Cincy 14, Cleveland 0.
Well, we got to see the Browns lose to the Eagles on Monday night and Cincy last week. Both games were pathetic. Some of our players looked like they packed it in. And once again, our play calling was predictable. On the other hand, some of our defenders showed up against both teams. Even Bruce Gradkowski made an appearance in the 4th quarter against the Bengals, but that didn't help either. Maybe he should have made an appearance to start the second half. I couldn't even watch every play; my fantasy football team was more exciting to watch. Now we have the Steelers on Sunday. OMG. Part of me wants the season to end, hoping for FA and the draft to come quickly. Oh yeah, we already traded away our 3rd, 5th, and 7th picks of the draft.
Fights: RC will not comment on the fight between Shaun Smith and Brady Quinn. I wouldn't either. It happened in house. However, if Smith is started the fight or is causing negativity in the locker room, why keep him around? RC needs to be a disciplinarian, and I don't think that's one of his strong points. Furthermore, some of our players lack discipline on the field, as well. This lack of discipline and wins might factor into his firing.
Free Agents: Wouldn't it be nice to sign the Bengal's T.J. Houshmandzadeh? That way we could trade Braylon Edwards for some draft picks. We could have T.J. as our #1 receiver, Stallworth as our #2, and Jurevicius as our #3. And yes, we probably need another receiver to split some time with Jurevicius because he will probably retire shortly thereafter. Furthermore, I'm not totally sure if Stallworth will turn into a consistent #2.
Free Agents/Trade: Wouldn't it be nice to trade for Dallas's Tashard Choice or the Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw? I'm not sold on any of our RBs. Yes, Jamal Lewis ran hard this year, but how much does he have left in the tank? Furthermore, is Harrison tough enough to be an every-down back? And, Jason Wright looks like a career backup RB. Here's a thought. Wouldn't you like to see Josh Cribbs as our 3rd-down back? He could take direct snaps, throw the ball, or run. Right now, all he does is run from the QB position, and every defense knows it. However, to be a 3rd-down back, he will need to block, especially against blitzers, and I'm not sure of his blocking skills. I'm not saying that Cribbs cannot block; I'm just saying that I'm not sure if he ever had the opportunity to showcase his blocking skills.
Draft/Final Game: Right now, it looks like we have a top-ten pick, maybe a top five. Cincy, who is playing their final game at home, could win against KC, leaving us in last place if we lose to the Steelers. Then again, I will be optimistic. Bruce Gradkowski is starting on Sunday at the Steelers and hopefully, our Brownies will play for pride. Hopefully, we will finally beat the Steelers. Am I asking for too much?
Keywords: AFC North
Comments
Possible coaching replacements could include the following: Jim Schwartz, Titan DC; Marty Schottenheimer, former Browns coach; Bill Cowher, former Steeler coach; Steve Spagnuolo, Giant DC; or Kirk Ferentz, Iowa HC; Eric Mangini, former Jets coach; and Brian Billick, former Ravens coach. Also, add any hot college coach, such as Urban Meyer, USC's coach, Oklahoma's coach, or even Jim Tressel of Ohio State. Lastly, add any hot pro coordinator, especially coordinators from the Patriots, past or present.
My favorite is Cowher. If you want him, go after him. Money talks. Right now, he said no to the Browns and wants to talk to the Jets. My second choice is Marty and son. Unfortunately, Marty doesn't want to coach, and he is talking to KC about a VP/GM position. Lastly, I would like to see Brian Billick. He has had some success in Baltimore, and he is more of a disciplinarian than RAC, Romeo Crennel.
PS: If Pioli is hired as VP/GM, don't surprised if you see Mangini on our sidelines or any Patriot coordinator, past or present. Furthermore, don't be surprised if you see RAC back in Cleveland in some capacity.