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This could be Turner’s Tourney

By Brad VanFossan

Work hard, play smart, play tough, keep your mouth shut, and let things fall into place. There aren’t too many young athletes who heed this advice, but that’s exactly what Ohio State’s Junior leader Evan Turner did. Amazingly, Turner arrived at Ohio State somewhat under the radar.

In 2007-08 Evan Turner came onto the scene in Columbus as a freshman in the shadows of fellow freshman and highly touted recruits Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., and Dequan Cook. Those three highly touted recruits ended up leaving after one season at Ohio State to become first round draft picks in the NBA, with Oden being the first pick overall.

Continue reading "This could be Turner's Tourney"

So, free agency began last Thursday, and we signed no one.

Defensively, what are our needs? Many believe that we need a safety, a cornerback, and a linebacker who could put some pressure on the QB. So, what was or is out there?

As far as CBs, there aren't many A-listers. Maybe, that's why some teams, like the Jets, traded for one. However, there are some quality unrestricted FAs like Dunta Robinson, but he signed with the Falcons. Another FA is Leigh Bodden, but does he really want to come back to the Browns? The other FAs are either restricted, aging vets, or inconsistent players, such as Dre Bly, Nick Harper, and Ken Lucas. But, don't we have enough of those types of players?

As far as safeties, Antrel Rolle signed with the Giants. So, what's left? Would you take a flyer on Ryan Clark of the Steelers, an aging Darren Sharper, or an inconsistent Roy Williams, who last played for the Bengals? Ryan Clark seems to be an interesting find, especially if we steal him away from one of our division rivals. But once again, many of these FAs are restricted, aging, or inconsistent.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: Free Agency Begins..."

A Golden Effort Falls Just Short By Brad VanFossan I know it’s more than just a hockey game when my 63 year old father is looking forward to watching, and has been watching most of the hockey games during this Olympics. I know it’s more than just a game when patrons at bars ask to turn the hockey game on, both the men’s and women’s games, as I have seen happen over the last couple weeks. This is about reliving nostalgia for those who were around for the 1980 Gold Medal team‘s “Miracle“ run. And it’s about wanting to experience that same feeling for those of us who were too young or weren’t around then. This is the kind of thing the brings generations of sons and fathers together creating memories that become part of family lor

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Let's face it; if you're a Browns' fan, you already know that we have many needs. Our new GM, Tom Heckert likes to build through the draft, and we have 11 picks but is that enough? Probably not. We need some free agents to fill some holes, or we could also trade for players.

Offense:

After reading Amari Harris' blog, he's right. We need a solid QB. Keep in mind; I love DA's strong arm, and I want Brady Quinn to succeed but I'm not convinced that either one is the answer. But, what options do we have? We could look to free agency, but did you see that list of free agent QBs? The list includes Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, Mike Vick, and Chad Pennington. Good luck with all that. Another option is to trade for a QB, but who is available? One option could be Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia. GM Heckert has ties to Philly, so maybe this could be an option....for a steep price of course. Kolb has a nice arm, and he has some experience running a WCO. Now, according to Harris' blog, he likes Sam Bradford...later in the draft, but I'm not so sure. I like Tony Pike from Cincy, Jevan Snead from Ole Miss, and Dan LeFevour from Central Michigan. All three QBs have had some success with less talent around them. Other QBs like Bradford, Tebow, and Clausen were surrounded by talent, and talent should win you games. Winning games equals success; success equals ESPN falling in love with you. 

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: What's more exciting? Free Agency or the Draft? Let's focus on the offense today..."

Okay...I'm a die-hard Browns' fan, but I find myself throwing up on game day.

DEFENSE: 

1. With two LBs out for the season--D. Jackson and E. Barton--out for the season, we will continue to struggle on defense.

2. Is it just me, or does Brandon McDonald hit more like Ronald McDonald? Sorry, that might be offensive to Ronald.

3. I know that we are blitzing more, but we still aren't getting to the QB on a consistent basis. Furthermore, when we drop more players back in coverage, the QB somehow picks our D apart. How does this happen?

4. On a positive note, it seems like DC Ryan will do all he can to turn this around. I like the fire in his gut; he's very animated and some of his players feed off of this.

OFFENSE:

1. Okay...Brady Quinn had an awful game against the Ravens and a great game against the Lions. Now, he has three difficult games to prove himself...Bengals, Chargers, and Steelers. Will the real Brady Quinn show up? Here's hoping that the line blocks and the OC Dabol calls some decent plays.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: 1 and sucks? Will Charlie Weis be our next OC?"

ANALYSIS

Okay, we are 0-3. In most cases, you want your team to progress each game. Unfortunately, our team seems to be regressing.

First, we had the lead 13-10 at the half of the Vikings' game, and then we collapsed.

Next, we played about 2 decent quarters against Denver, we were losing at half, and then we collapsed.

Last week, we put up a good fight against the Ravens....right up until the kickoff. That was ugly.

TODAY'S GAME: Bengals

offense...

1. The right side of the offensive line, including John St. Clair, must play better. If not, DA will have no time to pass the rock. If we give him some time, I think DA and the receivers could have a big day against the Bengals. Speaking of the issues at right tackle, is Jon Runyan available. I know that he had off-season surgery, but I think that we need to explore other options like Runyan, especially if St. Clair does not improve.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: Are we as bad as our record?"

Off to the battle of Ohi-low, no added commentary today.

Week 4:

Bengals over Browns

New England over Baltimore

Washington over Tampa Bay

Tennessee over Jacksonville

Houston over Oakland

Chicago over Detroit

Indianapolis over Seattle

NYG over KC

New Orleans over NYJ

Miami over Buffalo

Dallas over Denver

SF over St. Louis

Pittsburgh over SD

Minnesota over Green Bay

Continue reading "Week 4 Hurried Predictions"

Welcome back fellow degenerates, here are my Week 2 NFL predictions:

 New England over New York

New Orleans over Philadelphia

St. Louis over Washington

Jacksonville over Arizona

Atlanta over Carolina

Minnesota over Detroit

Green Bay over Cincinnati

Tennessee over Houston

Oakland over Kansas City

Buffalo over Tampa Bay

San Francisco over Seattle

San Diego over Baltimore

Chicago over Pittsburgh

Denver over Cleveland

Dallas over NY Giants

Miami over Indianapolis

There are some tough ones this week. 

Last week - 12-3

Season 12-3

Continue reading "Week 2 NFL Predictions sure to go right."

I'm going to predict every NFL game this year and keep track of my record, maybe I can help some of you gambling junkies win some money.  I'm going to shoot for a winning percentage of .700.  Here goes:

 Pittsburgh over Tennessee

Atlanta over Miami

Philadelphia over Carolina

Cincinnati over Denver

Baltimore over Kansas City

Cleveland over Minnesota

Indianapolis over Jacksonville

Dallas over Tampa Bay

New Orleans over Detroit

Houston over NY Jets

S.F. over Arizona

Seattle over St. Louis

NY Giants over Washington

New England over Buffalo

Green Bay over Chicago

Continue reading "Week 1 NFL Predictions"

         Ah, summer's end. The kids are getting ready for school, the Pirates are firmly ensconced in last place, and hurricane season is in full effect. Time for some pre-season football!
    But first, let's talk about the latest breaking news out of Philadelphia. If you missed it, Michael Vick is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Millions of football fans across the nation collectively are holding their breath, wondering exactly when and how Donovan McNabb is going to make an ass of himself over this. Can't wait.
    In other news, Donte Stallworth will miss the entire 2009 season without pay, the ruling coming down from Commissioner Goodell after the Browns' star wide receiver was found responsible for vehicular manslaughter. I have a hard time feeling sorry for Stallworth, but I beleive he has acted as professionally and responsibly as possible since the accident. Unlike other NFL troublemakers, Stallworth has followed policy to the letter, taking full responsibility for his actions. I firmly beleive that the remorse he shows is genuine, and whether he plays again or not, he will always regret the loss of another life at his hands. I hope other sports stars learn a lesson from him . . . not only about driving under the influence, but also about accepting responsiblity for your actions. Could have been worse.

Continue reading "Preseason: Vick, Stallworth, and The Ziggle . . .plus a Steeler victory over the Cardinals"