The Berea Chronicles

January 2008 - Posts

• 10 Things I Think Peter King Wouldn't Have The Balls To Think

  ...I would be very surprised if it didn't come out sometime in the not-too-distant future that the Derek Anderson camp is "slightly" "offended" by the Browns' initial contract offer.  You might see that on The OBR at some point; or even in the Only Cleveland Print Publication after reading The OBR. ...Great read by The OBR's Lane Adkins on the Todd Grantham situation, posted right HERE for your perusing pleasure.  If you don't already have a subscription, do it now.  It's well worth it just for the three-parter Lane's putting out there.  Plus, it'll help pay for that yacht I'm buying and planning on docking in the south of France. ...C'mon, TMZ.  Leave Brittany and however many personas she has alone.  Yer better than that.  What's that?  Shit.  Never mind. ...The Browns are none too pleased that Kellen Winslow is delaying his decision on whether or not to have further work done on his knee and/or shoulder based on possible participation in a practice game.  ...Related to the above, I took Romeo Crennel's answer to one question asked of him at his PC earlier this week--if he is fine with Winslow's medical delay--and put it through the prism of an OBR Bullshit filter, and here's what the machine spit back at me: I mean listen, we're sitting here talking about the Pro Bowl, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we're talking about the Pro Bowl. Not the game that he goes out there and dies for and plays every game like it's his last but we're talking about the Pro Bowl, man. How silly is that?... I know it's important, I honestly do but we're talking about the Pro Bowl. We're talking about the Pro Bowl, man.  We're talking about the Pro Bowl. We're talking about the Pro Bowl. We're not talking about the game. We're talking about the Pro Bowl... but we're talking about the Pro Bowl right now. ...On the personal tip, I'm happy for Crennel.  For his contract extension.  I still don't get it, though, the need for two more years as a show of continuity.  What's that?  Chud was recently re-upped 'til 2011?  To quote the great lyricists Tag Team, whoomp, there it is. ...With the exception of Marv Levy—who is a statistical, physiological and Methuselogical anomaly—there has only been one head coach in NFL history older than the age of 58 to have won a Super Bowl in his first appearance. Weeb Ewbank was 61 years, 242 days old when he won SB III as head coach of the Jets team that shocked the NFL world. When Super Bowl XLIII is played on February 1, 2009, Crennel will be 61 years, 228 days old. ...Orpheus Roye's cap number for the 2008 season will be $5.5 million.  He just turned 35 ten days ago.  The Browns would save roughly $3 million against the cap by releasing the defensive end.  You make the call. ...Just throwing this out there: if Hillary bests Barack for the Democratic nomination and goes on to become the POTUS, will the C-word trump the N-bomb for divisiveness?  How does all of that buzzword, must-fire-Imus shit work, anyway? ...Redneck Post of the Weak: "Arguing on internet blogs is like running in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, your still retarded." Your right, good sir.  Here's you're sign... Posted Jan 31 2008, 01:41 PM by johntaylor with 2 comment(s)

• Browns Officially Announce RAC Extension

  Less than 24 hours after it was first reported by Scout.com, the Browns have confirmed that head coach Romeo Crennel has received a two-year contract extension.  The new deal means that the 60-year-old Crennel is now signed through the 2011 season. Crennel will speak with the media at 2 p.m. ET this afternoon.  Additionally, and for the first time since his promotion, new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will be made available to the media.  Tucker will speak following the Crennel press conference. Here's the club's official press release on Crennel's new contract: The Cleveland Browns have signed Head Coach Romeo Crennel to a two-year contract extension through the 2011 season, the club announced today.  “I would like to thank Randy Lerner and the Lerner family for their confidence in the direction the program is going,” said Crennel.  “I would also like to thank Phil Savage, the Browns organization, as well as my coaches and players without whom none of this would be possible. We are excited for the upcoming season and will continue to work extremely hard toward making the Browns a consistent competitor within the division and a consistent winner in the NFL.”  “We’re pleased to get this two-year extension done with Romeo Crennel,” said Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager, Phil Savage.  “Romeo has proven that he can be a winning NFL head coach, and he has the respect of the players and of the entire organization.  Not only is Romeo an excellent coach, he is a person of impeccable character, which sets an exemplary tone for everyone in the Browns’ organization.” In his third season as head coach with the Browns, Crennel led the club to a 10-6 record last season, including a franchise-best seven home wins.  Crennel, who has a 20-28 career record, was originally named head coach on Feb. 8, 2005, the 11th full-time head coach in franchise history. Posted Jan 29 2008, 12:15 PM by johntaylor with no comments

• Butchum Pick Finally Bears Fruit

  Besides San Fernando Valley "actresses" and White House interns, not too many people make millions of dollars for putting their head between their legs on a regular basis. Not only does Ryan Pontbriand do just that, but he can now add "Pro Bowler" to his ever-growing resume as the Browns long-snapper was named today to the AFC Pro Bowl squad. The five-year veteran is the first member of one of Butch Davis' draft classes to earn a trip to Honolulu.  Think about that statement, and the wondering over why the Browns have alternately sucked and blown over the past few seasons will soon dissipate. Anyway, here's the Browns press release announcing Pontbriand's honor: Cleveland Browns long snapper Ryan Pontbriand was named to the 2008 AFC Pro Bowl roster, the league announced this afternoon.  Pontbriand, who signed a four-year contract extension (through 2011 season) earlier this season, was originally a fifth-round draft choice in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Rice University.  Pontbriand is a key member of the special teams unit and helped K Phil Dawson to a career-best 120 points last season on 26-of-30 field goal attempts.  Pontbriand also aided P Dave Zastudil, who recorded a 41.8 yard average and a 34.6 net average. “I’m thrilled. Making the Pro Bowl is a goal I was always hoping for but never thought I'd see this early in my career,” said Pontbriand.  “To be selected means a lot because there are several excellent snappers in the AFC and a lot of long-time veterans who have been snapping well for many years.  Phil Dawson, Dave Zastudil and the rest of the special teams unit deserve most of the credit.  It’s going to be a memorable experience.” Pontbriand joins Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs, wide receiver Braylon Edwards and left tackle Joe Thomas as the first Browns players selected to the Pro Bowl since LB Jamir Miller was named during the 2001 season (2002 Pro Bowl). The last time the Browns had four (or more) players named to the Pro Bowl was following the 1994 season when six Browns players went to Hawaii. “Ryan (Pontbriand) has been amazingly consistent with his snapping ability over the years. He is considered by many to be the best in the NFL, so it is only fitting that he is receiving the recognition of being a Pro Bowler.” said Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager, Phil Savage. In addition, three other Browns players remain as first alternates for the Pro Bowl:  QB Derek Anderson, LG Eric Steinbach and TE Kellen Winslow. Posted Jan 28 2008, 04:33 PM by johntaylor with 1 comment(s)

• Media Smart, That They Is

  In the latest issue of the Orange & Brown Report magazine, I began an article the following way: Over the first thirty-nine years of my life, I have dealt with two unquestioned and absolute certainties. One, the inevitability of death. And, two, the taxing nature of urinating every fifteen minutes once the seal is broken. Unfortunately, and much to my embarrassment, I had forgotten a third unquestioned and absolute certainty, one which I couldn't correct before deadline:  The media, particularly in this town, is a collection of ninnies and twits.  And cocky, self-absorbed, holier-than-thou ninnies and twits at that. The latest example? Last night, the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards (motto: "Huh?") were announced and Tribe ace C.C. Sabathia was named the city's professional athlete of the year by a panel of local "media". To quote the GCSA's mission statement, "Huh?"  Where was I and how did I miss coverage of LeBron's trade/death/incarceration?  Certainly there would have been a blurb or two on his bolting town or leaving this mortal coil. I guess with all of the Larry O'Brien's cluttering up The Q, single-handedly getting your team to the NBA Finals just doesn't carry the weight in these parts that it used to. With all due respect to C.C.--of whom I have been and always will be a huge fan--so long as there is a certain #23 wearing the Wine & Gold, everyone and anyone one else will always be a distant professional second. And as for the media's "look-how-smart-we-are" vote?  I'm having a hard time deciding between asinine and condescending, so we'll just call it "Condescendingly Asinine". Which, by the way, would also make a great name for a rock band. Let me see if I have this Cowboys coaching situation all figured out. Wade Phillips' offensive coordinator makes more money than he does, and is considered the Golden Boy of Big D's coaching structure. The only difference between Marcus Brutus and Phillips' new defensive line coach is about two millenniums and the lack of a toga. And, finally, Phillips' boss not only offed Cowboys legends Tom Landry and Tex Schramm when he bought the team, but he turned around and ran yet another Super Bowl-winning head coach out of town four years later. Why do I get the feeling that some Bum will end up finding Wade's bullet-riddled, decomposing coaching corpse in some dank Dallas back alley sometime in the near future? For whatever reason, I will never tire of watching former Cleveland mayor and current UFOologist Dennis Kucinich walking hand-in-hand with his bride, Gigantor. Today, much to my early morning delight, was yet another opportunity for such an occasion as news of Kucinich dropping out out of the Presidential race broke across Cleveland airwaves. The whole scene--Dennis skipping off the tour bus, followed closely by the lumbering Elizabeth--took on the look of a cast member for some off-Broadway "Wizard of Oz" revival being dropped off at the theatre by his nanny. Thank you, Dennis.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Posted Jan 25 2008, 04:18 PM by johntaylor with 5 comment(s) Filed under: CCSabathia, LebronJames, Media, Indians, Cavs

• Greatest. YouTube Clip. Ever.

  Well, for at least a coupla days it is.  Words don't do it justice, so I'll just leave you with a warning that there are a few words that appear on the screen that are not safe for work. Unless you work at a peep show complex.  Or a construction site. EDITED 1/21/08: THE LINK WORKS.  AGAIN.  AND FOR NOW. Posted Jan 18 2008, 05:06 PM by johntaylor with 6 comment(s)

• This 'N That - 1/17/08

  Not only was Rip Scherer a rumored candidate for the offensive coordinator position at UCLA, he actually interviewed for the job, The OBR has learned.  As reported here yesterday, Scherer removed his name from consideration and will remain in Cleveland. It's believed that Scherer would have taken the job if it were to have been offered; however, the firing of Titans OC Norm Chow, another candidate for the UCLA job, was likely the impetus that made Scherer conclude that he would not get the slot on Bruins head coach Rick Neuheisel's staff. --------------------- For those keeping score at home, Jason Garrett makes three the number of "hot" assistants who flipped the middle finger to, and dropped trou at, The Land of Needles and STDs, opting instead to stay put as assistant coaches. You can almost hear his thought process now... "OK, now, on the one hand, I can stay in Dallas, make more money than the current head coach, and eventually take over the head-coaching position of a quality, top-notch organization. Or, on the other hand, I could go to Baltimore, coach a team full of thugs, felons and me-first types, all the while fending off a raging groinal rash. What should I do?  What should I do?  Oh, the exasperating humanity of this decision!" Garrett joins Cleveland's Rob Chudzinski and new England's Josh McDaniels as persons this off-season who told the Ravens to STFU. --------------------- When it's all said and done, don't be surprised if the man on the sidelines for the Ravens come September is none other than Marty Schottenheimer.  The former Browns head coach is at the top of Ozzie Newsome's list, and, now that owner Steve Bisciotti's preference is out of the picture, Martyball could indeed be coming to Baltimore.  Main Entry: vomit Part of Speech: verb Definition: eject Synonyms: barf, be seasick*, be sick, belch, bring up*, disgorge, dry heave*, emit, expel, gag*, heave*, hurl*, keck, lose it, puke*, regurgitate, retch, ruminate, spew, spit up, throw up, upchuck --------------------- Speaking of retching and bile... Yes, I am an American Idol fan.  Huge, in fact.  It's my dirty little secret, known only to a precious few.  To quote Faith's hubby, I like it.  I love it.  Dammit, I want some more of it. Some people experiment with recreational drug usage.  Some people poke sharp objects into their eyes, ears or other bodily orifices.  Some even enjoy a swift kick to the nads. For me, none of those can top watching Simon eviscerate the non-British or the homely, or Randy gaining two pounds between commercial breaks, or being able to hear Ryan through his closet, or Paula moistening and ovulating the nanosecond a hot dude walks through the audition doors. With that in mind, allow me to handicap the seventh season of Idol thus far, just two episodes in: Smokin' Hot Chick From Episode One: Even Smokin' Hot Chick #2 From Episode Two: 2-1 Smokin' Hot Chick #1 From Episode Two: 4-1 Dude My Better Half Thinks Is "Pretty": 8-1 The Field: 10-1 Odds I Continue Watching Because Of The First Three: Off the board --------------------- It's only 17 days into the new year, but we have a leader in the clubhouse for "Father of the Year" honors.  Matthew Kowald of Portage, Wisconsin, was charged yesterday with disorderly conduct after taping a Green Bay Packers jersey to his seven-year-old son. Apparently, the little bastard refused to wear the jersey during the Packers' playoff win over the Seahawks this past Saturday.  So, doing what any responsible parent and hardcore fan would do, the "FOTY" candidate grabbed a role of tape and affixed the clothing to the snot-nosed, disrespectful brat. Like my father always told me, there are three essentials to good parenting.  Love.  Patience.  And a shelf full of duct tape. --------------------- Public service announcement: 30 days and counting until Dale Jr. wins the 50th running of The Great American Race. Posted Jan 17 2008, 01:56 PM by johntaylor with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Packers, Ratbirds

• Just Precious, That Print Publication Is

  What a coup Cleveland's only Print Publication executed. (Writer's note: I capitalized both "print" and "publication", which should keep some members of Cleveland's only Print Publication from getting catty.  Or another c-word that I can't type in proper company.) Reached right out there and stole the sports journalism bullion from their "competitors" down south and a tweak east. If not for that, us poor folk up here in the holler outside the Ring of Cleveland would not get insights like... "It makes little sense to debate the politics behind the firing of Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham." Now, for those poor folk that ain't as learned as me am, lemme give you a translation: "I didn't report it first, the first reports were correct; therefore, it doesn't matter what happened and let's move on without any type of discussion or discourse." June 17, 1982. The day Cleveland sports journalism began it's slow and agonizing death. R.I.P. Posted Jan 17 2008, 01:55 AM by johntaylor with 2 comment(s) Filed under: PlainDealer

• Rip To Stay Put: Blog Edition

  Yet again, here's a story you'll find only and exclusively on The Orange & Brown Report.  "Only and exclusively", that is, until the "MM" gets the whiff of day-old road kill laying off to the side of I-480.  At that point, they'll circle the remaining carcass in a frenzy, pick it over with their talon-like digits, and claim the remaining flesh as their own. Such is the mainstream buzzard anymore. Anyway... Over the last 3-5 days, the Los Angeles Times has been reporting that Rip Scherer is one of three finalists for the offensive coordinator position at UCLA. That is no longer the case, The OBR has learned, as sources from both the university and the Cleveland Browns have confirmed that the quarterback coach has removed himself from consideration for the position and will remain in Cleveland. For the complete story, click HERE. Posted Jan 16 2008, 06:00 PM by johntaylor with no comments Filed under: Browns, RipScherer

• Another Coaching Change On The Horizon?

  While the contract extension given to Rob Chudzinski assures some much needed--and deserved--continuity on the offensive side of the ball, the Browns could be searching for a replacement for a key member of the offensive staff in the coming days. According to the Los Angeles Times, quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer is one of three finalists for the offensive coordinator position at UCLA. New Bruins' head coach Rick "You Wanna Bet?" Neuheisel is also said to be considering former Ravens assistant Jedd Fisch and Titans' offensive coordinator Norm Chow for the position, although The Times refers to the latter as a "longshot". Losing Scherer to the Bruins would be more than a glancing blow to the offensive staff as the long-time assistant has built a solid relationship with all three QBs and the roster, and is privately credited for the strides made by Derek Anderson this season. And before you start with the "just make Ken Dorsey the QB coach if Rip leaves" line of thinking, Dorsey is not 100% certain he wants to be a coach when he's finished playing, and, well, he's not finished playing yet.  At least as of a couple of weeks ago. Posted Jan 15 2008, 08:03 AM by johntaylor with 2 comment(s) Filed under: RobChudzinski, Browns, KenDorsey

• Phil Gets Sirius

  Shortly after the Browns officially announced that defensive coordinator Todd Grantham had been "not retained", general manager Phil Savage made a scheduled appearance on Sirius Satellite's NFL channel. During his brief stint with hosts Adam Schein and Tim Ryan, Savage touched on a number of subjects, including the departure of Grantham and the reason(s) behind it. While it wasn't "the heavens opened up, and there were angels and bugles" illuminating, it did shed a little light on the Grantham situation. When asked about Grantham's dismissal, Savage stated that head coach Romeo Crennel felt a change was needed at the coordinator position, a stance that was stated both during and after their yearly "season-in-review" meetings.  Savage felt his HC's "arguments and reasons were compelling enough" that he needed to heed RAC's input and expunge Grantham from the staff. Perhaps most interesting, though, was Savage's explanation of the "possible" reasons behind RAC's falling out with Grantham. In describing the struggles of the defense for most of the year, Savage stated that he felt like the defensive side of the ball was not devoid of talent, but it also wasn't a coaching issue either. Then, the GM hit on the crux of the issue. Stating that sometimes these things go "beyond stats and numbers", Savage spoke of the coaching staff and players being together a lot, and that sometimes the relationships aren't as smooth as they need to be.  In this case, Savage thought that probably factored in to some degree. Without stating in so many words, Savage seemingly confirmed that there were issues between both RAC and Grantham, and Grantham and certain players on the defensive side of the ball. In other issues Savage hit on during his roughly 10-minute interview: *SUCCESS OF THE 2007 SEASON: Credited the coaching staff and the players for bouncing back from the season-opening debacle against the Steelers. *OFFENSIVE LINE: The lynchpin of the line's success was drafting Joe Thomas.  Adding Thomas and Eric Steinbach really solidified the entire offensive line.  Thought that Kevin Shaffer and Ryan Tucker were solid, and referred to Hank Fraley as a "lynchpin". *JOE THOMAS: The rookie is already a pro at a very young age.  A very consistent OL who, when he does make a mistake, doesn't let it bother him. *DEREK ANDERSON: The club's first objective is to keep him off the open market, and show that they are committed to him being the starter "going into next year".  Feels that DA has a big upside and will only get better.  Savage also made sure people understood that a long-term deal to keep DA off the market doesn't necessarily mean a six- or seven-year deal, that it could be two or three years. *2007 OFFENSE: When Rob Chudzinski was interviewed for the offensive coordinator position, he said he would bring an offense that would get the ball into the hands of the playmakers.  DA was the reason that Chud accomplished just that.  Feels that if the OL can keep the protection up, and DA and Jamal Lewis return, the offense should continue to roll. *2008 OFF-SEASON: They've whittled away at the team's needs over the last two years, so now their focus has become narrowed in player acquisition.  They plan to zero in on the front seven in both free agency and the draft. Posted Jan 11 2008, 03:49 PM by johntaylor with no comments Filed under: RobChudzinski, PhilSavage, ToddGrantham, JoeThomas

• Why The Rush, Phil?

  Perhaps the biggest news coming out of Phil Savage's otherwise ho-hum press conference was the general manager confirming a new deal is in the works for Romeo Crennel. Or they're gonna do "right" by the head coach.  Or however Savage couched talk of an extension/raise/new contract. I've thought about this and thought about this and thought about this, and kept coming back to the same word. Why? What's the rush in re-upping a 20-28 head coach with two years remaining on his original five-year deal? Wouldn't that be akin to giving a teenager the keys to a new ride--as a reward for being sober one weekend--after he had drunkenly totaled the family Volvo twice the past two weekends? Then it hit me.  Savage, and by extension owner Randy Lerner, have no choice.  AFC North rival Baltimore's interest in offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, and his subsequent contract extension, is forcing the organization's hand. Simply put, the club could not afford to have a head coach, one who was on a very hot seat a mere four months ago, working on a contract that expires a full two years before a coordinator who's become the toast of Browns Town and is widely viewed as a head coach-in-training. You cannot have a hot coordinator--one who grew up loving the Cleveland Browns no less--signed beyond a head coach who, despite his team's 2007 success, is still looked at with a very wary eye by the fans and some media alike. And, yes, by some in the very organization that is about to reward him. I have heard from numerous people that Crennel's agent and his working the press last week in regards to a new contract did not sit well with both Savage and Lerner.  In not so many words, it pissed them off. Now, a few days later, it's off to the negotiating table for the re-work of a current deal that wouldn't put the coach in lame-duck status until September of 2009?  The very same head coach who, in January of this past year, was the beneficiary of the sell-job of Savage's life in order to keep "continuity", and RAC's head, from being guillotined? In the end, I guess it doesn't matter fiscally whether or not Crennel gets an extension.  It doesn't count against the salary cap, and, as Lerner showed with E Pluribus Butchum, he's not afraid to throw money at Dead Coaches Walking out the front doors of Berea. The perception will be that continuity remains; the contract extension--if worked out--will show the full faith and backing of the Browns' organization. The reality, though, is that Crennel is one sub-par year away from being right back where he was before the start of the season. Extension or no extension. And especially if the coaching staff's new Golden Boy keeps the offense humming. Posted Jan 09 2008, 10:37 PM by johntaylor with 5 comment(s) Filed under: PhilSavage, RomeoCrennel

• All-Pros Announced: Browns Represent, Steinbach & Thomas Screwed

  While they were shut out on the first team, three Browns were deemed worthy of second-team recognition for the NFL's All-Pro squad, the Associated Press announced today. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards, kick returner Josh Cribbs--both recently named to their first Pro Bowl--and kicker Phil Dawson were awarded second-team spots on the AP's 2007 All-Pro Team. Edwards and New England's Wes Welker each received three of a possible 50 votes in joining Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne on the second team.  New England's Randy Moss was a unanimous selection for the first team, while Dallas' Terrel Owens received 32 votes. Cribbs received 8 1/2 votes, placing well behind Chicago's Devin Hester's 40 1/2 as the first-team kick returner. Dawson received 5 votes, again well behind Tennessee's Rob Bironas and his 41 votes. The one glaring absence on the first and second teams?  Not a single offensive lineman on one of the best units in the league was deemed worthy enough for recognition. The closest, and perhaps most deserving, was Joe Thomas.  The rookie offensive tackle received 9 votes, which was fifth-most behind New England's Matt Light (26), Walter Jones (18), Flozell Adams (14) and Jason Peters (12). In perhaps the most stunning and downright asinine result, Browns' guard Eric Steinbach, arguably one of the top three interior linemen in all of football, received one single, solitary, lone vote. One.  Vote. Seven other guards from both the AFC and NFC were named ahead of Steinbach: Minnesota's Steve Hutchinson (36), Pittsburgh's Alan Faneca (21), New England's Logan Mankins (18), Dallas' Leonard Davis (13), San Diego's Kris Dielman (4),  Philadelphia's Shawn Andrews (3) and the New York Giants' Chris Snee (3).  New Orleans' Jahri Evans also received one vote. The only other Brown to receive consideration was Lawrence Vickers, who received one vote at the fullback position. The threesome of Edwards, Cribbs and Dawson are the first AP All-Pros since Jamir Miller in 2001, and the first time the club had more than one named since 1994: Tony Jones, Michael Dean Perry and Eric Turner. Posted Jan 09 2008, 03:42 PM by johntaylor with 2 comment(s) Filed under: JoeThomas, JoshCribbs, EricSteinbach, PhilDawson, BraylonEdwards

• This N' That - 1/8/08

  One of the more interesting aspects of the Rob Chudzinski contract extension--especially if head coach Romeo Crennel does not receive one before the start of the season--is the fact that the offensive coordinator is now signed for two years longer than his "boss", the head coach. Based on an initial Googling, the Browns are the only team in the league with a coordinator whose contract runs further than the head coach.  It should be noted that this endeavor was a very preliminary and limited search, but it is worth noting. It should be also be noted that, before Joe Gibbs' resignation earlier this morning, Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was signed through 2009, while Gibbs' deal ran through the 2008 season. ---------------------------------------- The deluge of running backs entering the draft early continued today as Rutgers' Ray Rice officially announced that he was foregoing his senior season. Rice released a statement which read, in part: "I have always dreamed of playing in the NFL, and I felt the time is right to pursue the opportunity to play at the next level." The 5-9, 205-pound back was widely touted as a potential first-round draft pick before his decision to leave Rutgers early was announced. ---------------------------------------- Wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who could be an off-season target of the Browns, could draw interest from the Broncos as well, the Colorado Post-Gazette is reporting. Berrian turned down a contract offer from the Bears this past summer that included $7.5 million in guaranteed money. There have been rumors coming out of Chicago in the past two weeks that the Bears will slap the franchise tag on the 27-year-old receiver, although most around the league feel that is highly unlikely. ---------------------------------------- I'd comment on the Buckeyes' second consecutive national championship game loss last night, but, seeing as how I hail from Big Ten country, I'm not nearly fast enough to think of anything clever or insightful to say regarding the SEC. ---------------------------------------- If I don't get a healthy dose of new episodes of "House" in short order, somebody's gonna pay hell.  A man can only download so much free porn before needing some original programming. ---------------------------------------- An article on the Pro Football Weekly website--hands-down the best NFL site on the 'Net, IMHO--hands out grades to all 32 NFL head coaches, and Romeo Crennel comes away from the 2007 season with a B-plus. PFW praised Crennel for his "even-keeled demeanor" and not wavering in his approach, despite the fact that he was on the hottest of hot coaching seats entering the season. Pittsburgh's rookie HC Mike Tomlin also received a B-plus, while fellow AFC North coaches Marvin Lewis of the Bengals and recently-canned Ravens head man Brian Billick received a D and a D-plus, respectively. ---------------------------------------- From the "Did You Know..." file: Tony Sparano, who is widely regarded as the frontrunner to land the Miami Dolphins head-coaching job, was an offensive assistant (1999) and offensive line coach (2000) on Chris Palmer's coaching staff when the Browns returned to the league. Yes, Sparano was the man who failed to turn "quality" "offensive linemen" Steve Zahursky, Brad Bedell, Roger Chanoine, Noel LaMontagne (yeah, I had to look that one up) and Jim Bundren into Pro Bowlers. (insert eye roll here) And, speaking of Palmer, the talk around the league is that, if Sparano lands the Dolphins' gig, Palmer will rejoin him in Miami as the club's offensive coordinator.  Currently, Palmer is the Giants' quarterback coach. Posted Jan 08 2008, 09:16 PM by johntaylor with no comments Filed under: RobChudzinski, ChrisPalmer, BernardBerrian

• Rookie Thomas Gets Lei'd

  Congratulations to Browns rookie offensive tackle Joe Thomas, who today became the third member of the Browns named to play in the NFL's annual postseason all-star game that sucks. Thomas, who will join teammates Braylon Edwards and Josh Cribbs in Honolulu, will replace Buffalo's Jason Peters.  Peters injured his groin in the Bills' next-to-last game of the season and was rumored to be highly doubtful for the Pro Bowl. Here's the official press release from the Browns announcing Thomas' honor: Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas has been named to the 2008 AFC Pro Bowl roster, the league announced today, replacing Jason Peters of the Buffalo Bills.  Thomas, the third overall selection in last year’s 2007 NFL Draft, played in every snap this season and started all 16 games at left tackle.  Thomas was part of an offensive line that allowed only 19 sacks all season, which ranks tied for third fewest in franchise history.  “Going to the Pro Bowl is a well-deserved honor for Joe (Thomas),” said Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager, Phil Savage. “He had an impressive rookie season and we only expect him to get better in the future.” Thomas joins Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards and kick returner Joshua Cribbs as the first Browns players selected to the Pro Bowl since LB Jamir Miller was named during the 2001 season (2002 Pro Bowl). The last time the Browns had three (or more) players named to the Pro Bowl was following the 1994 season when six Browns players went to Hawaii. “I am thrilled to be selected for the Pro Bowl and for the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the NFL,” said Thomas.  “I understand that being selected as an alternate means that someone else could not attend, so I wish the best for Jason Peters. But this is truly an honor and I will do my best to represent the Browns and the AFC in Hawaii.” The last Browns offensive lineman to be named to the Pro Bowl was right tackle Cody Risien following the 1987 season (1988 Pro Bowl) and the last Browns rookie to join the Pro Bowl was linebacker Chip Banks following the 1982 season (1983 Pro Bowl). In addition, three other Browns players remain as first alternates for the Pro Bowl:  QB Derek Anderson, LG Eric Steinbach, and TE Kellen Winslow. Posted Jan 08 2008, 07:23 PM by johntaylor with 2 comment(s)

• Cleveland's Own Free Agent?

  When the list of NFL transactions came through our e-mail on Tuesday, there was one fact that intrigued The OBR crew (translation: McBride): every member of the Browns season-ending practice squad had been re-signed, except one. Cleveland’s own Steve Sanders. Per league rules, NFL clubs have one week following the end of their season to offer contracts to their practice-squad players. Should the two sides not reach agreement on a contract, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent. Sanders’ agent, Brian Redden, tells The OBR that he has spoken with the Browns, and both sides would like to get a deal consummated, but it’s likely his client will check out the open market to see what his value is around the league. “Obviously, Steve would like to be in Cleveland since that’s where he’s from, but I think we’re going to check out what's out there and see where his value’s at,” said. “I think he’ll be back (with the Browns), but we’ll see.” Redden can commence talks with the other 31 clubs around the league starting today. Posted Jan 07 2008, 05:50 PM by johntaylor with no comments