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.


How long have you been a Browns fan?

Since the day I was born. Although, probably from my first real football memory, which was the 1980 Kardiac Kids season (I was in first grade and age 6 and 7 at the time).

Who is your all-time favorite Browns player?

Bernie Kosar. Of players before my time, Lou Groza.

Did you ever get to see him play in person?

Yes, a few times. The last time was in his final season, 1993, when he engineered a big upset of the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Although, that win (and his audible of a Belichick call which led to a TD-pass to Michael Jackson) may have been the beginning of the end of his Browns career.

What is your favorite Browns memory?

Jan. 3, 1987. The Browns rally from a 10-point deficit in the final 4 minutes or regulation to force overtime, then knock off the Jets, 23-20, in double OT to advance to the AFC Championship Game. Still my all-time favorite game.

And, the feeling after Brian Brennan caught that long Kosar TD pass in the fourth quarter the following week against the Broncos. You felt like that was going to be put them in the Super Bowl at long last. We all know what happened five minutes later, but we don't need to discuss that.

Do you support Mike Holmgren and the direction in which he is taking this team?

Yes, I do. Holmgren has been a winner everywhere he's gone. He has a wealth of football knowledge and a definite vision of what he wants this team and franchise to accomplish. He's surrounded himself with people who are proven football commodities and finally, for once, it appears everyone from top to bottom is on the same page.

Continuity is something the Browns have lacked since the Belichick years and especially since the team returned in 1999, so just having that gives me optimism for the future.

Are you satisfied with the hiring of Pat Shurmur as the head coach?

I am. Like a lot of people, I had dreams of Jon Gruden coming to town, and bringing in an unknown guy who had never been a head coach before seemed like the same song-and-dance we've been dealing with for a lot years here in Cleveland. But, it goes back to the continuity thing.

Shurmer is well-versed in Holmgren's desired West Coast offense and has ties to him via G.M. Tom Heckert in Philadelphia and his uncle Fritz coaching Holmgren's defense in Green Bay. He made great defensive hires in Dick Jauron and Ray Rhodes (two guys with head coaching experience), so he can focus on the offense.

It wasn't a "sexy" hire. However, with him and Holmgren being on the same page, Shurmer is someone who can be molded by the big man into, hopefully, a great head coach. He could be a puppet for Holmgren, but if that puppet turns into a winner, so be it.

What off season move has you excited for next season?

The move to a 4-3 defense. I think the 4-3 has done well for the Browns (harkening back to Bud Carson's blitzing 4-3 in the late 80s-early 90s) and even when Butch Davis was here, to a certain extent.

It seemed like the Browns never fully grasped the 3-4 when Crennel came aboard and through the Mangini Era, even though they made some strides under Rob Ryan. It's time to draft defensive linemen without worrying about converting them to linebacker and just let them go. I think the Browns defense will be improved as the years go on.

What offseason move has you worried about next season?

The lockout. Not only do we not know if there will even be football games played next season, but the offseason workouts are taking away from Shurmer and the new staff teaching the players the new philosophies (WC offense and 4-3 defense).

Plus, it takes away from free agency, to see what players will return and which players Heckert and Holmgren will bring in to help these new philosophies jell. Free agency also impacts the draft strategy as well.

At least Shurmer was able to slip Colt McCoy his playbook before the lockout took place, so the QB can learn the offense on his own and perhaps get the guys together for informal practices to learn the system and terminology.

What areas do you think are of the biggest concern to the Browns for next season?

Defensive line, obviously, because of the move to a 4-3 gets rid of the need for the plodding D-Linemen that perpetuate the 3-4. Shaun Rogers and his ample behind was shown the door (finally), so a tackle to line up next to Rubin is big, and the end positions need upgraded.

Also, wide receiver. Perhaps, in a better offensive system than the abomination run by Brian Daboll, Robiskie and Massoquoi do better. However, neither are a true game-breaker.

Cribbs is better suited to return kicks and take direct snaps than play WR, and the other guys are still question marks. A free-agent WR should be a big target -- I'm not sold on drafting a guy like A.J. Green or Julio Jones, though. Defense should be the first-round focus.

Who would you like to see the Browns take with the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft?

I'm partial to Patrick Peterson, the CB from LSU. He's the best football player in this draft, and you pair him up with Haden, you could have the next Dixon-Minniefield.

It doesn't address a huge need, but it's fairly obvious that Eric Wright is NOT a starting CB in the NFL, and Sheldon Brown isn't getting any younger.

If not, I'd go with one of the D-Linemen -- Deqwon Bowers immediately jumps out. I would pass on Nick Fairley, who has "Gerard Warren" written all over him.

If they took A.J. Green, I wouldn't be disappointed because it addresses a need. But he's not the highest person on my list.

Who is your favorite current Browns player?

Toss-up between Joe Thomas and Josh Cribbs.

I love Thomas' tenacity and his ability to be an elite NFL left tackle (by far, the Browns' best draft pick of the expansion era).

Cribbs, you just love him because he genuinely cares about Cleveland and the fan base. He didn't grow up here, but he played locally and earned his way on the team. Now, if he keeps up the LeBron James love (and his lack of KR production), that answer might change for a lot of fans.

What makes you a die-hard Browns fan?

The fact that I am born, raised and live in Northeast Ohio. It's just in your blood to root for the Browns. I love football as a sport, and the Browns represent the city of Cleveland and Northern Ohio.

My family, for the most part, were and are Browns fans, so I grew up with it in the fabric of my family. I love going to games (finally breaking down and becoming a season ticket holder last year) and I love watching them on TV.

Sure, they've sucked since they've come back, and it always seems like they can never turn the corner. But, come August and the sight of those orange logoless helmets on the field, you can't help but feel optimism.

Plus, loving the Browns means you hate the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals (and, in that order), and I can't stomach any of those teams.

How much money would it take to get you to wear a Steelers jersey in public?

It would probably take Bill Gates' lifetime salary, which I know would never happen. Basically, an unrealistic amount of money that I'll never see in my lifetime, because the chances of that happening are probably greater than the chances of me wearing a Steeler jersey.

I wouldn't even do it on a friendly wager, even if it meant that a Steeler fan would have to support Browns gear if they won. Sure, I would probably fit in with all the other front-runners that perpetuate our local population, but why join their nauseating little clique when we all know, at the first sign of Steeler decline, they will run out and sport Browns gear again. And yes, they will decline.

There you have it. Real answers from a real Browns fan. Thanks sharing your thoughts, Dan, and thanks for being a Browns fans.

Are you a die-hard Browns fan? If you're reading this and your name isn't RJ, then I'm guessing you are. Visit our Facebook page or send us an e-mail and let us know if you'd like to be considered for a future Interview with a Die Hard Browns Fan.

Go Browns!