Bleacher Report - Cleveland

Ten Steps To Rebuilding The Browns: It Starts With Quinn

Sam Ingro — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:48:24 -0500

Welcome to Cleveland football, another season, another failed rebuilding attempt.

Not all has been a waste however, bright spots have formed with the development of Mohamed Massaquoi and Kaluka Maiava, the compiling of eleven draft picks, the addition of Jason Trusnik and Chansi Stuckey, and the unloading of Braylon Edwards.

At over the halfway point in the season, the talks of next season have already started. Soon it will be the hiring of a Head of Football Operations, a team assessment, and then the 2010 draft.

In the draft, Cleveland has wasted far too many first round picks on quarterbacks. Let's face it, odds are good they are never going to find the next Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Honestly, it's entirely possible there never will be one again.

With college offenses being built so strongly now on the spread design, predicting which quarterbacks will find success in the NFL is like finding a needle in a haystack.

As much as I'm hesitant to say it, building around Quinn is the only way to do it. He's a game manager and limits his turnovers.

Whether or not he ever becomes an elite passer remains to be seen, but he could be built around in the same way as QB's like Kyle Orton, Chad Pennington, Joe Flacco, etc.

1. Bring in Mike Holmgren for GM and Head of Football Operations.
Along with being a great football mind, Holmgren is a well known quarterback groomer. Helping develop passers like Joe Montana, Steve Young, Brett Favre, and Matt Hasselbeck. Having him as a leader could bring along Quinn's development more than anything.

2. Bring in Charlie Weis for offensive coordinator.
Weis knows how to get the best out of Quinn and more importantly is a proven offensive coordinator. Weis not only coached Brady at Notre Dame, but spend four successful seasons with Tom Brady in New England as the coordinator there. Getting Quinn comfortable and giving him the people to help him find success is vital to finding life in Cleveland's offense.

3. Release Derek Anderson to end the controversy.
By popular opinion and terrible performances this year, Derek Anderson has effectively taken himself out of the running for franchise quarterback. To end the controversy finally, Derek Anderson must be released or traded at the end of the season.

4. Bring in a veteran quarterback mentor.
Bringing in a veteran to mentor Quinn is another important step, a great fit that knows Mangini's system would be Chad Pennington. He's a free agent at the end of the year and coming off shoulder surgery won't garner much excitement around the league, making him a knowledgeable and suitable backup.

5. Tighten up the defense with S Eric Berry in the first round.
By my estimates Cleveland should be looking at the No. 3 to No. 5 pick in the draft this year, with likely wins pending over Kansas City and Oakland. Allowing this first round pick to be used on defense, instead of yet another quarterback as predicted by most mock draft boards, is huge in the rebuilding process. A shut down safety like Eric Berry of Tennessee, or defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, would help immensely.

6. Draft Golden Tate in the second round.
Golden Tate of Notre Dame, is supposed to go high in the in the early second round. He's familiar with Charlie Weis' system and draws comparisons to Steve Smith and Hines Ward by scouts. Lining up Tate across from Massaquoi could potentially be a combination to rival Fitzgerald-Boldin someday.

7. Draft a power running back in the third round of the 2010 draft.
Getting a run game started takes a lot of pressure off a young quarterback and struggling offense. While it's a big need, James Davis has untapped potential and will be back in uniform next season, so the need isn't as great as a first rounder, a third will do. In the third round, there are a handful of solid backs scheduled to still be available. Johnathon Dwyer, Montario Hardesty, Toby Gerhart, and Evan Royster. Although with as good as Gerhart's been this year, it's unlikely he'll still be around.

8. Trade a 2011 fifth round pick to Miami for TE Anthony Fasano.
Quinn's former tight end at Notre Dame with reliable hands. Fasano plays for Miami but hasn't been very productive in their Wildcat offense, it's entirely possible they would give him up for next to nothing. While not putting up the best numbers in Miami, a return to an offense led by Charlie Weis and run by Brady Quinn, could instantly restore his value.

9. Draft TE Anthony McCoy of USC in the 2010 fifth round.
Although having Fasano would be nice, having a second tight end like Anthony McCoy would be great. Mangini typically employs a two tight end scheme, and having two blocking, pass catching tight ends would be nothing but good news for the offense.

10. Tighten up the offensive line with RT Ciron Black (LSU) in the third, and RG John Jerry (Ole Miss) in the fourth.
Finally it brings us to the problem of the offensive line, Ciron Black and John Jerry are big boys who've made their career on some of the best lines in college football. Locking down the right side of the line would put the last piece of the puzzle in order. A line of Thomas, Steinbach, Mack, Jerry, and Black would be one anybody could be proud of.

Always up for your opinions, what do you think Cleveland needs to do to get back to respectability?

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Ohio State Buckeyes: Why 2009 Gives Hope for 2010 BCS Title Shot

Tim Bielik — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:10:47 -0500

After debacles in the 2006 and 2007 National Championship games, most college football fans might not want to see Ohio State playing for a BCS title ever again.

But with the maturation the team has developed and a 180 degree shift in mentality, the Buckeyes could end 2009 as high as sixth in the final polls, and primed for a BCS run in 2010.

How can this happen with a quarterback that has passing problems and an inconsistent offensive line?

Most people figured early on that 2009 was more of a growing year for the Buckeyes, who lost a lot of senior leaders including James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins, and superstar RB Beanie Wells.

There were numerous holes to fill, and the loss of stud junior LB Tyler Moeller for the season, due to a head injury in August, didn't help matters much.

But as the season went on, the Buckeyes began to develop an identity as a hard-hitting, run-stuffing defense that flies to the football and racks up interceptions and turnovers like few teams in the country.

Offensively, the Buckeyes went back to their bread and butter in running the football, though the usually-conservative Jim Tressel did call for some wrinkles, such as some Wildcat runs.

New playmakers emerged on the defensive side of the ball in LB Brian Rolle, surprise freshman DT John Simon, and S Jermale Hines.

When it came to the offense, progress was slow behind an offensive line starting two to three true sophomores and breaking in multiple new starting WRs.

Over time, and heading into the November gauntlet, RBs Brandon Saine and Daniel "Boom" Herron turned the corner and have become solid playmakers. Saine is the big play threat out of the backfield, ripping defenses in both the running and passing games, and Herron has been the running workhorse.

And give credit to the Ohio State coaching staff for trying to make Terrelle Pryor more efficient, and more careful with the football.

After being a turnover machine in the first half of the season, Pryor was reeled in and put in more controlled environments to make him make safer decisions. As a result, Pryor had only two turnovers in the final five games of 2009.

Many felt that 2009 was the year Pryor would be unleashed, but he clearly was not ready to be the guy.

So what happened? Ohio State took pressure off of him and established a running mentality that culminated with three OSU players, Saine, Herron, and Pryor, each running for over 70 yards against Michigan.

And the good news for Ohio State fans: All of these players should be coming back for 2010, a year more experienced and primed for a title shot.

The year will begin with an exciting September test against a very talented Miami Hurricanes squad hungry for revenge after losing the 2002 title game.

The question in 2010 will continue to be if Pryor is truly, finally ready to take the Vince Young-esque final step towards football superstardom.

But as long as the defensive cogs, especially in the line like Thaddeus Gibson and Cameron Heyward, return, there is no reason why the Buckeyes won't have one of the more exciting and fast defenses in the country.

Expect the Buckeyes to have another high preseason ranking in 2010 as usual, and with Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy, among others, graduating, a new crop of stars are ready to shine.

But first things first as Ohio State prepares for the Rose Bowl against the winner of the Civil War in Eugene, Oregon.

How the Buckeyes perform in that game will show whether this group is ready to return to the elites of college football.

A win on the national stage outside of the conference will do wonders not only for perception, but for confidence and maturity.

And as 2006 and 2007 showed, the respect has to be earned with big wins against teams not named Penn State and Michigan.

It has to be earned by beating powerhouses and talented teams in the big games, and there's no bigger bowl stage than in the Granddaddy of Them All.

A win will go a long way, but this young group has to be ready to put in the work to be great.

The talent's there, but now it's time for them to take the next step and win an elusive BCS game. If they do, Buckeye Nation will embrace this season and be ready for what hopes to be a title chase in 2010.

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Shaquille O'Neal Pays For Girl's Funeral: A True Thanksgiving Moment

Forrest W. Kobayashi — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:13:29 -0500

While Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most successful active NBA players, he never seems to sacrifice his character and personality through the fame and recognition.

After learning about a girl's tragic death through the national news, O'Neal was moved by what he saw. He stepped up to the plate and paid off the entire cost of the girl's funeral.

The kidnapped Shaniya Davis' funeral was held on Sunday, with more than 2,000 people gathered.

It is truly inspiring to see a professional athlete have the heart to provide monetary support to a meaningful cause. While athletes can quickly become known for their in-game achievements and highlight-reel plays, Shaq stands out as an athlete that has provided for fans on and off the court.

Shaq's kind gesture comes around Thanksgiving—a time when people step back and take time to appreciate all that they've been fortunate to have. O'Neal has had a profound impact on thousands of peoples' lives—especially those close to Shaniya—and will forever be remembered in those people's minds.

Some athletes and people make a significant amount of money, but take a selfish approach to how they use their assets. O'Neal has demonstrated—through this situation and other community events throughout his career—that he truly cares for others.

While Shaquille will go down as one of the best NBA centers to ever play the game, he will long be remembered and idolized by young fans for his contributions outside of the basketball arena.

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The Key to the Cleveland Cavaliers' Surge Is...J.J. Hickson?

Tom Delamater — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:55:14 -0500

Following their relatively easy 98-88 win over Detroit on Thanksgiving Eve, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in their customary spot atop the NBA’s Central Division with an 11-4 record.

LeBron James, the reigning MVP, is also the current Eastern Conference Player of the Week after a four-game stretch in which he averaged 34 points, nine assists and five rebounds.

Mo Williams continues to complement James’ scoring, tossing in 17 points a game. Anthony Parker is converting more than half of his three-point attempts.

As one might have expected, the team has risen to the challenge of playing without Shaquille O’Neal, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. The Cavs have won five of six without O’Neal, after going 6-3 to start the season with him.

The pleasant surprise in the midst of it all is the emergence of second year pro J.J. Hickson at power forward. In fact, Hickson may end up being the unexpected piece to the championship puzzle for Cleveland—as much, or even moreso, than O’Neal.

The Cavs are 8-1 since Hickson joined the starting lineup. He’s averaging a shade under 13 points and five rebounds since then, playing about 30 minutes a game.

Although Hickson is not the accomplished rebounder that Anderson Varejao is, he provides an important low-post threat on offense. As a starter he’s shooting 63 percent from the field. That translates into more outside opportunities for the Cavs’ sharpshooting guard trio of Williams, Parker and Daniel Gibson. More important, it prevents defenses from focusing so much attention on James.

In the six games before Hickson entered the starting five, LeBron averaged 25.1 points a contest and the Cavaliers were 3-3. Since then, with Hickson drawing attention down low, James is soaring once again, averaging nearly 33 a game as Cleveland has won eight of nine.

It’s good news for coach Mike Brown as he tinkers with the lineup in anticipation of O’Neal’s return. The depth on this team is perhaps its greatest strength. Jamario Moon is averaging 17 minutes a game as LeBron’s understudy and has three double-figure scoring games in the past two weeks. Gibson and the suddenly forgotten Delonte West are flying totally under the radar.

In early November, West was thought to be an important key to Cleveland’s championship hopes. Instead, Brown has deftly managed the lineup to adjust to life without the troubled guard, using him for only four minutes on Saturday against Philadelphia and not at all Wednesday in Detroit.

With O’Neal out, Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgauskas have patrolled the paint. Even with Shaq, there are plenty of minutes to divide among them. O’Neal and Ilgauskas are both averaging about 25 minutes a game, exactly what Brown wants as he keeps an eye on the postseason.

O’Neal is expected back on Friday. He’ll provide a stronger low-post presence for the Cavs, but time may reveal that Shaq was not the real key to the Cavs’ long-term success. It might just be that Brown and GM Danny Ferry have found that key right on their doorstep, in the energetic and athletic play of J.J. Hickson.

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Mike Holmgren is One Step Closer to the Cleveland Browns

Daniel Wolf — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:27:54 -0500

Former Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren is one step closer to coming to the Cleveland Browns.

After the Buffalo Bills spent seven hours courting and persuading former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan to become their next head coach and possible head of football operations, they made another call.

The Bills also called Holmgren to come in and interview, but according to Sirius NFL Radio he declined and said he wasn't interested.

Is Holmgren becoming enamoured with thought of rebuilding the Browns?

Or is he just keeping his options open?

Or does he just not want anything to do with Bills owner Ralph Wilson?

It may be a combination of everything above, but one thing is more certain now and that is there is one less team out there who Holmgren won't be working for.

Browns fans can now get a little more excited, because the odds of landing a football czar like Holmgren have just increased.

This maybe a little too optimistic of a look at this situation, but Cleveland fans will tell you that optimism is like a religion to them over the last decade.

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Charlie Weis: Cleveland Browns' New Offensive Coordinator?

Erin McLaughlin — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:33:36 -0500

When Brady Quinn met with media on Wednesday, the highlight wasn't him talking about his breakout performance on Sunday. It also wasn't about how he is preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals. Instead he spent a lot of the time defending his college coach, Charlie Weis.

A couple of comments that stood out were where Quinn flat out said that Notre Dame firing Weis would be a mistake.

The comment that would be of more interest to Browns fans is when Quinn said that he would love to work with Weis again someday, if the situation presented itself.

What was Quinn's motivation for making these comments? That we will never know for sure, but it will lead to speculation. Some may feel that he is just fighting for the coach who really took his college career to new heights when he took over for Tyrone Willingham.

Others may think that Quinn is actually trying to send a message to Randy Lerner and whomever is hired to the executive position. Quinn knows that Weis will be out no matter what he said. Of course Quinn wasn't going to say anything after the Monday Night game. A couple days after his breakout performance was good timing.

Can you really blame Quinn though for making the comments when he did? Why wouldn't he want to work with Weis again? Weis was the coach that best knew how to utilize Quinn's talents and get the most of them. It has become apparent to Browns fans that Brian Daboll is not the guy to get the most out of Quinn.

It appears that deep down, Quinn knows that, too. However, he just can't say that to the media. Quinn also knows that if there is anybody who can save his NFL career, Weis is probably his best bet. For that reason, Weis to Cleveland makes all the sense in the world.

Weis shouldn't be hired as head coach. After failing at that position at Notre Dame, there is serious doubt that he is head coaching material. However, nobody denies that he is a really good offensive coordinator. In fact, Tom Brady still gives a lot of credit to Weis for his success in New England.

There is the old saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure. That clearly looks like the case with Notre Dame, Cleveland Browns, and Charlie Weis. For that reason, the Browns should be talking with Weis the minute Notre Dame fires him.

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Five Things Browns Fans Should Be Thankful For

Steve Tater — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:59:46 -0500

My grandmother used to tell me every Thanksgiving that no matter how bad things seem, there is always someone that has it worse than you. It didn’t matter if someone close to her was sick, going through tough financial times, or even if someone had died – grandma was always thankful for the things she had no matter how meager. Before the Thanksgiving turkey was cut, everyone at the dinner table had to recite what they were thankful for. For Cleveland Browns fans, it might be a while before we eat. After losing to the lowly Detroit Lions to fall to 1-9, we might have to just throw out the tired, lame “I’m thankful for my family” response. But in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I will give it a try.

Begin Slideshow

Browns Fans Are Still Rejoicing That Braylon Edwards Still Can't Catch or Win

Daniel Wolf — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:09:11 -0500

It has been almost two months since wide receiver Braylon Edwards was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the New York Jets for linebacker Jason Trusnik, wide receiver Chansi Stuckey, and draft picks, but the best part of this deal is that it is looking like the Browns got the better end of the deal.

Tursnik was almost immediately inserting into the starting lineup upon his arrival in Cleveland and has played admirably in the orange and brown with 29 tackles, two sacks, and one safety.

Stuckey has been slow to grasp the offense and after having several drops in his first few appearances finally broke out against the Detroit Lions with five catches for 76 yards and one touchdown.

If Stuckey can continue to contribute, then he will fit in nicely with the Browns who are in a dire need to consistency at the wide receiver position.

Edwards, on the other hand, has had his moments for the Jets, but after seven games, he has not lived up to the billing of being a former Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Sorry Jets fans, but almost every Browns fan could have told you that you were getting a player who may have needed a change of scenery, but bottom line is that Edwards will never be the elite player that he sees in the mirror everyday, or his narcissistic life.

With the Browns, Edwards had 10 catches for 139 yards and with the Jets he has 17 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

The Jets have gotten more drops out of Edwards than anything else, and in his most recent game, he not only dropped a very important pass that could have given the Jets a two-point conversion, but he also fumbled in the game and nearly threw an interception himself.

That's right...the Jets called a pass play for Edwards...crazy!

Yes, there are six more games left and Edwards could break out and get enough receptions to move the third round draft pick the Browns received up to a second round pick, but Edwards' demeanor is far from changed.

No change of scenery can change the fact that Edwards will always drop passes for the rest of his professional career.

Once a dropper, always a dropper.

Finally, when doing a little research, it most be noted that Edwards is 1-15 in his last 16 regular season games he has played.

He was 0-6 in 2008 win the Browns' final six games, then 0-4 in 2009 with the Browns, and since the trade he is 1-5 with the Jets.

It appears the losing follows Edwards no matter where he goes.

A final assessment of this trade will occur after the 2009 season ends.

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A Buckeye Thanksgiving: 10 Things I'm Thankful For

HD Handshoe - Block-O-Nation — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:24:51 -0500

Thanksgiving can mean so many different things to different people.

For me, it is a time to reflect upon, and appreciate, the people, and things in my life that I care for and cherish the most like my parents, my child, my wife, my closest friends, etc....

If you're a sports fan, it also can be applied to the teams you love, or those you love to hate.

Here are the 10 things to be thankful for this year—Buckeye Football Edition.

No. 10—I was not born in TSUN.

No. 9—I am not a fan of a certain hated, and currently God-awful team from TSUN.

No. 8—Now 2,194 days and counting, and another year, another (BCS) bowl game for my team. (Sorry TTUN fans.....not really).

No. 7—For the third straight year, the OSU seniors finished their careers 4-0 vs. TTUN, and have four of these:

No. 6—For the sixth year in a row, and eight out of the last 10...SCOREBOARD, SCOREBOARD, SCOREBOARD...

No. 5—Having an amazing athlete and rising star in Terrelle Pryor as my teams' quarterback. I can't wait for year three!

No. 4—Having seven of these, and still the only two-time winner, unless of course eSECpn rigs and/or buys another one for the undeserving Messiah of Florida.

No. 3—Having seven, and 34 of these respectively, and looking forward to the real possibility of numbers eight and maybe even nine, and numbers 35 and 36 possibly coming in the next two seasons, given our amazing recruiting, and assuming Terrelle progresses as expected like Troy did in 2006.

No. 2—Having been to no less than 10 Ohio State games with my Dad, and having that time with him in the greatest venue in all of sports, Ohio Stadium. It is a true National Treasure and I still get chills every time I walk through the gates. There really is nothing like a Saturday in The Shoe.

No. 1—This was a very easy choice for the top slot:

Having this guy...

instead of this guy...

leading our football program.

It's not always pretty, and Tress certainly isn't flashy, but a 93-21 record in nine seasons, six conference championships, seven 10+ win seasons, nine bowl games in nine years with a 4-4 record, including the 2002 BCS Championship speaks volumes.

I could go on, but the point here is that Coach Tressel is a winner, and so too are we, the fans, and also the young men that suit up and proudly wear the Scarlet and Gray under Tressel.

The 2009 season has flown by and I'm not thankful for that, but I am thankful for the opportunity to see the Buckeyes play one more game on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl, and for the visions I don't want to get out of my head of more Heisman, and National Championship trophies that could each end up in Columbus in the very near future.

Happy Thanksgiving to the entire Buckeye Nation.

Click For Block Nation Front Page

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Browns Coach Eric Mangini: Good Guy Or Not, He Is Still Very Shady

Daniel Wolf — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:15:01 -0500

Cleveland Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini has been in the negative spotlight for most of the 2009 NFL regular season. And despite a personal nature that is often portrayed favorably across national media outlets, the way Mangini deals with football matters in Cleveland are as shady and dark as the outlook for the Browns organization.

Mangini has tried to create some positive publicity the last several weeks, conducting exclusive interviews with SI.com and The NFL Today.

In both interviews Mangini appears to be a normal, down-to-Earth, stand up guy who is also a father and a husband.

Sadly, once he puts on a headset and his sideline attire, he transforms straight into Mr. Hyde.

Over the last several years, Mangini has been the centerpiece of a number of shady story lines around the league: ratting out his former mentor, lying to the NFL, and calling out other coaches.

While with the New York Jets, Mangini ratted out New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick when he was taping opposing teams signals from the sidelines.

Mangini and Belichick's relationship will never be the same—hopefully the world can someday recover.

In the same season Mangini lied about an injury to his starting quarterback, Brett Favre, and was eventually fined $250,000 for the incident.

Most recently, Mangini called out Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz, accusing him of instructing his players to fake injuries in order to stop the clock since the Lions were out of timeouts.

Mangini has since apologized and said he and Schwartz has squashed the issue.

These aren't even all of the questionable events surrounding Mangini. There are other injury related issues that he has been investigated for (RB James Davis' season-ending injury during practice), stabbing a former friend in the back to secure his own job (the firing of general manager and friend George Kokinis a few weeks back), and he has made a number of deals with his former Jets bosses after he was fired last year (it is just too shady that he keeps doing trades with the brass of his former team).

Why play the good guy to the media when your actions are so deceptive?

Are you really the stand up guy you portray to reporters?

Past events say, heck no.

You are more like a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, who will do anything in his power for control and personal gain.

Browns owner Randy Lerner better be looking at the questionable circumstances that have surrounded Mangini's tenure as an NFL head coach and ask himself is this the type of coach that he really hired back in the beginning of 2009.

It looks like Mangini is a master of disguise, though he needs to hone his skills—things are no longer undercover when the public continually hears about it.

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Pivot Points: LeBron's Decision Matters More to Cavs than Anyone Else

Hadarii Jones — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:19:49 -0500

Lost in all the speculation about LeBron's impending free-agency decision is the impact that his departure would have on the Cavaliers—and the city of Cleveland itself.

The media and fans alike are beside themselves on what the addition of James to various teams could do for their fortunes, while neglecting to realize the repercussions that would be felt if James left Cleveland.

In reality, roughly 50 percent of current Cleveland fans are more rooted in their allegiance to LeBron than the city of Cleveland itself and are more likely to sway their team of choice based on wherever James may eventually land.

But for the die-hard Cleveland fans who were steeped in Cavaliers history before James' arrival, the future prospects are dim in a world without LeBron.

The obvious question would be who would assume the mantle of leading man on the team in LeBron's absence? The answer to that question is a lot more complicated than it may sound.

You would have to assume that the players who made their way to Cleveland to aid James in his quest for a title would begin a hasty retreat if he were no longer there to lead them.

Mo Williams and Shaquille O'Neal would probably be the first defectors and they would only be the opening of the flood-gates as players rushed to disassociate themselves from the spiraling franchise.

Even if Williams decided to stay, Shaq surely wouldn't—and how far does anyone think that Williams could lead a team on his own? His skills are not exactly honed for being the leader of anyone's team, and he is much better suited as a side-kick.

Cleveland would surely have money to burn in free-agency should LeBron leave, but who would be knocking down their door to sign a long term contract with a team that is going absolutely nowhere?

Gone would be the prospects of a bright future, replaced with something that very much resembles the team that the Cavaliers were before LeBron made his presence felt.

That team was a comedy of horrors, who nothing much was expected and nothing much was ever realized, a virtual doormat in a league that had passed them by.

When James was signed the fortunes of the team immediately changed and the mood of the city was altered and inspired. A new arena, a new coach, a brand new outlook for a city that was used to disappointment.

Gone were the prospects of having to root for two perpetually abysmal NFL teams. King James came in and had the Cavaliers in the Finals with dreams of more special things to come.

True Cleveland fans voice their confidence that James will stay with a smugness that is actually a veneer hidden by the very real chance that LeBron will bolt from his home state to the greener pastures of other cities.

They dismiss talk of his departure with a smile that quivers on the edges, because what would they do if James did decide to leave?

Their false logic is based on an inane loyalty to teams that have never really given the state of Ohio much to cheer about. And what is loyalty to today's brand of athletes?

Too often loyalty is defined by dollar signs and why would anyone think that LeBron's allegiances lie anywhere else?

Of course this is all speculation, but to think that Cleveland fans are not worried about life without LeBron would be comparable to believing in fairy tales that always have happy endings.

Life is not a fairy tale and the city of Cleveland would do well to brace themselves for the impending despair if LeBron were to leave. It shouldn't be too hard, after all, Cleveland fans are well versed in the virtues of perpetual disappointment.

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Does Eric Mangini Have a Future with the Cleveland Browns?

Brian DiTullio — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:58:57 -0500

With six games remaining in a season apparently over before it began, questions over leadership and change naturally arise.

The Cleveland Browns lost a heartbreaker to the Detroit Lions this past Sunday in the battle of 1-8 teams, 38-37.

While a breakdown of the game shows the defense lived up to its last-place ranking, head coach Eric Mangini thought that maybe the Lions cheated.

In comments to the press after the game, Mangini suggested the Lions might have faked a few injuries to slow down the Browns' no-huddle offense.

Stop for a minute and think about the various levels of arrogance, ignorance, and slimeballiness in that point of view.

First of all, blaming the Lions for cheating in a game that ended that close is a very sad thing because it means Mangini is unwilling to admit to himself that he made some coaching mistakes at the end of the game, or that his defensive game planning was faulty.

Second, it’s not like faking injuries is anything new in the NFL and if my memory serves me correctly, his mentor, Bill Belichick, was known for having his players fake injuries when he was defensive coordinator with the New York Giants.

This brings me to my third point, which is that Mangini really has no problem throwing friends and former co-workers under the bus at a moment’s notice in order to strengthen his position.

When Belichick beat him in New York, Mangini ratted his illegal taping methods out to the league.

When Mangini’s ego took control of the Browns, leaving no room for any other voice, he blamed George Kokinis for the breakdown, protesting his innocence the whole way.

Now Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is the deer in the headlights of the bus to Loserville that Mangini is driving.

When Mangini was hired, I wasn’t thrilled about it, so I’ll come clean about that. However, once Mangini was hired, I wanted him to succeed. I wanted every single bad feeling I had about Mangini to be wrong.

As the offseason played out, I was mostly happy with what I saw coming out of the headquarters in Berea. I felt the draft was a little weak and that we left too much impact talent on the table, but there was still time to be proven wrong.

Even through training camp, things were looking up. The team was being worked hard and Mangini looked like he was instilling some needed discipline on the field.

There was the quarterback controversy, but that seemed like a lot of smoke and mirrors to mask the fact a real decision had already been made and then the season started.

Over the last 11 weeks, it has become apparent Mangini botched the draft, the quarterback competition, front office duties, and game-planning. If you botch any of these, losing games should not come as a surprise.

In retrospect, when it comes to the quarterback situation, Mangini didn’t like either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, but instead of just picking one and sticking with “the process,” he waffled and ended up not developing either quarterback into a quality starter.

Grading draft picks is a tough thing to do the first year, but when you leave quality defensive players like Clay Matthews III on the table in favor of a wide receiver who can barely get on the field, something about your draft strategy is flawed.

Mangini got ripped off in his trade-downs on draft day. I said it then, and I’m sticking with it now; we could’ve gotten a lot more.

Mangini also hired Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator. I’m done being angry at Daboll because now I just feel sorry for him.

The offensive explosion this week aside, Daboll clearly has been overmatched week-to-week and is in way over his head as far as being able to do the job.

That’s not Daboll’s fault, that’s Mangini’s fault. There’s nothing on Daboll’s résumé to suggest he’s ready for an offensive coordinator’s position. If you don’t believe me, go to the Browns' web site and read his résumé.

I haven’t even gotten to Mangini’s strange relationship with his ex-employer, the New York Jets, seemingly the only other team in the NFL Mangini will talk to or trade with these days.

How building a winning team in Cleveland from Jets castoffs was going to work is baffling. The only player to really make an impact so far is Jason Trusnick, acquired in the trade for Braylon Edwards.

The others, like Chansi Stuckey, have had a good play here or there, but nothing to make anyone go, “wow, what a great deal it was to get that player!”

In the end, it will be up to the new football czar to determine Mangini’s fate, but given his failure so far this season on the field, his willingness to stab people in the back off the field, and nothing in the air to suggest he’s willing to change, what person would look at Mangini at this point and say, “yeah, let’s keep this guy around. I like what he’s doing.”

Only time will tell.

Read more Cleveland news on BleacherReport.com

Breaking LeBron James' Personal Free Agency Media Silence

Bryan Toporek — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:11:59 -0500

So, LeBron James, you're done talking about your impending 2010 free agency for the rest of this season?

Well, I'm sure not. And because I'm not, and because I'm thinking about how sweet you'd look in a 76ers jersey next year, I've decided to take some drastic measures.

I'm going to over-analyze the few things you did say before your self-imposed media silence.

After his only game in Madison Square Garden this season, a 100-91 Cavaliers victory over the New York Knicks in which he finished with 33 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, the King naturally received about becoming a free agent next year. The Knicks have been frequently mentioned by the media as a potential landing spot for LeBron, despite their current lack of championship-caliber talent.

With that in mind, let's break down the King's postgame comments:

When asked what he plans on doing upon becoming a free agent on July 1, 2010, LeBron replied:

LBJ: "I don't know because it's the first time I'll be in this position, being an unrestricted free agent. I haven't been there yet, so I don't know. There's no timetable. I'm not going to rush it, I'm definitely going to stay in shape and stay in the gym next summer like I've always done and we'll see what happens."

Translation: I'm not Carlos Boozer here. Teams are going to be lining up with max contract offers ready to go, months in advance. But...

LBJ: "I think at the end of the day, a max deal or anything like that doesn't really matter to me. It's all about winning for me, so I'm going to put myself in a position when that day comes next summer.

"I want to win, and if I feel like the team is capable of winning, then I make my decision like that."

Translation : Let's be honest...I'm LeBron James. I have a diamond toilet. And a swimming pool filled with money.

I don't need a full max contract. I'd much rather sign for a little bit less if it means playing alongside a legitimate superstar for once in my career. Don't get me wrong, the Olympics are great and all...but I'd like to play with another superstar more than once every four years.

And besides, I'll make that extra $5 million up with one endorsement deal alone! It's great to be the King.

Oh, P.S.: I sure as hell ain't signing with a team that's gonna make me play one-on-five like Cleveland does all the time. I want teammates that can actually help me win games occasionally.

LBJ: "I don't know who made the schedule for the Cleveland Cavaliers to only be [at Madison Square Garden] once, I'm kind of disappointed in that."

Translation: That sound you hear? That's the sound of 100,000 Cavaliers fans collectively jumping off the nearest bridge.

What can I say? I might be from Cleveland...but New York's my second home. Now where's Derek Jeter? We're supposed to go on a "couples' dinner" later...

LeBron did come back three days later to clarify his position on a max contract:

LBJ: "Let's get this clear: I said the max contract doesn't mean more than winning. I didn't say 'I don't need a max contract' or 'I'm not going to get a max contract.' All I'm saying is that winning is more important to me than money at the end of the day."

Translation: Everything I said about that max contract? Well...it better be a damn good team for me to sign for less. If you think you're signing me for less than max, you better start working the phones to D-Wade's agent now...

But finally, on Wed., Nov. 11, five days after making his original comments on free agency, LeBron pulled the rug out from under anyone who wanted to spend their next nine months hanging onto his every word:

LBJ: This free agent talk is getting old. It's getting old and I think I'm going to stop. Tonight will be the last time I answer any more free agent questions until the offseason."

"I think I owe it to myself, and I owe it to my teammates. It's just getting old. I'm focusing on this season, and this is going to be a really good season for us. I don't want anymore distractions for my teammates, for my organization, for my family. This will be the last time I answer a free agent question for the rest of the year."

Translation: People only want to talk about two things this season—my free agency and what's wrong with the Cavs. Oh, and whether or not the Shaq trade was a mistake. We won 66 games last year. I know we lost in the Eastern Finals, but...really?

Time to get the zoo out of here until next year. Sorry, fellas.

No, I don't already know where I'm going next year...this season isn't even over yet. Let's wait to see which team can hose Chris Wallace into trading the Grizzlies' best player for 40 cents on the dollar this year before I make any big decisions.

But seriously...if you think I'm going to the Knicks or the Nets with the way they've been playing this season? Uh. I'll see you in Neverland.

Don't worry, reporters...you can still interview Shaq. He's good for something print-worthy every time he opens his mouth.

I mean, did you see "Shaq vs."?

And there you have it. LeBron James, ladies and gentlemen. May the LeBron 2010 Sweepstakes begin...get your checkbooks ready.

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OSU- Lipscomb: Tuner's Triple Double Overshadows Offutt Transfer

Drew Gatewood — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:18:56 -0500

Evan Turner did it once again, becoming the only Buckeye to post two triple-doubles. He had 16 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds on his way to leading the Buckeyes to an 84-64 victory over Lipscomb.

David Lighty lifted the Buckeyes through a sloppy first half and finished the game with 22 points. He was one of five Buckeyes in double figures along with Turner (16), Diebler (17), Lauderdale (13), and Simmons (11). Ohio State shot 59 percent from the field including an impressive 52 percent from behind the arc.

Lipscomb was led by Adnan Hodzic’s 18 points. Michael Teller had 11 points and was the only other player in double figures for the Buffaloes. Lipscomb’s dismal three-point shooting continued for another game as they shot 27 percent from behind the arc, and 43 percent from the field.

Noticeably absent from the Buckeye lineup was guard Walter Offutt, who decided to transfer this afternoon. He will finish the fall quarter at Ohio State which ends in mid-December. When asked about his future plans he stated that he was focused on finishing strong in class and would weigh his options over the Christmas break.

Offutt’s lack of playing time along with current and future depth chart issues more than likely led to his decision. In his 23 games played at Ohio State he averaged 1.2 points and 4.9 minutes. This is the second year in a row Ohio State has lost a player to transfer before the halfway point of the season.

Ohio State’s depth chart shows nine guards with the subtraction of Offutt, meaning this won't have a devastating effect on the team immediately. As the season goes on and the minutes add up, I’m sure he will be missed considering he had one year under his belt as a Buckeye and knew the system.

Performances by Turner and Lighty however, ease the pain of once again losing another Buckeye to transfer attrition.

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King James' Mistake: Hopes for a LeBron Championship

Brandon Lott — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:11:01 -0500

Some say he's arrogant. After he walked off the court without congratulating any members of the Orlando Magic squad following a humiliating end to an incredible MVP season, others began to call him childish.

On the flip side of those negative darts, many would contend that he will go down in history as one of the greatest players—and not only at his position—the game has ever seen. He's big, he's explosive, he's difficult to guard, and his outside game is close to matching his ability to get to the bucket and dunk on anyone.

Outside of what basketball writers, announcers, and other players might say about LeBron James, what is it like to be the King? This is not a question about his capacity as a father off the court, or his aspirations to be the first billionaire athlete.

As a fan, consumer, and sports enthusiast, I could care less about what the dude is doing in his spare time, or what his favorite food is. I'm from Northeast Ohio and I'm only concerned with one thing: winning.

Hopefully by the time you finish reading this article, you will understand fully what I am trying to say.

Let's begin by taking a look at Kobe Bryant, the man who many consider to be the greatest player alive. That's hard to argue with, right?

Many people contended that Kobe needed to win a championship without Shaq to prove his greatness. Well, he didn't have Shaq at his side last year when he led a dynamic, skilled, and proven group of teammates to the title.

However, can you imagine what LeBron would have done with that same supporting cast? It's easy to see that without Kobe, the Lakers would likely remain competitive. On the flip side, the Cavs would easily be in the cellar of the league without LeBron on their team.

Yet just exchanging Kobe for LeBron does not end the discussion.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a long tradition of winning—they are home to some of the greatest players to ever set foot on a basketball court. Hell, former Laker great Jerry West is the official NBA logo. It doesn't get much deeper than that.

I point this out because Kobe could go the rest of his career without another championship and the history and tradition of Laker basketball would survive him.

One can argue that Michael Jordan and LeBron James are similar in this respect. Michael Jordan exemplifies the tradition and history of Chicago Bulls basketball. There will never be a greater player, and no one will replace Jordan as the "face of the franchise". When you think of the Chicago Bulls, you think of MJ and his six championship rings. Jordan is—and will forever be—the Bulls' franchise player.

When you think of the history of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who stands out? Mark Price? Brad Daugherty? Zydrunas Ilgauskus? Now these three guys are beloved Cavaliers and they hold many Cavs records.

But none of them were ever half the player that LeBron James is today—that's just a simple fact. It might be a tough pill for them to swallow, but it stands as the truth. Furthermore, those teams of the late '80s and early '90s that repeatedly made it to the playoffs never got as far as LeBron has in his first six years in the league.

Why is all of this important? I'm sure you are waiting to see how I tie it all together.

Los Angeles will always have Magic, Kareem, Kobe, West, and even Shaq. Chicago will always have Jordan. But, will Cleveland always have King James? That is the question that lingers in the consciousness of Cleveland sports fans.

Let's take it a step further. Los Angeles also has Sandy Koufax, Orel Hershiser, Kirk Gibson, Don Drysdale—even Wayne Gretzky. Chicago has Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus, Andre Dawson, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo...and the list of legends goes on.

When you look through the history of Cleveland sports, who stands out? Let's all say it in unison—Jim Brown!! The first King James.

Sure, there's Bob Feller, Gaylord Perry, Nap Lajoie, Addie Joss, Ozzie Newsome, and other legends. However, the hope of all Cleveland sports teams has landed in one man's lap: LeBron James.

They call Cleveland the "mistake on the lake". Look at the Cleveland Indians last season. Look at the Cleveland Browns this season. You can't even talk about it without getting disgusted. Cleveland fans have become accustomed to losing. Cleveland fans are used to the "mistakes" that owners and general managers have made in attempting to put together—or tear apart—winning teams.

One thing is for sure: That giant mistake known as Cleveland, Ohio is in one man's hands. Is that one man arrogant? I don't care. Is that one man childish? Doesn't concern me. Will that one man go down in history as one of the greatest players to play the game? I couldn't care less.

I care about one thing: winning.

The last time we won a championship was 1964—45 years ago—before the Super Bowl was even created. The Cleveland Indians put up some great numbers in the late '90s, but never came away with a World Series title.

I should mention that many Cleveland fans, some of whom are my friends and family, do not believe that LeBron will leave Cleveland. Let me also quickly say that they are in denial. They too know what it will mean if LeBron packs his bags and heads to another franchise. Another city.

So, in that 6'8", 250 pound frame lives the future of Cleveland championship dreams. He is the last great hope. We see what Cleveland baseball and football franchises have done and are doing. It all rests squarely on LeBron's shoulders. This is what it is like to be King James.

Jay-Z thinks he runs NY. Whatever. King James IS, without a doubt, the face of all Cleveland franchises.

We could be looking at the finale. The last great attempt. This is King James' Mistake. Now he has to make that mistake right. Win or go home; or, as it is for Cleveland fans, win or go home...forever.

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Who Would Be Better in The NFL, Usain Bolt or LeBron James?

Frank Gasper — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:14:44 -0500

There has been many reports that both LeBron James and Usain Bolt could be great NFL players. I personally think that they both could be great with a little work. But who would be better if they both joined?

LeBron:

LeBron James watched the Cleveland Browns get shut out by Baltimore on Monday November 16, and came to one simple conclusion: He could help.

"If I put all my time and commitment into it, if I dedicated myself to the game of football, I could be really good, no matter what team I am on," the Cavaliers superstar said. Is it possible for this to be true?

LeBron was a star football player in high school. After the commercial of him playing for the Cleveland Browns, people started wondering, could he be good in the NFL?

I think he is quick, elusive, and strong enough to be a WR. Some NFL players disagree or say he would be a good TE.

I would definitely want to see LeBron in the NFL.

The most successful athlete to change sports was definitely Bo Jackson. Jackson was the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major sports. Before his professional career, he earned the 1985 Heisman Trophy, the prize annually awarded to the most outstanding collegiate football player in the United States. He also ran a 4.12 40 yard dash, still considered the fastest verifiable 40 time at an NFL Combine. So he clearly had the skills to change sports.

I think LeBron would be a great football player.

Usain:

Usain has been labeled the fastest man in the world by millions of people, including me.

People wondered if he could be good in the NFL as well. I don't think he is strong enough. He would have to work out constantly for about a year before he comes to the NFL.

But let's say he comes now. What position would he play? He would definitely start out returning kicks and punts. But what would be his main position? Would it be WR? But nobody knows if he can catch. He would have to go through an NFL Combine for about five different positions so we know what his main position would be.

No matter what he would be the quickest player on the field at all times, but would he be almost too quick? If he was a WR, would QB's be able to time his quickness and be able to still lead the pass? I think it would take some time to adjust, but they would get it eventually.

Also, has he ever played football before? You can't bring someone in that has no clue about the game.

I think he would be an average player.

LeBron vs. Usain

I think, overall, LeBron would be a better NFL player because he is stronger and because he has actually played football before.

In 2010, when LeBron is a free agent, maybe he will change his mind and go to the NFL.

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Dave's IMO: Ohio State Buckeyes Got Jobbed in All-Conference Awards

David Thurman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:02:39 -0500

The Big Ten All Conference teams were announced this week and I'm angry...make that livid. I know most of the national media isn't particularly fond of JT or the Buckeyes, but I am shocked to see this kind of a snub from the midwest sportswriters and Big Ten coaches.

Consider the following:

The coaches named seven Iowa players to the First Team, and only one Buckeye! All total, 15 Hawkeyes made the All Conference Team (first and second Team and Honorable Mention), compared to eight from Ohio State.

The conference media wasn't much better, although the First Team disparity was only 4-2. However, they named 18 Hawkeyes to the All Conference Team, compared to nine Buckeyes. Then to show their total prejudice they named Kirk Ferentz as Coach of the Year (for the third time).

Wait a minute. If he has better players that Tressel, then how does he merit coach of the year? Since Ohio State won the Big Ten with inferior talent, shouldn't their coach at least get some accolades? Interesting how a team with better talent and superior coaching finishes in second place. And amazing how Tressel has won six Big Ten titles but never been awarded the conference Coach of the Year.

In case you're interested Penn State got 15 players on the media squad, and the coaches named six Nittany Lions to the First Team. Wisconsin got five on the media First Team (remember OSU had two). Purdue trumped the Bucks 11-9 in total players named All Conference!

When you consider that Ohio State was the Big Ten outright champion, then you have to scratch your head. I have perused the list of players and found the following to be especially mind boggling:

Cameron Heyward was only considered Second Team on both lists. Are you kidding me? Some NFL scouts are projecting Cam as the first player taken in next year's draft, if he leaves early...not the No. 1 DL but the No. 1 player overall!

He was the most dominant player on what may have been the best defense in the nation. Just ask Matt Millen. He raved about Heyward each time he broadcast a Buckeye game, and felt he was the key to Ohio State's phenomenal defense.

Brian Rolle didn't make either list, but A.J. Edds is Second Team (Coaches) and Honorable Mention (Media). Huh? Edds had a fairly quiet year making 72 tackles (four for loss), while Rolle (the human kamikaze) had 91 (seven for loss), scoring a touchdown and a two point conversion.

The Media Defensive Player of the Year (Greg Jones) played on a team that gave up over 25 points a game. Hey, his stats were great, so I'm only asking. Just seems a little fishy to me.

Good players on the best team (Mike Brewster, DeVier Posey, and the aforementioned Brian Rolle) didn't even warrant Honorable Mention on either list, and Doug Worthington was overlooked by the coaches. Hey do they actually watch the games?

Eric Decker missed half of his team's conference games but was still named First Team by the coaches. Certainly he is special, but don't you have to actually play to be considered the best of the best?

I could go on, but you get the point. I think this travesty is a combination of jealousy against the Buckeyes (five straight titles will do that), and ignorance on the part of voters who make up their minds before the season begins. Regardless it is a pity and as a Buckeye fan I say, "We got shafted...we got hosed...we got jobbed!"

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Carrying On: Did Ohio State's Justin Boren Enjoy His Return To Michigan?

Tim Cary — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:35:56 -0500

The Big Ten season has concluded, and Ohio State's on top of the standings.

Again.

While Illinois and Wisconsin still have some non-conference action to attend to, this past weekend's games marked the end of the regular season for most of the teams in the league, and (sadly) marks the end of another season of "Carrying On".

If you need to step away from your computer to shed a tear or five, now's the time.

Ahem...moving right along...

As always, we start with the spotlight game.

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: OHIO STATE 21, MICHIGAN 10

Five things I learned during a relatively dull Buckeyes-Wolverines clash:

1. Brandon Graham is incredible

The senior defensive end put on a clinic in a losing cause Saturday, including back-to-back plays you had to see to believe. With Ohio State trying to extend a 14-10 lead, the Buckeyes drove into the red zone and had 1st-and-goal at the Michigan 2-yard line.

That's when OSU running back Daniel Herron met Brandon Graham.

Boom.

(Pun intended.)

Make that 2nd-and-goal at the 4-yard line.

Graham followed up his impressive tackle for loss with another one...on the very next play. Pryor took the snap, tried to buy his receivers some time, and found himself wrestled to the ground eight yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Guess who?

All of a sudden, Brandon Graham had single-handedly driven the Buckeyes back 10 yards in two plays as they were headed for a touchdown that would have broken the game open.

That's a potentially season-changing series right there.

Except for...

2. You can't design and execute a play any better than the Ohio State screen pass from Pryor to Herron

If Bill Belichick going for fourth down in his own half of the field was a compliment to Peyton Manning, Ohio State's 3rd-down screen call was a compliment to Brandon Graham.

Translation: if you can't block him, quit trying.

With the Bucks facing 3rd-and-goal from the 12, Ohio State invited the rush, dumped a screen pass to Herron, and watched him waltz into the end zone with the afternoon's most critical touchdown. The play was set up perfectly, as at least eight Wolverines defenders found themselves behind Herron and out of position while he raced for paydirt.

I was also impressed with the way Pryor threw the pass. He didn't lob it too high and allow a defender time to read the play and react, but at the same time he put enough air on the ball to get it over all the oncoming rushers (and believe me, there were a lot of oncoming rushers).

Compare Pryor's textbook throw to Ben Chappell's attempted screen in the fourth quarter against Purdue. Same play, but Chappell didn't put any air on the ball, and Boilermaker defensive lineman Kawann Short jumped up and caught the ball like it was thrown right at him (because it was).

When the screen is called, the quarterback is inviting pressure from everywhere, and Pryor showed his talent by handling the rush perfectly and making the throw that basically won the game look easier than it really was.

3. Oh my goodness! It's the zone read!

I fall into the camp that believes if Ohio State coach Jim Tressel were to call the zone read every offensive snap, the Buckeyes could probably be national champions. I admit that part of this belief is because that's how I tend to use Tressel's squad when I attack opponents on my PlayStation 2.

However, I've also seen how easily Pryor can chew up yardage in real life when the defense is forced to react to his pitch/fake pitch. Against Purdue (in the Buckeyes' only conference loss), Ohio State scored easily on the zone read in the first quarter and then (inexplicably) barely considered reprising the play the rest of the game.

So imagine my considerable glee, surprise, shock, amazement, awe, wonder, and baffled enjoyment (sorry for the over-abundance of descriptive terms...suffice it to say that I was really, really surprised!) when Pryor and his backfield buddies Brandon Saine and Boom Herron ran the zone read with a good amount of regularity against Michigan.

Oh, and one small editorial "I told you so" detail:

It worked!

The Buckeyes outrushed Michigan 251-80, with Herron, Saine, and Pryor alternating to do the damage. The Wolverines had no answer for the Buckeyes' backfield talent, and every time Ohio State needed a positive gain, they had the luxury of pulling out the "Old Faithful" option play.

Bottom line: if I were the Oregon or Oregon State coach game-planning for the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl, I'd expect to see a lot more of the zone read. (Of course, if it's Oregon, they run the read option better than anyone, so I doubt they need a ton of practice defending it...imagine lining up across from Jeremiah Masoli in practice every single day!)

4. What a great day to be Justin Boren

Boren was obviously a big storyline in this edition of the Ohio State-Michigan game because he transferred to Columbus from Ann Arbor after the 2007 season. (Talk about a highly-publicized transfer: the only other person who's gotten that much attention for switching sides was the House Republican who voted for Obama's health care policy!)

Anyway, Boren had to put up with the inevitable heckling at the Big House, but he left with the last laugh. Not only did his Buckeyes win the game—and the outright conference title--but they did it with a powerful ground game, led by Boren and his mates on the offensive line.

Ohio State gained 15 of its 18 first downs by rushing the football, a stat that would have made old-timers Woody and Bo proud. (Okay, so Woody would have been proud and Bo would have been furious, but you know what I mean.)

I'm guessing while Boren didn't enjoy what he was hearing during the game from the fans, he had to love what he heard afterwards...

Sweet silence.

5. Has Tate Forcier regressed?

Remember those Forcier-for-Heisman signs we saw in September? With the Wolverines finishing in the Big Ten cellar, they're long gone. The confident playmaker that pulled off dramatic last-second drives to beat Notre Dame and tie Michigan State has been replaced by a reckless gunslinger that appears to have checked his decision-making skills at the door.

The most egregious example? Down 21-10 with just over eight minutes to play, Forcier panicked and tried to force a ball on 2nd-and-5 from the Ohio State 6-yard line, directly resulting in a Devin Torrence interception.

In that situation, it's imperative that the quarterback consider the time and score. The Wolverines were in chip-shot field goal range, and with the three points in his back pocket, Forcier can't even consider a risky throw that might cost his team a turnover. The nearly-sure-thing field goal would have made it 21-13 and brought Michigan within a single possession while more than eight minutes (an eternity in football) remained on the clock.

A smart quarterback throws it out of bounds or (worst case) takes a sack, setting up a third-down play in the red zone and keeping the field goal as a solid back-up scenario.

A freshman does what Tate Forcier did.

MAYBE BROADCASTING ISN'T SO IMPORTANT

No announcer quotes this week. Instead of our usual feature where we make good-natured fun of television broadcasters and the silly things that come out of their mouth, I want to use this column space to pay tribute to Stefanie Spielman , who passed away last week after a long fight with cancer.

Stefanie left behind husband Chris (a former Ohio State and NFL linebacker and current ESPN announcer) and four children. From her obituary :

Stefanie Lynn Spielman, age 42 of Upper Arlington, Ohio went home to be with God on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Her deep and abiding faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ sustained her, gave her peace, and the assurance that she would spend eternity with Him. She touched many lives reflecting God's goodness, grace, and love to all that knew her.

I offer my condolences and prayers (as I know Big Ten fans everywhere do) to the Spielman family at this difficult time.

MAYBE PROGNOSTICATING IS EASIER THAN I THOUGHT

On a lighter tone now...time for some shameless self-promotion. In case you missed it, I wrote a column in the middle of August predicting the result of every game of the season. I also wrote a sentence or two about each game with some details (mostly silly, a few serious).

I've enjoyed going back and reading how close (or usually, how far off) I was as each game has played out.

With only three regular-season games left for Big Ten teams, it's time to look back and see how I did.

Drumroll please...

...and the verdict is: not so bad!

My record (the best I could calculate) is a respectable 60-25, for a winning percentage of 70.6%. Considering I wrote this entire column three months ago, before injuries to stars like Jewel Hampton and Eric Decker, I don't think that's all that horrible. For comparison's sake, ESPN blogger Adam Rittenberg has been making picks every weekend up until now and he's one game better, 61-24, on the season.

My biggest mistake: assuming the Illini's talent on paper equaled offensive success.

My proudest moment: correctly tabbing Central Michigan to upset the Spartans in East Lansing.

My biggest mistake, part two: picking Western Michigan to go 2-1 against the Big Ten.

My proudest moment, part two: picking the exact regular-season record of Ohio State, Penn State, Minnesota, and Purdue.

THANK GOODNESS FOR MY DVR

Did you see Brandon Saine's run where dragged tacklers for about 15 yards? I think there were 13 Wolverines hanging on him as he continued to motor downfield...

What about the nasty hit Minnesota's Ryan Collado put on James Vandenberg when he came unblocked up the middle?

Loved the touchdown grab by Garrett Graham against Northwestern, double-covered in the end zone...

Speaking of amazing touchdown catches, Charlie Gantt's diving first-half score was amazing..

After twelve weeks of "Thank Goodness for my DVR", what do you think was the best play of the entire season? I'd love to hear your comments!

Last, but not least, thanks to each of you who have faithfully read Carrying On every week during the season - let's do it again in 2010! Or, you can follow me on Twitter and we'll talk sports year-round!

Read more Cleveland news on BleacherReport.com

The Top 10 Articles I've Read on Bleacher Report That You Should Know About

Steven Resnick — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:55:25 -0500

I've been a member of Bleacher Report for well over a year now and there have been a number of articles that have stuck in my mind. So, I decided to take a look at the top 10 articles I've read on Bleacher Report. Some of the stories were inspirational and others were more on educating the readers on a particular subject.

Begin Slideshow

Cleveland Browns: Have They Hit Rock Bottom?

ExJx Brooks — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:05:29 -0500

Although the Cleveland Browns aren't the only 1-9 team right now, they are the worst team in the league.

They lost to the only team in NFL history to go winless in a 16—game season this past Sunday. Yes—they lost to the Detroit Lions.

From top to bottom this organization is horrible.

The ownership is cheap, the general manager was crap, and now their "lack there of" head coach has shown not to be as good as thought. With their best player, Josh Cribs, being mainly a return specialist, this team is just plain bad.

Not that it would make much difference, but with a lot of their supposed better players banged up things aren't going to change.

Bad play calling, inexperience, and simply a lot of bad decisions have driven a team that finished 10—6 two years ago and barely missed the playoffs to a 1—9 start this year.

I'd say they have a chance to redeem some dignity with the last three games of season against Kansas City, Oakland, and Jacksonville, but at the rate they are going I'd be stupid to even speculate one win against these games.

As we all know anything is possible, so who knows? One thing is for sure with the next three games against Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and then San Diego they are theoretically looking at a 1—12 record going into the last three games.

So what's next?

They need to take a hint from their cross town baseball counterparts, the Cleveland Indians, and just clean house. From top to bottom they need to make changes.

The quarterback situation has been an issue since coming back into the league. They signed Tim Couch in the 1999 draft then proceeded to beat the crap out of him for five years by failing to hire him a decent offensive line.

Other quarterbacks have suffered the same fate—Jeff Garcia, Kelly Holcomb, and Charlie Frye.

The combination, and I say combination because the Browns have failed to designate a true starting QB the past two seasons, is now terrible. It probably has fans wishing for the days of Tim Couch.

Brady Quinn is way overpaid and way overrated. Dereck Anderson has proven that the 10—6 season was the fluke, and not last year's poor effort.

The Browns have second string and third string quarterbacks rotating in and out of the starting position. With no true starting QB in Cleveland the team lacks identity and a leader. This is the first thing that needs to be addressed as far as the players.

Since the passing game is struggling you would think that the running game would be decent. Yeah right!

Even with the once dominant Jamal Lewis, the Browns have failed to establish any sort of a run game. Lewis, there leading rusher, has yet to break 500 rushing yards after ten games and the only rushing scores have come from Anderson.

This only shows the Browns unending inability to put together a good offensive line or at least keep a good one healthy.

As always the defense is a whole different story. Well not really, they stink too.

Rated 32nd overall in yards per game and 28th in points allowed per game, what more needs to be said.

The defense as a whole needs restructuring.

The coaching staff is atrocious. Many of the the mistakes made on the field are due to bad design. Eric Mangini needs to go and so does the rest of the staff.

The fans are looking for someone to blame. Just pick someone, anyone and you'd be right. That is how bad it has gotten.

In a city where the only hope of a championship is the Cleveland Cavaliers, something needs to change. Something needs to give.

The reality is that this year's team is a dud. There are the bad attitudes and resentment and a 1—9 record, plus ten years of failure. It's time for big changes, a lot of them and quickly.

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Quinn For HOF, Daboll The Next Air Coryell, Stuckey The Next Rice

Steve Tater — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:44:15 -0500

Brady Quinn is the second coming of Tom Brady after his 300 yard, four touchdown performance against the Lions.

Brian Daboll is being favorably compared to Don Coryell after the Cleveland Browns offense scored a whopping 35 points in the game (24 points in less than 12 minutes in the first quarter).

Chansi Stuckey is the perfect second option, playmaking wide receiver the Browns franchise has been looking for.

Let’s be real honest here. None of the aforementioned sentences are true.

What we saw was a mirage that would be a mistake for anyone to take as reality.

The Detroit Lions have allowed more points than any team in football and they showed why on Sunday. Blown coverages, bad tackling, and overall confusion from defensive backs have been a staple of the Lions’ defense for years.

It would be wise to take a step back and analyze exactly how the Browns managed to score 37 points in a game before we start building a bust for Brady Quinn in Canton—and we start calling Brian Daboll the next hot head coaching candidate.

After all, we have seen those same big numbers out of Derek Anderson and we all know how that turned out.

Quinn threw touchdown strikes of 59 and 40 yards to Mohamed Massaquoi and Chansi Stuckey early in the game.

On both, Massaquoi and Stuckey broke completely free when the Lions defensive backfield bit on play action fakes. Good defenses do not let that happen twice in a season, let alone twice in a game.

The third touchdown was set up by an interception return by Eric Wright which gave the Browns first and goal field position at the six yard line.

The fourth touchdown pass was a two-yarder to Michael Gaines, who forced his way into the endzone by the shear force of his weight. That touchdown was set up by a series of short runs, short passes, and a Detroit offsides penalty which kept the drive alive.

Granted, it was nice to see some life from an offense that was non-existent for nine games. At least it made the game ‘watchable’ (which is something I could not have predicted when two dreadfully woeful football teams lined up for kick-off).

But before we start getting too comfortable with the play-calling of Daboll and the passing of Quinn, we should keep a mindful eye on the fact that the Lions defense is atrocious.

The Lions surrendered 10 plays of 20 or more yards the week earlier. The fact that the Browns managed two is not cause for a ticker tape parade.

All this game did is set up a future date with the Oakland Raiders in what I will less-than-affectionately dub as "The Draft Bowl."

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Brady Quinn Shuts Up His Critics, But There's Still More to Prove

Daniel Wolf — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:30:10 -0500

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has to have one of the biggest media filters of any NFL player. He can just shut out all the bad talk about him to continue to play football despite the extreme amounts of pressure that are put on him.

Just look at the photo...Quinn looks like he is having fun.

Fun is a word that has not been said too often regarding the Browns over the past season and a half of football, but versus the Lions, there was nothing but fun on the field.

Easily one of the most (if not the most) entertaining game the Browns have played since 2007, SI.com's Peter King even called this game "...the worst game of the year" going into Sunday, but after the game King said it could have very well been "the game of the year."

Indeed it could be 2009's NFL game of the year.

Both teams are and have been struggling for many years, and the futility of both franchises were put aside in a shootout that may be remembered for many years in the NFL.

No one could have thought the Browns-Lions would be a shootout, most thought these two teams would barely even be able to score a touchdown at all.

Four quarters later and 75 points in the books, the Lions pull out a win with :00 left on the clock.

The Browns are probably kicking themselves for giving up a 24-3 first quarter lead this Monday, since they were in complete control of the Lions both on offense and defense. But proper adjustments by Lions coach Jim Schwartz proved to be too much for Eric Mangini and his staff to be able to handle.

Regardless, of the outcome, there was one player whose possible future star power shined brightly despite all the negativity that is in the press and media, and that player was Quinn who threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns.

What is most surprising about Quinn's performance is his resilience and poise against all the pressure that has been building up on him both inside and outside of football.

The media has been viscous toward Quinn, saying everything from he's too much of a pretty boy, to he's too muscular to play quarterback, and his arm is not strong enough to be a NFL starter.

These are only a few of the things that have been said about Quinn, but on Sunday he shut up his critics by showing he can throw a deep pass, not once, but many times in a single game.

The key to Quinn's success was the protection the Browns' offensive line gave him.

Like most NFL quarterbacks, good protection in the pocket will equate to better accuracy and more production.

So maybe there are some Browns' fans that are crowning Quinn as the savior already, but please remember this was the Lions, and Quinn still needs to show some consistency before he can get crowned.

Still, Quinn's ability to shoulder all of the pressures of the media and fans shows he can really be the face of the franchise for years to come, because one of the most important characteristics a NFL starting quarterback needs to have is to be able to take extreme amounts of pressure.

Quinn has passed this test, but let's see if he plays at this level for several more game this season and if he can play at a higher level, then maybe the Browns can focus on other positions in the offseason instead of at quarterback.

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper)

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20 Thoughts From Saturday's College Action

Aaron Torres — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:32:06 -0500

(Aaron Torres is an accomplished journalist whose work has been published by Sports Illustrated online and syndicated by USA Today, AOL.com and Slam Online. To read all of his work, including this article in its entirety, please visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com )

After spending another Saturday on my couch with my remote in hand, here are 20 more thoughts from Saturday’s college football action.

1. Saturday Is What Makes College Football Great: So all we heard all week leading up to the games, was that this college football season has been a dud, and Saturday was going to be boring. I mean seriously, why bother even tuning in?

Except for one thing: It ended up being maybe the second best college football Saturday of the season (I still put Oct. 17 at No. 1). While they weren’t all pretty, and they weren’t all perfectly played, LSU-Ole Miss, UConn-Notre Dame, Stanford-Cal and Oregon-Arizona, were nothing if not entertaining.

And on a day that was supposed to be the most boring of the season, what more could you ask for?

2. Moving On to a Serious Subject: I’m starting a petition to get Amanda Beard on College Gameday full-time.

For those of you who missed it, the former Arizona and Olympic swimmer, was Saturday’s “guest picker,” in the final segment of the show, and absolutely knocked it out of the park. Not only was she bubbly, not only was she nice to look at, not only did her and Lee Corso have palpable sexual chemistry, but the girl knew her football.

So seriously, can we bring her full-time? Please? Would anyone object?

3. I’m just going to say it: It didn’t seem like a college football Saturday without Alabama and Florida playing meaningful games. How many days until Atlanta again?

4. As for the important games, let’s start with Notre Dame-UConn: Look, Charlie Weis is a dead man walking, you know that and I know that, so there’s no need to talk about it here.

But I want to make the case that it’s Notre Dame’s offense that is going to get Weis fired, not his defense. No, seriously, hear me out.

All year we’ve been hearing how great Jimmy Clausen, Michael Floyd and Golden Tate are, and to a certain degree they are. But they also combine to make two or three really dumb, game-altering mistakes every week.

Think about it. Against Michigan, Golden Tate didn’t get out of bounds on the last play of the game. Against Navy, Floyd ran the wrong route and had a ball bounce off his back for a late game, drive-ending interception. And Saturday it was Floyd getting stripped on the UConn 18-yard line with Notre Dame going in for a game clinching scoring drive.

Watching Notre Dame every week, you start to realize these aren’t isolated events, but a recurring theme. More importantly they are a sign of bad preparation and bad coaching (do you ever see those kinds of things happen to Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida or Texas?). And it’s the biggest reason, more than Notre Dame’s defense, that Weis is going to be looking for a new job in a week.

(I told you to hear me out. I just talked you into that, didn’t I?)

5. Another thought from Saturday’s Notre Dame-UConn game: If anyone saw Jimmy Roberts’ halftime feature on the death of Jasper Howard and didn’t get chills, well honestly, we might need to break out the defibrillator to get your heart going again.

It was the perfect blend of solid journalism with the right mix of emotion and storytelling. It wasn’t too pushy, preachy and didn’t end with some stupid throwaway line like, “UConn may not have been winners on the field recently, but they’re winners in life,” like so many of these other features do.

One of the best stories I’ve seen in awhile.

6. The underrated final story line from the game: How about UConn (and former Notre Dame) quarterback Zach Frazer, going back to Notre Dame and beating a bunch of his former classmates on their Senior Day?

For those who don’t know, Frazer was the first quarterback recruited by Weis, and came to South Bend in the fall of 2006, with guys like Sam Young, Eric Olson and Sergio Brown, guys who were wrapping up their Notre Dame careers on Saturday.

As a matter of fact I was so inspired by Frazer’s performance ( OK, who am I kidding, UConn won the game despite him, not because of him), that we’ll forever refer to that game as “Frazer’s Revenge.” Sure that sounds like an awful Nic Cage movie, but still, it’s got a catchy ring to it, doesn’t it?

7. Moving on to Michigan-Ohio State: My only thought from the Michigan side of things was how bad I felt for Brandon Graham.

The Wolverines defensive end was a monster Saturday, only nobody would ever know it, you know, considering he’s surrounded by young guys who aren’t quite ready, and older guys were never quite good enough (not to mention Michigan’s defense is coached by Greg Robinson, a guy who spends approximately 80 percent of his time staring into the distance like a kid watching cartoons, and the other 20 percent picking his nose. Needless to say, I’m not a huge Greg Robinson fan).

Put Graham on even a halfway decent team and we’re talking about him the way we talk about Terrence Cody and Carlos Dunlap. Instead, having him on this particular defense is like having a $10,000 painting in a $250 a month, one bedroom apartment. What’s even the point?

8. As for Ohio State, here’s my question on them: Alright, so last year we had Chris “Beanie,” Wells. This year, it’s Dan “Boom,” Herron. Seriously, who’s coming up with these nicknames, and why doesn’t Brandon Saine have one yet?

I’ve decided to appoint a one-man committee of ABC broadcaster/bad joke extraordinaire Matt Millen to come up with one. Matt, you’re on the clock.

9. Speaking of Matt Millen: I can’t lie, I was a little disappointed in Millen’s work Saturday during the Michigan-Ohio State game. Usually he’s good for around five truly unbearable, “put the TV on mute,” jokes per broadcast. Saturday, the best he came up with was, “May the Schwartz be with you,” in reference to Buckeyes receiver Grant Schwartz.

Why was Millen so quiet, I don’t know? Maybe he realized he’s not funny. Or maybe Sean McDonough threatened to strangle him with a headset cord, I’m not quite sure. Either way, it wasn’t his best day Saturday. I expect better come bowl season.

10. Two thoughts, and two thoughts only from Stanford-Cal:

A. Stanford’s not as bad as they looked Saturday, and they weren’t overrated coming in. This was just a classic case of the Cardinal beating a few good teams, getting a few too many pats on the back, having a few too many girls show up at their dorm rooms to “celebrate,” late at night (yes even at Stanford), and simply losing focus. That’s it, nothing more, nothing less. They’re still going to beat Notre Dame by three touchdowns Saturday.

B. I enjoyed seeing Jim Harbaugh have some dirt kicked in his face, especially after his “holier than thou,” running up the score against an injury depleted USC two weeks ago.

Hey coach, think you should have saved some of those points for this weekend?

(To read Aaron's 10 remaining thoughts, and the remainder of this article, please CLICK HERE , or visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com )

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Sandy Alomar Returns: Manny Acta and the Tribe Throw Fans a Bone

Nino Colla — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:18:45 -0500

Conducting his second television interview in as many days, Manny Acta sat on the set of All Bets Are Off with Bruce Drennan knowing full well he was about to drop a bombshell.

The idea was brought up in the past few weeks and was even denied by Mets general anager Omar Minaya. However, when push came to shove, the idea was about to become a reality much to the delight of the entire city of Cleveland.

To anyone who loved the Indians of the 1990s, which is just about everyone in Cleveland that remembers those glory days, an idea like this one makes you pleasantly giddy.

Even fans that love to think with their head more than their heart like myself can't help but get excited about this thought.

Drennan introduced Acta and immediately prompted Acta for the news he was about to break. One could tell the host of the popular call-in show on SportsTimeOhio had no clue what was about to happen, but he did know Acta was about to say something of note.

Why else would Manny Acta make an announcement about his coaching staff on live television? Do you really think the announcement that Jon Nunnally would be the next hitting coach of the Cleveland Indians is something that is worthy of breaking on the Indians own television network?

So it makes perfect sense that when prompted, Manny Acta uttered the following announcement: "We're pleased to announce that we've hired Sandy Alomar, Jr. to be the first base coach of the Cleveland Indians."

Even Drennan himself squealed with joy and raised his arms up into the air as Acta pleased thousands of Tribe fans, especially the ones watching live like myself.

Sandy Alomar Jr. is coming home, back to the city that adores him.

Back to the team that he went to the World Series with two times. Back to the ballpark that he was the MVP for the 1997 All-Star Game. Back to the club that he made the All-Star team with six times. Back to the organization that brought in him from San Diego and gave him the start to his career.

Alomar has spent the past few seasons coaching in New York, the place he ended his career with just a few years ago.

As Alomar got older, the list of his former teams grew and the Mets were his final stop. He then made the transition to coach, and why wouldn't he?

Catchers are almost born to be managers and with his own father on the Mets staff, he was aligned to be in this position.

And he must have taken quite well to it as Omar Minaya adamantly stated that Alomar would be going nowhere this offseason. It sounded as if Alomar was a diamond in the rough, and the Mets would do anything they could to prevent the Cleveland Indians from talking to him.

Or perhaps they knew the moment they let that happen, Sandy Alomar, Jr. would be re-donning the cap that sports the Chief Wahoo. Sandy sure did as he told reporters on a conference call this past week.

"I talked to Omar [Minaya] relentlessly. At first he was skeptical, but I was persistent. When he gave me the opportunity to talk to the Indians, he knew I wasn't coming back."

There is a genuine love that Alomar holds for the city of Cleveland, the organization and its passionate fans, and you can plainly see it in that statement. Knowing full well this was the place he wanted to be, and he could make it happen if he just has the opportunity.

Mark Shapiro is not one for making the fans feel good. He's ripped their hearts out on more than one occasion, including his two most recent moves in which he shipped off this decade's Sandy Alomar, Jr., Victor Martinez. However, although they won't admit it, the Alomar hiring was one to make the fans happy.

That wasn't the main reason though.

No, that reason was just a bonus.

In the grand scheme of things, you are trying to accomplish two things as a Major League Baseball franchise: Win and make money. Sometimes you can't do one without the other. A lot of the times they go together but other times, they do not.

Fundamentally, Sandy Alomar, Jr. is a great hire. If we got the same coach, yet his name was Steve Smith, the Indians would not only have two coaches named Steve Smith, they would have made a great hire.

This is no publicity stunt or move designed especially to get the fans all happy once again. Sandy Alomar Jr. isn't going to prevent the Indians from losing money next year, because they will unless ticket sales go up, which doesn't happen unless they win.

And even then, selling tickets is a bit of struggle.

Early indications are that Alomar has put together quite the plan for the Tribe's catchers. This is a top of the class instructor when it comes to the catchers, and one day he may be a class manager.

Manny Acta has hired a coach for every position on the diamond, and catcher was the one position he had not covered prior to Alomar's hiring.

It made perfect sense in the perfect world. The idea of filling every coaching spot with a specific position is all inclusive of Manny's idea for a baseball team. The term I'm calling it is "Actavision."

Actavision is precise.

This offseason, Acta has spun his words to get someone like myself all riled up. He's doing everything you want him to do, or at least he's saying so. And so far, Actavision is holding true by delivering on the idea of filling a coaching staff that, as he terms it, covers all the bases.

Steve Smith is coaching the infielders.

Tim Tolman and Acta himself will handle outfielders during the regular season.

Scott Radinsky, a former relief pitcher himself, will be the bullpen coach, and Tim Belcher is overseeing the starting rotation.

And now Sandy Alomar will guide the catching core, and eventually, the Indians' young prized prospect by the name of Carlos Santana, one of the top players in all of the minor leagues.

On the surface it will make fans happy that they brought back someone from the glory days, but this is all a part of Actavision and its goals. The fan appeal is just a bonus in the grand scheme of things and might I add a welcome bonus.

For once it is good to see the fan base back something the organization does 100 percent. There is not a fan in the world that I've seen bash this move. No one can because to the rational fan, it is a strong baseball move. To the passionate casual fan that longs for the glory days, they couldn't be more excited.

Now all they have to do is sign Omar Vizquel to be their utility player. Now there's someone that can get you out of the red.

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Why the Cleveland Browns Should Cut Hank Poteat

Richard Baird — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:48:12 -0500

Imagine this scenario...

It's third and six and you are playing the Cleveland Browns. You look at the wide receiver matchups to get an early read on who might be open. You see your slot/possession receiver lined up against the Browns nickel cornerback. That cornerback in Hank Poteat. Bingo! Found your mismatch!

All season long, Hank Poteat has been the target of choice on important plays. Sunday's pass interference against the Lions to cost us the game was just the latest and most egregious in a whole series of bad plays by the veteran. Of all the players that Mangini brought from the Jets, none has been as worthless as Hank Poteat. Even Brett Ratliff, who hasn't played, has made a bigger contribution by not being on the field.

It's time to cut ties with Poteat. There is a reason he's been on several different teams. He has been released by Pittsburgh, Carolina, Tampa Bay, New England, and the Jets. With the dearth of cornerback talent in the league, teams don't let players that are worth anything go that many times. I would rather see Coye Francies play and get experience than watch Hank Poteat get overmatched again and again.

Please, whoever the new GM will be, do the Browns a favor and go get a cornerback! Draft a cornerback, sign a cornerback, get a cornerback out of the UFL, do something, because this defense isn't going to stop anybody until there is a credible cornerback who can cover and tackle across from Eric Wright.

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Cleveland Browns-Detroit Lions: Offense Returns from the Dead in Tough Loss

Brian DiTullio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:56:10 -0500

Brady Quinn took all the critics of his arm to the woodshed, but it didn’t matter as the defense collapsed in a tough 38-37 loss to the Lions.

First of all, I was dead wrong in my prediction column about how the game was going to play out. That’s a good thing considering I didn’t want to be right.

That being said, our defense has given up far fewer points to far better teams, so why they chose this week to look like the last-ranked defense in the league is frustrating.

While the Browns have been the last-ranked defense in the league for most of the season, they’ve rarely actually looked the part. This performance just proves that bad teams find ways to lose.

But let’s talk about the offense, because, for one quarter, it was really fun being a Browns fan again. Quinn was 21-33 with four touchdowns, no fumbles or interceptions with a passer rating of 133.1. Quinn threw three of his touchdowns in the first quarter.

That. Was. Awesome.

While I don’t want to pour water on any of this, it has to be noted the Browns were playing the Lions, also bringing a 1-8 record into the game. However, it seems offensive coordinator Brian Daboll finally had something click in his head, or Quinn just started calling his own plays.

Either way, it was great to see Quinn stretch the defense, which opened up the running game and allowed the Browns to move down the field and score some points. Running an offense isn’t as hard as Daboll seemed to make it, and hopefully this game has showed everyone on the team they can do it.

Just knowing you can score points goes a long way to being actually able to score points. Even though the team still lost, the offensive unit is going to be walking around this week with a new spring in their step.

Now onto the last drive by the Lions.

Mistakes by the Browns, namely not scoring a touchdown and settling for a field goal and then being unable to convert on third down, set up the horrible last play.

The pass interference call on Hank Poteat was about a bad a call as you’re ever going to see because that’s the first time I can ever remember the refs throwing a flag on a last second Hail Mary play.

It’s just not done.

Also, Kellen Winslow was knocked out of bounds on a last second play within the last few years and the refs not only didn’t pull the flag, they pretty much told the Browns that they never even thought of throwing the flag in that situation.

How is Kellen Winslow being pushed out of bounds any different than Hank Poteat pushing Calvin Johnson to the ground?

It isn’t, and the refs should be taken to task for their actions.

As for head coach Eric Mangini calling the timeout that allowed Stafford to come back in, it wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but that’s assuming Daunte Culpepper wasn’t going to make that play.

Considering how awful the defense was on Sunday, you can’t make that assumption.

The Browns now own the tiebreaker for the number one overall pick in the 2010 draft. Having that number one pick is a blessing and a curse.

Make the best of it.

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Game Thoughts: Ohio State Buckeys Easily Handle Michigan

David Thurman — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:25:50 -0500

Sorry it has taken me a few days to get out the recap, it was one crazy weekend for us here at TSB. Anyways, here are the things that really stuck out from the Buckeyes sixth straight win over Michigan...

Tresselball pulls out another victory. Let's be honest, the game was pretty ugly. The offense really only had two solid drives, and besides that were conservative and boring. You will not find me complaining though. After the Purdue loss if you would have told me the Buckeyes would sweep Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan I would have said you were dreaming.

So now that the Buckeyes have actually completed that feat, I am not going to gripe about how it was done. The fact is, it was! Yes, the game plan took the ball out of Pryor's hands.

Yes, Tressel counted on the defense to come through with big plays. Yes, Tressel made us all wonder if we had a stomach ulcer. Regardless, he and the team got the job done. It wasn't my favorite style, but sometimes it is hard to argue with the results.

Turnovers were the name of the game. While watching the game I really thought the defense looked pretty average at times, especially in the secondary. It was frustrating to watch Michigan neutralize the Buckeye rush with the hurry up offense, and push so many drives into redzone.

Though the "D" could have helped themselves out with some three and outs, in their defense, Michigan won the field position battle all afternoon long. Michigan had six drives that started on their own 35 yard line or better. So the defense had their backs against the wall all afternoon.

While they let the Wolverine offense get into a groove between the 20s, they did come up with an interception almost every time they needed to. Those turnovers would define the game, and honestly have been something that have defined the entire season. Ever since Rolle's pick on Navy's two-point conversion in the first game, the defense has forced turnovers when things mattered most.

Big drives from the offense at big times. Just as the defense came up with big turnovers when they needed to, the offense put together big drives every time Michigan got close. After Michigan converted a field goal to make the game 7-3, the Buckeyes responded in a big way (for the first time all game).

Pryor and the backs came out in the spread, and walked down the field in a six play, 80 yard drive. The next time the Wolverines crept within four points was following the Pryor interception, as Forcier lead the Wolverines to a touchdown to bring the score to 14-10. With momentum not on their side, the offense once again responded.

This time they had an 11 play drive that went 89 yards, capped off by a Pryor screen pass to Herron for the score. The importance of those two drives cannot be underestimated, and the offense deserves credit for their ability to get tough when things got tight.

Some other random thoughts:

Kurt Coleman is one special player and will be missed. While all the safety talk around the nation centers around Eric Berry and Taylor Mays, I would not trade Coleman for anyone. Not only has he come up with big play after big play, but he is a great leader and a proven winner. Not only do I think he should get First-team All-Big Ten Honors, but I think he should get some consideration for All-American.

Cameron Heyward and Thaddeus Gibson are fun to watch. When was the last time the Buckeyes had two more athletic and dominating defense ends? It has been awhile. The Buckeyes defense won the Big Ten title for the team this year, and both of these guys have had a huge role in that.

Thoma will be remembered as an average punter at best. Tressel loves playing field position, but Thoma just isn't able to give the ball the kind of boot needed to pin people back. Michigan won the field position war in part because they out punted the Buckeyes.

Got to give some credit to Boom and Zoom again. They have been a great one-two punch the last three weeks, and while neither is great solo back, together they have been unstoppable. Early in the season we all called for big runs, and these two guys have come up with plenty of those lately.

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Lions-Browns: Matthew Stafford, Brady Quinn Show Potential in Detroit Win

Evan Higgins — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:30:15 -0500

The Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns have a lot in common.

Both are struggling to win, and both have young, developing quarterbacks who labored to find consistency all season.

But on Sunday, both young quarterbacks displayed their potential.

Though Cleveland and Detroit have two of the worst defenses in the league, these quarterbacks gave their coaches exactly what they needed to see: leadership.

With eight seconds left in the game and the Lions down by six, Matthew Stafford stepped on the field and stepped up his performance. The former SEC quarterback ran around the field, dodging many Cleveland defenders, and threw the ball deep into the end zone.

The pass was intercepted.

However, Cleveland was flagged for pass interference, and the Lions took the ball at the one-yard line with no time left on the clock. Stafford had one play to redeem himself.

Stafford gets knocked on the turf, staying down with a hurt shoulder. Daunte Culpepper comes in, but Browns coach Eric Mangini calls a time out.

Matthew Stafford wants back in.

Then, with a hurt shoulder on his left arm, Stafford hiked the ball and threw a one-yard pass to a fellow rookie, tight end Brandon Pettigrew, to win the game.

Stafford finished the day 26-for-43 for 422 yards passing and five touchdowns. He came into the game with six touchdowns on the season. He showed the potential and leadership to be an NFL great one day.

But Stafford wasn't the only young quarterback to impress.

Despite the loss, Brady Quinn came up big for the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 304 yards and four touchdowns.

Both of these quarterbacks have the potential to be the next superstar.

Of course, they must first play like they did today against top defenses like Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

Today's game was a loss for Quinn and a win for Stafford, but, regardless of outcome, it gave each player confidence and hope for themselves, as well as their teams.

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Refs, Matthew Stafford Deal Browns Tough 38-37 Loss

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

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

Absurd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At least one Ohio team won in Michigan.

Dawgfather.

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Rookie Mistake by Eight-Year Vet Hank Poteat Costs Browns, Brady Quinn

Tom Delamater — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:56:56 -0500

What was Hank Poteat thinking?

The Browns and Lions played what was, for them, a classic game on Sunday. Cleveland had taken a late 37-31 lead, and Detroit was down to a last-gasp throw by rookie Matthew Stafford.

Almost tackled as he scrambled for his life, Stafford uncorked a Hail Mary pass into the end zone with no time on the clock. It was intercepted by Brodney Pool, and the game should have ended with a Browns victory.

Instead, a yellow flag flew to the ground. Pass interference, defense. The Lions were awarded the ball at Cleveland's one-yard line.

Replays showed clearly that Poteat threw a block at Detroit receiver Bryant Johnson as he attempted to move toward the throw.

The Lions got one more play. Stafford, shaken up on the previous pass, was aided by an officials' time out and a subsequent one called by the Browns. He trotted back onto the field and threw his fifth TD of the afternoon, giving Detroit a stunning 38-37 win.

The shocking sequence frittered away what should have been Brady Quinn's coming out party as a pro quarterback. Quinn started fast, throwing three touchdown passes in the first quarter as Cleveland stormed out to a 24-3 advantage. As if to address the critics who say he can't throw downfield, two of the touchdowns were long passes, one of 59 yards to Mohamed Massaquoi and the other a 40-yarder to Chansi Stuckey.

Quinn eventually threw the go-ahead score to Michael Gaines late in the fourth quarter, and it would have held up if not for Poteat's end zone blunder.

In a way, the interference call was symbolic of a woeful performance by Cleveland's defense. Rob Ryan's crew picked the worst possible time to have its worst game of the year. Stafford, a rookie, torched the Browns for 422 yards and five touchdowns.

Otherwise, Browns fans had much to cheer about. Quinn was sharp, going 21-for-33 for 304 yards and the four touchdowns. More important, he didn't turn the ball over. Massoquoi and Jennings had five catches apiece, although each dropped a TD pass on well-thrown balls from Quinn. Stuckey also had five receptions. The offense clicked like it hadn't all year.

But it was all for naught in the end. Poteat has been in the league eight years. He blocked a receiver with the ball in the air and cost his team a hard-fought and much-deserved win.

With Cleveland, if it's not one thing, it's another. On a day when Brian Daboll's offense finally came alive, Rob Ryan's defense looked vulnerable and tentative.

It's another black mark on a frustrating, futile season for the Browns and their legion of loyal fans.

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