Sitting Seven

Well, so much for getting to see the "starters" for a good majority of tonight's game. I knew the Browns were injury-depleted, but I guess I didn't realize they'd be sitting seven starters tonight.

It's a little disappointing, for sure, but I guess you have to be happy Romeo isn't overdoing it for a meaningless game. I mean, let's get these guys healthy for the when it counts - against the Cowboys.

I'm not just saying this because I'm a Brady fan, but I do expect him to be much better than he was against the Lions, even if he still isn't playing with the whole starting offense. According to the pregame show on WKYC, Brady looked much, much better in practice this week.

Also, a bit of trivia according to Jim Donovan ... Gary Danielson was injured in the final preseason game of 1986 against Oakland, paving the way for second-year QB Bernie Kosar to start the season against the defending Super Bowl champions Bears.

The Browns lost, 41-31, but Kosar continued on and the rest, as they say, is history.

Da Browns!

The Browns less than 30 minutes from kickoff against da Bears. The preseason finale. One last chance to put to rest all worries for the season. And, a chance to, as Romeo said, "Look decent."

Brady Quinn is getting his second start tonight, and he'd better use the opportunity to redeem himself from last week's Detroit game.


With so many injuries depleting the Browns, it's important for whomever is in the game to work together and get some rhythm. Romeo has said the starters will play until he's satisfied. What makes this statement so unique is, normally starters only play a series at most, if at all, in the fourth preseason game.

Perhaps one of the biggest things to look forward to in tonight's game is that it's Bernie Kosar's last game until next preseason. The sooner they turn his mic off, the better.

It should be a good one, I hope. Go Browns!

Loss of Depth

The Browns yesterday reduced the roster down to 75 and, as a result, Joe Jurevicius was placed the on physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Sure, we all expected this to happen, but that doesn't mean it doesn't suck. Jurevicius has been a great asset to the offense and the receiving corps since he returned home to become a Brown.

Because he's now officially on the PUP list, Jurevicius cannot come back until the Oct. 13 game against the Redskins, at the earliest. It sure would have been nice to have him play all season, especially during the first month of the season when we host Dallas and then play all three AFC North division rivals in a row.

Let's hope someone else can step up and fill the gap left by Jurevicius, and let's hope Joe returns just in time to help the Browns make a playoff push.

Serious Injury or Overly Cautious?

OK, so I read today that Anderson should be ready to go against Dallas in the season opener, but he may not play against the Bears on Thursday in the final meaningless game. If you recall, he suffered a concussion in the second quarter of the Giants game, which caused him to miss last weekend's Detroit game as well.

Now, I saw the hit (and the replays of the hit) that caused the concussion and, sure it looked bad, but was it really that big of a hit? I guess my question really is, are the Browns just being extra-cautious with D.A. and keeping him out of these meaningless games, or was he really shaken up that badly?

Before I start getting comments from all the Brady-haters out there, let me just say that I'm not questioning D.A.'s toughness, nor the legitimacy of his concussion.

I'm merely asking, are the Browns that confident in D.A.'s quarterbacking ability that they're willing to let him miss valuable time practicing and playing practice games, or was this concussion so severe that it's legitimate cause for him to miss two weeks?

Because, if it's the latter, us Browns fans need to be concerned.

It's Only Preseason

After Saturday's poor showing, I keep telling myself, "It's only preseason ... these games don't mean anything."

Let's not forget, our offense was without our starting wide receiver and starting running back. It makes a big difference — not to mention the play-calling seemed a little bland. And, let us also not forget that our defense was without our two starting corners and a linebacker.

Yes, the Browns had better get healthy in a hurry.

But, as for being 0-3, just remember this is the preseason and the games don't mean anything.

Battle for Lake Erie

Now is the time when the preseason games are really heating up. The third meaningless game is the one in which the starters get the most playing time. Of course, for the Browns, many starters will be sitting out due to injuries sustained in the New York debacle.

This does, however, open the door for Brady Quinn to get his first start. Finally, he'll get to see some action with the first team offense. I've said it before, I'm not happy D.A. is hurt, but I am happy Brady is getting a shot with the first team — that's what the preseason is all about.

Yes, this game against the Lions should be a good one to watch.

Three things I'm looking forward to in tomorrow night's "game":

1. Brady Quinn — Of course. Those who know me expect me to say this, and those who don't know me probably expect me to say this just from reading other Blawg posts. I'm not trying to hide the fact that I'm a Brady Quinn fan.
2. The D-Line — Tomorrow night will be the first time the whole "new" defensive line will be playing all together. Plus, with Rogers visiting his former team, I hope it's extra incentive for the unit to play tough.
3. Bounce Back — How will the Browns respond after Monday's humiliating loss on national television? If they're going to be contenders this year, they've got to be able to shake off losses.

Three things I'm not looking forward to in tomorrow night's "game";

... um, OK, so there's nothing that I'm not looking forward to about tomorrow night's "game." It's football season. It's the Browns. What more could you ask for?

Giant Disappointment

Well, it's difficult to take away anything good from preseason game No. 2 against the Giants.

The Browns lost more than the game - they lost Anderson, Cribbs Pool, and Leon Williams to injury, and perhaps they also lost the respect of all the national prognosticators who've been picking Cleveland as the team to beat in the AFC North.

But maybe, just maybe, this is exactly the wake-up call the Browns needed. After all, these are the Browns we're talking about ... they're not exactly used to the national spotlight. Perhaps it was going to their heads and this humbling loss to the Super Bowl champs will help them refocus.

Three things I didn't like about the "game":

1. The Defense - It looked terrible. We couldn't stop the run. We couldn't stop the big play. Eli picked us apart and exposed some big holes.
2. The O-Line - Did they forget how to block? Anderson didn't have a whole lot of time in the pocket. His throws were way off and suffered a concussion from a big hit in the second quarter. Where's his protection from last year?
3. The Brown Pants - I know I've been harping on this a lot, but I really don't like the brown pants. Unnecessary ... there is absolutely no reason for the Browns to make ANY modifications to their uniforms. I HATE the brown pants, and I hope we never see them again.

Three things I liked about the "game":

1. Syndric Steptoe - He had three receptions for 80 yards and two TDs (one receiving, one running). He's making a case for a spot on this squad.
2. Jerome Harrison - His 23-yard run in the third quarter was the kind of explosive, hard running we need to back up Lewis.
3. Brady Quinn - Again, a solid performance from Brady with the second string. He threw some deeper passes than last week, and directed the Browns to an almost comeback.

According to Crennel, Anderson's condition, as well as Cribbs', will be updated today. If Anderson's concussion keeps him out Saturday against the Lions, it'll be interesting to see how Brady does with the first string.

D.A. Goes Down

OK, look, I'm not the kind of guy who wishes injury on anyone (well, except maybe Hines Ward).

As much as I believe Brady should be, and will be, the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, I cannot celebrate an injury to Derek Anderson.

Early in the second quarter, Anderson got hit pretty hard and was taken back to the locker room. The Browns say he had a concussion. As a result, Brady was inserted into the game.

Again, I'm happy Brady is getting in the game, but I want to set the record straight and say that I am not happy Anderson got a concussion.

Not Looking Good

The first quarter of the Browns-Giants preseason game is in the books, and the Browns aren't looking too good against the defending champs. And I'm not talking about the uniforms (although, they're pretty ugly too).

The Giants are exposing our defense as having the same problems as last season. We cannot stop the run or the deep pass. Sure, Eli Manning is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, but we're going to face a lot of smart quarterbacks just like him this season (including him again in Week 6).

Not only is it difficult to watch our defense struggle, but the bright spot of last year's team - the offense - looks pretty bad too. The line is getting beat, and Anderson's passes are just way, way off (and he doesn't have Braylon Edwards to make him look good with a spectacular grab this week).

And the penalties! My, oh my, the penalties! What is wrong with the Browns tonight? I am extremely dismayed from what I've seen so far - all on national television. The Browns certainly have some work to do this week, that's for sure.

You've got work to do too! Go to the Cleveland Browns Web site and tell them how horrible the brown pants look, and that you never want to see them again.

Taking on the Champs

Preseason game No. 2 is tonight, and I couldn't be more exited than I am right now. I know, it's just a meaningless preseason game, but it's still a game — a game against the defending Super Bowl champs!

That aside, there are other factors in play tonight. First, this is the second preseason game. This is the game where the first teams really get some good work. Also, we're on the road, in prime time and on ESPN. This is big-time atmosphere for a preseason game.

One of two things will happen tonight: 1) We'll get a good preview of Week 6 when the Giants come to Cleveland for a Monday Night game, or 2) We won't see much because neither team will want to show their hand. Regardless, and I can't say this enough, it's a Browns game! (Can you tell I'm excited for football season?)

Three things I'm looking forward to in tonight's "game":

1. The Defense - Yes, I know this was something I was eager to see against the Jets. Let's be honest, though, this was a big weakness last season and they've spent some money trying to improve it in the offseason. I can't get enough good looks at this unit.
2. The Starters - They should play more than a series this week (if not more than a quarter), and they're playing against the defending world champs. This is going to be a great preseason test for them.
3. Brady Quinn - Seeing as how Crennel is content to go with Anderson, this is my only real chance to see Brady get some action (for now). He looked good last week against the Jets and I expect him to continue to play well, even if it is with the second-teamers.

Three things I'm not looking forward to in tonight's "game":

1. National Attention - Don't get me wrong, I like that the Browns are starting to get national media attention. But, come on, this is a preseason game. Nationally televising it means they'll be talking less about football and more about random stuff.
2. Braylon Edwards - How can I not be looking forward to seeing Braylon, you might ask? Simple, he's not playing tonight. Or, probably, next week. At least Travis Wilson will get a chance to play with the first unit though.
3. Uniforms - Brown pants! The Browns are going to wear brown pants for the first time ever. Why?!?! Why change the best uniforms is sports? And, why do it on a nationally-televised preseason game where the national media will talking about that instead of the football game? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

New Look - Why?!?!

I'm extremely dismayed to hear that the Browns will be wearing brown pants tonight in their preseason game against the Giants. Why? Why must they mess the the best-looking uniform in sports?

From the no-logo helmet to the simple uniforms, the Browns have a classic look that is clean, crisp and reminiscent of the old days. Their look is even better when they wear the "all-whites."

I can't underscore enough how much I hated the orange jerseys they wore a couple years ago. And, I was thrilled when Randy Lerner did away with them "for good." I thought he understood the importance of not messing with such great uniforms.

But no, now they're going to wear brown pants for the first time ever. Of course, the team is saying as of now there are no other plans to wear these again this year. Let's hope it stays this way. Go to the Browns Web site this evening and let them know how deplorable this uniform change is in their online poll.

It All Starts Up Front

Up until last season, we've seen our team struggle mightily. Quarterbacks came and went. Offensive line came and went. Well, actually the quarterbacks didn't last because the offensive line was terrible.

But, as I said, that all changed last season. Savage put together a solid line last year and it made the whole offense better. With Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley and Kevin Schaffer all back from last year's much-improved unit, I'm feeling extremely confident about the offense this year as well.

You cannot possibly talk about Anderson making the Pro Bowl last year without giving credit to the offensive line — even he is quick to give them praise.

Now, combine an offensive line that is a talented, cohesive unit with top-notch receivers and a hard-running Jamal Lewis and of course Anderson is going to have a great season.

I’m not saying Anderson isn’t a good quarterback — I mean, Charlie Frye couldn’t have done what Anderson did last season. The point I’m trying to make is, any decent quarterback could have had a great season with that supporting cast.

The logical question is: what would a great quarterback do with that supporting cast? I believe we’ll find out as soon as Brady Quinn gets a chance to play with the starters.

Again, I’m not putting down Anderson. In fact, if he can win 10 games for us last year, I’m happy to have him back. What makes me even happier is knowing that Brady is waiting in the wings for when Anderson falters.

And no, I am not trying to create a quarterback controversy. The bottom line is, our offensive line deserve a big, big part of all the credit for last season’s successes.

Look for Big Improvement from D

I'm expecting big things from the defense this year. They looked sharp in the preseason opener against the Jets, and I think Wimbley is going to have a monster season. How could he not with the addition of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams on the line?

Now, I must admit that I was a big fan of former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. At first, I was sad to see him let go and wondered why they'd fire such an enthusiastic, rising star like him.

Sure, there are the rumors he started to undermine Romeo. But let's be honest, the numbers don't lie. The number of points allowed by the Browns defense increased in each of the past three years (301 in '05, 356 in '06 and 382 in '07).

You can't expect to make the playoffs that way. Enter Mel Tucker, who may have his work cut out for him this year at the helm of the defense.

Obviously, we have to be able to stop the run — especially in the AFC North. I don't care what people say, the AFC North is a tough, physical division and it all starts with running the football. Just as an offense cannot be successful without running the ball, the defense cannot be successful without stopping the run.

In the Jets game (and, yes, I know it was only a preseason game), our new defensive line looked pretty good. The Jets spent some money during the offseason to improve that line, which included stealing Alan Faneca away from Pittsburgh to make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

It'll take time for the Jets new O-line to mesh, but they're still full of talent and our new D-line did a decent job. I can't wait to see how we size up against the reigning Super Bowl champs in our next meaningless game.

Welcome to the Blawg Pound!

I’m so excited by this NFL football season. I can’t wait for the real games to get started. I have a great feeling about the Browns this year. This is our year. I just know it.

Training camp is wrapping up without any major injuries or controversies (unless you’re in the camp which believes Brady Quinn should start, or at least be given a chance to start, over Derek Anderson – which I am).

I was so pumped for the first preseason game a week ago, I wrote an entry in my other blog about it. That’s how in the Blawg Pound with Pete started.

I’m a Browns fan, and like most Browns fans I’ve got opinions. I love to see the Browns win. I hate to see them lose. And, I love to talk with other fans (and even rivals) about football.

Let’s get this season started. Go Browns!