Ready for the Colts

I'm up bright and early today, and it isn't because I'm just so excited to watch the Browns take on the Colts that I can't sleep. No, that's not it at all. Don't get me wrong though, I'll still be watching the game.

After all, even though Brady is out for the season, Romeo and the rest of the team are just going through the motions, the playoffs (and a winning record) are out of the question, and there's basically nothing left to play for this season, I'm still a loyal Browns fan and will watch every last game.

Been catching up on some reading this morning and saw this column from Jim Ingraham on how Romeo has officially lost his team. He makes some interesting points and it's a good read.

I'm not normally a fan of Les Levine, but in his column this week, he paints a good portrait of Browns owner Randy Lerner. In his press conference this past week, Levine says Lerner showed that he is every bit as frustrated, angered, and sickened as we are.

Finally, it's time to think about the Colts. While their record (7-4) might not indicate that they're the powerhouse they always are, the Colts are still a very good team. A playoff team.

The Browns should have their hands full today and with Peyton Manning playing as good as ever, he shouldn't have any problem with Mel Tucker's Swiss Cheese Defense.

Derek Anderson is back at the helm, due to Brady's injured finger. Having actually practiced with the first team this week, let's hope he's better than he was last week when he was inserted into the the Texans game to provide the offense with a "spark."

Go Browns!

Season Over

While it's been apparent for some time now that the Browns season was pretty much over, there's even more bad news for Browns fans. It's been reported tonight that Brady Quinn is out for the season with his broken finger.

After having sought a second opinion on his finger, it was revealed that it has actually gotten worse as he's tried to play through the injury.

This is devastating news to Browns fans, most of whom have nothing left to hope for this season. Seeing what Brady could do in these last few games and watching him develop was all we had left, as the rest of the team has proven to be huge under-performers.

Sad, sad day for the Cleveland Browns and Browns fans. Get well soon, Brady.

Lerner Willing to Wait

This just in from Jeff Schudel, the Cleveland Browns beat writer for The Morning Journal:

BEREA — Browns owner Randy Lerner will wait until January to decide the fate of General Manager Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel, he said Tuesday in a rare press conference.

He also said he has no plans to sell the Browns. Lerner has owned the team since his father, Al Lerner, passed away in October of 2002.

"I understand (the questions) are out there," Lerner said. "I understand they're out there every day. There's no question about it. But I don't think it's in the best interest of the organization to discuss those questions currently."

Lerner said he has not made up his mind on Crennel, but he did say he believes the Browns have talent and that the team is not living up to its potential. The Browns are 4-7 with five games left. They finished 10-6 last year.

Lerner was in his owner's box Sunday when the Browns were beaten, 16-6, by the Texans. He was asked how he felt as the game was winding down and Cleveland Browns Stadium was nearly empty. Those who did stay were chanting "Cowher!" "Cowher!," referring to former Steelers' coach Bill Cowher.

"It's sickening," Lerner said.

There you have it, folks. Don't expect any coaching changes any time soon. We're stuck with the "Dynamic Duo" at least until January.

Simply Sad

I'm at a loss for words (OK, not really). I mean, what could I possibly say that hasn't already been said. The Cleveland Browns this year have underperformed to an extent that is beyond what anyone could have reasonably expected.

Yesterday's 16-6 loss to Houston was the latest evidence in the case of a team (and coaches) that simply isn't capable of winning on a consistent basis.

Romeo has shown time and time again that he's in way over his head.

My biggest question from yesterday (other than, why hasn't Romeo been fired yet?) is: Why was Romeo so quick to yank Quinn, when earlier this season DA was given an abundance of opportunity to "play through" his struggles?

There was some speculation that Quinn was struggling because of the injury to his finger, and that is why Romeo pulled him. Quinn disagrees.

He's said: "[The fracture] wasn't a factor. I'm not one to make excuses. I practiced with it all week and felt confident in what I could do."

He's not kidding himself either. He knows he wasn't playing well, but he's a fighter. He would have done his best to help this team fight back ... if only he'd been given that chance — the same chance DA got, and failed at, time and time again.

"C'mon, I'm in this game to play," Quinn said after the game. "After that last (interception), I didn't really have any inclination I was on such a short leash. The fourth quarter is where games are won or lost and I just wish I would've been able to be in there to have a chance."

So, why did Romeo bench Quinn in favor of DA? Who knows? Romeo, in his usual nondescript self, has offered up a number of reasons, saying it was "a combination of his decisions and the injury to his finger. He has a fracture that impacts what he can do with the ball. He practiced all week and I thought it was good enough."

Umm, I'm sorry Romeo, but through eight games this year, DA has made bad decision after bad decision and yet, he was allowed to play through it. What is your problem with Quinn?

I've said it before, Romeo has not been a fan of Brady's from the start. He seems to resent the fact that Savage drafted him, the message being, "this is your quarterback." Romeo doesn't like being told what to do.

Romeo is so stubborn. His answers to the simplest questions are always so vague. It's as if he resents having to explain himself to the fans and the media ... or anyone, for that matter. He wants it to be his decision, end of story.

I'm sorry, Romeo, but it doesn't work that way. Everyone has to answer to someone. For a head coach in the National Football League, you have to answer to the owner of the team and, more importantly, the fans of this great franchise.

We're the ones who put up the millions of dollars to watch games every Sunday that pay your salary. We want a winner and we want someone who knows how to give us one. You're not doing the job, and we want to know why.

Romeo Must Go!

Just finished watching that embarrassing loss to the Texans. It's more clear now than it ever was: Romeo must go! He has no business being a head coach in the National Football League.

Why, WHY!, did he yank Quinn in favor of DA? WHY? This is the same guy who refused to yank DA even when it was obvious to everyone that he needed to be yanked. Quinn wasn't doing horribly. Switching QBs at that point only confused the offense and made it that much more difficult to get something going.

This team has quit on him. They're not playing with any kind of heart or passion. The season is over for the Browns. I think it's time for Romeo's career with the Browns to be over as well.

Randy Lerner, Phil Savage ... listen up: Fire Romeo Crennel NOW!

Thinking Ahead

I know it's almost a cardinal sin to think ahead and not take it "one game at a time." But, as fans, we have that luxury (or curse).

I saw an interesting post on theclevelandfan.com today that really made me think. It's entirely possible for the Browns to finish the season 8-8 and defeat Pittsburgh in the season finale. The question is: Then what?

Mansfield Lucas poses and interesting scenario in his post. Check it out.

I'm totally with him ... grab me a Christmas Ale while you're at it, Lucas.

Go Browns!

Savage Response from Phrustrated Phil

I'm sure you've heard by now, as it is all over the news, that Phil Savage responded to a badgering fan by e-mail with a, shall we say, less than polite comment.

The website deadspin.com reported the incident yesterday, and it's been all over the radio stations.

Today, Romeo confirmed it in his press conference.

Savage's reported response to the fan, who told him he was the worst GM in the NFL among other things, was:

From: Savage, Phil
Subject: Re: Browns
To: xxxxxxx
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 12:17 AM

Go root for Buffalo-f#@* you-

Wow! Talk about being fed up with fan criticism ... it's clear from this Savage wasn't thinking clearly at the end of that win on Monday night.

According to Romeo, it's unfortunate that it happened, and said "in tough times, tough things happen."

Whether you feel Savage was justified or not in his response (you can read the original e-mail from the fan on deadspin.com), I have to ask: Wouldn't it be nice to see this kind of emotion from Romeo instead?

Potential Bad News

The Blawg Pound has gotten unconfirmed reports that Brady Quinn has a broken finger. If this is true, it could be a HUGE blow to the Browns.

The Cowboys' season was pretty much derailed when QB Tony Romo suffered a broken finger earlier this year ... and they're a good team.

If Brady has, in fact, broken his finger then the Browns could be in serious trouble. Sure, they still have DA, but that's the problem. This team can't afford to go back and forth with its QBs like this and they need Brady to lead them.

The rumor I've heard is that his index finger on his right hand has been fitted with a special splint, but as of now he's still scheduled to play on Sunday against the Texans.

Let's hope this isn't true, or if it is, that it isn't too serious.

---UPDATE, 1:50 p.m. ---
The Browns have confirmed that Brady did suffer a fracture to his finger, but he is still slated to start on Sunday against the Texans.

Browns Win is Bittersweet

The win on Monday Night Football was bittersweet for Brady Quinn and the Browns. In his post-game interview with ESPN, Brady talks about how it's nice to get a win, but the Browns still made some mistakes.

Yes, Brady, your team still has a lot of work to do. Enjoy.

Week 11 Grades

As I've said before, Brady Quinn gives this team the best chance to win, but the defense gives this team the best chance to lose. Fortunately, on Monday night, the defense played just good enough not to lose the game (although, they tried their best to blow it).

It was an exciting, yet ugly win. I'll take it, though. And, I hope the Browns can use it to build some momentum for the rest of the season.

Passing out grades this week was tough, but someone has to do it:

Offense

• Offensive Line - There was a major hole in the middle of the offensive line Monday night. Quinn was under pressure all night long from the blitzing Bills' defense. The line has played better, and we all expect them to.
  Grade: C-
• Tight Ends - Winslow didn't have the monster game he had last week, but he did have three catches for 40 yards. Steve "The Swede" Heiden was a non-factor in the passing game with no catches. Quinn used them well last week, and this week he threw down field more.
  Grade: C
• Wide Receivers - Braylon had a decent game, leading the team with 104 yards on eight catches. But, the big story is still his drops. he's got to work on holding on to the ball ... if he's going to be the big time receiver he thinks he is, he's got to learn to catch.
  Grade: C
• Running Backs - Jamal had only 18 carries for 65 yards. Again, the middle of the O-line was plugged up most of the game, making it hard for him to even get those 65 yards. Harrison continues to impress, breaking free for a 72-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.
  Grade: B
• Quarterbacks - While his numbers weren't as good as they were last week against the Broncos, he was decent against a good defense that threw everything they had at him. He continued to handle himself well under pressure, and caught a couple of lucky breaks on passes I'm sure he wishes he hadn't thrown. He also showed he can run. Again, he engineered some great drives that put them ahead in the fourth quarter. I was already a fan of his, but as he continues to show us what he can do, I get more and more excited at the prospect of him leading this franchise for years to come.
  Grade: A-
• Summary - Not a great showing, but a good one. With Quinn at the helm, this unit will continue to adjust to his leadership and work together as a cohesive, dynamic unit.
  Overall Grade: B

Defense

• Defensive Line - Although it was announced on the pregame show that Rogers would not play due to injury, he played any way -- and played well. Getting him this offseason was the best move the Browns made. If they address some of the other issues on defense and get him some help, he'll be a Pro Bowler for years.
  Grade: C
• Linebackers - In the first half, they played great. Wimbley and Davis each intercepted Trent Edwards and McGinest had some good tackles. D'Qwell Jackson continues to lead the team in tackles with 11 against the Bills. After that first quarter, though, they returned to playing like a bunch of Pop Warner kids who don't know how to tackle and were chewed up by Marshawn Lynch.
  Grade: D+
  
• Safeties & Corners - With the exception of McDonald's interception in the first quarter, this unit played horribly once again. This needs to be the first thing Savage addresses during the offseason. We need help in the secondary, that's for sure.
  Grade: D
• Summary - The defense tried as hard as they could to blow another double-digit lead -- in fact, they did. Quinn and Dawson put us ahead at the end of the game, and the defense finally did their part to stop the Bills and force the missed field goal that sealed the win.
  Overall Grade: D
  

Special Teams and Coaches

• Special Teams - Dawson is a stud. He has been the hero of so many games over the years. It's great knowing that whenever he steps on the field, we have a good chance to score.
  Grade: A
• Coaches - Romeo actually showed some emotion toward the end of the game, and his clock management has improved. But, as I've said before, one decently-coached game does not save his job in my opinion. This team still has some serious problems, and it falls on the coaches.
  Grade: D
  

A win on national television always puts me in a good mood -- good enough that I didn't give out any Fs. But, let's be honest, this team is still under-performing and we all expect a lot more from them. With the win, all hope is not lost yet. Mathematically, we're not out of the playoff hunt yet, but the Browns cannot rest. They need to use this win as momentum as they close out the season with some tough, "must-win" games.

Go Browns!

Browns Survive Lynching

Despite the Browns ineptitude at being able to tackle Marshawn Lynch, who amassed 177 yards running and receiving, they were still able to come out on top last night, 29-27, thanks to a huge 56-yard field goal from Phil Dawson.

Despite the close score, the Browns only trailed once in the game, 27-26, before Dawson's feat of strength. The defense started off the game beautifully, intercepting Trent Edwards three times in the first quarter before returning to its non-tackling ways.

Brady Quinn played well again in his second start as we was under constant pressure from the blitzing Buffalo defense. He kept his composure and, while he did make a few mistakes, kept the Browns in the game right up to the end.

If anything, last night he proved he can throw the deep ball — there's nothing wrong with his arm strength! As he continues to practice with these receivers, he'll improve his chemistry and timing with them and his accuracy will improve.

Harrison's 72-yard TD run the fourth quarter was another highlight of this game. It's unfortunate it was negated 14 seconds later when Leodis Mckelvin returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a Bills' TD.

For the second week in a row, the offense kept us in this game, despite the poor play of the defense. But, I do give credit for the defense for making a huge stop at the end of the game resulting in Buffalo missing a 47-yard field goal, wide right (haunting, if you're a Bills fan).

It's nice to get a win, but I wouldn't get too comfortable if I'm Romeo. Let's see if the Browns can sustain this energy and continue to improve and win games the rest of the season. They may have won last night, but we've been fooled before by this team.

Go Browns!

AFC North - Win, Lose & Draw

The worst part about playing on Monday Night Football is not being able to watch the Browns on Sundays. It throws the whole week off. Because of these prime-time games, I've had two Sundays in a row without Browns football.

Of course, that give me a chance to focus on other things, such as the AFC North. I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention the odd results of the three other AFC North games yesterday. There was good news, bad news and funny news.

First, the good news: The Ravens have played pretty well this season, but quoth the Giants, "nevermore." The world champs pounded the Ravens, 30-10, with more than 200 yards rushing. Take that, Ray Lewis! The Browns remain the only team this season to have beaten the Giants.

Now, the bad news: The Steelers managed to squeak out a close, 11-10 win over the Chargers. Roesthlisberger, who's faced criticism that his sore shoulder cost them the game last week against the Colts, was 31-of-41 passing for 308 yards, but they scored no touchdowns in the game.

And, the funny news: The Bengals didn't lose! Of course, they didn't win either. Ha! Perhaps a fate worse than losing, the Bengals tied the Eagles, 13-13. Ha! They tied! Could this season get any worse for Cincy? I doubt it. When I saw the final, I laughed like crazy. Hilarious. Too funny.

I'm sure I'll be hearing from my friend Zeeds, a big Bengals fan, after this post. Hey, at least they didn't lose again. Ha!

Yet Another 'Must Win'

OK, so most Browns fans have all but given up hope on the playoffs this season. Sure, it seems like a long shot, but it isn't completely out of the question (not yet, anyway).

Tonight, is another "must win" game for the Browns. So far this season, by my tally, the Browns are 2-5 in "must win" games. Of course, in my opinion, all games are must win. There should never be any game where it's "OK" to lose.

This notion of a "must win" game is ridiculous, frankly. Because, as we've seen with the Browns this year, having lost "must win" game after "must win" game, they keep getting another chance. Sure, the severity of the "must win" situation increases each and every time. So much so, that most people have no idea what we're play for anymore.

Tonight, the struggling Browns face the struggling Bills in Buffalo on Monday Night Football. Buffalo really need not worry ... just ask the Broncos, nothing soothes an ailing team like a game against the Browns.

Who can forget last year's game between these two franchises. On a cold day in December last year, Mother Nature decided to dump a blizzard on Cleveland Browns Stadium for the Browns-Bills game.

It wasn't high scoring, and it was difficult to see, but it was a fun game to watch. Jamal "Snow Plow" Lewis had 163 yards rushing.

Tonight's game, while no blizzard is expected, will be cold and snowy once again. Perfect football weather, if you ask me.

I expect Brady and the offense to play well again, but I don't expect them to get much help from the defense, yet again. I hope I'm wrong. I hope the Browns come out tonight and light it up against the Bills.

Go Browns!

Brady Accurate, and Strong Too

I think it’s safe to say Brady played well in his first start last week. He played efficient, with few mistakes, and was able to move the ball down the field on several scoring drives.

Of course, the “knock” on him is that he doesn't have the arm strength to throw the ball down field, and that is why he threw so many short, safe passes. For more than a year now, critics have been saying he “doesn’t have the arm strength.”

Umm, WTF are they talking about? I’ve been watching Brady since his freshman year at Notre Dame … there’s nothing at all wrong with his arm strength.

In fact, here’s what some of the leading football scouting websites were saying about him leading up to the 2007 NFL Draft:

Brady Quinn is the prototypical pocket passer. He has great size, along with the strength and willingness to sit in the pocket and deliver a strike. He has very good arm strength, and can make all the throws on the field. His accuracy has continued to improve every year, and he is on target on everything under 20 yards. Quinn is also a good athlete for a pocket passer, and he knows how to elude the rush and get the throw off. He also shows the ability to remain calm under pressure. -- www.footballsfuture.com

Demonstrates a strong arm that allows him to deliver the long ball with touch and accuracy … Quick in his pass set up and is generally in position to make all of his throws … Has very good command in the huddle and makes good decisions with the ball, rarely forcing the action in attempts to create something out of nothing … Has the ability to put the ball where the receiver can catch it and shows good balance throwing on the move. -- www.sportsline.com

Possessing the size, arm strength and intangibles to be a starter at the next level, Quinn is an incredibly productive college quarterback who translates well to the next level. – www.scout.com

Quinn has good mechanics and understands the game well after being tutored by Charlie Weis. He is accustomed to being in the spotlight and is a solid team leader. He has progressed well over the last two years and should continue to improve. He has adequate arm strength and can make all of the necessary throws … He has a good blend of size, intelligence, and arm strength to succeed in the NFL. -- www.warroomreport.com

So, what happened? How did Brady go from having “a strong arm that allows him to deliver the long ball with touch and accuracy,” to having “suspect arm strength” now? The answer, of course, is nothing. Nothing is wrong with Brady’s arm strength.

Perhaps the skepticism with his arm strength arose because of the unfair comparison to DA’s cannon. Yes, DA has a strong arm and can heave that ball with reckless abandon down the field at great distances. What else does he have? Knowledge? No. Accuracy? Nope. Leadership? No, again.

As Charlie Weis, Brady’s former coach at Notre Dame has said: "Accuracy is the answer to arm strength. I've had arguments, vehement arguments, with NFL people questioning Brady's accuracy. He can read coverages. What's the sense of having good arm strength if you can't hit the open receivers?"

You see, arm strength is all DA has. Brady, on the other hand, has it all - including, a strong arm that can throw the ball down field when necessary. You don’t always need that though.

A smart QB takes what the defense gives him. When defenses take away the short passes, Brady will go long. And then, watch out!

But, Will It Drop Your Internet Connection?

Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards newly-redesigned website features more than just the typical news and stats about Edwards. Instead, it's a flashy, cartoony site wrapped around news and stats about Edwards.


Yahoo fantasy sports updates are also part of the site's attractions, as well as access to interviews, commercials and game highlights (which, I imagine, are few and far between this year).

According to a press release about the site, "The outstanding features of the re-launched internet home of the 2007 Pro Bowl receiver Braylon Edwards include cool command components that let visitors hit the player with passes while navigating through the site."

Umm, I just navigated through the site looking for this "cool" feature and did not find it. Unless of course by stating that "visitors hit the player with passes while navigating the site," it means that every time you click on something, a football sails across the screen right into the hands of a cartoon Braylon.

I can only assume they went with a cartoon Braylon because a real Braylon would have kept dropping those passes and thus, prevented visitors from navigating further through the site.

To summarize, Braylon Edwards' new website is fitting -- it's a flashy, show-offy site which all about Braylon Edwards. Just like the receiver himself.

No Law in Cleveland

For those fans who had been calling for the Browns to get some veteran help at corner by signing Ty Law, you can forget about it.

Yesterday, the Jets inked him to a one-year deal.

Yet again, the Browns let an available free agent slip away. I'm not saying Law would have fixed all our problems on defense, but he would have helped for sure.

Our secondary is young, inexperienced and have blown two big leads in a row. The need someone like Law to fire them up and show them how it's done.

Perhaps Savage has some corner at a D-III school he's scouting for the draft that's taken his time away from trying to fix the Browns right now.

Maybe Crennel Has Given Up

In the aftermath of the meltdown of last week -- two double-digit leads lost -- accusations from veteran running back Jamal Lewis is that some players simply gave up. Jamal's comments are also echoed by return specialist extraordinaire Josh Cribbs.

In fact, many of the Browns players are not upset by these accusations. Instead, they're taking them to heart and actually agreeing with what Jamal says. Seems everyone in the Browns locker room agrees with Jamal ... everyone, that is, except Romeo.

Yesterday, Crennel said overall he thought his team did play hard against the Broncos. He said the problem is some players are not making wise decision.

Umm, no. If your veteran running back -- one with a Super Bowl ring -- is accusing players of giving up and none of your players is disputing this, then the problem isn't simply that players aren't making wise decisions. The problem is, players are giving up.

This proves once again that Romeo is in way over his head and has no idea the true problem with his players.

A good head coach, upon hearing Jamal's comments, would be fired up. A good head coach would show some emotion and get a little angry. Not Romeo. He's simply going through the motions. Perhaps he's the one who's given up.

"If you have a lead, that means you haven't quit," Crennel said. "The thing we didn't do is we didn't hold the lead and that's the thing we have to figure out how to do. I think if we play smarter we'll be able to hold a lead."

Get a clue, Romeo. If you have the lead, you haven't quit. BUT, if you blow that lead -- TWICE -- then you have quit. If you let TWO teams come back and beat you the way the Browns have, then you've quit.

Other players see some truth to what Lewis has said. Why can't Romeo?

Instead, Romeo, in his usual clueless fashion, is hinting at more lineup changes. Hinting. Come on, Romeo, show some passion. Get fired up!

Faced with accusations of players quitting, why not come out and say, "Yes, some players are not giving it their all. Changes will be made. Heads will role. Giving up is not acceptable. The coaching staff will identify these players and they will be dealt with."

Wouldn't that be a refreshing reaction from your head coach? We can only wish.

Fan Power

Much has been made of the QB switch -- many in the national media are saying Browns management forced it on Romeo due to the constant out-cry from the fans. While I'm not sure that's entirely true, I do know Browns fans are an opinionated bunch.

All we want is a winner. We deserve a winner. We've been watching sub-par football in Cleveland for way too long. In the 2007 NFL Draft, we all thought the Browns were on their way up. First, they took Joe Thomas, then traded back into the first round to get Brady Quinn. It was a phenomenal draft for the Browns.

Then, Savage and Romeo screwed it all up. Poor decision after poor decision has resulted in a team with much promise crushing all of our hopes and dreams once again. We're 3-6 ... yes, I say we because us fans are the face of the Cleveland Browns. We are this team's identity.

It's pretty clear that Romeo Crennel is NOT going to lead our beloved team to a Super Bowl. He's a nice guy. He's just not a head coach. It's time to move on.

There has been much out-cry for Randy Lerner to go after former Pittsburgh coach (and Cleveland Brown) Bill Cowher. Whether he truly is the answer to our coaching conundrum, I don't know. But, his track record is one that cannot be disputed.

Ryan Martz, a 25-year-old mortgage loan officer in Columbus, and a loyal Browns fan, started the website Cowher09.com. He's collecting signatures from Browns fans to petition Lerner to go after Coach Bill Cowher in 2009.

If you think Cowher is the answer to our prayers, or if you simply believe Romeo is not, then go to his site and sign the petition. If Browns fans really have as much influence on our beloved team as the national media thinks we do, then maybe this petition will show some results. Go Browns!

Week 10 Grades

Well, one game of the second half of the season is in the books, and the Browns showed that they're the same team they were in the first half of the season, no matter who the QB is, sort of ...

We all know the story -- the Browns, for the second game in a row, blew a double-digit lead and lost. At the helm, for the first time, was Brady Quinn. While he played well, he couldn't do it all.

No matter how many points the offense scores, it's never enough if the defense can't make a stop. The Browns lost to the Broncos, 34-30.

A bright spot was, of course, the offense this week. While it did still have some weaknesses, overall it was a much more efficient unit with Quinn in charge.

The Golden boy got some great production out of them. But, as I said, the defense didn't do so well.

I'll let the grades speak for themselves:

Offense

• Offensive Line - This, quite possibly, could have been the best the offensive line has played all season. They blocked well for the run, and they protected Brady in the passing game. They didn't give up any sacks, but Quinn's quick feet and decisiveness was a big part of that.
  Grade: B+
• Tight Ends - It was a tale of two halves for Winslow. The embattled tight end had not one, but two TD catches in the first half. For the game, he finished with 10 catches for 111 yards. But, his mistakes in the second half could be blamed for costing the Browns the win. First, it was an offensive holding penalty that negated a long catch by Braylon. Then, it was a fumble that led to a Bronco TD. Finally, on the Browns final drive, Brady's pass sailed right through his hands on fourth down.
  Grade: C+
• Wide Receivers - Of Brady's 23 completions, only six were caught by wide receivers. Four of those were pulled in by Stallworth, who made a cameo appearance. Perhaps Brady, having watched DA suffer from receivers who couldn't catch, wisely stayed away from throwing to them.
  Grade: D+
• Running Backs - Jamal had 60 yards on 19 carries and Harrison had 48 yards on five carries. Overall, the running game was working against the porous Bronco defense. Why they didn't give Jamal the ball on the final drive is a subject that is hotly debated since the ball sailed through Winslow's hands on fourth down.
  Grade: B+
• Quarterbacks - Let's face it, Quinn is a BIG improvement at QB. He was efficient, decisive and an overall commanding field general. I see all upside to the offense with him at the helm (OK, who didn't expect me to say that?).
  Grade: A
• Summary - The offense looked like a completely different unit than they had with DA at QB. Brady took command of the huddle and ran that offense. With more practice with the first unit, he should continue to gel with his teammates. Winslow is quickly becoming his favorite target ... from his days at Notre Dame, Brady knows how to use his tight end. All Winslow has to do is cut down on the stupid mistakes, and Brady will have him in the Pro Bowl every year.
  Overall Grade: B+
  

Defense

• Defensive Line - Shaun Rogers is a beast, and the only reason this unit grades higher than the rest of the defense. What a great investment he was this past offseason. Let's get more guys like him this offseason.
  Grade: C
• Linebackers - This is a HUGE weak spot on this team. Get rid of all of them and start over. They suck.
  Grade: F
  
• Safeties & Corners - Their youth showed big time against the Broncos as Cutler had 447 yards passing - including a 92 yard bomb - and three TDs. Unacceptable.
  Grade: F
• Summary - Two games in a row, the offense did their part to put point on the board to win the game only to have the defense totally collapse. Something needs to be done this offseason. Top priority is this dreadful defense.
  Overall Grade: F
  

Special Teams and Coaches

• Special Teams - Cribbs had another stellar game. What more can we ask of him?
  Grade: A
• Coaches - Romeo needs to go. Mel Tucker needs to go. Chud, well the jury is still out on him. Bottom line: Our coaches are terrible. The way the Browns have lost games this season is a direct reflection of the horrible coaching.
  Grade: F
  

The Browns showed they can still put points on the board with a different QB at the helm. Why the switch wasn't made sooner is the question everyone is asking. With the loss, the season is all but over. Kiss the playoffs good-bye, Browns fans. It's nearly impossible now. But, I won't stop watching ... I love this team. Go Browns!

Brady Succeeds, Browns Fail

Brady Quinn played as well as anyone could have expected in his first start last night. Unfortunately, the defense played as bad as anyone could have expected and the Browns blew another fourth quarter lead and lost to the Broncos, 34-30.

Now, I know there's some DA fans out there who are going to say that this is the same thing that happened on Sunday when DA shouldered much of the blame when the Browns blew a fourth quarter lead and lost to the Ravens.

WRONG! This is NOT the same situation. Defensively, it is — the Browns have serious problems on defense. Offensively, it is not the same at all. While DA and the offense collapsed along with the defense against the Ravens, Brady and the offense kept the Browns in this game until the end.

Bottom line is, when your offense scores 30 points, you should win the game (for the record, DA's offense did not score 27 points and lose, it scored 20 points and lost ... Cribbs' kick return accounted for the other 7 points).

Brady Quinn played well. He was efficient. He was commanding. He was decisive. He sustained drives. He made plays. The Browns lost despite his playing well. The Browns lost because a stupid penalty, a fumble and because their defense is terrible.

That's not to say DA didn't suffer from the same ineptitude from the rest of the team when he was the starter. Brady, however, was still able to lead the offense to a fourth quarter comeback drive to regain the lead. He just didn't get the help to do it twice.

The big difference between the two, though, is in the numbers:

DA vs. Ravens
17-of-33, 219 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
51.5 completion percentage
80.24 QB rating

Brady vs. Broncos
23-of-35, 239 yards, 2TDs, 0 INT
65.7 completion percentage
104.3 QB rating

Still, in the end the Browns lost. They lost at home, with a fourth quarter lead. I still believe — and last night it was reinforced — Brady Quinn gives the Browns the best chance to win games. Unfortunately, the defense gives them the best chance to lose.

Good News for Browns, Brady

With kickoff just moments away, the Browns defense received some good news. According to the Browns' Web site, Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams are active and in the starting lineup for the tonight's game. Both had been listed as questionable.

The good news for Brady and the offense is that Donte' Stallworth will start, and Darnell Dinkins will play after being listed as questionable.

Many of the tools are in place. The anticipation is building. I'm extremely excited for tonight's game. Let's go Browns!

Brady Ready for Broncos

Tonight is the moment many Browns fans have been waiting for since April 28, 2007 when the Cleveland Browns traded back into the first round of the NFL draft to select Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn with the 22nd pick.

Tonight, Brady Quinn will get his first NFL start.

Tonight is the dawn of a new era in Cleveland Browns football. I can feel it. When the Browns drafted Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn on that fateful day, I knew they were on their way to something special.

Of course, we all know the story ... for some reason the dawn of this new era took a detour. We all knew it was inevitable that Quinn would one day take the reigns of our beloved team. It was only a matter of time. That time is now.

Brady is ready and the Broncos are quite possibly the best team to pit him against in his first start. Denver has lost three straight games. Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey won’t play because of a severe groin injury. The Broncos rank 29th overall defensively — 26th against the run and 27th against the pass.

Let's hope the rest of the Browns show up to play and give Brady the support he needs (yes, I know they didn't exactly give DA the kind of support he needed this season).

Go Browns!

Dilfer Choking on Sour Grapes

Former Browns QB Trent Dilfer is slamming the decision by the Browns to bench Derek Anderson in favor of Brady Quinn. The video clip below shows his comments on the decision.

You may remember in March 2005, Dilfer was traded to the Browns and named starting QB for the 2005 season.

He was also our supposed "veteran leader" charged with mentoring rookie QB Charlie Frye.

But, then things went sour.

Dilfer wanted out of Cleveland due to a behind the scenes dispute with then offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon.

Frye replaced Dilfer as the starter that season. In Dilfer's lone season for the Browns, he passed for 2,321 yards and 11 TDs. He also threw 12 interceptions and fumbled the ball 9 times (losing 7 of those).

Let us also not forget that prior to his stint in Cleveland, Dilfer won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, and then was released.

So, in his career, Dilfer was released after winning a Super Bowl, and he was replaced by Charlie Frye. Let's face it, he has a lot to be sour about and now someone is giving him air time.

Now, I'm not saying I totally disagree with Dilfer. In fact, I do think the Browns organization has some problems. But, listening to him rant it's pretty obvious he's still bitter and is wearing blinders.

Quinn Era Begins -- Finally!

The Browns announced moments ago that Brady Quinn will start at quarterback against the Broncos on Thursday.

All I can say is: it's about time! What took so long to make this decision?

It may be too late to save the season, but at least we can rejoice about something.

Let's go Browns!!!

Week 9 (Midseason) Grades

We're at the mid-way point of the season. Eight games played, eight more to go. So far, the Browns are 3-5 — needless to say, NOT where we wanted to be at this point when the season started.

Through the first half of the season, the Browns have been erratic. Ups and downs. Highlights and low lights. Wins and losses (and more losses). Flashes of brilliance as well as incompetence. In a word, the Browns have been inconsistent. Well, they have been consistently inconsistent, so that have that going for them.

Today, not only am I going to present you with my Week 9 Grades from that horrible loss to the Ravens yesterday, in parentheses I'll present my grade for the first half of the season.

Offense

• Offensive Line - The protection wasn't horrible yesterday and the Ravens do have the number one run defense ... add to that the fact that Tucker was missing and it's not surprising we couldn't really move the ball on the ground. Yesterday, they played decently enough.
  Grade: C+ (C)
  
• Tight Ends - Winslow and Heiden had a combined seven receptions for 89 yards. They are two of the best tight ends in the league and compliment each other well ... when used correctly. Winslow did have a pass interference penalty, but it was forgivable seeing as how if he hadn't committed it, it would have most-likely been an interception.
  Grade: A- (B+)
  
• Wide Receivers - Stallworthless was out again yesterday ... sure glad we gave him a bunch of money to join the team this year. Edwards, while he was able to haul in four catches for 84 yards and a TD, also dropped two huge ones. That's a league-leading 12 dropped passed for "the LeBron James of football" this year. Sadly, Jurevicius remains on the IR and will not be able to play at all this season.
  Grade: D (D+)
  
• Running Backs - Jamal had 19 carries for only 49 yards. What's the word he used to describe his only getting the ball 12 times the last time we lost to the Ravens? Oh yeah, it was "pathetic." Well, I don't think 19 carries is much better, but I do think our running game was again "pathetic." Harrison and Wright didn't see much action for some reason.
  Grade: D+ (C)
• Quarterbacks - In a league where a majority of the QBs are completing 60% of their passes, DA continues to hover just below 50%. Yesterday, he played OK at times, throwing two TDs. The biggest stat, though, is his one INT. Yesterday, DA played as well as he has all season and it all comes down to this: Can he win games consistently? The answer is a resounding no.
  Grade: D (F)
• Summary - Pathetic. With so many "playmakers" on this offense, why is it the Browns aren't putting up 30+ points every game? Perhaps it's poor coaching, inflated egos and no desire to win.
  Overall Grade: C (D+)
  

Defense

• Defensive Line - Can we clone Shaun Rogers and make whole defense out of his clones? Because he's the only one on this defense who's actually making a difference. Poor guy probably regrets coming here now (then again, we're still better than Detroit).
  Grade: C (B+)
  
• Linebackers - If it weren't for D'Qwell Jackson, I wouldn't even know we had linebackers. This needs to be a serious area of focus this offseason.
  Grade: D+ (D+)
  
• Safeties & Corners - This group gave up some huge plays yesterday and made me regret praising them these past few weeks. This looked like the unit from the Dallas game, not the one that rebounded and has been playing decently the rest of the season.
  Grade: D+ (C)
  
• Summary - When your team scores 27 points on the Ravens, you should win. Right? Then again, a defense depends on it's offense to do more than attain just two first downs in the last 20 minutes of the game.
  Overall Grade: D+ (C+)
  

Special Teams and Coaches

• Special Teams - Cribbs has seven kick returns for 237 yards, including a 92-yard TD return, plus three punt returns for 41 yards. Dawson nailed both his field goal attempts, including a career-long 54-yarder. All in all, the special teams accounted for nearly half the team's points yesterday.
  Grade: A (B+)
  
• Coaches - Romeo himself summed it up in his post-game press conference when he said he didn't know how to get the best out of his players. Well, unfortunately for him, that what he is supposed to do.
  Grade: F (F)
  

Good teams aren't inconsistent. Good teams win close games. Good team win the games they're suppose to win. Good teams play with fire and energy against division rivals. Good team finish games. The Browns have displayed none of these qualities. But, we still love 'em. Why?

DA Not the Biggest Problem

That's right, I said it. Derek Anderson is NOT the biggest problem facing the Browns. The BIGGEST problem is Romeo Crennel.

I've been a big defender of Romeo's in the past ... up until this season. His incompetence has shown again and again. He's stubborn and clearly doesn't belong in a head-coaching role in the NFL.

His explanation for yesterday's disappointing loss to Baltimore — the the comment you're probably hearing a lot today:

"We couldn't muster up enough energy to win the game."

Yep, that's our Romeo. Surprisingly, he was able to muster up enough energy to admit that. How can you blame the team for not being able to muster up enough energy to beat a division rival at home — leading by 14 points in the third quarter — if they look to the sidelines and see an emotionless coach who clearly doesn't know what he's doing.

Another comment Romeo made is yesterday's post-game press conference, and one which is getting considerable less play than the one above is when he said he "doesn't know how to get the most out of his players."

Umm, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that what a head coach is suppose to be able to do?

By admitting that a) his team couldn't muster enough energy to win and that b) he doesn't know how to get the most out of his players, I can only assume yesterday's post-game press conference was Romeo's "letter of resignation." Or, at the very least, it's two good reasons he should be fired NOW.

Let's face it. This season is pretty much over. Romeo is NOT a good coach and he admits it. Something has to be done. How many second chances are we going to give this guy?

DA Does it Again

Yep, that's right. Derek Anderson has shown us his magic again. He was magically able to suck yet again and throw an interception in the fourth quarter, which Terrell Suggs returned 42 yards for a TD.

The Raven won, 37-27.

Oh, don't get me wrong ... I know it was more than just Derek Anderson's fault the Browns lost yesterday. But, as the genius announcing team of Rich Gannon and Kevin Harlon noted before the game: if Derek Anderson plays well, the Browns will play well; but if DA struggles, the Browns will struggle. Gee, why hasn't anyone ever made that observation before?

This season has been up and down, just as DA has been up and down. One week, DA and the Browns play great and beat the Giants. The next, DA and the Browns struggle and lose a winnable game against the Redskins. The next week, DA and the Browns play OK and hold on to beat the Jaguars.

The question prior to yesterday's game, of course, was: which Browns team would show up? Turns out, both showed up. In the early-going, it was the lackadaisical team who looks flat. Then, all of a sudden, DA and the Browns burst onto the scene and fought back from a 10-point deficit thanks to Josh Cribbs' kickoff return for a TD.

But, then something else magical happened again. Braylon Edwards, who up until midway through the third quarter was actually catching passes, pulled the old disappearing talent trick. He dropped not one, but two, pivotal passes and the Browns essentially fell apart.

DA took his cues from his struggling receiver and began making poor decisions. He was lucky it was only one interception, because his passes became so erratic there could have been at least three picks.

Of course, it didn't help that the Browns' secondary forgot how to cover a receiver deep. But, that's another issue.

I know I'm going to get hammered for placing a lot of the blame for yesterday's loss on Anderson. I don't care. Sure, there were a lot of factors that contributed to yesterday's loss. In my mind, other than Crennel, Anderson is the biggest problem.

I'm sick of losing. I'm sick of inconsistent play. I'm sick of watching an undisciplined team commit stupid mistakes and costly penalties. I'm sick of hearing announcers call DA a Pro-Bowler. I'm sick of seeing Braylon celebrate like he won the Super Bowl when he catches one pass, then follow it up with a big drop. I'm sick of Romeo. I'm sick of Derek Anderson. I'm sick of mediocrity. I'm sick of losing.

Blogging with Enemy - Ravens, part II

You may remember I traded questions with Ravens blogger Tony Lombardi the last time the Browns and Ravens faced off. I thought it would be interesting to re-visit him now that our two teams are meeting again to see what he has to say about the season thus far.

1) How has your perception of the Ravens changed since the beginning of the season?

After a collection of rather dismal preseason performances, expectations for the Ravens were fairly low with most predicting anywhere from 4-7 wins. However, given the development of the offensive line and Joe Flacco and the watered down 2008 version of the NFL, anything is possible. With the heightened level of opportunity afforded by parity, expectations have risen and at this point in the season sitting at a record of 4-3, a playoff berth is within the realm of reason.

2) Midway through the season, what's your best-possible and worst-possible scenarios for how the Ravens will finish?

Well the best scenario would of course be for the Ravens to run the table as they did back in 2000 but that is clearly unrealistic. An optimistic outlook for the season would be for them to split their remaining games on the road and win their home games where they’ve generally been very tough to beat. That would leave the Ravens with a mark of 10-6 or 11-5.

Pessimistically speaking, the Ravens could return home after a 3 game road trip beginning with their visit to Cleveland this weekend with a record of 4-6. They would then have six games left with four of them at home. The road game against the pansy Bengals looks like a “W” but the other road game is against Dallas in what could be the last home game played in Texas Stadium. That looks like a loss.

The four home games are all against tough opponents: Philadelphia, Washington, Jacksonville and Pittsburgh. They could lose all of those games and then find themselves staring at the same 5-11 record as they finished with in ’07. But that said even in the worst case scenario, they should be able to pluck off a win or two at home. My best guess, when you look at the Ravens, what you will find is an 8-8 team.

3) What's your thoughts on the rest of the AFC North? Are the Steelers for real? What's wrong with Cleveland this year? Is there any hope for the Bengals?

All of the AFC North teams have weaknesses. The Steelers have struggled to protect Ben Roethlisberger and I just don’t see him making it through the season without missing some time. They are a pretty banged up team but they are well coached and I expect them to win the division.

The Browns I thought were overrated entering the season and I don’t think they get to the quarterback enough. Outside of Shaun Rogers, their front seven on defense is rather pedestrian and Kamerion Wimbley has to be disappointing Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel with his inability to make plays. He’s had only 3 sacks over the last 17 games – clearly not what they expected from him. I see the Browns hovering around .500 at best.

As for the Bengals, they are a doormat and I don’t see them making an impact for a couple of years. They need to clean house beginning with Marvin Lewis. Just a bad organization there.

4) What has been your biggest surprise -- good or bad -- this season?

For the Ravens the biggest surprise is how well the offensive line has played thus far. They are young and relatively inexperienced but they are well-coached and they show promise despite the injuries that they’ve suffered. The disappointments are all on offense: Willis McGahee, Todd Heap and Mark Clayton. McGahee showed up out of shape at summer camp and still isn’t close to 100%. Heap looks like a shell of the player he once was and appears to have lost a couple of steps and hasn’t been as sure-handed as he once was. Clayton is a disappointing former first round pick with only 13 catches for 98 yards in 7 games.

The biggest surprise in the league this year would have to be the Tennessee Titans. They don’t appear to be particularly good yet they are 7-0. They’ve learned how to win. On the other side of the coin, I’d say that the Chargers, Colts, Jaguars and Vikings are the biggest disappointments. Each of these teams appeared were forecasted by many to go very deep into the playoffs. Now any of them need a little luck to dance at all in the postseason.

5) What's your prediction for Sunday's game?

This week’s game between the Ravens and Browns will be a typical AFC North slugfest. I see the Browns trying to take the early lead by taking shots down field. But that is exactly what the Ravens expect and when it doesn’t work, they’ll bang it inside with Jamal Lewis and that plays right into the hands of the Ravens. For me the difference in this game boils down to this: Can the Ravens throw the ball against the Browns better than the Browns throw it against the Ravens? I say yes and consequently the Ravens walk away with a tough 20-17 victory.

Be sure to check out my answers to Tony's questions at his blog. Go Browns!