Bleacher Report - Articles by The Coop

How Did the Cleveland Indians Get Back Here So Soon?

The Coop — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:03:31 -0400

In a move that surprised few but disgusted many, the Cleveland Indians dealt left-handed ace Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco to the Philadelphia Phillies for a handful of minor league prospects. It has also been reported that the Indians are flying a white flag at Progressive Field.

How did the Indians get back here again…and so soon?

After an amazing run in the mid- and late-'90s that included six division titles (the last in 2001) and two pennants—but zero World Series championships—the Indians were confronted with the inevitability of rebuilding that teams without unlimited checkbooks experience.

Ownership had changed hands in 2000 when Cleveland-native Larry Dolan bought the team from the beloved Jacobs family.

General Manager John Hart, who had been largely responsible for the resurrection of the once-proud franchise, saw the writing on the wall and resigned after the 2001 season. Dolan promptly replaced him with Hart’s assistant, Sabermetrics-oriented Mark Shapiro.

Not knowing much about the new front office, Tribe fans wondered what type of owner they had inherited: a rich guy who spends whatever it takes to keep young prospects and sign stud free agents, all in the name of winning, or a rich guy who prefers to hang onto his cash and rake in the profits from his “investment.”

Dolan assured fans that when the time came, he would spend the money. Shapiro said there was a plan.

Tribe fans bought it.

At the behest of Dolan, Shapiro slashed payroll by refusing to resign high-priced talent left over from the '90s and abstaining from big spending in free agency. He also traded anyone that would fetch multiple minor league prospects in return.

Meanwhile, Indians fans watched as their team was stripped down to the core. Even though fans suffered through the big league club’s string of mediocre seasons, they remained optimistic about the success that their stockpile of young talent would someday bring.

You think we’d know better by now, huh?

Actually, it looked good for awhile. Tribe fans became believers in Shapiro’s philosophy, especially when it turned out that one of his earliest and most noteworthy moves—the trade of Bartolo Colon to Montreal—had yielded future superstars Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee. Shapiro was even named Executive of the Year by Sporting News in 2005.

With a solid nucleus that also included future All-Stars CC Sabathia and Victor Martinez, the Indians looked poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.

And they did.

In 2007, the Indians won their first AL Central title since 2001, finishing 96-66. They took out the New York Yankees in a thrilling divisional series, but ultimately blew a 3-1 series lead against Boston in the American League Championship Series.

The blown lead was gut-wrenching, but that, of course, is something Cleveland fans are used to dealing with. In fact, Tribe fans remained wildly optimistic. After all, the team was so young and so good! They’d have plenty more cracks it.

That was less than two years ago.

Now, after two supremely disappointing seasons—each of which included the trade of the reigning AL Cy Young award winner—the Indians appear hopelessly headed for rebuilding mode once again.

It seems like Shapiro’s plan all along was to make the Indians just good enough to make one deep run in the playoffs. The problem is that they didn’t cash it in and win it all.

Meanwhile, the players that gave the Indians their best shot at a championship in 10 years—specifically, the guys they drafted and traded for earlier in the decade—have earned respect around Major League Baseball. And in baseball, respect equals big-money contracts.

By trading Sabathia last year and Lee this year, the Indians have made it clear that they will have no part in hanging onto the very talent that they spent years and dollars acquiring and cultivating (while the fans patiently waited).

The trade of Lee is devastating to the passion and loyalty of Tribe fans. But it’s not the trade itself that hurts so much as it is the reality that the Indians’ next chance at contending for a future championship just got pushed back several years.

Ahh, yes. The future. The future holds another stockpile of young players with undetermined value. Like last year, the Indians did not get any major league-ready talent in return for their prized pitcher. In fact, they didn’t even get the Phillies' best prospects. You know, the ones Toronto wanted for their ace, Roy Halladay?

For the record, I have grown to hate the word “prospect.”

No, the Indians only got four guys that they hope will be good enough to make it to the majors someday. Unfortunately, quantity does not guarantee quality.

Meanwhile, the most talented Indians currently remaining on the roster are left to play out their contracts while they patiently wait for their turn to be traded.

So, as the trade deadline approaches, whether or not the Indians trade Victor Martinez this year is completely irrelevant. It’s not as if they’re going to sign him to a long-term contract.

Martinez will simply become just another star player who finishes out his career elsewhere. And then it will be Grady Sizemore, and then it will be the next former-prospect who commands big money on the open market, and so on.

The most discouraging fact of all is that Indians have no solution to remain a perennial contender. The last two seasons have proven that their scouting and player development are not even close to where they need to be. How else do you explain what has happened since 2007?

Even when they do hit on a prospect, the front office doesn’t bother going the extra mile to keep him. After all, the Indians have already spent tons of time and money on developing the prospect in the minor leagues. Why would they want to spend even more on him?

What is even the point of drafting and trading for prospects if the team just plans on getting rid of them once they command bigger money?

Sadly, it’s become all too obvious that the Indians’ strategy is to keep payroll extremely low, find the right mix of good players who aren’t expensive, and catch lightning in a bottle. If it works, great—and if not, tear it down and start all over again.

Dolan has proven to be a liar and an owner who doesn't care about winning. Unfortunately, the Indians still appear to be profitable, so don’t expect things to change. One thing is for sure: payroll won’t be increasing anytime soon.

Shapiro is a phony. Other than getting lucky on a few prospects and trades, the team has huge holes, most of which have existed since Shapiro took over. Other than 2007, the bullpen has been a disgrace every single year.

They have also made no effort to get position players (third base, left field) that they need to round out the batting order. Shapiro's leadership has led to exactly two winning seasons in eight years.

Then again, perhaps Shapiro was being honest all along when he said he had a plan. Indians fans just didn’t realize his plan included only one legitimate shot to win per decade.

Sports Talk Radio Battle Royal: Cleveland vs. Pittsburgh

The Coop — Sun, 03 May 2009 22:24:00 -0400

Having lived in Cleveland before college and in Pittsburgh during and after college, I’ve been able to gain a unique familiarity with both sports media markets.

Now that I sit at a desk all day, and thanks to the wonders of streaming audio on the internet, I’m able to easily pick and choose where I get my sports talk radio.

If you’ve read my bio or any of my posts, you know I’m a diehard Cleveland Browns and Indians fan. But you might not be aware that I am also a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan as well.

And more than anything else, I’m just looking for engaging, entertaining sports talk to get me through my day, regardless of which teams are the topic of conversation.

Pittsburgh and Cleveland have always been famous rivals on the gridiron, but now it’s time to see who owns the airwaves.

Let's take a look at the ESPN Radio affiliates for each city. For Cleveland, it's ESPN 850 AM(www.espncleveland.com) and for Pittsburgh, it's ESPN 1250 AM ( http://sports.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1250/). There are other minor players in the radio market of each city, but neither can compare to the Goliath status that these two stations enjoy.

Cleveland

The Really Big Show with Tony Rizzo and Aaron Goldhammer

(10 am – Noon)

When the show first began several years ago, Tony Rizzo gave listeners an energetic morning show that seemed to bind a brotherhood of Cleveland sports fans with the optimism that they cling to so dearly.

When Rizzo proclaimed 2007 as C-Town’s “Season of Dreams” (to which the Browns followed with a thrilling 10-6 campaign), the city was in a frenzy and the show reflected it immensely each morning.

Even as inevitable Cleveland disappointment followed with the Browns, Cavs, and Indians, Rizzo continued to offer passionate opinions. Though you might not have agreed with him, you could respect his well-thought argument.

Enter resident villain Aaron Goldhammer, self-dubbed “Ass PD,” (Assistant Program Director) who has become the most-hated personality in Cleveland radio.

Goldhammer is always quick to take a cheap shot at the Browns, Buckeyes, and Indians without offering suggestions on how the teams can be better.

Rather, he employs a technique that endears him to an obnoxious kid who is not really as interested in sports as he is trying to make a lame joke.

“The Hammer” whines about the teams, states the obvious, and diverts the conversation completely away from sports.

Between constantly plugging sponsors, talking about Hammer's social life, and playing teenage bumper music just to get a reaction, “The Really Big Show” has developed into a two-hour comedy routine with a dash of sports talk.

VS.

Pittsburgh

Stan & Guy & Chris

(10 am – Noon w/ online chat Noon – 1 pm)

Stan Savran and Guy Junker formed a legendary sports duo long before I arrived in Pittsburgh. After a brief stint apart while each tried to carry their own show, they reunited once again and have continued to offer fair, insightful commentary on Pittsburgh sports. If you live in Pittsburgh or follow its teams, you know Stan and Guy.

Stan and Guy deliver a professional charisma that engages listeners with thought-provoking dialogue that objectively analyzes all of the Steel City teams as well as Penn State.

The guys also seem to have a firm grasp on the pulse of the fan, developing great hypothetical discussions on both local and national topics.

Unfortunately, the recent addition of Chris Mack was disappointing, as he typically portrays a supremely over-confident fan. To the credit of Stan and Guy, Mack’s participation is limited, almost as if to say, “Um, Chris, the adults are talking here.”

WINNER: Stan & Guy & Chris

Cleveland

Michael Reghi

(3 pm – 6 pm)

Though Reghi has been on the Cleveland sports scene for decades, he has only owned the coveted afternoon-drive time slot for the last few months. Nevertheless, Reghi implores his audience to “bring it strong,” and that is exactly what he does each day.

The foundation of Reghi’s common-sense analysis of Cleveland sports is undoubtedly the wisdom and experience that he has gained over the years. Reghi offers intelligent opinions and is never afraid to take a side and be critical when it is appropriate.

Even so, Reghi is tolerant and respectful of listeners who do not agree with him, as long as they can match his reasoning and logic.

Reghi’s charismatic style endears him to his audience, and there’s rarely a show where he isn’t complimented for his work as the Cavs’ play-by-play voice in years past. It is clear that his audience respects him tremendously.

Additionally, Reghi is also a supremely skilled interviewer. His tremendous knowledge and preparation shines through even when talking to sports personalities outside of Cleveland.

VS.

Pittsburgh

The Drive with Paulsen, Logan & Crow

(2 pm – 6 pm)

With Scott Paulsen typically taking the lead, this show does a great job of giving equal attention to the Steelers, Penguins, and even the Pirates. Paulsen and sidekick Eddy Crow put forth fan-centric opinions that are rooted in years of following Pittsburgh’s teams.

While they are certainly not the most objective commentators that Pittsburgh has to offer, their style makes them extremely likeable and relatable.

Former Steelers defensive back Mike Logan rounds out the trio by bringing the ever-popular “former athlete” viewpoint.

While Logan sometimes seems takes a backseat to his more seasoned counterparts, Paulsen and Crow frequently bring him into the mix by drawing on his unique experiences and perspectives.

To his credit, Logan appears more comfortable behind the microphone each day.

But without question, it’s the comedy aspect of The Drive that makes it so appealing. Eddy Crow is the most sardonic person I have ever heard on radio. Every once in awhile, it gets annoying, but generally, it’s just pretty darn funny.

Meanwhile, Paulsen’s comedic talents are frequently on display with hilarious sketches like “Spit, Choke and Puke” and songs such as “Flyers Scum,” “The Wreck of the Plaxico Burress,” and “Cincinnati S.U.C.K.S.”

WINNER: Michael Reghi

Cleveland

In the Zone with Kenny Roda

(6 pm – 9 pm)

Kenny is like a half-brother to me. Not in a “family tree” sense, but rather a fervent Buckeyes fan (like me) and equally ardent Steelers supporter (definitely not like me).

Who better than to objectively analyze the Browns than a Steelers fan? Kenny is excellent at offering strong opinions about all the teams that can be tough for a Cleveland fan to hear but have an air of truth and reality.

Conversely, Roda can sometimes let his love for the Indians, Cavs, and Buckeyes cloud his objectivity, but this seems to gain him popularity with his audience.

“The Roadman” is also famous for his hilarious impressions of various sports personalities and entertaining interviews which keep the show lively and engaging.

VS.

Pittsburgh

Stillers 365

(6 pm – 8 pm)

This must be for people who need something to make them feel better about their otherwise dull lives. We get it, we get it…the Steelers won the Super Bowl. But in the six months outside of football season, there are many other sports and teams to follow.

Host Ken Laird is an unabashed Steeler apologist, and rarely has a critical word for the team he covers.

While off-season football conversation about what the team needs to improve can generate some great bar-room arguments, Laird takes the time to congratulate the defending Super Bowl champs and fails to address legitimate issues.

Sorry folks, but if you need to listen to Steelers talk all year long, you need to get a life.

WINNER: “In the Zone with Kenny Roda”

Well, that's it, folks. Cleveland narrowly edges out Pittsburgh, 2-1.

I encourage you to check out all of these shows and let me know your thoughts. Whether you root for Cleveland's teams or Pittsburgh's teams, an educated sports fan is knowledgeable of the goings-on outside of the confines of their own locality.

Now if only the Browns could narrowly edge out the Steelers once in awhile...

Would a Browns Victory over the Steelers Mean Anything?

The Coop — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:11:41 -0500

It’s sad, really, that it’s come to this.

Though the Cleveland Browns have endured some horrendous seasons since returning to the NFL in 1999, their fans have anticipated games against the Pittsburgh Steelers with the excitement that a Browns victory over their hated rivals would at least salvage the season, even if only a little bit.

In preseasons past, the Browns were expected to be also-rans, if not basement-dwellers. But in those years, a win over Pittsburgh would have given Browns fans immense personal satisfaction along with the hope that their team was on their way back to the top of the AFC North.

But this was supposed to be the year. After an out-of-nowhere 10-6 finish a year ago, 2008 was supposed to be the year that the Browns regained supremacy, stomping the Steelers on their way to the division title and a playoff appearance. NFL “experts” everywhere heralded them as the “sexy” pick to make noise in the AFC.

Instead, the Browns were crushed by the weight of expectation, while the Steelers won yet another division crown.

Meanwhile, in the teams' first meeting the Steelers made it 10 in a row over the Browns and 17-of-19 since ’99.

With the epic disappointment that this season has brought, Browns fans now have to ask themselves a very difficult question: Would a victory over the Steelers this Sunday mean anything?

It’s hard to imagine anything—even a crushing win by the Steelers—making Browns fans feel any worse about this season. The season officially became a disaster several weeks ago, if not sooner, probably around the time the Browns suffered their second consecutive come-from-ahead loss.

Since then, injuries, poor play, bad coaching, and overall ineptitude have piled on the Browns, making it more painful for their fans to watch with each passing week. Needless to say, it can’t get much worse for the Browns and their fans.

Oh, and did I mention that the Browns haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in five games?

Then again, it’s equally as difficult to imagine a Browns win over the Steelers doing much good either. A win would make the Browns 5-11, and would probably end up hurting them in the long run more than anything else, as it would lower their position in next April’s NFL draft.

Additionally, Browns fans won’t be able to expect any “springboard effect” heading into next season. Head coach Romeo Crennel will be coaching his last game, a journeyman will be starting at QB, and there is the possibility for many more changes to the roster and front office. There certainly won’t be any indication that the Browns are an imminent threat to the Steelers’ domination of the division.

Of course, this is to say nothing of the fact that the Steelers will basically be playing backups. Their starters will see limited time before being pulled in order to rest for their upcoming playoff run.

Call me crazy, but a Browns victory over a bunch of benchwarmers doesn’t really seem like much of an accomplishment to me.

Hey, I hate the Steelers as much as the next guy—maybe even more so since I live in the heart of Steeler Nation. But isn’t part of the fun of being a fan having bragging rights over your rival?

The next time a friend or co-worker talks trash to me about the Browns, I don’t see myself saying, “Yeah, well, we beat you in 2008…you know, in that game that didn’t mean anything."

I don’t know about you, but that’s not going to be much of a rebuttal for the people I know.

In fact, the harshest reality of all is the realization that the Steelers and their fans don’t even consider the Browns their biggest rival anymore. That distinction now belongs to the Baltimore Ravens. After all, at least the Ratbirds have beaten the Yinzers in the last five years.

I will be cheering for the Browns on Sunday just as hard as ever, maybe even harder because of my hatred for the Steelers. After all, it’s another game on the schedule and I want them to win every single time they play.

A win over Pittsburgh might be a nice belated gift from Santa, but the positive feelings will be short-lived. While the Steelers play in January, the Browns and their fans will be watching on TV, wondering what they could get in the draft if only they had a higher pick.

Beating the Steelers won’t erase the abysmal season the Browns have had. It won’t make Brady Quinn’s throwing hand heal any faster, it won’t take the sting out of last-second losses and 20 quarters of TD-less play (and counting), and it won’t entice a big-name head coach to come to Cleveland. And it surely won’t give Browns fans anything to brag about.

In all actuality, if the Browns aren’t able to string together a few victories over their loathed nemesis in the next few years, a win over the Steelers this Sunday might only serve as remembrance to what a dreadful season the Browns had in 2008.

Jamal Lewis Should Be the Foundation for the Browns' Turnaround in 2009

The Coop — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:31:07 -0500

Anxious to put a disastrous season behind them, many fans are excitedly speculating on what will happen in the front office: Who will replace head coach Romeo Crennel? Will GM Phil Savage lose his job or accept a lesser role? When will owner Randy Lerner be seen in public again?

But to me, the most interesting speculation is what needs the Browns should address on the field. With such a frustrating season, just about all 53 roster spots need to be fully evaluated.

But not quite all 53.

One player who has solidified his position on the team is running back Jamal Lewis.

Not all of my “fellow GMs-in-waiting” agree. They will tell you that he is getting old, that he doesn’t hit the holes as hard as he used to, even that he is too expensive for the team to benefit from having him.

Admittedly, I will say that these fans have been respectful in their dismissal of Lewis. Most, if not all, agree that Lewis is an extremely hard-working guy with an intense drive and passion for the game.

And that’s a guy fans want to phase out, if not get rid of altogether? Big mistake.

Browns fans, do not underestimate these characteristics. With a long, uphill road in front of them, the Browns are in need of solid veteran leaders to guide them. Not only does Lewis deserve the chance to lead in the locker room and on the field, he demands it.

This is a guy who, a few weeks ago, publicly demanded that Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski give him the ball. This wasn’t a whiny wide receiver complaining because he wasn’t the star getting all the attention; it was a player who wanted to shoulder the responsibility and literally carry the team on his back.

Everyone has heard the ridiculous stat about the Browns’ record when Lewis carries 20 or more times. This year, three of their four wins have come when Lewis has hit that mark.

It’s not a coincidence.

So why not just give the rock to Lewis 20 times and be done with it? Game, set, match, right? Well it doesn’t work that way, and so Lewis has had struggled statistically.

But it’s far from his fault. The Indianapolis game was a perfect example.

Listening to Lewis’ plea for more carries, the Browns ran the ball with Lewis six times on a nine-play game-opening drive. Of course, like so many drives before and after it, this one resulted in a field goal.

Ironically, this drive was foolish in that in completely revealed the Browns’ game plan. By making it obvious that they planned on running all day, the Colts were able to adjust and eventually shut down the run.

Of course, this predictable play-calling has been a signature of the Browns’ offense all season. The Browns percentage of running plays on first and second down is staggering. By not keeping the defense off-balance, Lewis’ effectiveness is limited.

Not only has the play-calling hurt Lewis, but so has the ineffectiveness of the players surrounding Lewis. With a star receiver who can’t be relied upon along with a host of injuries across the board, it’s been difficult for Lewis to succeed.

The Browns have not had a downfield passing game all season. Regardless of who’s throwing the ball or who is trying to catch it, the Browns have lacked big-play ability.

With no threat of a passing game that would stretch the field, defenses are able to load up and sell-out against the run. Believe me, the trio of Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, and Ken Dorsey doesn’t scare anybody. Opposing defenses all have the same game plan: Stop Lewis and make the Browns throw.

Not only have injuries and inconsistency hurt the passing game, but their effect has been felt on the offensive line as well.

First and foremost, the Browns have missed Ryan Tucker sorely. Tucker is regarded as arguably the Browns’ best offensive lineman, and he has missed virtually the entire season. Eric Steinbach has also played hurt, and the unit has lacked overall cohesion since the get-go.

Yet despite the poor play-calling and injuries, Lewis has still managed to rip off explosive runs and fight for the tough yards. Other than against Tennessee, Lewis has shown a burst through the hole in many games—when the hole is actually there.

He’s also picked up a number of first downs in short-yardage situations and has been reliable as a receiver out of the backfield.

Another fact that is commonly overlooked is Jamal Lewis’ durability. Lewis has started all but one game since joining the Browns. For a guy who is supposed to be old, he sure doesn’t miss action like an old guy.

Speaking of old, Lewis will be 30 when next season opens. He’ll be two months younger than LaDanian Tomlinson, whom he trails by 85 rushing yards this season. I don’t hear anyone talking about what L.T.’s future with the Chargers should be.

Fans’ best case for replacing Lewis seems to be Jerome Harrison. Harrison is a nice player, but even he has thrived mainly as a change-of-pace for Lewis. Nonetheless, Harrison does not strike me as an every-down type of back, and even if he was, today’s most successful NFL teams have a steady one-two punch in the running game.

Once the Browns have a play-caller who knows how to use all the weapons the right way, Lewis will flourish.

Drafting a running back next spring would be pointless. Sure, it would be nice to have a stud prospect like Beanie Wells, but it would be a complete oversight to not address the team’s other glaring holes.

Just one season ago, Jamal Lewis rushed for over 1,300 yards, evidence that he’s still got a lot of yards left in him. If the Browns can make the right moves in the front office and on the roster, Jamal Lewis will be the foundation of the Browns’ turnaround in 2009.

Browns Fans: Want Consistency? Start By Looking In The Mirror

The Coop — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:49:58 -0500

In a game truly befitting their franchise for the last 10 years, the Cleveland Browns found themselves on the wrong end of yet another gut-wrenching defeat on Sunday, this time losing 10-6 to the Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Only the Browns could hold one of the greatest offenses in the NFL history to less than 220 yards and still find a way to lose. But that’s what the Browns did, as once again the offense was predictable and ineffective and failed to score a touchdown for the second straight week.

Remarkably, you actually have to go all the way back to the opening play of the fourth quarter versus the Bills on Nov. 17 for the last time the Browns reached the end zone, when Jerome Harrison sprinted 72 yards for the score. Since that play, the Browns have entered the red zone eight times and have managed just five field goals.

Sadly, Browns fans may soon be yearning for this type of offensive ineptitude.

With Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson now both lost for the season, the Browns may not score another touchdown until 2009. With all due to respect to Ken Dorsey (he’s yet to complete a pass since joining the Browns in 2006), it doesn’t look good for the Browns and their so-called “offense.”

Oh, and did I mention that the Browns close the season with games that include trips to 11-1 Tennessee, 6-5-1 Philadelphia, and 9-3 Pittsburgh, all of whom boast some of the most aggressive and suffocating defenses in the NFL?

The Browns are headed for their eighth sub-.500 season since returning to the league in 1999, and this season ranks among the most disappointing in franchise history. From top to bottom, there is no doubt that the organization is in serious need of a significant makeover. But the Browns’ front office, coaching staff, and 53-man roster aren’t the only ones that need a serious, widespread change in personnel and attitude.

The Browns’ 2008 performance has been horribly inconsistent. But if Browns fans want consistency, they should start by looking in the mirror.

This thought occurred to me yesterday as a chorus of sarcastic cheers echoed around me in the stadium as Derek Anderson writhed in pain after being sacked and tearing his MCL.

To these alleged “fans”: Are you kidding me?

I have always been proud to be a Browns fan. I live in Pittsburgh but have never been embarrassed to support my team in the heart of Steelers Country, even though the Steelers have dominated the Browns for what seems like forever. While the Browns have had their struggles and disappointments, I love—and will always love—the franchise for its history and tradition and the passion of Browns fans across the world.

But with each passing game, it seems like this passion has turned into ignorance and a lack of class and knowledge that really is embarrassing.

Everyone criticized the Browns’ problems with staph infections and turned it into an explanation as to why so-called “big name” free agents don’t come to Cleveland. That might be part of it, but how can we ignore this disgusting fan behavior?

What’s even more outrageous is the fact that this isn’t the first time this has happened! Just ask Tim Couch.

Read or listen to some players’ post-game comments. The cheering of Anderson’s injury did not go unnoticed, and players around the league will also become aware of this. Given that, why would players want to come to Cleveland and be treated in such a despicable way? Or why would the ones that are here now want to stay?

Or what about Phil Savage’s magic f-bomb in an e-mail to a fan? While some people I know didn’t seem to have a problem with it, others took the opportunity to criticize the Browns GM for displaying a lack of class and dignity. But go to a Browns game at the Stadium or to a bar where the game is on, and you’ll think that curse words are a natural part of the football lingo.

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been known to drop an f-bomb from time to time. Watching the Browns probably makes priests and rabbis swear too. So what’s with the double standard?

Of course, the quarterback situation in and of itself has been a double standard from the get-go. Derek Anderson was loudly booed practically every time he threw an incompletion against the Colts.

Hell, he was even booed when he completed passes if they weren’t long enough for fans’ liking. And of course, the fans went ballistic when the Browns had to settle for field goals after all those trips inside the red zone.

But I didn’t hear too much booing or very many complaints when Brady Quinn did pretty much the same thing against Buffalo and Houston. It’s not like Quinn was lighting it up with downfield passes, nor did he display any special ability to get the Browns in the end zone.

But if you’re The Golden Boy and the Anointed Savior of the Franchise, I guess you get a free pass.

Look, I’m not saying fans shouldn’t boo. Usually the team deserves it, especially with the way they’ve played this year. But to pick-and-choose who gets booed and who doesn’t, when just about everyone is deserving of it, is ridiculous.

It’s really easy for fans to criticize the organization when they don’t have anyone criticizing them for their shortcomings, isn’t it?

Hey, I’ve been a Browns fan my whole life. I’ve got a cute little picture of me in an old Hutch Browns helmet just like the one we always have to see of Brady Quinn. And I’ve been suffering with Browns fans everywhere for a long, long time. I know we all want to see a winner so bad it hurts.

But if Browns “fans” are the type of people who cheer their own players’ injuries and perpetuate double standards, call me something else.

Romeo Crennel: Even When He's Right, He's Wrong

The Coop — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:14:37 -0500

On a chilly Sunday afternoon on the shores of Lake Erie, the Cleveland Browns fell to 4-7 with a 16-6 loss to the Houston Texans in what officially marks the low-point of their catastrophic 2008 season.

Despite taking on a Texans team that ranked 27th in the NFL in points allowed per game (26.6), the Browns managed just two Phil Dawson field goals in a dismal offensive display, complete with turnovers, dropped passes, untimely penalties, and horrendous play-calling.

Can someone please tell the deejay that the record is officially broken?

Of course, it’s not that anemic offense itself is a broken record. After all, the Browns had scored 27 or more points in each of the previous three games.

No, it’s the entire team that’s a broken record. And the song that keeps playing has the refrain, “If it’s not one thing, it’s the other.”

You know the tune. When one unit shows up, the other doesn’t. Early on this season, the defense played much better than anyone had anticipated. But the offense was out of sync, and scoring was at a premium.

And lately, it’s been the defense—what with their pathetic tackling and penchant for giving up the big play—that has frequently put the pressure on the offense to bail the team out.

Nevertheless, with the 3-7 Texans bringing their below-average defense and explosive offense to Cleveland, many Browns fans foresaw an offensive shootout and anticipated a victory for their beloved team.

Of course, at this point, Browns fans should know that the only thing to expect from their team is disappointment.

If nothing else, the team plays—and coaches—to the level of their competition. How else can you explain a team that can dismantle the New York Giants and lose to a team like the Houston Texans in the same season?

Now, I could tell you about all the things that the Browns did poorly against Houston, but if you’ve been following the team all year and watched the game, you know what they are. Unlike the Browns, I refuse to be a broken record.

And perhaps sensing that fans would not want to spend a week talking about more miserable on-field execution, Browns head coach Romeo Crennel, in his infinite generosity, fueled fans’ fire by replacing Browns QB Brady Quinn with Derek Anderson at the end of the third quarter.

Crennel said that he felt the team needed a “spark.” But the only thing that caught fire was the Braylon Edwards jersey that I saw guys burning in the parking lot after the game.

Poor Romeo. The guy just can’t win, can he?

Though Crennel has been roundly criticized by fans as well as local and national media, people should realize that Romeo did actually make the right decision—but only in theory and principle, not practice.

And it has nothing to do with Brady Quinn.

Think about it: What was Crennel doing by giving Quinn the hook? He was making Brady accountable for his lackluster performance. This is something that fans have been screaming for Romeo to do all season.

Hell, Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid was generally applauded for his decision to pull veteran QB Donovan McNabb at halftime of the Eagles’ drubbing at the hands of the Ravens.

Ironically, if Derek Anderson would have led a comeback victory, no one would even be talking about the mid-game change.

So where did Romeo go wrong?

Well, for one, he never made Derek Anderson accountable for his play at any point in the season until following the Baltimore game in Week Nine after the Browns fell to 3-5. Romeo had plenty of opportunities to give DA the hook and put in Quinn early in the season, but he never did. So why treat Brady differently?

Secondly, Crennel has still refused to make Braylon Edwards responsible for anything this season. Dropped ball after dropped ball, stupid penalty after stupid penalty, fans are forced to watch the Edwards routine week after week.

Apparently it’s fine for Braylon Edwards to not do his job, but not okay for Brady Quinn. And truthfully, it’s not just Edwards. There have been plenty of players that haven’t performed up to snuff this season.

See, if Romeo would have established a pattern of coaching that was consistent with his decision to pull Quinn, I doubt that most people, short of members of the Brady Quinn Fan Club, would take issue with the decision.

But with Romeo handling the situation the way he did, it looks like he’s scapegoating Quinn and, for some reason, making an example out of one of the few guys that is giving it his all.

Forget the fact that the decision could hurt a fragile psyche of a young quarterback. Fans who think this is the case do not give Quinn enough credit for his mental toughness and resiliency.

Besides, Romeo did do the right thing by immediately naming Quinn the starter for Week 13 against the Colts, but it’s too little, too late.

In a season full of questionable decisions, the head-scratching election to pull Quinn in favor of Anderson is the proverbial straw that broke the Browns’ back and cemented the theory that Crennel is in over his head as an NFL head coach.

Time to get your resume ready, Romeo.

Oh No! Phil Savage Has A Potty Mouth!

The Coop — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:00:52 -0500

If the Cleveland Browns were a reality TV show, they would get better ratings than "Survivor" and "Dancing with the Stars" combined.

The latest episode in the high-drama series of “Browns ’08: Disappointment Island” involves General Manager Phil Savage responding to an angry and confrontational fan in a less-than-ideal way.

The website deadspin.com originally reported the story, and it was also reported on a radio station local to where I live; that’s right, Pittsburgh, PA, of all places.

Here’s how the confrontation allegedly went down:

Fan: You are easily the worst GM in the NFL. Chud, Crennel, and Tucker should
NOT have jobs. How the hell do you play prevent defense the entire game? How do you NOT use Jerome Harrison more? Why the hell would you throw the ball with six minutes left? This is officially a regime that is worse than Butch Davis'. By the way, just like last week—this e-mail was written while the Browns still had the lead.

Savage: Go root for Buffalo, f--- you! (Editor’s note: the bomb was not spelled out in Savage’s e-mail.)

On Thursday, Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel basically confirmed the report. On the same day, Cleveland talk show host Tony Rizzo interviewed the e-mailer, who goes by the name of “Brett.”

In the interview, Brett stated that he had harassed and criticized Savage over the course of several e-mails. Brett admitted that these e-mails to Savage were pretty much out-of-line. He also acknowledged that he probably deserved the response that he received, and even defended Savage by saying that the GM’s response showed passion for the team.

As Bania from "Seinfeld" would say, “This is gold, Jerry! Gold!”

That’s right. I find this episode absolutely hilarious. People who think it reflects poorly on the organization or Savage himself need to lighten up and stop taking life (and a game) so seriously.

After all, do you mean to tell me that a Browns fan, or a fan of any team for that matter, didn’t need to be told to “self-love” himself at some point?

Secondly, I have some doubt that it was actually Savage who responded to the e-mail. After the Kellen Winslow saga, we know that some rank-and-file Browns employees have a way of causing a bit of trouble from time-to-time. People that want to get mad at Savage might want to at least consider that fact first.

But for the sake of argument, let’s assume it was Savage who wrote the e-mail.

Are we really to believe that Phil Savage, who is by all accounts a humble, God-fearing Christian, would start dropping F-bombs on “Joe the Fan” if he wasn’t provoked?

Do people really think that Brett’s side of the e-mail exchange was flowery and delicate? Brett said he deserved the response that he received. So, is it possible that Brett is leaving out a little bit of the text of his e-mails for the sake of the story?

And finally, would you rather the Browns have a GM that is lifeless and not human? A guy can only take so much badgering before he decides he’s had enough. This e-mail correspondence took place over several months. And Phil decided that, quite clearly.

Moreover, Phil's response—as Brett pointed out—is indicative of his passion for the team and his belief that he’s doing the right thing. How could you not love this if you’re a Browns fan?

How would you like it if some random person found your business card, e-mailed you at work, and told you that you sucked at your job? Might you respond that the e-mailer was severely lacking in the expertise of your field and had no basis for his criticism?

I don’t know how many NFL General Manager jobs Brett has had, but I’m guessing it’s somewhere between zero and zilch. Just because you buy a ticket and wear a Brady Quinn jersey to the games doesn’t mean you know how to run an NFL franchise.

People who will crucify Phil Savage over something so inconsequential and irrelevant to the ultimate goal of winning football games need to take their anti-Browns and anti-Savage agenda elsewhere.

Besides, both parties—Brett and Phil—say that they’ve kissed and made up. So if neither party has a problem with it, why should anyone else?

In fact, Savage should be commended for drawing attention to the organization. As the old saying goes, “Any publicity is good publicity.” Yep. Phil Savage is a marketing genius!

So that’s my opinion on the subject. And if you don’t like it, F--- you! Go read the Dawgfather’s blog!

Browns-Bills: What Part of "Browns Win" Do Fans Not Understand?

The Coop — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:07:56 -0500

With a little help from the Lake Erie wind, the Cleveland Browns escaped with a 29-27 win in Buffalo over the Bills on Monday Night Football.

After watching a double-digit lead evaporate for the third consecutive week, the Browns fought back to go back on top when Mr. Automatic, Phil Dawson, booted a 56-yard field goal with just 46 seconds remaining.

Still, this was more than enough time for the Bills to make a last-ditch effort to pull out the victory. After a big kickoff return, a deep pass, and a few small-yardage running plays, Buffalo found themselves at the Browns’ 29 yard line with a chance to win the game, and the Browns looked doomed.

But on fourth down, Ryan Lindell’s 46-yard field goal sailed wide right and the Browns won the game, improving to 4-6 on the season.

In case you’re a little confused, let me repeat it: the Browns won the game.

After waking up exhilarated by the thrilling victory, my morning was quickly ruined as I began to absorb the opinions of bloggers and talk-show callers who appeared to have turned off the game and gone to bed after Buffalo went ahead with three minutes left to play.

The tone of these “fans” was quite disheartening. They actually made it sound like the Browns lost the game. So I wondered, was the Browns’ winning a dream? Did the Browns actually lose? I frantically checked NFL.com. I was right! It wasn’t a dream at all. The Browns really did win!

Yet, as my day continued, I continued to hear about how the Browns’ win was “ugly.” I heard the all-too-familiar cliché, “a win is a win.” And I heard how the Browns and their fans shouldn’t be too happy with the win.

Well, entitled to their opinions as Browns fans may be, consider me officially fed up.

I think all Browns fans will admit that the team has been a huge disappointment this season. But after ten weeks of inconsistent and vexing play, shouldn’t it have sunk in by now that the Browns are just not a very good team?

After all, against Buffalo, the Browns were plagued with many of the same things that have plagued them all season. For starters, the Browns did not capitalize on opportunities to blow the game open, and later, put the game away.

Offensively, they converted only three of 13 third downs. Their “star” receiver dropped passes at critical moments, and they did not establish the running game.

Defensively, the Browns’ tackling was embarrassing. When they had a large lead, they played soft and lost their focus. They gave up nearly five yards per carry on the ground and their pass rush was virtually non-existent, as they did not even register a sack.

Nevertheless, despite all of this frustration, the Browns made just enough plays to come away with the win. So why aren’t Browns fans ecstatic about the victory?

You know, the Browns weren’t the only team on the field trying to win the game. At 5-4, the Bills were absolutely desperate to end a four game losing streak and get themselves back into playoff contention. They scratched and clawed until the bitter end, knowing that a win would put them right in the thick of things in the crowded AFC, where five teams are already 6-4.

But on the road, in an extremely hostile environment, the Browns fought harder. Rather than fold up their tents (or “quit,” as some Browns players might say), Brady Quinn and the offense rallied and put their team in a position to win. That’s right, Brady Quinn: a guy making his second career start.

If someone gave you a million dollars, all in pennies, would you say “no thanks” because it’s not as “pretty” as a big fancy cardboard check with all the zeros on it? Of course not, because it all spends the same, right?

But yet, Browns fans seem to discount the wins over Buffalo and Cincinnati because they weren’t as pretty as the thrashing of the Giants. Well, the next time you look at the standings, see if you can tell the difference between these wins.

The Baltimore Ravens won a Super Bowl based on so-called “ugly” wins. Now that they have the Lombardi Trophy, does anyone care how “nice” their victories were en route to the championship?

If you want to watch a team that dominates every week, watch replays of the 2007 Patriots. The Patriots crushed nearly everyone they faced for 18 games. Look where that got them.

The fact of the matter is that the Browns have what amounts to a rookie quarterback, a bi-polar wide receiver, and a porous defense. They are one of 17 NFL teams with a record between 4-6 and 6-4. That’s right: more than half of the teams in the league are nothing more than mediocre.

So do fans really expect the Browns to play a perfect game each week? To the contrary, the fact that the Browns can pull out a win while playing less than perfect is indeed a cause for celebration.

As all Browns fans know, wins are hard enough to come by as it is. So why do fans feel the need to treat wins like losses? Do the Browns frustrate us? Definitely.

They have tons of holes and vast room for improvement. But against Buffalo, they did what it takes to win, on the road no less. And for that, Browns fans should be nothing less than thrilled.

There’s no such thing as a good loss, and there’s no such thing as an ugly win. The Browns won. Period. And that’s beautiful.

Trent Dilfer on the Browns: A Browns Fan Puts ESPN Analyst in His Place

The Coop — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:34:32 -0500

Following last Monday’s announcement by the Cleveland Browns that they would be starting Brady Quinn at quarterback in place of the ineffective Derek Anderson, ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer—a member of the Browns during the 2005 season—ripped the organization for the move on national television.

(Gee, not much of a conflict of interest there, is it? Good job, ESPN! Way to be a bastion for quality journalism once again.)

Dilfer sounded off specifically on the change at quarterback but also landed some haymakers on the Cleveland Browns as an organization. Since Trey Wingo, or anyone, for that matter, was not up to the task of rebutting Dilfer’s comments, please allow me to fill the role.

Dilfer: “But I do know this, playing for the Cleveland Browns for a year. This is a dysfunctional organization.”

The Coop: Well, Trent, to be honest, you really only played for the Browns for part of the season. Remember, you were replaced by Charlie Frye after going 4-7. The team decided they wanted to see what they had in their backup quarterback. Sound familiar?

Nonetheless, one year? You’re basing these comments on all of one year’s worth of experience with the organization? Hmm, last winter I purchased a few shares of Exxon Mobil stock. How come no one is calling me to discuss federal energy policy?

Dilfer: “As an organization, from the very, very, very top down, they are very influenced by public opinion.”

The Coop: You’re right. The fans are calling the shots. That’s why Brady Quinn started on opening day last year. And that’s why Romeo Crennel was fired after the Pittsburgh game this year. And remember when Phil Savage signed Ty Law in the offseason to help the embattled Browns secondary?

And you know what else? Rumor has it that season ticket holders were mad that they had to pay for Personal Seat Licenses when the team came back in 1999, so team owner Randy Lerner is going to refund all of that money as a part of a new economic stimulus package.

Dilfer: “There’s so many layers of dysfunction on this football team, Derek Anderson is the least of their problems.”

The Coop: You’ve got a good point. I mean, who wouldn’t want a quarterback that has the 31st-best passer rating and has completed less than 50 percent of his passes?

Dilfer: “You never, ever bench a quarterback on a bad football team. You bench the quarterback when your football team is good and your quarterback is holding you back.”

The Coop: Uh oh, Trent. Are we getting too personal here? I mean, if anyone knows about being benched, it’s you. Remember when you were benched in Cleveland? Isn’t it possible that the team was bad because you stunk out loud? We talked about this, didn’t we? 4-7? Sound familiar?

But Trent, I’m also wondering: If you only believe in benching quarterbacks on good football teams when the QB is holding the team back, how come you didn’t bench yourself when you played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2000? After all, the Ravens were widely regarded as being successful, in spite of their offense.

Dilfer: “This is a knee-jerk reaction from an organization that is known to make knee-jerk reaction moves.”

The Coop: Such as…?

(long, uncomfortable silence)

The Coop: OK, Trent. Well, moving right along, I’m writing an article on your comments, and I just want to make sure I have all the facts and stats correct. Stop me if I say anything wrong.

For starters, you had a 14 year career with—wait, is this right? Five organizations? That’s a lot of new houses, huh?

Anyways, during your career, you threw 113 touchdowns and 129 interceptions, throwing more TDs than INTs just four times. What is that, like 30 percent?

I also learned that your highest single-season quarterback rating came in 2001 with the Seahawks, during which you played in just six games and managed a 92.0 rating. In fact, that 2001 season marked the only time in your career that your rating exceeded 82.8. You must have really been eating your Wheaties that year!

Speaking of Seattle, how is it exactly that you ended up there again? I mean, I know the Ravens cut you, making you the only quarterback in NFL history to be released in the season following a Super Bowl championship. Not exactly a distinction I’d want, but hey, being the only person to do something, well, that’s something...Right?

Anyways, you signed with Seattle as a backup to Matt Hasselbeck. There weren’t any NFL teams that needed a veteran Super Bowl-winning quarterback? I just don’t understand. Did they have like, really cool clipboards or something?

Ok, Trent. I can tell you’ve had enough, which is good, because I’ve had enough of you.

I’m just trying to help. You sound so bitter and angry, especially given that you were nothing more than a mediocre NFL quarterback who stole a Super Bowl ring.

Maybe next time you comment on the Browns, you’ll actually get some sources and rely on more solid information than what you learned in your very limited time in Cleveland three years ago.

Or maybe you’ll just keep your mouth shut and let some other idiot at ESPN say something stupid. Trust me, it happens all the time.

Broncos 34-Browns 30: Aren't Encores Supposed To Be Good?

The Coop — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:25:36 -0500

In an encore performance of their disastrous loss to Baltimore just a few days ago, the Cleveland Browns came from ahead to lose once again, this time dropping a 34-30 decision to the Denver Broncos on the shores of Lake Erie.

For the second straight game, the Browns gave up huge yards and big points and saw a second half double-digit lead evaporate, making them just the fifth team in NFL history to have such a dreadful dishonor.

Anyone want to start a petition to the NFL allowing the Browns to use 13 players on defense?

As has been the case in virtually every game this year, the Browns played well enough on one side of the ball to win. But, the Browns also played so poorly on the other side of the ball that they blew the game for entire team en route to another frustrating defeat.

Early in the season, it was the defense that kept the Browns in games while the offense sputtered and struggled. But in the last two games, the offense moved the ball effectively and put up points, only to see their defense let them down. There’s a word that’s used to describe teams that play this way, and it’s not ‘inconsistent.’

How about ‘awful’?

Yes, the Browns are quite simply an awful football team. While last night marked the much-anticipated debut of quarterback Brady Quinn, the final result was the same. As I’ve said before, it makes virtually no difference who plays quarterback for the Browns. The team’s utter lack of focus, intensity, and play-making, along with some questionable coaching and play-calling, completely precludes them from winning.

Even Kellen Winslow, Jr., who ignited the team with two first half touchdowns, managed a pathetic hat trick of poor plays in the fourth quarter, including an offensive pass interference, a fumble, and a dropped pass, all of which came at critical moments in the game.

Still, if Browns fans can be happy about anything from the Denver game, it should be that their anointed savior, Quinn, did not fall flat on his face. To the contrary, BQ played pretty solid and looked like anything but a guy making his first NFL start.

Quinn managed the game very effectively. He continually moved the chains with efficient, accurate passing and relied on his supporting cast to prolong drives. His arm looked lively and he displayed pretty good touch. And, Brady demonstrated the ability to look-off receivers and appeared to have an acute awareness of where his receivers would be so that he could get them the ball.

But what was most remarkable was how calm and poised Quinn was for the entire game. I was particularly impressed with his ability to lead the offense on a nine play, 78-yard fourth quarter touchdown-scoring drive. This drive immediately followed a Denver touchdown which made the score 27-23, giving the Broncos their first lead since early in the first quarter, and Quinn looked like a seasoned veteran.

However, Quinn’s performance was not flawless. On the Browns’ first drive, Quinn completed a seven yard pass on third-and-eight. (Ironically, had Derek Anderson been in the game, this throw would have drawn a chorus of boos heard all the way to the Rocky Mountains. Yet, when Quinn did it, fans seemed oddly quiet.)

It also seems apparent that the vertical passing game will no longer be a part of the Browns’ offensive attack. Quinn did not complete any downfield throws; in fact, I’m having a hard time thinking of any downfield throws that were even attempted.

Case in point: Brady Quinn was 23-35 for 239 yards. Conversely, Broncos QB Jay Cutler was 24-42 for 447 yards. Even if you take away Cutler’s 93-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Royal, Cutler would have the exact same number of completions, but for 115 more yards.

Do with that stat what you will. Maybe it shows how bad the Browns defense is. Maybe it’s because Quinn prefers the easy check-down as opposed to airing it out. Or maybe the Browns coaching staff thinks (knows?) that Quinn cannot throw the deep ball. Whatever the case, if the Browns are unable to stretch the field, it will not take long for NFL defenses to figure them out and shut them down.

Of course, the play of the offense was completely overshadowed by the Charmin-soft defense that took the field for the Browns.

The entire defensive unit—coaches and players alike—clearly lost their concentration and intensity once again. The Denver game actually marked the third week in a row that their defense went into the toilet late in the game. It started with Jacksonville, but somehow the Browns were able to hang on for the win. And we all know the story of last week.

I simply find it incomprehensible that professional athletes—at least those on the Browns roster—do not have the personal pride to put teams away and finish games. What’s even more stunning is that the Browns defense is sprinkled with several veterans like Andre Davis, Willie McGinnest, and Shaun Rogers, who should simply not allow this to happen.

Calling the Browns tackling “poor” is being too kind. It’s actually embarrassing, as is their inability to make plays. Broncos tight end Daniel Graham's fourth quarter touchdown was humiliating. And Brandon McDonald dropping two INTs? This should draw fans’ ire as much as when Braylon Edwards drops passes, because really, what’s the difference?

With a so-called defense like that of the Browns, it’s quite conceivable that Brady and the offense will have to score triple-digits each week in order to win.

That’s right, I said Brady.

Brady Quinn deserves to finish out the year as quarterback. The experience will only help him as the Browns look to 2009. Quinn looked good against a porous Denver defense, but he will face a much different challenge a week from Monday in Buffalo against the tough and talented Bills.

Let's not forget that in his first game as the starting quarterback of the Browns, Derek Anderson was 20-33 for 328 yards, five (yes, five) TDs and one INT.

So before everyone celebrates the success of Quinn, let’s be sure to let the rest of the season play out—including games against strong defensive teams like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee—before we start making plans for his bronze bust in Canton.

Brady Quinn Can't Fix All Cleveland's Problems

The Coop — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:57:09 -0500

Aside from firing the head coach, the biggest change a team can make is switching quarterbacks midseason.

On the heels of a demoralizing 34-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Cleveland, the Browns have officially announced that Brady Quinn will start at quarterback on Thursday against the Denver Broncos.

Unfortunately for the Browns, this change will have no impact at all.

The Browns went out of their way to prove that they have more problems than quarterback last Sunday.

Once again, the Browns displayed their inability to put their opponents away. After building a 14-point lead midway through the third quarter, the Browns players and coaches completely lost focus and watched the Ravens score 24 unanswered points to close the game.

This effectively shattered all of Cleveland’s hopes for a playoff run in 2008.
Every Browns collapse seems to include a miscue from mistake-prone wide receiver Braylon Edwards, and Sunday was no different.

Having seen their two-TD lead and all of their momentum disappear, the Browns had an opportunity to make a game-changing play. And they didn’t.

On third-and-seven from their 28-yard line, and the game tied at 24 early in the fourth quarter, Derek Anderson threw a perfect, in-stride 60-yard bomb to Edwards. The pass was…well, you know.

It was an error that the Browns cannot afford from their star receiver. Even if he had made the catch and didn't get into the end zone, the Browns likely would have been able to get three points out of the drive.

Did this play lose the game for the Browns? No way. But that doesn’t mean that it didn’t hurt, or that Browns fans shouldn't be enraged.

Still, this was just one play in a string of frustrating drives full of head-scratching play-calls that yielded no positive results.

Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski’s constant decision to call running plays on first down—particularly on the first play of a drive—makes me absolutely crazy. It could not be more predictable if a diagram of the play itself was shown on the Jumbotron before the snap of the ball.

The Browns started their first three offensive drives of the day with three running plays, picking up all of two yards. Those drives resulted in zero points.

On the first play of each of their next three drives, the Browns threw the ball. The result? Derek Anderson was 3-3 for 61 yards with the Browns scoring 10 points.

You don’t have to be Bill Walsh to recognize what works and what does not.

Of course, the predictability of the play calling is even more magnified when a team is sitting on a large lead, and the stupidity of the play calling is likewise magnified by the fact that Baltimore boasts the top-ranked rushing defense in the NFL.

When the Browns were up 14, Chud seemed content to run the ball up the middle for small gains on early downs and throw short of the first down markers on third down, which resulted in four consecutive, unimpressive three-and-outs.

Once the game was tied, the Ravens defense was able to settle in and do what they do best: stop the run. And they did.

By the time Chud decided to go back to the air on first down, it was too late. With the Browns trailing, Baltimore knew the Browns had to pass and teed off on them. Game over.

With a so-called "No. 1” wide receiver that can’t catch, a largely ineffective running game, predictable play-calling, and the team’s lack of a killer instinct, what is Brady Quinn going to do for the Browns that Derek Anderson could not? Sadly, not much.

Don’t get me wrong. I like Brady Quinn. He seems to be a very hard-worker with a great attitude. And for the sake of the Browns, I hope he is the long-term answer for the Browns at quarterback.

But there is a reason that Quinn never won a big game in college. There’s a reason Quinn was passed on in the draft by many teams in the 2007 draft. And there’s a reason Quinn couldn’t win the starting job until this season was, in all reality, over.

I called for Quinn to get his shot a few weeks ago, and for the sake of the long-term success, I agree with making the move.

Why not see what Quinn can do? The fact that the switch has been made should be seen as an indictment of the entire team rather than a referendum on Anderson or a vote for Quinn.

Incidentally, it has been reported that the Browns made the move to placate Browns fans and keep their support after they loudly booed Anderson on Sunday. Well, if this is true, then Browns fans that would stop supporting the team without the change aren’t fans at all.

The true fans aren’t going anywhere, regardless of who the QB is.

Sure, Anderson was anything but spectacular this year, but every player and coach in the Browns organization is equally responsible for the disappointing season. Anderson has taken an unfair share of the blame not necessarily because of his play, but because of the fans’ unrelenting desire to see Quinn in action.

Anderson was nothing more than a sacrificial lamb for the entire team’s woes in 2008.

And so when Quinn throws his first interception—hell, his first incompletion—I wonder if the people in my section at Cleveland Browns Stadium and those at Peter’s Pub will start chants for third-string QB Ken Dorsey, like they did each time Anderson didn’t complete a pass.

“Ken-ny! Ken-ny!”

Or will all of Brady’s transgressions be forgiven? Will fans chalk up his bad decisions and poor throws to youthful exuberance and inexperience?

Who will now assume the role of scapegoat du jour for Anderson haters when Quinn struggles? If Quinn doesn’t lead the Browns to the win this week, will fans blame Romeo for putting him in on a short week?

And when Brady succeeds, will it be because he’s the stud we all hoped he was, or because opponents haven’t had enough time to study his game and figure him out, as so many people claimed was the case with Anderson’s success.

Make no mistake, I just want the team—the whole team—to play well and win, regardless of who is taking the snaps.

I just hope that Browns fans—namely, the Quinn-lovers among us—are able to take off their Fighting Irish-colored glasses and hold Quinn to the same high standards that, short of a Lombardi Trophy, Anderson could never have lived up to.

Browns 23, Jags 17: Browns Steady As Jaguars Run Out of Time

The Coop — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:20:52 -0400

On Sunday, in Jacksonville, the Cleveland Browns built a 10-point halftime lead and hung on for dear life as they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-17, improving to 3-4 on the season.

The sometimes on, usually-off, Browns were on once again—at least for a half—and made just enough plays to turn back the Jags when Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard’s potentially game-tying pass to the end zone sailed incomplete as time expired.

The Browns were extremely fortunate to not be burned by their inability to convert prime scoring opportunities into touchdowns.

Thank God for Phil Dawson.

Near the end of the first half, with a 14-7 lead, Derek Anderson connected with—brace yourself—Braylon Edwards on a 43-yard bomb to the Jacksonville 20-yard line. After three plays, which amassed all of one yard, the Browns settled for a Dawson kick.

Later, midway through the fourth quarter, DA found Syndric Steptoe for a nifty 53-yard catch-and-run, taking the ball all the way to the Jacksonville one-yard line. After Jamal Lewis was stuffed on first down, the Browns elected to pass on the next two downs and once again relied on the sure foot of Dawson to put points on the board, giving the Browns a 20-17 advantage.

The Browns’ special teams came up huge on the ensuing kickoff as they recovered a fumble by Jags’ return man Brian Witherspoon. But once again, the Browns went back to the familiar routine of run on first down, pass on second and third down, kick the field goal on fourth down.

These three separate sequences scream very loudly about the Browns’ lack of a much-needed killer instinct. Where I typically put most of the blame on the team’s failure to execute—and that’s definitely part of it—I take particular exception this week with Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski’s playcalling in these situations.

In the drives that resulted in Dawson’s first and last field goals, the Browns became overly-conservative once they found themselves in scoring position. First of all, the run-pass-pass combination is totally predictable. It enables the defense to regroup and re-energize themselves.

Secondly, this playcalling puts the Browns in situations that ultimately leave them no choice but to kick the field goal. In both cases, the Browns were faced with third-and-long situations, made even more difficult against a strong and tough defense such as Jacksonville’s.

What is even harder to comprehend is the Browns employing this philosophy on first-and-goal at the Jacksonville one-yard line. They have two big, strong veteran running backs in Lewis and Lawrence Vickers, a powerful offensive line, and three downs to pound it home.

There is absolutely no reason to put the ball in Derek Anderson’s hands when the Browns have such a solid running game. This point is only strengthened by D.A.’s accuracy problems on the short passes in traffic. In that situation, the offensive line and running backs need to be challenged to get the job done; nine times out of 10, they will.

Of course, this nitpicking of the playcalling is always easier when the team wins. But it’s also because the Browns’ performance was devoid of so many of the problems with focus, game-management, and execution that have derailed their season thus far.

Do you realize that the Browns played their third consecutive game without a turnover? The Browns also committed just one penalty on the day and Stone-Hands Edwards actually had more receptions than dropped passes. Romeo Crennel’s management of the clock near the end of the first half, though it did not result in points, was adequate.

Crennel has been sharply criticized this season for the team’s turnovers, penalties, his (mis-)use of the clock, and fourth down go-vs.-kick elections. Additionally, he displayed a lot of emotion on the sidelines, made a bold decision to go for it on fourth down (which ultimately led to a touchdown), and had his team ready to play against a tough team on the road.

So, Romeo-Must-Go’ers, I ask you: If the Browns play a game without all of these negative elements and some of the positive ones, shouldn’t he get a lot of credit? All I’m saying is, let’s be fair about it: Romeo deserves to be well-acknowledged for his role in the Browns’ win.

Derek Anderson bought himself one more week as the Browns’ starting QB with a solid, though not spectacular, performance. He looked much more calm and confident this week, although his decisions to throw when it looked like he could run were a bit troubling. Still, D.A. was steady, and so the only hope is that he will build off this performance in terms of consistency.

Though there might be a fork in the vicinity, the Browns are far from done. They’ve won three of four and are now just two games behind a host of teams at 5-2, with nine games to play. Even better, the Browns return to the shores of Lake Erie on Sunday for a battle with the 4-3 Baltimore Ravens.

The Browns will be out for revenge after suffering a loss at the hands of the Ravens five weeks ago. They’ve won three of four and can truly begin to make some noise with a victory over Baltimore. With nothing but tight games in their future, they need to develop the killer instinct that all successful teams possess. With that, the Browns will be confident and focused as they look to capitalize on a fantastic opportunity to make their move up the AFC ladder.

Cleveland Browns at 2-4: Change They Need, Change They Can Count On (?)

The Coop — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:00:34 -0400

What a difference a week makes. In the span of just seven days, the Browns went from playing their best game of the year to putting on a shameful show that has enraged even the most optimistic of fans.

After destroying the 4-0 New York Giants two Mondays ago, the Browns followed up with an embarrassing, frustrating, and all-around pitiful defeat at the hands of the Washington Redskins, 14-11.

They fooled us all.

What we saw against the Giants was we expected from the get-go: excellent offensive-line play guiding an efficient offense, led by intelligent quarterbacking and an array of playmakers stepping up. That performance now looks like the exception rather than the norm, as the Browns gave the fans a heavy dose of play reminiscent of Weeks One through Four.

Ironically, the Browns' performance in our nation’s capital Sunday is yielding the same response as George W. Bush’s job in that city over the last eight years: WE NEED CHANGE!

Any review of a team’s performance must start from the top. That begins with General Manage Phil Savage. Savage was widely acclaimed for his cunning offseason moves since taking over as GM in 2005, and you couldn’t find anyone to say a bad word about him. Since the start of this season, however, he has taken some heat for poor on-field play and coaching.

But everyone seems to agree that the Browns have too much talent for them to be playing as dreadfully as their 2-4 record would indicate. This is clearly the source of Browns’ fans intense frustrations. But that sentiment strengthens the case for Savage. If they have “too much talent,” then clearly the GM has done his job.

Next up, Romeo Crennel. A team cannot be 2-4 without the head coach taking some of the blame, but I am still in his corner.

Romeo’s clock management continues to come into question, but managing the game is always made a lot easier with execution on the field. The Browns simply haven’t had it. A bad throw here and a dropped pass there (I’m getting to those) put the Browns in situations that any team would have trouble overcoming.

His decisions to “go for it” versus kicking the sure field goal fall under the category “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” Regardless of the decision that is made, it’s always—and only—a good one if the Browns win and a bad one if they don’t. Criticizing these choices is pointless because it also assumes that a series of successful plays will follow based on the decision.

Another common complaint is that the team has frequently looked unready to play. While their schemes on both sides of the ball seem sound, their focus and intensity is seriously lacking. At the end of the day, however, professional athletes should not need to be pumped up to play the game. They are paid to execute the coach’s gameplan. If the gameplan is sound but the results are not there, it’s the fault of the players.

Here’s where things start to diverge. I’m going to start with the positive—and yes, there are positives. Too often we focus on the glaring problems and fail to acknowledge the good.

I want more people talking about the defense. (Incidentally, Romeo Crennel should receive as much credit here as he does blame for game management.) Without the solid play of the defense, the Browns would get blown out every week. They have given up the sixth-fewest points in the league and have kept the team in virtually every game. Even in games where they surrendered a lot of points, it was because they were on the field all day thanks to the Browns’ anemic offense.

While they surrender big yards in the run game, they have been good on third down and have gotten key turnovers at critical moments. Against Washington, the Browns defense actually held the ‘Skins to 3-11 (27 percent) on third down, kept their time of possession under 30 minutes, and recovered a fumble, which led to a touchdown.

What more can you ask, especially for a unit that was the team’s biggest concern entering the season? No objective analysis of the team is complete without a mention of the solid defensive play.

That, of course, leaves the offense. I won’t beat around the bush. Derek Anderson must be benched. Admittedly, I have supported D.A. and believed that he could turn it around. I felt that his game against New York would do wonders to his confidence.

His confidence might have been sky-high entering the Washington game, but it’s got to be all but gone now. And, confident or not, his accuracy and reads have officially gone into the toilet. He still continues to struggle with the short and intermediate throws that plagued him last year, and now he even looks incapable of throwing the bomb.

Whatever the problem is—between his ears or attached to his right shoulder—he is not helping the Browns win. Hopefully his hands aren't too tired to hold a clipboard and chart plays.

And while we’re on the topic of guys getting benched, Derek Anderson should make room for Braylon Edwards. His cute little drops that I used to love watching when he played at That Team Up North are no longer funny. Because he’s not touching the ball on every play, he can’t be blamed as much as D.A. But he’s not far behind. He makes Dennis Northcutt look like Jerry Rice.

His attitude and mouth are writing checks that his hands can’t catch. It’s embarrassing. He should be embarrassed. And the Browns should not take it any longer. What difference does it make who would replace Braylon? It literally could not get any worse for him. Any catch that Syndric Steptoe or Josh Cribbs makes is a bonus. And get Steve Sanders on the phone while you’re at it.

Getting back to the quarterback situation, Browns fans must first admit that benching D.A. does not automatically mean they’ll get good play from Brady Quinn.

In the preseason, Quinn proved that he has a long way to go before he is ready to lead the team to victories. There are going to be immense struggles. In fact, Browns fans should be ready for more of the same. There are going to be bad throws, bad reads, and bad decisions. Like Anderson, Quinn will electrify us on one play and frustrate us on the next one.

But in the grand scheme of things, this is the right decision for the future of the organization. It’s time to find out whether or not Quinn can get it done. Historically, quarterbacks are far more likely to succeed when they’re surrounded by talent. Ben Roethlisberger, Tony Romo, and David Garrard are examples of average quarterbacks that have excelled with adequate weapons around them. Quinn will find himself in the same position.

There is a logjam in the AFC with teams at 3-3, which would currently be good for a playoff spot. At 2-4, the Browns are only one game behind, and they get to play three of those 3-3 teams in the coming weeks, with the first of those opportunities in Jacksonville this Sunday.

Improbable as it may be, a fresh face barking out the signals might be just what the offense needs. B.Q. should put down the Subway, finish his Myoplex, and grab his helmet: Let’s see what the kid can do.

Browns 35, Giants 14: Awesome? Yes! Unbelievable? No Way

The Coop — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:00:20 -0400

By now, we’ve all had a chance to let it sink in. In a potentially season-defining moment, the Cleveland Browns thrashed the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, 35-14.

As I reflect on the game and discuss it with anyone who will listen—Browns fans or otherwise—I find myself frequently using the word "unbelievable" to describe the Browns’ masterful performance.

But there’s a problem.

The Browns’ performance wasn’t unbelievable at all. Was it outstanding? You bet. Inspired? Definitely. Dominating? Perhaps. But unbelievable? No way.

Unbelievable suggests that it was some sort of fluke. This was not Appalachian State over Michigan; not even the Giants over the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

No, this was the type of game that Browns fans actually expected heading into the 2008 season. Thanks to a stellar 10-6 ’07 campaign, complete with explosive offense and some heart-stopping victories, the Browns were poised to take the next step as a franchise.

With virtually their entire roster and coaching staff returning for ’08, along with a few key additions, media and fans alike anointed the Browns as a serious playoff contender. One Cleveland sports talk show host even adopted the mantra “See you at the Super Bowl!”

But when things got bad, the Browns’ bandwagon became a lot less crowded. After an 0-3 start, which featured some downright dismal play, Browns fans felt conned. How could we have been so naïve to think that the Browns could truly get it done?

Soon, there were more critics of the Browns than supporters. Hell, even after the Browns broke through with their first win, scores of fans dismissed the victory as unimpressive, since it was an “ugly” win over an awful team which happened to be missing their star quarterback.

People called for the head coach to be fired. Others demanded that the quarterback be handed a clipboard while the popular backup “got his shot.” Some even wanted the general manager to be removed, since he was responsible for constructing the team in the first place.

But none of these things happened. During the bye week, the GM stood by his coach. The coach stood by his quarterback. Some fans were angry; others were confused. How could the team provide such a high level of support to a coach, quarterback, and team that had underachieved so greatly through four games?

Now, after a dismantling of the defending Super Bowl Champions, it is finally time for Browns fans to admit that maybe—just maybe—the organization and coaching staff know what they’re doing. And, it’s possible that the team really does have playmakers and stars capable of strong performances.

We can finally stop talking about how Brady Quinn should start because Derek Anderson just can’t get it done and isn’t comfortable in the pocket. We can stop talking about how the head coach doesn’t get his team ready to play. We can stop talking about how the GM didn’t put the right pieces together.

In addition to the criticisms of players and coaches, one of the biggest themes over the first four weeks was the team’s shattered confidence. A win like this restores the confidence and swagger that is needed to be successful.

By disposing of the Giants in the way that they did, the Browns justified all of the expectations that we had for the team entering the season.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that one excellent performance makes the Browns favorites for the Lombardi Trophy. But let’s be clear: When the Browns bring their “A” game, they can compete with, if not beat, any team in the NFL.

Make no mistake: This is the type of performance that the Browns need every single week in order to be successful against a brutal remaining schedule. The offense, led by D.A., needs to be consistent and aggressive.

It’s foolish to think that they’ll have zero turnovers, sacks, and punts from here on out. But, with aggressive playcalling, intense preparation, sound execution, and growing confidence, the Browns will continue to put themselves in a position to succeed, much as they did last year.

Defensively, the team needs to keep employing the “bend-don’t-break” philosophy. It seems to be working thus far. The defense has played far, far better than anyone expected. They simply need to make the critical plays at key moments and continue to attack and pressure the quarterback, as they've done over the last several weeks. Everything falls into place from there.

This all might be easier said than done, but isn’t it nice to know that the team is capable of doing it? When was the last time we could really say that?

The win over the Giants was thrilling, to be sure. To be in Cleveland Browns Stadium for the game, feeling the concrete shake beneath my feet, was an experience I’ll not soon forget. And the emotional high that we all felt after the game was second-to-none.

But if the Browns do all of the things we expected them to do all along, these feelings will become commonplace—and totally believable.

Browns-Giants: Defending Super Bowl Champs Who?

The Coop — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:01:51 -0400

The Browns’ season-to-date comes full-circle this Monday night when they take on the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants at Cleveland Browns Stadium. With a disappointing 1-3 start to the 2008 campaign, many Browns fans are troubled with the state of their team, and their uneasiness is intensified thanks to a date with the 4-0 G-Men.

The Giants will bring a fierce defense, a powerful offense, and an eight-game winning streak to the Lakefront.

So what?

After a thrilling 2007 season and an equally exciting offseason, Browns fans' optimism was at a fever pitch. But it was against these same Giants on a Monday night nearly eight weeks ago that the Browns were utterly humiliated in a Murphy’s Law kind-of-game that sent the team hurtling into the dark abyss of injuries, poor play, and questionable coaching that has swallowed so many seasons before.

Already trailing 14-3, the Browns gave up 21 points in two minutes after the Giants blocked a punt, returned a kickoff, and recovered a fumble, good for seven points each. Just when it couldn’t get worse—though it always does if you’re a Browns fan—Derek Anderson was TKO’ed by Osi Umenyiora and left the game with a concussion.

Brady Quinn, for his part, replaced DA and led an admirable comeback against the Giants’ backups (who had already mailed it in). After being down 30-3 in the first half, the Browns rallied but fell short, 37-34. And because of this, or maybe because it was “just the preseason,” we marked it under the not-a-big-deal column.

But deep down, under our brown-and-orange blood, we knew there was a slight possibility that the game was a foretaste of the disaster to come. And, as is often the case when it comes to disappointment, well, the Browns seldom fail to disappoint.

Indeed, the Browns entered that abyss, as they went on to lose their next two preseason games and the first three regular season games, looking awful in the process.

And so, coming off a much-needed bye week, the Browns welcome the Giants for their second Monday night affair of the year. The game presents a unique fresh-start opportunity for the Browns to get their season back on track.

First, the Browns are just about as healthy as they’ve been all season. While I’ll still have to see it to believe it, all accounts are that Dante Stallworth will suit up for the first time as Brown. Ryan Tucker is likely to play his first game of the season as well, and various guys with assorted bumps and bruises will be fine.

Even Sean Jones, out of action for several weeks, will return to practice with hopes of playing. Now, with all due respect to Syndric Steptoe, Kevin Shaffer, and Mike Adams, these are significant upgrades to the personnel on the field. Having the starters on the field obviously gives the Browns their best chance to win.

In addition to getting healthy, the Browns have undoubtedly used the two weeks to build on their win against Cincinnati in Week Four and refocus their efforts. The Browns’ confidence was rocked to the core after their 0-3 start. The expectations that surrounded them before the season crumbled with each turnover, penalty, dropped pass, and debatable decision.

While I don’t dare suggest the Browns have hit rock bottom—we’ve been following them long enough to know that it could be worse—I do think the Browns have been humbled. I also tend to believe that the Browns have taken a new approach. Two weeks off gives the Browns a terrific opportunity to concentrate on the details that make football teams successful.

They’ve been able to study film and prepare for the Giants, tie up loose ends in their schemes and techniques, and rededicate themselves to discipline and game management. I do not doubt that the Browns have made the most of this opportunity to get better.

And who have the Giants played? Cincinnati? St. Louis? Seattle? The combined record of those teams is 1-12. Why should the Browns be afraid of them? The Giants easily disposed of those teams, as they should, but they’ve got their own problems.

Plaxico Burress is a malcontent, Umenyiora is out, and they’re facing a team in the Browns that is desperate to play well, especially in front of a home crowd and national-television audience. Meanwhile, the Giants haven’t been tested in weeks and are ripe for the upset.

But most importantly, Browns fans have to admit that there are still several stars on the team with impressive play-making ability. Sure, the opponents weren’t great last year, and yeah, the Browns' opponents have stockpiled film and analysis of the offense. Nonetheless, there’s something in Derek Anderson’s ability that allowed him to have a banner season last year. Charlie Frye never did it; neither did Trent Dilfer or Jeff Garcia. Of course, the Browns have better players now. That’s just the point.

DA can make the throws. Braylon Edwards can catch. The offensive line can block. And the defense can make big plays. It’s not like it’s the ’99 Browns taking the field on Monday—it’s the ‘08 Browns—appearing for the first time this season.

Browns-Bengals: Cleveland Proves They're Less Bad in Battle of Ohio

The Coop — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:39:23 -0400

Thank God for football uniforms. If it weren’t for the stylistic differences in the uniforms worn by the teams playing Sunday in Cincinnati, we wouldn’t have been able to tell them apart. Indeed, and unfortunately for fans of the Browns and Bengals, the teams mirrored each other in a sometimes laughable, occasionally pathetic, display of inept offense, turnovers, penalties, and sloppy miscues.

Yet it was the Browns who were the “least bad” of the two and were able to grind out their first victory of the season in a 20-12 win over Cincinnati, who dropped to a hilarious 0-4.

Although I began to curse at CBS commentator Rich Gannon through the TV after he said “...and this is why these teams are 0-3” for the 73rd time, I also realized he was speaking the truth. It didn’t help matters that Derek Anderson got off to his obligatory “slow start” and was just 4-for-9 in the first half for 27 yards.

In fact, the offense generated only three points, thanks to a seven-play drive on their first possession, during which the Browns ran the ball each time. It was clear that Derek Anderson’s job on this day would be to simply manage the game, or as a cynic might say, to not screw it up.

With the Browns trailing 6-3 coming out of the locker room at halftime, the gameplan shifted to Anderson being called upon to make plays. On the first play of the first drive in the third quarter, Derek Anderson delivered a laser to Syndrick Steptoe, who hauled it in beautifully for a 17-yard gain. (Marvin Lewis challenged the play, but the ruling was upheld. Romeo-haters: You think Crennel is bad? How about Marvin Lewis’ game management? But I digress.)

Horrifically, with the Browns facing with their first third down of the half, Anderson made an awful throw that was easily intercepted by the Bengals.

Faster than you can say 0-4, Brady Quinn’s name crossed everyone’s mind. After another drive stalled out (thanks in part to a Braylon Edwards penalty which negated a first down, for the second week in a row), the Browns punted and most fans wanted, if not expected, the BQ Era to begin.

But after the defense made yet another stop, Romeo Crennel, realizing it was still just a 6-3 game, made the bold decision to stick with DA. The collective sigh (with a few choice four-letter words mixed in) was heard throughout Browns Nation.

Perhaps Anderson heard everyone’s sigh, or envisioned his future Sundays on the bench with a visor on. Or maybe he simply refused to lose. Whatever the case, Anderson proceeded to lead the Browns on a masterful 13-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a sweet one-handed TD catch by Edwards.

On the drive, DA was an impressive 6-for-7 for 46 yards and also picked up a first down on an 11-yard scramble.

It was the drive Browns fans had been waiting for all year: efficient clock management, precision passing, and effective running in a key situation in the game. The Browns needed to step up and take control of the game, and led by Anderson, they did.

The Browns became completely re-energized. On the ensuing drive, the defense forced a crucial turnover deep in Bengals territory. A 20-yard first-down strike from DA to Kellen Winslow set up another Browns touchdown, this one coming on a one-yard plunge by Jamal Lewis.

With the score 17-6, the Browns never looked back. The defense forced two more turnovers and thwarted any thoughts of a Cincinnati comeback.

Of course, skeptics will have you believe that the Browns’ win was of a lesser variety because they beat an already-bad Bengals team, who were without their star QB Carson Palmer. This is silly.

First off, everyone should agree that any win, regardless of the opponent, is huge. I’ll agree that the game would probably have been different with Palmer at the helm. However, the players played and the coaches coached according to the circumstances that they were dealt and made the most of the opportunity.

And why is everyone so quick to make excuses for Cincinnati? Injuries are a part of the game, as any Browns fan will certainly tell you. Ok, maybe Cincy would have scored more points with Palmer. But would the Browns' defense have met the challenge if only they had Sean Jones, Willie McGinest, and Robaire Smith in the lineup?

And might not the Browns have scored more points themselves with Dante Stallworth running through the Bengals’ secondary? The Browns played a game they desperately needed to have, and they won. Period.

Hopefully, the Browns and their fans will be able to look back on this game as a turning point in a season that is far from over. The vote of confidence from Romeo to DA, along with the clutch plays made on both sides of the ball, are stepping stones for this fragile team, still shell-shocked from their disastrous 0-3 start.

Obviously, there are things they will need to improve upon. Penalties, poor tackling, and putting the ball on the ground are all things that must be eliminated if the Browns are to make anything of the season.

But with a bye week forthcoming, the Browns have a fabulous opportunity to get healthy, re-focus, and prepare for the team’s first Monday Night Football game in years, against the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

After having been embarrassed by the Giants in a nationally-televised preseason game, they also have a little extra motivation. Fair-weather Browns fans, get back on the bandwagon before it’s full!

Pointing Fingers: How Many Ya Got?

The Coop — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:25:33 -0400

Those fans in the greater Cleveland and Pittsburgh areas that didn’t experience a power outage during Sunday night’s 10-6 Steeler victory over the Browns watched what will come to be known as one of the most memorable games in the teams’ storied rivalry.

Unfortunately, this comes as no consolation for Browns fans, who are left angry and searching for answers after watching their team start the season 0-2.

However, the quest for answers has developed into more of a blame-game than anything else. And, as is often the case, most of the fingers (and I’m not just talking about index fingers) are being emphatically pointed at Head Coach Romeo Crennel.

While the defense took most of the heat after the opening-day loss to Dallas, there was a small faction who blamed Crennel for the team appearing to be emotionally “flat” and unprepared.

This small faction has quickly become an increasingly large army after Crennel failed to get his first victory over Pittsburgh in over three seasons as the Browns’ head coach, making several questionable judgments along the way.

To make matters worse, Sunday’s defeat marked the 10th consecutive loss to the Browns’ hated rival. In their anger and frustration, almost everyone seems to blame Crennel for all of the team’s struggles, some even going as far as to call for his job.

Let me be abundantly clear: Romeo Crennel should not be fired. Does that mean he shouldn’t accept a little bit of the blame for the Browns’ disappointing start? Of course not. His election to kick a field goal while trailing the Cowboys by 21 points in the fourth quarter was a head-scratcher to be sure, though ultimately inconsequential to the game’s result.

His clock management at the end of both halves against the Steelers seemed extremely disorganized to say the least. But even these decisions pale in comparison to his election to once again opt for a field goal, down 10-3 with less than four minutes to play.

The offense was having rare success moving the ball down the field on their own (i.e., without the aid of Steeler penalties), converting on three third downs in a row, and they had the Steelers’ defense on its heels.

Nevertheless, after the Browns failed to convert the fourth consecutive third down, Crennel sent out Mr. Automatic, Phil Dawson, to get the sure three points. Even though some so-called experts, such as John Madden, agreed with Romeo, the decision severely lacked the “nothing-to-lose” attitude that I implored Crennel to possess in my pregame article that we as fans deserve from our team.

But even with these less-than-admirable decisions, are they really reason enough to get rid of a guy who was 10-6 last year and re-energized a city desperate for a winner? At least publicly, the players are still behind their coach.

Ahhh, yes...The players.

At what point do these guys deserve some, if not the majority, of the blame for the performance in the last two games? Trust me, when you’re 0-2, there is plenty of blame to go around.

For starters, Derek Anderson has been horrible and looks more like the guy who couldn’t hack it as a backup in Baltimore than the guy who was a Pro Bowler a year ago. DA—not Crennel—made the inexplicable decision to throw the ball to a rookie wide receiver in the middle of the field with :08 left in the first half.

Meanwhile, Braylon Edwards has looked pathetic so far. I mean, the guy has literally dropped more passes than he has caught! I used to give him a pass (no pun intended) on his drops because this is the guy he was in college and in his first few NFL seasons. But this team, especially its wide-receiver unit, is simply not good enough at this point to overcome dropped passes and blown assignments.

Nothing I’ve heard about Braylon Edwards over the past month has anything to do with catching the football. Michael Phelps this, LeBron James that, running in socks here, speeding tickets there. Enough already! Do your job!

In addition to these wretched performances, the running game has been very mediocre, albeit against two solid defenses, and the bottom line is that the offense has scored ONE touchdown in eight quarters.

Even the defense, which was soft and ineffective in Week One, played an (unexpectedly) amazing game against Pittsburgh but still gave up back-breaking plays at critical moments in the game. The Steelers made it 10-0 after starting a drive on their own 16-yard line, after the Browns surrendered a 48-yard pass on first down. And don’t forget that, following the kickoff, which was mishandled by Pittsburgh’s Rashard Mendenhall and nearly recovered by Jerome Harrison (another failure to make a key play at a key moment), the ball was spotted at the two-yard line.

With the Dawg Pound barking louder than ever behind him, Ben Roethlisberger was able to complete a 31-yard pass and give the Steelers more-than-enough breathing room. Though Pittsburgh ultimately punted, this was a critical moment in the game (starting with the kickoff), where the Browns needed desperately to make a big play and change the course of the game.

Why didn’t someone step up right there? Should Romeo have come off the sideline and tried to intercept the Roethlisberger pass, or should he have lined up at defensive end and gone for the sack? (For the record, I don’t think he’s got the hops or a very dynamic pass rush.)

Ok, so I agree that Romeo is not soon going to make anyone forget Paul Brown and Vince Lombardi. And yes, his decision to kick the field goal in the fourth quarter was a horrible one, in that he didn’t lay it all on the line, something that seems incomprehensible to all of us who want to win—and beat the Yinzers—so badly.

But even after kicking the field goal, there was still time for the Browns to get a stop on defense. After stuffing Willie Parker on first down, the Browns gave up a 19-yard completion to Heath Miller on second down. If the Browns are able to break up the pass intended for Miller, the clock stops, the Browns save a timeout, and, if they are able to get a hold on third down and take a timeout, get the ball back with one timeout and the two-minute warning.

Maybe this is a leap of faith for the defense, but the defense played pretty darn well all evening long, and what evidence do any of us have that the Browns would have gotten a touchdown—or even converted—on 4th-and-7, given that our offense has lacked the ability to make big plays in these two games?

I’m not saying that fans shouldn’t be mad at Romeo Crennel. Hell, I’m pretty mad myself. But it’s far too easy to automatically go to the “Fire Romeo” chants and put everything on the head coach.

It’s also a waste of time. He will not be fired during the middle of the season, and even if he is, who would replace him now? The players are responsible for the disappointing start to the season. The players are the ones who need to make the plays.

When will fans start holding them accountable? While they're yelling, “Romeo Must Go,” I’ll be yelling, “Braylon Must Catch.”