The Berea Chronicles

December 2007 - Posts

• A Whole Lotta Congrats & One MAJOR Bitch

  First of all, to the Cleveland Browns--from the players to Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel on down to their staffs--a heart-felt congratulations on a tremendously successful and unexpected season. To think where this organization has been, not only the last eight years but going back as recently as Week One of the 2007 season, and to think that this team would finish the regular season with 10 wins?  And 7 of those coming at home? Yeah, the choke job against both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh 2.0--especially the latter--has led to some hand-wringing, but the totality of the season can be perceived as nothing but an unmitigated success. If you would've told me before the season began that "you can have a 10-6 season, but...", I would've cut you off before the word "10" could be completed, said "thank you" and moved on. I just hope time and distance and perspective will allow people to grasp what this team, what this organization, has accomplished this season. Now, with that out of the way, onto the bitch... Romeo, good sir, just WTF were you thinking??? You have a potential playoff game next weekend, your starting QB injures his throwing hand, and you put him back in what was essentially a meaningless game. Playoff-wise, this game had no bearing.  None. What in God's name were you thinking? And please tell me that FOX sideline reporter Tony Rizzo misquoted you, that you didn't actually say, in not so many words, that you didn't want to cause a QB controversy by protecting your injured starting QB. Yes, the x-rays were negative.  Bully for them.  But what was the point risking your starting QB--in a meaningless game, playoff-wise, BTW--with a playoff game staring you square in the face?  It turned out OK--so it seems--but it was an asinine decision on your part. No reason for it.  None. Especially if the reason was to avoid a "QB controversy". Posted Dec 30 2007, 04:51 PM by johntaylor with 14 comment(s)

• Sunday Inactives

  The Browns have named Orpheus Roye, Antwan Peek, Ricardo Colclough, Marvin Philip, Melila Purcell, Isaac Sowells and Travis Wilson to their inactive list for today's regular-season finale.  Ken Dorsey will, once again, serve as the third-team quarterback. Bobby Hamilton, signed earlier in the week, will replace Roye as the starting left defensive end. And Travis Wilson, what the hell's up with you?  You can't get Tim Carter off the football field?  That's like losing a spot on the skeet shooting team to Stevie Wonder. Posted Dec 30 2007, 12:09 PM by johntaylor with no comments

• "Deep Throat" Lives!

  I opened up this morning's The PD, and what to my wondering eyes did appear*, but a "source says" scoop from the sleuth-like staff at the only major newspaper in the city of Cleveland.  (*And eight tiny reindeer, so that it would rhyme and keep up with the whole Christmas thingy that's some type of federal law governing journalism this time of year.) It's the kind of hard-hitting, investigative journalism you'll never, ever find gracing the pages of Cleveland Scene, Cleveland Sun, Cleveland Free Times or Crain's Cleveland Business. Nope, this is the kind of stuff you'll find exclusively inside the only major newspaper in the city of Cleveland. In the story, Mary Kay Cabot busts Berea's inner-sanctum wide-open and lays bare the organization's inner-workings, reporting that the Browns "intend" to bring back running back Jamal Lewis next season. The paper spoke with Lewis' agent, Mitch Frankel, who stated that no talks on a new contract have taken place regarding the soon-to-be free agent.  Citing a source, though, the paper reports that the club will address Lewis' status after the season. Really?  Seriously?  That's what's gonna happen?  Move over Woodward.  Outta the way, Bernstein.  There's a new sheriff in print. (Taking a breath, due to the breath-taking nature of the item in question)  In other breaking news from The PD, D'arcy Egan reports that the water in Lake Erie is still wet, and intends to remain that way at least through the end of the 2008 boating season. "Intend"?  And the mainstream bitches about 'Net journalists... Posted Dec 29 2007, 05:29 PM by johntaylor with 4 comment(s)

• Ice Skating In Hell? Dogs, Cats Ratify Peace Accord? PFT Not Wrong?

  Normally, I view a P(ure)F(*cking)T(ripe) rumor involving the Browns--"Winslow Out For The Year!" "Lerner Selling Browns!" "Savage Giving Up Control!" "Quinn Fathers Alien Baby!"--in much the same way I feel about stepping in a Great Dane's big ol' contribution to the fertilization of American front yards. An annoyance, yes--and my God does it reek to the highest of heavens--but most times it's ultimately harmless. However, for once, the Lil' Website That Could (Print Anything And Does) might actually be on to something. In yesterday's edition of the site's Rumor Mill, PFT reported that newly-hired Dolphins executive vice-president Bill Parcells, should he decide to fire first-year head coach Cam Cameron, would have Romeo Crennel atop his list of potential replacements. While no one around the league I've spoken with the last 24 hours has heard this particular rumor--including a member of the Dolphins' organization--more than a few warned me to not completely dismiss this report out of hand. "I haven't heard it out there," one source said.  "But, it would not surprise me at all.  Parcells has the utmost respect for RAC, so it would make sense that he'd want a guy like RAC to help him with this massive rebuilding project he's facing in Miami." Said another: "That relationship (between Crennel and Parcells) goes a lot deeper than a lot of people think.  (Parcells) likes to surround himself with people he trusts, and Crennel would be one of the football guys at or near the top of that list." While there's seemingly no juice to this rumor just yet, a decision by Parcells to part ways with Cameron could very well portend an offseason full of conjecture--if not outright shakeup--on Lou Groza Blvd. Posted Dec 27 2007, 10:51 PM by johntaylor with 3 comment(s)

• This 'N That - 12/26/07

  ---When asked in a conference call how strong Cleveland's pitch was for him and why the Browns weren't the best fit, 49ers cornerback--and 2007 Browns free-agent target--Nate Clements gave the following answer: "I just felt that this was the best situation for me and my family. They were definitely one of the teams that were trying to get me in free agency. I just felt that this was the best situation for me, here in San Francisco." As a public service, and to help show exactly why Clements chose the 49ers over his home-town Browns, TBC offers the following pictorial illustration: Cleveland's Offer: San Francisco's Offer: ---Given the wailing and gnashing of teeth over playoff-control being ripped away, fans and media alike have lamented the losses to Arizona and Oakland and Cincinnati as rearview looks to what could've been if a playoff berth is indeed lost. However, there is one game which stands head and shoulders above the others as to the current reliance on a Tennessee loss for a playoff spot. On Nov. 11, the Browns held a 21-9 lead over the Steelers with 8:18 left in the third quarter. If the Browns would have held onto that lead, they'd be standing cock-strong at 10-5 on the season, holding a one-game lead over the 9-6 Steelers for the AFC North lead.  And not only would they have held the fate of the playoffs in their own hands divisionally-speaking, but for a wildcard spot as well. Lament the losses to the lesser-weights of the schedule, but place the blame on the current predicament squarely on the shoulders of that huge divisional loss. ---Somewhat related to the above, stop the crying over the Colts doing what's best for them and resting their starters for (insert length of time here).  It's not Tony Dungy's responsibility to get the Browns into the playoffs; that burden falls on the Browns and head coach Romeo Crennel. ---One leftover from this past Sunday's debacle: No offense, Romeo, but I don't believe for a second that you did not even consider lifting Derek Anderson.  Even if it was not given serious consideration, even if it never got to the point where a show of hands was needed, the thought had to have crossed your mind.  If it didn't?  (shaking head in an "Oh...my...gawd, where's the fetal position?" manner) Posted Dec 26 2007, 11:01 PM by johntaylor with 1 comment(s)

• DA Trumps "Bad DA", Folds

  Sometimes, this really is a simple game.  Sometimes, this really is a simple game to write about. Today is one of the latter. Derek Anderson single-handedly, singularly, all-by-himself, lost this game for the Browns.  In not so many words, he defecated all over the Sealy Posturepedic. In another sport that the Browns' QB loves, on another broadcast network, Johnny Miller would have had a field day with the way Anderson Van de Velde'd the Browns out of control over their own playoff destiny. It can be glossed over, explained away, reasoned, whatever.  But, when all of the justifications are fileted and bared to the bone, what's left is a QB who spit the bit in the biggest Browns game in five years. He choked. He gagged.  He Kobe Tai'd. Those crucial picks--each inexplicably more heinous than the previous--were not the result of tremendous plays on the part of the Bengals.  They weren't the result of a receiver slipping and giving the defense a gift, ala Leigh Bodden's that gave DA the tenth of his nine lives.  They weren't the result of the wild & crazy bounces oft-times associated with an oblong object being thrown great distances. No, these four picks were brain farts.  They were "Bad DA" exponentially personified. They were the reasons the Browns bet the farm on Brady Quinn this last April.  The very same reasons why DA could not beat out Charlie Frye--CHARLIE FRYE!!!--when the starting job was his to win in training camp.  Whether this should be the tipping point for keeping/re-signing DA is debatable.  What's not up for discussion is this game was a huge data point in the decision-making process for the folks in Berea. Well, at least it should be. Posted Dec 23 2007, 08:12 PM by johntaylor with 3 comment(s)

• Chud and 'The Rooney Rule'

  In light of a recent OBR article regarding Rob Chudzinski possibly getting a head-coaching interview or two this offseason--and how highly thought-of he's viewed around the league--I've received a couple of e-mails which basically ask the following question: "Why don't the Browns wink-wink nod-nod the head-coaching job to Chud once Romeo Crennel steps aside/is canned so that we don't lose him?" The biggest problem with a handshake agreement like that?  The "Rooney Rule" and how it governs the hiring of head coaches in the NFL. The "Rooney Rule", named after Steelers owner Dan Rooney, requires that every team with a head-coaching vacancy interview at least one minority candidate.  A 2002 report co-authored by the late Johnnie Cochran--yes, that Johnnie Cochran--on the lack of minority head coaches in the NFL directly lead to a Rooney-spearheaded diversity committee and, eventually, what's become known as "The Rooney Rule". In spite of what people may think, the NFL takes this issue very, very seriously.  Especially the new law-and-order commish. If it were to ever come to light that the Browns had a prior agreement with Chudzinski, and that the minority interview/interviews was/were merely a token talk, the Browns would face serious repercussions from the league. Draft-picks lost serious. Commissioner Roger Goodell has already shown that he's not afraid to take the very men who put him into his current office--see: Kraft, Robert--and woodshed them a little bit. In 2003, and under the stewardship of Paul Tagliabue, the Detroit Lions were fined $200K for the hiring of Steve Mariucci and without interviewing any minority candidates for their head-coaching vacancy. Surely such a sensitive issue as minority hirings, and a blatant abuse of the Rooney Rule, would bring the full force of Goodell's almighty hammer down on the Browns. Posted Dec 22 2007, 10:17 PM by johntaylor with 1 comment(s)

• Orpheus: Retirement, Restructure... Release?

  This afternoon, we must make a correction, plus expound. In today's edition of the Elyria Chronicle Telegram, it was reported that defensive lineman Orpheus Roye is not contemplating retirement and is signed through 2009. The former may or may not be the case, but the latter is definitely not.  In March of 2006, Roye signed a three-year contract extension as the two sides avoided having the DL hitting the open market as an unrestricted free agent.  The extension, of course, means the DL's contract runs out following the '08 season. And while the long-time stalwart of the Browns' defensive line may not be considering hanging up his spikes, he could very well be in line for either an outright release or a restructuring of the final year of his deal that would make the base more favorable to the Browns. Next season, Roye is scheduled to earn $3 million in base salary.  That's a fairly hefty chunk of cap change for a 34-year-old (he'll turn 35 in January) lineman who has been battling injuries of late. According to a source close to Roye, the player does not expect to play next season in Cleveland under his current salary.  The source added that Roye would be more than open to an incentive-based deal in order to help the Browns.   Roye's contract number is just one of many variables that could lead to a major--and some would say much-needed--shake-up along the defensive line this offseason. In addition to Roye's cap-related issues, both Ethan Kelley (unrestricted) and Simon Fraser (restricted) are slated for free agency.  Add to that Ted Washington's retirement/not likely being re-signed by the Browns, and you have a good chunk of the team's season-opening line rotation very much up in the air at this point in time. Posted Dec 21 2007, 03:19 PM by johntaylor with 1 comment(s)

• This 'N That - 12/20/07

  ---"Change the uniforms. Exclamation point. And word and shit." That's a seemingly growing cry amongst the younger set of Browns fans, who feel the need to pimp the Browns' ride and Nike-fy the uni's into the 21st century.  Like it's some '77 Vega in dire need of spinnin' rims and drop-down DVD players and boomin' systems. "SCREW TRADITION!" they scream over their I-Pods and Nanos and surround-sound MP3's and laptops Googling YouTube clips of MTV creating the next "musical" sensation. Change the uniforms?  I have but one question: Why? So the Browns can look like the Broncos? Look, not everything thing needs to be updated.  Not everything needs a fresh coat of paint, just so the younger generation can look "fly" when sportin' their gear amongst their peers. Gimme a restored '57 Chevy over a pimped-out '95 'Scort any day of the week.  And especially on Sundays. Gimme the Browns' classic look.  And leave it the hell alone. ---From what I hear, all of this uniform-change talk stems from a Kellen Winslow interview in the latest issue of Penthouse magazine, and hyped by 19 Action News (motto: WE WILL SCREAM LOUD ENOUGH AND LONG ENOUGH TO DISTRACT YOU FROM THE FACT THAT WE MAKE STUFF UP!).  I may have to go out and purchase the issue in question.  For the article, of course. ---I'm not the biggest Phil Dawson fan in the world; in fact, I would be at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to The One Who Is Above Challengers In Training Camp.  However, the NFL announced their weekly awards yesterday, and one thing is quite certain. Dawson was robbed. No disrespect meant to T.J. Rushing--the kick returner from Indy who took home the Special Teams honor--but this one should've gone to Dawson.  To make those two kicks, in those conditions, is just something that should not have gone unnoticed or without recognition. The 49-yarder was epic, a masterpiece that will take some time to top.  If ever. For that kick alone, he deserved the honor. ---Smart move by both the Browns and LeCharles Bentley in restructuring the injured center's deal.  It provides protection for the Browns should Bentley fail to come back, and it allows Bentley to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2008 season should he return to full health and perform on the field.  Such a move would afford Bentley the opportunity to recoup, on the open market, a portion of the money he lost by ripping up the last three years of his deal.  Kudos to both Phil Savage and Bentley's agent, Jonathan Feinsod, for doing a deal that's fair to both parties. ---In 12 career games against the Bengals, Jamal Lewis has averaged nearly 122 yards a game and scored 10 touchdowns.  He's averaged 5.5 yards a carry and, in those 12 games, has nine game in excess of 100 yards, including a 216-yard outburst against the Bengals on Sept. 16. ---If the Browns beat the Bengals this Sunday, not only would it secure at least a wildcard berth, but it would also be the first time since 2002 that they've swept their Queen City rivals.  A victory also would give the Browns a winning record vs. the AFC North for the first time since The Return. ---Hey Anthony, Mike Tomlin says guarantee this. ---How cool would it be to see a Cleveland kid beat the Steelers in the last game of season, thus vaulting the Browns onto the AFC North throne?  Troy Smith, the Ohio State product by way of Glenville High, will start his first NFL game this weekend as the Ravens take on the Seahawks.  Should he perform well, or starter Kyle Boller is not sufficiently recovered from a concussion, the rookie native Clevelander would get the start in the season finale against the Steelers.  And, once again, all of Northeast Ohio would become huge Troy Smith fans. ---Programming note: 57 days, 21 hours and 10 minutes until the 50th running of The Great American Race. Posted Dec 20 2007, 04:50 PM by johntaylor with 3 comment(s)

• This 'N That - 12/19/07

  ---In an article titled "Who Should Have Made The Pro Bowl", Alex Marvez--who is one of the best in the business, hands down--makes the case that the Browns' Leigh Bodden got jobbed in the Pro Bowl voting.  Really?  Seriously?  I'll take "How Much Of Bodden's 2007 Season Have You Actually Seen" for $500, Alex.  ---Don't do it.  Don't listen to this so-called "journalist".  Losing The Sweatervest's bitch was bad enough; Northeast Ohio doesn't need another speed-bump toward Total World Football Domination. ---You thought this past Sunday's conditions at CBS were bad?  THE Game scoffs in your general direction. ---You wanna bitch about the lack of Browns in the Pro Bowl?  You wanna wail and gnash your teeth?  Here, free of charge and as a public service, is some grist for your argument, courtesy of an e-mail from an AFC North front office guy: "If anybody has a gripe, it's (Lawrence) Vickers.  Hands-down the best fullback (in the AFC).  And he's the (second) alternate?  You explain it to me." ---For what it's worth, the above-mentioned FO guy also thought that Big Ben over DA was a good call, and that Joe Thomas will be a first-team lock for years to come. ---Jamie Dukes, you and your dish towel and YOUR OUTSIDE VOICE! get the hell off my TV.  It's your presence, plus Neon's play-by-play and overall general presence, that just might make me switch back to Time-Warner. ---I've used the word "you" a lot in this posting.  You know why that is? ---Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson.  Isn't that like combining the chewing of aluminum foil with the scraping of fingernails across a chalkboard?  Singularly, each is like getting kicked in the testicles.  Collectively, they're like getting kicked in the testicles... again... and again... and again... ---Until Lenny P brought up the issue, I had not realized that Mario Williams was left off the AFC Pro Bowl roster.  I guess 13 sacks--in 14 games--doesn't go as far as it used to.  "Your honor, I'd like to enter People's Exhibit #12438 as to why the Pro Bowl voting is as worthless as a bull with..." ---Sometimes, you just have to really read something to get its meaning.  To wit, with bolded emphasis added: "...and, perhaps most importantly, current general manager Rich McKay all held, and still hold, higher opinions of the soon-to-be free agent."  Particularly enlightening, with recent events as your rear-view. ---Former Browns tight end Jonny Harline--released from the practice squad last Wednesday after the club signed fellow TE Brad Cieslak--has been signed to the Jets practice squad.  Additionally, defensive end Orien Harris, released by the Browns in late August after being signed off the Steelers' practice squad last year, was signed by the Saints off the Bills' practice squad. ---So, Britney's 16-year-old sis is knocked up.  Wow, whoda thunk it?  Guess that old adage is true after all.  The apple doesn't fall far from the double-wide. ---You ready to have your mind blown?  Chew on the following: In the first 27:29 of the season, the Browns' offensive line "allowed" six sacks.  In the last 531:06--dating back to the first quarter of the Oct. 14th win over the Dolphins and spanning almost nine complete games--the Browns offensive line has allowed, you guessed it, six sacks. ---If that doesn't put the difference between Derek Anderson and Charlie Frye into the proper context, then nothing will.  Somebody who I have a tremendous amount of respect for--chuckle @ Gary--thinks that the light bulb will eventually go on for Frye, although I think that Frye is a 40-watt incandescent playing a 300-watt halogen position. ---Until next time, this is the end of this time. Posted Dec 19 2007, 04:10 PM by johntaylor with 2 comment(s)

• This 'N That - 12/18/07

  ---Watching the replay tonight on ESPN2, of the Browns-Jets double OT playoff game.  Watching Bernie Kosar, one thing remains abundantly clear: up until the point where the football actually cleared his fingertips, there was not an uglier quarterback--mechanics-wise or athletically--in the NFL.  But, once that football was released, a prettier ball has never been thrown. ---He may have looked like Amy Winehouse getting there, but it was sheer Jessica Alba when it started and continued its arc. ---And I still curse Lloyd Burress to this very day.  Wasn't the Chiefs DB's fault, mind you; those goat horns are forever reserved for Earnest Byner's Juan Belmonte impersonation.  But still.  Damn.  What could've been. ---Speaking somewhat of the above, here's a blast from the past, courtesy of the New York Times.  ---Not meaning to turn this into a pimp-fest--unless it leads to free beer--but Roger Gordon has compiled a list of the "10 Most Infamous Injuries" in the history of the Cleveland Browns for the latest edition of The Orange & Brown Report magazine.  Unbelievably, the Kosar injury in '88 was not #1 on Gordon's list. ---"Well then, John, what exactly was the most infamous injury in Browns' history?" you may be asking yourself right about now.  My answer?  Go out and buy the mag or get a subscription, you cheap-ass mo... ---If you haven't figured out yet that the Pro Bowl is a sham and worthless and a complete waste of whatever amount of consternation is caused by the selections, consider the following: the Jacksonville Jaguars--the third best team in the AFC and, arguably, in the entire league--pitched a shutout when the Pro Bowl selections were announced.  They were blanked.  Goose-egged.  One of the best teams in the NFL. Sigh... ---As if that weren't enough, Jon "Jonathan" Ogden, he of the five missed games and resume'-trumping-current-production, was voted in by his peers--i.e. people who couldn't give two shiites about the offensive line position or, for the most part, the Pro Bowl period.  Way to mail it in, voters, both literally and figuratively. ---The point?  DON'T CRY OVER THE MILK SPILLED BY OTHERS.  The Pro Bowl has and always will be a farce.  Both the game itself, and a healthy portion of the players who make up the roster. ---Seriously, though, no crying over Big Ben getting voted in ahead of DA.  Look at the stats, add in the one-and-a-little-more-than-a-half head-to-head matchups, throw away the Orange&Brown colored glasses, and you'll see that the voters got one right.  For once. ---You want a real All-Pro look at the league?  Go here and wait for The Good Doctor's All-Pro team to hit the archives. ---Speaking of the above, in the last nearly ten years, I've had more than one agent tell me that they've tried--unsuccessfully--to have some of their client's incentives tied to Zimmerman's list.  ---No offense to Jim Donovan, who does a more-than-commendable job, but I really miss Nev Chandler.  How blessed are 40ish native Clevelanders, to have both Nev and Joe Tait as the soundtrack for their C-town sports youth? ---Just to--possibly--keep you coming back to this here blog in the future, here's something related to the current edition of the Cleveland Browns: when discussing Rob Chudzinski's head-coaching prospects, more than one NFL-type told me to not forget about Todd Grantham as a candidate in the future as well. ---I'm thinking that more on Grantham is in the offing for the next edition of "Taylor: Circling The Browns", scheduled to hit 'netstands at some point tomorrow. ---shill /ʃɪl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[shil] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation Slang. –noun 1. a person who poses as a customer in order to decoy others into participating, as at a gambling house, auction, confidence game, etc. 2. a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty. ---Where were the Letourneau's and Lafave's when I was Legrowing up? ---An alert reader pointed me to this post in The Watercooler.  My response?  I believe you really need to seek immediate professional help, Mr. Breechman.  It didn't work for me, but what the hell.  It just might be what you need. Posted Dec 18 2007, 11:11 PM by johntaylor with 1 comment(s)

• Cribbs, Edwards Hawaii-Bound; Winslow, Steinbach Bent Over

  For the first time since Jamir Miller shortly after the turn of the century, "The Worst All-Star Game In Professional Sports" will feature not just one, but two members of the Cleveland Browns. Selected to appear in the season-ending Pro Bowl were kick returner Josh Cribbs and wide receiver Braylon Edwards; Cribbs as a starter, Edwards as a backup. Edwards becomes the first player drafted by the Browns to make it to Honolulu since five home-grown Browns--Leroy Hoard, Eric Metcalf, Michael Dean Perry, Eric Turner and Rob Burnett--were chosen the same year the team was ripped out of Cleveland. Miller was signed by the club as a free agent, while Cribbs was signed as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately for the Browns, a trio of worthy candidates--Kellen Winslow, Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas--were... ...by the fans, coaches and players. For reaction from across the country on the selections, make sure you visit The OBR Newswire early and often.  Or never.  Whatever.  It's really your choice.  We can't force you. Posted Dec 18 2007, 05:01 PM by johntaylor with 1 comment(s)