggravating a shoulder injury that has plagued him all season.

Romeo Crennel led Browns to their third 10-loss season in four years, and now must face the 2-11-1 Bengals who knocked off the Washington Redskins Sunday. This was supposed to be an easy win, even for the Browns, but now it looks like the Browns will have their work cut out for them this coming Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Cleveland Browns Offensive Line Disappoints in 2008

Jeff Smirnoff — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:33:54 -0500

The Cleveland Browns sit at 4-9, staring down the barrel of a Monday night beatdown at the hands of the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles. Last year’s season of dreams has turned into a season of nightmares for fans on the Erie Shore. Many things have contributed to the Browns' crash and burn in 2008.

It starts at the top with owner Randy Lerner’s hands-off approach, while failing to put together an organization hierarchy capable of sustaining a winning atmosphere. Hand in hand with that, General Manager Phil Savage’s failure to define a direction and identity for the football team is just as culpable.

I have already rambled ad nauseam about Romeo Crennel’s shortcoming as a head coach. Derek Anderson’s meteoric drop to earth is just as responsible as the balls that Braylon Edwards drops on a weekly basis.

The Donte Stallworth signing, a defense that can not generate pressure on the opposing quarterback, and the lack of an impact linebacker are also huge factor into this miserable Cleveland Browns season.

One factor that has been overlooked is the performance of the Browns’ offensive line throughout the season. After third string quarterback Ken Dorsey got the crap beat out of him against the Tennessee Titans last week, it because obvious that this has been a subpar year for the guys on the front line.

Losing Ryan Tucker to hip surgery early in the offseason started the problems. While not the premier name on the offensive line, Tucker may just be the glue that holds the unit together. A tackle most of his career, Tucker played right guard last year during the Browns’ offensive resurgence.

Tucker missed all of camp and the first four games of the year before playing in game five against the New York Giants. Unfortunately, he was lost for the season after one game due to a knee injury.

This put free agent signee Rex Hadnot and The Human Parking Cone (HPC) Kevin Shaffer as the right side of the Browns' line. Both are road-grader type of players and both have struggled mightily against the athletic defenses the Browns have faced this season. Hadnot is serviceable but is a step below Tucker in terms of performance.

HPC played left tackle two years ago and almost single-handedly killed Charlie Frye in 2006. He was moved to right tackle when Joe Thomas was drafted in 2007 and performed well on the right side of the line. However, in 2008, the Shaffer has devolved into the HPC once again, creating another issue for a sputtering offense.

The road graders on the right side of the line are contrasted by the finesse of the left side of the line, Thomas and Eric Steinbach. While physical, Thomas and Steinbach are much more athletic and excel in pass blocking and running plays that put them on the edge or in the open field.

This creates some play-calling conundrums and trends, as the Browns are handcuffed on which plays they can run to each side of the line.

Tying the two sides together is center Hank Fraley, who saved the Browns in 2006 when they lost four centers in preseason and training camp in rapid succession. Fraley was a crafty veteran acquired from the Eagles who has played very well in his two years in Cleveland.

2008 has been a different story as opposing defense have routinely blitzed up the middle with success. Fraley seems to have lost a step or is just have a very poor season. In either case, this has caused Dorsey, and Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn before him, to spend a lot of time under duress this year.

While their problems run much, much deeper the Browns can not ignore the drop in performance of their offensive line in 2008. In may not be the sole, or large, part of their disappointing record, but it should not be ignored.