Archive for December, 2007

Thanks for nothing.

Sincerely,
Cleveland Browns fans everywhere

So, it wasn’t the way we hoped it would happen, but Brady Quinn has made his NFL regular season debut!

Brady had 3 completions after starting QB Derek Anderson left the game with a minor hand injury.

I’m out of town this weekend, spending New Year’s in TX with some friends. So I wasn’t able to see the game. I got my Sunday NFL fix by attending a Houston Texans game and keeping up with the Browns on my Sidekick phone.

Don’t worry about me, though. I’ll download the game when I get back to Columbus. Then I’ll put a vid of his plays on the BQF YouTube channel, just like in the preseason.

So how did he look out there? Gimme the 411, fans!

Allrighty. Everything comes down to this game!

That’s what I would probably have written, and believed, if this were a Tennessee Titans site. Their game against the Indianapolis Colts is do or die for both theirs and the Browns’ playoff chances. The Browns home finale against the 49ers? Yea, not so much.

Yes, the game counts just like all of the others, but it doesn’t have much of an impact for the Browns as they hope for a wildcard playoff berth. I already broke down what needs to happen in order for the Browns to continue their season into 2008. In short, the Colts must beat the Titans.

As a team hoping to play in the post-season, a nice and solid victory in the regular season finale would be great. Not just for morale, but also for preparation, so I approve of Coach Crennel’s stance to do whatever needs to be done to help the team to victory. But while I want the team to win, I’d still like to see #10 take the field. I don’t think he needs to start or take the majority of the snaps. It would just be nice to see as long as the move didn’t prove to be costly. (e.g. injury, loss of game)

We’ll just have to sit back and see!

The Browns/49ers match-up takes place at 1PM (ET) and will air on FOX instead of CBS. So be sure to check your local listings to see if the game will be shown in your area.

Naturally, the Colts/Titans game has a late kickoff (8:15 PM), because the league likes to torture Browns fans. So we will have to be patient to find out if the Browns are playoffs-bound.

Go Browns and go Colts!

I didn’t see a video on CB.com, but WCMH in Columbus (Brady’s hometown NBC affiliate) aired a very short segment on the playing rumors I just posted about. Luckily I was at my computer and able to capture it as it included some video of Brady addressing the situation. I added a few caps to the gallery.

We figured it was coming at some point, but we assumed sooner rather than later. But now that it is the last week of the regular season, the media is speculating whether or not Brady Quinn sees playing time this weekend against the 49ers.

We’ve all seen the various scenarios that could lead the Browns to the post-season, and none of them hinge on the 49ers game at Cleveland Browns Stadium this Sunday. So would this be the perfect time to get Brady on the field and see what he’s got? When asked if he would put Brady in the game, Coach Crennel gave his usual song and dance and maintained that he’ll do whatever gives the team the best chance to win. Great answer, coach!

The internet has also been abuzz with trade talk concerning Derek Anderson and Brady. But how could you trade someone, in good faith, when you haven’t even seen them play? If Brady doesn’t play this week would that mean that the front office is still committed to him being the franchise “quarterback of the future”? Or will Cleveland hold on to both QBs (a good “problem” to have) and open themselves up to another training camp battle? Lots of questions and I’m sure we’ll get answers this off-season.

Also newsworthy is the 3-year contract extension that Brady’s mentor, Ken Dorsey just signed…

We’ll all have to wait and see how this plays out. Personally, I’d love to see what he’s got! But it speaks volumes to his character and work ethic that he is so patient and complimentary of his team and current situation. Brady knows he’ll get his chance, eventually. So in the meantime, he is just going to continue to work hard. Gotta respect him for that!

Here are some quotes from Brady, courtesy of the Columbus Dispatch:

You’ve just got to wait your time, and whenever you get a chance, you’ve got to go in and excel.”

“I’ve handled it [being on the sidelines] more as a learning experience. This is a time to take everything and see the successes we’ve had and why things have gone so well. And why when things have gone bad, I’ve tried to learn from them.”

I feel like a broken record. After a tough loss that features multiple turnovers, I always say the same thing. “You can’t win games if you don’t protect the ball”. Once again, that holds true.

Derek Anderson threw 4 interceptions today. Two of those led directly to Bengals touchdowns. Considering they only defeated the Browns by 5 points, those are pretty significant stats.

But we can’t pin the loss solely on DA. Having unpredictable wind conditions makes throwing difficult for any QB! There were 2 1st half drives — that put the Browns within field goal range — that ended with zero points. Had they led to a touchdown or even 2 field goals, the deficit would have been made up. The defense continued to be the defense we’ve seen all season. I thought they might have an advantage as the starting Bengals RB was out with an injury. Instead backup tailback Kenny Watson ran all over and through the defensive line all day.

The second half brought hope as this time it was the Bengals who did not score. The Browns had a touchdown in the 3rd and 4th quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Had they had a better second quarter, this game could have been won.

Final Score: 19-14

Now the situation gets a bit more complicated for the team’s playoff hopes. A win would have clinched a wild-card spot for Cleveland. They controlled their own destiny. After this loss, they needed Tennessee to lose. That didn’t work out either. So now the Titans and the Browns are tied, with the Titans in posession of the tiebreaker. Check out the full breakdown on ClevelandBrowns.com.

So now, it all comes down to next week and the Titans/Colts game. The only thing that will get the Browns into the playoffs is a Indianapolis win. The Browns would still like to end the regular season with a win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers, but if Tennessee wins too, then the playoff dream is over for this year.

So, let’s go Browns AND let’s go Colts!

Time for the 69th edition of the “Battle of Ohio”, taking place in the Queen City’s Paul Brown Stadium.

It is now officially winter, but the weather this week won’t be as much a hinderence as last week’s. Rain in the AM hours, then cooling off with winds kicking up later in the day.

If you’ll recall, the first meeting was a high scoring affair, with both offenses exchanging explosive charges throughout the game. It was essentially Derek Anderson’s “coming out party”. Since that game, the 2 teams have gone in different directions. The Browns continued to exceed expectations and are playing for a wild-card playoff berth. The Bengals struggled to find their identity and consistency on the field.

The Browns would love nothing more than to clinch that playoff berth today, but the Bengals are hoping to play the role of spoiler. Here’s to hoping the Browns take care of business in Cincy!

CBS will show the game (in certain markets) at 1PM (ET). Don’t miss it!

EXTRA POINTS:
+ I attended the Cavs/Lakers game on Thursday and was pleased to see so many Brady Quinn jerseys from fans on hand. And get this, none of those sporting the #10 jersey were women. The media wants us to believe that only us females are the ones buying his jersey; not so!
+ I also saw Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow at the game. They received very rowdy and congratulatory cheers from the crowd! Great to see Cleveland pro athletes supporting one another!

We knew the weather was going to be a major factor, but I don’t think anyone was expecting what transpired in Cleveland Browns Stadium this afternoon: blizzard-like conditions!

The field was almost entirely covered with snow. The wind was gusting, and blowing the falling snow everywhere. It was hard for players to see and get their footing. The Browns put all that aside and came out determined to win this game in any way they could.

Special teams and Jamal Lewis made the difference for the team. Lewis ran all over the Bills defense and accumulated 163 yards during the game. Phil Dawson nailed 2 key field goals in the first half. Those scores, coupled with a safety from an errant snap, turned out to be all the points the Browns needed. The Browns defense shut down the Bills run, daring them to put it in the air. That didn’t work out so well. The Bills led a late push that took them to the Browns’ 10 yard line, but that drive stalled with seconds left, leading to another Browns win; and a shut out at that!

Final Score: 8-0

The team’s record improved to 9-5 leading into next weekend’s AFC North game with Cincinnati. The Browns needed some help if they were to clinch a wild-card playoff spot today. They needed the Tennessee Titans to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. That didn’t happen, so the team will have to take care of Bengals next week. They’ve already done that once this season.

At this point in the season, every game has playoff implications and this week’s matchup with the Buffalo Bills is no different!

Both the Bills and the Browns are playing for a wildcard playoff berth, with the Bills currently trailing the Browns by a game. While their overall records are close, one can’t help but notice that 2 of their wins are against the 0-13 Dolphins and another 2 against the 3-10 Jets (who the Browns defeated last week).

All records aside, we should expect another hard fought game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Not just because both teams are playing for the chance to advance to the post-season, but also because the weather will be a X-factor. A major winter storm is sweeping through the midwest and Cleveland will be affected. [Sunday Forecast]

If you take a page from the NCAA season where teams often did not control their destiny, in terms of how they finished and were selected to Bowl Games, this little nugget from the Chronicle-Telegram might put the importance of this game into perspective:

The Browns (8-5) will return to the postseason for the first time since 2002 if they beat the Bills (7-6), and the Chiefs (4-9) beat the Titans (7-6) on Sunday.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m ready for another Browns win and a charge into the playoffs! Catch the game on CBS (in select markets) starting at 1PM (ET).

Extra Points:
1. The Brady Quinn 10 Cleveland Browns jersey is still the team’s top selling jersey.
2. Fans attending the game are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate to Toys for Tots at each of the entrances
3. Because of the weather and playoff implications, I wouldn’t expect to see Brady take any snaps this week; regardless of the score.
4. Don’t forget to vote for Brady’s video at www.nfl.com/superad. (Thanks, flyte44!)

I hate having to watch games played in less-than-spectacular weather. It produces missed tackles, dropped passes, and other sloppy situations that accomplish nothing other than raising my blood pressure.

Up until halftime, the Browns were engaged in a tight battle with the Jets. They were sticking to the plan of minimizing turnovers, as each team had 1 apiece at the time. Then, after halftime, the heavens opened, and rain started to come down. Buckets-worth. The Browns seemed to have the momentum, leading 14-3. Then the tide started to turn in favor of the Jets and they pulled within 2 points (17-15).

Due to the weather, most of the fans had already vacated the stadium, but those that had stuck around, were hoping for the best. The Browns were driving again, to hold on to the game, and gave the ball to Jamal Lewis. Good move. The Jets tried valiantly to bring him down, but they couldn’t and he stormed into the endzone to give the Browns a little cushion, 24-15.

The Jets didn’t give up, they put another 3 points on the board. But in the end, it wasn’t enough, and Cleveland (8-5) will leave with a hard-fought victory and sole possession of the second AFC wild-card playoff spot.

Final Score: 24-18

Next week, the Browns will host the Buffalo Bills with kickoff set for 1PM at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Browns playoff hopes are still alive and they will need a win in New York today to keep stay on track for a berth.

The Browns (7-5) enter the game after a tough loss to the Arizona Cardinals whereas the Jets (3-9) will be attempting to put together a win streak, following their dominant win over the 0-12 Miami Dolphins.

The Browns saw firsthand what a multitude of turnovers can do to a team’s chances of victory. They will need to focus on taking care of the ball and minimize mistakes this week. If they take care of business, they should come out with a win.

There’s been some talk among media analysts and pundits that Cleveland should run away with this game. The Browns have not had an “easy” win all season. But should they build a large lead against the Jets, could Brady Quinn make his regular season debut? Just stirring the pot. It would be nice to see him take a few snaps and show what he’s got!

CBS will have regional coverage of the game beginning at 4:15 PM (ET). As always, check your local listings.

Well, the saying goes that you can’t win ball games if you turn the ball over. That held true today as the Cleveland Browns fell to the Arizona Cardinals 21-27.

Derek Anderson threw 2 interceptions, and the team accounted for another 2 turnovers in the loss. The Browns accumulated more overall yardage than the Cardinals, but the mistakes added up.

Despite the 4 turnovers, the team was always still in the game, but simply ran out of time an opportunities. The Browns fall to 7-5 and are now tied with Tennessee in the AFC Wildcard playoff race.

This week the Cleveland Browns are in Arizona to take on the Cardinals. The Browns, who have many tongues wagging with their current position in the playoff race, are looking to continue along that path and record their 8th win of the season.

The Arizona Cardinals, by many accounts, have struggled as of late and are hoping for a solid home win to keep them in the NFC Wildcard hunt. The Cards are led by QB Kurt Warner, after Matt Leinart was declared out for the season with a broken collarbone.

Last week, the Browns did a good job of protecting the ball and capitalizing on opponent turnovers. They’ve got to hope that they can continue that kind of consistent play.

CBS will have either this match-up, or the Denver/Oakland game, with coverage beginning at 4:05PM (ET). Check your local listings.

Go Brownies!