CTown Sports Fan

The following are my thoughts on today's win over the Texans:

1. Derek Anderson had another outstanding start today. He did throw the one pick which we have come to expect. But the fact is he is winning and gives us the big play capability we have been looking for. I do love the fact that he isn't afraid to make a tough throw and he seems to relish the opportunity to do so.



2. Jamal Lewis had a great day and he really punished the Texans defenders with his aggressive, downhill running style. It was nice to finally be able to run the ball at the end of the game to milk the clock and not have to rely as much on the passing game.



3. Braylon and especially K2 had great games today. Winslow made a lot of great catches in traffic. We as fans have really come to expect Winslow and Edwards get a 100 yards in receiving every game.



4. The defense as a whole had its best game of the year today. We finally saw corners with excellent coverage as well as constant pressure on the quarterback. Its amazing how much better the defense and the defensive backfield look when we get constant pressure on the quarterback.



5. I know their were times that we didn't get to Schaub but at least for the most part we made him at least move his feet in the pocket.



6. Brandon McDonald had a breakthrough game tonight and if he continues his solid play you could see him making Leigh Bodden a permanent nickel back in the future. It also lets Eric Wright recover from his knee injury and not force the Browns to rush him back into the lineup before he is fully recovered.



7. Can CBS please tune down the volume on Gus Johnson's microphone about 10 notches please.



8. I must give props to Nick Sorenson for a great game on special teams, he made two great tackles and nicely grabbed the onside kick to salt away the victory. The guy looks like someone from the munilot we found tossing around the football in the parking lot and gave him a uniform. Honestly, though if we see too many drops out of Tim Carter, why not make Sorenson a wide out.



9. I thought the most important play in the game was the D'Qwell Jackson interception because at that time the Browns were down 7 and the Texans were driving for another score. It was great to see D'Qwell back on the field again.



10. Looking ahead to next week's game against the Cardinals is a game that really scares me. Its not that the Cardinals are a juggernaut or anything but I have seen a lot of teams (i.e Philadelphia Eagles) riding a wave of momentum go out to Arizona and lay an egg. This game will tell a lot about the makeup of the team, cause this game does have trap written all over it.



11. The one good thing about playing the Cardinals is that they are fresh off a demoralizing loss and someone you want to get on early.

My 4 game balls go to

1. Kellen Winslow



2. Brandon McDonald



3. Brodney Pool



4. Nick Sorenson

1. Derek Anderson bounced back from the Pittsburgh game with a solid effort. He did throw a pick that was returned for a touchdown, but ran the offense very effectively. Like I have mentioned in previous weeks the big thing with DA is that at the end of the game he always gets his team down the field and gives them a chance to win the game. His best play was in the fourth quarter shrugging off a defensive lineman and throwing a 15 yard completion to Braylon Edwards that set up the tying field goal.


2. Jamal Lewis responded and had a solid effort against his former team. I do like the intensity he brings and even though he did get a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for spiking the ball on the Ravens sideline, I think this is something that will endure him to the fans who all would love to do that to the Ratbird sideline.


3. The defense seems to have found the fountain of youth with a day of six sacks against Baltimore.


4. If you asked me to name a defensive MVP for the team this year I would have to go with Robaire Smith. He has been excellent in run defense and leads the team with four sacks. Phil Savage should be lauded for an excellent signing. The thing I like about Robaire is that he goes out and does his job and you don't have to worry about him doing something stupid or undisciplined.


5. The Eric Wright loss will hurt the defense. He was really coming into his own and was excellent in run support. Preliminary indications say he will be out 2-3 weeks. While he has improved every week it seems that Leigh Bodden has gotten worse week by week.


6. Brandon McDonald has played well in his limited reps. I would like to see him come in as the nickel corner which I think he would do the job at.


7. The following is the biggest understatement of the year. Josh Cribbs is a beast. He is the best special teams player in the NFL. As a returner the thing that he does the best is always goes north and south and you rarely see him put the team in a bad situation. He also caused a fumble in coverage. The rest of the mainstream media is finally taking notice to the type of player he is.


8. The best thing about the win was seeing pompous Brian Billick out coached and then seeing him cry in a press conference and on the field after the officials got the call right.


9. I think if the Browns make the playoffs this year we all owe a beer to Pete Morelli and his crew.


10. With the win and the Steelers loss the division title is still attainable but were going to have to run the table and hope that Pittsburgh loses to Jacksonville and New England.

My game balls go to:

1. Pete Morelli and his crew.

2. Josh Cribbs

3. Kellen Winslow

1. Derek Anderson had another solid game. I think this was his best game so far since he put 33 points up against a very good defense and he picked apart that defense when they were expecting passes to be coming. There were some runs mixed in but the Seahawk defense was playing pass coverage much of the second half. He did throw a pick but it really wasn't his fault the defensive lineman just mad a great play. He did a great job of taking what the defense gave him and checked down numerous times.


2. Jamal Lewis had a big day with his 4 touchdowns, but the even bigger play was his reception on a screen pass in overtime that but the Browns in position to win the game. As this team evolves in the coming years I think you could groom Jamal Lewis into a Bettis type role. I think his contributions behind closed doors have also helped this team immeasurably.


3. Kellen Winslow had probably the best game of his young career. He played eerily similar to the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State in that the opposition knew he was going to get the ball, but had no way to stop him.


4. The defense gave up plenty of yardage but didn't let the Seahawks in the end zone in the second half. They aren't playing great but they are playing well enough to keep the team in the game until the offense catches fire. But like Tony Grossi said in years past the defense would play great for 58 minutes and lose it in the last 2 minutes, but now they are playing below average for 58 minutes and winning the game in the last 2 minutes.


5. Seeing that we cant get any pressure, I really think our game plan against Pittsburgh should be to keep the quarterback in the pocket and make him beat us from their.


6. The defense really didn't give up the big play so that is progress in that regard as well.


7. I really think it is about time to extend the contract of Romeo and give him that security that he deserves.

1. Derek Anderson had another solid day throwing 3 td's and not turning the ball over he is showing that he is growing in leaps and bounds as a player. You can tell in some of his throws how his confidence is growing in leaps and bounds. It is scary to think how close he was to getting waived in training camp.


2. The big negative for me in today's game was the way we started. If we want to be a playoff team we have to come out strong. Because when we score early it takes the opponents running game out of the equation.


3. I love how we used all three running backs today. They all our different kinds of backs and really give a defensive coordinator fits.


4. You could really see today after we got the passing game how the running game really got going and the holes started to open up.


5. Give the offensive line credit again though on opening up the holes and keeping Derek Anderson clean in the pocket.


6. Braylon Edwards had an excellent day today. It really seemed like he could of caught the ball at will anytime he wanted today. The only negative was his drop that could have salted the game away today. But with that being said, Braylon is well on his way to being in Honolulu for the pro bowl. Also, Derek Anderson deserves consideration for the pro bowl.


7. I know the defense game up lots of yardage today, but when they needed a play to win the game they got it. Also, they only gave up 2 field goals after the first quarter. But we are going to need a bigger performance out of them next week against Seattle.

1. Paul Byrd came through win a solid start tonight. He was a big key in that he matched 0's with Wakefield and wouldn't let the Tribe fall behind. He really only had one inning in the first five where he fell into trouble. I thought he did get tired in the 6th inning but I think the 30 minutes sitting in the dugout had something to do with it. But give Byrd credit he has given his team a big lift in his last two starts.


2. Nice job by Jensen Lewis and Betancourt of pitching 4 innings of quality relief. I would have liked to see Rafael Perez get some work tonight, but you cant fault Eric Wedge for going with the hot hand tonight.


3. I love the quiet confidence this team plays with. You could tell just by the look in the player's eyes in the dugout and in the field that they fully expected to win tonight.


4. I think the off day will be a good thing for the Indians with giving the bullpen a day of rest and there will be no hangover from tonight's game.


5. The fans tonight were tremendous and have had a huge impact on the game the last two nights and have been much louder and more intimidating than those idiot Red Sox and Rockies fans.


6. Big props go to the Tribe hitters because they kept a solid approach against Tim Wakefield and didn't let the knuckleball get to them. Hitting coach Derek Shelton deserves a lot of credit for this as well.


7. I really believe that if we can get a lead early against Beckett on Thursday night we will be in really good shape. Because you don't want to give the Red Sox any hope because they can turn things around in a big way.

1. Jake Westbrook was great tonight. He was locked in with getting numerous ground ball outs and worked out of a key jam in the second inning that was the turning point in the game. The key thing with this rotation is that your going to get professional outings out of all four starters.
2. Another key in tonight's game was Jensen Lewis getting a big strikeout over Pedroia in the 7th inning. This really stopped the momentum the Red Sox had with the Varitek homer to cut the lead to two.
3. Rafael Betancourt was locked in and worked a 1-2-3 inning in the 8th and this was really where the save was had.
4. I have said before but tonight pointed out that if you can keep the Boston 3, 4, 5 hitters off the bases you will beat the Red Sox.
5. You have to love the Indians chances tomorrow night against a guy who hasn't faced live action in 22 days. I fully expect Paul Byrd to give a good outing. I'm not a big believer in momentum but has been clear the last two nights the Tribe is the better team.

1. Fausto Carmona was not sharp tonight and only lasted 4 innings. I thought he had good stuff tonight but his command was lacking. He along with Rafael Perez but the bullpen in a bad spot but the club rose above it.


2. After Perez came out of the game the bullpen was awesome tonight and was a huge difference in the game. Jensen Lewis, Betancourt,Mastny, and Borwoski were outstanding.


3. I along with a lot of people were clamoring for another bullpen arm at the trading deadline and when you watch Tom Mastny go 1,2,3 in the 10th and then you see Eric Gagne throw up all over himself you have to wonder what do us fans really know. I guess we can cue up the Brian Billick quote "This is why players play, coaches coach, and managers manage".


4. How satisfying was it tonight to see the bean people leaving Fenway while the game was still going on. I thought these were the greatest fans in baseball.


5. Another big key in tonight's game was Grady Sizemore's play. He really led the club from an offensive standpoint and the rest of the team seemed to follow.


6. Can the Trot Nixon bashers please go away now. I think this will finally put him into the good graces of all Tribe fans.


7. To show the kind of team this two of the biggest contributions tonight were by Trot Nixon and Tom Mastny.


8. Another key tonight was that Eric Wedge out managed Terry Francona. He did well to manage to get 7 innings of relief out of the bullpen.

1. Jake Westbrook started and was effective for 4 innings before the Yankees caught up to him in the 5th inning. I know Jake was effective early but he still didn't throw enough of strikes.
2. Trot Nixon got the surprise start tonight which I was OK with since he had great success against Clemens and game through with 2 hits and 2 RBI's but gave those runs back with his error. I know other people who hate the guy wont like the move but I wont go crazy either way.
3. The bullpen was effective again. I really think all we will need is 5 quality innings out of Paul Byrd tonight and then go to the quartet of Lewis, Perez, Betancourt, and Borowski.
4. I know the national media will say the Yankees got their offense back on track but to me I wouldn't be so sure. Also, I like the way we did battle when we were down five runs.
5. In this series I have always felt the magic number of runs for a win would be 5 and I still feel that way going to tomorrow night. I seriously hope Wedge takes the initiative and treats it as a must win game.

1. What a performance by Fausto Carmona tonight. You run out of adjectives when describing his performance. It is among the greatest pitching performances in a postseason game for a Cleveland Indians pitcher. It seemed he got stronger as the game went on and was determined not to let us lose tonight.


2. I know we were feeble in our attempts to get a run in tonight, but you have to like how every inning we were relentless and kept pushing the envelope.


3. The national media and the Yankee fans will claim that we won because of the bugs in the 8th inning. But i simply say we didn't let the critters get us out of our game. Then you hear Yankee players still moaning about it. Its part of the conditions deal with it.


4. The crowd was excellent the first two games of this series and had a huge impact on getting the victories. Ive heard other raucous ballparks this postseason but none as loud as the Jake.


5. If you were going to give a MVP for the first two games of the series, I think you would have to give serious consideration to Rafael Perez. He has pitched four perfect innings of relief against the supposed best lineup in baseball.


6. I also think its time the fans and the national media give Eric Wedge a boatload of credit. He has clearly out managed Joe Torre in this series.

The Indians will now head to the Bronx to try and finish off the sweep as Jake Westbrook faces Fat Boy Roger Clemens at 6:30 pm on Sunday night.

1. CC wasn't great but was good enough tonight. He made enough pitches to keep the ball club in the game. I loved the way he kept his composure on a night when Bruce Froemming had a microscopic strike zone.



2. By the way, Froemming it is about time you retire. It was absurd that this guy is a home plate umpire in the opening game of a playoff series.



3. The Indians showed growth tonight in that they came right back at the Yankees every time the Yankees put runs on the board. The big thing is that how does this club play after a big win. You have to feel good with Carmona on the mound.



4. A big key tonight was that the marquee players for the Tribe stept up and had big nights and the marquee players for the Yankees had disappointing nights.

The Tribe gets back at it tomorrow with Game 2 as the Fausto Carmona faces Andy Pettitte.

1. The Browns were prepared right from the start of the game and Romeo and his whole coaching staff deserve all the accolades for this win. He should be lauded for winning two division games which is something he was criticized for in the past. I believe if he guides this team to a 7 or 8 win season and keeps his job he will look back at this win as a job saving win.


2. Also, accolades should go to both coordinators. I called out Todd Grantham last week and he came with a good game plan and made the Ravens work for what they got. He was astute in knowing that the Ravens aren't going to beat you going up the field 5 yards at a time without giving up the big play. I still would like to see us get more pressure on the quarterback.


3. Great game plan by Chud in that he attacked early which did open up the running game. I think he has shown the ability to be the best offensive play caller since Lindy Infante. I love how he went for the jugular after going up 7-0, he went up top for the big touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards. Baltimore was never the same after this.


4. Great job by the fans in making their voices heard. This was one of the more satisfying wins in that in the third quarter you could sit and relax and know we were going to get the victory.


5. Derek Anderson wasn't great but he was solid and besides the one pick he really made some good decisions and had some nice throws to K2.


6. Speaking of Winslow, he had a great game playing with a bum shoulder. I really feel like he is becoming the vocal leader on offense along with Jamal Lewis.


7. Yardage wise Jamal Lewis didn't have a great game but he did run hard and made the Ravens honor the run and not play pass coverage all day. I really felt like the Ravens were hell bent on not letting Jamal beat them and it allowed Braylon and K2 to have great days.


8. I also wanted to spotlight that on offense Josh Cribbs had a nice day with a return to the 40 yard line that set up the ball club in great field position to start the day. Also, Jason Wright had some nice runs on a couple of draws which helped the offense put points on the board.


9. Willie McGinest had a nice day in his return to the field and really made his presence felt in being a stabilizing force to the other players on defense. Also, Eric Wright had a much better day and hopefully this will help his play improve.


10. With the Patriots next on our schedule, I don't expect us to go into Foxboro and win. But I just want to see a good effort and let it all out their on the field. It will be a great measuring stick to see how much better we have gotten since week 1.

My game balls go to:

1. Whole Coaching staff


2. Kellen Winslow


3. Offensive Line

1. Derek Anderson didn't have a great game but after a shaky start did some very good things in the second half. He should be lauded for giving his team a chance to win. Especially impressive was how he led the team down the field with less than 2 minutes and no timeouts.
2. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow had great efforts in this game. Was really good to see Braylon put two solid efforts in a row. This is a sign of maturity in his game. It has come out later in the week that he played with a separated shoulder. Which is more impressive that he had such a good game with a bum shoulder.
3. Once again the defense was bad. When is Todd Grantham going to get criticism from the media. This guy is Teflon in the local media. I'm not saying it is all his fault but he is in charge of the unit.
4. Ive heard numerous people blame the defensive line. While breaking down the tape they aren't getting pushed around, their just not athletic. With this being said it is up to the linebackers to fill the gaps and make some plays.
5. Scott Player punted well in subbing for an injured Dave Zastudil. I like that he punts to the sideline and does a good job of allowing his coverage team to make a play. I love the guy's look, finally a punter who looks like a hard ass.
6. Josh Cribbs had another stellar game and really gave the team a lift and changed the momentum in the game. When will the national media start talking about him in the same company as a Devin Hester.

1. Derek Anderson had a phenomenal game in his first start of the year. I thought it was the best single game performance by a Browns quarterback since Kelly Holcomb in the playoff game with Pittsburgh. The only difference he found a way to win the game. I don't mind that he takes chances when throwing the ball since he always seems to give his receiver a chance to make a play.


2. Outstanding game plan and play calling my Coach Chud. I criticized him last week for going away from the run, but today he managed to be very aggressive while never going away from the run. Finally it was nice to see an offensive coordinator not be predictable. The most predictable call he made was Vickers on the dive on 4th and 1. Romeo also deserves a lot of credit for keeping the team focus on the Bengals and not let the national media's opinion of this team be a distraction.


3. Kellen Winslow had a great game and I really feel like he is becoming a leader on offense. Braylon Edwards probably had the best game of his career on Sunday as well, but the big challenge for him will be stringing good performances on a week to week basis and becoming the complete #1 receiver everyone expected him to be when we picked him as the #2 pick.


4. Jamal Lewis had a vintage day and it was good to see him look like the Jamal Lewis of old. I think the game will do wonders for his confidence. Also, it should definitely be noted how well the offensive line played. I might be going out on a limb here but I think it is the best performance by a Cleveland Browns offensive line since the rebirth in 1999.


5. The defense did give up 45 points, but when we needed stops we did get them. The most disappointing part of the defense's performance was their poor tackling. Numerous times we had Rudy Johnson stopped behind the line and we missed tackles. Also distressing was the lack of pass rush again against Cincinnati.


6. The crowd was phenomenal and did us proud in pouring beer on Chad Johnson.

My game balls go to:

1. Derek Anderson


2. Offensive Line


3. Edwards, Jurevicius, Winslow


4. Jamal Lewis


5. Coach Chud

My goat horns go to:

1. Todd Grantham


2. Fans in the Dawg Pound hugging Chad Johnson


3. National Media Pundits who still refuse to give Browns any credit on win.