Bleacher Report - Columbus OH

Blue Jackets-Blues: Columbus' Slump Is Over—For a Night

Ed Cmar — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:45:20 -0500

Well, my luck ran out, as it relates to pre-game analysis. I predicted that St. Louis would win, 4-3, in either Overtime (OT) or a Shootout (SO).

Result? The Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ) won, 5-2, although the game was much closer than the final score indicated, as the CBJ netted two empty-net goals with less than one minute to play.

So, note to self: If the CBJ need to win, (I should) pick against them.

On to the post-game analysis (what went well, what went OK, and what was a downer):

The Good

* R.J. Umberger—'Nuff said. R.J. posted a hat trick—OK, one of those goals was an empty-net goal, but still, it was so great to see the ever-streaky Umberger get his goal-scoring game back on track. This guy is the heart and conscience of the team, so, as goes R.J., (hopefully) so go the CBJ.

* Kris Russell played an outstanding game, scoring a goal and logging a goal, an assist, a plus three (+/- rating), and a whopping 23:06 of Time On Ice (TOI). I believe K Russ is best served when he is leading the team on the break, when using his great puck-handling and skating speed out of the defensive zone.

Let's face it: Russ' shot from the point won't remind anyone of Zdeno Chara or Sheldon Souray anytime soon. In fact, his goal from the point was his first ever goal from that spot. But it was great to see Russ step up after being healthy scratched for a puzzling five out of the last six games.

* Mike Commodore getting a plus four for last night's effort, as well as two stellar blocked shots. That was easily the best game Commie's played this season—then again, it didn't take much to top the previous best performance. Ouch!

* Steve Mason played an extremely solid game in net, stopping many key shots from the point. The two goals he did let in, Patrick Roy, in all his greatness, couldn't have stopped. It looked like the Mase of last season. Here's hoping the trend continues. This has been the problem—Mason will follow a solid game or two with an absolute clunker of a performance. Fingers crossed, fingers crossed...

* Known CBJ killer Keith Tkachuk was held scoreless, registering only two shots. That's the first time the CBJ have done this against Tkachuk, well, ever.

* There were several other solid performances. While I won't go into detail, I will mention those who did stand out for Columbus:

Rick Nash—Interesting; for a night in which he didn't register a point, he did have a plus two rating, which has been an inverse of how his season has gone so far.

Jan Hejda—Nice to see The Big Plus back to his under-the-radar efforts as the CBJ's true defensive stopper.

Antoine Vermette—Sure, an empty-net goal, but also a plus two and also registered an assist.

Derick Brassard and Jake Voracek—Both sophomores had beautiful feeds to Umberger for his first two goals.

The OK

* Jason Chimera—Well, he played last night, but it's now game No. 11 without registering a point. So, there's my answer to the question to those who tell me, "Chimmer is having a great start this season. What do you have to say about that, Mr. Hockey Writer?"

* Anton Stralman—As I've said before, he's a pleasant surprise, offering more defensive prowess than anyone had expected; however, he did look a bit out of sorts last night, particularly in moving the puck out of the defensive and neutral zones.

The Bad

* The crowd—12,291. I know, I know: It's a Monday night, the team's coming off of a five-game winless streak, we're not yet over Buckeye football, my kids have school, tomorrow...garbage! No excuse for that putrid crowd.

I don't know if many folks knew this, but the NHL Commish, Gary Bettman, was in town last night for part of the game. For those of you who really want to present the case that the NHL belongs in Columbus, this outcome didn't exactly help.

* Rusty Klesla's injury. Klesla's out for four to six weeks with a very serious groin tear, one for which surgery is being considered. Some have reported that his injury was the result of Blues defenseman Barret Jackman barreling into him from behind.

I was near the play and saw it more than a few times on the Jumbotron—haven't we learned anything from the Joe Theismann leg snap from over 20 years ago?—and really didn't see a dirty play. It just looked like two players getting tangled up, with an awkward result.

As a result, Mathieu Roy is being called up from Syracuse (Columbus' AHL affiliate) to fill in for Klesla.

So, in summary:

1. Getting off the schnide.

2. Great performances to go around.

3. On the down side, the crowd and Klesla's injury.

The Jackets moved up to four games above .500 and into a tie for ninth place in the Western Conference standings. I know, I know, it's early, but hey, historically, this is usually the date around which the CBJ have been mathematically eliminated from playoff competition. Personally, I take the little victories.

Up next, the team that is fast becoming one of the elite teams in the NHL, the Chicago Blackhawks. It's one thing to play a game on back-to-back nights, and it's another to play at the United Center, but it's another thing to have to play the Blackhawks on the night in which Joel Quenneville is going for his 500th career win and when Marian Hossa makes his Blackhawks home debut.

I think I speak for coach Ken Hitchcock—he says it so many times when facing the 'Hawks—when I say, "Avoid the track meet."

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Possible 2010 Free Agents That Need to Be on the Cleveland Browns' Radar

Daniel Wolf — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:22:06 -0500

With all the big name former coaches that will be currently on the market in 2010, there will be quite a few big name free agents that will hit the market in 2010 too. The Cleveland Browns have so many holes and not even the 2010 NFL Draft will be able to fill all of their needs. With a few smart free agent veteran addition in combination of picking the appropriate younger players in the draft, the Browns could be able to turn a corner to prevent another 10-plus loss season to maybe even break .500. The following are a list of free agents that the Browns had better look at to fill holes in their roster once the 2009 season comes to an end.

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LeBron James Criticizes Coach for Benching Ilgauskas on Verge of Record

Tom Delamater — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:31:05 -0500

Cleveland’s LeBron James set off a media firestorm Monday when he questioned Mike Brown’s decision not to play center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in Saturday’s game against Dallas.

Ilgauskas reportedly was devastated by the move, which came as a surprise in an easy 111-95 win for the Cavaliers. For one thing, he remains a solid NBA center, although age has slowed him and his skills have diminished since his prime.

But what was startling about Brown’s decision was that Ilgauskas was poised that night to break the Cavs’ franchise record for games played. He had tied current GM Danny Ferry for the top spot in Cavaliers history on Friday night in Charlotte, when he suited up for the 723rd time as a Cavalier.

Ilgauskas hasn’t spoken to the media since the benching, but James was clearly mystified by his coach’s actions. Saying he didn’t know who was responsible for the decision, and claiming that he wasn’t trying to stir anything up, he went on to do exactly that by expressing his disappointment in what happened and his support for Ilgauskas.

“I stand behind Z and I feel like Z not playing wasn't the right thing,” James told the media after the Cavaliers’ practice. “As a friend of his, I was very upset, and I know he was also.”

James said he thought Ilgauskas should have started against the Mavericks, to allow him to accept the cheers of Cleveland fans and his teammates for such a significant accomplishment.

Instead, Ilgauskas was treated by Brown to a seat on the bench for all 48 minutes. According to a report on the Cleveland Plain Dealers’ web site Monday afternoon, it may have been the first time in the center’s career that he did not play due to a coach’s decision.

It’s been a roller-coaster year for Ilgauskas, who accepted the loss of his starting job to Shaquille O’Neal with class and professionalism. However, he hasn’t looked comfortable coming off the bench and is averaging a shade better than seven points and six rebounds in 24 minutes a game.

For Brown to keep Ilgauskas off the floor on what should have been a personally historic night was a slap in the face to the 13-year veteran, who is one of the most popular players to ever don a Cavaliers uniform. He is also one of only two active players to have played 13 seasons for the same team, the other being the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant.

Ilgauskas overcame numerous setbacks early in his career. After a strong rookie season in 1998-99, in which he averaged 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds a game, he sat out nearly two full seasons with foot injuries. He returned for 24 games in 2000-01 before being sidelined again by foot problems.

Finally healthy in 2002-03, Ilgauskas averaged 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds a game and was selected as an All-Star. With the arrival of James the next season, the duo would form the nucleus of the Cleveland lineup for the following six seasons, reaching the NBA Finals in 2007.

Ilgauskas has averaged 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds during his career. He’s respected league-wide for his outside shooting ability and offensive rebounding prowess, and has twice played in the NBA All-Star game.

So there he was on Saturday, poised to break the team record that he had said, in the previous day's Lorain Morning Journal, meant the most to him—and Brown benched him.

It made no sense, and it’s no surprise that James spoke out. He’s been close to Ilgauskas since joining the Cavaliers in 2003, and has said on more than one occasion that it would mean as much to him to win a championship for his longtime teammate as it would for himself.

This sort of controversy is the last thing the Cavaliers need right now. Still trying to find their rhythm since O’Neal’s arrival, the team is already distracted by Delonte West’s emotional and legal struggles.

James spoke openly of the Cavaliers’ recent effectiveness when they won five of six games while O’Neal was out with a shoulder injury. Likewise, LeBron did not try to hide his frustration over the team’s inability to click after Shaq returned to the lineup against Charlotte on Friday.

The pressure is on the Cavaliers to win a championship this season. James will be a free agent in 2010, and rumors continue to swirl around what he’ll do when that time comes.

His concern over how the team is playing with Shaq in the lineup, coupled with how Ilgauskas was treated last weekend, is not a good sign in the current environment.

Mike Brown (and possibly Danny Ferry himself, since it was his record that was about to be broken) have some explaining to do about why Ilgauskas was left on the outside looking in, on what should have been a night of celebration for him, and one of recognition for his noteworthy career as a Cavalier.

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Diamond in The Rough: Matt Roth Excels Against Bengals

Richard Baird — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:31:58 -0500

The Browns lost another ugly game against a division foe Sunday. The offense failed to gain 200 total yards, and to add injury to insult, Shaun Rogers is done for the season and Brodney Pool should take time to consider whether he should continue football after his fifth concussion.

The lone bright spot for the Browns was the play of newly acquired Matt Roth. Roth set the edge on rushing plays, totalled seven tackles, sacked Carson Palmer, and played with the discipline and consistency that is lacking across the board on the Browns defense.

Along with Kamerion Wimbley, he should form a solid tandem of outside linebackers for the Browns.

Although the Browns should get credit for making the waiver claim on Roth, he wasn't a player that went unnoticed by the league.

At least five other teams claimed Roth, but the Browns had waiver priority with the worst record. I guess it's not always bad to be the worst team.

Roth had a very successful 2008 season with five quarterback sacks and 53 tackles with the Dolphins. He is experienced in the 3-4 defense, and has the versatility and size at 275 lbs. to switch to a 4-3 defensive end if the Browns change schemes next season.

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Cleveland Browns Need To Find a Running Game

Erin McLaughlin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:30:42 -0500

All season the Browns fans have been arguing over Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson. That debate has held the team hostage. Eric Mangini did a horrible job of handling it with his indecisiveness one way or the other.

Some fans support Quinn and others still support Anderson. Then there are those who think neither are the answer.

Although I'm a Quinn supporter, I honestly don't think either one is really that bad. I am not saying either is a future Hall-of-Famer at this point, but I think both can be better under better circumstances.

It hasn't mattered all year who has played under center. Both guys have been under constant pressure and have had to hurry throws. Both have had receivers drop passes. Of course, both have missed passes themselves.

It doesn't help to have an offensive coordinator who is in over his head.

Looking at the season for the Browns, there is one thing that seems to have gone overlooked for too long. That is the running game, or should I say lack there of.

So far the Browns have only three rushing touchdowns for the season, and guess who scored them? Anderson scored two and Quinn scored the other. That means that no running back, including Jamal Lewis, has found the endzone yet.

To make matters worse, only twice this season has a runner gone over 100 yards. Jerome Harrison did against the Bengals the first time. Then Lewis did against Buffalo.

For the season, Lewis has 500 yards and Harrison just 257.

Joshua Cribbs is averaging 6.00 yards per carry. However, he touches the ball on Wildcat and other gimmick plays. The next highest average per carry is 3.77 and guess who has that? That is right, Brady Quinn.

This is not to say that the running backs are totally at fault here. They too have faced many of the same problems the quarterbacks have. The big one is defenders in the backfield as they touch the ball. Predictable playcalling combined with poor line play makes it easier for defenses to stuff the running game.

Then you wonder why every quarterback that comes to Cleveland struggles. All year both Quinn and Anderson have been sitting ducks back there because defenses don't respect the running game.

The reality is that this is the AFC North. This division is won by dominating defense and a solid running game. It gets cold in Pennslyvania and Ohio from November on. That makes it tough to execute a solid passing attack.

The game Sunday against the Bengals was a perfect example of that. Cincinnati has Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. Yet, their passing attack netted eight less yards than Cleveland's whose total was only 118 yards. The Bengals like the Browns only found the endzone once.

The difference was the running game. Larry Johnson gained 107 yards and Bernard Scott added 87 more. Lewis gained 40 yards and the next leading rusher was Quinn with 10. Adding it all up, the Bengals gained 210 yards on the ground altogehter while the Browns managed just 58. That is a difference 152 yards.

That 152 yards created three field goals meaning nine more points. More importantly that kind of run production keeps the defense on the field for way too long and the offense on the bench. That ultimately makes it difficult for any offense to create any rhythm regardless of the quarterback.

The other day Sam Ingro wrote a great article on how to rebuild the Browns. Ingro mentions that drafting another quarterback would be a mistake. He says finding the next Tom Brady or Peyton Manning is like finding a needle in a haystack.

With the current state of the Browns they won't find that needle until they can build some sort of running game. All division rivals have guys the Browns should look at. Willie Parker seems unhappy in Pittsburgh with Rashard Mendehall becoming the main guy. What better way for Parker to get back at the Steelers than by signing with the Browns.

Willis Magahee is in a similar situation in Baltimore being behind Ray Rice. The Browns could even look at Scott in Cincinatti since they have Johnson and Cedric Benson.

Any of those guys could be huge additions to the Browns. The only sad part is that it won't matter unless they fix the line.

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Naked Pictures Of Grady Sizemore Surface On The Web

Adam Bernacchio — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:04:03 -0500

There is some good news for “Grady’s Ladies.”

According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, there have been at least 15 naked and partially clothed pictures of Cleveland Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore that have surfaced on the web;some pictures of Sizemore were stolen

The pictures were stolen illegally from his girlfriend’s e-mail account. Sizemore is expected to take legal action against the person who stole the photos.

Today, the Indians released this statement, “We fully support Grady as he deals with this personal matter. The posted photos were stolen from his girlfriend’s email account and a legal investigation is underway.”

Why wouldn’t the Indians support Sizemore? I really don’t see what he did wrong here. If seeing someone naked on the Internet was a crime, then 90 percent of Americans would probably have been arrested at some point.

Without the adult entertainment industry, the Internet wouldn’t be what it is today. As silly as that sounds, that is a fact.

For any of you Sizemore fans who want to see those pictures, they have been taken down from the site they were posted on. At this time, I do not know the name of the site.

Also, in case you wanted to know, Sizemore’s girlfriend is former Playboy Playmate Brittany Binger .

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg.

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Crown Chad Ochocinco King Of All Athletes Using Social Media

Phil Shore — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:14:41 -0500

Chad Ochocinco, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, was being portrayed a certain way in the traditional media.

His touchdown celebrations , name change, and trade requests got him characterized as self-absorbed, an ego-maniac, and, occasionally, a clown.

So Ochocinco took went to social media to really show what he's all about, and it has worked beautifully.

He has accounts on Facebook and UStream , but is most famous for his use of Twitter .

Ochocinco has used these outlets to display his true personality and to really connect with his fans.

"It gives me a voice, the ability to reach people directly, and for people to see who I am without the filter of the media, the critics or whomever," he said in an interview with USA Today .

Ochocinco has been able to change much of the public's perception of him from a guy who was only interested in himself to a man who is just enjoying his life and is trying to share the fun he's having with others.

He invites people to the movies or dinner with him ("If you're coming to Davids just tell the hostess you're here for lunch with Chad, its on 17th n meridian, lunch on me the blessing is on GOD" from 11/30/09) and challenges them to play him in video games ("Getting on call of duty people Estaban 85, let's play" from 11/30/09).

"I try to interact with every fan," Ochocinco says. "I try to respond to everybody."
While showing what a fun loving guy he is, the public has responded favorably.

Through his social media endeavors, he has also become an extremely marketable celebrity.

Ochocinco has come out with his own book , he became the first NFL player to get his own iPhone application , has appeared on late night talk shows , and is apparently even coming out with his own brand of condoms .

What's making him even more successful is that he is also back to being a productive player on the field (773 yards receiving and five touchdowns in 11 games), and his team is in first place in the AFC North. He’s an athlete first and foremost, and his success on the field makes him a credible figure.

Chad Ochocinco is a fantastic example of how to best utilize social media and the good that it can do someone.

He connects with people across the globe, giving them a vantage point into his life that they wouldn't have had previously, and he gives back to the community. He also has used it to create a brand name or himself. Most importantly, he changed people's perceptions of him, getting everyone to see him how he wants them to, not as how the media depicts him.

Ochocinco gets it and he's letting the rest of us in on the fun he's having.

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Cincinnati Bengals: Week 12 Report Card

Russell Wight — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:10:00 -0500

For the first time in team history, the Cincinnati Bengals have run the table in their division. With a 16-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals finished the AFC North portion of their schedule with a perfect 6-0 record. Marvin Lewis saw his team carry out what has become a familiar but effective game plan.

Offense

When the Bengals did throw the ball, Carson Palmer seemed out of sync with his receivers. He totaled just 110 yards passing, but did connect with J.P. Foschi for the game's only touchdown. Cedric Benson was not active for the game but the Bengals didn't miss a beat with the tandem of Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott. They rushed for 107 and 87 yards, respectively. The tight ends and offensive line also deserve credit as the Bengals averaged 4.7 yards per carry as a team. Grade: C .

Defense

Offensively, the Browns are horrible. When Brady Quinn did have time to throw, he was erratic. However, when a defense holds an NFL offense (sort of) to 169 yards, it should be considered a good day. Jamal Lewis gained just 40 yards on the ground, his largest gain being six yards. It was the seventh straight game that the Bengals defense has not allowed 100 yards rushing, a franchise record. Grade: A .

Special Teams

The Bengals did not give Joshua Cribbs the opportunity to burn them returning punts. Kevin Huber punted five times, three of which went out of bounds. Shayne Graham kicked three field goals. Grade: A .

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Another Set of Eyes Gives Redskins a New Look

Jarrett Carter — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:28:19 -0500

If there is a positive to be taken away from the Redskins’ second-consecutive choke job , it’s that the offense can now be offered up as a legitimate NFL scoring unit.

Twenty or more points in two out of the last three weeks? Rejoice, Raljon.

Additionally, yesterday’s debacle against the Philadelphia Eagles showed flashes of capability from Fred Davis, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly , something Redskins fans have waited for nearly two years, out of the draft picks that there could’ve/should’ve been at least one good offensive lineman.

The three combined for 10 catches, 139 yards and a touchdown; a stat line that Dan Snyder likely envisioned for one of those receivers on any given day—but he’ll take it.

Finally—and this is important—the Redskins haven’t given up. If they were smart they would, but they haven’t.

I’m sure it’s taking everything they have not to feign injury or incompetence when management has cost them so dearly this season, but credit the offense for rallying behind the telephone game system of playcalling and providing a glimpse of what the Redskins offense was designed to be.

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Browns-Bengals: Cleveland Back to Square One

Brian DiTullio — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:57:58 -0500

With their 16-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Browns' offense is right back where it started.

It came as no surprise that the Cleveland offense wasn’t as productive in Cincinnati as it was in Detroit. What was surprising, and a little annoying, was that the Browns appeared to have brought nothing forward from the Lions' game.

Brady Quinn was 15-34 for 100 yards. There were a few attempts to stretch the field, but not many, and most of the long pass attempts were incomplete due to inaccurate throws and miscommunication between Quinn and Mohamed Massaquoi.

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll once again proved to the world he’s in over his head as he put in an ultra-conservative game plan that relied on all too easily read screen passes and running plays that went nowhere. The offense had a total of 169 yards on the day.

Jamal Lewis once again had a completely average day, 11 carries for 40 yards, adding up to a nondescript 3.6 yards per carry. Quinn had the longest run of the day, his nine-yard scramble into the end zone for the team’s only touchdown.

Despite having two younger, hungrier running backs on the roster who don’t already have one foot on the retirement golf course, Jerome Harrison and Chris Jennings, the two only got two carries a piece for minimal yardage in the game.

To recap the game, there were a lot of three-and-outs, missed tackling, and the Bengals ran all over our defense.

The Browns also lost Shaun Rogers for the rest of the season to an ankle injury. So an already depleted and deplorable defense just got a little worse.

Head coach Eric Mangini pleaded his case again to the public in Sunday’s Plain Dealer , the latest interview the suddenly press-friendly coach has given since he started his national “Please, please, please don’t fire me” tour after the bye week.

While Mangini talks a good game plan, the Cincinnati game showed why the fanbase is down on him and why he’s on the hot seat. You just can’t tolerate this kind of failure week after week, and once again, Mangini has done just that.

While Quinn should be held accountable for bad throws, Daboll absolutely has not been held accountable for criminally bad game-planning, and Mangini has refused to admit his own mistakes.

Most of Mangini’s 2009 draft picks continue to not dress for games as Brian Robiskie, Coye Francies, and David Veikune were inactive. Newcomers Matt Roth and Jake Allen were on the field though, despite having limited practice time with the team.

If Robiskie is undersized, as has been speculated, why was he drafted so high in the second round? Especially since other, better players were still available at his draft spot.

If Veikune was a designed project out of the draft, why is he sitting? Shouldn’t he be on the field, getting reps and learning the game?

Who is Francies? What does he do?

The last bit is meant to highlight the fact that Mangini has talked a lot about “processes” and “learning the game” about his rookies, but the action part of that equation never really has materialized.

That’s a failure at the coaching level, and if Mangini thinks the new football czar for the Cleveland Browns isn’t going to notice glaring holes like this, he’s taken the notion of fooling oneself to a whole new level.

The bottom line is the 2009 Cleveland Browns are one muffed punt away from being 0-11 right now. The promises of “better, smarter” football have been hollow and the team, in retrospect, may as well have kept Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel for another year.

It couldn’t have been any worse.

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Cincinnati Bengals Achieve Divisional Perfection

Russell Wight — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:04:03 -0500

For the first time in team history, the Cincinnati Bengals have posted an undefeated record against division opponents. With sweeps over the Steelers and Ravens already in the books, the Bengals literally ran over the Cleveland Browns today on their way to a 16-7 victory at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals offense was all about running the football. Larry Johnson rushed for 107 yards on 22 carries. Bernard Scott racked up 87 yards on 15 attempts. Carson Palmer seemed out of sync with his corps of receivers. Palmer was under pressure for much of the day and was only able to account for 96 yards in the air.

The Bengals defense was excellent, allowing a season-low 169 yards. Yes, the Browns offense is horrible. I was interested to see if Brady Quinn was really that bad or if he just had no time to throw. Both are true.

I have to comment on Shaun Rogers. I don't like to see anyone get hurt, but the irony is palpable. Rogers was carted off the field after suffering a leg injury. Near the end of the first half, Rogers horse-collared Palmer and was flagged for 15 yards.

The game wasn't pretty, but a win is a win. The Bengals are 8-3 and wrap-up divisional play with a 6-0 record. That is good enough for me.

Cleveland Browns Have Issues Evaluating Some of Their Rookies

Daniel Wolf — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:45:43 -0500

Another Sunday, another loss for the Cleveland Browns, but there is a bigger issue that is arising in the organization and that is with the weekly evaluation of their current rookies on the roster.

You may be asking yourself what this means.

This past Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals the Browns, once again, had half of their drafted players from the 2009 NFL Draft sitting on the sidelines without pads and helmets on.

With the team in a downward spiral for most of the entire season, you have to start questioning what is going on with rookies Brian Robiskie, David Veikune, and Coye Francies.

First, let us start with the easy one in linebacker Veikune. He was a defensive end in college and he is currently transitioning to become a NFL linebacker, which cannot be an easy switch.

As a defensive end, Veikune had to get to the opposing quarterback and stop the run more than anything else, but now he is being asked to fall back into coverage and recognize formations. This transition is an understandable reason why he has been inactive for several games in 2009.

Cornerback Francies has been inactive a few time too in 2009, and this one boggles the mind a bit especially with the coverage issues that cornerbacks Brandon McDonald and Hank Poteat have had through much of the season.

McDonald has been demoted due to bad coverage and tackling issues by Mike Adams. Who has taken over his starting cornerback spot across from Eric Wright.

Poteat has played the nickelback in the slot and been burned many times in 2009.

With the Browns defensive backs struggling, Francies should be getting some reps to see if he can help, but instead he sits on the sidelines wearing a Browns hoodie.

Robiskie is the biggest question mark and he has been inactive for four games. A high second round pick, the Browns should be getting more out of Robiskie.

At the beginning of the season, Eric Mangini said that Robiskie was not doing well on special teams and he needed to make more of an impact there before he can get reps at wide receiver.

This is completely understandable.

There is also the issue of his speed and skinny frame which could lead to injury until he can bulk up another 10-15 pounds.

But if Robiskie bulks up, won't his speed suffer from the added weight?

Regardless of what the real issue is with Robiskie, why did Mangini use a high second round pick on him, when is retrospect, it would have been better to draft another linebacker like Rey Maualuga.

The Browns evaluation of their current players has got to be one of the worst in the league, but since we cannot know the inner workings of the organization there may also be other reasons that have not gone public.

It's just crazy that half of the Browns 2009 draft picks are on the sidelines when players like newly acquired linebacker Matt Roth and wide receiver Jake Allen are immediately thrust into a game after coming to the team off of waivers.

The time to properly evaluate the players on the roster has come, but it seems like Mangini just doesn't want to give these younger players a chance at all.

Either something is wrong with the evaluation process, with Mangini, or with the actual players, but they need reps and it doesn't look good for these guys right now.

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper)

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NFL Week 12: You Crapped The Bed

DMtShooter Five Tool Tool — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:02:00 -0500

This week on You Crap, we're brought to you by Japanese Toilets , the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas shopping list who wants his bowel movements to be a baffling and expensive ordeal. Once you've dropped a bomb on one of these, you'll never want to commit a war crime on anything less!

You all know how to play the game. Each week, we give you the chance to out-think people who are actually paid to make NFL decisions. Now, let's all play... You Crap The Bed!

1) You are Eagles' coach Andy Reid facing the last-place Redskins at home. You lose the opening coin toss. You choose to:

a) Kick it deep, because the Redskins are a terrible team that does not need any chance of a hot start.

b) Kick it really deep, because place kicker David Akers has been putting the ball in the end zone fairly routinely this year, and your kickoff coverage has been quietly terrible recently, and needs every yard it can get.

c) No, seriously, kick it deep, because you really can't take the risk that, even if you catch the Redskins off guard with an onside kick, that you can feel good about the chances that your rookie-infested special teams will execute the recovery perfectly.

d) Squib or pooch it, I suppose, and give yourselves the chance of recovering the kick without giving up debilitating field position to start the game.

e) Try an onside kick, because even though the new NFL rules have made that play mostly impossible now, the Redskins won't be expecting it, it worked once 10 years ago in Dallas, and it allows the mouth breathers on Fox (Darryl Johnson & Tony Siragusa) to fellate you about how much guts you have.

If you choose (e), preferably while stalking the sidelines like a bear with constipation, congratulations...you crapped the bed! And you've won quickly digging yourself into a hole against a terrible opponent, the knowledge that you're going to spend most of the day dicking around with a terrible team, and the full-throated booing of a fan base with 49 years and counting of self-fulfilling negativity. Well done!

But not to be outcrapped, in the very same game...

2) You are Redskins bystander Jim Zorn, offensive bingo caller Sherman Lewis, or whichever theoretical human calls plays for this train wreck. You are down 27-24 to the Eagles on the road, having blown an eight-point fourth-quarter lead. On first down, QB Jason Campbell is nearly killed by the Eagles pass rush on a slow-developing pass play that goes incomplete. On second down, Campbell and TE Fred Davis fail to connect on a deep post. On 3rd-and-10 from your 15 with 1:33 left, Campbell is barely able to get the ball to WR Antwan Randle-El, who nearly gets the first down to prolong the game, but is tripped up a half a yard from the sticks.

On 4th-and-1 at your own 25 with 1:25 left, you choose to:

a) Run a QB draw to make sure you get the first down, especially since the pass rush has been mostly coming from the edge.

b) Run just a plain draw to RB Quinton Gaither, who has five carries for 32 yards and has looked like your fastest back today.

c) Throw a quick out to TE Davis, who is always open, given that he is a pass catching TE that is playing the Eagles.

d) Honestly, just run it. You need to keep the game alive and give yourself a chance. It's not as if you are completely out of time, or need to do anything more than get 40 yards to give yourself a shot at the tying field goal.

e) Throw a slow developing middle-zone pass to WR Santana Moss because it's not as if the Eagles aren't usually terrific at taking away the No. 1 option, or have been getting a ton of pressure.

If you chose (e), preferably while looking around the stadium like you were trying to find a lost child at the mall, congratulations...you crapped the bed! You've won a game-ending incomplete pass from pressure, yet another terrible loss in a season filled with them, and the perverse happiness of many people in your fan base who are actively rooting against your team at this point—either that, or the sweet embrace of death. Golf clap, whoever you are!

3) You are Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, or offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. In overtime on the road in Baltimore, you are starting third-string QB Dennis Dixon, who has been nearly picked-off on several occasions late in the game, but has not turned it over. With 10:14 left in overtime after the teams exchanged punts, you have a 3rd-and-5 at midfield. You choose to:

a) Hand it off to RB Rashard Mendenhall, who has 24 carries for 95 yards and has looked strong as of late going against a defense that might be tiring, and knowing that a punt in this situation is not fatal seeing how there are 10 minutes left.

b) Call a QB draw for Dixon, who scored on a 24-yard bootleg to give you the lead in the fourth quarter, and clearly has good quicks.

c) Throw a safe bubble screen to WR Hines Ward or Santonio Holmes, both of whom have been effective this game.

d) Try something mildly tricky, like an end around or shuffle pass, that has a reasonable chance at getting five yards but no massive INT risk.

e) Drop back Dixon in the same kind of formation and passing-play that has almost been picked-off on multiple occasions in the second half, and maybe pass to ice-cold TE Heath Miller (one catch for two yards)

If you chose (e), all while proving that your Super Bowl hangover year means you somehow finish games worse than even Baltimore, congratulations...you crapped the bed! You've won a game-changing interception and return on a terrible mistake by Dixon, the increasing likelihood that you are going to have to sweat out all 17 weeks just to get a wild card, and the knowledge that you could have left B'More absolutely dead and buried with a road win while starting a backup QB, only to let them off the hook. Bravo!

Well, I'm afraid that's all we have time for this week. But remember, with a little fiber, determination and inspiration—or the abject horror that is freakishly invasive Japanese technology meeting your digestive system—you too can... Crap The Bed! Good night, everybody!

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Bengals-Browns: Cincinnati Runs Over Hapless Northeast Neighbors

Eric Ball — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:15:52 -0500

The Cincinnati Bengals played the ball control game as they ran the rock down the Cleveland Browns' throats in a 16-7 workman-like victory.

The Bengals held the ball for just over 38 minutes as they rushed for 210 yards on the ground.

The Browns were simply unable to stop the Bengals two-headed rushing attack of Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott. With Cedric Benson out for the second-straight game with a hip injury, the team continued to impose its will in the running game. Johnson had 22 carries for 107 yards; Scott had 87 yards on 18 carries.

The stellar play of the Benglas defense continued Sunday. An overmatched Brady Quinn looked awful, going 15/34 for 100 yards. That’s a 51.3 QB rating.

He threw behind several receivers. His passes too often were at the shoelaces. A couple of times, he threw downfield between two receivers—but the pass was so bad, that it was hard to know who the intended receiver was.

Quinn wasn’t even pressured much by the Bengals front four, but the pass coverage was once again top-notch. The linebackers were all over the field, especially Brandon Johnson, who had eight tackles. The Browns finished with only 58 yards on the ground and 169 total.

Overall, the Bengals' game plan was incredibly vanilla. They had zero trick plays and lots of runs between the tackles. No reason to empty the play book in a game like this.

"There are no tosses or loop-di-loop plays. It's basically, `Line up and go after it,' " Johnson said.

Punter Kevin Huber was able to keep the ball out of Josh Cribbs' hands on punt returns. Cribbs barely touched the ball at all. Although he did throw an 18-yard bomb to Quinn, that was the second biggest offensive play all day for the Browns.

The Browns defense knew what was coming but simply couldn’t do anything about it.

Carson Palmer had a pedestrian 110 yards, completing 13 of 24 passes with a touchdown. He didn’t have an exceptionally accurate day. He has gone 15-straight games without having a 300-yard passing day. He only has two TD tosses in the past four games.

Palmer has really adapted to the “game manager” role in this offense. He doesn’t have to do it all for the Bengals to have a chance. He continues to take care of the ball and be the leader on offense.

"It felt like a bad-weather game," said Palmer. "It was just a physical, run the ball, control the field position and feed off the defense game."

Past concerns did arise during the game. The team is averaging around 18 points a game minus the 45-point explosion against the Bears. The offense is settling for field goals and getting killed by penalties. An infuriating 10 penalties for 75 yards continually killed momentum on drives.

The main culprits were the offensive line—too many holding penalties. The pass protection was below average as well. As great as the run blocking was, the pass blocking was pretty awful. Palmer was sacked three times and hurried throughout the game.

Chad Ochocinco (three receptions for 38 yards) is still playing at a high level, but if teams take him away, Palmer is struggling find other receivers. It's partly because they are not getting open, and also because he is getting hit before he can get to that second or third read.

So what does it all mean?

Well 8-3 is 8-3. A perfect 6-0 divisional sweep for the first time in franchise history is a tremendous achievement. But there are still things that need to be cleaned up.

CBS Sports analyst Boomer Esiason said it perfectly after the game. Maybe it’s a good thing that the Bengals haven’t hit on all cylinders yet. They are doing what needs to be done in order to win the game.

Maybe they’re saving the best for December and January.

"If we can run the football and play good defense, I can drive into the stadium pretty confident most days, and that's a good feeling," coach Marvin Lewis said. "I think we are at that point."

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2010 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Thanksgiving Edition

Chris Maier — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:10:24 -0500

The college football season is prepping for its conference championships and bowl game announcements, making it a good time to for a mock draft update. The hardest part of doing a mock this time of year is determining who is and is not coming back, which means we project and could see a larger than usual number of underclassmen declare in light of a possible rookie wage scale in 2011. This number of declarations could especially impact the quarterback position as this mock will show. (Draft order based on records as of 11/24/09)

First Round:

1. Cleveland Browns, QB Jimmy Clausen , Notre Dame - The Browns do not want the No. 1 overall pick, and would prefer to see Brady Quinn blossom during the second half of the season. Unfortunately, the No. 1 pick is a real possibility, and Quinn is unlikely to shine enough to count on moving forward. While a new administration would love to get a veteran QB, drafting a true franchise QB is more likely, which could lead the Browns to yet another Irish signal caller. Clausen is not a surefire franchise QB, but he is the best QB prospect in the draft as long as his size does not become an issue. A reluctant selection on my part.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DT Ndamukong Suh , Nebraska - Suh is the best and safest defensive linemen in the draft and fits the Bucs needs to a tee. Easy pick although they would consider a pass rusher if they find one they like. No. 2 overall feels early for a DT, but Suh has played up to the hype this season.

3. St. Louis Rams, QB Sam Bradford , Oklahoma - Bradford is the draft's biggest curveball as he will be able to throw in a limited fashion at best prior to the draft. He fills a definite need and will be a popular pick in the St. Louis market, but he will be a risky selection. Almost as concerning as his injury is how he struggled when faced with a pass rush in limited action this season and in the title game last year.

4. Detroit Lions, OT Russell Okung , Oklahoma State - Gerald McCoy will be tempting for the defensive minded HC Jim Schwartz, but this season has shown 2009 No. 1 pick Matthew Stafford has talent, but they need to vastly improve his protection if they hope to keep him healthy. Okung is the best offensive tackle in the draft by far and the Lions will be able to find a DT in round two.

5. Washington Redskins, QB Jake Locker , Washington - The Redskins would prefer Okung fall to them, but if he does not (and possibly even if he does) they will look to select a franchise signal caller. Locker has the best tools of any quarterback in the draft, but he also is the one who would benefit the most from another year with Steve Sarkisian. He will likely come out in large part due to the pending rookie wage scale. It won't matter who the Redskins quarterback is if they do not improve their offensive line.

6. Buffalo Bills, DT Gerald McCoy , Oklahoma - Like the Redskins, the Bills need a left tackle badly but the drop-off after Okung is a significant one, and passing on a talent like McCoy could be tough considering run defense has been such an issue for the Bills.

7. Kansas City Chiefs, WR Dez Bryant , Oklahoma State - Scott Pioli would prefer to fix his team upfront (on either side of the ball), but knows he needs to give an offensive mind like Todd Haley a true No. 1 wideout. Bryant missed much of the season, but his blend of size and speed should make him an excellent fit at the next level.

8. Seattle Seahawks, S Eric Berry , Tennessee - The broken record of team's hoping to fix their offensive lines but failing to fill it continues as the Seahawks can't afford to pass up an Ed Reed-type playmaking safety to take a chance on one of the second tier tackles. Fortunately, they still have another first round pick thanks to Denver.

9. Oakland Raiders, DE Carlos Dunlap , Florida - Al Davis loves tools guys and Dunlap is the ultimate tools defensive end. Dunlap has rare size and speed for the position, but he has coasted through this season causing his stock to slip.

10. Denver Broncos (from Chicago), ILB Rolando McClain , Alabama - The Broncos defense has exceeded all expectations this season, but it adding a thumper in the middle could be what they need to take it to the next level.

11. San Francisco 49ers, CB Joe Haden , Florida - The early run on quarterbacks takes the Niners out of that market and turns their focus on other needs. Haden is easily the top cornerback prospect who plays with the type of physical style Mike Singletary loves.

12. San Francisco 49ers, OT Bryan Bulaga , Iowa - A big play safety such as Taylor Mays or Earl Clark is tempting but the 49ers need to take advantage of their draft spot to fill a bigger need at right tackle with Bulaga.

13. New York Jets, DT Terrance Cody , Alabama - Cody is a risky prospect based on his weight but after watching how the Jets defense has fizzled since losing Kris Jenkins, Cody fills a major need at a position with few top prospects.

14. Tennessee Titans, DE Derrick Morgan , Georgia Tech - The Titans will also consider linebackers and corners, but the best past defense is a pass rush and Morgan is quickly becoming the top pass rusher in the draft and a hard guy to pass on at 14.

15. Houston Texas, RB Jonathan Dwyer , Georgia Tech - Earl Clark or Taylor Mays would feel a decade long need at safety, but anyone who has watched the Texans struggled in short yardage sees the value a guy like Dwyer could bring to the team. Combine Dwyer with Steve Slaton and they could have one of the best running combos in the league.

16. Miami Dolphins, RB CJ Spiller , Clemson - Ronnie Brown is constantly banged up and Ricky Williams is not getting any younger making Miami a perfect landing spot for the best offensive playmaker in the draft. Spiller lacks the size to be an every down back but the Dolphins offensive creativity will find ways to get him 20 touches per game.

17. Atlanta Falcons, DE Greg Romeus , Pittsburgh - One thing is certain, the Falcons will use this pick to fill a need on defense be it a pass rusher, or pass defender. Romeus is the best prospect on the board to fill one of those needs (as long as he come out).

18. Baltimore Ravens, WR Arrelious Benn , Illinois - Benn has hardly lit up the stat sheet in 2009, but it is hard to deny his talent. His ability to get deep would make him an ideal fit for strong armed Joe Flacco.

19. Green Bay Packers, OT Charles Brown , USC - Brown has the footwork and the upside to be an excellent left tackle, which instantly would make him Aaron Rodgers best friend in Green Bay.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars, S Taylor Mays , USC - This could be Tim Tebow's only shot to be drafted before round three but Mays would fill a more immediate need in the secondary (unless selling tickets counts as a draft need).

21. Pittsburgh Steelers, OT Anthony Davis , Rutgers - Seeing Ben Roethlisberger getting beat up every week has got to be a concern and while Davis is more of a right than a left tackle he still fills a major need for a Steelers offensive line needing multiple upgrades. Davis also has the potential to be an excellent drive blocker in the Steelers mold.

22. Philadelphia Eagles, OLB Sean Weatherspoon , Missouri - Philadelphia has been playing smoke and mirrors with its linebackers all season and needs to make upgrading the position a priority in 2010. Don't be surprised if the Eagle go offensive line though as the Andrews brothers have not worked out as expected.

23. Seattle Seahawks, OT Trent Williams , Oklahoma - Taking a safety with their first pick virtually forces the Seahawks to go offensive line here. Williams stock has fallen mightily this season as he has failed to convert to the left side. He has the ability to be a solid right tackle, however, which would be just fine for the Seahawks who will take the best right or left tackle available given Sean Locklear's ability to play either side.

24. New York Giants, S Earl Thomas , Texas - Seeing how badly the Giants defense has fallen apart after losing Kenny Phillips has shown why the Giants need to improve their secondary depth. Thomas is an excellent ball hawk who would provide the center fielder type they need for their aggressive scheme.

25. Dallas Cowboys, ILB Brandon Spikes , Florida - Spikes does not have ideal measureables, but he is a playmaker who would fit nicely in the middle of the Cowboys defense.

26. Cincinnati Bengals, TE Jermaine Gresham , Oklahoma - Gresham slides due to his knee injury and would be a tremendous value for a Bengals team in dire need of a competent not to mention dangerous tight end.

27. New England Patriots, DE/OLB Jerry Hughes , TCU - Hughes is a tough guy to peg due to his lack of size, but he would be an excellent fit in a Patriots' hybrid scheme in need of a pass rusher. When Tully Banta Cain is considered one of your best pass rushers, its time to upgrade.

28. Arizona Cardinals, OLB Sergio Kindle , Texas - Kindle has some coverage concerns making him pretty much a 3-4 OLB. The Cardinals have been searching for a pass rusher ever since switching to the 3-4.

29. San Diego Chargers, DT Dan Williams , Tennessee - A need pick as Jamal Williams is nearing the end of the line, and without him the Chargers have been extremely vulnerable to the interior run.

30. Minnesota Vikings, QB Tony Pike , Cincinnati - You never know if Brett Favre is going to come back, but it is hard to imagine the organization being comfortable with Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels as the quarterback of the future. Pike is the type of high risk/reward pick that only a playoff team can take.

31. New Orleans Saints, OLB Navarro Bowman , Penn State - The Saints could go a variety of directions including RB, O-Line, D-Line, LB, or S making this a best player available type pick. An athletic linebacker like Bowman would add versatility to Gregg Williams aggressive schemes.

32. Indianapolis Colts, DE Greg Hardy , Mississippi - The Colts are going away from the undersized defenders on defense, and grabbing a guy like Hardy provides insurance for the oft-injured Dwight Freeney. A team can never have too many pass rushers.

Round Two:

33. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR Golden Tate , Notre Dame

34. St. Louis Rams, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida

35. Cleveland Browns, RB Jahvid Best , California

36. Detroit Lions, DT Arthur Jones , Syracuse

37. Buffalo Bills, OT Selvish Capers, West Virginia

38. Kansas City Chiefs, DE/OLB Eric Norwood , South Carolina

39. Seattle Seahawks, QB Case Keenum , Houston

40.Oakland Raiders, DT Marvin Austin , North Carolina

41. Washington Redskins, OT Ciron Black , LSU

42. Carolina Panthers, QB Colt McCoy , Texas

43. San Francisco 49ers, S Morgan Burnett , Georgia Tech

44. New York Jets, CB Perrish Cox , Oklahoma State

45. New England Patriots (from Tennessee), WR Demaryious Thomas , Georgia Tech

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago), S Nate Allen , South Florida

47. Miami Dolphins, WR Damian Williams , USC

48. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta), OG Mike Iupati, Idaho

49. Baltimore Ravens, CB Trevard Lindley , Kentucky

50. Houston Texans, DT Vince Oghobaase , Duke

51. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville), DE Corey Wootten , Northwestern

52. Green Bay Packers, CB Patrick Robinson , Florida State

53. Philadelphia Eagles, OG Joe Asamoah , Illinois

54. Denver Broncos, WR Brandon LaFell , LSU

55. New York Giants, CB Myron Lewis Vanderbilt

56. Pittsburgh Steelers, DT Jared Odrick , Penn State

57. Cincinnati Bengals, CB Javier Arenas , Alabama

58. New England Patriots, RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State

59. Arizona Cardinals, OG Sergio Render , Virginia Tech

60. Dallas Cowboys, WR Mardy Gilyard , Cincinnati

61. San Diego Chargers, RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State

62. Minnesota Vikings, DE Brandon Graham , Michigan

63. New Orleans Saints, DE Everson Griffin , USC

64. Indianapolis, OT Jason Fox , Miami, FL

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com . He can be reached at cmaier@nfldraft101.com .

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Risk of Signing Larry Johnson Pays Off for Bengals in Win over Browns

Dan Parzych — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:28:37 -0500

The Cincinnati Bengals received some criticism for the Chiefs-running-back-Larry-Johnson-signs-oneyear-deal-with-Cincinnati-Bengals" title="signing of running back Larry Johnson">signing of running back Larry Johnson after his release from the Kansas City Chiefs a few weeks ago. After Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals appear to have made the right move.

With an improved offensive line, Johnson showed the Bengals why signing him for insurance he was worth the risk after his 107-yard rushing performance against the Browns in Cincinnati's 16-7 win over Cleveland.

Johnson was signed by the Bengals as insurance in case running back Cedric Benson's hip injury would keep him out longer than expected.

With another player on the roster with a history at being the No. 1 running back, head coach Marvin Lewis felt better about resting Benson for the second-straight week against the Browns.

Along with Johnson, he felt confident enough to rest Benson because of the impressive play of rookie running back Bernard Scott the last three weeks.

After rushing for 119 yards in his first career start against the Oakland Raiders last week, Scott ran for 87 yards on just 18 carries against a Browns defense ranked 29th in yards allowed per game with 159.9.

In seven games with the Chiefs this season, Johnson struggled with a weak offensive line, averaging just 2.7 yards-per-carry while rushing for just 377 yards and zero touchdowns.

In his first two games with the Bengals, he is averaging 4.7 yards-per-carry—thanks to an improved offensive line.

From 2005-06, Johnson was arguably one of the top running backs in the NFL, running for a combined 3,539 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Part of the reason why Johnson was able to find such success was because the Chiefs had one of the top offensive lines in the league.

Now that he has an improved offensive line, it should be interesting to see how the Bengals can use him as another option at running back.

It may be just one game, but the Bengals and their fans have to be excited about Johnson breaking the 100-yard mark in just his second game with his new team.

Dan Parzych is the Cincinnati Bengals Examiner for Examiner.com

He is also the founder of WhoDeyBengals.com

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Cincinnati Bengals Showing That Only the Strong Survive

Doug Tifft — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:56:36 -0500

One week after a letdown of bumbling proportions in a loss to the Oakland Raiders, the Cincinnati Bengals dominated the Cleveland Browns 16-7 on Nov. 29 in a Darwinian expression of strength.

The stronger Bengals overpowered Cleveland in almost every aspect of the game, resulting in a nine-point win that was never in much danger.

The Cincinnati offense dominated the line of scrimmage against the Browns by frequently using six offensive linemen.

When the Browns responded to seeing 6’9”, 325 lb. Dennis Roland at tight end by bringing eight men into the box, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski countered by having Roland kick out the backside defensive end on a stretch play—consistently Cincinnati’s most effective offensive play throughout the afternoon.

Even other Cleveland run-stopping tactics, like corner and safety blitzes, were negated by poor tackling, allowing Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott to get into the secondary.

With the overloads, stretch plays, and missed tackles, Cincinnati was able to rack up 210 yards on the ground, adding to what was the eighth-best rushing offense in the NFL heading into the weekend.

The Bengal defense also exhibited supremacy over the Browns. Except, instead of a physical superiority, their advantage manifested itself much more in the mental deficiencies of Cleveland’s Brady Quinn.

Quinn epitomized a quarterback with happy feet in the pocket, launching inaccurate, hurried, and misguided passes whenever Cincinnati defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer would send an extra pass rusher.

Even when Zimmer abstained from a blitz, a show of six men at the line of scrimmage before the snap was often enough to force Quinn to a check-down into a conservative screen or run play—situations the Bengal defense handled easily against a Cleveland playmaking corps that left something to be desired.

As the Bengals continue to navigate through the plum portion of the schedule—a home game against Detroit next Sunday represents the third straight game with a cellar dweller—from their perch atop the AFC North, they can be comforted by their show of supremacy on Sunday.

It is a theme that will lead them into the playoffs, where as any Darwinian will tell you, only the strong survive.

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Browns-Bengals: Can Brady Quinn Light Up the Field Again?

Brian DiTullio — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:42:04 -0500

As head coach Eric Mangini continues his “please don’t fire me” press tour across the America, let’s hope he’s saved some time to assess what went right with Brady Quinn last week in Detroit.

Quinn posted a 21-33 performance with four touchdowns, a 133.1 passer rating, and had no turnovers last week. Most of the production was in the first quarter, but let’s not quibble over details.

A lot of people, including myself, were quick to call for offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s head this year as the offense continued to find new rock bottoms in which to sink to.

That hasn’t changed.

That being said, I hope Daboll has turned a corner and is finally starting to figure this job out because Mangini doesn’t look at all ready to fire him.

Going into Cincinnati, keeping the no-huddle offense seems to be a no-brainer. Quinn is a smart quarterback, even if you want to complain about certain physical characteristics, Quinn does better when you let him play football without restriction.

One characteristic of a no-huddle offense is the quick reads the defense has to make at the line since the ball is moving so fast. Quinn is smart enough to capitalize on defenses who don’t adapt fast enough.

While Quinn’s first stint as starter this year was not successful, in hindsight, it looks like Quinn was never given the “vote of confidence” from Mangini and that he was playing scared.

Daboll’s lack of creativity combined with the short leash Quinn was obviously on combined for 10 horrible quarters. Mangini appears to have learned from that mistake.

Speaking of Mangini, between his national interviews last week, and an actual local interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer , it is possible Mangini finally looked in the mirror and realized his NFL career may be over if he doesn't start analyzing and changing things about himself.

Mangini always talks about getting players to hold themselves accountable for their actions and growing and improving as a result, yet it's been painfully obvious he does none of that himself, other than token gestures that prove nothing.

All of his interviews seem to carry the same message, that being: Please don't fire me, new Cleveland Browns Football Czar. I can get better if you give me a chance.

Anyway, I've found his sudden friendliness with the media interesting given the surrounding circumstances he finds himself in. Back to the game.

The Bengals have been a much better team this year, and everyone, including myself, is trying to figure out what the underlying reason is for the sudden change.

Granted, Carson Palmer is having one of his best seasons and the Bengals defense is giving up fewer points, but it’s such a drastic swing from last year that it’s hard to pinpoint “one” reason for the turnaround.

The Browns have had a grand total of one good week on offense, and their defense failed them last week when even a mediocre performance would’ve guaranteed a victory.

If Palmer is firing on all cylinders again, and Chad Ochocinco stays Chad Ochocinco, it could be a very long afternoon for Rob Ryan and the Browns.

But last week proved anything can happen on any given Sunday. So I’m quashing the cynic in me and predicting another very entertaining game. The Browns played the Bengals very close and lost in overtime in their last matchup this season.

Look for Quinn to have another productive day and for the defense to try and climb out of the cellar. It’s going to be another high-scoring affair with the Browns squeaking out their second win of the season to the delight of Steelers fans everywhere.

Browns 30, Bengals 27.

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Cleveland Browns: How To Rebuild Correctly

Gavin Andrews — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:19:07 -0500

This year has obviously been a complete failure for Cleveland.

Alex Mack and Mohamed Massaquoi have been the only draft choices that have shown promise for Cleveland, and Eric Mangini has made a bad Cleveland team into a completely putrid one.

So, moving on to this offseason, what would I do if I were in charge?

1. Sign Mike Holmgren to the Bill Parcells role

Success starts at the top, and Holmgren could bring in a great coach and choose the right players to rebuild the Browns with. Holmgren has expressed interest in Cleveland and is attracted by the project of remaking the Browns.

I wouldn't worry about the coach because Holmgren will bring somebody respectable or someone with a bright future up ahead.

2. Draft Eric Berry in the first round

The bad teams that have had recent success have built their team before inserting a quarterback. This way they'll be able to see if Quinn is the man and not throw a first-round quarterback out to the lions, defenseless.

Berry will be a Pro Bowler for years to come and is getting compared to Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.

3. Draft Golden Tate in the second round

I love Tate, and I would love to see him line up across from Massaquoi next fall. Tate is electric and is a lot like Percy Harvin of Florida was coming out of college.

4. Draft Montario Hardesty or Evan Royster in the third round

Gerhart and Dwyer will be gone in the second round, but Hardesty and Royster will remain in the pool in the third round. Hardesty has shown a lot of promise this year, and Royster is very hard to bring down. I would prefer Hardesty because of his ability to catch out of the backfield, but Royster would be a nice consolation prize.

5. Draft Sam Young or Chris Scott in the third round

The Browns have a solid left side of the line as well as a future center, but their right side is in shambles. Obviously Sam Young is the choice if he is available. If he isn't though, Scott can play any spot on the line and has a lot of promise.

6. Take a flier on Mark Herzlich

Why not land a tremendous linebacker and feel good story in the fourth round?

Herzlich's stock has dropped because of his cancer. However, now that he's cancer free there's no reason to think that with a lot of hard work, he can't return to the player he was in his junior year.

Check back for a more detailed story on what I hope happens when the season is over. But until then, this is what I sincerely desire for Cleveland.

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Ohio State-St. Francis: Buckeyes Catch Fire Against Red Flash, 110-47

Drew Gatewood — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:55:24 -0500

Ohio State showed once again that it can score points by going over the century mark for the second time this season. Four of the five Buckeye starters were in double figures and even the bench chipped in 25 points.

Jeremie Simmons led the Buckeyes with 18 points but was matched by Jon Diebler’s 17, Turner’s 16, Buford’s 15, and Lauderdale’s 11. PJ Hill came off the bench to add ten points and four rebounds.

Ohio State (5-1) shot 63 percent from the field and was 42 percent from three-point range. The Buckeyes out re-bounded the Red Flash 44-22, and also had 11 blocks as a team. The Buckeye’s led in every statistical category but turnovers, that one belonged to St. Francis which managed 18 to Ohio State’s 10.

St. Francis (1-5) was led by Cedirc Latimer’s 16 points, but he and Devin Sweetney, who had 10 points, we’re the only two Red Flash players in double figures. The Buckeye’s defense was too much and forced a season low 26 percent shooting from the field which included 29 percent from behind the arc.

Ohio State’s improved point guard play was the best thing to come out of this game. Having both Jeremie Simmons and PJ Hill in double figures while only having 10 turnovers as a team shows that these to players are well on their way to a productive season this year as they battle each other for the starting position.

Dallas Lauderdale continues to be a menace for opposing players trying to score in the paint, and will continue to be a force for the rest of the season. His six blocks led the team and forced mostly outside shooting in the first half allowing for the Buckeyes to capitalize on a poor shooting performance by the Red Flash.

Jon Diebler has caught fire from three-point range going 5-7 for 15 of his 17 points. His growing confidence and accuracy will be difficult to overcome for opposing teams that still have to face Ohio State this season.

Ohio State will take on Florida State (5-1) in the ACC vs Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday at 9:30pm. The Seminoles will be another barometer test for the Buckeyes, allowing them to grade how far they’ve progressed so far this season.

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Allen Iverson Can Help The Cleveland Cavaliers Win It All

Cory Holibaugh — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:53:33 -0500

I think the Cleveland Cavaliers should give Allen Iverson a shot.

As much as it may seem crazy, it makes a lot of sense to me. Of course, Iverson would have to change up his style, but with things going the way they are for him, he may not have a choice.

He is upset and facing the end of his career. He was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies and declined a contract by the New York Knicks, so who can blame him for being upset.

With that said, here is why the Cavaliers should give him a shot.

1) The end of a great career

Facing the end of his career, Iverson knows he must make a change in order to do what he wants: keep playing. If he can "make that extra pass instead of take the shot," then he can be a huge asset.

And its not like he can't start for Cleveland. Anthony Parker is good and can hit that three, but isn't great. A three point shot like Parker's off the bench could be a huge upgrade.

2) Mo Williams.

I have to give it to Mo Williams. He is developing into a very special player, similar to Derek Fisher of the L.A. Lakers or Jameer Nelson of the Orlando Magic. But there lies the problem.

Fisher and Nelson are the second best guards on their teams next to Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter. I'm not saying Iverson is better than Mo or that he is on Bryant's/Carter's level, but he can be given his career.

An additional point including Mo is that Iverson is a seasoned veteran. Mo disappeared in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. With his experience, Allen is very unlikey to do so. Having Iverson is someone Cavaliers players can lean on when they need someone to "KNOCK THEM DOWN!"

3) Comparisons to Michael Jordan

Jordan had Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant when he won his championships. LeBron has always seeked a team like Jordan had.

With addition of Shaq, he now has one all-star. Williams is also developing into one (he made the team last season). Lebron could use another star on the team. Shaq and Iverson are the great players of the last generation and are what LeBron has needed all of his career.

4) Team Balance

With a threat like Iverson on Cleveland's roster, the team is near perfect balance. LeBron and Iverson can score 30+ on a good night and Williams, Hickson, and O'Neal can score 20+ on a good night.

Daniel Gibson, Parker, JaMario Moon, and Zadrunas Ilgalskus coming off the bench make the scoring a nonstop trend no matter who is on the floor. Anderson Varajao is capable of scoring around 15 on a good night and his energy helps everyones game.

Delonte West rarely sees action, so he can be a fifth guard to bring an boost of energy when needed. Everyone is a threat!

5) Cleveland and LeBron need this

If Iverson were to work out, this Cavaliers team could be amazing. Names like LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and Shaquille O'Neal turn heads. This team could be exactly what Cleveland needs.

The Cavaliers WILL NOT win the NBA championship with their current roster. They aren't consistent, they lose focus late in the game, and they have no "knock down" shooter. Iverson could change all of that.

Cleveland is on the verge of losing its best player in its history. A drastic change needs to be made.

Signing Iverson is that change.

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LeBron, Shaq and the Cavs Need to Cut the Chatter—the Time to Win Is Now

Tom Delamater — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:31:20 -0500

I really feel for Magic Johnson today.

The poor guy had to begin and end his career in Los Angeles. Before he even had a chance to dazzle a crowd at the old Forum in Inglewood, Magic had to resign himself to life with a legendary center in the middle. Darn that Kareem.

Magic also had to share backcourt time with Norm Nixon, and then Michael Cooper. He had to pass the ball to Jamal Wilkes, and later to James Worthy. The Lakers eventually had the nerve to acquire Bob McAdoo, one of the league’s all-time best scorers.

It had to be a nightmare for somebody who had always been The Man during his youth. Share, share, share. What were the Lakers thinking? So what if they won five championships during his career there? It’s the team we remember, not just him. Poor Magic.

Likewise, I really feel for LeBron James today.

Poor guy has the world by the tail. Worth millions. Big house. Block-long mural of himself hanging in downtown Cleveland. All those shoes. It’s a rough life, but someone has to live it.

Now he, too, has to contemplate life with a legendary center in the middle, and it has to be rough. Kobe decided—after three rings, of course—that he didn’t want to share the spotlight with this O’Neal fellow. Eventually, neither did Dwayne Wade or Steve Nash.

(At least Nash can point out that Phoenix didn’t win a championship with Shaq. Of course, they haven’t won one with Nash, either, but I digress.)

So now it’s LeBron’s turn, and it’s not working out very well—at least, not yet. The Cavs were dismantled by a runnin’, gunnin’ Charlotte Bobcats team Friday night.

You read it right. Bobcats, 94-87, and it wasn’t even that close.

O’Neal started after missing six games with a dinged up shoulder. The Cavs were 5-1 during that stretch.

“While he was out, things just flowed because we were playing loose,” LeBron said bluntly after Friday’s game. “We had enough time where we had a certain lineup going. I don’t think we’ve had enough games with him in the lineup.”

Good point. Shaq’s only played in 10 games with the Cavs, plus the preseason, plus all of training camp. Gee, they’ve barely had time to learn one another’s names, let alone their tendencies.

What do you think Shaq’s going to do this time? Post up? OK, how about this time? Post up, again? Hang on, let me write that down....

Meanwhile, Stephen Jackson’s been with Charlotte for six games. After three close losses following his arrival, they’ve won three in a row. So it takes time to fit a star into a team, you know.

Seriously, can we cut the nonsense?

Either Shaq and the Cavs are championship material, or they’re not. Either LeBron is more concerned about the team than his own legend, or he’s not. Either Mike Brown knows how to handle a lineup, or he doesn’t.

But that game Friday night was a stinker, start to finish. Mo Williams recognized it early. He called his own number and nailed a few jumpers, as if to encourage his teammates to snap out of it.

Instead, they played like they expected a win, then forgot to earn it. Even Brown behaved as if the guys on his bench were strangers.

I know, it was "only one loss." Shaq keeps telling us to be patient, that the only games that matter are the ones in June.

Could be. But I seem to remember a Boston Celtics team that picked up Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in order to compete for a championship—and then went out and won it, wire to wire. Paul Pierce played great with them, not in spite of them.

That’s what needs to happen in Cleveland. Shaq and LeBron need to decide they’re going to be dominant together, and then go out and do it. Friday night, Gerald Wallace outplayed LeBron, and Nazr Mohammed kept O’Neal in check.

King James and Superman, you say?

After the Cavs were swept by San Antonio in the 2007 finals, the consensus was they needed a scorer to complement James, so they went out and got Williams. Then, after they lost to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals last spring, the consensus was they needed a stronger presence in the middle. They got Shaq.

The pieces are in place. The talent is there. Enough is enough.

Cleveland fans are impatient. They’re apprehensive about LeBron leaving to free agency, and he’s done nothing to ease those concerns. They’re wondering if Shaq came here to win another ring, or just to extend his career and bask in the media spotlight one more time.

The last thing they need to hear is philosophical jargon about how things will fall into place somewhere down the road. This team is loaded with talent and should have opened the season at full speed.

Losing is one thing. Looking terrible while doing it is another. It shouldn’t happen to a championship caliber team.

Don’t expect us to wait any longer, LeBron. You either, Shaq.

The time to win is now.

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Is Shaq Really Helping the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Frankie Anetzberger — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:25:48 -0500

In the 10 games Shaq has played for Cleveland, the Cavaliers are 6-4. In the six games he didn't play, the Cavaliers were 5-1. I'm not saying Shaq isn't contributing to the Cavs success, but it sure seems they played better in his absence.

You would think Shaq's rebounding would help the Cavaliers, but the stats say otherwise. During the six games without Shaq, the Cavaliers were out-rebounded four times. That seems to support Shaq. But in the 10 games he has played, the Cavaliers have been out-rebounded six times.

There is no doubt Shaq's presence in the paint defensively helps the Cavaliers. He alters shots and limits the lane for driving. But, you can also say that on the offensive end. The Cavaliers are more reluctant to drive and tend to shoot the ball more when Shaq is in the game.

As well as Z is playing right now, maybe Shaq should come off the bench or have a limited role in the first quarter. Coach Brown should get things going, then have Shaq come into the game.

I'm looking down the road, though, and seeing how Shaq will effect the team in the playoffs. I don't see it working out the way LeBron or the rest of the team would like it to.

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College Football Players Who Would Look Good in a Cleveland Browns Uniform in the 2010 NFL Draft

Daniel Wolf — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:49:06 -0500

The Cleveland Browns have had a very bad decade of draft picks since their rebirth in 1999. Notables like Courtney Brown and Gerrard Warren are only a few of the names of the players the Browns have selected over much more productive All-Pro players. Once again in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Browns past over several future All-Pro players the likes of Clay Matthews III and Rey Maualuga. With the college football regular season coming to a close, the following are several players that would look very good in the orange and brown and hopefully Browns management will take a long hard look at these guys so if they have a chance to draft them, then they will not pass them by too. In no particular order, here are this journalist's opinion on one player per each position of need for the Browns.

Begin Slideshow

Bengals-Eagles: NFL Survivor Picks Week Twelve (Post T-Day)

Mike MacGregor — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:51:59 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving! Yes, we had Thanksgiving Day games this week yet I am still writing my survivor picks on Friday as usual.

You can bet I would have had the heavily favored (and rightfully so) Green Bay Packers over the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys over the Oakland Raiders amongst my top picks, but writing the article prior to Friday just doesn’t fit into my schedule.

In the pools I’m running (one , two , three ), between 18 percent and 35 percent had Green Bay or Dallas, and they can sit back and enjoy the weekend, cheering for upsets galore. As for the rest of us, we have some work to survive another week.

Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers were a huge disappointment losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. The Steelers give up way too many kick return touchdowns, and they did just that, but they should have been capable of spotting the Chiefs seven points and still win the game

The team was without star safety Troy Polamalu, but we knew that going in. It is not like they are not used to playing without him from earlier in the season.

People think that Kansas City is a tough place to play. It isn’t really, not in recent history. Prior to this game, the Chiefs were 3-17 at home since the start of the 2007 season.

So what happened? Near as I can figure, the Steelers just blew it. Fortunately for them, the Bengals also blew their game against the Raiders—a game I was leery about and therefore kept it out of my top three picks —but unfortunately, the Steelers loss led to a fair number of survivor pool exits last week.

My other picks, the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, came through as expected for a 2-1 week. Now, let’s get on to this week.

Cincinnati Bengals Over Cleveland Browns (stats )

If you used the Bengals last week, then you probably aren’t reading this article. The Raiders pulled their second survivor pool “gotcha” of the year (recall Philadelphia Eagles, Week Six) scoring 10 points inside the final two minutes to upset the Bengals.

The Bengals were coming off huge divisional wins in back-to-back weeks over the Baltimore Ravens and Steelers, so a flat game travelling to Oakland was not that much of a surprise. There is enough body of work this year to indicate the Bengals are, in fact, for real (for right now) and the Raiders game was a one-off rather than exposing the Bengals as a fraud.

The Bengals are playing excellent defense, and the offense is clicking well with the running game and distributed passing by QB Carson Palmer. They just aren’t putting up many points in recent weeks. Short of the 45 they dropped on the Bears, the past five of six games are all under 20 points.

One reason is because they are a ball control, grind it out running offense. A small silver lining that came out of the Raiders game is that, even without bruiser Cedric Benson in the lineup, the Bengals appear to have a player in rookie RB Bernard Scott. Scott handled 21 carries plus three catches for 150 yards. If Benson cannot go again this week, then Scott should be able to fill in admirably.

Given the state of the Browns defense, as witnessed in the dramatic loss to the Detroit Lions last week, can we expect the Bengals to be closer to 20 points or 45 in this one? I’d say, closer to 45. Palmer should have his way with the Browns.

As for the Browns' offense against the Bengals' defense, yes, Brady Quinn did have a career day last week tossing four TD passes. As the Thanksgiving Day early game helped us keep Matthew Stafford’s Week Eleven performance in perspective with, “well, that was against the Browns,” we can similarly expect that last week Quinn’s stats were highly influenced by, “well, that was against the Lions.”

Last week was not an indication that the Browns have turned the corner on offense, and what we can expect to see is a sub-100 yard rushing, around 150 yard passing day by the Browns, resulting in 14 or fewer points.

The Browns did play the Bengals pretty tough earlier this season, a 23-20 overtime win by the Bengals at Cleveland. The Browns suffered multiple key injuries since then, and rookie WR Mohamed Massaquoi isn’t going to sneak up on them this time.

Mark down the Bengals for the win.

Philadelphia Eagles Over Washington Redskins (stats )

Another division game, which is in general a no-no for survivor pools, but one in which the game seems lopsided enough in the home team’s favor that we’ll buck the general rule and pick the Eagles for the win.

The Redskins did just about knock off the Cowboys last week, losing 7-6 with the Dallas TD coming very late in the fourth quarter. Plus, the Redskins won the prior week at home to the Denver Broncos, 27-17 on the strength of a great rushing day by Ladell Betts and after knocking Kyle Orton out of the game.

The Redskins have since lost Betts for the year, and Clinton Portis doesn’t seem any closer to returning to the lineup. Special-teamer Rock Cartwright filled in admirably last week off the bench but can he pull that stunt again? I have my doubts.

The Redskins' offense is short on talent and scheme, that posting average points is a struggle. They’ve been sub-20 points nine times this year, and given the Eagles' defense is fairly stout, holding opponents to 20 or less seven of eight times since their bye, bank on the Redskins scoring under 20.

As for the Eagles offense against the Redskins defense, the Eagles could (I say could) have a little trouble. The Redskins are pretty good defensively, while the Eagles rely on the big play since their young guys are, not unexpectedly, rather inconsistent. If the big plays don’t happen, the offense could struggle a little.

Still, the Eagles showed more commitment to the run last week than their typical m.o., giving LeSean McCoy 20 carries and he delivered with 99 yards and a TD. I’m not sure this is a sign of things to come, but it is a positive if they get more run-pass balance. They even seem to have figured out how to use Michael Vick better than earlier in the season.

The Eagles should be able to control this game by shutting down the Redskins' offense and putting their own offense into good field position to score. Furthermore, this game has to mean a lot more to the Eagles at this point than to the Redskins, who continue to walk around wondering who their new coach is going to be next year.

The Eagles need to keep pace with the Cowboys, who won Thursday and currently hold a one-and-a-half game edge over Philly. If Philly loses and falls two full games back at this late stage of the season, they might have to kiss the division title goodbye.

Count on a strong Philly performance and win on Sunday.

Mike MacGregor created the Cheatsheet Compiler and Draft Buddy fantasy football and fantasy baseball draft tools, plus he developed various features and sports pools found at FFToday.com and MyOfficePool.ca. Mike owns and operates MyOfficePool.ca .

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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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Cincinnati Reds Report Cards: Willy Taveras

Cliff Eastham — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:41:53 -0500

This is the sixth installment of the grading of the starters for the Cincinnati Reds' 2009 performances.

Willy Taveras is my biggest disappointment of the Reds' acquisitions last season. He came in as the reigning National League stolen base champ with 68.

This season, he "tentatively" stole only 25 bases and finished a dismal ninth in the league. Michael Bourn of the Houston Astros was the league's most prolific thief this year with 61.

When a player's OBP doesn't equal a real good batting average, something is wrong. A .275 OBP is a notch or two below anemic. His .240 average was a career low as well.

He missed 34 games in August and September while spending time on the disabled list.

His disappointing season is another terrible return on our money—$2.25 M basically poured down the drain. He did not perform as the table setter most of us expected him to be. He ran "cautiously" at best, rarely attempting to steal, appearing as though he was unable to get a read on the pitcher.

Prior to coming to the Queen City, Taveras was a respectable .283 career hitter. He only scored 56 runs and collected 97 hits. His OPS+ was a microscopic 48. That isn't a typo; there are only two digits in the number.

His defense was adequate, but again, not up to expectations. In all, it was just a miserable season for the 27-year-old Dominican.

If Walt Jocketty and the other Muckety Mucks think Willy is a bona fide center fielder that will lead us anywhere but the lower portion of the Central Division, he is on the Chinese pipe.

Look at these statistics he posted in 2009.

AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	AVG	SB	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+
404	56	97	11	2	1	15	.240	25	.275	.285	.559	48

Unfortunately, Willy ends the year with a weak D.

Next up: Jay Bruce

Cliff Eastham is a B/R Featured Columnist for the Cincinnati Reds.

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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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