Congrats Leroy Hoard

Leroy Hoard is a new father. I don't know why anyone outside his immediate family would care.. but it made me happy, so I am sharing it with you. Nice sweatshirt Leroy.

He had this to say to to all those fans sending him well wishes.

" I wanted to send you guys a picture that had more Rebecca and less of me. I started telling her that you guys were Buckeye fans and she started puking. Thanks for all of the Congrats and as always, Go Blue."

Green Runs Slow 40 at BC Pro Day

Some sad news for William Green's comback hopes...though apparently in great shape and sporting a great vertical, Green's 40 time was too slow...

"NFL Network's Mike Mayock reports free agent William Green showed up to the Boston College Pro Day in "great shape," but ran a 4.85 forty.
He benched 225 25 times and jumped 42" vertically, but running backs with 4.8+ forty times don't get signed. This could officially end Green's career." - rotoworld

Willie Green Finds God

Turns out he was waiting in the endzone the entire time.

Sitting now will pay off later for Quinn

Espn.com article

Savage has Browns headed in right direction

An article by Floyd Reese on espn.com

I Know This is Total Bull$hit, But it's Still Fun to Read!

An excerpt from Pat Yasinskas' article on espn.com:

"With free agency only a week old, the Browns already are emerging as one of those trendy Super Bowl picks that, powered by a promising previous season and some offseason moves, seem to pop up every year. Talk of the Super Bowl is not what Crennel and Savage want to hear in March (think Carolina in 2006 and San Francisco in 2007)."

Browns Make Waves In Free Agency

The Browns are getting great grades from the national media for their start to Free Agency.

And Steve King has a great summary of the national media's comments here.

Early Strike

The Browns sent us on an emotional roller-coaster this morning. The trade for Corey Williams is an excellent move. He's big and stout against the run, and has surprising quickness. You may not like the 3-4 system, but it is here to stay with the Browns, and Corey Williams is a good fit.

The news that Derek Anderson had hit the free agent market made most Browns fans happy. It is no secret that most Cleveland fans clamor for Brady Quinn (maybe not the fans in Westlake). Anderson was on the market for a grand total of about nine hours before he re-signed with the Browns. Something smells weird on this one. Either Anderson took a quick look and realized no one was going to give him the big money he was looking for or Phil "The Macho Man" Savage has something else up his sleeve.

Just speculation, but Miami has no QB at the moment. Maybe they would like a proven QB who all of a sudden has a very manageable contract. Maybe they would prefer to do that than spend the $30 million guaranteed it will take to sign the #1 pick. Watch free agency closely. If the Dolphins don't pick up a QB, things could get interesting...stay tuned.

Meanwhile, a national writer actually just wrote this:

"In my book, the Anderson and Lewis re-signings as well as the trade to acquire Green Bay defensive tackle Corey Williams makes -- gasp! --- Cleveland the team to beat in the AFC North."

I THINK I JUST WET MYSELF...

Orpheus

Orpheus Roye was released by the Browns today. I'd make some joke about "Orpheus" related to The Matrix, but I'm not into science fiction...NERD. Roye has been with the Browns since 2000, and he has been one (maybe the only) reliable presence on the front line for much of that time. Perhaps most importantly, he always seemed to have a little extra tiger in the tank when the Browns played the Steelers, something that was greatly appreciated by the fans. In the end, injuries caught up to the grizzled veteran.

This release amplifies the already pronounced need to add bodies along the defensive line. Look for the Browns to take a run at the prototypical high motor white guy Justin Smith early in free agency.

Me Fail English? That's Un-Possible!

Loyal readers (both of you) may remember Roderick Green from the 2004 Draft Report. Green was notable in that he achieved (achieved?!?) the lowest score in the history of the Wonderlic. Green scored a whopping 3 out of 50 questions correct. The Roderick Green Memorial Award for lowest Wonderlic score has been passed out in each subsequent draft report.

Well, Mr. Green signed a new contract with the 49ers today. Congratulations, Professor!

Seperated At Birth

Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors and Pete Sampras. Seperated at Birth?

Browns Re-Sign Jamal Lewis

Remember when we were questioning if we could get used to Jamal Lewis in orange and brown? Could you now imagine him in any other uniform (save your jokes about a prison uniform...he's on our team now)? Jamal will be a part of the future of the Cleveland Browns as they have apparently come to terms on a 2 year deal (with an option for a third...unclear whether it is a team or player option).

I think this is a great move for both sides. Jamal recognized a good situation when he saw it. He has a chance to run behind a great offensive line with enough other weapons around him to keep defenses honest. The Browns got a tough, dependable runner who is great with the young running backs. There is nothing not to like about this one!

Counterpoint: HE WANTS HIS 2 DOLLARS!

The fallout from Kellen Winslow's mention of wanting a new contract last week at the Pro Bowl has been as predictable as a Saved By the Bell plotline (Zack hatches a hare-brained idea, mischief ensues, the gang learns a valuable lesson, all is resolved). Fans and media alike (and even my fellow members of Metcalf Up the Middle) have been all over K2. "How dare he?" they scream, the righteous indignation dripping off their wagging tongues. "We stuck by him after his motorcycle accident. He owes the Browns."

I'm here to tell you that he doesn't owe the Browns anything. Sure, they honored his contract and worked with him so he got paid $11.6 million during the time he was out, but what was the alternative? Cutting him, maybe going after his money, and losing the most talented tight end in the NFL. If they had done that, you know who the current Browns tight end would be? Well, neither do I, but it certainly wouldn't be Winslow (perhaps Chad Mustard if he couldn't cut it with the Omaha Beef). The Browns didn't do it out of charity. They recognized the kind of game-changing player Winslow could be and didn't want him to end up somewhere else.

Is there anyone you would rather have on our team as TE? Me neither. I mean, honestly, if we needed a sack on defense on one play, I would probably put kam wimbley out there, but aside from him, my second choice would be Winslow. He has the kind of intensity and competitive nature that can help make his teammates better and his team great.

I'm not going to tell you that they should definitely re-do his contract right now, but the outrage over his comments is ridiculous. He is a little underpaid for what he brings to the table. If it were me, I'd at least explore the opportunity to give him some bonus money now and tie him up with a backloaded contract. His agent will be happy because he can brag about a big deal, but NFL deals aren't guaranteed so he may never see years 5 and 6 of the deal. I'd do the same with Braylon (though that is another column). With our line and those two weapons, our offense will be formidable for many years to come, no matter who is goosing Hank Fraley and taking the snaps.

The Browns are flush with cap space. I know, the average fan will tell me that they really need to fix the defense with that money, which is true. But it is not as if we need a complete personnel overhaul of the defense this offseason. (though the potential loss of Simon Fraser is heartbreaking...see "shart" column by the Bird, below). There are some pieces in place. We just need to add a couple key parts, which will lift the performance of some current pieces.

While we all would have preferred Winslow went to the Browns privately to express his desires, rather than popping off on the radio, don't just dismiss this as the ridiculous rants of "The Solider." Think a little more on it and I think you'll agree, it sure beats the hell out of returing to the Irv Smith era!

Booty Gets Shocked!

Former Browns back-up QB gets tasered by cops and then arrested.

Quinn Denies Allegations

Cleveland Browns Quarterback, Brady Quinn, denied being involved in any altercation on New Year's Eve this year. He released a statement through the Browns which said:

"At no time that night was I involved in a verbal or physical altercation, nor did I have any interaction with the police. I want to be clear that I did not engage in any of the alleged conduct, nor did I make inappropriate comments to anyone. Any allegations to the contrary are either untrue or the result of misidentification."

The Browns followed up with their own statement:

"We are aware of the alleged comments made by Brady Quinn, which the Browns take seriously. After speaking with Brady and his representatives we find these reported accusations without merit."

Quinn claims to have been out to dinner with his girlfriend and a few other couples, and that nothing happened.

Now It Seems Everyone Wants A Piece Of The Pie

First it's DA wanting a ridiculous deal for one year of work, now it's Winslow wanting to redo his deal because he's an "elite" tight end. Check out Tony Grossi's article about Winslow's production in December. I can't believe that this guy has the nerve to ask for a new deal when the Browns stood by him after his motorcycle accident. He collected $11.6 million during the two years he was injured. Pretty amazing. I've never missed a day of work...I think I definitely need a new deal. The only one who I hope gets his money is Jamal Lewis. The way I see it, he's got two more years of good football, and then he can transition into a part time roll while fostering a new younger back.

Simon Frasier To Test FA Market

This morning as I was eating my Apple Jacks I read that Browns Defensive End Simon Fraser was dissapointed in his playing time in Cleveland and would like to test the free agent market. Not only did I spit milk out of my nose, I also sharted and had to take a second shower. Good luck with that, you'll probably generate about as much interest as a Zima at a South Boston bar.

Were talking about a guy who (aside from being the lead guy on the wedge) is consistantly the worst player on the field when he gets in. Now I know some of you love him because he's an Upper Arlington boy, and an Ohio State Alum, and he has overachieved. But, I could give a rat's ass. I would rather sit in a computer chair at work all day in my stained underwear (from the aforementioned shart) than have to watch another defensive series with that guy. On running plays, he is so far form the action, he might as well be up in the coordiator booth. It is like he wants to play safety he is so far back from the line of scrimmage after the play. Maybe he is in the wrong system some people say. I don't care what system it is, any self respecting football player, let alone a defensive linemen shouldn't be so easy to blow off the line.

In a news article this morning, in some paper, that I can only assume it is the Upper Arlington high school newspaper, or possibly some Buckeye news outlet, said this about Simon Fraser's play, "For three seasons, Simon Fraser has been a reliable spare part, if not a spectacular one, on the Browns defensive line."

The use of the word spectacular is what led to me soiling myself. Are you kidding? The only thing spectacular about Simon Fraser is that he is still in the league. And maybe his hair.

Anyways, I wish him the best of luck. Who knows, maybe Denver will want you. In the words of Paul "Fitzy" Fitzpatrick...GFY.

Quinn Involved in Verbal Dispute

The Plain Dealer is reporting that Brady Quinn was involved in a verbal dispute on New Year's Day. Apparently Quinn and his entourage of 10 - 12 guys and girls were spewing anti gay slurs at people leaving a well known gay bar near where Quinn and his friends were eating. Let's hope that Quinn was just one of the crowd on this one. It sure would be dissapointing if Quinn, our possible future star QB, is enough of a toolbox that he's got to put down others who don't live exactly the same way he does...or do they? It's always seemed to me the the most homophobic men, are the ones with deep questions about their own sexuality. Let's hope this doesn't turn into a pattern for Quinn. I could care less what his sexual orientation is, as long as he wins games. But, just for good measure, maybe he should keep his mouth shut. Either handle your booze like a man, or stay home and nurse your Boones Farm.

Cribbs Looking to Be the Best at Pro Bowl

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3237727

Another Hilarious Vid...

Hilarious Video.

Since the Browns season is over...I've been wandering the net a bit, and found a couple of gems...

A lot of interesting news...

Sorry for the absence, but life's a bit crazy at the moment. (I know all 6 of you have been holding your breath, and yes that includes you Mom.) Top Dawg is swamped at work, I've been traveling a lot, and Bird has been skiing, alot. After this weekend look for more consistant posts. Also you can look forward to the Browns Draft Report, which was the first post on this site almost a year ago. I know that Bird and Top Dawg are beginning their preliminary work on it as I write!

Glad to hear about Romeo, and it sounds like Tucker will be a pretty good D Coordinator. Interesting scuttlebut about how Grantham over played his hand as the heir apparent to a crumbling Crennel, and then got sent packing. I hope we sign J Lew to a 3 year deal, use his last two good years, and then eitehr cut him or pepper him in here and there much like the Steelers used Bettis late in his carreer. Looks like the Anderson signing has hit a bit of a snag. I'd like to see both Brady and Anderson on the roster next year, but have serious doubts as to how that could work. Oh well. Gotta love the off-season! Apparently there's a game being played this weekend...

Another interesting thought Bird sent me a bit ago which he found on ESPN Page 2:

"Here's what you should do this week if someone tries to argue that after SB XLII the Patriots will be the greatest pro football dynasty of all time: Hold up your hand, make a look like someone just tipped over garbage, and then bark these two words: Cleveland Browns.From 1946 to 1955 the Browns played in 10 STRAIGHT league championship games, winning seven (four in the All-America Football Conference and three NFL titles in 1950, 1954 and 1955.) During this decade of dominance Cleveland was guided by visionary Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown, who invented, among other things, the playbook and the West Coast Offense, and led on the field by legendary HOF quarterback Otto Graham (who went 114-20-4 during this amazing 10-year run.) So, yeah, congrats to the Patriots Dynasty. Now you only need to reach nine more Super Bowls. In a row."

Grantham Gets the Boot!

Article.

Interesting development, more to come...

It's Official, Chudzinski is signed through 2011

Although, that really means we can guarantee him being here only another year, that's still better than having him go to Baltimore. Looks like his incentive package was pretty good too.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3185021

Chud Gets Extension

It's looking like we might have Rob Chudzinski and Romeo Crennel around for a few more years. Both are reportedly in talks to extend their contracts. I like it. Now let's get Lewis extended!

Chudzinski to Get Extension, Out of Raven's Head Coach Consideration

Romeo Gets Game Ball

Pretty cool speach at the end of this clip which shows how much this team loves Crennel.

Final Victory Speach

Chud to Interview for Ravens Gig...

Check out the article.



I'm not sure why he'd want to coach there, but I have a feeling the fact that Savage is even letting Chud interview is out of common courtesy for his good buddy Ozzie. Let's hope there's a little "wink wink" between Savage and Ozzie meaning: "No way he gets this gig, but it will be good for him to have an interview, as he obviously wants to be a head coach." I have a hard time believing they're going to stake their future on Chud (as much as I love him) after only one year as a coordinator in the league. If this were next year and the Browns again had a top 10 offense with two 1000 yard receivers, and a 1000 yard back, I'd be worried. Let's hope that happens...

JIM SORGI SHOULD BE ARRESTED...

For stealing his salary. That was an embarassing performance for an NFL quarterback. I would have rather had Spergon Wynn in the game (not Doug Pederson though). And the Colts in general should be embarassed for laying down. I had nothing against them only playing starters a limited amount of time...that was their right. But totally laying down in the second half, especially offensively, is inexcusable. And not using their last time out is incontrovertible proof that they were not trying to win the game. Yes, I'm bitter...

Michael Stanley Reborn?

Wow. Someone really took a lot of time with this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMBxLxqvEgo

Christmas Time is Here

Last minute gift ideas for your favorite Browns fans

My personal favorite: Only Bitches wave little yellow towels

http://www.steelerhaters.com/new_page_1.htm

Go Browns. Biggest Game of my life tomorrow.

"That's just not Right"

I love this story

"My favorite jersey is the Kellen Winslow jersey that I walked into my wedding reception wearing. Regrettably, I married a Ravens fan, but we made a grand entrance in our jerseys as the Monday Night Football theme played. We went to the Browns-Ravens game the next day wearing our jerseys and a little boy turned to his father when he saw us holding hands and said, "That's just not right." Our union has meant good luck for the Browns, though, as we've beaten the Ravens twice this year! I wore the jersey again to the Ravens game in Baltimore, and I think it may have helped with the immaculate deflection!"

"Grandma got run over by a Reindeer"

Grandma = Buffalo

Reindeer = Jamal Lewis

Join In, Wherever You Are Cleveland!

"SUNDAY AT 1, WE'RE GOING TO PLAY OUR BEST GAME OF THE YEAR"

--ROMEO A. CRENNEL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ShhhMQrIzE

How many players from this video can you name only watching it once (Browns only...each player only counts once)? I think I got a 28.

Here Come the Browns

i have included some excellent you tube Browns music and video, including a Christmas Anthem.

Here Come the Browns
http://www.stickam.com/editMediaComment.do?method=load&mId=173776364

Yule Tide Brownies
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9s6lkPh9-aQ

Nostalgia
http://youtube.com/watch?v=B3dAfkOUuV0

The Girls of Cleveland Browns Stadium
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AN1z51RdjQo&feature=related

I love Jim Donavon

First, there was "Run William Run." Then there was "Take a bow Kid." Now listen to the call of Jamal Lewis' 31 yard touchdown yesterday to seal the victory. It is spectacular.

Use this link and watch the NFL Network Recap.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/multimedia/mediaplayer.php?id=4369

Also, another great quote by Jim D following the TD run.
"Dial up the Pilot and tell him to warm up the plane. The Browns are coming home 8-5."

GET OFF ME, B$TCHES! BROWNS WIN!

Quote of the Week

This is totally random and doesn't have anything to do with Football, but I had to post it. It's from my buddy Vince Martin, who's a stand-up comedian. The best part is, he wasn't really trying to be funny here!

"I was in Cleveland last weekend -- did one show Friday to 13 people and one show Saturday to 12 people. We stayed in a motel called the Oak Park Motel which -- I swear -- had a charge on the rate schedule of $20.00 for bloodstains. I thought that was a reasonable rate, though it says something about the quality of an establishment when they see bloodstains often enough that they have to install a charge for them."

C-Town baby!

Good Recap of Browns - Cardinals Game

Check out the recap of the Browns - Cardinals game last Sunday at The Cleveland Fan.

READING BETWEEN THE LINES ON DA

Friends, I come to you with a conflicted soul. For weeks now, the Browns have been winning and playing an entertaining brand of football not seen in Cleveland for the last twenty years. Even in losses, the games are heart-stopping and, unlike previous years, we seem to be in them right until the very end. The offense hums like the 1987 Toyota Tercel that was my carriage throughout high school. However, because I’m a Browns fan, I can’t just enjoy the moment. I have to worry about everything that can and possibly will go wrong. I just can’t shake this certain feeling.

The inevitable conversation comes up about Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson and what the Browns are to do, which is sort of funny given the laughable QB situation the Browns have had for the past eight years. Is it possible for someone who was previously starving to have too much food?

Derek Anderson has performed so far above his head that his nose should bleed for a week to ten days. Not much was expected from this man with the Size 17s, but he has been a solid field general who has given Braylon and Kellen the opportunity to make plays while (mostly) limiting his mistakes. But be honest...are you really convinced that Derek Anderson is the long term answer at QB?

Despite our hopes, there is no way that Brady Quinn is going to be content sticking around as a backup and collecting backup money. We can try to fool ourselves into thinking that because Quinn grew up in Ohio and used to wear a Browns helmet, he’ll be ok just being a good soldier and doing whatever the team asks, but we would be kidding ourselves. No, at some point soon, a decision is going to have to be made between the two. If recent comments are any indication, the decision may have already been made.

Last week, Phil Savage was pretty guarded in his praise for Anderson. Here’s what Phil had to say:

''He's done an excellent job overall,'' Savage said. ''There have been some wobbly moments, some times when you wonder what's happening here. But at the end of games -- with no timeouts, backs against wall, do-or-die situations -- he's hit the key passes. That's something you can't really coach. Some of it's instinctual and some of it is just his personality. It's a good trait to have.''

Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Yet, when the subject of Brady Quinn was brought up, here’s was Savage’s response:

Asked how he thinks Quinn would do in the still-developing Rob Chudzinski offense, Savage didn't hesitate. "I think Brady would plug in and do well," he said. "It's a pretty enviable cockpit to be riding in right now. You've got a pretty solid front line, got a very motivated Kellen Winslow, you've got Braylon Edwards making the catches that he's made on the perimeter, Joe Jurevicius, a pretty solid running game. I think Brady would do well."

It appears from those comments that Savage and the powers that be believe that the superior supporting cast has allowed Anderson to break out like an eleven year old boy (I went through puberty early, ok?) rather than the other way around. And if that is the case, I find myself agreeing with that point of view.

Now, I’m no Quinn apologist. I don’t like Notre Dame and I generally distrust men who are prettier than me. Yet, when I add up Quinn’s performance in the preseason, some inside scoop about his impressive combine interview, and Notre Dame’s performance with vs. without Quinn, I am at least intrigued. When you add that to the fact that Anderson’s value is never likely to be higher than this off-season, I think the Browns would be well served to give him the highest tender and wait for the offers to roll in (which they certainly will). If they don’t match, a first round pick (presumably higher than the one we gave up for Brady) and third round pick would come the Browns’ way, which we could use on some fat guys to play defensive line. Sounds like a plan to me.

This one is sure to divide Clevelanders like nothing since the great Stadium Mustard vs. Ball Park Mustard debate. I don’t know why I’m thinking about this now (slow day at work, obviously). Forget it for now...let’s just drill the goddamn JETS!!

Go Browns.

Browns Lose, 21-27 to Arizona

For those that saw the game, and the last play, it's pretty obvious that K2 would have come down in bounds had he not been pushed out by Antrel Rolle and Oliver Celestin. Here is the push out rule from the NFL Rule Book:

8. A forward pass is complete when a receiver clearly possesses the pass and touches the ground with both feet inbounds while in possession of the ball. If a receiver would have landed inbounds with both feet but is carried or pushed out of bounds while maintaining possession of the ball, pass is complete at the out-of-bounds spot.

I'm not sure what the ref was looking at but it seemed pretty obvious to all of us in Portland! Anyway, to be in a position to win that game after having committed 4 turnovers is pretty amazing. This team is fun to watch, I just wish they'd show up in the first quarter sometimes.

Our First Christmas Card

Team MUTM W13 Pick'em Picks

Top Dawg
Dallas
New York Jets
Minnesota
Seattle
Tennessee
Jacksonville
Washington
San Diego
Carolina
St. Louis
Cleveland
Denver
New Orleans
Chicago
Pittsburgh
New England

Maxx
Green Bay
Carolina
Indianapolis
Minnesota
San Diego
Miami
Washington
Tennessee
St. Louis
Seattle
Cleveland
Denver
Tampa Bay
Chicago
Pittsburgh
New England

Bird
Green Bay
Kansas City
Indianapolis
Carolina
Buffalo
Houston
Atlanta
Phillidelphia
Minnesota
Miami
Cleveland
Oakland
New York Giants
Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh
New England

MUTM Wins Week 12 Pick'em!

We went 32-16 to beat the SteelSkins. Luckily one of their guys forgot to submit picks, so it sort of a cheap win, but we'll take it! Look for a boast post on SteelSkins soon.

Check Out Browns v. Texans Highlights

Browns v. Texans Highlights

Browns Defeat Houston 27-17

The Browns continued their winning ways by defeating the Houston Texans 27-17. After starting the game slowly, and struggling to find their rhythm on offense, the Browns put it together and began to click. Thanks to great line play once again, a fantastic performance from rookie DB Brandon McDonald, and quality play from Jamal Lewis and K2, the Browns settled into their usual high powered offensive performance. DA had a pretty good day, but also suffered early from some terrible throws. It seemed that just before or after a 'Frye'esque' type throw, he would thread the needle at 200mph for a touchdown or important first down. This team is looking more and more legit with every win. They play with heart, and especially when Anderson it seen smiling heading to the huddle, it seems they can beat anyone. Next up: Arizona.

TEAM MUTM's Week 12 Picks

Here they are, GO BROWNS!

Bird
Green Bay
Dallas
Indianapolis
St. Loius
Tampa Bay
New York Giants
Kansas City
Jacksonville
Cleveland
Cincinnati
Carolina
Arizona
Chicago
San Diego
New England
Pittsburgh

TOP DAWG
Green Bay
Dallas
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Cleveland
Kansas City
Seattle
New York Giants
Washington
New Orleans
Tennessee
Arizona
San Diego
Denver
New England
Pittsburgh

MAXX
Green Bay
Dallas
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Jacksonville
Kansas City
New York Giants
Seattle
Washington
Arizona
Denver
San Diego
New England
Pittsburgh

Team MUTM Loses Week 11 Pick'em

Hat's off to the SteelSkins, they went 39-9 in the week 11 Pick'em Competition to continue their dominance over team MUTM. It's always close though, as we went 33-15. Well done SteelSkins! Now if you could've just beaten Dallas and the New York Jets...

Too Good -- Check out #81's reaction!

Karma is one Vindictive Bitch

After watching one of the most interesting finishes to a game ever, one thing is clear: If you compose your franchise of a selfish owner, a complete ass of a coach, and a murdering middle linebacker, eventually Karma will take a nice bite out of your ass. In honor of the Browns miraculous victory, I have produced my own ditty of Karma Chameleon by the Culture Club.

Enjoy.

Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon

You Come and Go

You Come and Go

Your selfish actions will prevent you from going to the hall of fame,

and your to blame, your to blame.

Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon

You come and go, you come and go

Your coach is so arrogant and such a colossol prick,

now your 4 and 6

dont kick to number one six.

MUTM's Week 11 Pick'em Picks

Well, let's be honest...things aren't going well for Team MUTM on the pick'em front. We've lost pretty much every week but one so far to the Steel Skins. But things aren't so bad in the rest of our lives. For starters, we all have beautiful wives. We're all doing pretty much what we want to for work, and best of all, we all root for a team that's on the verge. So, there's not too much to complain about. As of this week, I'm officially going to stop allowing my dog to make my picks and we're going to get serious on the bi-team web site. BOOYAH!

Bird's Picks
Cincy
Cleveland
Tampa Bay
New York Giants

Philadelphia
Minnesota
Whales Vagina
Indianapolis
Texans
Packers
Steelers
Rams
Cowboys
NE
Denver

Maxx's Picks
Tampa Bay
Arizona
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Oakland
Cleveland
Green Bay
New Orleans
Philadelphia
New York Giants
Pittsburgh
Dallas
San Francisco
Seattle
New England
Tennessee

Top Dawg's Picks
JAX
CLE
NYG
NO
GB
INDY
MINN
PHILLY
TB
CINCY
PITT
WASH
STL
CHI
N'ENGLAND
TENNESSEE, T, T, T, TENNESSEE.

Dawson Wins It!

Thank God for instant replay. I thought this one was over when the kick came out. But thank God for instant replay! What a kick, and what a great call. You gotta love it when the calls go our way. It seems to be happening more and more this season. And we're reaping the benefits. Despite some pretty atrocious line play on passing downs, and some jittery play by DA, we managed to eek this one out. What a great game by Jamal Lewis. And can we say enough about how Cribbs puts us in great field position almost every time. Remember when we had Northcutt back there? He was good, but Cribbs is something different all together. His goal is the house every time, and at the very least he expects to get to the 40. That's unreal. It's an amazing advantage we have over many teams that I don't think gets talked about enough. What a great win today. Go Browns.

Cribbs interview on Clevelandbrowns.com

If you haven't seen it already, it's worth your while to check out the Josh Cribbs post game interview on ClevelandBrowns.com. It's hilarious. I love this kid. He's dancing on the stage showing how be ducked and dodged would be tacklers, which, after a loss like that would make most people angry, but Cribbs is so sincere you love him for it. He also talks about the team and how much they care about each other. It makes you pretty psyched about the future of Browns football, and about our chances to rebound against Baltimore this coming Sunday.

Mediocraty is OK

The Common Man


Maybe mediocrity isn’t so bad. I look at myself. I have always had a good head on my shoulders, but I’m not Harvard (pronounced Hahvahd with a snooty accent) material. I have done well in my career, but I’m no where near independently wealthy. I have always been pretty good at sports, but rather limited due to my body type (Think skinny extremities with a tire around the waist). Like Joe Walsh (from Cleveland by the way) "I'm just an ordinary average guy." And still, I like who I am. So maybe mediocrity is OK. The way I see it, it could be worse. I could be a high school dropout, unemployed, and always the kid picked last in gym class. So, maybe having the Cleveland Browns, (who blew a chance to establish themselves as one of the NFL’s ‘good teams” yesterday), arrive at mediocrity in the league is good enough. Lets be honest, the alternative, (last years pathetic 4-12 record) just sucks. To be able to be Phil Dawson’s lame 49 yard capacity leg away from beating a very good Steelers team in a finally meaningful game is a huge step for me and the city of Cleveland. We finally found a way to win a close game against a good team last week. Recently, in this rivalry against the Steelers, we have taken it on the chin worse than any late night cinemax starlet, and here we were again with a chance to do something special for the city of Clevelend. I had nightmares about this week. The Browns have come into games like this in recent years, with the city behind them, and serious momentum, and took a collective dump on us by laying an egg. They fought real hard yesterday, and for that, I applaud them. We have a real shot at being in the wild card hunt, and after last year’s pathetic season, that’s a huge step. So, I am proud of my mediocrity and of the Cleveland Browns. And the Tribe, and the Cavs, and my job, and my men's league hockey talent. All good but not great.

Let’s talk about the game now. I watched the game on the speed replay on the NFL ticket so I didn’t hear any commentating and didn’t see any replays. I think this allowed me to see the game in a new light without any outside opinions. Here are my thoughts.

After all of these years of drafting and developing special team’s players, it has finally paid off. We have had a team full of special team caliber players for the past few seasons. Now, we have a more complete bunch, and these kids can play. Mike Adams is making great tackles. And Josh Cribbs had probably one of the finest plays in the Browns history yesterday turning a disaster into a beautiful run. Watching him smoke those first two defenders at the ten, and then watching the entourage direct traffic and escort the man to the end zone was a thing of beauty.

Eric Wright is a fine player. Great play in the end zone in the first half. Some of the finest tackling on the team. He doesn’t go for the big hit, but tackles smartly and confidently. His tackle on Rothlisberger was just awesome. Unfortunately, stopping Heath Miller on 3rd and 18 wasn’t such a nice play for anyone involved.

The Jamal Lewis fumble should have been whistled for forward progress.

Sean Jones needs to start leading. Too many times during defensive breakdowns, he is yelling and bitching at other players. That has to stop. On the other hand, I love his intensity at the end of the game on the kneel down to leave a tough taste in the mouth of the players for next week.

The Browns defense played tough in many spots today. They were flying into the line of scrimmage, and generally attacking. Brodney Pool's int was evidence of that. However, too many mistakes and big plays on 3rd down. That 3rd and 18 was disgusting. Willie McGinest was atrocious. We also got caught on play fakes like crazy as a result of our aggressiveness. I would rather keep up the attacking nature though. Sitting back and watching our DB’s try to cover for 7 seconds is unbearable.

I don’t know about the hold on Dinkins, but the refs really let the Steelers get away with a lot. On that 3rd and 18, Peek was tackled as he was about the get to Big Ben. I saw Wimbley get absolutely dragged down on a few plays. Don’t know how obvious that was on replays, but could have used a few of those calls.

Finally, welcome to reality DA. He didn’t throw one good pass today. Even the easy ones across the middle were low, behind, or in the dirt. He just sucked. Plain and simple. He had more time than any Cleveland QB has had against the Steelers that I can remember, and he was shaking in his size 17’s.

Next week is another chance to prove ourselves. Maybe this mediocre bunch can do something that resembles greatness.

I Can't believe it.

I literally can't believe it. I watched it. The whole game. And still it doesn't make sense.

What a let down. I can't really write more right now because I'm so pissed. Great run by Big Ben at the end though, damnit.

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Dear Metcalf Up the Middle:

It’s good to be back. I probably post on this site more than on my own blog, but that’ll happen.

So guess what’s going on this Sunday? You’ll never guess. Guess yet?

That’s right, it’s just as you feared.

5-4 isn’t that bad. Still above .500, still respectable, still a sign that Derek Anderson is playing out of his mind, even if he did get sacked 6 times and was picked up and carried into the end zone and body slammed by up and coming Ohioan James Harrison.

So you got that going for you.

You’ll nurse your injuries, and then beat Baltimore for sweet, sweet revenge. You’ll get over it. You’ll probably even make the playoffs. The Wild Card is an accomplishment! Don’t sell yourself short! I mean, Kellen Winslow’s a soldier. He really is. Dr. Z even feels sorry for him. May I quote:

"The Browns' Kellen played in pain the entire way, made big catches to set up two touchdowns, including the final one. A correspondent who was in the postgame locker room described the scene as follows: "Someone asked him, 'Is this your sweetest day as a pro?' He put his head down for a few moments. When he looked up there were tears running down his face. 'I'm sorry,' he said." You think that after something like that, I'm not going to raise the Brownies to the top 10?"

Yeah! You are in the Top 10, Way to go Girl! I hope—really—that game will not be your sweetest game as a pro. Because that would be sad. Really.

Good luck Sunday. You’re gonna need it. Don’t let this be you!




Posted By SteelSkins

Browns Ranked in TOP 10...Among Winning Teams!

Ahh...WHAT? Holy Cow! How did this happen? It's all too much too soon if you ask me. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but geez...top ten? On SI.com Dr. Z's NFL Power Rankings, (who I can't believe still has a job solely based on how bad his pre-season picks usually are) the Cleveland Browns are ranked 10th in the league! And it gets better! On ESPN.com Mike McAllister's Power Rankings has the Browns at 9th in the league! Here are some of the teams that are ranked BELOW us! The Saints, Jaguars, Redskins, CHARGERS, Eagles, Bears, Broncos, and Bengals! Um...hello! Because the jaded, beaten little boy of a Cleveland fan will always have a strong voice inside me this whole thing just gives me the willys. It's like that good looking girl (most of you can feel free to take out the "good looking" part, and some of you "good looking" and "girl".) you meet in college who you hook-up with and the next thing you know she's talking about going to watch the school's soccer team the next day followed by dinner with her friends and maybe seeing a movie in her dorm. Um...this was pretty sweet for a bit, but now you're just freaking me out. I had sleeping in till noon, playing PS2 and hitting the bong on my schedule...got to go. It's too much too soon. Why can't we stay under the radar a little bit? Just have us float around 16th or 18th for a few more weeks. Maybe meet up a few more times and see if this thing has legs? I know our record says we should be where we are, but I still feel very uncomfortable with it. I'm definitely not used to the feeling that we're supposed to win games. And how about actually coming back to win a game? It's like we're suddenly a real team. But I just can't believe it, not yet. If we beat the Steelers, then yes, I believe. But for now I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. As sad as that is, it's the truth.

MUTM Week 9 Pick'em Picks

Bird
Kansas City
Detroit
Cincinnati
Atlanta
Carolina
Arizona
Washington
New Orleans
San Diego
Cleveland
Oakland
Indianapolis
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh


Top Dawg
Green Bay
Denver
Cincinnati
San Francisco
Jacksonville
Tampa Bay
Washington
New Orleans
San Diego
Cleveland
Oakland
New England
Dallas
Pittsburgh


Maxx
Tennessee
Tampa Bay
Washington
Jacksonville
San Diego
San Francisco
Green Bay
Denver
Cincinnati
Cleveland
New England
Houston
Dallas
Pittsburgh

Steel Skins Boast Post...

Since the SteelSkins (http://steelskins.blogspot.com/) have handed yet another loss to Metcalf Up the Middle (http://www.metcalfupthemiddle.blogspot.com/), we thought we’d honor this occasion with some foreshadowing: Don’t worry NFL, the Steelers (once again) have got your backs.

What the dismal Browns (albeit, at 4-3 they’re not as dismal as they usually are) failed to do back in Week 5—what some pundits are now calling for (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/29/AR2007102902167.html?sub=AR)—the Steelers sell in dime bags.

Yes, it’s about time we take the pundits seriously. Finally, people are calling for Tom Brady’s knees (http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/2007/10/effective-immediately-bounty-on-tom.html). And why not? Belichick and his cheating (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI_zhsVWyAU) Patriots have now run up the score on all 8 of their opponents (what, with their fancy fake spikes and keeping their starters in despite a 42-point lead). And while Cleveland, along with the rest of the league, failed to do much of anything to their former coach while happily accepting their 34-17 defeat, the Pittsburgh Steelers have never failed to excel in the “accidental low hit” category.

You may ask, why the Steelers, and why not the Browns? Excellent question. And to be honest, we here at SteelSkins are equally stumped as to why the Browns’ veins, which normally flow with red vengeance toward the countless teams that have embarrassed them (insert Broncos, insert Steelers, insert Art Modell, insert…the league), why were those same veins flowing with pink pansy goodness during Week 5 against the Pats? The Brownies should have been foaming at the mouths for the opportunity to crush Tom Brady and give their former coach his first loss of the season. It just goes to show, if it’s Brown, flush it down.

The Steelers, on the other hand, proved two things this pre-season (http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0807/451055.html): 1. You don’t need a fatty named Kimo von Oelhoffen to put a quarterback’s season in jeopardy; and 2. Just like Charlie Hustle in an All-Star game (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1999/07/10/SP51494.DTL), we always go all out.
So let this be a warning to you, Coach Belichick: If you keep up the shenanigans, you’ll pay a hefty price, come Week 14. A price not paid since Ralph Macchio last met up with Billy “Sweep the Leg” Zabka.

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Although this seems a little forced, it's nice to see the Browns are starting to turn some heads around the league!

MUTM loses to Steel Skins in W7

Boy this was a tough one. We lost to the Steel Skins this week 27 wins to 28. Our scores were:

MUTM: 27-15

Steel Skins: 28-14

It's obvious the guys at Steel Skins are into performance enhancing drugs. I've got a good feeling about this week though, and we gladly await their post. Below are Team MUTM's individual scores.

Maxx: 10-4

Overall Record: 46-25

Bird: 9-5

Overall Record: 40-31

Top Dawg: 8-6

Overall Record: 39-32

Team MUTM: 125-88

MUTM Week 8 Pick'em Picks

Bird's Picks

Cleveland

New York Giants

Philadelphia

Indianapolis

Chicago

Cincinnati

Tennessee

Tampa Bay

New York JETS

San Diego

New Orleans

New England

Denver

Maxx's Picks

Chicago

Pittsburgh

Tennessee

Cleveland

New York Giants

Minnesota

Indianapolis

Buffalo

San Diego

Tampa Bay

New England

New Orleans

Denver

Top Dawg's Picks:

Chicago

Pittsburgh

Indianapolis

Tennessee

Cleveland

New York Giants

Minnesota

New York Jets

San Diego

Jacksonville

New Orleans

Washington

Denver

Bitter Taste

Here is good read about the Indians collapse. One quote stands out.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=bryant_howard&id=3073814

"If sport is to have any value at all, the road traveled, even when it leads to a dead end, should always be a trip worth taking. Without the pain, the champagne, when it finally flows, will have no taste."

My concern is that I won't be thirsty when I finally get to take a sip.

MUTM W7 Pick'em Picks

Top Dawg
Houston
Tampa Bay
New England
New Orleans
New York Giants
Baltimore
Washington
Oakland
Cincinnatti
Philadelphia
Seattle
Dallas
Denver
Jacksonville

Bird
NE
Wash
NO
Baltimore
Dallas
Giants
Tampa Bay
Houston
Oakland
Cincy
Chicago
Seattle
Pitt
Indy

Maxx
Baltimore
Tampa Bay
New England
NO
NYG
Washington
Tennessee
Cincinnati
Kansas City
Dallas
Philadelphia
Seattle
Pittsburgh
Indy

"Manny being a Douchebag"

Most Red Sox fans probably reveled in Manny Ramirez's pose last night and probably elbowed their buddy and said "That's just Manny being Manny". Like somehow, because he is stupid and aloof, his ridiculous behavior is somehow justified. To me, that was "Manny being a douchebag."

That's like watching a pedophile standing outside of a jungle gym, and excusing his behavior because, "That's just a pedophile being a pedophile." Or forgiving Edi Amin for all of the atrocities he was responsible for in Uganda. He was an eccentric character just like Manny. But hey, genocide was OK too because that was just "Edi being Edi."

Go Tribe

Team MUTM Individual Pick'em Scores Week 6

Maxx: 8-5
Overall Record: 36-21

Top Dawg: 6-7
Overall Record: 31-26

Bird: 7-6
Overall Record: 31-26

Team MUTM: 98-73

MUTM Loses Week 6 Pick'em

Team MUTM went 21-18 this past week, but it wasn't good enough to beat those sketchy "guys" over at Steel Skins who went 23-16 to take the win. (We caught a photo of one of them this weekend posted here)




Sadly, they've earned the write (oh the puns!) to post on MUTM, so here's their post:

Your team's name reminds us of our last bowel movement

I come not to praise Metcalf Up the Middle but to bury them. As the victors of the Week 6 pick em, I duly note that all of us at SteelSkins picked the Browns to win. And what's not to like about the Browns? Classy, retro uniforms with ugly colors perfectly suited to black and white television, a legacy of greatness that no one remembers because it was before the advent of marketing and the televised Super Bowl, a more recent legacy of gut-wrenching losses, like The Drive, The Fumble, and the 2002 Loss to the Steelers in the Playoffs Despite the Fact the Steelers Couldn't Cover a Tackle Eligible on a Fly Route, Plus We Had Tommy Maddox. I watched that game with 2 Browns fans and, to be honest, I felt a little bad as I repeatedly pelvic thrusted the sweet, sweet air of victory while screaming STEELTOWN FOREVER at the top of my lungs. Just a little. And how can we forget Art Modell's Fly By Night and Subsequent Super Bowl Win in Baltimore? Or the Saga of LeCharles Bentley?

The Browns are the girl from high school you swooned over until you forgot about her in college, and when you returned back to live in your small town 15 years later, you found out she had been left by 3 men who also left behind 3 kids. But she's doing her best, earning a promotion at the insurance company despite fending off the boss's advances, giving her kids the right values, and really proving that she's not the ditzy sophomore who spurned you for the Senior Jock so she could win homecoming queen. She's showing her resiliency, and while she's not the bloom on the high school rose, she's a real woman, and she's still got it, despite throwing on an extra 20 pounds (but you like the thickies, yo!). So you take her out to lunch, and man does she chow down, like a horse at a feedbag! It's captivating and sickening all at once…maybe you will make a go at her…But then you remember that you're already married, with bonds formed of STEEL.

Derek Anderson, you got to like this kid. Braylon and Winslow are shutting up and playing, Kamerion Wimbley is the real deal, and so might be Joe Thomas. But Jamal Lewis? Get rid of that guy.

I have no doubt that the Browns will give the Steelers a tougher game at Heinz Field, but it won't be as close as you think it will. Until next week!

Week 6 SteelSkins rankings:
Aaron: 7-6
Adam: 8-5
Sean: 8-5
Overall Score: 23-16

Straight from the rectum of: Aaron P. Diddy