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.

Poorly Executed Publicity Stunt

I'm not a big fan of media whores — those people who will do anything just to get their names in the news (PETA is one of the worst offenders).

That said, I wasn't going to even address the latest cracked-out publicity stunt that's been all over the news, but (and you know me) I just can't keep quiet.

In case you haven't heard, Ken Lanci has filed a lawsuit against the Browns and the NFL over the player lockout, claiming it amounts to a breach of his contract to buy tickets through his personal seat license.

Yeah, that's right ... he's suing the Browns because of the Lockout.

My Favorite Browns Players: Current Era

Two of my staple questions when I interview Die Hard Browns Fans are: Who is your all-time favorite Browns player, and Who is your favorite current Browns player?

I always enjoy these responses, because sometimes it brings back such good memories.

Also, it's made me think ... Who are my favorite Browns players? It's a difficult question to answer, for sure. Trying to choose from among some of the greatest to ever play the game; players you looked up to as heroes when you were a kid; players who hold hope for the future ... it's tough.

I've thought about it, and thought about it and decided, I can't decide on just one favorite player. I have many favorites from over the years.

I've broken them down into categories and will post a new category of my favorite Browns every Monday for the next few weeks.

This week, I thought I'd start with my favorite Browns players from the current era.

Mohamed Massaquoi is a Sensation

Basically, today, I wanted to share this awesome highlight reel of Mohamed Massaquoi. Enjoy!

Caption Contest: Delhomme

OK, trying something new today ... It's the first-ever Blawg Pound Caption Contest!

Haden Knows How to Embrace Cleveland

Unlike some other professional athletes who were forced to come to our fair city, Joe Haden seems to get us fans.

Haden is not from around here, and he didn't choose to come to this area on his own.

In addition to a phenomenal rookie season that has earned him respect from many Browns fans, Haden has recently demonstrated his support for Cleveland.

Die Hard Browns Fan: Jim

I'm really enjoying this new Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan feature. First, my Uncle Walt then my brother Steve ... now, it's time for someone who is not a relative.

This week, I talked to a former co-worker of mine who I used to spend many a morning talking football with when we worked together.

Jim lives in Stow and is a graduate of The Ohio State University (which is why I tolerate his Buckeye fanaticism). He has twin boys, but could not convince his wife to name them Ozzie and Webster. Otherwise, believe me, Jim is a true die hard

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

Cribbs Contract Bites Browns Again

It just goes to show you, teams lose out when they renegotiate player contracts before they expire.

Before I get into my Josh Cribbs Rant of the Week, let me reiterate that I'm not simply bashing Cribbs for the sake of bashing Josh Cribbs. I'm only using him as an example to illustrate my point.

My point being: I don't care who you are — if you sign a contract, you should honor that contract. There's no such thing as "out-performing" a contract.

Professional athletes sign contracts with teams, agreeing to play a game to the best of their ability. If it happens that said athlete contributes in a more positive way than originally anticipated, then the team got a great deal and the player has bargaining power when it is time to renegotiate — but not until then.

Let's 'Cover' Hillis

Time to get out the vote, Browns fans! Together, we can be heard!

In case you haven't heard, this year EA Sports' "Madden NFL 2012" cover will be decided bracket-style, with fan voting on SportsNation. Hurry over to cast your vote today!

All 32 NFL teams have a representative, and for the Browns it's Peyton Hillis.

Sure, there is a supposed "curse" associated with appearing on the Madden cover. But, here's what I say — Who cares? Cleveland sports are cursed anyway. Let's get Peyton Hillis on the cover of Madden NFL 2012.

We Must Laugh at Our Misery

I came across a video today (thanks, Ron) and I just had to share it. It's funny, in a sad kind of way.

Cleveland has been the butt of jokes for a long, long time. Our sports misery has been recognized on a national level — "The Drive" was replayed over and over as an example of this city's bad luck.

When LeTraitor made his "decision" last summer, it was all brought to light again.

Phil Dawson is the MVP

Basically, today, I wanted to share this awesome highlight reel of Phil Dawson. Enjoy!

Who Do We Play, if We Play?

The 2011 NFL schedule isn't out yet — they won't release that for a while ... why? Who knows?

Typical of the NFL, they have to make a big deal out of everything. First, they'll announce each team's home and away games then, months later, they'll announce the actual schedule.

Of course, we've known since the end of the season who the Browns would be playing.

Love them Browns Backers

I wrote a post last week that, I believe, really underscored what great fans Browns fans are. I truly believe that — win or lose, we love our Browns.

Want more proof? Two words: Browns Backers.

Did you know the Browns Backers Worldwide (BBW) is considered to be one of the largest organized fan clubs in all of professional sports with members and Clubs established throughout the world?

See, Browns fans stretch far and wide beyond Northeast Ohio.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

I'll give you a break from my Browns ranting and raving today, and simply wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Erin go Braugh and all that stuff. Now, go drink some green beer with the rest of the amateurs and hooligans.

We'll be back to our regularly scheduled Blawg Pound tomorrow.

Die Hard Browns Fan: Steve

I should have known from the get-go that following up last week's Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan was going to be difficult. I knew I had to start with my Uncle Walt, because he is the epitome of the die-hard Browns fan in my eyes.

This week, while the interview answers may not be as in depth as Walt's were, they're coming from the heart of a true fan — my older brother Steve.

Steve is next on my list, after Uncle Walt, of the biggest Browns fans I know. I've watched many Browns games with Steve (his basement, for a longtime, was a virtual Browns lair filled with memorabilia and an orange wall with a brown and white stripe in the middle).

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

Hardesty Hard at Work

Remember Montario Hardesty? I know, Peyton Hillis' beastly season all but made us forget about the promising young rookie who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the final preseason game last year.

Drafted in the second round last year, Hardesty was excited to show what he could do for the Browns (and the fans were excited to see him in action). Unfortunately, the running back's first setback occurred during a pre-camp workout. An injury kept him from participating in training camp.

Finally, healthy enough to take the field, Hardesty got his chance to show his stuff in the final preseason game against the Chicago Bears. He certainly showed flashes of hope for Browns fans — he rushed for 25 yards and one touchdown on just seven carries.

Mocking Mel Kiper

I've often mocked the king of mock drafts, Mel Kiper Jr. Why do I do it? Simple ... because I'm jealous.

Think about it. He works a few months out of the year, gets paid a boat load of money, is considered an expert ... and yet, he's never right!

What a sweet gig! It's better than being a weather man (the only other profession I can think of where you get paid to make predictions, but you're not fired if you're wrong).

OK, so maybe "never" is a strong word. Anyone, however, who's ever watched the NFL draft or followed the NFL draft or has ever heard of Mel Kiper Jr. knows what I'm talking about. He's built up as this draft guru, who is supposed to know who all the best college football players are and which NFL teams should draft them.

TJ Ward is a Football Player

Basically, today, I wanted to share this awesome highlight reel of TJ Ward . Enjoy!

18 Games 'Off the Table'

This whole collective bargaining mess is something I'm trying very hard not to delve too deep into, while at the same time not totally ignore it.

Basically, it's a bunch of millionaires whining to billionaires that they deserve more money. Who are we supposed to feel sorry for here?

I just want to watch some football. For that to happen, though, these two groups need to come to an agreement. I guess it's a good sign that they at least both keep agreeing to "extend" the deadline for when the current collective bargaining agreement ends so that they can continue to argue, er, I mean talk.

What Would You Do without the NFL?

I saw a poll on The Morning Journal yesterday in which readers weighed in on what they would do if there was no NFL season in 2011.

Not surprisingly, the top answer (with 44% of the votes) was "turn to Lingerie Football and Arena Football." Very funny, voters.

What I do find interesting is that 13% of respondents said they'd "start paying attention to the other football (soccer)." I'm not quite sure if this response is higher or lower than I'd expect, considering the polling sample was quite small (I believe it was only up for a day).

Of course, this got me thinking ... hence this blog post.

Die Hard Browns Fan: Walt

We're starting a new feature in the Blawg Pound today. It's called Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan — this is your chance to share your thoughts and opinions on our beloved Cleveland Browns and tell us why you're a die hard fan.

I couldn't think of a better first subject of this feature than my uncle, Walt Schmitz. He's the biggest die hard Browns fan I know.

Growing up, I associated the Browns with my Uncle Walt. I can remember him throwing people out of the way of the TV when the game was on. My Uncle Walt is the one who taught me how to bark.

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

Do We Need the Browns to Lose?

Recently, a friend of mine (as much as you can call a Steelers fan a "friend") made the argument that Browns fans need the Browns to keep breaking our hearts. Browns fans, he says, wear the team's terrible performance year after year like a badge of honor — it's what makes us consider ourselves such die-hard fans.

Losing, he says, is our identity. Clevelanders love the Browns despite all the losing. Besides, he says, we "wouldn't know how to handle winning all the time like the Steelers."

When you first hear something like that, the initial reaction is to dismiss it as just something a stupid Steelers fan would say. After all, we all know how Steelers fans are sore losers and sore winners — it's why they're so annoying.

But, I'll admit, it really made me think. Maybe there's more to it than just being a dumb comment from a typical annoying Steelers fan. Is there some truth to his statements?

A Shout-Out to Brownie Man

Occasionally, I'll like to share interesting posts I've read on other blogs. In fact, I have my Browns blog roll listed on the left (just above the Find us on Facebook box and the 2011 Draft Board).

And, likewise, many other Browns blogs have been gracious enough to link back to The Blawg Pound.

Today, however, I need to call attention to a Browns blog that is not only funny in it's own, silly way, but also entertaining in it's witty, satirical tone with which it shines a light on all things Cleveland Browns.

In a Perfect World ...

I'm an optimistic guy (most of the time) and I like to keep things positive (as best I can), that's why I named this post "In a Perfect World ..." instead of "List of My Pet Peeves."

I'm not alone. Everyone has something that annoys them about the Browns, going to Browns games, watching Browns games, following the Browns ...

But, instead of simply listing my annoyances, I'd going to put a positive spin on it (after all, I'm not the negative asshole some people think I am). So, here is a list of things that would happen if this were a perfect world.

Joe Haden is a Monster

Basically, today, I wanted to share this awesome highlight reel of Joe Haden. Enjoy!

We're on Facebook!

OK, so this isn't really new, nor is it Browns-related ... I guess today's post is more of a shameless little self-promotion.

In case you haven't noticed, The Blawg Pound is on Facebook. Which means, if you're on Facbook too (who isn't these days, am I right?), then you can "like" us by going to our page!

Why should you "like" us on Facebook? Golly, there's so many awesome reasons I don't even know where to begin. I mean, do I really have to spell it out for you? Why wouldn't you want to "like" us on Facebook? What's wrong with you?

Matthews a Target for Browns?

We all certainly remember the great Browns linebacker Clay Matthews. You could always count on good ol' No. 57 on those great Browns defenses of the late 80s, early 90s.

This past season, we were certainly reminded of his greatness as his son, Clay Matthews III, was an integral part of the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl season. Browns fans couldn't help but scratch their heads wondering what if ... what if we had drafted him two years ago instead of Alex Mack?

As great as the younger Matthews has been for Green Bay, I think it was for the best that the Browns drafted Mack. He's proved to be a solid center for the much-much-improved offensive line (and, let's not forget about his touchdown in this year's Pro Bowl).

But wait ... the great Clay Matthews has another son! Yes, Oregon's Casey Matthews will be eligible in this year's draft.

Browns Night at the Auto Show

Hey Browns fans, here’s your chance to meet two up-and-coming break-out stars from your Cleveland Browns.

Tonight, from 5-7 p.m., Peyton Hillis and Brian Robiskie will be appearing at the Ford display at the Cleveland Auto Show as part of “Browns Night.”

Before you read further, please note that I did not get Auto Show tickets or anything else for promoting this event. I’m simply doing my part as a loyal Cleveland Browns fan blogger to let you know where these two stars will be appearing.

Why Do We Keep Listening to Cribbs?

Newsflash: Josh Cribbs thinks there will be a lockout!

Yes, I know. My moratorium on Cribbs-related Blawg Pound posts didn’t last very long. But, come on … this jackass is making it difficult on me.

First, there’s the tweet Cribbs sent from the NBA All-Star game, while sitting as a guest in Dan Gilbert’s seats, where he took a picture of LeBron James and called him his “boy.”

Another Reason the NFL is Ridiculous

The Browns were one of several teams reminded last week by the NFL that players are not supposed to "meet" with coaches or be given playbooks during this period of the off-season.

I mean, seriously? WTF?

OK, sure, I get it … there’s a lockout looming. So what? It hasn’t happened yet! This isn’t high school football where coaches aren’t allowed to have contact with players during the offseason. This is the National Freakin’ Football League, for cryin’ out loud!