January 11, 20214 yr 6 minutes ago, YABO713 said: As a teammate - I would've dogged Ben out on the sideline for that. He refused to dive on the fumble and cost them team 7 versus 2 or even 0. That's a coward and not someone I want leading the team. I'm not asking him to block, or even make tackles on INTs.... but you've gotta dive on fumbles. You expect me to dive on that? But I could get dirty, or one of those mean Browns might hit me!
January 11, 20214 yr Also - I won't wish Covid-19 on anyone.... But I wouldn't be opposed to a bunch of asymptomatic positives riddling the Chiefs offense on like Friday afternoon....
January 11, 20214 yr 11 minutes ago, YABO713 said: Also - I won't wish Covid-19 on anyone.... But I wouldn't be opposed to a bunch of asymptomatic positives riddling the Chiefs offense on like Friday afternoon.... or even better, exposure to a positive. Theyve been coddling Ben all along. Hes a 38 year old dinosaur, there wasnt a chance in hell he was jumping on that ball. I nthe mean time, Baker is sprinting downfield blocking for Chubb. Roethlisbergers respect is built on the premise that he made three super bowls, thats all. What have you done for me lately, nothing.
January 11, 20214 yr 23 minutes ago, BelievelandD1 said: or even better, exposure to a positive. Theyve been coddling Ben all along. Hes a 38 year old dinosaur, there wasnt a chance in hell he was jumping on that ball. I nthe mean time, Baker is sprinting downfield blocking for Chubb. Roethlisbergers respect is built on the premise that he made three super bowls, thats all. What have you done for me lately, nothing. So, I'm actually WILDLY opposed to Baker doing that. In my sophomore season in college, we were working on a "turnaround season" and were about to start the year 3-1, when in the 4th quarter our QB sprinted downfield to block on a broken play and broke his collar bone. I'm okay with Baker doing it every once in a while, and I love that he's willing to, but it's not a net positive for the team if he hurts himself doing something he shouldn't - it's the same reason we wouldn't send Bitonio out to kick - he'll probably be fine, but why risk the groin injury. QBs should have different expectations in re: physicality - but they should definitely dive on footballs.
January 11, 20214 yr 1 hour ago, YABO713 said: So, I'm actually WILDLY opposed to Baker doing that. In my sophomore season in college, we were working on a "turnaround season" and were about to start the year 3-1, when in the 4th quarter our QB sprinted downfield to block on a broken play and broke his collar bone. I'm okay with Baker doing it every once in a while, and I love that he's willing to, but it's not a net positive for the team if he hurts himself doing something he shouldn't - it's the same reason we wouldn't send Bitonio out to kick - he'll probably be fine, but why risk the groin injury. QBs should have different expectations in re: physicality - but they should definitely dive on footballs. yeah i agree 100%...
January 11, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, YABO713 said: Also - I won't wish Covid-19 on anyone.... But I wouldn't be opposed to a bunch of asymptomatic positives riddling the Chiefs offense on like Friday afternoon.... Do you think the NFL would react differently if Andy Reid, Patrick Mahones, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce all test positive late this week?
January 12, 20214 yr They like us! They really really like us!! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 13, 20214 yr 18 hours ago, KJP said: They like us! They really really like us!! I am convinced a Buffalo Bills-Cleveland Browns AFC Championship game would shatter ratings records. (BTW My wife is a Bills fan so I've been predicting this very game since COVID hit--nothing is more Cleveland/Buffalo than playing for a Super Bowl with neither teams fans being allowed to attend en masse)
January 13, 20214 yr 16 minutes ago, Cleburger said: I am convinced a Buffalo Bills-Cleveland Browns AFC Championship game would shatter ratings records. (BTW My wife is a Bills fan so I've been predicting this very game since COVID hit--nothing is more Cleveland/Buffalo than playing for a Super Bowl with neither teams fans being allowed to attend en masse) Honestly a muni lot x Bills Mafia meeting would lead to some sort of disaster so we're lucky
January 13, 20214 yr 1 hour ago, YABO713 said: Honestly a muni lot x Bills Mafia meeting would lead to some sort of disaster so we're lucky Buffalo and Oakland were the only 2 visiting stadiums I would be scared to attend a game if I was a visiting fan.
January 13, 20214 yr 1 hour ago, Brutus_buckeye said: Buffalo and Oakland were the only 2 visiting stadiums I would be scared to attend a game if I was a visiting fan. I've been to both, actually. Buffalo fans are extremely polite, tbh -there will obviously be drunk a-holes anywhere, though. Raiders was a tough atmosphere to say the least. Still, bar none, the worst experience I've ever had as an away fan at a Browns game was in Cincinnati - which surprised me My best experience was New Orleans.
January 13, 20214 yr 1 minute ago, YABO713 said: I've been to both, actually. Buffalo fans are extremely polite, tbh -there will obviously be drunk a-holes anywhere, though. Raiders was a tough atmosphere to say the least. Still, bar none, the worst experience I've ever had as an away fan at a Browns game was in Cincinnati - which surprised me My best experience was New Orleans. Resident Chiefs fan here, best of luck Browns fans! If the Chiefs lose, I'll definitely be happy it is to the Browns and hop on the bandwagon. Also can confirm Cinci fans are the worst I've ever dealt with.
January 13, 20214 yr Ran into a Steelers fan at the grocery store today. He saw my Browns hat and said "Go Pittsburgh! Seriously though, that was a good win for you guys. Looks like you got the real deal in Baker Mayfield." "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 13, 20214 yr 1 hour ago, YABO713 said: I've been to both, actually. Buffalo fans are extremely polite, tbh -there will obviously be drunk a-holes anywhere, though. Raiders was a tough atmosphere to say the least. Still, bar none, the worst experience I've ever had as an away fan at a Browns game was in Cincinnati - which surprised me My best experience was New Orleans. Agreed--Buffalo fans are polite and show a kinship to Browns fans. For years they have worried about losing their small market team, and welcomed Browns fans up to tailgate in our 1990's absence from the league. My worst experience BY FAR was Philly fans. Brutal.
January 13, 20214 yr 1 minute ago, Cleburger said: Agreed--Buffalo fans are polite and show a kinship to Browns fans. For years they have worried about losing their small market team, and welcomed Browns fans up to tailgate in our 1990's absence from the league. It's a shame Buffalo is not in the AFC North.
January 13, 20214 yr 1 hour ago, YABO713 said: I've been to both, actually. Buffalo fans are extremely polite, tbh -there will obviously be drunk a-holes anywhere, though. Raiders was a tough atmosphere to say the least. Still, bar none, the worst experience I've ever had as an away fan at a Browns game was in Cincinnati - which surprised me My best experience was New Orleans. Ive been to Baltimore twice (both wins). I was actually shocked how nice they were there...now the stadium and workers there implemented a ton of measures to ensure peace. At each timeout, they have this "dont be a jerk" chant...probably something the browns could afford to do. But I was expecting some DMV vitriol. Nashville was also very nice. They dont care enough and are just friendly southerners. That was 2016 and cleveland fans took over all of the bars on Broadway and made them put on the INdians-Jays ALCS game OVER SEC football, which they had on the smaller TV's in the corner..and they were still nice. People were just in Nashville to have fun, hard to be angry there.
January 13, 20214 yr I agree regarding the Bills-Browns AFC title. Like part of me is like nobody on the coasts will care about this game...they will tune out...but then part of me is people like good stories in sports. Both franchises are compelling, the browns were 1-31 three shorts years ago and a ton of casual fans are pulling for them. What a story, if they can turn their franchise around, offers alot of hope for people who need to turn their own lives around. Then there will also be people watching that game to hope there is a massive meltdown so they can have ammo on their favorite targets, the Cleveland Browns. And the good news is, the buffalo bills are probably the second favorite targets, so they will have fun regardless. I agree, i think a Sunday Night AFC Championship game would pull 50 Million viewers. One final note, IF the Browns find a way to win Sunday...you might just have to believe its destiny at this point for them to make the Super Bowl. Who knows how they would beat the Bills or Ravens but at that point I would believe they would find some type of way. Some champions win on talent, others win on heart. The Browns have a ton of it right now.
January 13, 20214 yr I was in Baltimore in 2015 when the Browns won (last away game they won for 4 years) - nobody was a jerk to me or my friends, they were more in shock that we beat them and, we made it a point to make conversation with the Ravens fans sitting next to and behind us. I went to a primetime game Browns/Bengals game in Cincinnati (don't remember if Sunday, Monday, or Thursday) a few years before that, Browns won that one too, there were so many Browns fans there that you could barely call it an away game. I know a Bengals fan that was spit in the face in Cleveland tho haha.
January 13, 20214 yr 32 minutes ago, mu2010 said: I was in Baltimore in 2015 when the Browns won (last away game they won for 4 years) - nobody was a jerk to me or my friends, they were more in shock that we beat them and, we made it a point to make conversation with the Ravens fans sitting next to and behind us. I went to a primetime game Browns/Bengals game in Cincinnati (don't remember if Sunday, Monday, or Thursday) a few years before that, Browns won that one too, there were so many Browns fans there that you could barely call it an away game. I know a Bengals fan that was spit in the face in Cleveland tho haha. Baltimore fans are good hosts. The only time I've seen a hint of friction is whenever thousands of Yankees fans drive down and attend an Orioles game - no physical threats, just an untypical standoffishness on the part of the locals. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
January 15, 20214 yr Alright folks, here are Yabo's keys to the game. If we do 4 out of 7 of these, I think we win the game. Going to be tough, nonetheless. - No turnovers on offense. - Force a turnover on defense. - Force two punts - Force two or more field goals - Run for 150 yards. - 6+ pressures on Mahomes. - Score 38.
January 17, 20214 yr On 1/15/2021 at 8:36 AM, YABO713 said: Alright folks, here are Yabo's keys to the game. If we do 4 out of 7 of these, I think we win the game. Going to be tough, nonetheless. - No turnovers on offense. - Force a turnover on defense. - Force two punts - Force two or more field goals - Run for 150 yards. - 6+ pressures on Mahomes. - Score 38. Yabo we still love ya. Looking forward to the post mortem. The future is bright. After a dismal first half, this team fought back and made it a game. We can look forward to the draft and a competitive 2021-2022 season.
January 17, 20214 yr The Browns had a chance to get the ball back with 2 minutes to go and score a touchtown to win it, but...they let KC's backup quarterback run for almost a first down on 3rd and 14. They were given a gift and they blew it. Too many missed opportunities.
January 18, 20214 yr 12 minutes ago, jeremyck01 said: The Browns had a chance to get the ball back with 2 minutes to go and score a touchtown to win it, but...they let KC's backup quarterback run for a first down on 3rd and 14. They were given a gift and they blew it. Too many missed opportunities. They never looked in sync on offense. I think that's what's most disappointing. And when it all counted we punted away the game. We all knew the defense was not good and it was proven again today. All in all a good year, esp considering the Browns had been so historically terrible. But next year is going to be a dogfight in the division. Nothing's a given.
January 18, 20214 yr 15 hours ago, jam40jeff said: They played well. It was a fun season. But also, this happened... I don’t understand as much as they protect the QB in this league that the ref, who was standing a few feet away, completely missed this call. That play was the game changer.
January 18, 20214 yr Having advanced to today's division playoff against the world champs - today was "house money" - so I wasn't completely disappointed. The team showed a lot of heart and grit this year. The culture's changed and we've got a coach and a powerhouse offense for next year. Having said all that, once Mahomes was knocked out of the game and the Browns had closed to within 5 with 8 minutes to play - you really sensed this was the moment to see Baker really come of age on the big stage - and engineer a drive to take the lead. As it turned out, once the Browns failed in that endeavor- the defense couldn't do enough to stop a backup QB from getting two critical first downs - including one on third and 15 where he ran! This was a game that was there for the taking in that 4th quarter and, in that sense, it was a disappointment. But, you have the sense that this team is "on the verge" and with some good moves to improve the defense, we could battle our way to an AFC championship game next year. And then, hopefully......onward and upward. Edited January 18, 20214 yr by CleveFan
January 18, 20214 yr 14 hours ago, stpats44113 said: I don’t understand as much as they protect the QB in t(is league that the ref, who was standing a few feet away, completely missed this call. That play was the game changer. What are we going to name that play? The Fumble. The Drive. The Helmet at the Pylon?
January 18, 20214 yr If the Browns got the ball back, I feel Baker would have led them down for the winning TD. They still had the momentum. Now with the offseason, what is the plan for Baker? Do they pony up the big money this year or wait another year and see what he does next season and risk having to pony up even bigger money?
January 18, 20214 yr 28 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said: If the Browns got the ball back, I feel Baker would have led them down for the winning TD. They still had the momentum. Now with the offseason, what is the plan for Baker? Do they pony up the big money this year or wait another year and see what he does next season and risk having to pony up even bigger money? I think they tag him after his final year then work out a BIG deal - because Chubb's deal (assuming one happens) will likely only be for 3-4 years.
January 18, 20214 yr Don’t know that you we would get all that much back for him. Add him into the mix with the more mature Baker after a full year with Stefanski and we could have an outrageous offense. I think he’s due for a great season.
January 18, 20214 yr 15 minutes ago, CleveFan said: Don’t know that you we would get all that much back for him. Add him into the mix with the more mature Baker after a full year with Stefanski and we could have an outrageous offense. I think he’s due for a great season. Funny thing is, I hear Browns fans on forums saying that the team needs to add defense, defense, defense, defense plus a speedy wideout. Well, we have that game-breaking wideout in OBJ. And, since OBJ is under contract for three more seasons, the Browns have time to see if DPJ could grow into the role of game-breaker. Barring injury, keep OBJ around for the rest of his current contract. I know that fans want the Browns to draft only defense, but the team needs defensive help now. Add defense through free agency and/or trade and draft BPA. Here are some of the top free agents on defense this off-season..... S ANTHONY HARRIS S JUSTIN SIMMONS LB LAVONTE DAVID EDGE SHAQUIL BARRETT EDGE JADEVEON CLOWNEY S MARCUS WILLIAMS CB RICHARD SHERMAN CB WILLIAM JACKSON III CB DESMOND KING II DI LEONARD WILLIAMS S JOHN JOHNSON III S MARCUS MAYE CB MIKE HILTON EDGE BUD DUPREE CB CHIDOBE AWUZIE CB XAVIER WOODS EDGE MELVIN INGRAM III CB SHAQUILL GRIFFIN CB QUINTON DUNBAR LB JAYON BROWN LB MATT MILANO CB TROY HILL EDGE YANNICK NGAKOUE CB BRIAN POOLE EDGE MATTHEW JUDON LB K.J. WRIGHT DI DALVIN TOMLINSON SOURCE: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2021-free-agency-ranking-the-nfls-top-50-free-agents "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 18, 20214 yr Here's my ideal offseason - though Andrew Berry is the man with the plan, ultimately... Draft the best available at 26 - regardless of position (save QB) Address linebacker depth through acquisition. Playing linebacker in the league is something that usually takes at least 2-3 seasons to really figure out - if we want to win now, we should address this via acquisition rather than the draft. Please bookmark this, though - Jacob Phillips will lead the team in tackles next year and will make a Pro Bowl Draft someone we think can play field corner in the first two rounds. Draft another safety in the first 4 rounds. Assuming we get Delpit and Greedy back next season - and we're able to retain those we need to - a secondary of Williams, Delpit, Ward, Harrison, Joseph, and Jordan ain't that bad - and is certainly a core we could build from. If Berry thinks he has a shot at someone like Xavier Rhodes, though, in a team friendly deal, I say go for it. Keep Joe Woods - he drove me crazy this season at time, but he really didn't have much to work with and was put in some remarkably difficult situations. Let's see what he can do with a healthy and deep line-up. Draft another o-lineman in the first three rounds. Additionally, with the way DPJ has progressed, and with OBJ's return in year 2 of Stefanski's system... the Browns offense next year will likely feature: A top 3 offensive line - arguably the best in football. A top 10 quarterback. A top 3 backfield - arguably the best in football. A top 5 receiving core. A top 3 TE room. With a defense that's even just middle of the road (12-16th in the league), the Browns are going to outscore just about anyone.
January 18, 20214 yr Agreed on Jacob Phillips. I was very impressed with his speed and tackling ability. His inexperience put him out of position too often, so I'm looking forward to seeing him grow more next year. And not just grow in terms of experience, but also to add some more muscle/mass to play SAM. It's funny because I wanted the Browns to take Malik Harrison who went to the ratbirds right after the Browns' pick in the third round. But on a per-game basis, Phillips and Harrison graded out about the same although Harrison had more production because he played in all 16 games whereas Phillips played in only seven. Takitaki is okay as a WILL. Needs to improve on his tackling but he's getting better at diagnosing plays. I need a better MIKE than Goodson who was too inconsistent this year and Wilson hasn't grown up in his second year. Like to see what we can get in a MIKE in free agency/trade. I also want to see more depth in the secondary after injuries left us very vulnerable. And, because Delpit will actually be playing in his rookie season in 2021, he's going to get faked out of position at times. So I would like to see an experienced free safety added by free agency/trade. Get me another Edge if Vernon can't go. I'd love to see if we can steal Shaq Barrett away from the Bucs. With him on one side, Garrett on the other, and Richardson plus Billings in the middle, that would be a tough front four. And extend Baker's, Denzel's and Chubb's contracts while you're at it. Some interesting stuff here...... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 25, 20214 yr On 1/18/2021 at 11:29 AM, skiwest said: What about OBJ? Do they trade him to fill some needs in other areas? I would trade OBJ. While we have cap now, he is expensive and we will need that money for guys like Wyatt Teller, Baker, Chubb and eventually Wills. The rest of the line is pretty locked up. I mean the man is an exceptional talent...but thats not always important to building an incredible team. Can anyone argue againts that the Browns looked better after he got injured? The Dallas game was really the only game he looked like part of the offence. And his moments came from Jarvis throwing him the ball and a backside reverse that he used his individual skill to get out of a 10 yard loss.
January 25, 20214 yr I agree. The Browns offense seemed to function quite well without him constantly being the center of attention.
January 25, 20214 yr OBJ is an aging Ferrarri. The older he gets, the harder it is for his skills to remain in peak shape. He will be 29 in 2021. How many receivers stay on the top of their game past 30. He likely has 3-5 decent years left if he does not get injured. Look at AJ Green this year, you could tell he lost a step, and he is about 2-3 years older than OBJ. Sell now. Draft a young receiver with potential to be the #2 next to Landry.
January 26, 20214 yr 9 hours ago, Brutus_buckeye said: OBJ is an aging Ferrarri. The older he gets, the harder it is for his skills to remain in peak shape. He will be 29 in 2021. How many receivers stay on the top of their game past 30. He likely has 3-5 decent years left if he does not get injured. Look at AJ Green this year, you could tell he lost a step, and he is about 2-3 years older than OBJ. Sell now. Draft a young receiver with potential to be the #2 next to Landry. I agree. We have a GM now that seems to be over achieving. I would use OBJ to stock up on some depth where we need it with existing players and draft picks.
January 26, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, Cleburger said: I agree. We have a GM now that seems to be over achieving. I would use OBJ to stock up on some depth where we need it with existing players and draft picks. The Browns won’t get more than a third round pick for him at this point.
January 26, 20214 yr His contract hurts his trade value. I don't think the Browns would get much for him. He has nearly $13 million in dead cap space in 2021 but nothing after that, even though his contract continues through to the end of the 2023 season, per: https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cleveland-browns/odell-beckham-jr-14421/ He'll probably have a higher trade value after 2021, especially if he stays healthy this season (!!). If not, waive him. Either way, I would definitely be looking for a speedy wideout in this year's draft to see if he makes OBJ expendable. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 26, 20214 yr 12 hours ago, stpats44113 said: The Browns won’t get more than a third round pick for him at this point. true, but you get rid of the contract too. sell.
January 26, 20214 yr the value is a worry, but not trading him. somebody would take him for the press. raiders. the belichicks. cowboys. somebody.
January 28, 20214 yr fascinating article about nfl players who opted out due to corona concerns featuring the browns malcolm pridgeon: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30789038/nfl-covid-opt-outs-browns-malcolm-pridgeon-grapple-season
February 3, 20214 yr Former Browns coach Marty Schottenheimer was moved to hospice... Prayers go out to his family. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
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