I have been a Clevelander all my life, and a sports fan as well. I also am a fan of comedy, which means I am saddened by the death of Richard Prior. However, to find the best comedy around, I suggest you listen to the post game radio talk shows after the Browns games.
Maybe I’m confused, but I see two games where the Browns had a chance to win against Jacksonville and Cincinnati, two teams that will make the playoffs, as progress. Let’s face it, Cleveland does not have the talent of either of those teams. It is well documented how the Browns have had only one Pro Bowl player since returning to the NFL in 1999, and do not have any player ranked in the league’s top 100 players compiled by The Sporting News.
One caller even brough up Butch Davis, citing that he took over a team that won three games and moved them to seven wins and then nine wins in his first two years. He neglected to mention the Browns then went into the toilet, mainly due to Davis’ talent evaluation. This is the mess that GM Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel are trying to clean up.
This is not going to be a one year process. Nobody claimed it would be. Did any Browns fan really expect the team to make the playoffs in 2005? No. Would fans have been pleasantly surprised by an 8-8 record this year? Yes. So, why all the hand wringing about a 4-9 record. Look, I’m frustrated by the losing too, but the big picture mandates this was not going to be a quick process. Losing close games to two of the best teams in the AFC is progress in my book.
I don’t want to hear how this is the Cleveland mentality, that it is okay to lose if the team tries really, really hard. I don’t believe that for a minute. Any move any professional team makes should be for the sole purpose of winning a title. I think the Browns are starting the long climb up hill.
Charlie Frye, Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, and Reuben Droughns give the offense some fire power in 2006. Coordinator Todd Grantham has the defense doing well without a lot of talent, so it stands to reason the unit will be better when he gets guys who can rush the passer and cover wide receivers.
This team is making the right moves. Now Browns’ fans need to get off the cliff so they can see that for themselves.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 