The fantasy world is worse that the real world

My feeling that 2003 would see a Browns player develop into a top-tier fantasy player is, it's safe to say, wrong.

• Quincy Morgan has been massively pathetic -- he's probably dropped more balls than he's caught, and certainly has more holding penalties than touchdowns. He's not even worth a roster spot IMO.
  
• Holcomb has been hurt, and did little when he played. He's worth a late season flyer if you have roster space, but certainly you rather have Jon Kitna.
  
• KJ -- Same as always: the best guy on the team, but not enough yards to ever be a starter for you.
  
• William Green -- looked slow to the hold most of the games he played, though he had a few decent games. Now the wheels have fallen off as he's looking at a suspension and, I suspect, he's got other problems to deal with. He's just ahead of Quincy Morgan in my book. Maybe you keep him on your roster, but would you ever play him?
  
• James Jackson -- actually a pleasant surprise as he's running really hard and looking good. But still no stats, and no appear on the horizon either with the OL he's got.
  
• Tim Couch -- not worth a roster spot, perhaps not even on the Browns. Well, no, to be fair he's not been horrible and he made up for a lot of crap in that Pittsburgh game. But he's probably also proven that he's just not going to be the guy, even if Holcomb were out of the picture.
  

The Road Ahead

After a 3-5 start, do the Browns have hope? Can they make a push for a wildcard or even an AFC North title? Sure, it's possible, but things seems to point against it happening. Here are some negative factors:

• Offensive Line Woes -- last season the OL solidified as the season wore on, and William Green started finding daylight. This season the line is ravaged. It's best player is gone for the year, Stokes is banged up pretty good, and Faine will be returning from an injury. Already every lineman has seen significant playing time. Former practice-squad guys are starting. At best, we are a couple weeks out from a 2002-style turnaround, and there's a good possibility things won't improve enough for this to be a strength.
  
• Tough Schedule -- the Browns have the 3rd toughest remaining schedule in terms of winning percentage. It's also 3rd toughest in total yards allowed and total passing yards.
  
• Head coaching -- face it, this is Davis' worst performance to date. In 5 losses and two more dissappointingly close games Davis didn't appear to have his team focused and organized. The win over the Steelers as sweet, but that's been it so far.
  
• Holcomb + Couch -- The team basically does not have a quarterback at present. Couch is on a roller-coaster ride that, while entertaining at times, is not likely to produce a 6-2 second half. Holcomb has had two good halfs of football, but the rest of the time he's either looked lost or has been injured. He's still hurting at present. He's also the team's best hope.
  
• Green drinking at 3 in the afternoon -- On one level I don't blame the guy (it's been a rough first half, and at least it was at the start of the bye week), there's no doubt that this behavior is not befitting a player who's about to bust out in the second half. It's more befitting someone who is discouraged or just isn't that interested. Either way, James Jackson has got to be feeling good right now and thankfully he'd looked good too. Jamel White hasn't done anything; he'll get a chance though.

Of course there does exist a sliver of hope that somehow this team battles back and makes a go of it. In fact, you could argue that getting back into the hunt is not all that unlikely. Maybe they come up short but it would at least be nice to have a shot. IMO, here's what has to happen:

• Holcomb's gotta get healthy -- He's the team's best shot, and with a bad offensive line we need a QB who can release the ball quickly. And he's gotta stay healthy enough to play.
  
• Suspend Green NOW. Don't wait for the league to decide something. Don't wait for the leagal proceedings to evolve. Don't f*ck around. He should be out for at least 3 games and the whole team should know that this behavior whole the season is still on the line is intolerable.
  
• Spread the field. No more bunch or trips packages. Line up 3 and 4 wide. Use single-back sets, none of this stupid tight-end-playing-fullback nonsense. Pass on first down. Throw to Northcutt and Davis. Keep the defense afraid to blitz. Even if it's not "ideal," use the pass to set up the run. It's the strategy that fits this team's talent.
  
• The OL has to hang in there. We don't need excellence, just adequacy.
  
• Continued good play from the secondary. This could save our butt this year.
  
• Bench Morgan for Andre Davis.
  
• Northcutt has to return a kick or two. It's time.

Smoking the Pony

C'mon. C'MON. Come the F*&# on.

Green's DUI is bad, but hey it happens to the best of us (well, okay not everyone, but I can understand and forgive this). But having a bag of dope on your person, in your car no less, WHILE YOU ARE DRUNK no less.... that is just pathetic in all the ways professional atheltic lameness has been so well documented in recent years.

Somehow, the recurring nature of these episodes lead me to the door of Mr. Butch Davis. Let's see, we've had Gerard Warren partying like John Popper. We've had Mike Sellers actually being a "Seller." We've had O.J. Santiago living the dreadlocked life. And now supposed shy and upstanding citizen William Green is cruising in the extra, extra slow lane. I'd like to know where he was coming from -- Did he just order a twelve pack of soft tacos in the drive-thru or was he, you know, coming from Big Money's house. Anyway, a rational man would conclude what my dear friend and fellow Browns die-hard has: "You hire a Miami coach, you get a Miami team."

Oh yeah, I should also mention this same friends simple yet cutting assessment of Butch and most of these players: "We (the fans) will be here long after they're gone." Youc an say that again. We (the fans) will be here long after they're gone.

WHAT CRAP

Wow, what a crappy game!!! There are no words insufficient enough to describe it... Couch sucked, Holcomb was better but didn't accomplish much either, Jackson ran hard but usually didn't go far, Qunicy was PATHETIC, Heiden can not line up as a RB and block, the O-Line didn't self-destruct but got beat regularly, the d-line didn't show up until the second half, the secondary played a little loose but didn't make many mistakes, the linebackers tried a lot of arm-tackles. It was the equivalent of running in quicksand.

The few highlights -- a great fake punt with Boyer running up the middle for a first. Some good defense in the red-zone. That's about it.

Butch Davis gets to add to his "games decided in the last minute" record, but, really, this was an extremely lame performance in a game the Browns had very little to lose.

As for my prediction of a victory, well what can I say. Losing to Belichek is not cool. Scoring zero touchdowns is ultra-lame. This is the second time the defense has not given up a TD and we lose. Sad. Enjoy the two weeks off.

They'll Win

Sorry for the light blogging. There are $1 Guinness pints at the bar I'm going to, thus we will win.

The New Republic has an apology of sorts now too. I guess it sums it up the best -- sorry for the way the point was made, but judged in context of the writer's career it's obviously the exception and not the rule. Wonder if they will keep the "Easterblogg." Or if Easterbrook will want to. It wasn't that good, but it would suck for it to end this way.

I like the New Republic for the most part. Last month I subscribed to it again. A couple years ago I had a subscription. It has the reputation for being a liberal magazine, though when reading it I can't always tell if that's true. And now there aren't too many places where "liberal" people talk about stuff and aren't blithering idiots on Iraq or whatever.

Apparently there is a big online petition for Slate to re-pick up TMQ. That would be cool. It was better there than on ESPN.com anyway. It will be nice if there is a TMQ published this week somewhere. We'll see tomorrow.

UPDATE: Here's some particularly insightful comments on this whole deal. Sorry, but I'm freakin' ticked off about this, much more than I am bummed about the Browns' crappy loss yesterday.

Kausfiles on Slate, former home of TMQ...

Glenn Reynolds on MSNBC...

Andrew Sullivan

A petition protesting the firing.

And at this point there's a ton more out there...

Again, maybe Easterbrook's comments were unwise, even indefensible. But consider the writer and his collective work and the furor over them is absurd. And setting aside Easterbrook himself, the resulting firing is a foul against our society. Not to mention TMQ is awesome and, as football fans, we'll be missing out on that.

I wonder what will come of this when tomorrow thousands of loyal TMQ fans can't find the weekly installment. Nothing, maybe. But maybe not. It feels like we're witnessing the crumbling of the ESPN backbone and the emergence of a paranoia of sorts by Disney.

I'd like to see Keith Olbermann interview Easterbrook. As far as I know MSNBC is not under the thumb of Disney, but it's kind of hard to keep straight these days.

Browns lose; it's depressing

No running game, a porous offensive line, a QB who tries to press the issue but yet doesn't throw downfield. Is it 1999? 2001?

The story is again Couch/Holcomb. Couch started fine, looked okay, made some decent thrown including a superb downfield toss while rolling out of the pocket. Unfortunately that was his only thrown that traveled any real distance. Everything else was short stuff. Jamel White dropped an easy 3rd-down catch. Quincy dropped another easy 3rd-dwon catch with lots of open field ahead of him. Then Couch threw picks including the backbreaker, a horrible throw that was returned for 6 in the 3rd quarter.

Then the team doctor came running out of the locker room, sprinting down the sidelines to Butch Davis with the urgent news that Holcomb's injured leg was now, miraculously, healed! Yes, the team's official starting quarterback was now fit to play! Hooray!!! What fortuitous timing!! We are saved!!!

Holcomb came in as the gun slinger, threw a 15 yard out, then went deep down the sideline nearly getting a catch but instead a defensive interference penalty. A TD followed. The offense clicked. James Jackson ran hard and had a nice reception or two. Another TD. It's a game. But we lost and the taste was bitter.

The good:

• Holcomb looked sharp
  
• Jackson is playing hard
  
• Green was decent until getting hurt
  
• Courtney Brown, again, had a huge sack that kept the game within reach
  
• The fans were sensible and didn't boo Couch off the field but still managed to make their displeasure known
  
• Henry continues to have a heck of a season
  

The bad:

• Couch pressed more and more as the game went on. He pressed when the game was still within reach, and as a result, blew it.
  
• Several times Couch had single coverage on the outside with Morgan or Davis and never took a shot.
  
• Trips formations -- I love it sometimes, but hate it all the time. Is it impossible that Davis beats his man on a go route? Or Morgan gets a step on a post?
  
• The o-line struggled as expected; it may get worse
  
• Jamel White is still running through cobwebs
  
• Roye, Warren, and Lang were not in uniform. Were they?
  

I didn't listen or read to the post-game comments. I don't want to know how we contained Tomlinson. Or how we had the right reads but didn't make the plays.

But the Browns will beat the Patriots Sunday with Holcomb at the helm. It's just gonna come down that way.

when you excuse yourself you accuse yourself

did you see the whole deal about how ESPN has fired TMQ? I'm really, really angry about this. It's impossibly lame IMO. Have you read about this? What do you think?
Here's his original post...
http://www.tnr.com/easterbrook.mhtml?pid=844
Then an apology...
http://www.tnr.com/easterbrook.mhtml?pid=868
Some of the firestorm...
http://www.instapundit.com/archives/012068.php
And the firing...
http://www.instapundit.com/archives/012081.php

The first swell of controversy was way overdone. That guy has written extensively about Christian/Jewish issues, and the negative/worst interpretations of his rambling original post seemed way harsh; I thought he deserved much better, even if he was illogical in his original post, which is a blog.

I really despise the way stuff like anti-semitism, racism, sexism, etc. is so easily accused. And stuff with Jews in particular is crazy -- here's a guy who has a long history of supporting lots of Jewish interests, for years has written for a magazine that is a huge proponent of most Jewish/Israeli positions, and by all accounts is a guy who things that people's religion and their religious tradition should have some significance. It's not freaking anti-semitic to suggest that a person's religion is at odds with their actions. Now, in this case the point about Kill Bill seemed pretty weak to me, and calling out ones own "boss" (if you should call Eisner that, in this case) isn't exactly a good career move. So, I don't know, I'm not as bothered that he got fired compared to all the accusations of being anti-semitic, no matter what stupid thing he wrote. God it ticks me off. I just don't get how a guy can get vilified so much for, bascially, suggesting that religion and history should matter. Maybe he crossed a line by bringing up some traditional Jewish stereotypes but, like it or not, that stuff is an issue in that sense that much of a world war was fought cause of that crap and, if you browse through any english-language newspapers from places like saudia arabia or pakistan, it's obvious that those stereotypes still are a big problem. Moreso, I'm pissed off that I feel like I'm defending Rush Limbaugh instead of Gregg Easterbrook, who is not only ideollogically on the other end of the spectrum, but also one of my favorite persons to read regarding religious stuff.

plus the obvious similarities to the who thing with limbaugh on espn tv. that is so friggin lame cause it's a bad comparison, most notably cause easterbrook's "offensive comments" were written for a totally different media outlet unrelated to espn/disney and were in a totally different context. OK, i'm working myself up here. I'm glad he didn't quit and was instead fired. Maybe it's a good example why the head of a movie studio shouldn't also be the head of a giant media conglomerate that somehow owns a sports cable network that has a website, that has a sports-entertainment subsite that employs freelance writers who, besides sports, write about other stuff for other audiences and other outlets.

The Rankings Speaketh

Up to #16 in this week's ESPN rankings. Same thing on Sportsline. Dr. Z check's in at #15. At 3-3, that's exactly the middle of the pack. In fact, I'm somewhat pleased to be here. If you don't like it, well let's beat the Chargers and get a winning record before registering a complaint. The Steelers are 19th/20th/21st.

Trade deadline, power rankings

NFL trade deadline is tomorrow. There aren't any Browns rumors I'm aware of, but you never know. This is the last chance to pick up a late round 2004 draft choice by shipping off a back-up tight end or something. And of course, there's always those James Jackson trade rumors that I (unsuccessfully) tried to start...

Well, let the Power Ranking watch commence. At 3-3 the Browns can start measuring their "respect" in these things by how they compare to established contenders. For instance, I always take pleasure in seeing the Browns ranked ahead of the Steelers (even though Peter King still asserts they will win the North). A victory of the Chargers on Sunday would probably mean the Browns start sneaking into playoff territory. And why not?

Green, Dawson Rushing is the Difference

The game was ugly, the victory was a thing of beauty. Yep, the offense esepcially looked very sluggish in the first half and the passing game was not a threat for most of the game. But the defense came to play, William Green turned it up in the second half, and the Browns used a fake field goal sprint by Phil Dawson to overtake the Raiders.

Sure, it was a game the Browns could have lost. And perhaps they might have if the Raiders didn't penalize themselves so much (it was absurd, really). Well, I don't care. Sometimes you have to face an ugly performance and find a way to turn it into a win. I credit the defense. The secondary had another excellent game, and Courtney Brown showed up again with a sack, forced fumble, a nice batted down pass late, and some tackles. In other words, he's a presence out there. And everyone else on defense pretty much did their job, especially containing the Raider RBs on short passes.

This Browns teams faces a lot of questions and uncertainties. But at 3-3 after a tumultuous six weeks, you have to feel blessed to be in the hunt. The defense has proven to be a strength, not a weakness of this team and that really bodes well. With signs of life in the running game, there's plenty to build on. This week the QB issue will resurface; good -- the last few games should have proven to everyone that both guys can do the job, and proven how important it is for both to be ready to play. There's no shame in sharing that kind of glory.

Steelers lose. After the Browns started 0-2, who would have though it would be the Steelers facing a crisis at this point? Not me. But they have weaknesses that opponents can exploit. They aren't quite able to physically dominate. Their offensive line is still hurting from injuries. Their coaching seems unsure at the moment. I won't say the Steeler's won't turn it around, cause they probably will, but it's nice to see the worry on Coach Cowher's face. Might it be time for Batch to come in? Could be. He's slightly more mobile and some fresh bood might reignite what should be a good passing offense. I'd probably vote for it, but I don't want the Steelers to figure that out just yet.

Iggy over Ed's -- Yeah. It's funny, when I came to Ignatius they hadn't won jack. It was St. Edward that was considered the cocky football powerhouse. Then even as Iggy won state titles for 3 of my 4 years, I just could not have sympathy for the Eagles. If anything, I hated 'em more cause every jock I knew from grade school went there with the expectation that Ed's would be the sports powerhouse, and they sure seemed bitter about their luck. Now over a decade later I don't care so much, and the schools are on near even footing. Fair enough. Of course in the Holy War I'm always for the alma mater. And even when I think Iggy needs to be a bit more humble, one glance at Ed's Coach Gibbon's is all I need to remember that Ignatius treats football second to school itself (it really is true, regardless what anyone says) and that puts me on the right side of this battle. I hope both schools do well, and for Ignatius to always be better.

Oh yeah -- fantasy note -- the undefeated season is no more. Thanks to facing Derek Mason and a few other surprising huge games, I went down in flames. Don't even know the exact score except that my opponent racked up around 150 points, which is at least 60 more than he'd need to win this week. Oh welll. Time to regroup.

8-8 Wins the Division

Well, maybe, but I don't think so. I'm betting 10-6 does it, and at least one team will get it going. Maybe the Ravens develop a decent passing game. Maybe the Steeler's secondary pulls together and their offensive line solidifies. Or maybe the Browns find a rushing attack. All of a sudden, that team will be something to be reckoned with. I'm not emotionally ready to accept the Bengals as a contender in the AFC North, but if somehow 8-8 does it, you never know.

With the Browns, I think we already know the defense is good enough to reach the postseason. They're not dominant by any stretch, but they have turned in good performances that have kept Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, and the Ward/Burrees duo from the endzone. Overall, things are mediocre but, frankly, that's a relief. On offense things are slowly getting going and the team has been able to do some things. Getting a rushing game going is imperative now, and would result in giving opposing defenses a lot more to think about.

One note -- Shea is now on IR, which means the Browns have no one resembling a fullback. I didn't think Shea was sufficient in that roll, and having absolutely no one is asking for trouble. It makes running on 3rd or 4th and short a difficult proposition. Perhaps Mr. McLeod will get a phone call today.

Power Ranking Roundup

A little bummed to see the browns ranked behind the Steelers in ESPN's powerrankings, though Chris Mortenrson has it the other way around. But Mortenson also, inexplicably, has the 1-4 Bengals ranked ahead of both. I know it's like choosing between 3 fat girls at a mixer, but still... anyway, the normally logic-impaired "Dr. Z" (ooooooh, he's a doctor) gets it right for us Clevelanders.

Fantasy Blather

The team is a very surprising 5-0. Surprising because, well, I've been a crappy general manager at times. Crappy for thinking Tom Brady could be my starting QB. Crappy for thinking the Raiders defense would be competitive. And monumentally crappy for sitting my #1 draft pick, Marvin Harrison, against the Bucs. Yet somehow good fortune has smiled on FC Brunedogs, and a few backups + waiver picks have been contributors. As of now the roster stands at:

QB: Bulger, Hasselbeck, Brady
RB: Henry, Hambrick, L. Gordon, M. Bennett
WR: Harrison, Ward, K Robinson, C Johnson, S. Moss
TE: T Gonzalez
K: M. Anderson, J Kasay
D: Min, Buf

My team will not challenge as the highest-scoring team, but I do expect to get consistent scoring from week to week, even with bye-weeks. Obviously a few draft decisions have helped me -- drafting Bulger late, hitting on my 3rd + 4th receivers. I'm hoping Henry hangs in there with injury issues, but with Hambrick and Gordon having some value things are somewhat more comfortable there. I'm continuing to hold on to the injured Bennett in favor of picking up another runner, hoping for a strong performance right around playoff time. In other words, so far so good. If a trade comes down, it will likely be Robinson/Johnson/Brady/Henry/Hambrick for another running back. But for now I'm inclined to ride the guys I have and, if I can get 3-4 more wins, gear up for a string postseason performance.

Unleash the Blather

Sportsline's Pete Prisco:

"OK, now can we stop the Kelly Holcomb experiment and make Tim Couch the permanent starting quarterback in Cleveland? It's clear he is much better than Holcomb and deserves to have the starting job... ....Change now, Butch, or you will regret it. "

I'm somewhat surprised to see this; I think this sort of stuff is at least one week premature. If Couch lights up the Raiders next game, then sure, debate away and let him play. It's so old and tired, but it has to be said over and over -- we have two good quarterbacks, it's a good thing, and it doesn't hurt the team when one or the other plays.

Prisco also added the following about the 3-4. Those lineman are unfairly holding our smaller edge rushers!!! No fair!!! Hehe.

Remember all that talk about how the 3-4 defense was making a resurgence? On Sunday, the Steelers and Falcons, both primarily 3-4 teams, combined to give up over 70 points. The secret to beating it is to throw on early downs.

Random notes:

• The Chiefs are getting overrated. Yeah, they are undefeated but winning on return TDs two weeks in a row is masking some serious struggles from Trent Green and his wide outs.
  
• The next couple games will determine if Seattle is going to be a contender in the AFC. They looked bad vs. GB, but they have lots of offensive talent and a decent defense.
  
• Couch has been comparing himself to Bledsoe in New England after Brady took over. After watching Tommy Maddox look like, well, Tommy Maddox, what do you think the odds are that Couch or Holcomb winds up with the Steelers next season? Butch would do it... I doubt the Steelers would.
  
• Lions WR Charles Rogers busted his collerbone. I thought the Lions were looking okay, or at least no longer an automatic win. Rogers in particular made some nice plays.
  
• The Rush Limbaugh thing... ESPN comes out looking pathetic in it's lame attempts to say "sorry" even after the original broadcast showed all the commentators sitting on their hands. The truth is that ESPN didn't think it was a big deal at the time either, and now they get the luxury of revising their view of it. Don't believe it. I don't know about the McNabb situation, but it's true that there is a degree of racism in sports -- Brian Urlacher is as popular as he is cause he's white and white people want somebody to cheer for. Tim Dwight? You could think of plenty more examples. It might not be correct, but it isn't absurd to think that some people think McNabb is better than he is, with his race being a factor. If the ESPN show didn't suck so bad, one of those guys would have challenged Limbaugh on the spot and maybe even brought up guys like Urlacher or Keith Brooking. It's like the issue that everyone is afraid to talk about on tv.
  
• The Steelers offensive line is just killing them. Maddox can't seem to move in the pocket and still be accurate.

A Good Laugh

Check out this whining from a Steelers fan. The Pittsburgh defense did NOT get shredded due to their poor performance!!! The Steelers didn't pressure Couch enough cause, um, ugh, the refs weren't calling holding!!! Yeah, and not only that, this is an intentional NFL trend that ruins the 3-4 defenseive scheme!!! The 3-4 is becoming defunct in the NFL!!!! ....this guy is a moron. I agree that "legal holding" on the offensive line is a fact of life in the NFL, but since when is the 3-4 becoming extinct? A few years ago there was one 3-4 team (Pittsburgh). This year a number of teams have switched to the 3-4 (Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, and New England). Heck, Baltimore and Pittsburgh were the #1 + #2 AFC defenses coming into this week. Now several other teams have 3-4 packages. Don't blame the refs, blame the secondary.

We Are Not Lost

After the Baltimore game, things were bad. In fact, I thought they were about as bad as they've been in the last 4 years. Eeven though the team had only played two games, the coaching staff was spouting off things that the players clearly did not believe. There was sniping internally, and the vaunted offense was struggling. Now, 2 1/2 weeks later there is life. The season's success still remains to be seen, but one thing is clear -- Davis hasn't lost the team. In particular, from a defensive standpoint the Browns are playing very well in exactly the mold Davis espouses. Hopefully that bodes well.

Oh yeah, have you noticed Courtney Brown is among the league leaders in sacks with 4? Yeah it's early, but after Sunday's game we're allowed to be encouraged.

Rent Became Whiskey; Life Became Risque

A downtown port deal has been announced, while a whiskey island deal still to be settled. A true plan id eveloping for downtown lake access -- you should be thrilled with this!!! A few years back I was in favor of making Whiskey Island itself a public access park, but that was before there were any good plans for the downtown lakefront. Not anymore --- getting significant development downtown is a big deal. The whole strecth of land from the Rock Hall to the Flats is grossly underutilized and this is a step towards changing that. The next step is to get a new convention center around this area and, heck, why not consider all of this into the Inner-Belt/Shoreway rerouting that is currently being studied? Things like this are notoriously slow-going and usually dissappointing, but I'm optimistic anyway. Jane Campbell seems to have her head in the sand sometimes, but if she can keep nudging the city in this direction all of NE Ohio will benefit greatly.

Somewhat ironically, Cuyahoga county commishioners still seem intent on fighting the city's efforts in these regards, citing petty political differences and complaing that they are not calling the shots. I hate to break it to you guys, but the City of Cleveland is, as they say, "why you are here" and as much as the residents of Independence or Mayfield or Brookpark may want things a certain way, the ultimate judgement on any large civic project is whether or not it works effectively. And the City has the most at stake and the most responsibility. You'd have more say if you were more cooperative. Perhaps Mike White ticked off a lot of people, but by all account Jane Campbell is doing a competent job; you should defer to the CIty.

Oh yeah -- maybe the county commishioners are ticked off that the City has won the political battles for control at Hopkins airport (setting aside the costly practical and financial mistakes). Or they don't like how Cleveland owns a huge patch of land off-the I-271 corridor. This is likely all just a part of a dumb turf battle. If it has to be that way, perhaps they can deal --- the City gives up significant control over the Highland Heights patch of land for more authority regarding Whiskey Island and convention center planning. And all parties get a seat at the table. Maybe this could be the start of something sorely needed in NE Ohio -- cooperation between regional and government authorities for the good of the larger community.

Hell Yeah

Ah, man that was great. I'm on perma-smile today....

...and thinking. As enjoyable as Sunday's game was, there isn't a clear cut list of things the Browns did right which will transfer to games in the weeks ahead. They won, and won big, in a manner that might be difficult to do (just as the Steelers and their new offensive philosphy). So, of all the good stuff, here are the really, really good things that came out of last night's big win:

• Anthony Henry -- the ability for Anthony Henry to face off against oppinent's big #1 receiver is becoming a huge asset to this defense. You can't overstate it. Henry has been incredible.
  
• D-Line -- There weren't many fantastic highlights, but the d-line came to play and did a very good job. They handled the run well, which was a huge factor as it forced Maddox to pass even on running downs. That allowed for things like McCutheon's big INT/TD. They also got a little pass pressure, although I suspect just about any other NFL QB would have handled it better than Maddox.
  
• Couch -- Two big things. In the first half, he threw the ball down the field and did so with success; I'd thought he forgot how to do it. And in the second half, he more-or-less played smartly. Couch had an aggressive, but steady hand. That's a hard combination to get.
  
• Pass-protection -- I'd say the offensive line gave Couch as much time as the Steelers' gave Maddox. But the Steelers occasionally blitzed and the Browns usually had more guys running routes to throw to. Tip your hat.

Against the Raiders this week, these things will be the keys to victory. Except the Raiders have better corners, and perhaps a better rushing attack. Overall, let's hope the Browns aren't as happy as us fans today. They have some work to do to get back into this thing.

Satisfying

Very. it was a thoroughly enjoyable performance tonight against the Steelers. From start to finish the Browns were on top and managed no only to stay there but to extend their lead to a comfortable margin. A few thoughts:

• Couch played a fantastic game. Damn, imagine if he wasn't booed at home. Seriously, Couch had a steady hand and played a flawless first half. The rest of the way he was a great steward of the lead, coming up with some big 3rd down passes. He did make a couple mistakes, but only one was a turnover and it didn't hurt too much. This is what mattered all preseason despite what sports radio and local media were trying to convince you -- that the Browns are blessed with two quality QB's.
  
• With 9:30 remaining, a 17 point lead, and a 2nd and goal from the 3, why do we call a pass play? Why?!?!? It was tipped and almost picked off. 3rd down was a pass too. Thankfully it didn't come back to bite us.
  
• William Green was a patient runner tonight, but I still think he's running in quicksand on many playes. In the second half he started showing flashes of the aggressive, stiff-arming guy from 11 months ago.
  
• Anthony Henry continued what has so far been an amazing season by shutting down Burress. Friggin awesome.
  
• More tomorrow....

LeBrown

Just as the Browns season is teetering on the edge, here comes LeBron. You can bet that Paxson and Gund are rooting for the Browns to get demolished this Sunday in Pittsburgh and, suddenly, give the Cavs center stage. We'll see. This week it's the start of training camp and I have to admit I'm looking forward to whatever happens with this NBA season be it surprising success or complete disaster. Heck, I'm still trying to decide if LeBron is really a good guy or not. I guess, so far, one word continues to come to mind -- charmed. If he can remain so with the Cavs, well that will be pretty amazing. Today tickets go on sale and I expect there to be quite a frenzy. It should be a fun winter, better if the Browns can turn it around somehow.

Shea Out

Normally when an average tight end is injured it's not that big of a deal. But when that tight end is also the team's only lead blocker, well that's not too good is it? Just like Holcomb's injury after releaseing Josh Booty, Shea's injury comes after the Browns let go of their only fullback, Kevin McLeod. Of course, McLeod wasn't the lynchpin of a successful running game. But it does mean that the rushing offense is not going to have all its options this Sunday in Pittsburgh.

You might remember last year that William Green was only effective after they "scaled down" the rushing attack to about 6 plays. I know, wishful thinking....

Funding Iraq

Sorry, I know this isn't a political web log but I'm with Glenn Reynolds on this one. If the USA fails to turn Iraq into the Middle East's most democratic and successful society by not following through, then it will be a tragedy of monumental proportions. Not only will we not live up to our word, we will have proven all the doubters right and almost certainly worsened the problem of extreme-Islamic terrorism. Everyone calling for the USA to "get out" is shamefully wrong. Whether you were for or against the war, the logic of doing the right thing now is crystal clear.

Deep Breaths

The Browns have had bad losses before, but Sunday's loss to the Bengals has been particularly hard for me to come to terms with. It was SUCH a bad game for this team. First off, it seemed obvious that the many vaunted draft picks over the past few years are not going to be stars in the NFL. William Green, I'm sorry, is just not going to be more than a decent back. There seems to be no way Gerard Warren will be a dynamic force at tackle. Couch obviously has some major limitations. Quincy Morgan is a space cadet. Courtney Brown is okay but doesn't have the hunger that the defensive end position requires. I don't think Kelly Holcomb is necessarily the long term answer at quarterback either. I'm wonder who the Browns "core" players are for the next 4-5 years. There aren't many players you can confidently say will be here for a while barring injury. Here's my picks...

• Kevin Johnson -- Still the best offensive talent on the team that, on paper anyway, should have a lot of it. He and Northcutt are the only players who know what "find the soft spot in the zone" means, and KJ has better hands and is durable.
  
• Andra Davis -- I think he's shown enough that he'll be a pretty good starter. He makes mistake, but he's tough and aggressive, and he makes an impact.
  
• Jeff Faine -- He's a brawler who's been a lot of fun to watch. I still have some questions about him -- he's gotten toasted pretty badly at times -- but let's give him the benefit of the doubt. The plays he has made have earned him that much.
  
• Anthony Henry -- If you asked me after last year I would have said no, but he's played well this year. Unless the Browns spend some high picks on corners, Henry is likely to stick around and play good ball.

Andre Davis -- kind of a quiet performer who seems to rise up to the challenge when he gets a chance for a big play. He won't be a star but he is a consistent performer.
...and that's it, those are the only guys I'm confident will be on the team for a long time. There are, of course, lots of maybes like Ben Taylor, Quincy Morgan, Holcomb, Phil Dawson, Jamel White, Michael Jameson, and Shawn O'Hara. A couple veterans would fall in this group as well except their contract situation is too difficult to predict.

Can this team make the playoffs this year? Sure, but the turn around has to start immediately or else. I think a loss this weekend ends all realistic chances. Looking at the roster I would say there's a large group of mediocre players who have to start performing up to and perhaps beyond their capabilities -- the D-line, the o-line, W Green specifically.

It sure would be nice to see the offense, thought to be so dangerous but amazingly meek so far, overcompensate for its slow start and deluge someone with points. There weren't many signs of that happening last weekend. Actually, the offense was last seen in the preseason. At little of that could go a long way. Where is C.J. Jones? Where is Qunicy Morgan on a long pass? How about Nortcutt sprint around and between some defenders? And how about William Green giving someone a stiff arm? Last season the Browns went to New Orleans and showed everyone they could play with a supposed "play off team." This is the week they have to do it again. There's a lot of signs pointing against them right now, but as we know, anything could happen. Only one thing is for sure -- don't believe anything Butch Davis says.