NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Brady Quinn will again finish the season on the Injured Reserve after sustaining a foot injury while running for a first down in Sunday's win over Kansas City.

Browns Win!

I knew it!

Go Browns!

Damn it, Keith!

Pitiful.

Go Browns!

Go Browns!

Just Win, Mangini

Dear Mr. Mangini,

I know I've been tough on you since Week 3. When you switched from Brady Quinn to Derek Anderson, you lost my respect.

I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt since you were hired — and defended every seemingly illogical move you made. But, that one single bone-headed decision was the last straw.

Bring on the Squealers

OK, I know the Browns are a dismal 1-11. They're riddled with injuries and loaded with sub-par talent on both sides of the ball. Regardless, yesterday's 30-23 loss to the Chargers has given me some hope for Thursday night's game against the Steelers.

Why, oh why have I suddenly returned to my preseason optimistic self? Well, there's many reasons why I think our Brownies have a good chance Thursday night.

Hire This Man

After watching last night's game between my beloved Cleveland Browns and the Ravens, I've come to this brilliant conclusion: This is what I'd like to see on the sidelines next year (or sooner).

Another Monday Night Miracle?

Monday Night Football returns to Cleveland tonight!

Yeah, Baby! Prime Time!

The Browns are in turmoil, make no mistake about it. But ... I have a good feeling about tonight's game against the Ravens.

After all, remember what happened last year when it seemed all hope was lost for our beloved Browns heading into a Monday night showdown with the heavily favored Giants?



Go Browns!

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Look at the Bright Side

The Browns lost ... again. To the Steelers ... again. Derek Anderson stunk ... again.

But, hey, let's look at the bright side.


I mean, we've got to find something positive on which to build, right? I know if we dig deep, we can find some good from yesterday's game.


Hmm ...

OK, I've got it. Fumbles are not included in the quarterback rating formula, therefore Derek Anderson's two fumbles do not factor in to his passer rating.

Therefore, Anderson finished with a still-miserable 51.0 rating (up considerably from last week's abysmal 15.1), but (and here's the positive) still high enough to raise his passer rating on the season to a whopping 41.7.


Way to go, DA! You're tearing it up now!

PS: The Steelers still cheat.


Go Browns!

---

Priceless Win

The Browns won! OMG!!! I can hardly believe it! The Mangenius has finally delivered a win to us desperate Clevelanders! I can't believe I lost faith in his glorious decision-making!!! The Browns are, once again, winners!

Let's break down yesterday's win:

Passing Yards: 22

Anderson's QB Rating: 15.1

Third Down Efficiency: 4-of-16

Punts: 9

Trips to the Red Zone: 2

Points off Red Zone Trips: 0

Touchdowns: 0

Field Goals: 2

Sucking Slightly Less than Your Opponent: Priceless

Perhaps we could petition Roger Goodell to let us play the Bills every week. Go Browns!

---

Still the Bungles

Nothing cures a team that's pretty much hopeless more than a game against Cincinnati. Yep, the Bengals are still the Bungles.

I said the other day that it's difficult to predict what kind of team the Bengals would be today. This is a team that seems to win games they shouldn't (Steelers, Packers) and lose games they shouldn't (Broncos).

Lucky for the Browns, it was the bungling Bengals who showed up in Cleveland today.

Congrats, Mangini. Way to get that monkey off your back and get a win. You truly are the Mangenius! Oops, not so fast ... Stupid overtime.

Go Browns!

---

More Like the Bengals

Whoa, sorry about that folks. I totally went negative there, something I really try not to do so much. What can I say, it's difficult not to feel down when you're subjected to futility week after week.

And, speaking of Cincinnati, look who's not so Bengal-like this season. That's right, it's the 2-1 Bengals, fresh off their win over the Steelers.

If there's an NFL franchise, other than the Browns and the Lions, who've succumbed to its fair share of ridicule over the years, it's the Bengals. Our Ohio brethren have been stinking up their corner of the NFL for years.

Like a roller coaster ride, the Bengals are either a decent team or a downright awful team. It can change season to season, or even week to week.

This year -- and the past two weeks in particular -- looks to be a good turn for the Bengals. Perhaps they finally have their act together. It pains me to say this, but maybe the Browns could learn something from the Bengals. Maybe ...

Go Browns!

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Week 3 Grades

My apologies for neglecting to pass out grades earlier, although I'm sure you Blawg Pounders know how I feel. Nevertheless, here's some grades for this week. Enjoy!

Go Browns!

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Shame on You, Mangini

Dear Mr. Mangini,

I thought you were better than that. I really did.

I'll be honest, I wasn't at all thrilled when you were hired as the new coach of our beloved Browns so soon into the coaching search. After all, we just ran a former Belichik underling out of town and here you are, another Belichik underling. Let's not forget, this town already had the real thing at one time (a time when Belichik wasn't commonly referred to as a football genius).

But, I gave you a chance. I threw all my support behind you, because you were now the man. You were in charge of this beloved franchise and that demanded my support as a Browns fan.

I liked what I saw in the way you chose to run things. You were no-nonsense. You were secretive and you did not care what the media or anyone said about your ridiculous QB competition throughout the preseason. Clearly, this was your team and you were prepared to run it the way you wanted to run it, regardless of what anyone else said.

I liked that about you. I defended you. I said, "Give this guy a chance. Let him coach."

Then, yesterday happened. Yesterday, as the team continued to struggle against a superior team, you succumbed to the same pressure other failed coaches in this town have succumbed to: You gave in to the idiotic pressure of the Cleveland media.

Fans, and the media, in this town are notoriously impatient. Football is in our blood and we all think we know what's best for our team. When our team is losing, we second-guess every decision the head coach makes.

For the past two weeks, as the offense has struggled, the Cleveland media has looked for someone to blame. Brady Quinn was an easy target. After all, he's the quarterback; the face of the team. You and I both know he hasn't been the problem. The team as a whole is the problem.

The Cleveland media has been critical of Quinn, calling for you to replace him with Derek Anderson. Never mind that the Cleveland media was calling for Romeo Crennel to bench Anderson in favor of Quinn just last season (that's another thing about the Cleveland media; not only are they impatient, they also have a short memory).

All last week, you rejected the thought of replacing Quinn with Anderson to the cries of the Cleveland media. Quinn is your quarterback, you'd say. I thought you meant it.

Then, yesterday, after a lackluster first half, you panicked. Quinn was 6-of-8 for 34 yards and an interception. I'll be the first to say he wasn't playing at the top of his game, but 6-of-8 is hardly bad numbers when you consider the defense he was facing and the lack of tools with which he has to work.

No matter, you gave in (or, should I say, gave up?). You started Anderson in the second half. Did he provide that spark everyone said he would? Nope. Not even close. Sure, he was 11-of-19 for 92 yards, but produced two big 3s: a field goal and THREE interceptions.

I'm sure you realize, that if Quinn was as willing to wing the ball down field with reckless abandon like Anderson, then he too could have had 92 yards passing and THREE interceptions. Of course, I thought you already knew this and that was why you chose Quinn in the first place and were, supposedly, standing by your choice.

I'm not as disappointed in the loss yesterday as I am in your lack of judgement. I expected more from you. You put on a good tough-guy show, but in reality that's all it is: a show. You gave in to the Cleveland media just like every coach before you.

When did you forget that you're the coach, and that you call the shots? When did you decide a bunch of sports reporters knew how to coach better than you? If Mr. Lerner wanted a journalist to coach the Browns, he would have hired one. He hired you, though, and you let him down. You let us all down.

You lost a lot of support when the Browns went 0-2. Now, at 0-3, you've lost a lot more support, but not because the team is 0-3. No, you lost fan support -- this fan's support -- because you displayed a complete lack of judgement.

The Cleveland media's decision to pull Quinn in favor of Anderson really didn't work out too well for you, did it? Now you've got a big decision to make as the Browns get ready to host the Bengals. What are you going to do? Perhaps you should be the one asking the questions at press conferences.

If you're a good coach, then coach. If you don't trust yourself as a coach, then keep listening to the Cleveland media. Keep letting them make your decisions for you. It's a sure way to obtain a ticket out of Cleveland; just ask your predecessors.

Sincerely,

A Disgruntled Browns Fan


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First Half Observations

As we head into the half trailing 20-0, here's a few of my of my observations.

•I just heard Steve Tasker say, "Baltimore have given him (Flacco) all the tools he needs to be successful." This statement perfectly illustrates what I've been saying all along about Quinn's lack of production. What tools have the Browns given him to be successful? Um, none that I can think of ...

•Harrison looks pretty decent in place of Lewis today.

•As easy as Baltimore is marching up and down the field, you'd think they'd have more points than they do.

•Until I see video tape of wide open Browns receivers downfield, I refuse to believe this crap about Quinn not being able throw downfield. There's no one to throw to.

•Baltimore is four deep at wide receiver. Must be nice.

•My beer tastes pretty good.

•Brown pants, still terrible.

Go Browns!

Scouting the Ravens

Let's talk about the Baltimore Ravens. What do we know? What should we know? How do the Browns match up?

Here's the official Blawg Pound scouting report on this week's foe.

Baltimore Ravens

Record: 2-0

Last Week: Defeated Chargers, 31-26

Rankings: Offense 3rd, Defense 17th

Coach: John Harbaugh (second season)

Offense

Players to Watch:

QB Joe Flacco

RB Ray Rice

RB Willis McGahee

Match-up vs. Browns:

Baltimore, known for years as a defensive team, suddenly looks like an offensive powerhouse. Then again, it's pretty early in the season to call anyone a powerhouse. Second-year quarterback Joe Flacco has developed nicely and looks strong in the pocket. Of course, Flacco shouldn't have to do much more today than hand the ball off to either Rice or McGahee, who are alternating in the backfield.

The Ravens running game could have a field day against the Browns poor run defense. On paper, this looks to be a very, very long day for the Browns. A weakness can perhaps be found at right tackle, where rookie Michael Oher will be tested against a blitzing Kamerion Wimbley.

Defense

Players to Watch:

LB Terrell Suggs

DT Haloti Ngata

LB Ray Lewis

Match-up vs. Browns:

The Baltimore defense looks solid, as usual. Joe Thomas will be under fire once again, charged with trying to keep Ngata and/or Suggs from getting to Quinn. And everyone will have to keep an eye on Lewis, to make sure he doesn't kill anyone (literally).

For an offense that's been so unproductive thus far, facing off against the Ravens defense doesn't seem to be when they'll bounce back and start scoring points.

Summary

I know I've said this for two straight weeks, but I have a really good feeling about today's game. I don't know why, but I just do. Today could be the day the offense starts clicking and the defense shuts down the running game. There is absolutely no way the Browns should win this game today, which is exactly why I think they could.

Go Browns!

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Week 3 Picks

I didn't do as good on my picks this week. I only picked 9 out of 16 games correctly.

I think I'll do better this week though, and I encourage you to go sign up for the contest too (you can win fabulous prizes!!!). And, just to tempt you a little more into joining, I'll post my picks right here so you can see them ahead of time.

Here are my picks for Week 3 (home teams in all caps):

• Titans over JETS
• Giants over BUCCANEERS
• Packers over RAMS
• EAGLES over Chiefs
• PATRIOTS over Falcons
• VIKINGS over 49ers
• TEXANS over Jaguars
• Redskins over LIONS
• Saints over BILLS
• Bears over SEAHAWKS
• BENGALS over Steelers
• RAIDERS over Broncos
• CHARGERS over Dolphins
• COWBOYS over Panthers
• Colts over CARDINALS
• Browns over RAVENS
  

Think you can do better than me? Prove it.

Go Browns!

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Blogging with the Enemy: Ravens

This week, I traded questions with Ravens blogger Tony Lombardi from ProFootball24x7.com. My questions, and his answers, are below. Enjoy.

1. So, a 2-0 start is pretty good and with the Bears upsetting the Steelers last week, I'm guessing you feel pretty good atop the AFC North. Have all your pre-season questions/concerns been satisfied now that we're two weeks in to the season?

My biggest concerns heading into the season centered on the positions of tight end and offensive tackle. Todd Heap is not the player he once was and the depth behind him is questionable. Free agent acquisition LJ Smith has seen very little of the field due to injury and the pair behind him, Edgar Jones and Tony Curtis have a total of 11 NFL catches between them.

At tackle the Ravens are stout at the top of the depth chart with Jared Gaither and rookie Michael Oher but beyond them, Oniel Cousins is a project and Tony Moll acquired early in September from the Packers, is new to the offense.

Special teams is also a concern. Kick coverage has been spotty and they will be supremely challenged this week by Josh Cribbs. If I’m special teams coach Jerry Rosburg I wouldn’t even kick the ball to Cribbs. Kicker Steve Hauschka is very unproven.

2. What is the biggest strength for the Ravens this year? Is it still the defense, or is it now the offense?

I think the Ravens are more balanced and capable of beating teams on either side of the ball. They have a nice 1-2 punch in the backfield with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee and Flacco’s maturity is apparent. He has become a team leader. Defensively the Ravens have no proven answer for the departure of Bart Scott. Tavares Gooden and Jameel McClain show promise and I suspect that they’ll be better after the bye week (week 7) than before.

At the end of the day, the Ravens still should be considered a defensive team first. Therein lies the pulse of the club.

2a. What's the biggest weakness?

Special teams and it’s not even close. Cribbs must be experiencing child-like Christmas Eve anticipation waiting for this game on Sunday.

3. What, if anything, worries you about the Browns? Could this be a "trap" game?

If Josh Cribbs doesn’t have a big day the Browns are done. This could have been a trap game but Philip Rivers dissecting the Ravens secondary in San Diego prevented that. The defense is out to show the world that their performance out west was a combination of a slight aberration and a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback being in the zone.

4. What are your three keys to winning this game on Sunday?

1. Contain Cribbs
2. Limit mistakes
3. Keep Braylon Edwards from having a big game.

5. What's your prediction on the outcome of this game/season?

Browns’ fans will experience another long season while the Ravens fans will have an enjoyable one. It’s far too early to say how deep the Ravens go into the playoffs, my guess is that they are still a little thin at a couple of positions and that will keep them from Miami in February but they’ll be in the mix. The bright side for the Browns fans is that they will have a high draft pick in 2010 and Eric Mangini will be a little closer to being fired.

Final score this week: Ravens 27, Browns 10

To read my answers to his questions, visit ProFootball24x7.com.

Go Browns!

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Bring on Baltimore

It's a whole new week. Let's forget about the first two weeks. Time to focus on the next opponent: The Baltimore Ravens.

Ugh, the Ravens. They're 2-0 and atop the AFC North division (way to go, Bears!). By all means, this is no easy game for the Browns (of course, what game is easy for this team?). It could be a slaughter ... but I don't think it will be.

The Browns have their work cut out for them, that's for sure.

Mangini continues to be the voice of reason among the panicky Cleveland media. Two games, two losses and the media is declaring Mangini, Quinn, Alex Mack and everyone else associated with the Browns a complete and utter failure. Everyone, that is, except Derek Anderson, who everyone seems to think holds the key to turning this organization around. How soon we forget.

From the Department of Duh, comes this recent article: Mangini Sticking with Quinn. Seriously? Why is this even news? It's been two freakin' games, people! You expected to be 2-0 at this point? Gimme a break!

Whether you like the guy or not, Mangini was hired to coach the team. Let him coach. Let him do his job. Two games is not enough time to pass judgement.

I simply don't get where this attitude is coming from. Prior to the season, you survey any reasonable Browns fan and they would have told you their expectations for the season were quite low. But now, after only two games, everyone seems to be calling for Mangini's and Quinn's heads.

What is wrong with you people? I want to see the Browns succeed like every other Browns fan, but I'm not ready to scrap everything already. It sure is tough to be a head coach and a quarterback in Cleveland, and I'm sure Mangini and Quinn both knew this ahead of time. Let's do something radical, Browns fans. Let's give them a fair shot for a change!

Oh well, I started off this post by saying it's time to forget about the first two games and focus on the Ravens, then I proceeded to do the complete opposite.

Baltimore is tough. The Browns need our support this week. Let's give it to them.

Go Browns!

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Week 2 Grades

Needless to say, Sunday’s loss to the Broncos was disappointing. OK, maybe it was beyond disappointing. Is it too much to ask that the Browns at least be competitive for four quarters each week? I don’t think so. Especially against a team that’s really not that great, despite it’s 2-0 record.

I’d also like to point out, not to toot my own horn or anything, I’ve been saying all along that the prolonged QB competition by Mangini was a brilliant play to keep the media focused on that, instead of other problem areas on the team.

Case in point, this article now surfaces. Hmm, why wasn’t there a media outcry during training camp about the lack of improvement to the run defense? Maybe it's because the media fell hook, line and sinker for Mangini’s QB Derby façade.

OK, that’s enough of that. Let’s pass out some grades.

Offense
Offensive Line — The O-line’s performance was, in a word, pathetic this week. Elvis Dumervil, who sacked Quinn four times, manhandled John St. Clair. FOUR TIMES!!! We’re not talking about Quinn scrambles out of the pocket after going through all his check and is chased down by Dumervil kind of sacks either. We’re talking about Dumervil bum-rushes the backfield and gets to Quinn as soon as he gets the snap kind of sacks. The run blocking was terrible too.
Grade: F

Tight Ends — Let’s see here … did we even have any tight ends in the game? I can’t seem to recall any tight ends having any spectacular receiving numbers or even being open down-field, and it’s quite obvious there weren’t any tight ends blocking on the line. So puzzling. If only the Browns had a stud, Pro-Bowl caliber tight end ... Oh, wait, they did.
Grade: D

Wide Receivers — Nice job by Braylon Edwards, who pulled in six catches for 92 yards … and that’s about it. I think, and I’m going out on a limb here, perhaps the biggest problem with the lack of production from the offense stems from the fact that Edwards is OUR ONLY RECIEVER. Seriously, who else is Quinn going to throw to? Cribbs? I think we all see how well that works.
Grade: C (for Braylon)

Running Backs — With the way the line blocked on Sunday, I can’t really fault Jamal Lewis too much for gaining only 38 yards on 14 carries. I still believe Adrian Peterson wouldn’t be the Adrian Peterson we know today if the Browns would have drafted him instead, because even he couldn’t run behind this line.
Grade: C-

Quarterbacks — Quinn didn’t play great, that’s obvious. He was just 18-of-31 passing for 161 yards and a QB rating of 58.7. Pretty bad. Say what you will about me just being a Brady Quinn fan, but I still don’t think it’s fair to declare him a failure after these two games. Quinn plays a smarter, safer game than Derek Anderson. Quinn takes what the defense gives him, and with just one real wide receiver, the defense doesn’t give him much. Critics say he has a weak arm and cannot throw the ball more than 3 yards. Bullshit. He’s got plenty of arm strength. The problem is, there’s no one downfield to throw it to. People simply like to complain. Already, people have forgotten the interceptions that come with Anderson’s cannon arm and willingness to throw the ball down field for anyone to grab. Yes, Quinn could have played a lot better — even he admits that — but I don’t know a QB in the NFL who could win with no blocking, no receivers and no running game.
Grade: D

Summary — No touchdowns. Only 200 total yards of offense. Only one trip to the red zone. Enough said.
Grade: D

Defense
Defensive Line — How about that Shaun Rogers? Five solo tackles! And that, Blawg Pounders, is the highlight of the defensive line.
Grade: D

Linebackers — Andra Davis had 10 tackles, including two for a loss … oh, wait, he doesn’t play for us anymore. D’oh! Well, our guys did OK too.
Grade: C-

Safeties & Corners — Let’s see here: Gaffney had three catches for 82 yards, Stokley had five catches for 70 yards and Marshall had three catches for 34 yards. Hey, way to hold Marshall to just 34 yards!
Grade: D

Summary — Obviously, there are some problems on defense. We can’t stop the run, and we can’t cover the long passes. Sure, it’s difficult to place so much blame on a unit that spends so much time on the field because the offense is so inept, but it’s not like we were keeping Peyton Manning out of the end zone for three quarters.
Grade: D

Coaching\Special Teams
Special Teams — How sore do you think Dave Zastudil’s leg is this week? Six punts for 272 yards is a pretty good workout. On the bright side, Phil Dawson connected on both his field goal tries and Josh Cribbs learned to take a touchback on a kickoff. Also, how about that fumble recovery on the opening kickoff? Pretty sweet, huh?
Grade: B

Coaching — I thought the play calling was a little bit better this week, it was the execution that failed. Also, no Wildcat Offense, so that’s a major plus in my book. As a whole, the team only had four penalties for 43 yards, so that’s not so bad. Defensively, I liked the blitz packages, but it really left the secondary vulnerable. In the end, though, it’s still a loss.
Grade: C-

Intangibles — Two words: Brown pants. Terrible.
Grade: F

Summary — Game 2 of the Mangini Era did not fair any better than Game 1. In fact, it was worse. I’m not ready to throw in the towel on Mangini yet, though. I’m far from it. He’s not panicking, so I’m not either. At this point, Romeo Crennel would have shown signs of confusion as to what needs to be done. Mangini is the complete opposite. Whether he’s telling the truth or not, he says he knows what the problem areas are, and that they’re fixable. As I’ve said again and again, I don’t expect a Super Bowl; I only expect marked improvement each week. I didn’t see any against the Broncos. Here’s hoping we see some next week.
Overall Grade: D

Go Browns!

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Completely Offensive

I'm not too happy about yesterday's game.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not jumping the gun and declaring the Mangini Era a failure already. I know it's only the second game. It baffles me that prior to the season, many Browns fans' expectations were not at all high and yet, after two losses, they're up in arms about how horrible the Browns are this year.

No, I'm not one of those people. I care about the team and I want to see them do well. I'm also realistic in thinking it's going to take a lot longer to turn this team around than probably most people are willing to allow.

Still, I can be upset about yesterday's loss because I saw almost no improvement. Win or lose, I expect to see at least some improvement from the Browns each and every week. I don't have Super Bowl or playoff dreams for this season, I simply want to see marked improvement each and every week. Yesterday, I saw none.

Today, that's really all I have to say about it. I need to step away from it for a day, then come back tomorrow with some grades.

Go Browns!

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Scouting the Broncos

Let's talk about the Denver Broncos. What do we know? What should we know? How do the Browns match up?

Here's the official Blawg Pound scouting report on this week's foe.

Denver Broncos

Record: 1-0

Last Week: Defeated Bengals, 12-7

Rankings: Offense 17th, Defense 17th

Coach: Josh McDaniels (first season)

Offense

Players to Watch:

QB Kyle Orton

WR Eddie Royal

RB Knowshon Moreno

Match-up vs. Browns:

Denver hasn't really had a problem running the ball on the Mike Shanahan-coached teams (I think I could have gotten 1,000 yards rushing with that offensive line blocking for me), but McDaniels wants a pass-first offense. During the off-season, they decided Bears quarterback Kyle "Cowboy Bob" Orton was the man they needed to run the offense. So, they went out and got him.

With a rookie running back in Moreno, and an offensive line that's not quite what it used to be, this game is a huge opportunity for the Browns defense. If the Browns can dominate the line of scrimmage and get in the backfield, they should be able to shut down the run and put some pressure on Orton.

Defense

Players to Watch:

LB Elvis Dumervil

S Brian Dawkins

CB Champ Bailey

Match-up vs. Browns:

Brady Quinn will have his work cut out for him this week against the experienced Denver secondary. Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins are wily veterans who should have no problem covering Braylon Edwards. The Broncos held the Bengals to just 7 points last week and intercepted Carson Palmer twice.

At linebacker, Elvis Dumervil is quick against the pass rush and Joe Thomas will need to stay alert to keep him out of the backfield. Inside, the Browns will face a former teammate in Andra Davis, who had nine tackles last week against the Bengals.

Summary

I'm really, really confident about this game. Sure, all signs pointed to the Broncos losing handily to the Bengals last week, but the two teams fought it out til the end with the Broncos coming out on top thanks to a miracle 87-yard TD pass from Orton to Brandon Stokely with 11 seconds remaining in the game.

Still, I think if the Browns can stick to fundamentals and Brady can stay calm in the pocket, they should be able to win this one. I don't see the Broncos dominating the Browns in any area, and I doubt they can pull out a miracle two weeks in a row.

Go Browns!

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Friday Link Blitz

Some interesting, Browns-related links for your Friday reading pleasure. Enjoy:

• Browns Gab: Browns Take Baby Steps

• Brady Quinn Fan: Brady's Report Card vs. Minnesota
  

• Cleveland Browns: Dawson Joins Elite Company
  

• Sports Illustrated: NFL Fines Mangini

• TheDailyBlitz.com: Heartbreaking Loss for Bungles
  

• ProFootballTalk: Agents Steering Players Away from Browns
  

• Don Banks: NFL Power Rankings

• Peter King: Week 1 Picks

• The Morning Journal: 2009 Pick 'em Challenge

Go Browns!

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Week 2 Picks

As I mentioned last week, I'm listed as a VIP in The Morning Journal's Pro Football Pick 'em Contest. Well, I didn't do so well on my picks last week. I only picked 10 out of 16 games correctly.

I think I'll do better this week though, and I encourage you to go sign up for the contest too (you can win fabulous prizes!!!). And, just to tempt you a little more into joining, I'll post my picks right here so you can see them ahead of time.

Here are my picks for Week 2 (home teams in all caps):

• FALCONS over Panthers
• Vikings over LIONS
• PACKERS over Bengals
• JAGUARS over Cardinals
• Raiders over CHIEFS
  
• Patriots over JETS
• Saints over EAGLES
• TITANS over Texans
• REDSKINS over Rams
• BILLS over Buccaneers
• 49ERS over Seahawks
• BEARS over Steelers
• CHARGERS over Ravens
• Colts over DOLPHINS
• COWBOYS over Giants
• Browns over BRONCOS
  

Think you can do better than me? Prove it.

Go Browns!

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The Hits Keep Coming

Boy, I tell ya, the Browns just can't catch a break. Forget about any Cleveland Curse, this is just plain unlucky.

First, although he wasn't our coach at the time, Mangini gets fined by the NFL for covering up Favre's injury last season. Now, the cover of Sports Illustrated features a shot of Adrian Peterson posterizing D'Qwell Jackson with the giant headline "Dominator."

Of course, lets be honest here: No matter what team the Vikings played in Week 1, they would have been the ones dominated. It's simply a bad coincidence our Browns were the unlucky victim.

Go Browns!

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Blogging with the Enemy: Broncos

This week, I traded questions with Broncos blogger Garrett Barnes from Bronco Madness. My questions, and his answers, are below. Enjoy.

1. No one outside Denver gave the Broncos a chance last Sunday. Honestly, were you surprised a little bit by the win over the Bengals, or do you just chalk it up to it being the Bengals?

You're right, like the Browns, we have been pretty much counted out of the playoff race by the MSM (main stream media). On the other hand I truly believed that the Broncos had a chance this week and had predicted a win. I was surprised by a lot of things (like the strong play of our defense) but the win wasn't one of them.

2. What is the Broncos biggest strength this year -- the offense or the defense?

Had you asked me this a week ago, I would have said offense, hands down. But after the strong play by the defense last week I am leaning away from that. They both have their plusses:

I think that the Broncos are going to establish themselves as one of the best running teams in the NFL. Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter and Peyton Hillis will add a big amount of "pop" to this offense. The passing game has good Wide Receivers and as you know an AMAZING offensive line but the question comes up with Kyle Orton. Can he establish himself as a solid QB in the league? I'm not ready to make a decision that just yet.

The defense showed me some promise in the front seven, of all places! Our Linebackers looked very good. Elvis Dumervil is a great pass rusher, Andra Davis and D.J Williams are powerhouses down the middle and I am kind of liking the play of Mario Haggan. I like our secondary a lot but I think that Champ Bailey is losing a step or two. Brian Dawkins as well. Our D-Line still hasn't proved itself to me. So because of that, I will have to say the offense over the defense. It's close though.

3. What, if anything, worries you about the Browns?

I am worried most of all about Joe Thomas. I have a great deal of respect for him and he could really disrupt this defenses rhythm. Besides winning the Bengals game because of a miracle, we won it because we put Carson Palmer under pressure. That started with Elvis Dumervil, and if Joe Thomas can stop Dumervil from having the impact he did last week it could cause a lot of trouble for our defense.

4. What are your three keys to winning this game on Sunday?

1. Establish Knowshon Moreno as force on offense. Since he was coming off of an injury last week, it was reasonable to say he wasn't going to have a very good game. He didn't. This week, I think that the Broncos need to establish him into both the inside and outside running game. Use him as a pass weapon, running weapon, blocking weapon, or whatever else it takes. We just need to have the Browns fear him. If we can do that, then I think it will be a big step towards winning the game.

2. Disrupt the QB/Offensive Line. As I mentioned earlier, if we can't disrupt Brady Quinn, our Defense loses. It's that simple. If we can get Elvis Dumervil and Mario Haggan coming in from both sides of the field, disrupting the Browns offense, then it will be a lot easier to make big plays.

3. Minimize Mistakes. We did a great job last week of not giving away turnovers and minimizing game changing mistakes. That said, we had a few drops here and there and didn't always look perfect but if we can improve those small mistakes and not make any big ones, then it will also minimize chances the Browns have to score.

5. What's your prediction on the outcome of this game/season?

I hate to say this to you Pete, but I'm predicting a Broncos win. Outside of Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas nothing really is overly impressive. I think that if the Browns can be able to build around those two pieces you may have a few good years, but for now, I'm predicting Broncos.

To read my answers to his questions, visit Bronco Madness.

Go Browns!

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