Die Hard Browns Fan: Taco

It's back! The always-popular Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature is back and better than ever.

For this installment, I talked with a coworker of mine. His name is Taco (he's the one on the left) and he's a tried and true Browns fan. In fact, he's been featured on 19 Action News for a story they did about how Mondays after a Browns loss are depressing.

Taco is a Willoughby Hills native and has loved the Browns for a long time. His opinions are thoughtful and straightforward. Like me, Taco tries his best to stay optimistic even when it appears there is no hope.

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

The Defense is Not Bad

“What,” you say, “Are you crazy?” No, I’m not crazy … I’m simply being objective. While I admit, the Browns defense still needs some big improvements, anyone who knows me reads “not bad” as pretty high praise.

Let me explain … for the 2011 season, the Cleveland Browns defense is ranked No. 10!!! Yes, you read that correctly … the Browns have a Top 10 defense.

Colt is Not the Problem (and neither is Shurmur)

Don’t be shocked by my posting two days in a row or it’ll dilute the message I’m trying to get across. As a follow-up to yesterday’s post, I’ve decided to delve a little further into my opinions on the Cleveland Browns.

First, and foremost, Colt McCoy is not the problem. I repeat, Colt McCoy is not the problem. Is Colt McCoy the long-term quarterback solution for the Browns? The answer is: maybe. Maybe Colt is our QB for years to come, but it’s too soon to make that call.

Colt McCoy has shown he can compete in the NFL. He’s a great young QB who deserves a chance no other Browns QB in the past dozen years has gotten. A chance to have a team built around him … A chance to play with all the tools necessary.

What Did You Expect?

Obviously, I haven’t blogged much this year. I can make up a lot of excuses, but it doesn’t make any difference. It’s not that I’m a fair weather blogger, who only blogs when the Browns are playing well (if that was the case, The Blawg Pound would never have existed in the first place).

The truth is, I’ve simply been too busy and this isn’t at the top of my list of priorities. That’s all.

I still watch the Browns every single week. From start to finish, I watch every down. Unfortunately, I’ve kept most of my opinions to myself and let others do all the talking (complaining).

Dammit, Keith! Go Browns!

This was good luck two years ago when the Browns beat the Steelers on Thursday Night Football ...



Go Browns!

Die Hard Browns Fan: Krissy

It's finally time for a female perspective in the Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature (and yes, I know my cousin Jennifer was already featured).

This week, I talked to a former colleague of mine who eats, sleeps, breathes and drinks ... Cleveland Browns football.

Krissy is from North Olmsted, went to Kent State and has lived all around the Cleveland area.

She is a member of the Olmsted Falls Bulldog Browns Backers and truly believes Pittsburgh is the "bad guys."

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

Taking on the Titans

Enough reveling in the glory of beating the hapless Dolphins. The Titans are coming to town and if you think they’re impressed by the Browns 2-1 record, think again.

The Titans (2-1) barely lost in Week 1 to the Jaguars, 16-14, then bounced back in a big way to beat the Ravens in Week 2, 26-13.

Beast of the Week vs. Dolphins

No one player had a really stand-out performance on Sunday, so I struggled to come up with a Beast of the Week. I’d love to say, “So and so had a great game and dominated from start to finish.”

The truth is, though, I simply cannot pinpoint anyone from Sunday’s ugly win against the Dolphins who fits that description.

That said, I came up with two players to share this title.

‘A’ for Effort Against Dolphins

It wasn’t a pretty win, but it was a win nonetheless. I think I can speak for Browns fans everywhere when I say, “I’ll take it.”

The Browns didn’t play great against the Dolphins, but it’s hard to give them a bad grade when they actually won.

They may not actually deserve an A, but I’m giving them one anyway. That may not make sense, especially after you read my individual grades for the day, but I don’t care.

A win deserves an A.

One Drive Wins it All

After a poor performance all game long, time was running out yesterday for the Browns. Colt McCoy wasn’t ready to give up though. Since coming to Cleveland, the quarterback has had to get used to losing – something he rarely did at Texas.

Getting used to losing is one thing, accepting it is another. McCoy was not ready to accept a loss yesterday as long as there was still time on the clock.

"We need one drive," McCoy told his teammates. "One drive and we can win this thing."

The rest, as they say, is history. McCoy stepped out from the shadows of a terrible performance and conducted a game-winning 80-yard drive capped off with a 14-yard TD pass to Mohamed Massaquoi.

All was forgotten – and forgiven – after that. McCoy stepped up when it counted, and the Browns are now 2-1 this season.

Browns in First Place – What?!?!

After that devastating loss to the Bengals in Week 1, I’ll admit I lost my motivation to blog. I’ve also been fairly busy and, unfortunately, hanging out in the Blawg Pound isn’t my full-time job. So, with so much going on already, losing to the Bengals was a big blow.

It was rough that week following the loss to Cincy. I thought for sure we were in for another long season. I couldn’t bring myself to write anything that week. What was I going to say? That the Browns still couldn’t finish a game? That the Browns still couldn’t win a divisional game?

I’d said it all before. I was ready to swear off blogging.

Let's Get Pumped!

Who Dey in the Blawg Pound

The Battle of Ohio kicks off in a few days and what better way to get things started than to talk a little trash with a Bengals fan?

OK, I'm not really gonna talk some trash ... instead, I'm giving a Bengals fan a chance to give us some insight on his beloved team. Back this season is the ever-popular Blogging with the Enemy.

Today, I've traded questions with Cincinnati Bengals blogger Mickey Mentzer, who created the site WhoDeyFans. Much like myself, Mickey started his blog because he was fed up with what he heard from the so-called experts and wanted a voice. A fan's voice -- WhoDeyFans.com was born.

Welcome to the Blawg Pound, Mickey ... let's get down to business.

Die Hard Browns Fan: Brian

It's time again for everyone's favorite feature — Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan. As I've said from the beginning when I started The Blawg Pound, Browns fans have opinions and they love to share them.

This week, I talked to an avid Blawg Pound reader and commenter. Even when he doesn't comment on posts, I can always count on getting a good opinion/analysis from Brian when it comes to the Browns.

Brian grew up in Lima, Ohio where he and his family were active members of the Lima Area Browns Backers. Currently, he resides in what he's proud to call "the heart of Buckeye Nation," Columbus (But, I won't hold that against him).

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

Bring on the Bungles

The Browns are back at work today, and so am I. After a couple of days off, the team is busy in Berea preparing for the Bengals.

The first game of the long-awaited NFL season kicks off this Sunday at 1 p.m. at Cleveland Browns Stadium. What some dub the Battle of Ohio can usually also be dubbed the Battle of the Basement for the AFC North.

The Bengals are an up and down team. They’re sort of like the Cleveland Indians of the NFL … when they’re supposed to be good, they choke. When they’re supposed to suck, they surprise you with some good games. But, no matter, in the end they always end up disappointing.

And so, this year, the Bengals are not supposed to be good at all (some “experts” are picking them to finish dead last). Of course, that means they’ll surprise some teams this year and Week 1 against the Browns is a prime opportunity.

A Meaningless Recap

Now that the meaningless games, otherwise known as the NFL Preseason, are done, so I will be done with meaningless posts.

Nothing excites me more about the preseason than when it’s over!

But, before we “start with the good stuff,” we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least recap those four miserable excuses for entertainment. For efficiency purposes, I will combine my likes/dislikes for each game (that way, you only have to read one post to get it all), as well as my overall preseason grade.

Battle of Lake Erie

Bragging rights are on the line tonight on the only preseason game that has any kind of meaning. That’s right, the Lions come to town tonight for the annual Battle for Lake Erie against the Browns.

Created several years ago as a way to create an annual “rivalry” between these two teams, the Battle of Lake Erie matches up two of the historically worst teams in the NFL each preseason. 

A Sweatervest Would NOT Look Good in Orange

Big news out of Berea the other day. Huge news, I mean. Gigantic news! Are you ready? Can you handle this? Prepare yourself, because this could be the story of the year. Ready? Here it is: Jim Tressel visited Browns training camp.

OMG! Can you believe it? Obviously, this means he's about to be named the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who will go on to routinely beat up on Michigan.

There's no other explanation, really. Hmm, well, I guess it could be that he simply wanted to stop by his hometown and visit practice, maybe catch up with some other coaches (including former rival Lloyd Carr, who was also at camp). Yes, that's another possibility.

The Forgotten Linebacker

The last time D’Qwell Jackson played a game, it was October 18, 2009. So, you can’t blame me for thinking, “Holy Shit! He looks good … I forgot all about him!” when I saw him playing in Saturday’s preseason game.

OK, so I didn’t really forget about him, but I was surprised by him. Surprised at how good he looked against the Packers. I think this new defense and a great supporting cast is going to allow Jackson to really shine this year.

Best O-Line in NFL?

A lot was made Saturday during the pre-game show of the Cleveland Browns offensive line. It only took 13 years, but apparently our O-Line is among the best in the league. Way to go Browns!

As a former lineman myself, this is something I’ve always paid attention to. No one can doubt that Joe Thomas is as good as it gets at left tackle. And Alex Mack at center, I mean, the guy scored a freakin’ touchdown in the Pro-Bowl!

Between those two, you’ve got Eric Steinbach. He’s been solid as well.

Now, on the right side of the line, there’s second-year guard Shawn Lauvao and Tony Pashos is back from injury.

Are these five guys something the Browns should hang their hat on this season? Colt McCoy thinks so.

Rated M for Meaningless

So, the Browns extended their streak of beating the defending Super Bowl champs on Saturday when they trounced the Green Bay Packers in the first preseason game.

Now, I normally wouldn’t count this as anything official, since it was a preseason game, but since the Brownies do not face the Packers in the regular season this year, it’ll have to do. The streak has been extended. There, it’s official now.

Of course, keep in mind, the Browns beat the Packers in the preseason last year and they went on to win the Super Bowl … just saying.

Ready for Another Browns Re-Boot

Say what you will about the ridiculousness of the NFL Lockout, the fact of the matter is, it's finally over and it's time for some football!!!

Tonight, our Browns take on the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers in their first preseason game.

Yes, these games are meaningless, but let's not forget the Browns have beaten the last three defending Super Bowl champions and tonight is their only chance to make it four in a row.

The Lockout is Over!

I can't believe it! I just read the news that the NFL Lockout is finally over! By a vote of 31-0, the NFL owners have approved the revised collective bargaining agreement.

Finally, we can get to playing football!

Wait, what? You mean it's not really over? The players still have to vote on it and some are quoted as saying, "it's not a done deal yet."

WTF?

Take That, Pissburgh!

So, you've had a bad day? Thanks to Die Hard Browns Fan Matt, this will surely cheer you up.

Rally for the Browns

With a lack of actual football going on, there's plenty of extra-curricular activities for players, coaches and even team presidents.

Now's you chance to join Mike Holmgren for the inaugural Cleveland Browns Motorcycle Rally on July 23, 2011.

The ride will begin at South East Harley-Davidson and end at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Cleveland Browns Foundation and the Three-Deuce-Five Foundation, so if you've got a bike and you love the Browns you should consider participating in this event.

Are We There Yet?

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.

That's how I feel whenever I read a new story on the "progress" between the owners and players in resolving the NFL Lockout.

It's the same old story ... "We're close to an agreement."

Well, I think I can speak for football fans everywhere when I say, let's stop this insanity and finalize an agreement already!!!

OTAs are MIA

Well, another month has passed since I last blogged. What's the difference, right? I mean, another month has passed without an end to the NFL Lockout ...

It's the beginning of July and, normally, teams would begin holding OTAs (organized team activities) to get ready for training camp. But, alas, no OTAs can be held. What's an NFL fan to do?

Supposedly, the owners and players are still holding meetings to try and come to an agreement so that the 2011 season is not lost. Many are still holding out hope that, not only will the season be saved in time, but that the preseason will also be saved!

Still Locked Out

Fear not, loyal Blawg Pound reader, I have not been locked out by the NFL from blogging. No, I've simply taken a nice, long break (like everyone else in the NFL).

But, it's June now and that means we're (hopefully) only a few months away from the 2011 NFL season. So, I'd better get blogging ... Yep, I'm back in The Blawg Pound!

Now, let's see what's happened since the last time I blogged ...

Die Hard Browns Fan: Mike

This Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature is certainly becoming a huge hit. I've gotten so much feedback from die hard Browns fans, I could do this every day (but then, you wouldn't get to read my awesome views and opinions).

This week, I talked to an old friend of mine from high school. I haven't seen Mike — or, Magic, as we used to call him — since high school, so it was nice to not only get his take on the Browns, but to reconnect with an old friend.

Currently, Mike lives in Charleston, N.C., and yet he remains a tried and true Browns fan. As someone who used to live out of state myself, I know how much dedication it takes to continue to follow the Browns. Despite his distance from Cleveland, Mike still has his finger on the pulse of the Browns.

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

Good Overcomes Evil

Proof there is hope for humanity: Peyton Hillis defeats Michael Vick in Madden 12 cover vote. Thank you, America!

Go Browns!

Return to Work

The Blawg Pound is back from its "spring break" and a lot has certainly happened lately.

For starters, the NFL Draft begins tomorrow evening. Now, I know for many people, this is a big event (I used to be one of them). I've heard it described as "Christmas for football fans" and it seems everyone has shared their own Mock Draft, eagerly anticipating which players each team will pick in the first round.

I'll admit, I used to be one of those people who were totally into the draft. I would look forward to NFL Draft Weekend with great excitement every year. I've attended Draft viewing parties. I've watched each and every round with great interest. Waking up on NFL Draft Saturday morning did sometimes feel like Christmas morning ... With ESPN turned on from the moment I was out of bed, I could hardly wait for the Draft to begin.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from The Blawg Pound!

Die Hard Browns Fan: Matt

I initially wondered if I'd be able to do this Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature on a weekly basis and, so far, I haven't had a problem finding Browns fans to interview.

This week, I talked to another former co-worker of mine who doesn't really consider himself a true "die hard," but, since he currently lives in the heart of Steelers-Eagles territory and still roots for the Browns, I believe he is.

Matt hails from Oberlin (not Firelands) and currently lives and works in York, Pa. as a sports writer for the local paper. As a journalism major at Kent State, Matt covered Josh Cribbs when he was just a MAC quarterback for the school paper.

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

Next Generation

I had to share this photo of my nephew ... Woof! Woof!

Go Browns!

Dawg Pound vs. Dog Killer

It's the finals, baby! Peyton Hillis has advanced to the final round of voting to be on the Madden 2012 video game cover.

Last week, in the Final Four, Peyton Hillis was matched up against Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers and it wasn't even close! Hillis handily won with 61% of the vote. Take that, Cheeseheads!

This week, it's the finals and our beloved hero is taking on the pride of Leavenworth, Michael Vick. He may have "served his time," but what Vick did to those poor dogs is unforgivable in my book.

Again, this should really be not contest for Hillis — but, just to be safe, you'd better go vote!

Who cares about the "Madden Curse" ... we cannot let Michael Vick be the poster boy for the NFL.

My Favorite Browns: Never Given a Fair Shot

It's time for another edition of "My Favorite Browns." This is the last week I'm doing this and I'm highlighting some of the players who, in my opinion, could have been great if only they had been given a fair chance.

I'm sure this is going to spur a lot of debate — and, I welcome it wholeheartedly. Please, tell me if you agree, if you think I'm nuts, or who you think could have been great if only they had been given a fair shot. 

Anyone who knows me can probably guess who's on this list. It won't come as a surprise to many. Before you read further, let me just clarify: I am a Browns fan first and foremost, even if I am/was a fan of these players. They don't play for the Browns anymore, so I cannot root for them.

You may just think I'm bitter (coincidentally, these are the only three players who's jerseys I have ever owned). And, you may be right. But, in my opinion, these players were almost set up to fail in Cleveland.

Jason Trusnik is a Rarity

Basically, today, I wanted to share this awesome highlight reel of Jason Trusnik. Enjoy!

Die Hard Browns Fans: John & Jennifer

Are you ready for this week's special installment of Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature?

This week, I'm offering you a double feature (and, I'm back to interviewing relatives). My cousin Jennifer and her husband John are big-time Browns fans.

Both grew up in Elyria and now reside in Amherst. On Sundays in the fall, you can be sure to spot them tailgating outside the stadium prior to Browns games — they're both die-hard fans.

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with Two Die Hard Browns Fans.

Meaningless Game Opponents Announced

Get excited, football fans! The NFL has made another exciting announcement to get you revved up for a season that may or may not happen!

It's the annual press release announcing each team's preseason opponents! Keep in mind, however, this isn't the announcement of the preseason schedule, only the match-ups. The schedule will be announced at a later date as it's own special proclamation (more and more, I believe I'm right on target when I call the NFL "Masters of Media Hype").

So, who will the Browns be facing in the four meaningless, not-very-exciting, yet just as costly to attend "games" this summer?

More Reasons to Vote for Hillis

Peyton Hillis has advanced yet again to the next round of voting and is still in contention to be on the Madden 2012 video game cover.

This is it! Final Four, baby! Who would have thought? Oh yeah, Peyton Hillis would have, that's who.

This week, Hillis squares off against Super Bowl champion quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Packers, smackers! This should really be not contest for Hillis — but, just to be safe, you'd better go vote!

Remember, you don't have to worry about the Madden Curse, because Peyton Hillis isn't worried about the Madden Curse.

My Favorite Browns: From My Childhood

It's time for another edition of "My Favorite Browns." This week, I'm highlighting some of the heroes from my childhood.

One of my favorite memories as a kid was the time I got to stay up late for Monday Night Football. The Browns were playing the Bears and it was a thrilling game, to say the least. The Browns were dominant that night, handily winning 27-7. The decisive play occurred when Bernie Kosar threw a 97-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Webster Slaughter. It stood as the longest pass play in Browns history for 15 years.

The crowd of 78,722 at Cleveland Stadium was so loud and raucous that they disrupted the Bears from successfully calling out their signals. That led Chicago head coach Mike Ditka to publicly chastise his team’s fans afterward, saying he wished they were as good as those in Cleveland. 

Here's my favorite Browns from my childhood.

Colt McCoy is the Future

Basically, today, I wanted to share this awesome highlight reel of Colt McCoy. Enjoy!

Caption Contest: Cribbs

It's for another Blawg Pound Caption Contest!

Walk MS Cleveland at the Stadium

The Cleveland Browns are proud supporters of Walk MS Cleveland, which is taking place at Cleveland Browns Stadium tomorrow morning.

This event is also very close to The Blawg Pound's heart — for the third consecutive year, my brother Lou and his wife Brooke have formed a team to walk and raise money for MS. Brooke's mother has suffered from this disease for many years and, just recently, she was also diagnosed.

Having multiple sclerosis means that you may not be able to walk when you wake up. Or that you may suddenly have impaired vision. Or that your memory will fail you for no apparent reason. The symptoms of MS are different, and devastating, for everyone — the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.

Die Hard Browns Fan: Chef Symon

Are you ready for this week's special celebrity installment of Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature?

This week, I talked to none other than Cleveland's own Iron Chef, Michael Symon.

Symon grew up here, and has stayed here in Cleveland, despite the temptation to take his talents to bigger markets. He is the chef/owner of Lola, Lolita and B-Spot here in Cleveland and is regularly featured on the Food Network and makes countless other appearances. Chef Symon is a true ambassador of Cleveland.

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fans — Celebrity Edition.

Making a Case for Patrick Peterson

In the Blawg Pound Draft Board, we have LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson listed as a Who We Like. And, to be honest, we're liking him more and more.

Some blog readers have pointed out Peterson's flexibility to play both corner and safety as a key reason for the Browns to take him at No. 6.

We were impressed with both Joe Haden and TJ Ward last season, and the Browns could solidify their defensive backfield by choosing Peterson.

10 Reasons to Vote for Hillis

Our very own Peyton Hillis has advanced to the next round of voting and is still in contention to be on the Madden 2012 video game cover.

In the last round, he narrowly defeated Atlanta's Matt "Matty-Ice" Ryan. Of course, there was no doubt he could beat someone nicknamed after a crappy beer.

This week, Hillis squares off against Kansas City's Jamaal Charles. This should really be not contest for Hillis — but, just to be safe, you'd better go vote!

Now, I know what you're thinking ... "If Hillis gets on the cover, he and the Browns will suffer from the Madden Curse!"

Nonsense, I say! Nonsense!

My Favorite Browns: Before My Time

It's time for another edition of "My Favorite Browns." This week, I'm highlighting some of the heroes that were before my time.

There are many legends that, at one time or another, suited up in the brown and orange and gave Clevelanders a lot to cheer about. Obviously, it's been a while since the Browns were considered unstoppable.

Those with short memories (I'm talking to you, Steeler fans) seem to forget this era of football. True football fans — Browns fans — remember the good ol' days when football was more about the game and less about the hype.

Even those of us who weren't alive to witness this era can appreciate it. Most Browns fans have favorite players from throughout history even if they never actually saw them play. Here's my favorite Browns from before my time.

Josh Cribbs is a Natural

Basically, today, I wanted to share this awesome highlight reel of Josh Cribbs. Enjoy!

Caption Contest: Holmgren/Shurmur

It's for another Blawg Pound Caption Contest!

Changing Hats for Opening Day

There's a chill in the air and thousands of people will be heading to the stadium in downtown Cleveland today. That can mean only one of two things: Either the Browns are playing, or it's Indians Opening Day!

Yep, it's Tribe Time and today, in honor of Opening Day, I'm taking a break from taking football in The Blawg Pound.

Don't get me wrong, this is and always will be a Cleveland Browns fan blog, not a Cleveland sports blog. Cut me some slack today, though. I mean, it's freakin' Opening Day! It's the one day of the year when you can be excited about the Indians!

Die Hard Browns Fan: Dan

This new Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature is turning out to be a real fan-favorite (probably because you get to read other Browns fans' opinions instead of mine).

This week, I talked to another former co-worker of mine who was never short on opinions about Cleveland sports — and, as a sports writer, his opinions were usually well-informed.

Dan is from my hometown of Lorain and is the biggest Homer I know when it comes to sports. In fact, he recently started a blog called Joe Cleveland. As you'll see from his interview, Dan has a lot of knowledge when it comes to the Browns — he is a true die-hard.

So, without further ado, I give you the Blawg Pound Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

Top 10 Winningest Browns QBs

The Browns have had many starting quarterbacks over the years (and I'm not just talking about the last 10 seasons).

Of course, names like Otto Graham, Bernie Kosar and Brian Sipe all come to mind as some of the great ones. It got me thinking, though, about Browns QB winning percentage. So, I looked it up.

First, though, did you realize that in the entire history of the Cleveland Browns franchise there have been 43 different starting quarterbacks? Sure, 13 of them only started three games or less (included such notables as Mark Rypien, Ty Detmer and Hall of Famer Len Dawson).

I wanted to look mostly at win percentage, though. But, I focused on QBs with at least 10 starts — otherwise, guys like Don Strock, who started and won only two games, would be atop the list.

Time for an Introduction

I've realized that, while many of you know who I am and what the Blawg Pound is all about, some of the new readers might not. That said, I thought it might be a nice time to re-introduce myself.

First, I'm glad you found your way to The Blawg Pound, and I hope you enjoy it.

A little about me — I’m a Browns fan, and like most Browns fans I’ve got opinions. I love to see the Browns win. I hate to see them lose. And, I love to talk with other fans (and even rivals) about football.