With all of the bitching about the Cleveland Browns over the past few weeks, you would think the team is taking steps backward.  However, with yesterday’s 9-7 win over the Oakland Raiders, the team has now won five games on the season, one more than 2004’s 4-12 record.  See, the Browns are getting better.

 

It is difficult to think Cleveland will beat the Steelers on Christmas Eve (that’s right, I wrote CHRISTMAS!!!), but a victory in the season finale at the Stadium against the Ravens isn’t so hard to fathom.  That would mean the brown and orange will end up with a 6-10 record, a two game improvement.  The Browns also appear to have found a quarterback for the future, with Charlie Frye’s continued good play. 

 

Yesterday was Frye’s first win, and it was a come from behind effort at that.  Yes, Frye made some ill advised throws, such as the sideline pass to Corey McIntyre that was picked off.  But, he also made some excellent throws like the one to Antonio Bryant where Frye was almost broken in two.  The rookie from Akron displays great touch, but also can put some mustard on the ball as well. 

 

On defense, the team allowed just one touchdown, although Sabastian Janikowski did help by missing two field goals.  This was done despite the defense being on the field most of the second quarter.  Cornerback Leigh Bodden appears to be a guy who can be a starter in the NFL, but as a #2 corner.  Chaun Thompson shows signs of being a big play guy, and  Andra Davis signed a five year contract, so he will be one of the building blocks of the defense. 

 

The team still needs a pass rusher though.  Even though the sacked the QB a few times against the Raiders, the Browns lack a consistant pass rush.  With oodles of dollars under the salary cap, and a probable top ten pick in the draft, GM Phil Savage can continue to build on this season.  There will be changes in the coaching staff, if only because Romeo Crennel will have more time to put his staff together.  He didn’t have this last year because he was hired late. 

 

Unlike last year, you have to feel better about the Cleveland Browns than you did at this point in 2004.  There is stability in the front office, the head coaching position, and at quarterback.  I know that won’t stop the complaining, but it should.

 

KM   

 

New Cavaliers coach Mike Brown came to Cleveland with a defensive reputation.  He served as an assistant to the Spurs’ Gregg Popovich and the Pacers’ Rick Carlisle, both coaches who stressed the defensive part of the game.  In his first 20 games in charge of the Cavs, Brown’s team has not displayed much ability defending the opposition.  With the season 1/4 of the way through, the new coach has to do something to turn it around.  Maybe even something drastic…

 

Like making an example of his superstar, LeBron James.

 

Supposedly, James has a good relationship with his new coach, so it would not be stepping on LBJ’s toes.  In fact, you could clue him in to the plan if you want.  The next time James is not performing well on the defensive end, Brown should have him take a seat next to the coach.  If that doesn’t send a message to the Damon Joneses, Luke Jacksons, and Donyell Marshalls on this team, nothing will.  You don’t try on defense, you do not play, no matter who you are.

 

This stance needs to start tonight against the Denver Nuggets.  Cleveland needs to be show more effort and be more physical on defense.  Especially guys like Alan Henderson and Zendon Hamilton, who are on the team to do the grunt work.  Maybe Brown should give players like that more time at the expense of those unwilling to defend. 

 

The one thing the Cavs do not need is Ron Artest.  As ESPN Radio’s Mike Greenberg said " Run as far away from Artest as you can".  The one thing this team does not need is an unstable personality.  James is still a kid, Drew Gooden is a young player, so are Anderson Varajao, Luke Jackson, and Sasha Pavlovic.  They need to learn with veterans who play and act the right way, not be exposed to a nut case.  The wine and gold do need a physical defender, but you can get a role player for that purpose.

 

The Cavs are a team with many, many new players.  They will get better as the season goes on from the experience of playing together.  However, they do need to know the importance of defense.  It isn’t too early to begin concentrating on that end of the floor.

 

JK

 

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 

 

When news came down that the San Diego Padres had virtually given away 2B Mark Loretta to Boston for back up catcher Doug Mirabelli, I know the money the Pads had saved in that deal would go to Trevor Hoffman, and the Indians would not get the ace reliever.  However, it was much earlier that I was hoping Hoffman would not be heading to Jacobs Field for the 2006 season.

 

The reason is Cleveland’s guarantee of a third year on the contract.  Hoffman is 38 years old and the thought of paying $7 million for a 41 year old closer is scary.  Getting back Bob Wickman on a one year deal at less money is a better alternative.  I know, I know, the ninth inning with Wickie is an adventure, but if the veteran isn’t effective, he will not be back in 2007, nor will the Tribe be paying him.

 

The biggest reason I like the signing of Paul Byrd is that it is only guaranteed for two years.  The dollars were a little high, but after the contracts given to Esteban Loaiza by the A’s, and A.J. Burnett by the Blue Jays that is the going rate.  Fans do not want to hear this, but inking Byrd for two years is better than giving Kevin Millwood four or five years.  Teams like the Tribe can’t afford to lose payroll flexibility, especially in the pitching staff.

 

This is the time ballclubs can start looking for bargains, after the teams throw incredible amounts of cash at the "premier" free agents.  Teams like the Indians will be able to find players who may out produce the Burnett’s and Hoffman’s of the world at less than half the price. 

 

Cleveland will look to add a right handed set up man to share the eighth inning with Arthur Rhodes would solidify the bullpen, and allow the team to work Fernando Cabrera into the set up/closer role slowly.  I’m still not convinced David Riske will be back with the club in 2006. 

 

I’m also sure GM Mark Shapiro is not done looking for another starting pitcher.  Perhaps Scott Elarton will return as the fifth starter.  Maybe a trade is in the offing.  But, do not believe for a minute that this team will go into spring training with Jason Davis, Jeremy Sowers, or Fausto Carmona as the only candidates for the last spot in the rotation.

 

Shapiro also needs a bat, preferably right handed.  While Nomar Garciaparra’s name has been mentioned, with the acquisition of Brad Wilkerson, Texas may now be interested in moving Kevin Mench.  There are also platoon guys like Matt LeCroy, who spent 2005 with the Twins, and Jeff DaVanon, just designated for assignment by the Angels, who annihilate left handed pitching and are available. 

 

Remember that the Indians have a good farm system with a plethora of mid range prospects and could include some in a trade.  Guys such as Davis, Brandon Phillips, or Jason Cooper could be key components for a team looking to rebuild their system. 

 

By no means is this team ready to open the regular season.  More moves are coming, because Shapiro and the ownership know this team and this city are ready to win again.

 

MW

 

Yesterday’s 20-14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars was noteworthy in that rookie quarterback Charlie Frye made his first career start.  Frye looked spectacular in the first half, hitting Braylon Edwards for two touchdowns and giving the Browns a 14-3 halftime lead.  However, Jacksonville Coach Jack Del Rio made adjustments and/or told his team they were losing to a 4-7 team, and in the second half the Jags made the plays they needed to pull out the win.

 

Let’s face it, Jacksonville is a better football team than the Browns.  They are now 9-3 and along with the Bengals (next week’s opponent) and the Broncos, have the second best record in the AFC.  Cleveland should be very happy with scaring the hell out of the Jaguars.  In fact, it appears the Browns have two winnable games on the slate, versus the Raiders and against the Ravens at home.  So, they will wind up either 5-11 or 6-10 in 2005, which is about what the reasonable expectations for this team after last year.

 

Charlie Frye showed enough to be the starter in Cincinnati next week.  The Bengals do not have a stout, dominant defense, so Frye shouldn’t be intimidated as he might be by a Pittsburgh defense.  To make it simple, the rookie from Akron made plays.  He hit Dennis Northcutt for a long gain after being flushed out of the pocket.  He hit Edwards for a touchdown after seeing Jacksonville jump offsides.  He put some touch on a long gain to Antonio Bryant on his first completion. 

 

Would I have liked to see Frye stand tall in the pocket firing bullets?  Sure, but that is not a formula for success.  Who had better success, Bernie Kosar or Vinnie Testaverde?  This is not to say Frye is the second coming of Kosar, but he did make some Kosaresque throws.  He also took some unnecessary sacks, but that will be eliminated with experience. 

 

It will be interesting to see how Marvin Lewis and Cincinnati will defense Frye now that they have a game’s worth of film on him.  There have been many QB’s who played well for one game, but once the opposition gets a read on the guy, it’s a different story.  It would also be nice if offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon allows the rookie to throw more on first down, so as not to put him in third and long situations.  Of course, if Reuben Droughns is running well, that’s a moot point.

 

Here’s hoping GM Phil Savage spends the next NFL Draft looking for offensive linemen and help on the defensive side of the ball.  With Frye, Edwards, Droughns, and the return of Kellen Winslow Jr., this team has offensive weapons.  The defensive line and the secondary are in dire need of some help.  I see light at the end of the tunnel, and it is not an oncoming train.

 

JD

 

As discussed on this site, Cleveland sports fans can be very humorous.  After going 1-2 in their first three games, the Cavaliers reeled off eight straight wins.  Supporters were elated!  Maybe LeBron and the gang could get to The Finals!  Then came Thanksgiving, and the wine and gold got taken over Indiana’s knee and was spanked on national television.  Cleveland followed up by shooting terribly in a two point loss to Minnesota two night later.

 

You would have thought the world had come to an end.  Kenny Roda started again with blaming Zydrunas Ilgauskas for every loss, people complained about Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall who both shot poorly in the two losses.  It seemed likely the Cavaliers will miss the playoffs yet again in the eyes of these fans.

 

RELAX!!

 

The loss to the Pacers was a defeat on the road to a very good team.  Most basketball people figured the top three teams in the Eastern Conference were the Pistons, Heat, and Pacers.  Losing to Indiana at Conseco Fieldhouse is no disgrace.  This is not to say we should be happy with the Cavs’ performance in that game.  The Pacers were physical with Cleveland, and Mike Brown’s crew did not respond.  The wine and gold must get tougher physically to compete with the big boys in the East.  However, it is very early and the Cavs’ will learn from this experience.

 

The second loss was due to an off night shooting, nothing else.  When you shoot less than 40% and lose the game by two points, that’s because of a cold spell.  Donyell Marshall is a good shooter.  Damon Jones is a good shooter.  Larry Hughes will be better than 2 for 15 on most nights.  These nights happen to all teams.  Did anyone notice the Pacers lost to the Atlanta Hawks? 

 

Last night was a return to normalcy, as the Cavs beat the LA Clippers, who are off to a good start.  Cleveland took the ball to the basket a lot, not settling for the outside shot.  Roda’s whipping boy scored 29 points.  (By the way Kenny, you give me $5 for every good game by Z, and I’ll give you $5 for every bad game…We will see who wins at the end of the year.)  Marshall scored a big three point play late in regulation off of a rebound, and then hit two threes early in overtime.  James and Hughes attacked the basket. 

 

The Cavaliers are a good team, one that will likely win 50 games this year.  Bad games happen to good teams.  Basketball fans in Cleveland have to stop jumping off the bridge every time one occurs.

 

JK

 

It is remarkable how Browns fans get so delusional about their football team.  After last week’s win over Miami, the talk was how Romeo Crennel’s squad had turned the corner.  Today, after a 24-12 beating at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, the squad is again terrible.  How can two games so decidedly different be played by the same team?  Two reasons…the Cleveland Browns are young, and not very good.

 

It is quite obvious the Browns do not know how to play on the road, a trait of young teams.  After winning the road opener against a horrible Green Bay team, Cleveland has lost five straight, mostly in dismal performances.  Yesterday, the defense really couldn’t stop Minnesota, and the offense made too many mistakes including turnovers, to move the ball effectively.

 

I realize that 21 of the 24 points scored by the Vikings came as the result of turnovers, but the defense had a hard time stopping the pass against Minnesota.  The weakness of this defense is its secondary, especially after losing cornerback Gary Baxter to injury.  Coordinator Todd Grantham’s defense is based on not giving up big plays, but a quarterback that is patient can expose the holes that are there.  There is no question this is an area of need heading into the 2006 NFL Draft.  Just think what Grantham and Crennel will be able to do with more talent on the defensive side of the ball.

 

On offense, Trent Dilfer showed why he is a journeyman QB.  He fumbled twice in Cleveland territory, and threw two interceptions as well.  He is not the only reason the attack sputtered, however.  Wide receivers Antonio Bryant and Braylon Edwards dropped catchable balls (Edwards’ drop resulted in one of the picks), and the offensive line seemingly took the day off.  The play calling was questionable as well.  Reuben Droughns, the team’s best weapon, carried the ball twice in the last 22 minutes of the game. 

 

Crennel decided to play Frisman Jackson at wide out after Bryant’s drop, which could signal that the former Biletnikoff Award winner will be wearing a different uniform in ’06.  Edwards was frustrated that he was not in the game with the Browns having the ball in the red zone.  Dilfer was hobbling noticeably during and after the game.

 

This team is still evolving.  Most of the better players on the team are very young and haven’t learned to win on the road yet.  The Browns aren’t the first team to have this problem.  Football fans in Cleveland are not a patient group, but this team will get better.  Even though Jacksonville is a quality team, look for the Browns to be more competitive next week at home.

 

JD

 

 

 

With the first big holiday of the 2005 Holiday Season, Thanksgiving Day, it is time to reflect on what the Cleveland sports fan has to be thankful for.  As you know, I am not a believer in the sports curse, or Kenny Roda’s whining "OIC (Only in Cleveland)" mentality that Phil Savage denounced when hired here.  There are plenty of things we fans can be appreciative of on this day of thanks.

 

1).  LeBron James:  How lucky are we to watch James play on a nightly basis?  The soon to be 21 year old might be the best player in the NBA right now!  He is the best athlete to play in Cleveland since Jim Brown in the late fifties/early sixties.

 

2).  Daniel Gilbert:  He came in with blazing guns after buying the team, but since he has remained in the background and hired the right people to run the Cavaliers.  Mike Brown stresses defense, but remains flexible enough to be coaching one of the highest scoring teams in the NBA.  Danny Ferry signed Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, and Damon Jones who seem to be perfect fits with this team. 

 

3).  Mark Shapiro:  The Indians GM called his shot in 2001, saying the Tribe would return to contender status in 2005.  They did, and he was awarded with Executive of the Year honors.  No one does more with a small payroll than Shapiro.  Hopefully, Larry Dolan will open the coffers a bit for 2006.

 

4).  Phil Savage/Romeo Crennel:  If you think I am very optimistic about the Cleveland professional sports scene, I am due to the people in place running the franchises.  Savage is the best talent evaluator the Browns have had since Ernie Accorsi was running things in the mid 1980’s.  Crennel is a breath of fresh air after the constant spinning by Butch Davis.  That these Browns have already won four games this year is a tribute to these two men.  Most felt four wins for the entire season would be good for the Cleveland football team. 

 

5).  The young Tribesmen:  How many major league teams have so many good players under the age of 30?  The Indians have Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore, Jhonny Peralta, C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, and Coco Crisp.  The Indians should be contenders for the post season for the next three or four years at least.

 

6).  Larry Hughes:  The perfect complement to LeBron James, Danny Ferry passed on shooters like Ray Allen and Michael Redd to get the best all around guard available in free agency.  In the last five games, Hughes has shown that he is the total package, scoring, rebounding, passing, and playing stellar defense. 

 

7).  Les Levine:  More Sports and Les Levine on Adelphia Channel 15 is a must view for fans wanting the inside scoop.  The long time sports talker brings sportswriters to TV with his Plain Dealer Roundtable on Monday, and frequent guests like Terry Pluto, Sheldon Ocker, Brian Windhorst, and Jim Ingraham. 

 

No woe is us here.  The future of sports on the North Coast is bright thanks in part to the people mentioned here.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

 

MW

 

 

 

It was a great football weekend in Northeastern Ohio as Ohio State snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at Ann Arbor, and the Browns shut out the Miami Dolphins, 22-0.  The Buckeyes dominated the game despite the close 25-21 score, and the Browns game marked the regular season debut of rookie quarterback Charlie Frye and another great performance by Reuben Droughns. 

 

At the Big House on Saturday, the Buckeyes jumped on the Wolverines early, going up 9-0 after the first two drives.  A fumble by reserve running back Maurice Wells allowed Michigan to get back in the game, and then Coach Jim Tressel went conservative allowing the Maize and Blue to take the lead in the third quarter.  The OSU offense refused to throw the ball downfield allowed the Wolverines to play tight coverage and limit yards after the catch by Buckeye receivers. 

 

Ted Ginn Jr. had problems fielding punts all day, fumbling two, losing one.  The Buckeye defense rarely blitzed Chad Henne after employing that strategy most of the season against all opponents.  Perhaps the loss of star linebacker Bobby Carpenter played a part in this strategy, but it was still curious considering Michigan could not run the football at all. 

 

After Ohio State fell behind, Troy Smith started throwing the deep middle routes that ABC commentator Gary Danielson said were open all along.  The first drive culminated in a TD pass to Santonio Holmes, who received an awful "celebration foul" for diving into the end zone.  The second long pass was to Anthony Gonzalez on the drive in which the Bucks scored the game winning touchdown.  Tressel redeemed himself by opening up the play calling, and he picked up his fourth win in five tries against Lloyd Carr.  Ohio State likely will go to a BCS Bowl game for the third time in Tressel’s tenure.

 

Surprisingly, the Browns had an easy go of it against Miami Dolphins, getting their first shutout since 2001.  Droughns rushed for 166 yards in 3o carries as he continues to seek out his second straight 1000 yard season, and the first by a Cleveland Brown in 20 years.  Braylon Edwards put his money were his mouth is by hauling in six balls for 90 yards, and the defense caused two turnovers.

 

The real news came after the game when QB Trent Dilfer showed his displeasure with Charlie Frye being inserted for a series in each half.  Dilfer said he disagreed with the decision, but will go along with it.  He even awarded Frye the game ball for his performance.  The quarterback’s reaction was stunning since he has been so team oriented during his time here.  My guess is that the emotions of the game were still in play and Dilfer will change his tune and be understanding of the move.

 

The Browns need to see what Frye can do before the end of the season.  Not in practice or on films from the exhibition season, but in real NFL action.  Dilfer has been the consumate professional, but he should realize he is not the future of this franchise.  Frye might be, and that’s what Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel need to find out.

 

KM

 

Last week it was Browns vs. Steelers.  This week it is Ohio State vs. Michigan.  The intensity is high not only on the field, but in the stands as well.  A strange creature emerges during the week these games are played.  They are the people who live in Cleveland, but root for the Steelers and/or the Wolverines.  Perhaps you know one of these insidious creatures.

 

Now, I’m not talking about those who grew up in Pittsburgh and Michigan and continue to support those teams.  I’m sure if I moved to another city, I would continue to root for the Indians, Browns, Cavaliers, and Buckeyes.  Heck, I’ve rooted for them my entire life.  I’m referring to those who grew up in Northeast Ohio, yet have switched over to the dark side.

 

Most of these frontrunners who support the black and gold grew up in the seventies, when the Steelers were the dominant team in the NFL, winning four Super Bowls.  They have no recollection that from 1950-1970, Pittsburgh was pretty much the doormat of the NFL.  These fans can usually be rooted out by asking if they follow the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Normally, the answer is no, because the Pirates have not won a division title since the early nineties.  Since then, the Indians have been to two World Series. 

 

These Terrible Towel (by the way, is there anything more stupid than that?) waving idiots don’t realize the Steelers haven’t won the Lombardi Trophy since the 70’s.  Sure, they’ve been to some AFC title games and one Super Bowl since, but have come up short due to their coach, Bill Cowher.  Cowher is a disciple of former Browns’ coach Marty Schottenheimer, and has picked up his nasty little habit of losing the big game.  However, the Steelers are where the Browns want to go, so we will not go further. 

 

These fans will come back to the Browns when Cleveland is successful for awhile and Pittsburgh takes a downward turn. 

 

The Michigan loyalists are just as ridiculous.  I have a friend who grew up in Parma and roots for Michigan, especially against Ohio State.  His rationale is that he hated Woody Hayes when he was a kid, so he rooted for the maize and blue.  Who was coaching Michigan at the time?  Bo Schembechler, nicknamed "Little Woody" by the media. 

 

I always ask him did he realize he was for the team whose coach was a younger version of his hated Hayes?  It doesn’t matter.  Logic is lost here.  It was bad for Buckeye fans when John Cooper was the head man at OSU, and never got how important the rivalry is. Woody Hayes knew.  Earle Bruce knew.  Jim Tressel knows.  That’s why it will be fun when the Scarlet and Gray win for the four time in Tressel’s five years on Saturday. 

 

The contrarians in Ohio will have to hide their Michigan gear for another year.  Either that or trade it in for some Ohio State stuff.  Anyway, this is way these rivalries are so much fun.  It is always good to have a knockdown, drag out sports argument.

 

MW