I know in some corners it has been written that their is some kind of kinship between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns. That the cities are similar and the fan bases are very much alike. I won't dispute how people feel about Browns opponents, but I can tell you this--beating the Bills in such a meaningful game is just as sweet as whipping the Steelers for many Browns fans living in Rochester, NY.
The bottom line is Browns fans here in Rochester have taken a ton of crap over the years from probably the most arrogant NFL fan base I have ever been exposed to. And I lived near Pittsburgh in the 70s. Think about it--the Bills dominated the AFC in the 90s and the Steelers the entire NFL in the 70s--and I lived near both places. I must be doing something wrong.
At any rate, I heard alot of talk last week about how our defense was soft, we can't run the ball and they have a new all star quarterback. Well, we all saw how soft our defense was; how we couldn't run on the Bills and whose QB played better. Their two best players Donte Whitner, and Lee Evans, are from Cleveland and they want to play for the Browns someday. Need I say more...
As for other matters, my daughter attended the game against Buffalo, and her friend came home with a game ball. Yes, he caught the ball that was kicked in the stands by the Bills punter. Pretty cool huh...
Some quick personnel notes:
- Chaun Thompson continues to shine with his limited opportunities. I think he can bring more to the table. He made a great stop on fourth down at the end of the game.
- There is great chemistry with this team and in a physical game like football, that means a lot. Team unity can take a team to new heights. Kudos to Romeo for this fact.
- I am starting to love our D-line, especially Shaun and Robaire Smith and Ethan Kelly.
- Our secondary is suddenly one of the deepest in the NFL. Kudos to Mel Tucker--again.
- All apologies go out to Steve Marshall. Remember how we all ripped the Browns for tapping him as our line coach? Sorry Steve, count me among the guys who didn't want you here. I was soooo wrong!!!! You have put in a great blocking scheme that relies on athletic linemen instead of maulers. Just like the old days with Shaf, Hickerson, Morrow, Wooten and Clarke.
- I think what I would do with the Anderson,/Quinn situation is sign Derek (if he is open to it) to a two-year deal with all guaranteed money--say in the $7 million dollar a year range. This way we are guaranteed to have depth at the position for at least 2 more years, Quinn at some point will get an opportunity to play either through injury (gulp) or based on various game situations. I am thinking that Anderson would be happy with $14 million guaranteed while still being quite young when that deal is done. I don't want to let him go. I want to buy more time with him. What do you think???
- This game coming up with the Bengals reminds of the game when we went down to Cincy late in '86 and bombed them. Let's hope for the same result.
- You gotta love Jamal Lewis' attitude and running style. His professionalism is really rubbing off on the younger guys too.
- Phil has done an awesome job bringing in talent the past couple of years. As he says, we are primed for a big run of success based on the players age and contract status. A few more horses and we could be a contender for years to come.
- Here's a guy I like in next years draft--Trevor Laws of Notre Dame. A DE who can get up field and he plays in the 3-4. No one is talking about him. Maybe I should keep quiet.
Finally, SIT BACK AND ENJOY THIS RUN. THIS IS A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS TO CHEER FOR AND THEY ARE CLOSE TO BECOMING SOMETHING VERY VERY SPECIAL...
GO BROWNS!!!!