Many Questions Still Remain for Browns

I was fortunate enough to attend the Browns pre-season game against the Titans Saturday night and got to see a very well played game, on both sides of the ball. The Browns finally looked like a cohesive unit on the field and the coaching is definitely the reason for that. Eric Mangini has taken a group who couldn't even sniff the Endzone last year and turned them into a machine. They've stepped up their game 200% since the pre-season disaster that was the game in Lambeau. With all that being said, there are still a few questions left to answer.


1. Who will be the Browns starting QB on September 13th?


A lot of people aren't going to like what I have to say here. Derek Anderson, at this point, in my honest opinion, gives the Browns the best chance to win. As I listened to the post-game radio show on the way home from the game I couldn't help but think to myself "Were this people watching the same game I was?" I know, I know...Brady Quinn led the only offensive touchdown drive of the evening. I get that, but you know who he did it against? A bunch of guys who won't be starting for the Titans in their first game. What did he do in his first few series? The first one was a Three & Out that started with a 5-yard throw that went straight to Josh Cribbs. Unfortunately it was straight to his feet. Also, in the first scoring drive, Quinn stalled at the 14 yard line. I realize not every trip to the Red Zone is going to result in a touchdown but the way the offense was moving, there was no reason for that drive to end.


In Derek Anderson's first drive, he threw a nice ball to the Endzone that went through Braylon Edwards' hands. He took the team down the field, 13 plays and 47 yards before settling for a Field Goal. Could he have done better? Absolutely, but I don't think Quinn's TD pass against a 2nd String Defense put him in the lead for the QB spot. Let us not forget the scoring drives that Derek Anderson has orchestrated as well. He may not have thrown the ball into the Endzone, but he has put us there. Derek needs to start the season as the starter. Period.


2. Can the Defense keep the other team out of the Endzone?


Last night started shaky for the Browns Defense as they let the Titans march down the field and score on their 2nd drive. Kerry Collins and the Titans "O" made adjustments after a Three and Out to start the game and the Browns "D" couldn't keep up. But they did make some GREAT plays! They had a Pick 6, a couple forced fumbles including one that ended what should have been a Touchdown drive by Vince Young. As great as it was to get that fumble recovery as Vince tried to get to the Endzone, there were too many mental lapses during that Tennessee drive.

3. Will the Browns stop committing STUPID penalties?

They damn well better! There were numerous flags thrown on Saturday night and a couple of them hurt the Browns pretty bad. First, there was Derek Anderson and Phil Dawson standing WELL outside of the "Players Box" on the sideline. An official ran into Anderson, fell and threw a flag for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Should have been thrown for Aggravated Stupidity. You know where players should be? In the "Players Box!" Another great kick return by Josh Cribbs was negated as well. I can't remember if any took place during the game against Green Bay but this is the 2nd week in a row that I witnessed a great return brought back due to laundry on the field. NFL players should know the proper and illegal ways to block someone. Guess which you should be doing? The proper one! I guarantee there is a worn out circle around the Browns' practice field from all the laps Mangini has these guys running.

4. Who will be the starting Running Back for the Browns?

This question initially seems to have a pretty clear cut answer: Jamal Lewis. Not so fast Cleveland fans! Have you watched a lick of the pre-season? James Davis is quickly establishing himself as the man in the backfield. I have seen him make cuts like a young...Jamal Lewis. This kid has the quickness, the ability to cut and the breakaway speed you need to be a successful back in the NFL. In my opinion, and I think I've stated it before, Jamal Lewis needs to be a 2nd & 3, 3rd &2, Goal Line guy. I think James Davis is the best option right now. He's been getting a lot of reps with the first team and he's taking full advantage of them.

So there you have it. Four questions the Browns MUST find answers to if they are going to have a good 2009-10 season. It can happen, and with Eric Mangini at the helm I have full faith that it WILL happen!

Cleveland Browns Season Preview: Part III

Alright, the Bye (Day) Week is over and we head into Week 10 with the Browns sitting at 3-5. Let's see how the last half of the season looks.

Week 10 - Baltimore invades Lake Erie for a game between the old Browns and the very, very new Browns. I like the Browns to put up a much better fight in this contest then they did earlier in the season. Unfortunately, Baltimore is just too good and this is not the Browns comeback year that everyone was hoping for. This game stays close but the Ravens take the Browns down. - 3-6

Week 11 - Next, the Browns hit the road for Detroit. I wonder if we'll be facing a winless Detroit team at this time. Either way, the Browns are better than the Lions. There is no way that this Browns team loses this game. They will come out quick, just like they did in the pre-season contest, and lay the smack down on the Lions building a little confidence for the next game. - 4-6

Week 12 - Another road game in the Queen (of crap) City. A trip to "The Nasty" is anything but as the Browns put another whooping on the Bengals, sweeping the season series against the NFL's version of "The Longest Yard" prison team. Mangini has his guys conditioned to be able to play 100% the entire season, and it shows in this game. - 5-6

Week 13 - Back home we go for a game against Phillip Rivers, LaDanian Tomlinson and the rest of the San Diego Chargers. It's December 6th and the Browns aren't completely out of the playoff race but their chances are fading and will most likely be gone with a loss in this game. The Browns fight hard for every inch of field in this game but the Chargers are just too much with a great duel threat; Tomlinson's legs and Rivers' arm. No playoffs in Mangini's first year at the helm. - 5-7

Week 14 - Finally...Pittsburgh on our home turf. This is it. This is the game that turns the tide in the rivalry. Enough losing to this team. Mangini sends his team a very clear message in the locker room before the game. Everyone is out for blood and the emotions are running high. Brady Quinn is hungry for a "W" over the Squealers and he wills this team to a victory which ends with a touchdown by Brian Robiskie as the clock counts down to 00:00. FINALLY!!! We can hold our heads high around Pittsburgh fans! - 6-7

Week 15 - A trip to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs is next on the schedule. I am really torn on this game. Is Matt Cassell everything he's hyped up to be? Something is telling me "no." He played decent behind an amazing Patriots Offensive Line but his throws were often erratic and he never really gained all the composure needed to be a great quarterback. I think that somehow, someway, the Browns pull this one out. - 7-7

Week 16 - The Brownies head back home for a game against (In my best Chris Berman voice) "Da Raidas." Oakland has been rebuilding every year since their Super Bowl loss. What happened to this team? Mangini has made sure all season that the Browns beat the teams they are supposed to. That doesn't change here. The Browns contain all aspects of the Raiders game plan and take them down, guaranteeing at LEAST a .500 season. 8-7

Week 17 - The Browns finish the season off with the Jaguars at home. I want to say that the Browns will win this game and have a season that no one expected...but I just can't. No, you know what? I changed my mind. Who remembers the bottle throwing incident? In 2001 the Browns were about to end their losing streak and get right back in the playoff picture. Not so much. This time, the refs screw the Jags and the Browns win, at home, to end a season that no one saw coming. - 9-7

So there it is, no playoffs this year but a VERY successful season with a lot of surprises along the way. The Browns are back everyone, and the 2010-11 season will only get better! What do you say? How many wins will the Browns have in your opinion? Let's hear it!

Cleveland Browns Season Preview: Part II

Yesterday I gave an overview of the team and how I think they will perform. Now, I will take a game-by-game look at the Browns 16-game season. And away we go...

Week 1 - The Browns have started every single season, since returning to the League in 1999, at home. This year is no different. I think it's the NFL's way of saying "Uh, we royally screwed up when we let Art Modell take the Browns out of Cleveland." Brett Favre and the Vikings are coming to town to help the Browns kickoff the festivities for this season. The way I look at it, this is one of the few teams in the NFL that has more questions than the Browns. The Browns do the unthinkable, and start the season with a "W." - 1-0

Week 2 - A trip to Denver where their QB situation is U-G-L-Y. Kyle Orton has been very inconsistent in the preseason thus far. In Denver's first pre-season game against the 49ers, he threw three picks. Just one in the second pre-season game. I am really torn on this game. I want to think that the Browns can win it but I just don't see them breaking the Mile High Curse. In a close game, I think the Browns lose. - 1-1

Week 3 - The second of two road games gets the Browns their first AFC North opponent of the season. Baltimore is a good team, year in and year out, and this year should be no different. Baltimore is going to have a great running tandem of Ray Rice and Willis McGahee and their defense will be what it always is: Dominant. - 1-2

Week 4 - The Browns return home for their first Divisional home game. The most dysfunctional team in the AFC North comes in and the Browns have to take advantage of that. The Browns secondary must contain Chad OchoCinco to have a chance. Who knows when Carson Palmer will be 100% and it may not even be by week 4. Cleveland will win this game behind the grit and conditioning that Coach Mangini has worked towards all pre-season. - 2-2

Week 5 - The Browns hit the road again for two games. The first stop is in Buffalo where T.O. and Trent Edwards (surprisingly!) haven't killed each other yet. Mangini spent the last couple years in the AFC East and should know the Bills pretty well by now. I have a strong feeling that the Browns can, and will win this game. But to do so, they Browns will have to shut down Marshawn Lynch. - 3-2

Week 6 - Pittsburgh. The Browns have to start beating Pittsburgh for this "rivalry" to really be a rivalry. Mangini knows this, but he also knows that winning at the big ketchup bottle is going to be nearly impossible. I'm thinking we're going to be waiting until later in the season to see the Browns get back in the win column in this series. - 3-3

Week 7 - Cleveland comes back to their home turf and welcomes Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in for this mid-season matchup. This will be a much different team then what the Packers saw in the pre-season. One full of fight and determination. That being said, the result will most likely be the same as it was in the pre-season when the Packers took down the Browns at Lambeau. - 3-4

Week 8 - Jay Cutler and the Bears welcome the Brownies into Soldier field for Cleveland's third of four games with the NFC North. From the looks of it, Cutler is worth way more than the Bears gave up to get him. I have a feeling that Cutler is going to throw all over the field and Matt Forte will help keep the Browns defense off balance. - 3-5

Week 9 - I GUARANTEE that the Browns will not lose this week...it's a Bye week. And I think this is going to be the end of Part II. Look for Part III, which will chronicle the Browns last eight games, on Thursday!

Cleveland Browns Season Preview: Part I

Seems like I'm getting into the world of 2-part posts. This is Part I of my Cleveland Browns 2009-10 Season Preview. Part II will be posted either tomorrow or Wednesday.

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2009-10 season looking to silence many, many critics, including me. A new coaching regime will have to prove that it was a smart move in rushing to hire a head coach who was just fired from the same position with another team. Eric Mangini comes in and inherits a team that has been filled with dysfunction since it's return to the League in 1999. Only twice have the Browns finished with a winning record since that year and only once have they made the playoffs. Mangini has already shown that he is a much better leader than Romeo Crennel by being a much more assertive person than Romeo ever was. He doesn't take crap from people, he punishes mistakes and he rewards positives. He's not afraid to get rid of someone who could be a cancer to the team (I'm looking at YOU, Shaun Smith).

The biggest question heading into the season is "Who will be the starting Quarterback?" Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn have both shown signs of brilliance in the first two pre-season games, but neither one has thrown a touchdown and both have thrown interceptions. To be fair, if Braylon could catch, Brady would have a touchdown throw and no interceptions. But for some reason, he seems to only remember how to catch when Anderson is throwing to him. On Saturday, I was able to attend the Browns meeting with the Lions for the Great Lakes Cup (Never has a game that meant so little, meant so much) and saw Derek Anderson illustrate a textbook drive down the field, ending with a touchdown run by Jamal Lewis, the Browns' first touchdown since November 10th (week 12) of last season. I know, I know, it's just pre-season, but it's a start. Baby steps, people, baby steps. Unfortunately for Quinn, he was sacked on his very first play from scrimmage, to start the second quarter.

Who is going to spell Jamal Lewis? Well, James Davis made his case Saturday night, busting an 80+ yard touchdown run in the third quarter to put the Lions away for good. I like this kid from Clemson and to me, he should be competing with Jerome Harrison (who is hurt right now) for the starting spot. Jamal Lewis needs to realize he's got almost 2400 runs in his legs already and he needs to be the bowling ball that Pittsburgh had the last few years of Jerome Bettis' career. These should be his spots; 3rd and Short, 4th and Inches, two yards out from the endzone. The Endzone at the Browns' practice facility has "FINISH" painted in it. That's what Jamal Lewis will be good for.

The Browns receiving corps look to be ready to deal with Donte "I need to rethink my Tweets" Stallworth not being around. Rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi seem to be picking up the playbook very, very well. Both of these guys have made great catches in the Browns first two pre-season games. As I said before, Braylon seems to have taken his head out of his posterior cavity and remembered how to catch. He even made a fairly acrobatic catch on Saturday evening, but he was out of bounds when he came down. I like the look of Josh Cribbs getting in as a receiver as well. He made one catch on the night and it was for 20 yards, and if I remember correctly, he caught it only a few yards past the line of scrimmage and got most of the yards after the catch. Dude is dangerous.

More proof of that point; Cribbs took the opening kickoff 95 yards to the house, before it was called back for holding and then returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown, all part of a 20-point 1st quarter for the Brownies. Cribbs didn't handle anymore punt returns on the night as Gerard Lawson tried his hand at the return duties for pretty much the rest of the night. Honestly, I'd be shocked if Cribbs isn't back there at the goal line for the first game of the season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kamerion Wimbley has to have a bounce back year with somewhere around 12 or 13 sacks for him to be considered a defensive threat for this team. Each year since his rookie campaign has seen a drop in sacks, mostly due to the inability of those around him to get him open looks at the QB. Mangini has this defense focused though and quarterback penetration is one of the key elements of the defense. No sacks on Saturday night, but hopefully we'll keep seeing what this defense is capable of as the preseason goes on, and turns into the regular season. Most impressing on Saturday night was rookie Linebacker, Kaluka Maiava. Maiava had six tackles, all solo, in the game against Detroit.

It looks like the Mangini/Kokinis draft era is off to a great start. Each one of the players we took in the 2009 Draft will be ones that can contribute immediately, and already are. Again, Robiskie and Massaquoi are looking great and Alex Mack is picking things up very quickly. I really like the way this season is heading. Where is that, you ask? I will tell you in Part II!

Falcon Preview Part II...The MAC Schedule

Yesterday, I gave a little team overview of what I expect from the Falcons this season. I also gave my predictions for the first four games of the season, predicting that the Falcons will go 2-2 in their Out Of Conference schedule. Today I will look at the MAC portion of the Falcons' schedule. This could end up being a great year for the Falcons!!!

The start of October is also the start of the first step to a MAC Championship! Ohio University is the Homecoming opponent this year (even though we are AT HOME against Boise State a week earlier???) and I feel that the Brown and Orange will handle their home turf well on this day. All-time, BG holds a 36-22-2 advantage over the Bobcats and this year should add a 37th win to that total. I don't see OU putting up much of a fight in this one. Dave Clawson won't let them. - 3-2 (1-0)

Next is a trip to the ever down-trodden Kent, which BG has beaten in 54 of their 76 meetings. In the past, the Falcons have failed to beat the teams they should and I do NOT see that trend continuing with the new coaching regime. Kent is a foe that should, and will be beaten by the Falcons giving BG the strong start in MAC play that we, as fans, should expect. BG wins big. - 4-2 (2-0)

The third MAC game is a trip to the new power of the MAC, Ball State. (Must....resist....jokes about school's name.) BG holds a 19 to 8 advantage in the standings against Ball State but this team is no cupcake. They have been playing very tough the last two seasons and were a bad game away from having an undefeated season last year. But Nate Davis is gone as the Cardinals QB and from the looks of it, no one has really declared themselves as the man who will lead this team. That being said, this is a tough road test and brings the Falcons their first Conference loss of the season. - 4-3 (2-1)

Next up for the Falcons, another MAC West opponent in perennial power, Central Michigan. I think Dave Clawson knows about our Family Weekend woes over the past few years and will want to put on a show for the families that attend this game. This will also help Bowling Green establish themselves as a MAC contender. - 5-3 (3-1)

The Falcons hit the road for two tough games in a row, starting with a trip to up and coming...(Matt, they won the MAC Championship last year.)...up and HERE, Buffalo. This team is very strong. They will provide a great test for the Falcons, who lost to the Bulls in heart-breaking fashion last year, leading to the eventual firing of Gregg Brandon. Those kinds of things will NOT happen anymore and Bowling Green takes another step towards their first MAC Championship in WAAAAAAY too long. - 6-3 (4-1)

Now, Dave Clawson ends the "Miami Whammy." In his first trip to Oxford to play J. Crew U, this team will put themselves head and shoulders above the MAC by sticking it to the RedHawks and starting the "BG Blues" for Miami. Bowling Green plays very strong in this game and we see what we're going to get for years to come. - 7-3 (5-1)

BG has to wait another year to play their first game at the new InfoCision Stadium as Akron travels to the Doyt this year. We aren't good hosts. We beat them, badly and continue to roll towards a MAC Championship. Dave Clawson and his team are a hungry bunch and will prevail in 2009. - 8-3 (6-1)

Finally, Clawson gets his first match against Toledo and their first year coach, who happens to be a BG grad. Another home game, and home field advantage is completely restored at the Doyt. Bowling Green finishes strong and wins against their biggest rival on their home turf. Now, we just sit back and wait to see the WEST figure itself out. BG has an East Division crown, and a peace pipe, in hand. - 9-3 (7-1)

So there it is. Dave Clawson has a very successful year in his first one at the helm of the Brown and Orange. One year, One Bowl Game. You've got to love that!

The 2009 Falcon Football Season Part I

Welcome to my first annual season preview for the Bowling Green State University Falcons. I've never done anything like this before so I hope it's ok and I hope my research has been done well enough to not make all of you think I am a complete moron. Part I is here today with the team outlook and the out of conference schedule. Part II will examine the MAC portion of the Falcons Schedule.

This season will be a season of changes for the Falcons. Bowling Green welcomes their new coach, Dave Clawson, to the nest. Last year, Clawson was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Volunteers and did not have a lot of success getting his offense implemented into the SEC. Before that though, he turned around the Div. I-AA Fordham team around and helped turn around the Richmond team that won the Div. I-AA Championship last year. Clawson brings discipline and work ethic that were missing during Greg Brandon's final couple seasons at BG.

On the offensive side of the ball, Bowling Green will return seven players, including starting Quarterback, Tyler Sheehan. Sheehan has been named to the Manning Award Watch list, along with 37 other Quarterbacks from around the nation. One thing that is a positive is that the Orange and Brown did not lose a single starter at the running back position. Chris Bullock and Willie Geter will be a good 1-2 punch for the Falcons, as long as they can hold on to the ball. As for the receivers that Sheehan will throw to, Freddie Barnes will have to step up and be a leader to a group that lost it's #1 receiver in Corey Partridge. Tyrone Pronty will be the guy to watch this year in my opinion. He showed some flashes of brilliance last year and will hopefully be able to continue growing and maturing his game. Senior Tight End Jimmy Scheidler should be able to help open up the Falcon offense as well as he declared himself a legitimate threat scoring seven Touchdowns a year ago.

Defensively, the Falcons will have a ton of work to do as they lost each of their four starters on the front line. Defensive End Angelo Magnone is going to be the guy to watch down in the trenches this year. In his playing time last season, Magnone made 27 total tackles, 2 of which went for a loss. The secondary is loaded with experience as Senior Safties P.J. Mahone and Jahmal Brown come back for a defensive backfield which was one of the best in the MAC. Mahone and Brown were 1st and 3rd, respectively, on the team in tackles with 95 and 83 tackles. Mahone had three interceptions last year and started all 12 games. Jerett Sanderson and Cody Basler will be the leaders of the linebacker core and will have to play great ball to help out a fairly inexperienced line.

Nick Iovinelli will return for his third and final season as the Falcons punter. Last year, Iovinelli averaged just over 40 yards per punt with 12 landing inside the 20 and seven going 50 or more yards. A true freshman will be the team's place kicker, Jerry Phillips.

Now, for the schedule, and boy is it a doozy! All of the Falcons out of conference games will be pretty tough as they host Troy and Boise State and travel to Missouri and Marshall. When the Falcons open the season against the Trojans on September 3rd, it will be the first ever meeting between the two schools. This will be a good first test for the Falcons. They will come out with a LOT of emotion but will have to make sure to not let too much emotion get to them. Troy is a very good team but I see the Falcons starting off the Dave Clawson era with a big "W." - 1-0

Next, a trip to Missouri to face the Tigers, a team the Falcons have beat three out of the four times they've played them. With a tough road crowd though, and a Missouri team that will come out feeling like they have something to prove, I don't know if the Falcons will be able to start 2-0. I'm going to have to predict a close, hard fought game but an "L" in the standings. - 1-1

One more road game before coming back home. Marshall, the former member of the MAC gets a visit from their old foe, Bowling Green. All time, BG has taken Marshall down 20 times and only lost seven times. I see this trend continuing. The Brown and Orange love to beat down on the Thundering Herd and BG will want to come home strong for their last out of conference game. BG wins big on the road, establishing themselves as a team to keep your eyes on. - 2-1

Next, one of only two 2009 opponents who BG has a losing record against, all-time, Boise State. The Broncos have hosted the Falcons twice and laid the smack down both times. Boise wasn't supposed to make a trip to the Doyt this year but was a late addition to the schedule. Boise State has been a perennial BCS Buster but will be doing a little bit of rebuilding this year. Boise does have a very good young Quarterback but they don't have a clear #1 to run the ball. This game could really go either way but I honestly feel like the Broncos might be a bit too much for the Falcons to handle. - 2-2

Tune in tomorrow for Part II!

Quick Hits II

Browns Wide Receiver Donte Stallworth was suspended for the 2009 season by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. It almost seemed like Stallworth was surprised by this news. Officially, he was suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy and the substance abuse policy. Really? It's not for drunkenly killing a man? I would rather see them give this as the reason for the suspension.

The Browns will play their first pre-season game on Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers. We will finally get our first taste of the new-look Browns under new Head Coach, Eric Mangini. We'll also get a look at the battle between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, and see which QB has the best shot at being the starter this year. Although, who they will be throwing to seems to be the biggest question.

In other football news, Michael Vick has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. I honestly feel like this is a great move for Vick. He will be around one of the cleanest players in the NFL in Donovan McNabb. He will be a great mentor for Vick which is exactly what he needs. Now, he has two strong men, in Tony Dungy and McNabb, helping him through what could be the toughest part of his life, other than the two years he spent in Leavenworth.

The Indians dropped two of three to the Rangers this week. Aaron Laffey pitched a spectacular game in the opener but then the Indians fell apart. Omar Vizquel received a standing ovation in his first trip to the plate and rounds of applause each time he got a hit. What a great coach he would make for the Indians some day! The Tribe is off to Minnesota now for a weekend set with the Twins.

The Cavs have added injured Power Forward Leon Powe to their roster. The three year veteran, who is the same age as LeBron James, will not be ready to play ball until after the All-Star break this coming season, has signed a league minimum contract and will be the backup for LeBron if and when he is healthy. Basically, the Cavs were looking for some playoff insurance for their run at a championship next year.

The PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club teed off yesterday and Tiger Woods jumped out to the 18-hole lead with a First Round 67, 5-under par. Vijay Singh is one stroke back, but is already 16 holes through his second round. Padraig Harrington is also right there at 4-under par. He and Tiger teed off about three minutes ago, if everything is on schedule.

Lastly, the Lake Erie Crushers are holding on to their spot atop the Wild Card standings in the Frontier League and are still three games out of first place in their division. They just finished a series with Southern Illinois, taking two out of three from the Miners. Now, they travel to Evansville to play three games with the Otters. Evansville is the worst team in the Frontier League so this could be a good opportunity for the Crushers to gain a little ground on the Kings of Kalamazoo.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a New Owner.

Tony Dungy: Michael Vick's Savior

Let me start this by saying that what Michael Vick did was completely heinous. Pitting dogs against one another in a fight to the death is completely and utterly reprehensible. With that said, everyone on this planet deserves a second chance. Vick served 23 months, combined, between Federal Prison and house arrest. Over that time he has had time to contemplate just what he did and how wrong it really was. He has given a public apology which, in my opinion, was clearly sincere. Now, he's free and a free agent. As many as five teams are reported to have interest in signing Michael Vick and, in my belief, the only reason is because of his personal advisor since being released from Prison and house arrest: Tony Dungy.

If Michael Vick really listens to Tony Dungy, turns himself around as much as he says he has and lives his life by the book the rest of the way, he will be fine. If he removes himself from the group of "friends" he has always been associated with, the same "friends" that were also linked to dog-fighting, he will be have a much better road ahead of him. But Dungy is the key to all of this. He is the key to Vick staying out of trouble.

Let's look at Tony Dungy's life. The man has been through a number of coaching jobs and turned the Indianapolis Colts into a perennial power. Dungy has six children with his wife, Lauren, one of which committed suicide in December of 2005. He is a devout Christian who has been a speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He once considered retirement to take up prison ministries. Since he did retire, after the 2008-09 season, he has stayed involved with football, doing radio shows and, at the request of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, serving as Vick's advisor.

Dungy is a soft-spoken man off the field and many would say that he is a ray of light in a dark world. Basically, he is everything Michael Vick wasn't before his legal troubles. If he can become one bit like Tony Dungy, his life will start going down the right path. Dungy has been so impressed by the changes Vick has made since he started working with him, he has actually recommended Vick to 12 different coaches as a player who might fit well into their system. With Vick's reinstatement to the league, he will be allowed to participate in all team activities and workouts except for games.

According to Dungy, Vick has really changed and realized his mistakes since he started working with him. What we will have to wait and see is how the members of the team that sign Vick react to being around him. He has to be ready for some looks and glares. But if he can get through that, make sure his future teammates know that he is there for the team and not just himself, he will make it. So, Michael, thank your lucky starts for Tony Dungy. He is your key. Remember that, and you'll do just fine.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a New Owner.

Tiga, Tiga Woods Ya'll!

The man is a beast, a machine. (The course looks good, I feel good, I like my chances) Tiger Woods started Sunday 3 strokes behind Paddy Harrington and by the 3rd hole, they were tied. A few holes later, Tiger was 2 strokes ahead of Harrington. Padraig went Par-Par-Par-Par-Par and Tiger went Par-Eagle-Par-Birdie-Birdie through the first 5 holes. The Irishman was doing everything he should have been doing with a 3-stroke lead, but he wasn't doing anything he should have been doing with a 3-stroke lead, over Tiger Woods, on a Sunday, at Firestone. Tiger owns that course. He has won seven tournaments at Firestone, the first player ever to win seven times on the same golf course. Ten percent of his career wins have come at the South Course in Akron.

That's right, Tiger won his 70th tournament yesterday. The man is only 33 years old and has won 70 tournaments. That is unheard of. Tiger is only the 3rd player to reach 70 career victories. The other two are Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus. Snead is the all-time leader with 82 wins and Nicklaus only holds a 3-victory lead on Woods now. I saw yesterday that Snead and Nicklaus didn't get to 70 until they were 40 or older. Tiger should easily take down Snead's record and has a great chance to be the only 100-Tournament Winner ever. He is a dominant force. It almost seems unfair. Woods has the greatest work ethic of any golfer out there. He is out there each weekend for one reason-- To win. He's also won 14 Major championships and should break the record of 18 in a year or two.

Then there are the Indians. They are, once again, building me up just to rip my heart out. They are playing so well right now. They've won 3 series in a row against Central Division opponents and have won something like 11 of their last 16. Who do they think they are? Why couldn't they do this when Cliff and Victor were still here? I know what they're going to do. They'll fight all the way back to .500, give us all hope for a competitive 2010 season and then under perform just like this year. It's a vicious circle this team is in. They are cutting payroll because Larry Dolan is going to lose 16 Million dollars this year. Maybe if he knew how to run a baseball team, he wouldn't be losing money.

The Crushers are leading the Wild Card standings in the Frontier League and are just 4 games out of first. No matter what Lake Erie does, the Kalamazoo Kings just keep holding on to first place. I really hope the Crushers hold on and make it to the playoffs. It's nice that at least one team in the area is performing well.

Eric Mangini is already putting the iron fist down, cutting Shaun Smith from the team after 2 years and 2 sacks. Mangini wasn't happy with the way Smith came into camp--out of shape and with a bad attitude. Coach Mangini will not put up with crap the way that Romeo did. He is going to run the guys when they screw up and applaud them when they do something well, but he will not be kissing their butts they way Romeo did. Crennel was such a pushover and it was reflected on the field. No more of that crap. I think this season will be successful one way or the other.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a New Owner.

Michael "The Cry-Baby" Crabtree

Really Michael? You honestly think that you deserve more money at the #10 spot in the draft than Darrius Heyward-Bay just because Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay thought you would be drafted before him? You are ridiculous.

For those of you just tuning in, Michael Crabtree is threatening to sit out the entire 2009 NFL season and re-enter the 2010 draft if he doesn't get more guaranteed money than someone who was picked BEFORE him in the draft. And it is all because ESPN pundits predicted that Crabtree would go higher in the draft then he actually did. Wow. That is all I could really think to say when I first heard the news about this. I was, and still am, shocked and dumbfounded that this is even taking place. That would be like someone saying "GamerX scored 27 TD's with me in Madden last year. I want my money to reflect that!"

Let's look at it another way, Michael. Let's say you were projected to be drafted in the 6th or 7th slot but went as the Number 1 overall pick. You weren't projected to go first overall. The team is only going to offer you what your projected pick was. Do you see how this works, Michael? You get picked in a spot and you get your contract based on the ACTUAL PICK! Is ESPN going to have to put up a disclaimer every time "The Hair" and "The Idiot" debate where people will go in the draft? Warning: The picks guessed by these two men are not necessarily where the player will actually be picked. They are just guesses. Unbelievable.

Apparently, Crabtree is going on advice from his Adviser (cousin) and friends (people that want free money from him). You want my advice Mike? Quit listening to the knuckle-heads around you, sign the damn contract they offered you, get your ass to camp and make the millions of dollars I will never see. I work a full-time job AND a part-time job and will never come close to making $1 Million dollars in a year, let alone the $20 Million you're going to get guaranteed. Your car is going to be worth more than the house I will buy when I get married. Every teacher you ever had, who gave you the education you now have, combined, their salaries won't add up to what you will make in a year. AND YOU'VE NEVER EVEN PLAYED A DOWN OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL!

You are a spoiled athlete who thinks he deserves everything but has earned nothing. You made one, count it ONE, great play in college and you think you should be handed the world on a silver platter. I hope you do sit out this year. I hope you do nothing and the NFL world forgets all about you and you sit there on draft day next year and you hear pick, after pick, after pick, none of them calling your name. The 49ers are willing to give you money that will last you the rest of your life but instead, you want a few million more. You are basically spitting in their face and telling them the money they've offered you isn't good enough. I'll tell you one thing, you better really keep this hold out going because if you sign, and Mike Singletary gets a chance to have you on his practice field, he is going to chew you up, spit you out and stomp on your remains. I only wish I could have the chance to do the same.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a new Owner.

So This is What it's Like...

...to be a Pirates fan. A season which is over before the All-Star Break, watching your favorite players get traded for prospects who will become your favorite players that get traded for prospects. It's a vicious cycle and I'm sick of being a part of it. The "New-Look" Indians were slaughtered by the club from the Twin Cities last night and never even looked like they had a chance. They were outplayed in every single aspect of the game. Somehow, that same team took two out of three from the Tigers over the weekend, but that steam seems to be gone now. Eric Wedge better find a way to keep this team's spirits up and get them to fight until the very end of this season. That will tell us all we need to know about next season.

The Crushers are a season-best 10 games over the .500 mark! They are just two games out of first place in the East Division of the Frontier League, Paul Fagan is leading the league in wins with 11 and is 7th in the league in ERA. As a team, Lake Erie leads the league in runs scored with 429 and is tied for 6th in team batting average. Most importantly for their Frontier League livelihood, they are in 4th place in overall attendance and are averaging just under 3,000 fans for each game. Things are looking good for the future of the Lake Erie Crushers!

This just in, Braylon Edwards has FINALLY been cleared to practice and has joined the team, on the field, in Berea. Woopty Doo. Also, Donte Stallworth-less is supposed to be meeting with Roger Goodell to discuss his idiocy. Is there really much to say? "Donte, you effed up royally. You'll be lucky if I ever let you in my league again." And unfortunately, Goodell's ruling will probably be fought by the player's union and will probably not be upheld. There is talk that the player's union is complaining about the amount of power Goodell is wielding. Here's how I feel: If you don't want to be punished, DON'T F--- UP!!! How hard is that? Be a good citizen. Avoid weed, strippers and guns. Don't drive drunk. Don't cheat on your wife. Basically, don't be dumb.

Bowling Green has started their practices too. I can't wait to get to the Doyt for the first game of the season against the Troy Trojans. Maybe my next post will be an evaluation of those men of Troy. BG's stadium should be rocking with their new head coach, plenty of returning starters, an emphasis on BOTH sides of the ball and dedication to excellence, on and off the field. I'm really excited about this football season. Before my Troy evaluation, I'll evaluate the Falcons. I am so ready for football season!!!

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a New Owner.

Stepping Closer to the Edge...

...and ready to jump. I could not be more upset with the way the Indians have dismantled this team in the last two weeks. First it was Betancourt which wasn't a big deal. We got a reliever for a reliever, and a much younger one. Not a bad move. Then we shipped Ryan Garko off to San Francisco for a Single-A left handed pitcher, simply because Eric Wedge doesn't like the guy. Later, Cliff Lee and, another "Not-Eric-Wedge-Guy," Ben Francisco, get shipped to Philly for four prospects, not including the one guy the Indians really wanted. Last, and most infuriating, a proven leader on the team, Victor Martinez gets his salary dumped (Call it what it is) to Boston for two minor-league pitchers and a reliever. Not included in the deal was Clay Bucholz, the one guy the Indians really wanted. Are you seeing a pattern here? Here is what I envision trade negotiations involving the Tribe as taking place...

Opposing GM - Ok, we really want (insert player here).
Mark Shapiro - For the right price, he can be yours.
Opposing GM - Well, what is the right price?
Mark Shapiro - We want (insert top prospect here)
Opposing GM - No.
Mark Shapiro - Alright, whatever you'll give us then.
Opposing GM - How about (insert crappy minor leaguer or crappy reliever here)
Mark Shapiro - You've got a deal.

Please, Mr. Shapiro, tell me I am wrong. Tell me these are the guys you really wanted. Lie to me like you lied to me last night on the news when you said you thought this team could contend next year. You are a sham and a mockery...a shamockery. You, Eric Wedge and Larry Dolan all need to be punched in the face. I have so much anger in my right now and it is all directed towards the Dolan family, Mark Shapiro and Eric Wedge. I am so sick of waiting until next year. I'll be doing that until I die. I have accepted that I will probably not see an Indians World Series Title in my lifetime.

As for the Crushers, they are keeping their playoff dreams alive. They've lost their last two to Traverse City though. For whatever reason, they seem to have a tough time against the team from Northern Michigan. Today, the Kalamazoo Kings come back to Avon for another weekend series and a 3.5 game lead. This is a great opportunity for the Crushers to gain a ton of ground on the Kings. They took 2 out of 3 from them last weekend. Hopefully a sweep is in order this time around. Lake Erie is still in the playoff hunt, holding on to the final spot right now. Three wins would certainly help things though!

Browns camp opens up today and for the first time in, I think, 4 years all the rookies are in camp on Day 1. That is great news. We should see a pretty good position battle for the QB slot between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. I'm thinking about making the trip to Berea on August 9th. Chris Mortensen from ESPN will be visiting training camp that day so I just might make my first ever trip to the Browns practice facility in Berea.

The Cavaliers missed out on Hakim Warrick but I don't think it's that big of a deal. They've made offseason moves that will help them reach their ultimate destination...until they remember they are in Cleveland...and cursed. I'm the most excited I've been for the NBA season since Michael Jordan was a Bull.

And now, the new ending to my posts. It will be at the end of every one until the message I am sending actually happens. Think of it as a "To do" list.

Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a new Owner.