Cavs and Browns Make News

 

A reflection on Cleveland sports coverage was evident Wednesday night when the Cavs won a huge game at Detroit against the Pistons to move within two games of the best record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.  However, that wasn’t the top sports story according to the TV stations here because the Browns’ signed former All Pro running back Jamal Lewis to a one year deal.  In my mind, the Cavs’ win was the bigger story.  Here are our thoughts on both events…

 

The Cavs.  Wednesday’s win was one of the most exciting regular season professional games I’ve seen in a long, long time.  In spite of the Pistons advantage from the foul line, the wine and gold would not be denied.  LeBron James was simply phenominal, from his dunk which tied the game in regulation to his block of Rip Hamilton’s layup in overtime, James took control of the action.  All of his critics, which have recently come out of the woodwork can go back into hiding.  He showed why he is arguably the NBA’s best player.

 

LBJ had help, however.  Drew Gooden awoke from his post All Star slumber.  Zydrunas Ilgauskas made a big jumper from the wing in overtime and also hit a heave from in the key to beat the shot clock.  Larry Hughes continued his strong play since he moved to the point with the injury to Daniel Gibson.  Sasha Pavlovic had a key assist to Gooden in overtime.  LeBron was the man, but his teammates stepped up as well in a big game. 

 

With the next four games against struggling teams (Bucks, Pacers, Kings, and Grizzlies), the Cavs can use this win to springboard them into a real race for the top spot in the East.  They showed Wednesday that they are no longer willing to have sand kicked in their collective faces by the Pistons. 

 

The Browns.  The signing of Lewis is fine in that he is really replacing Reuben Droughns, who had a subpar year in 2006.  Make no mistake, Lewis is not the same back who ran for 2000 yards in 2003.  However, he has run for over 1000 yards in five of his six years in the NFL.  He’s a battering ram and is also a year younger than Droughns.  The Browns are shopping the former Bronco to pick up an extra draft pick or two.

 

Because Lewis is on a one year deal, I still think Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson should be Cleveland’s pick at #3 in next month’s draft.  Peterson and Lewis would provide a potent one-two punch in the running game, and I would also agree that Phil Savage should sign one more offensive lineman in free agency, perhaps Sean Mahan (Tampa Bay) or Mike Gandy (Buffalo).  I’m also hoping the visit to Brady Quinn’s workout is a smoke screen to get those teams interested in Quinn to trade up for the #3 pick. 

 

With the signings of Steinbach and perhaps another free agent offensive lineman, Savage can use a pick in the first three rounds for an offensive tackle, and then concentrate on the defensive line and cornerbacks.  Those spots should be the next target for improvement.  The D-line is a mess and moving Davin Holly to the nickel back spot by getting a guy who can start would help the defense greatly.

 

JD