Just Win, Mangini

Dear Mr. Mangini,

I know I've been tough on you since Week 3. When you switched from Brady Quinn to Derek Anderson, you lost my respect.

I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt since you were hired — and defended every seemingly illogical move you made. But, that one single bone-headed decision was the last straw.

Since the Bye Week, with Quinn back at QB, a lot of the negativity seems to have faded. Sure, the Browns still haven't won a game and some are still calling for you to be fired, but the team is starting to finally show signs of week-to-week improvement.

That's all I'd asked for coming into this season — consistent improvement. We didn't see that through the first half of the season, but we're seeing it now.

I realize many pieces of the puzzle are still missing (and, many of the pieces we already had are broken), but you're starting to make me a believer again. I'm not delusional, and by no means am I completely letting you off the hook for this disastrous season.

I'm asking you, though, as a die-hard Browns fan, to please just win tonight. I know it's not all up to you to win games, but as head coach it's your responsibility to put a product out on the field each week that is competitive. You haven't got a lot to work with, I know.

You've said you circled this game on the calendar as soon as the schedule was released. You've said you understand this rivalry. I hope you truly mean this. I hope you've got a game plan that will shock everyone and knock the Steelers out of the playoffs.

Many are saying that a win tonight by the Browns could save your job. I don't know if that's true — deep down, I doubt your job is in any real danger, win or lose. It's been reported that this team of players — many of whom we've never heard of before today — are more united than any Browns team in recent memory ... all because of you.

You've probably heard, "Just beat Pittsburgh" from many Browns fans. Short of a winning season, the only thing we really want is to beat the Steelers. You know this. Your quarterback — a lifelong Browns fan — knows this. So please, Mr. Mangini, deliver us a win tonight.

Forget about all the negativity surrounding this organization. Forget about the negativity heaped on you by the Cleveland media (how about a little faith, guys?). Don't pay any attention to the sickening sight of an over-abundance of Steeler fans in the stadium tonight. Don't get cute, just go out there and win.

Just win!

Sincerely,

A Die-Hard Browns Fan

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Bring on the Squealers

OK, I know the Browns are a dismal 1-11. They're riddled with injuries and loaded with sub-par talent on both sides of the ball. Regardless, yesterday's 30-23 loss to the Chargers has given me some hope for Thursday night's game against the Steelers.

Why, oh why have I suddenly returned to my preseason optimistic self? Well, there's many reasons why I think our Brownies have a good chance Thursday night.

• The Chargers are a tough, playoff caliber team — a much tougher team than the Steelers. And yet, the Browns played tough and gave themselves a chance to win.

• The Steelers have dropped four in a row — FOUR IN A ROW — losing to the Oakland Raiders yesterday. They're the defending Super Bowl champs, for crying out loud, and yet they're a dismal 6-6 after losing FOUR IN A ROW. This team is simply not used to being in that position.

• Despite a lack of high-caliber talent with which to work, Brady Quinn is finding a way to sustain drives and score touchdowns. If the defense can play better than they have lately, I truly believe Quinn will give the Browns a good chance to win Thursday night.

• I'm not gonna say I told you so, because I know it's only been a few games, but anyone who still thinks Quinn has questionable arm strength is (and always was) a moron. Also, in the past three games, Quinn is 61-of-112 with seven touchdowns and ZERO interceptions. Take that, DA fans.
  

• The Browns are due. Tim Couch was QB the last time the Browns beat the Steelers. It's been too long ... I truly think it's the Browns turn to win.

• This game is about pride. The Steelers can pretty much kiss their playoff hopes goodbye after yesterday's loss, so this game is no longer about their ability to keep the Browns from playing spoiler. It's simply a good old-fashioned rivalry game between two football teams from blue-collar towns — and it's going to be cold.

• This is Mangini's chance to prove himself. Say what you will about his coaching philosophy and be critical about every move he makes — hell, I soured on him in Week 3 — but if the Browns beat the Steelers this Thursday night, no one will be talking about firing Mangini. A 2-14 season with a win against the Steelers would be better than a 3-13 season without a win against the Steelers.

• I'm going to the game. The last time I went to a Prime Time game, it was the Monday Night Football game against the Giants last season and the Browns shocked everyone. I think they can pull off the same magical performance Thursday night, because I'll be there to witness it.

If those aren't enough reasons to get you pumped up for the Browns and Steelers this week, then get this: In 1980, the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers came in to Cleveland and Brian Sipe rallied the Kardiac Kids from a 26-14 4th quarter deficit over an injury riddled Steelers team to win, 27-26. See any similarities? The 2009 Steelers are defending Super Bowl champions and are also injury-riddled.

This is a video of the Browns' first TD drive of that game — a pass from Sipe to Calvin Hill. I think Thursday night will be another classic battle between these two teams, reminiscent of the good ol' days when the rivalry was competitive.



Go Browns!

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Priceless Win

The Browns won! OMG!!! I can hardly believe it! The Mangenius has finally delivered a win to us desperate Clevelanders! I can't believe I lost faith in his glorious decision-making!!! The Browns are, once again, winners!

Let's break down yesterday's win:

Passing Yards: 22

Anderson's QB Rating: 15.1

Third Down Efficiency: 4-of-16

Punts: 9

Trips to the Red Zone: 2

Points off Red Zone Trips: 0

Touchdowns: 0

Field Goals: 2

Sucking Slightly Less than Your Opponent: Priceless

Perhaps we could petition Roger Goodell to let us play the Bills every week. Go Browns!

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Shame on You, Mangini

Dear Mr. Mangini,

I thought you were better than that. I really did.

I'll be honest, I wasn't at all thrilled when you were hired as the new coach of our beloved Browns so soon into the coaching search. After all, we just ran a former Belichik underling out of town and here you are, another Belichik underling. Let's not forget, this town already had the real thing at one time (a time when Belichik wasn't commonly referred to as a football genius).

But, I gave you a chance. I threw all my support behind you, because you were now the man. You were in charge of this beloved franchise and that demanded my support as a Browns fan.

I liked what I saw in the way you chose to run things. You were no-nonsense. You were secretive and you did not care what the media or anyone said about your ridiculous QB competition throughout the preseason. Clearly, this was your team and you were prepared to run it the way you wanted to run it, regardless of what anyone else said.

I liked that about you. I defended you. I said, "Give this guy a chance. Let him coach."

Then, yesterday happened. Yesterday, as the team continued to struggle against a superior team, you succumbed to the same pressure other failed coaches in this town have succumbed to: You gave in to the idiotic pressure of the Cleveland media.

Fans, and the media, in this town are notoriously impatient. Football is in our blood and we all think we know what's best for our team. When our team is losing, we second-guess every decision the head coach makes.

For the past two weeks, as the offense has struggled, the Cleveland media has looked for someone to blame. Brady Quinn was an easy target. After all, he's the quarterback; the face of the team. You and I both know he hasn't been the problem. The team as a whole is the problem.

The Cleveland media has been critical of Quinn, calling for you to replace him with Derek Anderson. Never mind that the Cleveland media was calling for Romeo Crennel to bench Anderson in favor of Quinn just last season (that's another thing about the Cleveland media; not only are they impatient, they also have a short memory).

All last week, you rejected the thought of replacing Quinn with Anderson to the cries of the Cleveland media. Quinn is your quarterback, you'd say. I thought you meant it.

Then, yesterday, after a lackluster first half, you panicked. Quinn was 6-of-8 for 34 yards and an interception. I'll be the first to say he wasn't playing at the top of his game, but 6-of-8 is hardly bad numbers when you consider the defense he was facing and the lack of tools with which he has to work.

No matter, you gave in (or, should I say, gave up?). You started Anderson in the second half. Did he provide that spark everyone said he would? Nope. Not even close. Sure, he was 11-of-19 for 92 yards, but produced two big 3s: a field goal and THREE interceptions.

I'm sure you realize, that if Quinn was as willing to wing the ball down field with reckless abandon like Anderson, then he too could have had 92 yards passing and THREE interceptions. Of course, I thought you already knew this and that was why you chose Quinn in the first place and were, supposedly, standing by your choice.

I'm not as disappointed in the loss yesterday as I am in your lack of judgement. I expected more from you. You put on a good tough-guy show, but in reality that's all it is: a show. You gave in to the Cleveland media just like every coach before you.

When did you forget that you're the coach, and that you call the shots? When did you decide a bunch of sports reporters knew how to coach better than you? If Mr. Lerner wanted a journalist to coach the Browns, he would have hired one. He hired you, though, and you let him down. You let us all down.

You lost a lot of support when the Browns went 0-2. Now, at 0-3, you've lost a lot more support, but not because the team is 0-3. No, you lost fan support -- this fan's support -- because you displayed a complete lack of judgement.

The Cleveland media's decision to pull Quinn in favor of Anderson really didn't work out too well for you, did it? Now you've got a big decision to make as the Browns get ready to host the Bengals. What are you going to do? Perhaps you should be the one asking the questions at press conferences.

If you're a good coach, then coach. If you don't trust yourself as a coach, then keep listening to the Cleveland media. Keep letting them make your decisions for you. It's a sure way to obtain a ticket out of Cleveland; just ask your predecessors.

Sincerely,

A Disgruntled Browns Fan


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Bring on Baltimore

It's a whole new week. Let's forget about the first two weeks. Time to focus on the next opponent: The Baltimore Ravens.

Ugh, the Ravens. They're 2-0 and atop the AFC North division (way to go, Bears!). By all means, this is no easy game for the Browns (of course, what game is easy for this team?). It could be a slaughter ... but I don't think it will be.

The Browns have their work cut out for them, that's for sure.

Mangini continues to be the voice of reason among the panicky Cleveland media. Two games, two losses and the media is declaring Mangini, Quinn, Alex Mack and everyone else associated with the Browns a complete and utter failure. Everyone, that is, except Derek Anderson, who everyone seems to think holds the key to turning this organization around. How soon we forget.

From the Department of Duh, comes this recent article: Mangini Sticking with Quinn. Seriously? Why is this even news? It's been two freakin' games, people! You expected to be 2-0 at this point? Gimme a break!

Whether you like the guy or not, Mangini was hired to coach the team. Let him coach. Let him do his job. Two games is not enough time to pass judgement.

I simply don't get where this attitude is coming from. Prior to the season, you survey any reasonable Browns fan and they would have told you their expectations for the season were quite low. But now, after only two games, everyone seems to be calling for Mangini's and Quinn's heads.

What is wrong with you people? I want to see the Browns succeed like every other Browns fan, but I'm not ready to scrap everything already. It sure is tough to be a head coach and a quarterback in Cleveland, and I'm sure Mangini and Quinn both knew this ahead of time. Let's do something radical, Browns fans. Let's give them a fair shot for a change!

Oh well, I started off this post by saying it's time to forget about the first two games and focus on the Ravens, then I proceeded to do the complete opposite.

Baltimore is tough. The Browns need our support this week. Let's give it to them.

Go Browns!

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Week 2 Grades

Needless to say, Sunday’s loss to the Broncos was disappointing. OK, maybe it was beyond disappointing. Is it too much to ask that the Browns at least be competitive for four quarters each week? I don’t think so. Especially against a team that’s really not that great, despite it’s 2-0 record.

I’d also like to point out, not to toot my own horn or anything, I’ve been saying all along that the prolonged QB competition by Mangini was a brilliant play to keep the media focused on that, instead of other problem areas on the team.

Case in point, this article now surfaces. Hmm, why wasn’t there a media outcry during training camp about the lack of improvement to the run defense? Maybe it's because the media fell hook, line and sinker for Mangini’s QB Derby façade.

OK, that’s enough of that. Let’s pass out some grades.

Offense
Offensive Line — The O-line’s performance was, in a word, pathetic this week. Elvis Dumervil, who sacked Quinn four times, manhandled John St. Clair. FOUR TIMES!!! We’re not talking about Quinn scrambles out of the pocket after going through all his check and is chased down by Dumervil kind of sacks either. We’re talking about Dumervil bum-rushes the backfield and gets to Quinn as soon as he gets the snap kind of sacks. The run blocking was terrible too.
Grade: F

Tight Ends — Let’s see here … did we even have any tight ends in the game? I can’t seem to recall any tight ends having any spectacular receiving numbers or even being open down-field, and it’s quite obvious there weren’t any tight ends blocking on the line. So puzzling. If only the Browns had a stud, Pro-Bowl caliber tight end ... Oh, wait, they did.
Grade: D

Wide Receivers — Nice job by Braylon Edwards, who pulled in six catches for 92 yards … and that’s about it. I think, and I’m going out on a limb here, perhaps the biggest problem with the lack of production from the offense stems from the fact that Edwards is OUR ONLY RECIEVER. Seriously, who else is Quinn going to throw to? Cribbs? I think we all see how well that works.
Grade: C (for Braylon)

Running Backs — With the way the line blocked on Sunday, I can’t really fault Jamal Lewis too much for gaining only 38 yards on 14 carries. I still believe Adrian Peterson wouldn’t be the Adrian Peterson we know today if the Browns would have drafted him instead, because even he couldn’t run behind this line.
Grade: C-

Quarterbacks — Quinn didn’t play great, that’s obvious. He was just 18-of-31 passing for 161 yards and a QB rating of 58.7. Pretty bad. Say what you will about me just being a Brady Quinn fan, but I still don’t think it’s fair to declare him a failure after these two games. Quinn plays a smarter, safer game than Derek Anderson. Quinn takes what the defense gives him, and with just one real wide receiver, the defense doesn’t give him much. Critics say he has a weak arm and cannot throw the ball more than 3 yards. Bullshit. He’s got plenty of arm strength. The problem is, there’s no one downfield to throw it to. People simply like to complain. Already, people have forgotten the interceptions that come with Anderson’s cannon arm and willingness to throw the ball down field for anyone to grab. Yes, Quinn could have played a lot better — even he admits that — but I don’t know a QB in the NFL who could win with no blocking, no receivers and no running game.
Grade: D

Summary — No touchdowns. Only 200 total yards of offense. Only one trip to the red zone. Enough said.
Grade: D

Defense
Defensive Line — How about that Shaun Rogers? Five solo tackles! And that, Blawg Pounders, is the highlight of the defensive line.
Grade: D

Linebackers — Andra Davis had 10 tackles, including two for a loss … oh, wait, he doesn’t play for us anymore. D’oh! Well, our guys did OK too.
Grade: C-

Safeties & Corners — Let’s see here: Gaffney had three catches for 82 yards, Stokley had five catches for 70 yards and Marshall had three catches for 34 yards. Hey, way to hold Marshall to just 34 yards!
Grade: D

Summary — Obviously, there are some problems on defense. We can’t stop the run, and we can’t cover the long passes. Sure, it’s difficult to place so much blame on a unit that spends so much time on the field because the offense is so inept, but it’s not like we were keeping Peyton Manning out of the end zone for three quarters.
Grade: D

Coaching\Special Teams
Special Teams — How sore do you think Dave Zastudil’s leg is this week? Six punts for 272 yards is a pretty good workout. On the bright side, Phil Dawson connected on both his field goal tries and Josh Cribbs learned to take a touchback on a kickoff. Also, how about that fumble recovery on the opening kickoff? Pretty sweet, huh?
Grade: B

Coaching — I thought the play calling was a little bit better this week, it was the execution that failed. Also, no Wildcat Offense, so that’s a major plus in my book. As a whole, the team only had four penalties for 43 yards, so that’s not so bad. Defensively, I liked the blitz packages, but it really left the secondary vulnerable. In the end, though, it’s still a loss.
Grade: C-

Intangibles — Two words: Brown pants. Terrible.
Grade: F

Summary — Game 2 of the Mangini Era did not fair any better than Game 1. In fact, it was worse. I’m not ready to throw in the towel on Mangini yet, though. I’m far from it. He’s not panicking, so I’m not either. At this point, Romeo Crennel would have shown signs of confusion as to what needs to be done. Mangini is the complete opposite. Whether he’s telling the truth or not, he says he knows what the problem areas are, and that they’re fixable. As I’ve said again and again, I don’t expect a Super Bowl; I only expect marked improvement each week. I didn’t see any against the Broncos. Here’s hoping we see some next week.
Overall Grade: D

Go Browns!

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Completely Offensive

I'm not too happy about yesterday's game.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not jumping the gun and declaring the Mangini Era a failure already. I know it's only the second game. It baffles me that prior to the season, many Browns fans' expectations were not at all high and yet, after two losses, they're up in arms about how horrible the Browns are this year.

No, I'm not one of those people. I care about the team and I want to see them do well. I'm also realistic in thinking it's going to take a lot longer to turn this team around than probably most people are willing to allow.

Still, I can be upset about yesterday's loss because I saw almost no improvement. Win or lose, I expect to see at least some improvement from the Browns each and every week. I don't have Super Bowl or playoff dreams for this season, I simply want to see marked improvement each and every week. Yesterday, I saw none.

Today, that's really all I have to say about it. I need to step away from it for a day, then come back tomorrow with some grades.

Go Browns!

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The Hits Keep Coming

Boy, I tell ya, the Browns just can't catch a break. Forget about any Cleveland Curse, this is just plain unlucky.

First, although he wasn't our coach at the time, Mangini gets fined by the NFL for covering up Favre's injury last season. Now, the cover of Sports Illustrated features a shot of Adrian Peterson posterizing D'Qwell Jackson with the giant headline "Dominator."

Of course, lets be honest here: No matter what team the Vikings played in Week 1, they would have been the ones dominated. It's simply a bad coincidence our Browns were the unlucky victim.

Go Browns!

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Week 1 Grades

It may be cliché, but to say you must play all four quarters in order to win a football game truly describes the Browns 34-20 loss to Minnesota. As I mentioned yesterday, it was a tale of two halves — one good, one bad — for the Browns. Unfortunately, the bad half out-weighed the good half.

I tried my best to stay positive this off-season, and I’m not giving in to the eternally pessimistic Browns attitude yet, but it’s becoming more difficult to stay up beat.

Honestly, though, the Browns finished 4-12 last year, fired both the head coach and GM, and pretty much declared it rebuilding time … again. Kinda makes it hard for a fan to find positives to focus on, but I’ve tried.

I’ve tried my best to support Mangini during the off-season, convinced Quinn would be the starter and that the whole QB competition would pay off — I bought in to Mangini’s attitude of “competition breeds excellence.” Clearly, though, Quinn would have greatly benefited from the experience that comes from taking consistent snaps with the first team.

I supported Mangini’s attitude of keeping his decisions close to the vest, not letting the media in on his plans — and I still do. I want to let him do his job. Whether I agree with his tactics or not, I have to support him and let him do his job the way he wants to do it.

It’s too early — way, way too early — to crucify Mangini. He did what he thought was best. He’s the coach and he was hired to make decisions. Sunday’s loss is not the end of the world. It was only one game — Mangini’s first game as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. It wouldn’t be fair to judge him already. And, it wouldn’t be fair to judge Quinn already based on that one game.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I can’t grade them — and the rest of the team — on Sunday’s loss to the Vikings.

Offense
Offensive Line — Quinn had decent protection. Not great, but decent. It could have been much worse, had it not been for Joe Thomas. Thomas was matched up against sack-machine Jared Allen, who he handled just fine. Allen made just one tackle all day. Rookie center Alex Mack also held his own for most of the day against nose tackle Pat Williams.
Grade: B

Tight Ends — Robert Royal led all receivers with four catches for 60 yards and caught the Browns first offensive TD since last November. If he keeps that up, I may not miss Winslow as much as I thought I would.
Grade: B+

Wide Receivers — There was some definite miscommunication between Quinn and the receivers (ahem, Braylon) on which routes were supposed to be run. Maybe it was Quinn’s fault or maybe it was the receivers’. All I know is, this is why it’s important for the starting QB to take reps in practice with the first team.
Grade: C+

Running Backs — Jamal Lewis had just 57 yards rushing on 11 carries. Not too good. Of course, the Viking do have one of the best run-defenses in the NFL. Lewis also caught the ball three times for 47 yards. Rookie James Davis, who was in a minor car accident Saturday morning, was a non-factor with his five rushing yards on four carries.
Grade: C-

Quarterbacks — Quinn posted a QB rating of 74.1, completing 21-of-35 passes for 205 yards, with a TD, an INT and a fumble. Not great numbers, but not terrible either. I expect him only to get better as he’ll now have full-time reps with the first team in practice each week.
Grade: C

Summary — Two first-half drives resulted in points, but they were only field goals, not TDs. A total collapse in the third quarter allowed the Vikings to get ahead unanswered. A fourth-quarter TD drive may have been too little, too late and during “garbage time,” but at least it got the “no offensive TDs since Nov. 2008” monkey off the team’s back.
Overall Grade: C-

Defense
Defensive Line — Despite sitting out the entire preseason with a foot injury, Pro-Bowl tackle Shaun Rogers did play Sunday and recorded five tackles (two for a loss) including a sack. His presence was felt mostly in the first half, when Adrian Peterson was held to just 25 yards rushing.
Grade: C+

Linebackers — D’Qwell Jackson led the team in tackles with 10 and newcomer Eric Barton added eight, including one for a loss which, as my brother pointed out during the game, is probably more than Andra Davis had all last season. Kamerion Wimbley had three tackles, including a sack.
Grade: B-

Safeties & Corners — Abram Elam, Brodney Pool and Brandon McDonald combined for 18 tackles and two sacks. Brett Favre didn’t have too many passing yards, but then with Peterson gaining yards at will, he didn’t have to.
Grade: C

Summary — They held tough for most of the game, sacked Favre four times and forced the Vikings to punt six times. But, Peterson still had 180 yards rushing. Clearly, there are some holes that need fixing.
Grade: C-

Coaching\Special Teams
Special Teams — Josh Cribbs had 207 return yards (punt and kick) and a TD. You can’t really ask for much more from a return specialist, but I will: Please, Mr. Cribbs, learn to take a touchback every once in a while. Even if the Browns were ahead 13-10 at the half, they still lost the field position battle in the first half.
Grade: B

Coaching — I question the conservative play calling and I definitely disagree with the Wildcat Offense formation on the goal line. I think that’s a situation that could have resulted in seven points if the real offense was in the game. The penalties were atrocious — 8 for 66 yards. That’s a direct reflection of the coaching. Now that the games count, we’ll see if Mangini’s methods during training camp were hit or miss.
Grade: C-

Intangibles — I must say, as much as I dislike most announcers and as much as I dislike Brian Billick as a coach, he was fantastic in the booth Sunday. He really lent some good insight into the game. For instance, when he explained why Braylon’s catch didn’t count after it was reviewed, I understood the reasoning and accepted it.
Grade: B

Summary
The Browns lost, and that’s the bottom line. I’m realistic, and I’m not expecting a Super Bowl season or even the playoffs this season. But, I do expect to see improvement each and every week.

I also expect the Browns to be competitive for four quarters each game and cut down on mental mistakes. They played OK for one half, and bad for the other. I’ve tried my best to be positive, and I’ll continue to do so.

Yes, I'm aware my grades seem a bit higher than one might expect. As I said, I'm trying to stay positive and focus on the good things I saw Sunday. Sure, they lost, but there were some good things on which to build. Overall Grade: C

Go Browns!

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The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

It was a tale of two halves yesterday in the loss to the Vikings. In the end, though, it's pretty clear the Browns still have some work to do if they're going to compete with the elite teams.

As the title of this Blawg post indicates, I saw some good things, some bad things and some ugly things.

The Good
Almost the entire first half was good. The Browns shot down Adrian Peterson for only 25 yards and the defense held tough on many series.

Offensively, the play-calling was a little too safe for my liking, but it set the tone for some good things. Brady led the offense down the field right away, but had to settle on a field goal. Still, they at least were able to come away with points and actually led the Vikings at halftime.

The Bad
The Browns were flat -- offensively and defensively -- in the second half. Mid-way through the third quarter, it looked as if the defense had given in to defeat.

Brady's lack of snaps with the first team during training camp showed, as miscommunication with the receivers led to many missed opportunities.

The Ugly
Penalties. Way too many penalties. This is something the Browns will need to fix fast, and I know Mangini will continue to address it.

The Browns had two opportunities to score from the 2 yard line and fail miserably on both attempts. Why? Because of the stupid Wildcat Offense.

I don't understand why just about every team in the league feels the need to adopt this fad formation. It's not exciting, it's stupid. Stop it.

Nothing against Josh Cribbs, I think he's a fabulous special teamer, but any team who counts on him as a major component of its offense has problems. From 2 yards out, Quinn could have easily punched it in on a QB sneak. Or give the ball to Lewis. Just don't run the Wildcat, let alone two times in a row.

Overall, the Browns exceeded expectations in the first half and resorted to their old self in the second. I agree with Mangini, however, in that there were enough positive things yesterday on which to build.

Go Browns!

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It's Game Day!

It's finally here: Game Day! This is it, Week 1 of the 2009 season. The Browns. The Vikings. Cleveland Browns Stadium. Can you feel the excitement?

The countdown to kickoff has begun. The pre-game shows will start in just a couple of hours. Time to get ready for some football.

Today, questions will be answered. Forget the 2008 season. Forget Romeo Crennel. Forget Phil Savage. Forget everything. There's a new regime in town. This is a different Browns team than we saw last season (about 43% different).

Today, beginning at 1 p.m., (another) new era in Cleveland Browns Football begins.

Brett Favre brings his brand new team and the NFL's leading rusher into our house today. The Vikings defense is one of the best in the league and the offense will provide a stiff test for our beloved Brownies.

Honestly, though, I have a good feeling about this game. I don't think it will be a blowout at all. I just have this gut feeling the Browns are going to come out today and play with a fire and passion like we haven't seen in a long, long time.

Don't get me wrong, shutting down Adrian Peterson is one tall order. And, breaking through the Williams Wall is near impossible. But, and I don't know what it is, I simply think the Browns are up to the challenge today.

Go Browns!

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Anderson Slips Up?

I just read some very promising news. According to reports from Berea, Derek Anderson may have let it slip that Brady Quinn, not himself, will be the Browns starting QB on Sunday against the Vikings.

Seems during Mangini's press conference, he informed the media that he has indeed let the two QBs know which one of them will start.

During his time with the media, Anderson responded to the question of whether or not it will be hard for him to keep the secret by saying:

No, because after these two minutes are over, I'm not talking to you guys. Pretty easy. Obviously the rest of us have to go about our regular preparations and continue to do what we always do.

The rest of us? As in, the rest of us non-starters? Quinn got the nod over Anderson? Well, duh! Was there really any doubt?

Of course, this could all be just an elaborate scheme to really keep the Vikings guessing. We'll find out on Sunday.

Go Browns!

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Time For Answers

The NFL regular season is finally here. No more meaningless games. No more training camp. No more quarterback competition ... oh, wait a minute. That is over, right? I mean, it's time to get ready for some football. It's too late to be playing QB Derby, right?

Oh, you're telling me Mangini has finally settled on a starting QB? Phew! I was getting worried. So, who did he go with? What? He's not telling anyone?

You mean he's just not telling the media, right? What? You mean he might not have even told the team yet? You're kidding. Surely he's told at least Brady and Derek the news. Maybe? You mean he might not have even told them what's on his mind?

Call me confused, but enough is enough. I supported Mangini and his insistence on carrying out this QB competition throughout the preseason. I supported his secrecy and unwillingness to publicly name his starter until moments before each game.

Heck, I even support Mangini in his belief that the fans and media only need to know as much as he's willing to let them know about the Browns.

But ... does withholding the name of your starting quarterback, when (let's be honest here) Minnesota couldn't care less who they face, really need to be such a big deal?

Just tell us already, Coach! We need to know! It's killing us that we don't know if Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson will take the field on Sunday. Please, please, please just tell us!

--- We interrupt this blog post to return you to your regularly scheduled author ---

Whoa ... sorry about that, Browns fans. Seems I slipped up and started to think like a member of the media for a second there. I mean, honestly, what is the media's obsession with Mangini's refusal to make his QB selection public?

What's the big deal? So, the guy doesn't want to tell us. The important thing is, he knows who his starting QB is and I'm willing to bet so does the team.

People are in such an uproar over him not telling the QBs which one of them won the competition -- "He's destroying their morale!!!" Gimme a break. How could you honestly think he hasn't told the team, let alone Brady and Derek?

Will this really force the Vikings to work twice as hard, as they'll have to prepare to face either QB? Probably not. Is that any reason for Mangini to go ahead and tell us then? Nope.

Look, if the guy wants to be all super secretive, then so be it. I've heard people criticize the guy, call him a moron and a "turd of a head coach so far" all because he doesn't feel the need to tell the media what it so desperately wants to know.

Does that really make him a bad head coach? Absolutely not. You cannot judge him yet, because THE BROWNS HAVEN'T EVEN PLAYED A GAME YET!!! Geesh! Let the guy coach a game that actually counts before you pass judgement on him. Until then, just let him play his little games with the media. It's not bothering me.

Go Browns!

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Grading the Preseason: Bears

Well, the Browns dropped this one to da Bears, but it really wasn't so bad. Considering a minimum amount of starters played in the game, it was actually a good one to watch.

Even these bubble players showed improvement in the 26-23 "loss." Of course, since hardly any starters played, it'll be much more difficult to grade the performance, but someone has to do it.

Offense

Offensive Line - Our QBs were hit eight times, and sacked four times. Our running game rushed for 103 yards. We need to do much better at protecting the QB and opening up some holes.

Grade: C+

Tight Ends - Martin Rucker and Aaron Walker stepped up and had a combined four catches for 54 yards.

Grade: C

Wide Receivers - David Patten had a few catches, and so did Brian Robiskie (remember him). Kinda hard to be as judgemental with these guys as I am with Braylon.

Grade: B

Running Backs - Davis only had 37 yards on five carries. The leading rusher, however, was Chris Jennings who ran for 59 yards on 17 carries (he also caught six passes for 42 yards).

Grade: C+

Quarterbacks - It was a shock to almost everyone that Mangini decided to sit both Anderson and Quinn. In relieve duty, Bartel and Ratliff played just OK. Bartel had better numbers, going 12-of-14 for 137 yards. Ratliff was only 8-of-20 for 71 yards, with a TD and an INT.

Grade: B-

Summary - Two TDs and three drives that ended up in Dawson's range aren't bad. Still, and I know a lot of these guys aren't going to make it past the cut later today, this team needs to keep improving.

Overall Grade: C+

Defense

Defensive Line - There was decent pressure on the QB and we did hold da Bears to less than 100 yards rushing (OK, so it was 99 yards). Not bad for a second-team scrimmage.

Grade: B

Linebackers - Leon Williams recorded a sack and that was about it out of the linebacking corp.

Grade: C-

Safeties & Corners - Coye Francies led the team with seven tackles. Ideally, you don't want your corner to lead the team in tackles.

Grade: B-

Summary - Chicago sustained some pretty long drives. Just like our offense, da Bears were able to score two TDs and get into field goal range a lot -- one more time than we were able to, unfortunately.

Grade: C

Coaching\Special Teams

Special Teams - Dawson was a perfect 3-of-3 on field goals (one from 50 yards) and Gerard Lawson returned all seven Chicago kickoffs for 231 yards. Not bad.

Grade: B

Coaching - Eight penalties for 76 yards? Still much, much too many. Plus, a team as bad as the Browns are, and are expected to be, and Mangini decides not to play the starters? Seems to me, our starters could use all the practice they can get.

Grade: C

Intangibles - Two words: Brown pants. Terrible.

Grade: F

Well, this is it. The preseason is over and it's time to focus on the games that count. If it's any indication of whether or not the Browns will be better than last season (and it's probably not), they won two more preseason games this year than they did last.

Time to get ready for Favre and the Vikings. Go Browns!

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Much Ado About Nothing

Why is everyone so upset about Mangini not naming a starting QB yet?

Last night, instead of keeping the Quinn-Anderson competition going, Mangini decided to give both QBs the night off. It seems a decision had been made -- he's just not telling us what it is.

Apparently, Mangini has seen enough but is not ready to share what he's decided. And, boy, does this seem to really piss some people off.

Let's look at this rationally, OK?

First, as I've said all along, I think the whole QB competition was merely a charade orchestrated solely for the purpose of raising Anderson's stock so we can trade him and get some value in return.

Thus far, Anderson has played well enough not to stink it up in the preseason. He posted good numbers against Detroit (the Lions, for goodness sake ... you think having him start that game wasn't planned?).

If Mangini had followed through with the rotation and started Anderson last night, it would have been a huge risk. Say Anderson goes out and lays an egg against the Bears or, worse yet, gets injured. There goes any chance of trading him and getting something in return.

On the other hand, if Mangini had started Quinn last night it would have sent the message, loud and clear, that he was the team's starting QB for the season. And, there goes the trade value of Anderson.

By giving both QBs the night off, he's keeping everyone guessing. Maybe Quinn is the starter, or maybe it's Anderson ... Who knows? A starting QB is more valuable to trade than a backup.

Now, there has been speculation by some that Mangini is keeping this a secret so as to surprise the Vikings and make them prepare for both QBs, rather than one or the other. Give. Me. A. Break.

Do you honestly think Minnesota cares who it faces in Week 1? Me neither.

Lastly, I've heard people compare Mangini's indecision about the QB to Crennel's. Let's be clear here: This is not the same at all.

Crennel, honestly, had no idea who to start at QB (hence the coin-flip decision and subsequent trading of Frye). Mangini has not once exhibited that kind of uncertainty.

The difference is, Mangini simply won't announce to the media who his starter is, whereas Crennel couldn't decide who his starter should have been. For all we know, Mangini has known all along (which I suspect is the case), but simply chooses not to share that information.

Mangini operates on a need to know basis with the media, and this something he simply believes the media doesn't need to know right now.

Did anyone every stop to think Mangini might be playing the media a little bit with this QB competition, perhaps to draw attention away from some of the other problem areas on the team? No one is talking about anything other than this QB competition. Why? Is the rest of the team that good?

Let's face it, how many big decisions have been made because coaches and management have given in to media and fan pressure? Has that ever been a good thing?

Mangini is sending a message, loud and clear, that this is his team and he'll run it however he pleases. That doesn't sound like an indecisive person to me. And, it doesn't sound like a totally bad thing either.

I just know Quinn is going to be the starting QB for the Browns this season and for many seasons to come. I don't need an official announcement today. I can wait.

Go Browns!
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And the Starter is ... Ratliff?

Surprise, surprise. The starting QB tonight is neither Quinn, nor Anderson.

No, in perhaps the most puzzling development in the Browns' QB Derby, Mangini decided to give both boys the night off tonight.

Curiouser and curiouser, this Mangini guy. Just what is he planning? And, believe me, I do believe Mangini has a Master Plan.

Is there a trade in the works for Anderson? Perhaps this is Mangini's way of keeping him healthy.

Perhaps he just wants to keep the Vikings guessing. As if anyone would pay attention to the Browns' measly QB soap opera when Minnesota brings its QB drama to town.

We'll see.

Go Browns!

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Final Countdown

The Browns conclude their preseason tonight at Soldier Field in Chicago against the Bears. This is it ... the final "game" before the regular season.

After tonight, everything the Browns do will count. After tonight, there are no more excuses. It's put up, or shut up. In just 10 days, Brett Favre and the Vikings come to Cleveland for the first game of 2009.

The Browns have many questions to answer before then, however. And, I'm not just talking about the biggest, most publicized question of the preseason: Who will be the Browns starting quarterback.

Up 'til now, Mangini has done a good job of playing out the QB competition between Anderson and Quinn. Each QB has had equal time in both practice and in "games." And, as usual, he's not decided on who will start tonight against the Bears (well, he probably has, he just isn't telling us).

As I said before, the Browns have to answer some other questions before the season begins in 10 days. For example, let's look at the running back position.

First, you've got Jamal Lewis. He may be running out of steam (didn't we know that when we signed him a few years ago?), but he's still slated as the starter. He does have the most experience, which isn't saying much since the other running backs on the roster have next to none.

Jerome Harrison, listed as Lewis' backup, has always looked pretty good when given the chance to play. He's explosive and lends an element of excitement to the offense whenever he's in the game.

But, since Harrison missed the last two preseason games with a left knee injury, rookie James Davis has filled in nicely. Perhaps the fastest guy on the team (he runs the 40 in 4.3 seconds), Davis has looked solid the last couple of weeks — enough to garner him some national attention.

Wide receiver, tight end and linebacker are three more positions where the Browns have more questions than answers. And, with Saturday's roster deadline looming, Mangini is going to have to decide fairly quickly which 22 players he's going to cut.

With so many questions and so little time, tonight's final preseason game actually seems important. Let's hope the Browns go out there and make us proud to be Browns fans.

Go Browns!

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Grading the Preseason: Titans

Two wins in a row? From the Browns? If only these games counted. On the bright side, the Browns did continue to show improvement and ... the Titans are definitely not the Lions.

The Browns showed a lot of good things Saturday night. And, some bad things. Time to pass out some grades.

Offense
Offensive Line - Looked good again, but run-blocking still needs to be better. Much, much better. Overall, though, I think they're improving.
Grade: B-

Tight Ends - Pretty much a non-factor Saturday night. If only the Browns had a stud, Pro-Bowl caliber tight end ... Oh, wait, they did.
Grade: C-

Wide Receivers - Braylon continued to rebound from last season and the Green Bay "game." He had three catches for 51 yards, including a TD catch from Brady Quinn, which he decided to hold on to this time.
Grade: B

Running Backs - Lewis gained 23 yards, just as he did last week against the Lions. This time, though, he did it in 10 carries instead of seven. James Davis (five carries, 28 yards) continues to make a case for himself as Lewis' backup.
Grade: C+

Quarterbacks - Both QBs looked "not bad." Quinn was 11-of-15 for 128 yards and a TD. Anderson was 7-of-11 for 77 yards. Could the QB Derby finally be over? Well, in some people's eyes, it is. But, the only person that matters is Mangini and he's not telling us anything.
Grade: B+

Summary - Any time you can get four scores out of your offense (three Dawson field goals and a Quinn to Edwards TD) is a decent outing. Ideally, those FGs should be TDs, but I'm not complaining.
Overall Grade: B

Defense
Defensive Line - Kerry Collins looked to be in mid-season form and the run defense still looked like Swiss cheese at times. But, the D-line does look better than it did just a few weeks ago.
Grade: B

Linebackers - As with the D-line, this unit showed signs of improvement too. Not a bad game at all.
Grade: B

Safeties & Corners - I sound like a broken record, but this unit continues to improve as well.
Grade: B

Summary - Solid overall defensive performance. Forced - and recovered - fumbles, goal line stands and an interception return for a TD makes for a good night on defense. Still, had this been a real game, I fear what Collins would have done to the defense.
Grade: B

Coaching\Special Teams
Special Teams - Outstanding performance from this unit. Dawson was Mr. Reliable on a windy night and the tackling on kickoffs was terrific.
Grade: A-

Coaching - Still too many penalties. Where was the Get Back Coach when Anderson was "tripping" the ref? Gonna be some running going on in practice this week.
Grade: B-

Intangibles - Is it just me, or does Kosar sound a lot more coherent than in past preseasons? He has actually provided valuable and interesting commentary for the entire game.
Grade: B

The Titans are definitely not the Lions. The Browns continue to get better each week. Braylon continues to hold on to the ball. Brady continues to play well when given an opportunity. Mangini continues to be tight-lipped about his plans.

The preseason is to be continued and concluded on Thursday night in Chicago. Until then, go Browns!

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Penultimate Preseason Game

This is it, the second-to-last preseason game -- the Penultimate preseason game (don't you just love that there's a word that means second-to-last?).

Tonight, the Browns will host the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium and we'll get a longer glimpse of the first strings.

Of course, don't expect to see either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson taking all the snaps with the first unit for two-plus quarters tonight. No, Mangini plans to make sure both QB's time is "broken up equally, as much as we can."

Sure, one of them will actually start the "game," but Mangini has warned everyone not to read anything into it. He's tight-lipped 'til the end, this guy. Different than Romeo, who never really said anything because he didn't have anything to say. Mangini definitely has something to say, he simply chooses not to say anything because he doesn't have to.

I mean, really, it's not anyone's business outside the Browns organization to know who the starting QB is going to be. As long as Mangini knows -- and I'm willing to bet he does -- then I'm OK with it.

This, of course, is also an obvious difference from Romeo, who either didn't really know who to start (Frye, Anderson or Quinn) or clearly choose to start the wrong guy (Anderson) without even looking at the other guy (Quinn).

It's almost refreshing to have a head coach so focused on his team, and not what the media thinks. Mangini is so team-oriented, he's reconfigured the locker room so that the players are almost forced to get to know one another.

Mangini's Browns are all about the team, and what's best for the team. I like it.

I'm not going to sit here and lie and tell you I was a Mangini fan from Day 1. No, I was pretty upset when they seemed to hire him willy-nilly. But, Mangini has definitely won me over ... for now. He won't have completely won me over until the games start to count.

The games don't officially start counting until September 13, when Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings (weird to type that) come to town. Until then, consider tonight's "game" a dress rehearsal for two-plus quarters.

Go Browns!

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We Need You, Shaun Rogers

The Browns run defense has been terrible. No question about it. They cannot stop the run to save their life. This preseason, nothing has improved. And, in fact, it's only going to get worse in the absence of Shaun Rogers, who hasn't practiced in two weeks.

Rogers was brought in last year specifically to lend some run-stopping support. He played great. Trouble was, he had little support around him. Can't expect the guy to do it all himself.

This season, the Browns defense needs his experience, explosiveness, size and leadership on the field. Having missed the two preseason games with an undisclosed injury — and with no timetable for his return coming from Mangini — Roger's absence is not a good sign for the Browns.

There is some hope, however, as he has slowly started to make his way back. Yesterday, at practice, he worked one-on-one with strength coach Tom Myslinski and also did some drills on the blocking sled. This is a great sign for the Browns defense.

Please continue to make progress, Shaun Rogers. We need you, and we need you healthy.

Go Browns!

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