Well, so much for putting two decent games in a row. Yes, I know the Browns were going for their third straight win yesterday, but I am still not going to count that performance in Cincinatti as a positive. Don’t look now, but the Browns’ ineffective offense is back and the co-stars were none other than Derek Anderson with a best supporting actor nominee in Braylon Edwards.
On with the bullet points, not necessarily in any kind of order…
- The Cleveland defense must have been awful. They gave up 175 yards to Clinton Portis yesterday. Except, they weren’t awful. The Browns defense, despite getting gashed, only gave up 14 points. That is respectable and gave the sputtering offense a chance to win even if they didn’t deserve it.
- Play calling seemed pretty decent yesterday. They tried a decent amount of gadget plays. Jerome Harrison and Josh Cribbs were given an opportunity to excel.
- Execution on the part of Derek Anderson was not good. Between balls being tipped at the line and inaccuracies on shorter throws, I am left wondering whether or not DA knows how to use a pump fake. When I played basketball growing up the mantra was “fake the pass to make a pass.” It holds true in football too.
- Speaking of DA, he just looked listless yesterday. He was getting happy feet in the pocket. He looked comfortable and happy last week against the Giants, but he had that 1000 yard stare going yesterday. It must be really hard for him to lead the huddle when he is like this. I am guessing everyone feels it. I could be making it up because I was watching it on TV, but I think I saw it.
- How much does this Browns team miss Ryan Tucker? He shows up one week and basically shuts out Justin Tuck. He misses the next week and you have to think that the Browns missed him more than a few times, including those trips inside the Washington 10 yard line.
- Where was Kellen Winslow? He had two catches for 17 yards. Oh yeah, we know exactly where he was because he would jump up and down and wave his arms every time he thought he was open. This is totally unacceptable. I laughed off the idea that the Browns were better without K2 last week when I heard Tony Grossi seemingly joke about it on TV after the game. Now, I might be starting to agree with him. K2 has more talent than most of his teammates. That is inarguable. Still, with all the negative energy he brings to the team, maybe he truly isn’t worth it. Combine that with the fact that maybe the Browns are leaving big gains in other phases of the game on the field because they don’t have Heiden blocking in front of them and it starts to sway against K2. If I see him wave his hands and scream at the sidelines when he doesn’t get the ball one more time I might just scream.
- How many drops did Braylon Edwards have yesterday? I haven’t seen the number for sure yet, but the comments section on this site seemed to think it was five. He still had 4 catches for 58 yards, but consider he could have had at least 4 more catches. That possibly extends another two drives conservatively. When you are going as badly as Derek Anderson is sometimes, repetitions are the necessity. Braylon caused the Browns to lose chances yesterday with his drops.
- I am not going to blame Terry Cousin. He is doing the best he can. That being said, the Browns need to do a better job with routes across the middle. I don’t know if that means committing a safety, putting a linebacker in the middle to chip someone or what. I do know that the Browns can’t afford to give up gashing plays with Terry Cousin trailing players across the middle all day. He isn’t going to close from behind on a good wide receiver. This is on the Browns defensive braintrust and the front office.
- Great play again this week from Eric Wright. The way he chased down a sprinting Clinton Portis for the strip yesterday to give the Browns another chance was really impressive.
- Speaking of good play, I don’t want it to go unnoticed that Jamal Lewis did basically everything in his power to keep the Browns in it. 19 carries for 80 yards was a good effort in the loss. He also had an 18 yard reception and could have had two more if not for inexplicably overthrown screen passes.
- In the fourth the Browns went for it on 4th down from the Skins 3 yard line. There was almost no debate on whether this was the right thing to do in our running comments with WFNY readers. After thinking about it some more I can’t say that I agree. I know the argument that the Browns were there and needed to try to take advantage. I don’t buy into that. Despite horrible decisions by Crennel earlier in the season, “Field Goal” should not be a dirty word. The three points that the Browns didn’t get were meaningful because it would have put them down by one score (8 points.) To take those points off the board is never a good idea. Even though Eric Wright chased down Portis and the Browns had a shot, it wasn’t the right play. The Browns should have kicked the field goal to be down only one score.
- As for the goal line play selection, can anyone tell me why the Browns chose not to run over the left side? Seemed kind of strange to me that they would run Cribbs in motion to the exact point of attack at the RG. Position of strength should be over there on the left with Joe Thomas and Steinbach, right? Also, why lineup in the run on the goal line all the time? Why not the gun to clear out the middle? You could either pass on some crossing routes or run the draw when the matchup at the line of scrimmage is less muddled.
- Everything said, the Browns still had a chance to win. I am guessing that Braylon didn’t break off that last route crisply enough and that is why he had to dive for the ball at the end. That completion certainly would have given Phil Dawson an improved chance at tying the game. Keep in mind Browns fans that the Browns would have still had to keep Washington from getting into field goal range on the next drive, only to hopefully win the coin toss in overtime.
Well, that is all that came to mind, but certainly not all there is to be said about yesterday’s game. I am sure you will all tell me what I missed in the comments. As for the Browns, it will be more than interesting to hear what comes out this week. DA got into it with Lawrence Vickers at one point during the game. Kellen Winslow apparently went off after the game. Derek Anderson didn’t keep the QB controversy quiet for a second week in a row. Braylon Edwards dropping passes will certainly be a loud cry this week amongst Browns fans too. And seriously, what do you do about that? DA detractors have BQ to pimp, but what do Braylon bashers have as a solution? I don’t think there is one.
Well, here’s to next week when we can potentially talk about Maurice Jones-Drew and company running all over the Browns. Also, I don’t think we are going to see Brady Quinn any time soon. At this point with the season basically dying quickly, at what point do you want to see the Browns give up on Derek Anderson? To this point he has only played 5 good quarters out of 24.
Author: CraigLyndall
Craig Lyndall has been writing about all the Cleveland sports teams at WaitingForNextYear since September 2008. When he isn't, you can find him selling insurance or playing music. Follow WFNYCraig on Twitter.Craig Lyndall has written 338 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
With all of the negative things to focus on, I would like to comment on your point about Jamal Lewis. The guy can flat out play.
After watching all of the horrible backs we have had since the rebirth, it is so refreshing to watch that guy play RB. He always, always falls forward and carries guys with him down the field. He may not be the player he was 5 years ago, but he still a great back and I’m certainly glad he is on our team.
If other “stars” on offense gave the same effort that he did every week, we would be 4-2 instead of 2-4
Completely disagree on your K2 point. The guy has more heart than anyone on this team outside of possibly Jamal Lewis.
Put yourself in his position. You are out there, busting your butt and your QB refuses to throw you the ball. Your QB instead chooses to throw the ball to a WR who weekly drops multiple passes. I would be getting pretty ticked off as well. DA insists on throwing to Braylon on every other play even throw Braylon can’t ctach a freakin thing. Winslow is toasting defenders and still doesn’t get a ball thrown his way. Yeah, I would be ticked
K2 = negative energy? Really?
Give me 52 Winslows on this team….guys who have accountability, play through pain, keep their mouths shut for the most part, and play their heart out for a franchise that gives nothing back and a QB who refuses to throw him the ball, or when he does, throws it 10 yards over his head.
A couple things to add:
- I can’t fault Romeo for going for it the first time on 4th and 3 near the ’skins end zone. If he had kicked the field goal, everyone would have been complaining that he should have gone for it. However, I’m not sold on the play call. I think they should have at least thought about running to the left instead of telling the defense they were going to run to the right tackle.
- Bench Anderson now. If they won’t bench him, fire Crennel. If they won’t fire Crennel, fire Savage, and so on. There needs to be some form of accountability with this ball club, and currently there is absolutely none.
Touching up on K2, until we can get a QB who can complete a simple dump off to the flat, I’m with him. Anderson’s tunnel vision is completely killing this club, on the field and in the locker room.
I also still 100% disagree with you on the FG. Going for it was absolutely the right decision. What had the Browns done to make you think they could get back to the 3 yard line? You can kick a FG from anywhere. The TD is the hard part, and you have to take advantage when you find yourself in that field position. You kick a FG, then you HAVE to score a TD and you HAVE to make the 2 pt conversion. The nice thing about getting the TD first is that if you miss the 2 pt conversion, you still have a chance to win the game as you then know you need a TD instead of a FG. Going for the TD gives you more options and keeps you in the game longer.
I’m in 100% fking aggreance with macnip. K2 is the heart and soul of the team. If i see one more person bash K2 for showing some god damn emotion and wanting the ball (SUPRISE guys hes the most talented guy on our team and he wants the ball, what a novel concept!)…. “I might scream”
“A big reason I’m upset right now has to do with (the staph infection),” Winslow told the paper.
“I heard from Romeo Crennel and I heard from my position coach (Alfredo Roberts) when I was in the Clinic. I heard from my teammates. But I never heard from the main man – Phil Savage – and that really disappoints me. Sometimes I don’t even feel a part of this team.
“I feel I’ve done a lot for this team, played through a lot of pain and given it my all. I just thought there’d be a little more ‘how are you doing?’ by him.”
6 staph infections in 4 years, Phil Savage leaves him hanging all week without talking to him? I’m sure you wouldn’t be a bit pissed off about the serious inpetitude of the browns staff to rid the facilities of whatever the FK keeps infecting our players.
Honestly I haven’t really seen a post on here I’ve disagreed with until today. Alot of the points you wrote about seem wrong to me. I don’t like the idea of putting us into the gun. We have PLENTY of redzone options without it (k2/edwards/jamal middle/cribbs trick). I will, however, agree that we should have run on the left side.
And uh, I cant really believe that you wanted a FG there. It’s not really even a question that the right call was made by going for the TD. I don’t want to even bother getting into this, but as you can see it took us 7 damn tries to get the ball in the endzone. 7 tries. Do you think we magically done it with like 30 seconds remaining on the clock (if we managed to get the ball back) without the ability to run the ball?? Esp with how DA was throwing??
Also, the first time I saw harrison in the game was the 4th quater. Are you kidding me? 4th quater!? How can you honestly say he got a chance to impact the game when he got a total of like 4 touches the whole game.
Chris M, completely agree @ the DA point regarding tunnel vision. The dude almost got our WR’s/Backs killed 5-6 times in that game. The defense was baiting him all day long and I’m in shock that our skill players managed to hang onto the ball after getting lit up 5-6 different times in the game. He was throwing hospital passes all game long. The guy is trying to get them killed!
Gotta agree on going for the TD on 4th down. Rock explains it best. K2 has every right to be pissed. I’m pissed and I just watch on the couch at home. He’s bustin’ his ass on the field. If LeBron was chewin’ out his team mates for playing like ass it would be a leadership trait, so I’ll give K2 the benefit of the doubt. Especially considering the staph infection. This organization has got to get that under control. It’s going to start costing them free agent signings down the road. “Come to Cleveland and we’ll throw a staph infection as part of your signing bonus!”
Until Winslow plays his heart out while called on to block (as a complete TE should be able to do) he’s not going to win over the team or fanbase. It’s very conceivable to think that his limited blocking ability at the TE position is restricting to the offense, as at this point Heiden has to do all the dirty work and it’s probably a dead giveaway to the defense when they see who lines up at the position. Winslow is great at beating linebackers in pass coverage, but not so much defensive backs that can utilize their speed.
I disagree with the playcalling being good. I don’t remember seeing Harrison until 12:12 left in the 4TH QUARTER. Unacceptable, with how much he did against the Giants.
I think going for the TD was the right move. Agree 100% with Rock.
Brad, you’re clearly not watching games. Winslow is a MORE than servicable blocking TE. He’s won over a considerable portion of the city and I haven’t heard of a single player who doesnt like him. You’re just lying now. Stop focusing on him please. He’s in no way shape or form the problem on this team.
Creative, I think we’ll just have to agree to disagree on his blocking. I didn’t say he wasn’t liked, just that he’s not beloved. No need to attack – I like Winslow and hope they figure things out as a team as well.
Re Kellen: You knew what you were getting with him when he was drafted. Hugely talented, but with an even bigger sense of entitlement. Keep reading the PD story about the staph, and you find out it’s also about the new contract he wants. He wants to talk about his contract and “bad treatment” to the beat writers in a losing locker room, with his teammates telling him to shut up? He really is a football warrior, but not a team leader. He fragile psyche needed the GM to also call him at the Clinic, after all the coaches and teammates called him? What he really wanted, I suspect, is a hand holding with Savage, if there was a rolled up contract offer in the hand. After 3 years Savage must be thumping his head every time he sees Kellen or his agent on his caller i.d.
Re Anderson: very curious how “Stubborn Romeo” is resurfacing here as he refuses to pull a QB playing so poorly. Why hitch his only head coaching job to someone who clearly cannot handle pressure? My theory is that Maurice Carthon slipped that plain manilla envelope (with the incriminating Romeo photos) in DA’s locker on his way out. Is Phil going to step in again and force the QB change? Really, a mediocre QB could have managed yesterday’s game to a win. Washington was not that good.
Two points to ponder;
- Play calling is very questionable — It was obvious from the get go that DA was in his “Hyde” mode mode, so why call passing plays so much especially on 1st down?? I know the Redskin’s rush defense is stronger than their pass, but we were being somewhat successful throughout the game with the run. Redskins are weak on speed rushers, so give Harrison a but more carries — why did it take 3 quarters to figure that out? And the last drive, al we need is about 5-10 yards for a makeable field goal — call a screen or delayed handoff for some safe yardage dude!!! Crennel continues to cost us games.
The Quinn debate – The only way Crennel can save himself for next year is by going against the grain. If he inserts Brady and he is successfull — no one will give him credit b/c it was the obvious play. However, if he sticks with DA, against everyone’s wishes, and DA is successfull, he can use that as a bargaining chip to stay around by pointing to his footbal instincts and judgement in keeping DA. Think about it — no matter how bad DA plays, Crennel will stick with him. His personal agenda against the betterment of the team! IT disgusts me!!!
Why not use him in the slot instead? Keep Heiden in at TE. Winslow has got to be better than any of our number 3 receivers. If he doesn’t excel at run blocking, than use him exclusively as a receiver.
Thoughts??
Brad, apoligies. Just a bit fired up about this whole situation.
To me, the reason Winslow was jumping around and waving his arms is because he was OPEN. I can remember at least two routes where KW had a step or two, and the pass floated harmlessly 5-7 yards over his head/out of bounds.
The reason the Browns did well against NYG without him is because the QB was hitting open receivers. Yesterday, he was most certainly NOT.
About the QB, I agree with whomever said it needs to be on Crennell if a change isn’t made. By my count, the 2-4 Browns have had their QB cost them two games (Baltimore, Washington). We obviously don’t truly know if Quinn would have won those games or not, but at this point, what are you saving it for? This season is over, playoffs-wise. They are 3.5 games behind Pittsburgh, and don’t play them again (to make up the .5 game) until the last week of the season. It’s time to be realistic. Obviously, the entire team’s performance is not on DA, and there are certainly other players who are not playing well. It may not be fair in that context to do it this way, but when you have a viable option backing him up, and DA can be singled out to be directly costing the team games, you HAVE to make a move to try to improve the team’s overall performance.
No problem C.
Imus – sometimes it seems like Chud is trying too hard to outsmart the other team, instead of just lining up and being confident that we can run the obvious play better than the other team can defend it. And with first and goal on the 1 yard line, to try only one running play was ridiculous.
Why don’t they let Winslow run the quick slant that Edwards also runs in short yardage situations? Better hands, just as big body, if nothing else it would force a LB to hold or interfere.
“I heard from Romeo Crennel and I heard from my position coach (Alfredo Roberts) when I was in the Clinic. I heard from my teammates. But I never heard from the main man – Phil Savage – and that really disappoints me. Sometimes I don’t even feel a part of this team.” – Kellen winslow
how can he say he heard from the coach, teammates (plural!) and his position coach, then say that he doesnt feel a part of the team? that makes no sense. give me a break. is he 10 years old? so phil savage didnt call – boo hoo. everyone else called him.
I want to love K2 as much as the rest of you guys. I am just saying that he might be to the Browns what Shockey was to the Giants. Dude has a lot of talent for sure. He was open some times for sure. My point is that between the sub-par blocking, the amount of times he gets penalized, and the unnecessary gesticulations on the field, he might be hurting them more than helping them. I know DA shouldn’t be so fragile, but he isn’t helping the mood of the offense by being such a jerk after he doesn’t get the ball.
If a pitcher in baseball called out his shortstop for committing an error, what would you guys say? Same with Winslow showing up DA after almost every play. Yes, DA overthrew him and was playing badly, but that doesn’t excuse K2.
Also, I don’t fault the playcalling. They had a couple screens lined up and DA overthrew Jamal Lewis TWICE. What do you want Chud to do? Pass plays on first down are a great idea when you execute the plays, right? The lack of execution was the problem, not the play calling.
@BRAD –
“Why don’t they let Winslow run the quick slant that Edwards also runs in short yardage situations? Better hands, just as big body, if nothing else it would force a LB to hold or interfere.”
Because DA would have it tipped at the line.
If your QB is having problems with tipped passes, why not roll the pocket a few times to change things up?
We went to a direct snap to Cribbs on 3rd and short where he kept it and picked up the first down.
Why not give that same look and have Cribbs throw a bomb? When your team is struggling (especially your lame QB) you have to do something to try and get things kick started. Our coaches may be doing that, but if they are it isn’t blatantly obvious on my TV screen.
I’m pretty sure Winslow will be traded in the offseason. Drew Rosenhaus will make Phil Savage’s life a nightmate until it happens. Too bad because K2 is a very good player who has more heart than most of the guys on this team.
Time to go to Quinn. DA is killing us. He’s way too inconsistent to be a successful NFL QB.
With the playoffs looking extremely unlikely, I think I’m at the point where I’m hoping for the whole thing to fall apart so that Stubborn Romeo gets fired. We’ll never be an elite team with him coaching.
I agree with the playcalling this week. It seemed much better. Problem was DA either couldn’t get it anywhere near our guys (Lewis on the screens) or Edwards was dropping it. How about the 1st down play in the 4th from our own 8 yd line. Edwards had at least a step on his guy and dropped the ball. I would guess he had at least a first down at that point. I don’t want to defend DA cause he has not played well, but when guys drop passes like that it really handcuffs the offense and prevents any kind of rythym with the play calling. You almost have to give Quinn the ball now to give him 8-10 games to see if he really is the future. With this schedule I don’t see us making it to 500. Also saw a great quote from Edwards on ESPN, “I think we underestimated Washington.” How does a 2-3 team underestimate anyone especially one that just suffered an embarrassing loss at home the previous week. That’s on Crennel. the inmates are running the asylum.
Very simply. Derek Anderson missing throws and Braylon Edwards dropping passes. Two pro bowl players? what a joke.
Once and for all can we stop calling DA a pro bowler? He was an alternate, selected because Tom Brady wanted to do some shopping in Manhattan with his supermodel girlfriend. OK?
We could probably get some help on D and draft picks for Winslow. Edwards at this point might not get you anything above the 4th round.
Poor play execution was the death of this game. I’m not going to blame it all on DA, cause some of the routes that were ran by the receivers and of course the drops killed us.
Great article by Pluto today on K2. I don’t I’ve ever agreed with him more.
I really have to wonder why anyone would want to play for a franchise whose fans are so quick to turn on them just for being honest. I wonder if KC’s fans are calling Gonzalez a crybaby, or a distratcion, or whatever for wanting to be traded. The funny thing is, K2 never actually asked for a trade, he just said he thought about it. Why should any of us blame him for wanting to be traded? Yeah, the motorcycle thing was dumb, and he’s paid dearly for it, both in his contract reductions the Browns handed down, as well as his multiple staph infections. The Browns have treated him like crap, and this team is pathetic and K2 and Jamal Lewis are the only skill guys on offense who look like they care and are trying. I’m sorry, but I just refuse to get down on a guy for being honest. I wish more guys on this team would give it a shot.
“If a pitcher in baseball called out his shortstop for committing an error, what would you guys say?” = reductio ad absurdum. If the pitcher yelled at the SS for one error, I would say the pitcher was at fault. If the SS was committing errors SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT of the time, then I would say the pitcher had a right to be upset.
Look, I’ve complained all year that there’s no accountability on this team. I’m not going to be mad at the ONE guy on this team who has the guts to point the exact same thing we’ve all been saying……DA is not doing his job.
It was a great article, and he is spot on. K2 and Drew Rosenhaus want a new deal. This is the same situation with Scott Boras and Manny Ramirez. The agent can’t get paid until a new deal is in place. The old agent gets all the money on the old deal, and with Winslow I think that was the Poston’s?
No deal, no money for Drew.
Anyone want to buy my Winslow jersey?
@ Boomhauer
We’ll never be an elite team until we get a “win-at-all-costs” attitude from Randy Lerner down. Every member of this organization has to accept winning as the only option, and do whatever it takes to make it happen. If Lerner doesn’t think Savage is doing everything he can to produce a winning cast, then fire him and hire someone who will. And so on down the line…Crennel…assistant coaches…players…
Rock, we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. You don’t show up your teammates. That isn’t being accountable. That is being a bad guy. Just like I used to hate the “LeBron Face” when he didn’t get every call to go his way a few years back, I hate the “Winslow Dance” when he doesn’t get the ball. That isn’t the right way to play, no matter how badly the QB is stinking up the joint.
Also, Tony Gonzalez isn’t complaining about money, by the way. He is complaining about being part of a rebuilding program at his advanced age. He also isn’t a guy who abused his privilege of playing in the NFL by crashing his motorcycle. The Browns could have not paid the man a large portion of the money he was paid while recuperating from the motorcycle injury. But that’s not good for anything. This team and its fans have done nothing but embrace Winslow whenever he has earned it by performing on the field. Why we have to just overlook all the other stuff is beyond me.
BTW all this negativity and stuff doesn’t reflect well on the man who was given credit for rallying the troops last year; Romeo Crennel. He has lost control of this ship completely. Just listen to K2 and Braylon. That tells the tale.
“The Browns could have not paid the man a large portion of the money he was paid while recuperating from the motorcycle injury. But that’s not good for anything.”
I’m sorry, but that argument is the worst argument people love to use. Sure they could have not paid him. If K2 was a 7th round pick, they wouldn’t have paid him. Don’t act like the Browns did it out of charity. They did it because they knew K2 was an elite TE and they wanted him on the team.
As for the “right” way to play, I hate it when people say that, too. There’s no “right” way to play. I wish everyone would show up DA. Every single player. They should all start showing him up until Romeo gets the message and gets him out of there. Ugh, this team is a mess, and people are throwing Winslow under the bus. Hilarious. I freaking WISH Winslow waving his arms was worth getting upset about. That would mean the rest of this team was smelling like roses.
preach it rock, couldnt agree more
Hey Rock, aren’t there better ways to handle the situation than the media? Why do all of these guys go running off to Mortensen and his ilk every time they have a beef with the office? Attention, plain and simple. I love K2 for his playmaking abilities, but when you have a problem in the locker room or on the field, crying to ESPN.com is not the solution. I guess my point is that airing your dirty laundry for everyone to see is bad practice, plain and simple.
Yes, the Browns thought that Winslow was an elite TE and that is part of the reason they paid him while he was recuperating, but then again, TECHNICALLY, they didn’t have to pay him at all. It was good for BOTH the team and the player. Again, I couldn’t disagree with you more about there not being a “right” way to play.
You think these shenanigans would happen on a Belichick team?
If you want to find some common ground, I guess we can both say that the Browns really need to just start by ridding themselves of Romeo Crennel.
Rock:
Always enjoy reading what you have to have to say but I think you’re missing the point a bunch of people are making. Of course Kellen’s big mouth is not the primary reason for their struggles. The issue is whether he can exhibit some semblance of self discipline and professionalism when things don’t go his way, so as to increase the chances of a team turnaround. Why bitch to the media? Does that help or hurt? You know by the time he spoke to reporters he already probably mouthed off to DA, Chud, Romeo, the position coach, his posse, etc. Is he doing it because nothing else is effective in helping the team? If that was true, why is he mentioning his contract in the locker room after a game? He is an immature peacock. The only issue is whether his immaturity outweighs his football contributions. Same issue many teams face with their immature peacocks.
“You think these shenanigans would happen on a Belichick team?”
I think we’ll find out soon enough if Matt Cassell continues NOT to get the ball to Randy Moss, in all sincerity.
@Chris: what’s to say he didn’t try to handle in house first? You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. But I just don’t have a problem at all with K2 telling the media he’s pissed off. I’m pissed off, too.
@Harv: I guess I don’t know what you mean by Kellen’s big mouth. When else has he publicly called out the team? K2 actually rarely runs his mouth to the press. Yeah, he made the soldier comments in college, but we all did and said stupid things in college. Since he’s been with the Browns, I can’t really recall another time he publicly spoke out against the team. That’s why, to me, his speaking out now says volumes. If K2 is calling out the team publicly, it’s 100% proof that Romeo has lost this team, and it’s time for Romeo to go. I am not going to sit here and get down on Winslow when he’s giving 110% to help this team, while the front office tries to cover up staph infection and refuses to make a coaching and/or QB change that so obviously needs to be made. As I’ve been saying all along today, I’m glad SOMEBODY on the Browns is as frustrated as I am. I’d much rather listen to K2’s air out his frustration than have to have the sunshine blown up my you-know-what by Derek Anderson again. Everything is not fine. Romeo has to go.
I have no problem with Winslow getting upset on the field or on the sidelines or even in the locker room.
I do not like the posturing by him and his agent. I think he needs to realize the Browns did him a favour with his current contract. He has himself to blame for not being in a better position.
But no one can deny, he’s been atoning for his early years. He just hasn’t made full reparations, yet.
@craig: you’re right, we’re going to have to agree to disagree. I think the “right” way to play is giving 110% on the field and making plays to help your team win. K2 waving his arms isn’t costing this team yards or downs. But him making catches over the middle and selling out his body for this franchise is.
Oh, and Romeo must go.
“I do not like the posturing by him and his agent. I think he needs to realize the Browns did him a favour with his current contract.”
I’m sorry, but the Browns did not do him a favor. The Browns didn’t want to make him mad because they wanted him to play for them. This was not an act of kindness, it was a business decision made to keep the Browns the best football team they could. This courtesy would not have been extended to a fringe player.
But I agree with your last comment, obviously.
All we have heard is Winslow’s side of the story. I wonder what Phil would have to say. I like Phil Savage and think he has done a nice job of bringing talent to Cleveland. But he is the General Manager and he needs to do a better job of managing his coach and the players. Ultimately it is Phil’s job to keep all of these problems under control. That being said Winslow has no business talking badly about the organization to the media.
Ok, Ok, Rock, man you are hot. My “big mouth” reference was only to this incident, I agree he has generally managed to zip it. I’ll just try to point out again that when “K3″ (”Kontract”) came out of K2’s mouth, he wasn’t exactly advocating team improvement. When K2 goes off about “K3,” we have no reason to say “yeah, you go! It’s about time someone mentioned your contract!” Anyway, I agree that the fish is rotting at the head. That means Romeo, and may include Phil, who collects these players and coaches, and maybe even the Big Soccer Dad Across the Pond, who presumably keeps an eye on Phil.
I’m not near as mad at the commenters, Harv, as I am with the Browns organization. That’s the root of my frustration. Nothing is changing with the team. We keep banging our heads into a brick wall thinking eventually we can somehow magically walk through it. Lets try going around the wall.
And I get what you’re saying about the contract. I agree there’s a time and a place for that, but if you read the comments or listen to the audio of them, he didn’t lead off with it. I don’t think that’s the stem of his complaints, and if you listen to Mary Kay Cabot’s interview that was just posted on cleveland.com, she pretty much says the same thing. It’s about much more than that. And therein lies my problem. When we’re losing our best players, it’s time for changes. We can’t have guys like Kellen being frustrated with the team, because that exposes bigger internal problems. That’s where I’m coming from.
Not to go all lawyer on you Rock, but last time I checked the only one who was proven to have been in breach of his contract on CLOSED CIRCUIT VIDEO NO LESS was Kellen Winslow Junior when he was riding his motorcycle. He was IN BREACH OF HIS CONTRACT. That being the case, the Browns could have played hardball and bet against a guy who the MEDICAL COMMUNITY has been betting against since he tore up that knee in the accident where he was BREACHING HIS CONTRACT. If he never played another down for the Browns a la LeChuck, we are talking a very different story.
The bottom line is that with all the options on the table and with all the ways this situation could have turned out, the Browns might have been hedging a little, but to a certain extent they were being very nice seeing as NOBODY knew if Winslow was ever going to play at a high level again.
The Browns could have cut Winslow on the spot, saved that money and just moved on. Paying Winslow while he recuperated should not be taken for granted just because Winslow was able to come back. He turned his back on THEM, not the other way around.
Again, the Browns didn’t do it out of altruism. I know K2 was in breach of contract. I know what the Browns options were. You’re not telling me anything I didn’t know. The Browns did it because they wanted a return on their investment and they’ve gotten more than their moneys worth in K2’s production.
The Browns could have cut him on the spot, but had they done that, someone else would have a Pro Bowl TE on their team. And that’s the #1 reason the Browns didn’t cut him, not charity. This is a business.
Great assessment Craig and Rock both, but I do have to disagree with a few things. First, I was at the game yesterday, and every single time Cousin was covering a receiver in the slot, he got beat. I don’t know how much they showed on TV, but a sense of dread filled me every time I saw T-Cuz line up one on one, and in the second half the Redskins finally capitalized on it.
Second, Jamal was fantastic yesterday, and the guy is a beast. 19 carries and 3 targets (I use that term loosely here…) is not nearly enough in a close game for one of the best RB’s in the league. Also, I should ask, did I miss it, or was K2 on the field alot less than normal yesterday? I just brushed it off as the “undisclosed illness”, but now I’m not so sure…
Third, DA needs to go. At 2-4, the season is nearly lost, it’s time to move on. Our receivers outmatched that secondary all day, and repeatedly, DA just straight up missed the throw. There’s no way to know if BQ would have made the throws, but we do need to know if he’s the future or not, and we’re not gonna learn that with him holding a clipboard watching DA heave 20 passes 10 yards or more beyond an open receiver.
Craig is right. Winslow is an extremely PASSIONATE player. That doesn’t make you a team leader. It makes you venerable to making emotional mistakes and saying some pretty damn stupid things that undermine the team as a whole. The Browns could have dumped his butt after that whole ordeal, and I doubt he would have been picked up for near the amount of money he is making here. It’s starting to feel awfully drafty in your glass house K2.
LOLOL I just heard Romeo say…”Well I don’t know why our offense struggles. If I knew that maybe I would be a better football coach.”
I’m speechless. And I ALWAYS have something to say.
I bet it’s K2 “undermining the team” that is causing our offense to struggle.
No, Rock, it isn’t. But he’s my scapegoat for today. Just give me that ok. I need something to direct my anger toward. haha
fwiw I think something that no one is talking about is that, despite EVERYTHING that’s gone on this season(esp with the “Kellen blow up”)….who’s kept thier mouth shut and stayed behind the curtains? Yeah, you know who I’m talking about.
Quinn, despite everything, has been waiting for his shot…how many other big profile guys would have just kept thier mouths shut?
Haha, fair enough Bambino. We all need our outlets.
For the record, K2 DID call out the offensive coaches (read: Carthon) after the Bengals loss a few years ago when he wondered aloud why he was on the sidelines on third down so much. FWIW…
As usual, Chudzinski gets off scott free
Good call DP, I had forgotten about that one. Although, I actually did agree with K2 then as well.
kemitcush: Don’t worry, Chud gets his in the post I’m working on right now.
Does anyone else here wonder how our 6′6 QB keeps getting so many tipped passes at the LOS? I never saw Zeier even have that many tipped balls when he took snaps for us!
As where I think Chud is obvious in playcalling at times ( pass,run,pass in that order) I also saw alot plays called yesterday that gave the Browns opportunities that they didn’t take because of poor offensive play. Something else that made me want to kick my T.V. was this. If I’m an owner or part owner of this team & my QB has a whopping 17 passing yards at half; I’m calling the locker & telling the coach to make the switch or find other employment! I mean seriously how the hell can you justify starting DA in the 2nd half?
This may not be baseball but even players like the Rocket get yanked when it isn’t their day & yesterday wasn’t DA’s day either. Why can’t Crennel just say ” Derek it aint your day today we’re gonna go with Brady in the 2nd half to see if we can get something going.” It doesn’t have to mean a loss of job but if Quinn delivers givie him the job. We’re here to win not to showcase players for possible suitors next year.
Gotta disagree with the K2 comment. Winslow was waving his arms because he usually IS open. But, of course, with DA’s happy feet in the pocket, he’s trying to get rid of the ball as quickly and inaccurately as possible and doesn’t even see Winslow. I counted at least 3-4 plays where Anderson could’ve hit Winslow and just didn’t see him or just misthrew. The commentators were calling Anderson out for missed receivers all day. I realize it doesn’t help when Braylon’s doing his best impression of catching the ball with no hands but Anderson still missed at least a dozen throws Sunday.
And I’ll agree that Jamal Lewis is a beast. The guy’s good for 3 yards a carry in 1st quarter, 4 in the 2nd and 5-6 yards in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Like fine wine, he gets better as time goes. In my opinion, he’s probably and understandably the most frustrated person on that offense.
how about lost confidence in your qb?
i cant count how many times during the TV broadcast they cut to skill players hangin out with BQ…
and i can count arguments skill players have had with a certain anonymous starting QB for the browns.
also, last night, they said matt cassel was taking flack for essentially being a “high school quarterback”… i then proceeded to see him make almost every screen/pass-to-the-flat toss in a patriot ROMP over the broncos…
if cassel is a “hs qb”, what on earth is DA?
Pop Warner? CYO?