While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
Updates on Browns injuries fresh from yesterday’s press conference, beginning with a look at this intriguing backup: “Running back Brandon Jackson passed his exit physical after being placed on the injured reserve in the preseason with turf toe. That means he will be ready to go for the team’s offseason programs, and if the team doesn’t re-sign Peyton Hillis, he would become the team’s starting running back.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs By Nature]
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A local TV station blog post petitions for McCoy to remain as the QB: “So, here it is: Colt McCoy’s stats are BETTER than four Hall-of-Fame quarterbacks– all of whom won Super Bowls — after 16 starts in the NFL. Even BETTER than two former Browns heroes who played QB.” [Tim Misson/News Net 5]
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Could a Cleveland athlete be honored with a national award? Three Sports Illustrated writers picked a Browns star for one of the NFL’s end-of-season awards. Much deserved recognition here of how far D’Qwell Jackson battled over the past 12 months.
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Plenty of interesting Brownies nuggets in this report, starting off with the hopeful return of the DC: “The Browns’ front office started looking ahead to next season one day after the 2011 season ended. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron wants to remain part of the team’s plans. ‘I would love to do this again,’ Jauron said. ‘I obviously would like to win a lot more games.’” [The Sports Exchange/Orange & Brown Report]
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Is this simply a bold prediction or is it impossible to even comprehend? “My Christmas Day prediction for 2012, made a full week before 2011 was even complete, was not so much a prediction as it was a statement. I boldly stated, to anyone that would listen, that the Cleveland Browns will win their division in 2012. On the surface, it looks and feels like a bold prediction that a crazed fan would make for the sake of making a bold prediction, but there is more to it than just that.” [River Burns/The Cleveland Fan]
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Good offseason news for the Tribe? Seems like some progress might be coming soon for one long-term contract: “Reports out of Venezuela say Asdrubal Cabrera’s agent will begin contract negotiations with the #Indians next week.” [Tony Lastoria/Indians Prospect Insider]
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While this Indians prospect review has some optimism for the future, especially with some pitchers, this was a bit depressing: “UPPER MINORS (AA – AAA) Potential Stars None. We might produce some excellent relief pitchers out of this group, but I have a hard time identifying such players as “stars.” The positional players are a wasteland of poor draft picks and slumped prospects.” [APV/Let’s Go Tribe]
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Here’s a solid look at what’s coming next away from Ohio for the Cavs: “This roadtrip now heads to Minnesota, and the Timberwolves are actually pretty good. They’re better than the Raptors. They’ll be expected to beat the Cavaliers on their home floor, and Ricky Rubio is going to be a tough cover for Kyrie Irving. I’ve watched two of Rubio’s NBA games so far, and he is way better than I thought he’d be. Way better.” [Brendan Bowers/Stepien Rules]
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A bit surprising to already be hearing Kobe Bryant defending Mike Brown over in L.A.:“I really want to win for him in the worst way, because I see how much he works and I see how much he wants it. I hear the criticism he takes, and I believe it to be unwarranted. It makes me want to work even harder than I already am.” [Scott/WFNY Tumblr]
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This is a super thorough look at all things Buckeyes football recruiting: “The Buckeyes already have 19 verbal commitments for the class of 2012, but are looking to fill 4-6 more spots, depending on availability, and the home stretch is underway with January hitting and the live period about to be opened up again.” [Alex Gleitman/Eleven Warriors]
