Last night, facing elimination for the second straight game, the Lake Erie Crushers, led by an Andrew Davis Grand Slam, forced a fifth and deciding game in the Frontier League Championship series. After the River City Rascals pitcher, Stephen Flake, walked the bases loaded with two outs, Andrew Davis came up and delivered not only a bases loaded blast, but the first hit of the game for the Crushers. The Rascals only run came in the 1st inning when Chad Maddox drove in Scott Houin to score River City's only run of the game.
On the mound for the Crushers, no one saw more than four innings of work. Brent Lysander went the first four innings, giving up just the one run on four River City hits. The bullpen of Josh Faiola, Jacinto Gonell, Alberto Rolon and JJ Pacella combined for five innings of 3-hit, no-run baseball. Those three hits were allowed by Faiola in his 2 & 1/3 innings of relief.
Andrew Davis has been a model of consistency for the Crushers in the post-season, putting up a .324 batting average to go along with the one home run, six RBI and five runs scored. Though they didn't do much last night, Eddie Tisdale and Tyler Johnson have also been great in the playoffs. They are batting .344 and .324 respectively, with eight RBI a piece and one and two Home Runs respectively. These three will have to be productive again on Wednesday night for the Crushers to win the Frontier League Championship in just their first season of existence.
From winners to losers. The Browns look like hell and I don't see it changing anytime soon. Cleveland looked awful in their 24-6 loss to the Broncos on Sunday. It's becoming clearer and clearer that this team does not have the right Quarterback on the field. Is Derek Anderson the right QB to have on the field? I don't know but I want to find out sooner rather than later. There are so many things wrong with this team and I know they can't all be fixed at once, but can we at least make a little progress? The Browns haven't scored a LEGITIMATE touchdown since November of last year. Are you kidding me!?
Our drives get a good head of steam going from the 20 to midfield and then get derailed by dumb penalties or bad execution. The pocket collapses like a cheap card table around Quinn as he tries to throw, and his internal clock ticks for about three seconds too long when he finally decides it's time to get rid of the ball. I know the O-Line isn't helping very much but Brady needs to show a LOT better presence when he's back looking to throw. I feel like he goes through nine or 10 progressions before he decides he better get rid of the ball. Something needs to change, and quick, if the Browns want to avoid an 0-16 season.
The Indians still suck.
Fire Wedge. Fire Shapiro. Get a New Owner.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Quick Hits III
I've been gone for far too long, so let's get caught up on some stuff!!!
First, my Bowling Green Falcons. BGSU started off with a big win over Troy State University, coming back from 14 down to win 31-14. The new season was off to a great start! Our new coaching staff is phenomenal and they have made this team everything they should be! Unfortunately, game two against Missouri ended with a heart-breaking loss, 27-20. The Falcons held a 20-6 lead in the middle of the 3rd quarter but just couldn't hold on. Missouri proved to be a bit too strong for the Falcons. This week, BG travels to West Virginia to take on former MAC Foe, Marshall. I don't see the Falcons having any problems taking down this team. Big win to go home with.
The Browns started the season with a disappointing showing against the Minnesota Vikings. Brady Quinn looked absolutely terrible, except for one drive that saw the Browns FINALLY end their offensive scoring drought. Braylon got called for some dumb penalties, the offensive line couldn't protect Quinn, the defensive line couldn't stop Adrian Peterson and the only bright spot was Josh Cribbs still playing like Josh Cribbs. A buddy of mine said it best, halftime leads are a great indicator of nothing, unless of course you lose by two, or pretty much three touchdowns. Then it's an indicator that you suck indescribably. While I think there is some potential with this team, there is no denying that they suck. But I will root for them all year, because that's what fans do.
The Indians are still playing for another couple weeks. Let's just leave it at that so my head doesn't explode.
In the Frontier League, the Crushers clinched a birth in the Championship Series against the River City Rascals. Last night, Lake Erie beat Kalamazoo, 6-2 in a 10-inning game to win the "Wild Card" series three games to two. What a magical season! In just their first year of existence, they finished the regular season with a GREAT record, won their first playoff series and now have a chance to win the Frontier League Championship. It's awesome to have some good baseball in these parts!
Ohio State lost to USC on Saturday night, everyone knows that. What they don't know is that there is no reason that game should have been that close. I honestly thought that USC was going to come into the Shoe and take the Buckeyes behind the woodshed. I know there is no such thing as a moral victory in college football but the Buckeyes should be proud that they were able to keep up with a USC team that has a ton of returning starters.
Serena Williams is a scary chick when she's pissed off. Did you see the look on that Line Judge's face when Serena said she would "shove a f------ tennis ball down (her) f------ throat?" Damn. There is one woman I never want to see in a dark alley! Granted, the foot fault call was absolutely wrong, but what Serena did was even more wrong. The punishments she may receive could be catastrophic to her career. Stay tuned to this one folks!
Well, I think that covers everything for now. Questions? Comments? Got an idea for something I should write about? Let me know!!!
First, my Bowling Green Falcons. BGSU started off with a big win over Troy State University, coming back from 14 down to win 31-14. The new season was off to a great start! Our new coaching staff is phenomenal and they have made this team everything they should be! Unfortunately, game two against Missouri ended with a heart-breaking loss, 27-20. The Falcons held a 20-6 lead in the middle of the 3rd quarter but just couldn't hold on. Missouri proved to be a bit too strong for the Falcons. This week, BG travels to West Virginia to take on former MAC Foe, Marshall. I don't see the Falcons having any problems taking down this team. Big win to go home with.
The Browns started the season with a disappointing showing against the Minnesota Vikings. Brady Quinn looked absolutely terrible, except for one drive that saw the Browns FINALLY end their offensive scoring drought. Braylon got called for some dumb penalties, the offensive line couldn't protect Quinn, the defensive line couldn't stop Adrian Peterson and the only bright spot was Josh Cribbs still playing like Josh Cribbs. A buddy of mine said it best, halftime leads are a great indicator of nothing, unless of course you lose by two, or pretty much three touchdowns. Then it's an indicator that you suck indescribably. While I think there is some potential with this team, there is no denying that they suck. But I will root for them all year, because that's what fans do.
The Indians are still playing for another couple weeks. Let's just leave it at that so my head doesn't explode.
In the Frontier League, the Crushers clinched a birth in the Championship Series against the River City Rascals. Last night, Lake Erie beat Kalamazoo, 6-2 in a 10-inning game to win the "Wild Card" series three games to two. What a magical season! In just their first year of existence, they finished the regular season with a GREAT record, won their first playoff series and now have a chance to win the Frontier League Championship. It's awesome to have some good baseball in these parts!
Ohio State lost to USC on Saturday night, everyone knows that. What they don't know is that there is no reason that game should have been that close. I honestly thought that USC was going to come into the Shoe and take the Buckeyes behind the woodshed. I know there is no such thing as a moral victory in college football but the Buckeyes should be proud that they were able to keep up with a USC team that has a ton of returning starters.
Serena Williams is a scary chick when she's pissed off. Did you see the look on that Line Judge's face when Serena said she would "shove a f------ tennis ball down (her) f------ throat?" Damn. There is one woman I never want to see in a dark alley! Granted, the foot fault call was absolutely wrong, but what Serena did was even more wrong. The punishments she may receive could be catastrophic to her career. Stay tuned to this one folks!
Well, I think that covers everything for now. Questions? Comments? Got an idea for something I should write about? Let me know!!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, August 24, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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 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!
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