Phil Savage compared the Browns signing of McGinenst to the Packers signing Reggie White in 1993. It does beg the question -- what does signing McGinest mean to the Browns? After White signed, the entire Packers organization was transformed from a nearly forgotten NFL backwater into a city so full of football adoration it was the center of the NFL universe for a solid five years. And most importantly, players actually wanted to join that team. Is the McGinest deal a sign that the same thing, albeit on a more modest scale, is happening in Cleveland?
Well, McGinest is not Reggie White. He's not as dominating at his position, he's a few years older than White in '93, and the Browns did not committ to him the way the Packers committed to White. So we can stop dreaming right now. But McGinest did make a White-like decision in that he's a very successful veteran who has freely chosen to join what hasn't been considered a Super Bowl contending team; this isn't a case of a guy hopping to a new team for one last chance to get back to the Show. Instead, McGinest appears to be looking for the more satisfying challenge of helping push an organization into ranks of NFL contenders. This is admirable, at least.
While Phil Savage is overstating it by recalling White-to-the-Packers, it's true that Willie McGinest carries a certain reputation among football fans -- a winner, a comepetitor, a true football player. Certainly very few Browns free agent singings have been subjects of falttering articles like this one. And if McGinest is as well respected among fellow players (as is reported) then his signing with the Browns (for modest money, no less) is indeed a sign that the franchise is back on the map. No, we aren't a marquee free agent destination. But we aren't Detroit either. And if all the Browns do is attract the non-flashy, hard-nosed types like McGinest then good days are coming.
And while reading quotes from prepss confrerences with Bentley, Jurevicius, and Zastudil has been a collective wet dream for Browns fans, I'd rank McGinest's comments right up there:
"A big part of my decision was the building process and [joining] young, hungry guys wanting to win. They're not spoiled. They haven't won a lot of championships. But this is a football town and I think they're hungry for it. I can make an impact.
"We're not going to sit here and predict Super Bowls, but we are going to make a run at being a very good team. We're going to be tough, physical, and we're not taking a backseat to anybody."
It's almost hard to believe the Browns preferred Kalimba Edwards to McGinest as recently as 48 hours ago. They must expect Edwards to grow into quite a player. That ought to be interesting to see over the next few years.
The Browns immediately gave McGinest Matt Stewart's number 55.
Also, in honor of St. Patrick's Day I believe McGinest's name should be spelled and promounced "McGuinness" on Friday, March 17th. Of course, with any luck I won't personally be posting anything as I will be too busy drinking Guinness and talking about the Browns to relatives who could care less. That's what happens when you are an Irish kid who marries into a big Lebanese family...
Anyone have the text to this article as it concnerns the Browns? Since I got married I have forgone the expense of being an ESPN Insider and don't miss it until I see an headline like, "The Browns, Vikings and Redskins hit the ground running when free agency finally opened, and they have a lot to show for it." It's rare that the Browns gets such love.
What do the Browns see in potential free agent signings WR Tim Carter and TE Darnell Dinkins? They obviously would be brought in for backup roles and probably some special teams play. You have to assume that the FO is looking for a backup TE who is a good blocker, considering Winslow should be available and Shea is a free man. Carter, I know very little about. But we do need a receiver, and we'll probably get another in the draft unless the staff is very high on Frisman and Cribbs.
Here's the first article I've seen grumbling about the most obvious effect of the new CBA -- making it a certainty ticket prices will shoot upward. Also, in the glee of the past 5-6 days, I did hear that Randy Lerner had been "putting off" raising ticket prices until the team was more competitive.
I'm still stewing about a long Indians post. But damn, it's nice to see Boone and Marte both tearing it up in FLA. You could see this coming and it's a great problem to have. It's only SPring Training and already it seems like the whining about losing Coco has been totally silenced. Which is the correct reaction. It's very early, but it already seems clear the Indians got a very good deal in that trade.
NCAA Bracket note: I'm all excited cause I picked Boston College in a point spread pool. They were favored by 8 points over Pacific. It didn't look good as they were in a close game. My only hope was overtime and hope BC ran away with it. Pacific held a lead throughout overtime and BC managed to force a second OT. Where they outscored Pacific 12-2 and covered. That's the beauty of March Madness -- the rest of my tournament picks could bomb out, but for the moment I feel destined to win it all... hehe.