“He often quoted from Robert Frost -- and said it applied to himself -- but we could apply it to the Democratic party and to all of us as individuals: The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.” -- Robert F. Kennedy, tribute to John F. Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, Atlantic City, N.J., Aug. 27, 1964
“Everyone sooner or later sits down to a banquet of consequences.” -- Robert Lewis Stevenson
“I dream my painting, then I paint my dream.” -- Vincent van Gogh
BROWNS
YO YO. See ya at the Super Bowl baby. The Cleveland Browns. Here we go. Very nice win over the Titans Saturday night. I am sure it was fun for the fans that were there. Alex Hall pick 6. Couple great goal line holds to 3. Some nice down field throws by both quarterbacks. Braylon's Touchdown dance. I actually tried to emulate that dance but couldn't. It's a lot harder to slide up on your toes and hold it then it looks. But all in all, I think there has been a lot of improvement from week 1 of the preseason til now. Guys are starting to buy in a little harder. Guys are starting to get a better feel for what they are trying to accomplish on both sides of the ball. Bottom line, guys are playing harder. You can't be happy with the rate of penalties they are have been getting. I know its the preseason, which means it's the preseason for the referees as well. They are trying to get their feel back too. But Mangini's Jets team have routinely been in the bottom 3 in penalties every year. So I am hoping that the Browns can become one of the least penalized teams in the league as well. That is a big part of why you like Mangini, hoping that he is gonna provide a much more disciplined football team and manage the game efficiently. The Browns are gonna need every advantage they can get.
Alex Hall made that nice play in the 2nd half. There was a couple good defensive holds in the red zone. But I think we would be fooling ourselves if we were not worried about the Browns defense. They have gotten shredded. Think about how many times Justin Gage and Alge Crumpler were running unimpeded down the field in the first half when Kerry Collins was in. Drags. Outs. Skinny posts. Sitting down in the Browns shit zone. It was a clinic when the Titans were on offense. They did a great job of stopping Chris Johnson. Atamba Rubin, #72, is a great player. They need to find a way to play him and Sean Rogers at the same time, assuming that Sean Rogers is going to come back and be effective. If they hadn't done up CJ it would have appeared much worse. But I am worried about back 7 depth and talent. It's really no one in partcular. It's everyone. The corners. The backers. The nickels that come in on 3rd down. I love Eric Wright and think he's an above average corner. But above average corners get beat in the NFL if the front 4 and blitzing linebackers aren't bringing heat. That's just a fact. Safety is also a big concern. Abe Elam has done some good things for the Jets, and is supposed to be a good player this year. He is gonna have to be very good this year and so far he has just been another guy. Let's hope Brodney Poole can get back healthy and start to make some plays. I wouldn't be surprised to see them go out and pick up a safety this week.
2 Sundays from now, the Vikings are coming to town and the Browns are gonna send them packing 0-1. The question is who is gonna be playing quarterback for the Browns. Another question is who is going to be playing running back for the Browns. And to be honest I don't know the answer to either question. Let's start with running back. I texted a couple buddies last week during the Lions game when we had huge momentum in the passing game. I said, "The Browns should be talking like hell to teams to try to get a quality running back." I didn't really have any realistic names. Giants aren't parting with Ahmad Bradshaw. Raiders aren't parting with Michael Bush. But I have since backed off that text a little bit, because I am becoming a little more comfortable with James Davis. I think he is beginning to get more comfortable being a Brown and a NFL running back. He is showing good signs and making some good hard runs. I in no way think that he's gonna be an all-pro this season. I just expect solid solid play and production. I dunno what they are going to do with Jamal. I think they may have to end up releasing him. As funny as that sounds.
I think the quarterback race is very close. A lot closer than most Browns fans think it is. I know the majority think that Brady Quinn made strides to make himself the favorite Saturday night, but I don't think that's the case. I think it is very very close. And I think, that the Browns have a lot invested in both guys. But they have more invested in Brady Quinn. Fucking Trent Dilfer has been all over ESPN banging on the table that Derek should be the starter. He cites the many times they hung out over the summer, stating that Derek is very relaxed and has learned from his mistakes of last season. That's probably right. I'm sure he has. I like the idea of starting Brady Quinn because the NFL doesn't have any film on Brady Quinn. They don't have enough to analyze on Brady. He is just as much of a mystery to the rest of the league as he is to our fan base. Derek Anderson, you kind of know. Good player. Big arm. Streaky player. Makes silly mistakes. Throws interceptions. 1 Pro Bowl caliber season to his credit. I don't expect Coach Mangini to make a decision for a long time. Possibly not until the Saturday before they play the Vikings. The thing you have to understand is Mangini doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks. He is gonna do things his way. And that might mean stretching this out for another 2 weeks. This might mean playing both of them in the first 4 regular season games. This might mean naming Derek the starter tonight for the 6pm Sportscenter. This might mean naming Brady the starter Thursday. We will just have to wait and see.
JAX
I was laughing the other night when the bottom line blurb said that Stephen Jackson wants to come to the Cavs. Of course he wants to come to the Cavs now. It's funny cause he was the only guy I wanted this off-season. I was banging on the table for him early in the process. Well, he was the number 1 guy I wanted. We of course needed to add 7 or 8 other guys if we wanted to give ourselves a chance to win the NBA championship. But I just thought it was funny that in late August he 1. came out and said he wanted to be moved and 2. later said he wants to come to Cleveland. I made the case early this summer in my June 16th blog writing. You can look at it if you want. It's kinda funny looking back at it. I talked about how he knows how to play, is a mean guy and takes the game very seriously. Exactly the kind of piece we need. Has been a pivotal player on a championship Spurs team. He's a clutch shooter and isn't afraid of the big moment. I also touched on that he's psychotic and crazy.
I am sure Danny Ferry is a little ticked off, cause this assertion by Captain Jack has probably screwed up his remaining golf schedule before he gets really busy getting ready for training camp. He had to come in and do a little due diligence to see if Jackson could possibly come to the Cavs. For all intents and purposes, you cannot bring Jax in. It's tempting and it's fun. And there are 100 reasons why it would be great. But I think at this point, there are alot more reasons why it wouldn't work. He's a great player. And I am sure you are gonna watch this season and see his box scores of 30, 10, 5 every other game. I am sure if he gets dealt to the Mavs or another contender he is gonna do a good job for them. I think it would be a tall order for him to exist on the Cavs though. And here's why:
You don't want to do this deal for the same reason that you're psyched as a Cavs fan that the Lakers and Celtics made their off-season deals. Cause I think you can lump Sheed, Ron Ron and Jax in the same boat. Those are 3 guys who are in that dangerous zone of "guys that used to be really really good, who are not as good now, but still think they are as good as they used to be." And when you are in that zone, you still think you can do things that you can no longer do. You are not a 43 % 3 point shooter anymore. Youre 36.5%. You can't go to the front of the rim and rise over 85% percent of the guys in this league anymore. Only 65%, and 0% of the guys who are gonna be defending you in the playoffs. Those kinda big things coupled with a bunch of other little things. And you can take this to the bank: Artest and Sheed are gonna take big shots that they shouldn't take for their new teams because they still think they are the guy who should be taking that shot. And I think Jackson is the same guy. Captain Jack is awesome. But I don't think the Cavs are gonna wanna go anywhere near him. The Cavs are plenty good enough to win a title. They just have to play like it. And get really really lucky.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
THIRSTY THURSDAY
“When power leads men toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.” -- John F. Kennedy
“And surely we can begin to work a little harder to bind up the wounds among us and to become in our own hearts brothers and countrymen once again. The answer is to rely on youth -- not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.” -- Edward M. Kennedy, quoting a speech by his brother Robert F. Kennedy at Robert’s public memorial service, New York, 1968
It's the end of frickkin August--incredible. What a weird summer. It's amazing though that it's August 27th, and we are still 2 and a half weeks away before the NFL starts. How does that happen? That's a long ways away. We have Mike Vick stepping under center tonight, after a 3 year absence. Should be interesting. Moving into the third week of the preseason, we'll start to get a better feel for the talent level of teams. Teams will be playing their guys well into the second half. You will start to get a much better perspective on how good teams are gonna be if you watch these games closely this week.
I'm very excited for the NFL season. Lotta great story lines. Lot of new coaches. Tom Brady's back. There are a lot of teams in positions to have great years. I know that before kickoff week 1 there are 32 teams who think it's gonna be their year, but I think the pool of teams who have a legitimate shot of winning the Super Bowl is bigger than it was last year.
I have a huge fantasy draft coming up. This will legitimately be the first NFL fantasy league I have been a part of. I was in my first NBA league this past season, and I think it's safe to guess how that turned out. I won the league, led the league in total points by an 800 point margin, completely belittled everyone's moves and decisions on the league message board, and was voted executive of the year in an unanimous vote. And I really expect the NFL league to go the same way. Those that know me, know that I take a lot of pride in my ability to assess and evaluate personnel at a high level. I know fantasy evaluation and shrewd bottom line evaluation are two different things, but I think you can make an argument that those lines can blur a little bit if you look at it correctly. I have looked at zero fantasy previews, and will not look at any before the draft. "I CAN ONLY GO BY WHAT I SEE." That's how I go about it. No subjectivity. So I have been paying attention to these preseason games. And every once in a while, I go over and jot a name down on my yellow legal pad. Today I wrote down: "Eddie Royal a little earlier than you think." Simple things like that. But make no mistake, when I step into my war room Wednesday, September 2nd, I'll bring my lunch pail and I am gonna be ready to dig in and work. For those of you who are playing in leagues for money, and want some consultant/feedback from me, let me know. We can exchange emails or phone calls, and I'll let you know where I stand on guys. Feel free to shoot me an email or text. We'll get a couple guys under the radar together.
I'm getting pretty sick of this QB controversy in Cleveland. I think the decision needs to happen soon, and subsequently, whoever is picked needs to get every rep possible. The offense has to develop a good rhythm with each other. Look, they have less talent than a lot of teams on their schedule. So they need to close that gap by being in sync in all their situations. The timing with the receivers has to be sharp. The cadence with offensive line has to consistent. Running backs need to develop the relationship with the quarterback. All that has to improve, and it should improve once one quarterback gets all the reps.
But the thing that I am most sick of, is these local TV and radio guys that talk about how "this obviously isn't a year where the Browns are gonna make the playoffs or win the Super Bowl." They have said that time and time again. It goes hand in hand with the argument to start Brady Quinn. "O well, you should start Brady, cause we're not going anywhere this year anyway." You hear that all the time. And that is just a completely wrong train of thought. This is the National Football League. It's 17 weeks and anything can happen. Last time I checked, Big Ben is injured. Last time I checked, Carson Palmer is hurt. Last time I checked, the Ravens lost the best defensive coordinator in the league, and 3 Pro Bowl defensive players. And all the above mentioned, the injuries, those guys are gonna be okay. I realize that. But the NFL is just such a short term, "this year" league. It's a constant win now at all costs league. That is why it is the best sport on the planet. And as bad as the Browns are, it is not completely out of the question that they can make the playoffs. And once they get into the playoffs, anything can happen. They need 1,001 breaks and things to go completely right for that to happen. But crazier things have happened. But softer schedule. Better coach. They'll be much more disciplined. The game management will be better. The time management will be better. The preparation will be better. (We think?)
“And surely we can begin to work a little harder to bind up the wounds among us and to become in our own hearts brothers and countrymen once again. The answer is to rely on youth -- not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.” -- Edward M. Kennedy, quoting a speech by his brother Robert F. Kennedy at Robert’s public memorial service, New York, 1968
It's the end of frickkin August--incredible. What a weird summer. It's amazing though that it's August 27th, and we are still 2 and a half weeks away before the NFL starts. How does that happen? That's a long ways away. We have Mike Vick stepping under center tonight, after a 3 year absence. Should be interesting. Moving into the third week of the preseason, we'll start to get a better feel for the talent level of teams. Teams will be playing their guys well into the second half. You will start to get a much better perspective on how good teams are gonna be if you watch these games closely this week.
I'm very excited for the NFL season. Lotta great story lines. Lot of new coaches. Tom Brady's back. There are a lot of teams in positions to have great years. I know that before kickoff week 1 there are 32 teams who think it's gonna be their year, but I think the pool of teams who have a legitimate shot of winning the Super Bowl is bigger than it was last year.
I have a huge fantasy draft coming up. This will legitimately be the first NFL fantasy league I have been a part of. I was in my first NBA league this past season, and I think it's safe to guess how that turned out. I won the league, led the league in total points by an 800 point margin, completely belittled everyone's moves and decisions on the league message board, and was voted executive of the year in an unanimous vote. And I really expect the NFL league to go the same way. Those that know me, know that I take a lot of pride in my ability to assess and evaluate personnel at a high level. I know fantasy evaluation and shrewd bottom line evaluation are two different things, but I think you can make an argument that those lines can blur a little bit if you look at it correctly. I have looked at zero fantasy previews, and will not look at any before the draft. "I CAN ONLY GO BY WHAT I SEE." That's how I go about it. No subjectivity. So I have been paying attention to these preseason games. And every once in a while, I go over and jot a name down on my yellow legal pad. Today I wrote down: "Eddie Royal a little earlier than you think." Simple things like that. But make no mistake, when I step into my war room Wednesday, September 2nd, I'll bring my lunch pail and I am gonna be ready to dig in and work. For those of you who are playing in leagues for money, and want some consultant/feedback from me, let me know. We can exchange emails or phone calls, and I'll let you know where I stand on guys. Feel free to shoot me an email or text. We'll get a couple guys under the radar together.
I'm getting pretty sick of this QB controversy in Cleveland. I think the decision needs to happen soon, and subsequently, whoever is picked needs to get every rep possible. The offense has to develop a good rhythm with each other. Look, they have less talent than a lot of teams on their schedule. So they need to close that gap by being in sync in all their situations. The timing with the receivers has to be sharp. The cadence with offensive line has to consistent. Running backs need to develop the relationship with the quarterback. All that has to improve, and it should improve once one quarterback gets all the reps.
But the thing that I am most sick of, is these local TV and radio guys that talk about how "this obviously isn't a year where the Browns are gonna make the playoffs or win the Super Bowl." They have said that time and time again. It goes hand in hand with the argument to start Brady Quinn. "O well, you should start Brady, cause we're not going anywhere this year anyway." You hear that all the time. And that is just a completely wrong train of thought. This is the National Football League. It's 17 weeks and anything can happen. Last time I checked, Big Ben is injured. Last time I checked, Carson Palmer is hurt. Last time I checked, the Ravens lost the best defensive coordinator in the league, and 3 Pro Bowl defensive players. And all the above mentioned, the injuries, those guys are gonna be okay. I realize that. But the NFL is just such a short term, "this year" league. It's a constant win now at all costs league. That is why it is the best sport on the planet. And as bad as the Browns are, it is not completely out of the question that they can make the playoffs. And once they get into the playoffs, anything can happen. They need 1,001 breaks and things to go completely right for that to happen. But crazier things have happened. But softer schedule. Better coach. They'll be much more disciplined. The game management will be better. The time management will be better. The preparation will be better. (We think?)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
SOURCES: BROWNS CLOSE TO SIGNING GARDNER, KIRBUS, MIMES
Associated Press: After a lackluster performance last Saturday in Green Bay, which saw the Cleveland Browns establish themselves as the worst team in the NFL after 1 preseason game, the Browns are scouring the area for local talent in hopes of hitting lightning in a bottle. And as luck may have it, the solution to the elephant in the room for the Browns, the quarterback situation, could perhaps be right in their backyard in Berea and just across town in University Heights.
Berea happens to be the home of Baldwin Wallace quarterback Anthony Gardner. Yes, that Anthony Gardner. Gardner's talents are no secret to the northeast Ohio football fans. Many believe, including himself, that he is the greatest athlete to ever walk through the halls of St. Edward High School. In his time at Baldwin Wallace, he has quickly established himself as the most unstoppable force in the history of the OAC football. In a stretch to begin the season, he was averaging 320 of passing offense, and over 100 yards of running offense just by HIMSELF! Can you say PRODUCTION! Local scouts have been puzzled for years about how teams like Florida, LSU, USC, and Tennessee have continually missed on this kid. They haven't been able to wrap their heads around how teams don't wanna take a chance on Michael Vick 2.0. Luckily, the Browns scouting department has been a little swifter in their praise. One scout is quoted to say "he's Zac Efron with an arm," while others have said "I haven't seen a prospect like this since Ron Pauwless." Gardner can make all the throws at every level of the field. When he runs the ball, he has speed to the corner and power between the tackles. If the Browns can swing a deal for this kid, the dawg pound can once again rejoice.
On the heels of that announcement, there has also been some buzz about some private meetings between Eric Mangini and Rudy Kirbus. Kirbus, of course, one of the most celebrated all around athletes of the last 20 years, a staple of Wildcat High lure and legacy, has been looking for a opportunity to get back under center. No one has seen or heard from Rudy in quite some time. There were rumors that he was spotted at a small Irish pub in downtown Willoughby in mid July. Others have sworn to have seen him singing Thunder Road in a small speak easy in downtown during a Tuesday night Kareoke Night. But recently, sources close to his family have revealed that he is the offensive coordinator for a small high school team in rural Kansas. He has shocked and awed Laurel county Kansas, as his teams have averaged a state record 54 points a game and 740 yards of total offense per game. People wonder whether he can still hit the 20 yard comeback route from the right hash. Others cannot wrap their head around his lingering mobility issues. Being a slow unathletic quarterback does not lend itself to the AFC North division. But inside Mangini's inner circle, there is a phenomenal belief that this kid still has magic in his arm. His rocket throws that scorched the likes of Muskingum's second team defense and Capital's first team defense are something that can soon be a reality for Browns fans.
WILDCAT ANYONE? Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking. This is setting up to be the most incredible wildcat combination since its inception as an en vogue style of offense. The sky is the limit for these two, and the Browns offensive staff is busy putting together multiple packages of Wildcat offense. There hasn't been two weapons like this since the 20 minutes that Chris Webber and Shaquille O'Neal were teammates in the beginning moments in the 1993 draft. There has been nothing like this since the Steiner Brothers or Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. Derek Anderson and Ron Mercer playing on the same Kentucky team think this is unfair. The '04 Columbus Brookhaven basketball team thinks this is unfair. It is a perfect storm of speed and power, rocket arm and precision, looks and brains. Just with the buzz of these rumors this week, the vegas line and prop bets assoiciated with the Browns have gone off the board. The total wins has jumped from 4 to 6. More on this announcement to come in the days leading up to what can potentially be the greatest moment in the history of the Browns.
In more of a reactionary move, YOUGOTJC is reporting that the Cleveland Browns are also hot on the trail of Brandom Mimes to fill a gaping hole at wide receiver. He could be in camp by the end of the week. Mimes, known more for his dominant post play, elevator like hops, and not wearing socks when he plays basketball has been dominating open gyms and men's leagues over the summer. Asked if he would try football for the Browns, and he noted that he's an incredible Madden player, plays with the Browns but uses the Jet's playbook. As luck may have it, Mangini has moved over the the Browns with the exact same playbook. It should be an easy transition. Look for Mimes to dominate on the goal line, as he replaces Braylon Edward's corpse. For all you fantasy geeks, look for 12-15 jump ball touchdowns in the corner of the end zone for Mimes. Mimes can be an asset all over the field in the passing game. He will also be involved in the Wildcat packages.
If these 3 moves signify anything, it's that the Browns are committed to winning in 09. And that it is a great day to be a Browns fan in northeast Ohio.
Berea happens to be the home of Baldwin Wallace quarterback Anthony Gardner. Yes, that Anthony Gardner. Gardner's talents are no secret to the northeast Ohio football fans. Many believe, including himself, that he is the greatest athlete to ever walk through the halls of St. Edward High School. In his time at Baldwin Wallace, he has quickly established himself as the most unstoppable force in the history of the OAC football. In a stretch to begin the season, he was averaging 320 of passing offense, and over 100 yards of running offense just by HIMSELF! Can you say PRODUCTION! Local scouts have been puzzled for years about how teams like Florida, LSU, USC, and Tennessee have continually missed on this kid. They haven't been able to wrap their heads around how teams don't wanna take a chance on Michael Vick 2.0. Luckily, the Browns scouting department has been a little swifter in their praise. One scout is quoted to say "he's Zac Efron with an arm," while others have said "I haven't seen a prospect like this since Ron Pauwless." Gardner can make all the throws at every level of the field. When he runs the ball, he has speed to the corner and power between the tackles. If the Browns can swing a deal for this kid, the dawg pound can once again rejoice.
On the heels of that announcement, there has also been some buzz about some private meetings between Eric Mangini and Rudy Kirbus. Kirbus, of course, one of the most celebrated all around athletes of the last 20 years, a staple of Wildcat High lure and legacy, has been looking for a opportunity to get back under center. No one has seen or heard from Rudy in quite some time. There were rumors that he was spotted at a small Irish pub in downtown Willoughby in mid July. Others have sworn to have seen him singing Thunder Road in a small speak easy in downtown during a Tuesday night Kareoke Night. But recently, sources close to his family have revealed that he is the offensive coordinator for a small high school team in rural Kansas. He has shocked and awed Laurel county Kansas, as his teams have averaged a state record 54 points a game and 740 yards of total offense per game. People wonder whether he can still hit the 20 yard comeback route from the right hash. Others cannot wrap their head around his lingering mobility issues. Being a slow unathletic quarterback does not lend itself to the AFC North division. But inside Mangini's inner circle, there is a phenomenal belief that this kid still has magic in his arm. His rocket throws that scorched the likes of Muskingum's second team defense and Capital's first team defense are something that can soon be a reality for Browns fans.
WILDCAT ANYONE? Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking. This is setting up to be the most incredible wildcat combination since its inception as an en vogue style of offense. The sky is the limit for these two, and the Browns offensive staff is busy putting together multiple packages of Wildcat offense. There hasn't been two weapons like this since the 20 minutes that Chris Webber and Shaquille O'Neal were teammates in the beginning moments in the 1993 draft. There has been nothing like this since the Steiner Brothers or Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. Derek Anderson and Ron Mercer playing on the same Kentucky team think this is unfair. The '04 Columbus Brookhaven basketball team thinks this is unfair. It is a perfect storm of speed and power, rocket arm and precision, looks and brains. Just with the buzz of these rumors this week, the vegas line and prop bets assoiciated with the Browns have gone off the board. The total wins has jumped from 4 to 6. More on this announcement to come in the days leading up to what can potentially be the greatest moment in the history of the Browns.
In more of a reactionary move, YOUGOTJC is reporting that the Cleveland Browns are also hot on the trail of Brandom Mimes to fill a gaping hole at wide receiver. He could be in camp by the end of the week. Mimes, known more for his dominant post play, elevator like hops, and not wearing socks when he plays basketball has been dominating open gyms and men's leagues over the summer. Asked if he would try football for the Browns, and he noted that he's an incredible Madden player, plays with the Browns but uses the Jet's playbook. As luck may have it, Mangini has moved over the the Browns with the exact same playbook. It should be an easy transition. Look for Mimes to dominate on the goal line, as he replaces Braylon Edward's corpse. For all you fantasy geeks, look for 12-15 jump ball touchdowns in the corner of the end zone for Mimes. Mimes can be an asset all over the field in the passing game. He will also be involved in the Wildcat packages.
If these 3 moves signify anything, it's that the Browns are committed to winning in 09. And that it is a great day to be a Browns fan in northeast Ohio.
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