^^Most NFL coaches would have made that call unless it was in the last 3 minutes of the game.  Every national pundit brought on the airwaves up here this week has said so.

 

As far as 'staring down' recievers, that has more to do with Shurmer's system which mostly predetermines which route is going to get the ball before the snap.  Let's see how he does against some pair other than Asomugha and Cromartie before trying to imagine we have him all figured out.

 

Staring down receivers is a funny critique to me. I obviously see the advantage in being able to check down, or look off receivers. But I routinely see Peyton Manning, Brady, Rivers, etc. just stare holes into guys and they're still all star QB's.  But the commentators only use the "staring" critique after an obviously bad pass! They never ever say "Brady stares down Welker and completes the pass for the touchdown!"

 

Roethlisberger stared down a receiver in the game Sunday and he was promptly picked off.  Cutler did the same in his game and it cost the team 7 points.  Stafford did too, he threw multiple picks even.  Quarterbacks with lesser skill like Weeden can't afford to emulate this behavior, even with the chance of getting away with one from time to time. 

 

HTS121,

 

Kicking a PAT to put you up 6 points is idiotic and inexcusable, and I disagree that most coaches would have done the same.  If you're up five points, that's the same as being up six, so why not try for the 2pt conversion?  Would most NFL coaches like the idea of being beat by an extra point kick?

I'm not saying WIN NOW I'm saying get pissed about losing.

 

Believe me, any athlete who can make it to the NFL did so because they HATE losing. But who should be pissed? Fans? Players? Either way, getting mad isn't going to make these new Browns players learn more quickly how to finesse their way through a double-team, or perfect a swim move past a taller opponent, or know how to play with other guys at a speed they've never played at before. Football players at the high-school and collegiate levels learn beginner X's and O's, plus basic movement techniques, and at a much slower pace of game. The NFL game is played at a dizzying pace with an incredibly complicated playbook that has multitudes of read-and-react options for offenses and defenses. The NFL is truly a whole new ballgame, and some players take months or years to figure out enough of it to succeed (some have such sick talent they can succeed on raw skills until their brain catches up). Some never do. Getting mad at them is not going make them learn any faster.

 

I think they've got tons of raw talent on this team, maybe too much of the raw. But considering this team needed a complete tear-down-and-rebuild-up job, having lots of young players was inevitable. They probably could have brought in more veteran free agents, but most of the guys willing to come here weren't exactly the types they wanted to mentor the young players or otherwise lead by their example (ie: Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress).

 

Getting mad doesn't make a player learn faster. In fact, I would argue the opposite is true. Improving your focus through dedication, commitment, self-confidence and, yes, even some peace of mind will help "slow" the game down for them. Of course, the game doesn't slow down. Their minds adjust up to the speed.

 

You're right, getting mad isn't going to teach the players any new moves, make them learn any faster, or miraculously inspire talent in their souls.  I don't think the players are the issue.

 

I believe Cleveland fans are the issue - and let's be clear - I AM a Cleveland fan.  I remember the watching the drive when I was 5 yrs old and asking my outraged father what just happened.  I was 6th row, behind the bulls bench, at the Coliseum for the shot.  I was throwing shoes at the television in 1997 for the game 7 of the world series.

 

I've experienced all of the recent heart breaks.  As a Cleveland sports fan, I feel there is too much sympathy for losing and I'm tired of it. 

 

Just as athletes make it to the NFL because they hate losing, I believe teams win championships because their fans hate losing.  I'm tired of losing.  I'm tired of excuses.  I'm a Cleveland Browns fan and I am pissed.

 

 

 

 

 

^^there is a big difference between being up 5 or up 6.  Being up 5, you lose with two field goals from the other team.  That is why standard philosophy dictates that you go up 6 in that situation unless there is only time left for one possesseion by the other team

Losing by two field goals is the same as losing by one touchdown + PAT.  The Browns are either down 16-15 after two field goals and hardly any time left, or 17-16 after an Eagles touchdown, which is what ended up happening.  Not playing to win cost Cleveland an overtime opportunity.

You're assuming that they would have made the 2 pt conversion.  Did you not watch the offense last Sunday?

 

Just as likely, given the time that was left, Philly could have got 2 field goals and then you would be here lambasting the coaching staff for costing us an overtime opportunity.

 

Hindsight is 20/20 my man and is a favorite tool for monday-morning quarterbacks, but you have to put yourself in the moment.  That was a defensive touchdown with 14 minutes left to play.  The offense was cold and had not been on the field.  If we miss that 2pt conversion then we are only up 5 pts with a lot of time on the clock.  Philly gets the ball and immediately drives down for a make-able field goal, but their kicker shanks it.  If he would have made that kick and Shurmer had been following your strategy, then we are only up 2 pts with 9 minutes to go against one of the better teams in the league.

 

Bottom line is that I wouldn't be criticizing him if he had gone for two, but it is enough of a toss up under those circumstances to understand why he wanted to make sure two field goals don't beat us.

 

Just as athletes make it to the NFL because they hate losing, I believe teams win championships because their fans hate losing.  I'm tired of losing.  I'm tired of excuses.  I'm a Cleveland Browns fan and I am pissed.

 

 

Bad news: you and I have no influence or control. We can stop buying tickets, merchandise, etc., but enough people don't have that level of discipline to make a dent in the billions of dollars in shared revenues the Browns get from the NFL.

Yeah, as I age I am learning that getting pissed on Sundays only does one things: ruin my Sundays.  I got upset after last weeks game, then tried to shake the feeling and enjoy the rest of my weekend.  Now that it's mid-week and I have forgotten the sting, I remember that I expected much worse from that game to begin with.

Pick your damn heads up you bunch of Nancy's. 

 

Just as athletes make it to the NFL because they hate losing, I believe teams win championships because their fans hate losing.  I'm tired of losing.  I'm tired of excuses.  I'm a Cleveland Browns fan and I am pissed.

 

 

Bad news: you and I have no influence or control. We can stop buying tickets, merchandise, etc., but enough people don't have that level of discipline to make a dent in the billions of dollars in shared revenues the Browns get from the NFL.

 

On the heels of a disappointing 2010 season, Bengals fans refused to fill Paul Brown Stadium, leaving the team blacked out to Cincinnatians almost every home game in 2011 despite winning 7 of their first 9.  Bengals fans were vilified nationally yet again for being a fickle fanbase.  Result: Owner Mike Brown lowered ticket prices and got more creative with that aspect of his business. 

 

 

I get what you are saying, but Mike Brown was pretty the polar opposite of Randy Lerner in terms of being an owner. He's cheap, generally doesn't care about the fans opinions so the fans hate him, where as Lerner threw money at the problems and made rash decisions based on fans reaction.

 

 

Besides we already have the lowest average ticket price in the NFL.

 

 

Yeah, as I age I am learning that getting pissed on Sundays only does one things: ruin my Sundays.  I got upset after last weeks game, then tried to shake the feeling and enjoy the rest of my weekend.  Now that it's mid-week and I have forgotten the sting, I remember that I expected much worse from that game to begin with.

 

I just keep things in perspective: it's just a damn football game. From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, my moods during the week after games often depended on what happened in that game. I invested TOO MUCH of my emotions in something over which I had no control. When we were without the Browns for three years, I realized there's a lot more to life each fall than football.

 

Get out and about in the fall. You'll discover fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and Northeast Ohio is one of the best places to enjoy it. Let football be a sidelight to fall, not the dominator of it. OUT.

Yeah, as I age I am learning that getting pissed on Sundays only does one things: ruin my Sundays.  I got upset after last weeks game, then tried to shake the feeling and enjoy the rest of my weekend.  Now that it's mid-week and I have forgotten the sting, I remember that I expected much worse from that game to begin with.

 

I just keep things in perspective: it's just a damn football game. From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, my moods during the week after games often depended on what happened in that game. I invested TOO MUCH of my emotions in something over which I had no control. When we were without the Browns for three years, I realized there's a lot more to life each fall than football.

 

Get out and about in the fall. You'll discover fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and Northeast Ohio is one of the best places to enjoy it. Let football be a sidelight to fall, not the dominator of it. OUT.

 

Oh Lawd, don't get KJP started.  You all know talking about the Browns get his pressure up!

 

KJP...inhale, hold 3 seconds, now slowly blow it out! (repeat 5 times)

Oh Lawd, don't get KJP started.  You all know talking about the Browns get his pressure up!

 

KJP...inhale, hold 3 seconds, now slowly blow it out! (repeat 5 times)

 

Not anymore. I'm at peace with the world and everyone in it. .....Except of course those mother f*ckers who get in my way!! ;-)

Anyone see that article in the PD yesterday where George Forbes and Tim Hagan say that they offered Modell a spot at Gateway and he turned it down?  I thought the timing of the article was unfortunate, but necessary because of the way some folks in the national media tried to place full blame on Cleveland for the Browns moving.

I remember that very clearly. Sadly, people are so busy trying to blame the city that they never bothered researching what really happened. Keep telling the story. That's the only way we'll be able to overcome the Modell apologists.

Just a few more hours till we whip the bengals and rocket to #30 in the power rankings.  RESPECT!

Well, given how that game started. I am almost happy with the final outcome. Almost.

 

Weeden officially bad the worst first game jitters ever! Much better showing by the rookies.

Browns lose 34-27. QB Weeden (300+ yards, 2TDs, 0INTs)  and RB Richardson (100+ yards, 2TDs) had great games. Defense and special teams did not.

I feel ok after this game.  What does everyone think of Josh Cribbs running the ball out of end zones on kick offs?  It only seems to be hurting us right now.

MK, I am Ok  with it. He ends up at least the 20 yd line, so no loss there and apparently all the way out to the 35 when he is really trying.

 

Penalties also killed us today. 100 yds. ouch

 

Penalties hurt. But I think they could have been overcome if our special teams coverage did its job and we didn't have both our starting cornerbacks out today. The exception was the one play where Sheldon Brown made an appearance to keep his consecutive games-played streak alive, now at 175. Consider that we had six sacks today, and we did not allow Cincy more than 80 yard rushing as a team. But Cincy burned our secondary for 318 yards.

 

Still, I felt better about today's loss than I did about last week's. That's pretty common when both teams score a bunch of points. I don't feel good, though. No one should when your team is 0-2. I expected them to be 0-2 on their way to an 0-4 start. But I did not expect Weeden or Richardson to have their breakout games so early, especially against a defense as good as Cincinnati's. That was a pleasant surprise. I think they and other Browns' young players will be more comfortable and confident as NFL players and will have better games when Cincinnati comes north for the re-match. I am looking forward to the second half of this season, and especially next season.

Yep. What he said.

 

In the typical twisted Browns fan logic, I actually had the thought that today's loss means a better draft pick next year. Oy!

 

On a positive note, it was refreshing to watch Greg Little watch that ball all the way into his hands before turning up field on the TD catch. It's the little things that give me hope.

 

MoMass sighting today, too.

I think I just read five "I'm OK with the loss" proclamations.  I'm sorry fellas, but losing is something I'm not OK with.  Teams can't have penalties period in the NFL and expect to win, but to have the nerve to have over 100 yards worth when you aren't that good is shameful from a standpoint of professionalism.  Our margin of error is thin, so the least we can do is play disciplined is something the players have to be reminding themselves.

 

Weeden took advantage of an ailing secondary in which the starting safety was benched after three quarters in Baltimore and has barely seen the field since.  The #1 corner is coming off of an Achilles tear, the #2 corner hasn't practiced in weeks because of knee problems, and for some reason, the #3 corner that yesterday staged one of the most spectacular punt returns I've ever seen, can't get on the field as a DB.  From a personnel and coaching standpoint, the Bengals secondary isn't very hard to beat right now.  Mike Zimmer is playing guys he shouldn't be in positions they shouldn't be in.  Weeden still gets credit for not turning it over.

 

It was good to see Richardson put his money where his mouth is.  He covered up several team deficiencies today with a couple explosive plays that you'd hope to see from a #3 overall pick.  Without him smelling the end zone, I would imagine the Browns would have had trouble getting in there otherwise, netting eight fewer points.  34-19 with those last three being a desperate FG isn't good.  Of course that's all conjecture and what really happened was Browns' fans got to see an explosive offensive player in a Cleveland uniform which they haven't seen since Braylon Edwards' 2007 season.

I think I just read five "I'm OK with the loss" proclamations.  I'm sorry fellas, but losing is something I'm not OK with.  Teams can't have penalties period in the NFL and expect to win, but to have the nerve to have over 100 yards worth when you aren't that good is shameful from a standpoint of professionalism.  Our margin of error is thin, so the least we can do is play disciplined is something the players have to be reminding themselves.

 

Weeden took advantage of an ailing secondary in which the starting safety was benched after three quarters in Baltimore and has barely seen the field since.  The #1 corner is coming off of an Achilles tear, the #2 corner hasn't practiced in weeks because of knee problems, and for some reason, the #3 corner that yesterday staged one of the most spectacular punt returns I've ever seen, can't get on the field as a DB.  From a personnel and coaching standpoint, the Bengals secondary isn't very hard to beat right now.  Mike Zimmer is playing guys he shouldn't be in positions they shouldn't be in.  Weeden still gets credit for not turning it over.

 

It was good to see Richardson put his money where his mouth is.  He covered up several team deficiencies today with a couple explosive plays that you'd hope to see from a #3 overall pick.  Without him smelling the end zone, I would imagine the Browns would have had trouble getting in there otherwise, netting eight fewer points.  34-19 with those last three being a desperate FG isn't good.  Of course that's all conjecture and what really happened was Browns' fans got to see an explosive offensive player in a Cleveland uniform which they haven't seen since Braylon Edwards' 2007 season.

Agree, I'm having trouble understanding why we should feel good about losing to a team more convincingly this year than we did last year (twice).  Despite getting a huge game from Richardson.

 

Add Richardson to last years team and we win both games against the Bengals.  Take Richardson away from yesterday's game and we lose by 2 TD's, easily.

 

Why should we feel good about the team taking a step backwards?

I think I just read five "I'm OK with the loss" proclamations.  I'm sorry fellas, but losing is something I'm not OK with. 

 

I guess you missed what I wrote:

 

Still, I felt better about today's loss than I did about last week's. That's pretty common when both teams score a bunch of points. I don't feel good, though. No one should when your team is 0-2.

 

Do you want me to rant angrily? For what purpose? What you say or do, and what I say or do won't cause change. We're irrelevant. You can get mad all you want, or you can observe and analyze. The outcome on the field is the same. The only difference is one leaves you an ulcer and the other one doesn't. That's the only outcome over which you have influence.

 

Add Richardson to last years team and we win both games against the Bengals.  Take Richardson away from yesterday's game and we lose by 2 TD's, easily.

 

What's the point of that statement? And you don't think the Bengals' game plan against us would be different? Outcomes don't change so simply or interchangeably by adding one player or not. Don't forgot that we played Cincinnati in week 1 last year when they beat us by 10. Would Richardson have run for more than 39 yards in his first game last year vs. this year? And what's the point of such overly simplified thoughts?

 

Why should we feel good about the team taking a step backwards?

 

You're watching the Cleveland Browns, right? Just wanted to make sure we're watching the same team. That's the Browns that had a weaker schedule last year. They also had zero talent on offense and some on defense. I doubt they could have beaten many Division I teams in recent years. What they have now are talented kids who are playing with grown men in the rest of the NFL. They don't yet know how to play in the NFL let alone win. I know it can be frustrating. But you can't make a grown-up out of a 12-year-old just because you want immediate gratification. Fortunately, these kids will grow up fast. They aren't going to win these games this year. They simply aren't experienced enough or deep enough. I'm not expecting anything from them until next year.

 

My expectation for this year? This week's game against Buffalo is probably our best chance at avoiding an 0-5 start. After week 5 is when we start playing against more teams that we can actually compete with to end the season 6-10.

I'm disappointed with the loss, but I had really low expectations going into this season with such a young team.

 

After watching yesterday, I'm disappointed that the defense seemed subpar, I know we're missing hayden, but I thought the rest of the secondary seemed to take the week off too. But considering the Offense took the week before off, they were a massive improvement. If we can get the offense from this week and the defense from last week to both show up for a game, get a few more games of experience for the rookies, keep the penalties to a minimum, keep people healthy and maybe plug a couple of openings, the Browns might do pretty well for the second half of the season. Anyone that's watched the last couple games should see what needs to be worked on.

 

In other words, yeah they lost. It should go without saying that I'm pissed about that, as we all have the right to be, but at least there's a silver lining to this cloud. (After watching Weeden and Richardson last week I didn't see much of silver lining.)

Sheldon Brown was healthy and played one down to keep his streak going.  Buster Skrine then took his spot for the rest of the game.  Not clear why.

I think I just read five "I'm OK with the loss" proclamations.  I'm sorry fellas, but losing is something I'm not OK with. 

 

I guess you missed what I wrote:

 

Still, I felt better about today's loss than I did about last week's. That's pretty common when both teams score a bunch of points. I don't feel good, though. No one should when your team is 0-2.

 

Do you want me to rant angrily? For what purpose? What you say or do, and what I say or do won't cause change. We're irrelevant. You can get mad all you want, or you can observe and analyze. The outcome on the field is the same. The only difference is one leaves you an ulcer and the other one doesn't. That's the only outcome over which you have influence.

 

Add Richardson to last years team and we win both games against the Bengals.  Take Richardson away from yesterday's game and we lose by 2 TD's, easily.

 

What's the point of that statement? And you don't think the Bengals' game plan against us would be different? Outcomes don't change so simply or interchangeably by adding one player or not. Don't forgot that we played Cincinnati in week 1 last year when they beat us by 10. Would Richardson have run for more than 39 yards in his first game last year vs. this year? And what's the point of such overly simplified thoughts?

 

Why should we feel good about the team taking a step backwards?

 

You're watching the Cleveland Browns, right? Just wanted to make sure we're watching the same team. That's the Browns that had a weaker schedule last year. They also had zero talent on offense and some on defense. I doubt they could have beaten many Division I teams in recent years. What they have now are talented kids who are playing with grown men in the rest of the NFL. They don't yet know how to play in the NFL let alone win. I know it can be frustrating. But you can't make a grown-up out of a 12-year-old just because you want immediate gratification. Fortunately, these kids will grow up fast. They aren't going to win these games this year. They simply aren't experienced enough or deep enough. I'm not expecting anything from them until next year.

 

My expectation for this year? This week's game against Buffalo is probably our best chance at avoiding an 0-5 start. After week 5 is when we start playing against more teams that we can actually compete with to end the season 6-10.

 

Why are you still watching?  WHY??  You're only going to give yourself an ulcer.  Do something else on Sunday or whenever the Browns play.

^^Sheldon Brown and Brandon Jackson not playing, despite being healthy, is suspect for sure.  Perhaps they were being disciplined for something.  I'm not buying the coaches' reasons.  On a related note, I've long desired for the coaches to take a look at Sheldon as a free safety and with the way Haag played yesterday, maybe that wish will come true.  However, Skine does not appear ready to start.  We basically lost the game because Cincy kept the chains moving by picking on him and then exploiting the defensive shift we had to make from there.  The haters will say what they will say (because haters do what they do), but it essentially boiled down to that.  Gotta give Cincy credit for executing that game plan, but this really was a game where one player (Joe Haden) would have made a world of difference.  We also lost the "game of inches" yesterday..... particularly that sideline pass to Gresham extending Cincy's last drive in which his feet somehow managed to stay in bounds (at least that was what was called on the field and there was insufficient evidence to overturn the call)

 

One of these games, the offense and the defense will get on the same page.  But the positives from yesterday were undeniable.  Weeden confirmed his NFL potential and showed great poise and leadership as the game progressed.  Richardson gave the team that spark which really got the offense going.  His two touchdowns were phenomenal.  The offensive line improved as the game went along (against a very tough Cincy front 4) and the recievers actually held on to the ball more often than they dropped it. 

Why are you still watching?  WHY??  You're only going to give yourself an ulcer.  Do something else on Sunday or whenever the Browns play.

 

Are you talking to me? If so, I think you have me confused with someone who is emotionally involved in this team. I used to be 20-30 years ago. Not anymore. Read it again. You will see I take a much more philosophical viewpoint toward watching football in recent years.

 

I also agree with Sheldon Brown as a safety. I've urged this for a couple years now.

 

I enjoy seeing the improvement of our young players. But they don't have enough experience yet to win.

I'm glad the coach is sticking with Weeden. I think a major problem of the last decade has been the constant switching of everyone from coaches to players. These changes don't allow any players or coaches to find a rhythm, get better and progress. Then everyone involved in the franchise has to watch a team start with no progression.

Why are you still watching?  WHY??  You're only going to give yourself an ulcer.  Do something else on Sunday or whenever the Browns play.

 

Are you talking to me? If so, I think you have me confused with someone who is emotionally involved in this team. I used to be 20-30 years ago. Not anymore. Read it again. You will see I take a much more philosophical viewpoint toward watching football in recent years.

 

I also agree with Sheldon Brown as a safety. I've urged this for a couple years now.

 

I enjoy seeing the improvement of our young players. But they don't have enough experience yet to win.

 

Yes, you boo!  You say you're are no longer "emotionally involved" but you could fool me!  Honey....let it go.  Relax...relate....release!

Yes, you boo!  You say you're are no longer "emotionally involved" but you could fool me!  Honey....let it go.  Relax...relate....release!

 

The only thing that is making me angry is you. You have no idea how I am while watching games. Today, when something goes well, I do cheer. When things go wrong, I shake my head. But I do not own any Browns paraphernalia. I was offered tickets to go to the Philadelphia game but I turned them down. During the Cincinnati game, I had work to do so I only had the game on in the background.

 

Twenty or 30 years ago, if the team was playing well, I would go to as many games as I could. I bought national magazines that had articles about the Browns. I subscribed to Browns News Illustrated. I had several Browns jerseys, hats, etc. When the team choked, I broke furniture, erased all the Browns songs I taped on my stereo, got drunk, etc.

 

Now, if I was like the guy I was 20-30 years ago, then I would say you're 100% right. But as you can clearly see, I have pulled my emotions way back from that. And if you still don't believe me, then you should switch from advertising to writing fiction. Oh, wait, isn't that the same thing? ;)

ugh - bringing up the rear in the espn power ratings:

 

 

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?w=1c5lq&disableShare=true&adBlock=block&i=SC&id=75052&hidePageFooter=true&hidePageHeader=true&blogname=nfcwest

 

ugh - bringing up the rear in the espn power ratings:

 

 

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?w=1c5lq&disableShare=true&adBlock=block&i=SC&id=75052&hidePageFooter=true&hidePageHeader=true&blogname=nfcwest

These guys were watching the Cleveland Browns, the same Browns that fans think is so much better than last year, right?

 

Two years ago, the Browns split with the Bengals, last year we lost on a trick play and botched snap after holding leads in the 4th Qtr in both games.  This year, we didn't get within one scores until 20 seconds remaining.  Despite some great play from Richardson.

 

The ultimate prize for Browns fans, the #1 overall pick will soon be ours.  Progress!

I think I just read five "I'm OK with the loss" proclamations.  I'm sorry fellas, but losing is something I'm not OK with. 

 

I guess you missed what I wrote:

 

Still, I felt better about today's loss than I did about last week's. That's pretty common when both teams score a bunch of points. I don't feel good, though. No one should when your team is 0-2.

 

Do you want me to rant angrily? For what purpose? What you say or do, and what I say or do won't cause change. We're irrelevant. You can get mad all you want, or you can observe and analyze. The outcome on the field is the same. The only difference is one leaves you an ulcer and the other one doesn't. That's the only outcome over which you have influence.

 

Add Richardson to last years team and we win both games against the Bengals.  Take Richardson away from yesterday's game and we lose by 2 TD's, easily.

 

What's the point of that statement? And you don't think the Bengals' game plan against us would be different? Outcomes don't change so simply or interchangeably by adding one player or not. Don't forgot that we played Cincinnati in week 1 last year when they beat us by 10. Would Richardson have run for more than 39 yards in his first game last year vs. this year? And what's the point of such overly simplified thoughts?

 

Why should we feel good about the team taking a step backwards?

 

You're watching the Cleveland Browns, right? Just wanted to make sure we're watching the same team. That's the Browns that had a weaker schedule last year. They also had zero talent on offense and some on defense. I doubt they could have beaten many Division I teams in recent years. What they have now are talented kids who are playing with grown men in the rest of the NFL. They don't yet know how to play in the NFL let alone win. I know it can be frustrating. But you can't make a grown-up out of a 12-year-old just because you want immediate gratification. Fortunately, these kids will grow up fast. They aren't going to win these games this year. They simply aren't experienced enough or deep enough. I'm not expecting anything from them until next year.

 

My expectation for this year? This week's game against Buffalo is probably our best chance at avoiding an 0-5 start. After week 5 is when we start playing against more teams that we can actually compete with to end the season 6-10.

This week's power rankings and being an underdog to the Bills at home sum up my sentiments.

 

In 2010 we beat the Saints & Jets, and took the Jets to OT winning 5 games.  Last year we won 4 games, and could've easily won 4 more with a good long-snapper, and a HC that knew to call a TO when the other team is running a play with your Defense in the huddle.  This year we have to wait to play some teams with rookie QB's in order to hope for a Win.  That is not progress.

 

When/if we start winning games, I'll be on board with this FO and their draft strategy.  But I'm done with "next year" talk, I've had too many next year's.

I don't see how anyone can watch the game against Cincinnati in Cincinnati and think this team is worse than last year.  Weeden will make people forget about Colt McCoy by this weekend.  We have a home-run hitter in Richardson.  We get a quarterback that has some zip on his ball and, lo and behold, MoMass all of a sudden looks like a WR.  Their DL is getting consistent pressure on the QB without blitzing (8 sacks is 2nd in the league, 23rd last year).  Sure the secondary is struggling, but you can't lose your 2 starting CBs, one a Pro Bowl talent for 4 weeks and one a solid, veteran starter and not expect a falloff.  Something that people forget is that both Haden and Brown are great tacklers at the CB position and would have made one of those tackles against Hawkins on his scamper.

 

The penalties are infuriating though, I'll give you that.

 

And who cares about the national media and Vegas?  Pretty sure Browns are 5-0-1 ATS the last 6 games, so Vegas doesn't know either.

 

 

I don't see how anyone can watch the game against Cincinnati in Cincinnati and think this team is worse than last year.  Weeden will make people forget about Colt McCoy by this weekend.  We have a home-run hitter in Richardson.  We get a quarterback that has some zip on his ball and, lo and behold, MoMass all of a sudden looks like a WR.  Their DL is getting consistent pressure on the QB without blitzing (8 sacks is 2nd in the league, 23rd last year).  Sure the secondary is struggling, but you can't lose your 2 starting CBs, one a Pro Bowl talent for 4 weeks and one a solid, veteran starter and not expect a falloff.  Something that people forget is that both Haden and Brown are great tacklers at the CB position and would have made one of those tackles against Hawkins on his scamper.

 

The penalties are infuriating though, I'll give you that.

 

And who cares about the national media and Vegas?  Pretty sure Browns are 5-0-1 ATS the last 6 games, so Vegas doesn't know either.

 

 

 

You've made a lot of good points that unfortunately, deeply rooted in assumptions:

 

1.  Weeden continues success in-spite of his habit of staring down receivers.  Any well coached defense will pick him apart if he continues.

2.  Richardson's knee holds up

3.  MoMass doesn't have any more concussions, which he seems to pickup like a heads up penny

4.  Sheldon Brown and TJ Ward stay healthy.  I don't remember a season where all three defensive stars in Haden, Brown, and Ward all played together and this season is proving to be the same (please correct me if I'm wrong).

 

This team may have more talent than last year, but saying this team is better than last year is yet to be proven.

But I'm done with "next year" talk, I've had too many next year's.

 

You don't have any choice. So does that mean you won't be watching anymore games or posting any more messages? Or do you intend to will them to a winning season??

 

1.  Weeden continues success in-spite of his habit of staring down receivers.  Any well coached defense will pick him apart if he continues.

2.  Richardson's knee holds up

3.  MoMass doesn't have any more concussions, which he seems to pickup like a heads up penny

4.  Sheldon Brown and TJ Ward stay healthy.  I don't remember a season where all three defensive stars in Haden, Brown, and Ward all played together and this season is proving to be the same (please correct me if I'm wrong).

 

This team may have more talent than last year, but saying this team is better than last year is yet to be proven.

 

Injuries affect every team. I don't remember a season when any unit of a team (defensive backs, offensive line, WRs ect) gets through an entire season without a player missing a game due to injuries. Stuff happens. It's why depth is so important.

 

I don't know if Weeden will be better than McCoy would be this weekend. And this weekend doesn't really matter. Weeden won't be judged by this weekend. He'll be judged in 5-10 years. The same way we're all judged. So if you don't succeed in one day, no big deal. We fail more than we succeed anyway.

 

Oh, and as for the power rankings, consider that teams that performed better in the past will always rank higher. Thus, teams that may be on the decline will always get higher rankings than teams that may be on the rise. How do you know? You don't. You wait and see what happens next, just like life.

Yes, you boo!  You say you're are no longer "emotionally involved" but you could fool me!  Honey....let it go.  Relax...relate....release!

 

The only thing that is making me angry is you. You have no idea how I am while watching games. Today, when something goes well, I do cheer. When things go wrong, I shake my head. But I do not own any Browns paraphernalia. I was offered tickets to go to the Philadelphia game but I turned them down. During the Cincinnati game, I had work to do so I only had the game on in the background.

 

Twenty or 30 years ago, if the team was playing well, I would go to as many games as I could. I bought national magazines that had articles about the Browns. I subscribed to Browns News Illustrated. I had several Browns jerseys, hats, etc. When the team choked, I broke furniture, erased all the Browns songs I taped on my stereo, got drunk, etc.

 

Now, if I was like the guy I was 20-30 years ago, then I would say you're 100% right. But as you can clearly see, I have pulled my emotions way back from that. And if you still don't believe me, then you should switch from advertising to writing fiction. Oh, wait, isn't that the same thing? ;)

 

LMAO!  Hot Mess!  I'm in Public Relations/Marketing/Media Relations, which is science fiction!  HA.  I was right there with you 20 years ago. A couple of Browns lived right by me.  I dont think it will ever be the same.  We had a team that, even if, they did not make the playoff they would win, on average, 10 games a season.

 

I love my Browns...but I'm over them like an abusive ex lover.

I don't see how anyone can watch the game against Cincinnati in Cincinnati and think this team is worse than last year.  Weeden will make people forget about Colt McCoy by this weekend.  We have a home-run hitter in Richardson.  We get a quarterback that has some zip on his ball and, lo and behold, MoMass all of a sudden looks like a WR.  Their DL is getting consistent pressure on the QB without blitzing (8 sacks is 2nd in the league, 23rd last year).  Sure the secondary is struggling, but you can't lose your 2 starting CBs, one a Pro Bowl talent for 4 weeks and one a solid, veteran starter and not expect a falloff.  Something that people forget is that both Haden and Brown are great tacklers at the CB position and would have made one of those tackles against Hawkins on his scamper.

 

The penalties are infuriating though, I'll give you that.

 

And who cares about the national media and Vegas?  Pretty sure Browns are 5-0-1 ATS the last 6 games, so Vegas doesn't know either.

People are always so anxious to turn everything into a Weeden vs McCoy argument.  The point is to win games, we supposedly drafted a better QB, and upgraded several other positions on Offense.  So let's see them win some games.  Because I could care less about losing games 34-27, especially when we could've upgraded the Defense, maybe even another decent CB, and won, say 24-21.

 

As far as MoMass goes, he lost 15 pounds in the off-season.  He looks a little better, but no better than he did in his rookie year, I think he had a couple 100 yard games in his first year.

 

When we start winning, I'll start believing.

When/if we start winning games, I'll be on board with this FO and their draft strategy.  But I'm done with "next year" talk, I've had too many next year's.

 

Lucky for you, the bandwagon has a revolving door.  Enjoy the fair weather

ugh - bringing up the rear in the espn power ratings:

 

 

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?w=1c5lq&disableShare=true&adBlock=block&i=SC&id=75052&hidePageFooter=true&hidePageHeader=true&blogname=nfcwest

 

 

I don't know why I even bother to look at the ESPN power rankings.  I admit that I am biased, but are we REALLY the worst of the 32 teams?  Meanwhile, the Bengals move up 2 spots to 16 for beating (and not badly) the supposed worst team in the NFL.  I think Jamison Hensley had it right when he said this:

 

CLEVELAND BROWNS

 

ESPN Power Ranking: No. 32

 

My ranking: No. 29

 

2012 record: 0-2

 

Comment: The Browns are the worst team in the NFL, according to the power rankings. I had the Browns higher, but I was in the minority. The other four voters had Cleveland at No. 32. My stance is the Browns have been in both games this season, losing by a total of eight points. Oakland, Kansas City and Jacksonville have all looked worse this season.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth

I suspect there are many people who contribute to the power rankings who, at most, have only seen a few brief highlights of Browns games.

 

The Browns will perform better on the field when their existing talent gains more experience, when they gain more talent and depth, and that added talent gains more experience. Pretty tall order to ask a smart high-school freshman to score highly on the SAT. But he'll get there.

The next time Richardson wants to call out his teammates, maybe he should listen to his own advice first.

 

I take back what I said about the Browns having raw talent. All they have is raw. Looks like I'm going to have to find something else to entertain myself on Sundays this fall. Here comes 0-5.

Terrible execution of a bad game plan

Terrible execution of a bad game plan

 

...by an awful football team.

 

Well, on the bright side, maybe we can bring in an experienced head coach with a proven track record of winning. I just hate the thought of blowing up the coaching staff -- again.

Wow.  Maybe they are the worst team in football.  Hard to find the silver lining today.

Yay, the lowly Indians outscored the Royals -- and the Browns.