Last July, when a certain NBA superstar announced on national TV that he was taking his so-called talents somewhere else, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert responded like so many Cleveland fans did when they heard the news:
He responded with an angry open-letter to the fans, ripping the "Decision-maker" for all the he was, announced that the Cavs would win an NBA title before the Heat did (still technically true; the Heat haven't won anything yet) and predicted that the so-called "Cleveland Curse" would follow LeQuitter with him to Miami and that "better times would be ahead for Cleveland."
Has it? Well, let's take stock:
1. The Indians have the best record in Major League Baseball at the moment, when everyone predicted they'd be the worst, or one of the worst, teams in the American League.
2. The Browns made another coaching change, but one that is along the same line of vision as Browns President Mike Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert and one who's offensive philosophies play into the strength of current quarterback Colt McCoy.
3. The Browns' Peyton Hillis was voted to be on the cover of Madden 12 by a wide-margin in a nationwide contest that spanned a month.
4. The Cavs lost a record 26 consecutive games, but wound up trading waste-of-spaces Mo Williams and Jamario Moon for All-Star point guard Baron Davis and the Clippers' first-round pick, giving them two lottery choices that led to ...
5. The Cavs making out in the NBA Draft Lottery, turning the Clippers' pick into the top-overall selection and having the No. 4 pick of their own. They became the first team since 1983 to have two picks in the top four.
6. The Browns stockpiled draft choices for this year and next year from the Falcons, and acquired mammoth defensive tackle Phil Taylor, pass-rushing defensive end Jabaal Sheard and athletic receiver Greg Little with their top three picks.
7. The Cleveland State Vikings mens basketball team, which featured standout point guard and NBA prospect Norris Cole, ripped off 13 consecutive wins to start the season, just missed out on clinching an NCAA Tourney berth, but hosted two rounds of the NIT, winning one.
8. The Lake Erie Monsters hockey team qualified for the American Hockey League playoffs for the first time in franchise history. They did blow a 3-1 series lead with home-ice advantage (welcome to Cleveland, Monsters), but still ...
9. The Cavs did beat LeQuitter and his Heat at home just before the season concluded, a soul-cleansing win for this city if there ever was one.
10. The Indians swept the Boston Red Sox at home, which may have kick-started their run to glory. Along with that, they seem to recapturing that Jacobs Field magic that was so prevelant back in the 1990s with several late-inning, last at-bat victories.
Now, if the Bulls can dispatch the Heat in the postseason, then we'll really be on to something. However, you can feel it in the air.
There seems to be a better feeling surrounding our sports teams. People are excited about the Browns progress (although, it doesn't take much to be excited about the Browns) and are hopeful the lockout ends soon so they can play some games. There is an optimism surrounding the Cavs that didn't seem to exist when LeQuitter bolted and then came back in December to rub our noses into it with a blowout victory. And, the Indians ... the fans may not be flocking to the Jake (or Progressive, whatever), but people are certainly paying attention to this team, that's for sure.
In recent memory, you'd have to go back to 2007, when the Cavs reached the NBA Finals, the Indians were one game away from an improbable World Series berth, and the Browns won 10 games (the most since 1994) and were an eyelash away from a playoff berth, to find such bubbling optimism surrounding our sports teams.
Sure, those bubbles burst on the Indians and Browns pretty quickly, and the Cavs made it back to playoffs the next three seasons but came up empty each time before you-know-who decided to tuck tail and abandon his home region, so you have to prepare for the worst. This is Cleveland, after all, and history dictates it as such.
But, maybe there is something to what Dan Gilbert alluded to. Maybe, when LeQuitter proclaimed that "karma was a bitch" after the L.A. Lakers beat the Cavs by 55 points at home, that turned the tides for good. Since then, the Cavs rebounded to beat both the Lakers and his beloved Heat, Hillis got the Madden cover, and you know the rest.
And, of course, with the NBA, you always have to smell a bit of a rat. When the Timberwolves' GM made an ill-advised joke about how the league loves good stories, and when the Cavs brought out Gilbert's son Nick, who suffers from a serious disease, to represent them at the lottery, he knew he "was done for," people assumed he was saying the lottery was rigged. Others believe that the NBA gave the Cavs the first and fourth as compensation for the way LeBron humilated them and the league with his "Decision" and to shut Gilbert up on his allegations of LeBron tanking the playoff games and that Pat Riley colluded with all three during the season.
If that's the case, so be it. It's about time Cleveland got some due and some good luck. If it was rigged, so be it. After watching Michael Jordan get breathed on by Cavs defenders and get foul calls, while also walking 6 steps to the basket without a travel call, it's time the NBA tilted the scales in Cleveland's favor.
Do I think it's rigged? Not necessarily, although I've been alleging for years that the NBA has been on the shady side since the 1980s, so it wouldn't surprise me.
Can the Indians keep it up? Will the Tribe make the right trades needed to get over the playoff hump? Will the Cavs improve next season and take the next step toward getting back into contention? Will the perennial rebuilding stop for the Browns with more wins than losses for once? These are questions that still seek answering. However, it appears we can answer these questions with a little more confidence and pride instead of blind optimism.
Until next time, remember that Cleveland Rocks!
And LeBron, you can take your so-called apology, shine it up real nice, turn it sideways, and stick it straight up your candy-ass (yes, I blatently ripped off The Rock, but it conveyed my feelings the best way possible)! Go Bulls!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tressel's replacements?
Before Joe Cleveland speaks on the world of sports, I'd like to take a moment and reflect on a great thing that happened in the "real world" -- the death of Osama (or Usama) bin Laden.
Bin Laden's death should come as a joy and relief to not just Americans, but for others who live in the Free World. A despicable man who masterminded numerous terrorist attacks on many countries, including the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, has been snuffed out thanks to a very brave mission by American special forces units.
Putting aside personal politics and biases and all the other things that Americans fight among themselves, I believe all Americans can unite with pride that Public Enemy No. 1 was finally found, captured and (when he wouldn't go quietly) killed. Hell has a new resident, and his name is Osama bin Laden.
Moving on ...
The more Joe Cleveland hears about the Jim Tressel saga at Ohio State, the more he realizes that Ohio State better start making a list of coaching candidates, because chances are great that the Sweater Vest won't be around much longer.
Essentially, the NCAA might force OSU's hand on this one. If they want lighter sanctions, you might want to send your coach packing. The NCAA doesn't look to kindly on being lied to or deceived, especially by coaches.
If I'm Tressel, I'm reaching out to my new good friend Mike Holmgren and asking if there would be a spot for him with the Browns somewhere. They do need an offensive coordinator. How about an additional college scout? Tressel always said the one place he'd leave Columbus for was a job with his beloved Browns. He might have to do it now.
Or, maybe the Bengals try to cash in on Buckeye fans locally by hiring Tressel as their new head coach when Marvin Lewis' contract expires. Mike Brown has some ties to Ohio State, since his dad was one of their great head coaches, and Cincy has always had a history of drafting players from OSU. I don't think Tressel is cut out to be an NFL coach, but at this point, any job might be a good job.
After the John Cooper debacle, Ohio State has made it known that they will only be interested in head coaches with Ohio State or Ohio ties -- coaches who understand the traditions of Ohio State football; coaches who embrace the rich Michigan rivalry and rivalries with other schools in the Big Ten; coaches who will continue to recruit the top athletes in the state of Ohio. Tressel did that (even though he lied). Whoever takes his place will have to do it as well.
Also, when Tressel took it over, OSU was still a prominant name, but nowhere near the national powerhouse that it is. The BCS is partly responsible for that. But when you win a national championship and reach the title game in two other seasons, your school is mentioned in the same breath as the Floridas, Alabamas, USCs and Notre Dames of the world.
So, with that in mind, here's a list of candidates Gene Smith and Gordon Gee might want to consider:
1. Urban Meyer -- The No. 1 candidate on this list, mostly because he's currently unemployed. Meyer is from Ashtabula and spent time coaching at Ohio State before getting his first head coaching gig at Bowling Green. Meyer has been a winner everywhere he's gone, even at Florida, where he had big shoes to fill from Steve Spurrier and still on a national title and coached a Heisman Trophy winner in Tim Tebow. Some feel Ohio State would be a "step backward" for Meyer. Really? Ohio State has more tradition than Florida ever had. That, and OSU doesn't have to compete with Miami, Florida State, South Florida and Central Florida for in-state recruits.
2. Bob Stoops -- Stoops was believed to be Ohio State's top choice when Cooper was fired before he decided to stay at Oklahoma, where he's been ever since. Stoops is from Youngstown and also coached at Ohio State before leaving for other jobs. He took the Sooners to a national title just before the OSU job opened, and he's continued to keep them in the national spotlight. A tradition-rich program with an insane fan base, it would probably take a phenomenal offer for Stoops to leave for Columbus, especially if the program is hamstrung by NCAA sanctions (such as reduction in scholarships, bowl game restrictions, etc.)
3. Les Miles -- Miles is a "Michigan Man," but grew up in Ohio (Elyria) and still has family here. Miles turned down the opportunity to coach at his alma mater this past year, so I can't see him leaving LSU for Ohio State. However, he'd be worth an overture. Miles has made a living out of bolting job after job, so even though he turned down Michigan, maybe he felt the program wasn't in the best shape. And, besides, Bo Schembechler was an "Ohio Man" before he took the Michigan job. Maybe the historical factor would weigh in on Miles.
4. Jon Gruden -- Gruden might be higher on this list because he's currently out of a coaching job and serving as a popular football analyst on ESPN. When OSU was seeking Tressel's replacement, Gruden was one of the candidates. Another Ohio guy (Sandusky) with ties to Ohio State, Gruden was contacted when it appeared his relationship with the Raiders was fracturing. He turned it down, and wound up going to Tampa Bay one year later (leading them to a Super Bowl over his former Raider team). He's been a winner everywhere in the NFL and has a terrific knowledge of football. He's shown some great knowledge for the college game during his "QB school" run thorugh ESPN and his draft analysis. He turned down the chance to coach the Browns this season, so the college game may be up his alley. He probably woundn't be too daunted about NCAA sanctions, either.
5. Bo Pellini -- Pellini is also a Youngstown guy with ties to Ohio State. The main thing holding him back is that he's the head coach at Nebraska, which will be a conference rival of Ohio State beginning this year. I don't think he would leave Nebraska to join an in-house rival, especially when he essentially just started there and is starting to get the program back on its feet. Worth an overture, though.
6. Mike Stoops -- Bob's younger brother is currently the head coach at Arizona. The younger Stoops isn't as successful as his older brother, but he does bring with him head coaching experience at a major level and has shown an ability to field a competitive team. He'd probably be more apt to move from Arizona to Ohio State considering his situation.
7. Larry Kehres -- If Gene Smith wants to travel down the road his predecessor did with Tressel, he might want to explore Kehres. All Kehres has done has turned little Mount Union into a Division III dynasty. They rarely lose games and routinely have a date in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl (the D-III title game). I don't know if Kehres would leave Alliance, and a jump from D-III to D-I is more severe than a jump from D-IAA to D-IA like Tressel did. I do believe the hiring would be popular in-state.
8. Frank Solich -- Solich had the misfortune of following the legendary Tom Osborne at Nebraska. All he did was win more than he lost, but it wasn't enough for the school's AD, who replaced him with ex-Raiders coach Bill Callahan. That turned out to be a disaster. Solich, who has also been arrested for a DUI, has resurfaced at Ohio University, doing decently at a smaller D-I school not known for its football prowess. Solich is also an Ohio guy (Cleveland), and a move up the road might not be out of the realm of possibility.
9. Chris Spielman -- Every time an Ohio State coaching position opens, Spielman's name is dangled. He may be the most popular ex-Buckeye ever (Archie Griffin has a legitimate case, too). Buckeye fans and alumni would be thrilled if Spielman took the job. However, he's never had very much coaching experience, let alone head coaching experience. The thing about Spielman is that he "gets it," which you can never underestimate among Buckeye fans. I'm sure he'd be considered a candidate, even it it is kind of an "honorary candidate."
10. Luke Fickell -- Why wouldn't Ohio State look for an in-house candidate like Fickell, who is currently the acting coach during Tressel's suspension? Perhaps the Buckeyes do well under Fickell while Tressel is doing his time. Would it make sense to give him the job full-time and see what happens? He's not a flashy name like some of the other guys above him, and maybe Ohio State is to the point where they would need a proven commodity to take the reins. I wouldn't discount it, though.
Darkhorses: Mark Dantonio (former top assistant at OSU has gone on to good coaching stints at Cincinnati and Michigan State); Don Treadwell (Oberlin native, filled in for Dantonio well at MSU and is now coaching at Miami OH); Butch Davis (has Ohio ties with his stint with the Browns and has shown he can build winning programs and can recruit as well as the best of them); Eric Mangini (Ohio ties from his Browns stint; might be more suited to college coaching because of his emphasis on character and was a big fan of coaching in this area); Chuck Kyle (one of the most successful Ohio high school coaches ever at St. Ignatius); Ted Ginn (has a tie-in to Ohio State with all of the kids he's sent there from Glenville and has proven to be a successful high school coach).
Any names I forgot about? Feel free to comment and include them under this post.
Until next time, remember that Cleveland Rocks!
Bin Laden's death should come as a joy and relief to not just Americans, but for others who live in the Free World. A despicable man who masterminded numerous terrorist attacks on many countries, including the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, has been snuffed out thanks to a very brave mission by American special forces units.
Putting aside personal politics and biases and all the other things that Americans fight among themselves, I believe all Americans can unite with pride that Public Enemy No. 1 was finally found, captured and (when he wouldn't go quietly) killed. Hell has a new resident, and his name is Osama bin Laden.
Moving on ...
The more Joe Cleveland hears about the Jim Tressel saga at Ohio State, the more he realizes that Ohio State better start making a list of coaching candidates, because chances are great that the Sweater Vest won't be around much longer.
Essentially, the NCAA might force OSU's hand on this one. If they want lighter sanctions, you might want to send your coach packing. The NCAA doesn't look to kindly on being lied to or deceived, especially by coaches.
If I'm Tressel, I'm reaching out to my new good friend Mike Holmgren and asking if there would be a spot for him with the Browns somewhere. They do need an offensive coordinator. How about an additional college scout? Tressel always said the one place he'd leave Columbus for was a job with his beloved Browns. He might have to do it now.
Or, maybe the Bengals try to cash in on Buckeye fans locally by hiring Tressel as their new head coach when Marvin Lewis' contract expires. Mike Brown has some ties to Ohio State, since his dad was one of their great head coaches, and Cincy has always had a history of drafting players from OSU. I don't think Tressel is cut out to be an NFL coach, but at this point, any job might be a good job.
After the John Cooper debacle, Ohio State has made it known that they will only be interested in head coaches with Ohio State or Ohio ties -- coaches who understand the traditions of Ohio State football; coaches who embrace the rich Michigan rivalry and rivalries with other schools in the Big Ten; coaches who will continue to recruit the top athletes in the state of Ohio. Tressel did that (even though he lied). Whoever takes his place will have to do it as well.
Also, when Tressel took it over, OSU was still a prominant name, but nowhere near the national powerhouse that it is. The BCS is partly responsible for that. But when you win a national championship and reach the title game in two other seasons, your school is mentioned in the same breath as the Floridas, Alabamas, USCs and Notre Dames of the world.
So, with that in mind, here's a list of candidates Gene Smith and Gordon Gee might want to consider:
1. Urban Meyer -- The No. 1 candidate on this list, mostly because he's currently unemployed. Meyer is from Ashtabula and spent time coaching at Ohio State before getting his first head coaching gig at Bowling Green. Meyer has been a winner everywhere he's gone, even at Florida, where he had big shoes to fill from Steve Spurrier and still on a national title and coached a Heisman Trophy winner in Tim Tebow. Some feel Ohio State would be a "step backward" for Meyer. Really? Ohio State has more tradition than Florida ever had. That, and OSU doesn't have to compete with Miami, Florida State, South Florida and Central Florida for in-state recruits.
2. Bob Stoops -- Stoops was believed to be Ohio State's top choice when Cooper was fired before he decided to stay at Oklahoma, where he's been ever since. Stoops is from Youngstown and also coached at Ohio State before leaving for other jobs. He took the Sooners to a national title just before the OSU job opened, and he's continued to keep them in the national spotlight. A tradition-rich program with an insane fan base, it would probably take a phenomenal offer for Stoops to leave for Columbus, especially if the program is hamstrung by NCAA sanctions (such as reduction in scholarships, bowl game restrictions, etc.)
3. Les Miles -- Miles is a "Michigan Man," but grew up in Ohio (Elyria) and still has family here. Miles turned down the opportunity to coach at his alma mater this past year, so I can't see him leaving LSU for Ohio State. However, he'd be worth an overture. Miles has made a living out of bolting job after job, so even though he turned down Michigan, maybe he felt the program wasn't in the best shape. And, besides, Bo Schembechler was an "Ohio Man" before he took the Michigan job. Maybe the historical factor would weigh in on Miles.
4. Jon Gruden -- Gruden might be higher on this list because he's currently out of a coaching job and serving as a popular football analyst on ESPN. When OSU was seeking Tressel's replacement, Gruden was one of the candidates. Another Ohio guy (Sandusky) with ties to Ohio State, Gruden was contacted when it appeared his relationship with the Raiders was fracturing. He turned it down, and wound up going to Tampa Bay one year later (leading them to a Super Bowl over his former Raider team). He's been a winner everywhere in the NFL and has a terrific knowledge of football. He's shown some great knowledge for the college game during his "QB school" run thorugh ESPN and his draft analysis. He turned down the chance to coach the Browns this season, so the college game may be up his alley. He probably woundn't be too daunted about NCAA sanctions, either.
5. Bo Pellini -- Pellini is also a Youngstown guy with ties to Ohio State. The main thing holding him back is that he's the head coach at Nebraska, which will be a conference rival of Ohio State beginning this year. I don't think he would leave Nebraska to join an in-house rival, especially when he essentially just started there and is starting to get the program back on its feet. Worth an overture, though.
6. Mike Stoops -- Bob's younger brother is currently the head coach at Arizona. The younger Stoops isn't as successful as his older brother, but he does bring with him head coaching experience at a major level and has shown an ability to field a competitive team. He'd probably be more apt to move from Arizona to Ohio State considering his situation.
7. Larry Kehres -- If Gene Smith wants to travel down the road his predecessor did with Tressel, he might want to explore Kehres. All Kehres has done has turned little Mount Union into a Division III dynasty. They rarely lose games and routinely have a date in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl (the D-III title game). I don't know if Kehres would leave Alliance, and a jump from D-III to D-I is more severe than a jump from D-IAA to D-IA like Tressel did. I do believe the hiring would be popular in-state.
8. Frank Solich -- Solich had the misfortune of following the legendary Tom Osborne at Nebraska. All he did was win more than he lost, but it wasn't enough for the school's AD, who replaced him with ex-Raiders coach Bill Callahan. That turned out to be a disaster. Solich, who has also been arrested for a DUI, has resurfaced at Ohio University, doing decently at a smaller D-I school not known for its football prowess. Solich is also an Ohio guy (Cleveland), and a move up the road might not be out of the realm of possibility.
9. Chris Spielman -- Every time an Ohio State coaching position opens, Spielman's name is dangled. He may be the most popular ex-Buckeye ever (Archie Griffin has a legitimate case, too). Buckeye fans and alumni would be thrilled if Spielman took the job. However, he's never had very much coaching experience, let alone head coaching experience. The thing about Spielman is that he "gets it," which you can never underestimate among Buckeye fans. I'm sure he'd be considered a candidate, even it it is kind of an "honorary candidate."
10. Luke Fickell -- Why wouldn't Ohio State look for an in-house candidate like Fickell, who is currently the acting coach during Tressel's suspension? Perhaps the Buckeyes do well under Fickell while Tressel is doing his time. Would it make sense to give him the job full-time and see what happens? He's not a flashy name like some of the other guys above him, and maybe Ohio State is to the point where they would need a proven commodity to take the reins. I wouldn't discount it, though.
Darkhorses: Mark Dantonio (former top assistant at OSU has gone on to good coaching stints at Cincinnati and Michigan State); Don Treadwell (Oberlin native, filled in for Dantonio well at MSU and is now coaching at Miami OH); Butch Davis (has Ohio ties with his stint with the Browns and has shown he can build winning programs and can recruit as well as the best of them); Eric Mangini (Ohio ties from his Browns stint; might be more suited to college coaching because of his emphasis on character and was a big fan of coaching in this area); Chuck Kyle (one of the most successful Ohio high school coaches ever at St. Ignatius); Ted Ginn (has a tie-in to Ohio State with all of the kids he's sent there from Glenville and has proven to be a successful high school coach).
Any names I forgot about? Feel free to comment and include them under this post.
Until next time, remember that Cleveland Rocks!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Getting Drafty
They say it's the Browns fan's Super Bowl, because it's the day you think (and hope) that they are getting the next piece to a championship puzzle. It was draft weekend this past weekend, and, of course, Browns fans like Joe Cleveland (who became the newest member of the Dawg Pound in 2011 just before the draft began) anticipated it greatly.
The draft was different this year, in that it was taking place during a lockout, which meant free agency hadn't happened yet and no players could be traded. Also, no undrafted free agents can be signed and no draft picks can be signed, either. And, because there was nothing football-wise going on since March, this draft has been more scrutinized both before and after than I could remember.
Despite the restrictions, the Browns wasted no time making an impact, making a trade with Atlanta. They gave the Falcons their sixth-overall pick (which they used to take WR Julio Jones) and the Browns received two first-rounders, a second-rounder and two fourth-rounders.
A bounty if there ever was one, and perfect for a team that needs several holes filled, not just one.
They also made another trade, moving up from 27 in the first round to 21 (and giving up their third-rounder) to take mammoth defensive tackle Phil Taylor from Baylor with their first pick.
Of course, Joe Cleveland's phone blew up from the moment the Browns made the trade through the end of the first round. Most of the calls and texts were from folks who HATED what the Browns did. Not Joe Cleveland. He LOVED IT!
The pick of Taylor was almost a Steeler-esque pick. Pittsburgh, which has consistantly picked low in the draft for the last few years, have made a living out of picking guys who fill holes to help their team improve. A guy like Phil Taylor seems like a pick Pittsburgh would have made. Same with Baltimore.
Baltimore did it before, coaxing Phil Savage to flip-flop firsr round picks back in 2005 (and give them a sixth-rounder to do it) so they could take Halaoi Ngata instead of Kamerion Wimbley. Ngata has been a fiersome run-stopper that Baltimore needs to compete in a tough division such as the AFC North. Wimbley is now on the Raiders. Enough said.
People complain that the Browns had a big tackle in Shaun Rogers and they let him go. Rogers was good in spurts, but terrible most of the time. He barely took the field last year, nursing some phantom injuries here and there. Meanwhile, Athyba Rubin emerged as a very good nose tackle, which made Rogers expendable. That, and the move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.
Essentially needing three new starters in their four-man defensive front, you had to think the Browns were going to take a defensive lineman. And, they did. Actually, they did with their first two picks of the draft.
Following Taylor, the Browns selected pass-rushing defensive end Jabaal Sheard from Pitt with their first choice of the second round. Still on the board was Clemson DE Da'Quon Bowers, who many projected as the top-pick just a month ago. However, his injured knee (which may need major surgery) threw up red flags all around the league. He wound up being taken by Tampa with the 51st overall pick.
Taylor and Sheard are already penciled in as defensive line starters along with Rubin. The Browns are hopeful that Jayme Mitchell, who was acquired last season from Minnesota but never got off of Eric Mangini's bench, re-signs with the team, and linebackers Matt Roth and Marcus Benard are also possibilities to become rush ends in the 4-3.
With their next second round pick, the Browns took receiver Greg Little from North Carolina. Little is a physical specimen at receiver, who has sure hands and isn't afraid to lay down a block. He also played running back for the Tar Heels because of his athleticism. During his last year at NC, he caught over 60 passes.
Unfortunately, that was two seasons ago. He was suspended all of this season due to taking improper benefits from an agent. He was one of many North Carolina players who were suspended this year, including standout defensive end Robert Quinn. Had he played, many feel Little would have been a first-round pick.
All three players had some questions -- Taylor was kicked off of Penn State's team for fighting, but was a model citizen at Baylor; Sheard reportedly threw someone through a window in a fight, but he was not charged due to what was called "self-defense"; and Little with his agent problems. However, there's no denying the talent these players possess.
Eric Mangini would have never touched either of these players. He loved choir-boys. Unfortunately, his teams played like a bunch of choir-boys, which is why he's an analyst in ESPN and not coaching anywhere this year.
Butch Davis never saw a character flaw he couldn't ignore. However, his players were essentially thugs and malcontents, and his teams played like it (not so much on the field, but off).
They finished their draft by taking a big pass-catching tight end (USC's Jordan Cameron), a two-way athlete who will likely play fullback (Stanford's Owen Marecic), a very speedy cornerback (Tenn-Chattanooga's Buster Skrine), a big hybrid offensive lineman who grew up rooting for the Steelers (Pitt's Jason Pinkston), and a solid safety who was named his team's defensive MVP (Nebraska's Eric Hagg).
Some think the Browns should have taken Mount Union WR Cecil Shorts III in the spot they took Cameron. They argue that the Browns have plenty of pass-catching TEs in Ben Watson and Evan Moore; they need a blocker. Essentially, people have tried to question every single one of the Browns picks in some fashion.
In Joe Cleveland's opinion, you shored up your defensive front (which was the biggest need on your team), got a solid WR who should start at one of their wideout positions, got another pass catcher for the West Coast offense, added a very versitle athlete who could be an asset on special teams while also blasting holes for Montario Hardesty and Madden 12 cover boy Peyton Hillis (HELL YES!!!), added some depth and athleticism to a bare defensive backfield, and got a future right tackle or right guard starter who could see some immediate playing time on their line.
To Joe Cleveland, that's a solid draft. And, you have two first-rounders next season. That's fantastic.
Once Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson and A.J. Green all went off the board, I knew the Browns would trade down. I don't think they were sold on Julio Jones. We had a guy like Julio Jones. His name was Braylon Edwards. We all remember what happened to him. Jones may not have been as much of a diva as Braylon, but he still had the same sketchy hands as Braylon. The Browns need receivers who won't drop the ball. Little won't drop the ball. Cameron won't drop the ball. That's good enough for me.
Overall, I give the Browns draft an A-/B+. I'm no expert, but I think Tom Heckert, Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmer had a vision of what they wanted and went out and got it while setting themselves up for the future. Now, can we please end this lockout so we can get back to free agency and all the other great stuff?
***
I certainly didn't believe the Indians would go 18-8 in April. 8-18 is more like what I envisioned. But 18-8? No bleepin way!
But, here they are, 10-games over .500 with a 10-game winning streak at Progressive Field and in first place comfortably in their division heading into May. Sure, there''s a long way to go this season, but wow!
And, you've got to admire how the Indians have won these last two games -- back-to-back walkoff wins. First Carlos Santana drills a walk-off grand slam on Friday night, breaking a 5-5 tie and beating Detroit 9-5. Then, Orlando Cabrera's single in the bottom of the 13th leads to a 3-2 win over the Tigers again.
Needing a pitcher, the Indians called up No. 1 draft pick Alex White, who was the best pitcher in Columbus. Had they been mediocre, the Indians would have called up some other schlub like David Huff to keep White from starting his service time so early to save some money. But, they're winning, and they need talent to keep winning. Maybe there is hope that Dolan will crack open that rusty wallet and spend some money to improve this team.
Joe Cleveland isn't ready to annoint the Indians the belles of the ball just yet. Like I said, it's a long season, and this team has a track record of folding. However, you've got to enjoy this.
No one expected this. Manny Acta may claim he did, but NO ONE expected this. Some are comparing it to 1995. I wouldn't go that far. But, this team is starting to get exciting, and that's what fans want to see. For their sake, I hope they continue winning. This town needs a winner to exorcise the demons of LeQuitter, and with the Browns having a solid draft and a Madden cover athlete, the Cavs in positon to get much better next season and beyond and the Indians in first place, Cleveland could be well on its way to doing so.
Untl next time, remember that Cleveland Rocks!
The draft was different this year, in that it was taking place during a lockout, which meant free agency hadn't happened yet and no players could be traded. Also, no undrafted free agents can be signed and no draft picks can be signed, either. And, because there was nothing football-wise going on since March, this draft has been more scrutinized both before and after than I could remember.
Despite the restrictions, the Browns wasted no time making an impact, making a trade with Atlanta. They gave the Falcons their sixth-overall pick (which they used to take WR Julio Jones) and the Browns received two first-rounders, a second-rounder and two fourth-rounders.
A bounty if there ever was one, and perfect for a team that needs several holes filled, not just one.
They also made another trade, moving up from 27 in the first round to 21 (and giving up their third-rounder) to take mammoth defensive tackle Phil Taylor from Baylor with their first pick.
Of course, Joe Cleveland's phone blew up from the moment the Browns made the trade through the end of the first round. Most of the calls and texts were from folks who HATED what the Browns did. Not Joe Cleveland. He LOVED IT!
The pick of Taylor was almost a Steeler-esque pick. Pittsburgh, which has consistantly picked low in the draft for the last few years, have made a living out of picking guys who fill holes to help their team improve. A guy like Phil Taylor seems like a pick Pittsburgh would have made. Same with Baltimore.
Baltimore did it before, coaxing Phil Savage to flip-flop firsr round picks back in 2005 (and give them a sixth-rounder to do it) so they could take Halaoi Ngata instead of Kamerion Wimbley. Ngata has been a fiersome run-stopper that Baltimore needs to compete in a tough division such as the AFC North. Wimbley is now on the Raiders. Enough said.
People complain that the Browns had a big tackle in Shaun Rogers and they let him go. Rogers was good in spurts, but terrible most of the time. He barely took the field last year, nursing some phantom injuries here and there. Meanwhile, Athyba Rubin emerged as a very good nose tackle, which made Rogers expendable. That, and the move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.
Essentially needing three new starters in their four-man defensive front, you had to think the Browns were going to take a defensive lineman. And, they did. Actually, they did with their first two picks of the draft.
Following Taylor, the Browns selected pass-rushing defensive end Jabaal Sheard from Pitt with their first choice of the second round. Still on the board was Clemson DE Da'Quon Bowers, who many projected as the top-pick just a month ago. However, his injured knee (which may need major surgery) threw up red flags all around the league. He wound up being taken by Tampa with the 51st overall pick.
Taylor and Sheard are already penciled in as defensive line starters along with Rubin. The Browns are hopeful that Jayme Mitchell, who was acquired last season from Minnesota but never got off of Eric Mangini's bench, re-signs with the team, and linebackers Matt Roth and Marcus Benard are also possibilities to become rush ends in the 4-3.
With their next second round pick, the Browns took receiver Greg Little from North Carolina. Little is a physical specimen at receiver, who has sure hands and isn't afraid to lay down a block. He also played running back for the Tar Heels because of his athleticism. During his last year at NC, he caught over 60 passes.
Unfortunately, that was two seasons ago. He was suspended all of this season due to taking improper benefits from an agent. He was one of many North Carolina players who were suspended this year, including standout defensive end Robert Quinn. Had he played, many feel Little would have been a first-round pick.
All three players had some questions -- Taylor was kicked off of Penn State's team for fighting, but was a model citizen at Baylor; Sheard reportedly threw someone through a window in a fight, but he was not charged due to what was called "self-defense"; and Little with his agent problems. However, there's no denying the talent these players possess.
Eric Mangini would have never touched either of these players. He loved choir-boys. Unfortunately, his teams played like a bunch of choir-boys, which is why he's an analyst in ESPN and not coaching anywhere this year.
Butch Davis never saw a character flaw he couldn't ignore. However, his players were essentially thugs and malcontents, and his teams played like it (not so much on the field, but off).
They finished their draft by taking a big pass-catching tight end (USC's Jordan Cameron), a two-way athlete who will likely play fullback (Stanford's Owen Marecic), a very speedy cornerback (Tenn-Chattanooga's Buster Skrine), a big hybrid offensive lineman who grew up rooting for the Steelers (Pitt's Jason Pinkston), and a solid safety who was named his team's defensive MVP (Nebraska's Eric Hagg).
Some think the Browns should have taken Mount Union WR Cecil Shorts III in the spot they took Cameron. They argue that the Browns have plenty of pass-catching TEs in Ben Watson and Evan Moore; they need a blocker. Essentially, people have tried to question every single one of the Browns picks in some fashion.
In Joe Cleveland's opinion, you shored up your defensive front (which was the biggest need on your team), got a solid WR who should start at one of their wideout positions, got another pass catcher for the West Coast offense, added a very versitle athlete who could be an asset on special teams while also blasting holes for Montario Hardesty and Madden 12 cover boy Peyton Hillis (HELL YES!!!), added some depth and athleticism to a bare defensive backfield, and got a future right tackle or right guard starter who could see some immediate playing time on their line.
To Joe Cleveland, that's a solid draft. And, you have two first-rounders next season. That's fantastic.
Once Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson and A.J. Green all went off the board, I knew the Browns would trade down. I don't think they were sold on Julio Jones. We had a guy like Julio Jones. His name was Braylon Edwards. We all remember what happened to him. Jones may not have been as much of a diva as Braylon, but he still had the same sketchy hands as Braylon. The Browns need receivers who won't drop the ball. Little won't drop the ball. Cameron won't drop the ball. That's good enough for me.
Overall, I give the Browns draft an A-/B+. I'm no expert, but I think Tom Heckert, Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmer had a vision of what they wanted and went out and got it while setting themselves up for the future. Now, can we please end this lockout so we can get back to free agency and all the other great stuff?
***
I certainly didn't believe the Indians would go 18-8 in April. 8-18 is more like what I envisioned. But 18-8? No bleepin way!
But, here they are, 10-games over .500 with a 10-game winning streak at Progressive Field and in first place comfortably in their division heading into May. Sure, there''s a long way to go this season, but wow!
And, you've got to admire how the Indians have won these last two games -- back-to-back walkoff wins. First Carlos Santana drills a walk-off grand slam on Friday night, breaking a 5-5 tie and beating Detroit 9-5. Then, Orlando Cabrera's single in the bottom of the 13th leads to a 3-2 win over the Tigers again.
Needing a pitcher, the Indians called up No. 1 draft pick Alex White, who was the best pitcher in Columbus. Had they been mediocre, the Indians would have called up some other schlub like David Huff to keep White from starting his service time so early to save some money. But, they're winning, and they need talent to keep winning. Maybe there is hope that Dolan will crack open that rusty wallet and spend some money to improve this team.
Joe Cleveland isn't ready to annoint the Indians the belles of the ball just yet. Like I said, it's a long season, and this team has a track record of folding. However, you've got to enjoy this.
No one expected this. Manny Acta may claim he did, but NO ONE expected this. Some are comparing it to 1995. I wouldn't go that far. But, this team is starting to get exciting, and that's what fans want to see. For their sake, I hope they continue winning. This town needs a winner to exorcise the demons of LeQuitter, and with the Browns having a solid draft and a Madden cover athlete, the Cavs in positon to get much better next season and beyond and the Indians in first place, Cleveland could be well on its way to doing so.
Untl next time, remember that Cleveland Rocks!
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