May 24, 2013

Chiefs’ Shaun Smith fights fans on Twitter, threatens reporter

Shaun Smith practically tried to choke out Trent Richardson this Sunday during one extended tackle. It was dirty for sure and it will be interesting to see how the NFL comes down on it. After the loss to the Browns by more than three touchdowns, Smith was ill-tempered on Twitter after his prediction that the Chiefs would win by 10 fell flat.

Smith was fighting with fans and then got into it with a local radio guy, Danny Parkins who pointed out that the backlash shouldn’t have been a surprise. Smith responded with a not-so-vague threat.

“… i have faith n my teammates that’s why i said it so u r blocked chump u don’t want to c me in the streets so be easy”

Smith then tweeted: “Am not on Here to make friends so if u don’t like what the f i say don’t follow me n i mean that my houses 6 cards are paid for i love the game of football so either say something positive to me or kick rocks thanks u shaun smith”

There’s more about the entire episode, but it isn’t hard to understand why Shaun Smith has played so many places without sticking, despite his massive size and ability to clog lanes. Smith has now played with Dallas, Arizona, New Orleans, Cincy, Cleveland, Detroit, Cincy again, and Kansas City. That’s a lot of movement for a 31-year-old player.

[Related: Remember when Smith was rumored to have punched Brady Quinn in the face in the weight room?]

Game 13 : Browns vs. Chiefs open thread

The Browns possess their first winning streak of the year heading into Sunday’s matchup vs. Kansas City. Cleveland has won two in a row, and four out of their last seven.

The Brownies are 6.5 point favorites against the 2-12 Chiefs. The Chiefs have been the NFL’s worst team, but played their best game in a 27-21 win last week over Carolina. [Read more...]

Crennel told players not to respond to Joe Thomas comments

ESPN Cleveland’s Chris Fedor is reporting that in a team meeting this week, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel specifically instructed players not to respond to comments made by Browns all-pro Joe Thomas.

Thomas described Chief’s running back Peyton Hillis’ time in Cleveland as “toxic”.

Hours after the meeting, Hillis went to the Kansas City media and fired back at Thomas’ comments.

This isn’t the first time a story has broke of Hillis ignoring team leaders. In 2011 Hillis drew criticism for leaving the Browns midweek to attend his own wedding back in Arkansas.

Read all about the Hillis and Thomas soap opera at WFNY.

Quinn vs. Weeden: Jaws’ 29th and 30th ranked QB’s

ESPN’s Ron Jaworski has Chief’s Brady Quinn and Browns’ Brandon Weeden ranked 29th and 30th of his quarterback rankings.

Both Quinn and Weeden are coming off career days in which Weeden threw for 364 yards and Quinn completed 19 of 23 for 201 yards and a touchdown.

Quinn: Romeo Crennel has been a “steady force” in wake of tragedy

Romeo was huge [this past week] — he was kind of that steady rock. In the midst of everything, he obviously witnessed it so he knew he had to put it on himself to not only communicate what happened, but at the same time, lead us because there was going to be so much emotion involved — a lot of guys searching, seeing how they should respond. He was obviously emotional, and rightfully so. After that, he was able to be that steady force on this team.

– Former Cleveland Browns quarterback on head coach Romeo Crennel, Wednesday, via conference call. Crennel had been largely criticized for having lost the locker room in the wake of the 2008 collapse when both men were with the Cleveland Browns. “You have to be willing to climb to get a higher vantage point,” added the quarterback when talking about dealing with adversity throughout his career. Crennel credits his parents’ strength helped him get through last week’s tragedy.

[Related: TV Review: “Road Tested” entertaining, unfocused, and effective]

Quinn: When you ask someone how they are doing, do you really mean it?

When you ask someone how they are doing, do you really mean it? When you answer someone back how you are doing, are you really telling the truth? We live in a society of social networks, with Twitter pages and Facebook, and that’s fine, but we have contact with our work associates, our family, our friends, and it seems like half the time we are more preoccupied with our phone and other things going on instead of the actual relationships that we have right in front of us. Hopefully, people can learn from this and try to actually help if someone is battling something deeper on the inside than what they are revealing on a day-to-day basis.

– Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn in the wake of a murder-suicide involving his teammate Jovan Belcher. Quinn led the Kansas City Chiefs to a win and provided one of the more well-thought postgame quotes in recent history, extending well beyond the numbers and the final score of what is ultimately just a game.

Brady Quinn replaces “booed,” injured QB in KC

Derek Anderson was once booed in a game against the Colts. Brady Quinn was already hurt in a previous game so D.A. was replaced by Ken Dorsey, but the QB battle with Brady Quinn had an awful lot to do with the reaction to Derek Anderson.

Now, the former Notre Dame QB (with the boyish good looks) is in the mix again with an unpopular starter, Matt Cassell, in Kansas City. During a 9-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Cassell lay motionless on the turf. The Chiefs’ free agent offensive tackle Eric Winston was none-too-pleased and let KC fans have it after the game.

“We are athletes,” Winston said. “We are not gladiators. This isn’t the Roman Coliseum. People pay their hard-earned money to come in here, and I believe they can boo. They can cheer. They can do whatever they want. We’re lucky to play this game. A game. It’s hard economic times, and they still pay the money to do this, but when somebody gets hurt there are long-lasting ramifications to the game we play — long-lasting ramifications.

Just for the record, in nine plays, Brady Quinn was 3/3 for 32 yards and a 111.1 QB rating in leading a field goal drive.

[Related: Browns game wasn’t lost on Shurmur’s 3rd and 1 play call]

Colt McCoy Through the Lens of Brady Quinn

Browns fans are understandably terrified of a QB controversy. The days of Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn (not to mention Charlie Frye) will do that to you. I’ve already been on record that I think it is a possibility that Colt McCoy might beat out Brandon Weeden, at least initially, because of his experience in the Browns’ offense. Still, despite all the moving parts and an ultimate desire to win ASAP, some Browns fans are so bitten by the Brady Quinn past that they think the only option is for Colt McCoy to be gone.

They might be right. I might be missing the boat completely on this thinking that this mix of quarterbacks can coexist. It does seem similar to Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn in some ways. On the one hand you have the somewhat smaller guy with questionable arm strength with Colt McCoy and Brady Quinn. On the other you have a guy who fits the stereotypical QB mold in terms of height and ability to hurl the ball like Derek Anderson and Brandon Weeden. And other than that, there just isn’t much similarity between the controversies of the past and potential conflict now.

One of the biggest problems with the D.A. vs. B.Q. situation was that Browns fans kept echoing the sentiment that “we need to see what we have in Brady Quinn.” That phrase became so common at one point that it made me want to scream just because everyone was using the same exact phrase. Is there anything worse than a localized cliché that peppers sports talk radio and website comment sections? I digress. The current situation with Colt McCoy is totally different than when we had to see “what we have in” Brady Quinn. [Read more...]

While We’re Waiting…Grading The Sessions Trade, Tribe Bullpen Battles, Browns Quarterback Questions

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.

Grading the Cavaliers’ trade of Ramon Sessions: “I was on the fence about their move of Sessions, because I’m so high on him. Yes, he was expiring and would be leaving. Yes, they only had 20-some-odd games left with him. But couldn’t they get better value than terrible contracts with another year left on them and a 25-plus pick? Then I thought more about it, and saw that the Cavs also got the right to swap their Heat pick obtained in the LeBron James sign-and-trade in 2013 with the Lakers’ pick, which could be substantially worse if the Lakers don’t improve considerably on their older core.

The Cavs now could have four first-round picks in 2012 and more picks in the future. They can package to move up or for a player. If yoiu’re rebuilding, this is the way to go. Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and picks on picks on picks.

It’s a big-picture plan, and a good one.” [Eye On Basketball/Matt Moore]

[Read more...]

The Best Browns Since 1999 – Quarterbacks

As Browns fans debate trading up to try and take Robert Griffin III, sign Matt Flynn in free agency, or keep Colt McCoy as the starter, I bring you the best Browns QBs since 1999. It was no secret that this wasn’t going to be a particularly fun exercise trying to come up with the best QB. Randy Lerner can’t stop talking about the importance of finding the right QB lately and it is indicative of just how futile the searches have been up to this point for the Browns. I mean who could ever forget “Charlie’s Fryes” as much as we might desperately desire to do so? [Read more...]

When They Miss the Playoffs, the Browns Really Miss the Playoffs

We all know that the Browns and their 4-12 record missed the playoffs, but it had me thinking.  Are there even any influential players left in the playoffs that are former Browns?  Obviously guys playing special teams for San Francisco are important like Blake Costanzo are important, but I’m excluding guys like that.  I mean like real, bona fide starters and difference-makers.  I think the list says an awful lot about how the Browns have drafted since 1999.

One of the best names on the list that my Twitter followers helped me come up with is New York Giants guard Shaun O’Hara.  He debuted with the Browns in 2000 after being undrafted out of Rutgers.  He ended up in New York via free agency and even at 34 years of age he would have been a welcome addition to the Cleveland Browns roster.  Another Shaun… Rogers that is is active down in New Orleans for the Saints.  The Browns are fine with big dudes on the defensive line and they willingly waved goodbye to “Big Baby” because of the financial situation involved.  Other than those two, maybe Vickers?  Lawrence Vickers is playing in Houston and has probably been massively overrated by Browns fans.  Still, to think they couldn’t still use him on this roster is most certainly false.  So that’s three players. Anyone else? [Read more...]

Isn’t It Nice Not To Be Talking About a QB “Controversy”?

Couch or Holcomb. Anderson or Quinn. Frye or Dilfer. Delhomme or McCoy. Such was the life of the Browns fan during pre-seasons past. Who would step  up and be the quarterback? Which of the crappy options would be “best”? Who was keeping the seat warm for whom?

I’m not here to say Colt McCoy is on his way to the Pro Bowl. What I am here to say, however, is that McCoy clearly is the starting quarterback for this team, for 2011. He’s the leader. He’s the guy with the best handle on the new offense. He’s the guy the other guys follow.

And man, is it nice not to be talking about the quarterback this year. [Read more...]

5 Favoite Sports Stories: Browns Commit Highway Robbery

With all the negative sports stories coming from Cleveland this year, I thought I’d run down my five favorite Cleveland sports stories of 2010. They may not be the ‘top stories’ from the year, but they are the ones that resonate with me the most. Each day this week you can read my take and chime in with your own memory of the events. Today we start with #5:

The Browns commit highway robbery.

As one who was very much old enough to remember the knife slowly inserted and twisting in my back during The Drive, it felt good to finally get a little revenge on the Broncos.

At the time of the deal, it seemed a bit of an after-thought. Randy Lerner had brought in his ‘football man’ in Mike Holmgren, who wasted little time in securing the services of Tom Heckert and giving Eric Mangini another year at the helm. They reviewed the QB situation and determined that neither Derek Anderson nor Brady Quinn were the answer. Anderson found his way out West, taking up a roster spot in Arizona. Meanwhile Heckert and Holmgren started their QB platoon with Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. [Read more...]

Colt McCoy Sits Alone Atop Depth Chart

Well, if there was ever a question in Browns minds, there isn’t anymore.  As of yesterday, Colt McCoy has been named the starter for the Browns in the first opportunity since all quarterbacks regained their health.

Eric Mangini (much to the chagrin of many of you) chose Jake Delhomme consistently over Seneca Wallace in the last few weeks.  The reason for that remains unclear.  We aren’t sure, and might never be.  Does Eric Mangini consider Seneca Wallace a backup no matter what?  Did he not appreciate even the modest statements that Seneca Wallace made just prior to getting healthy about the team needing to choose one quarterback?  Was it simply a professional courtesy to Jake Delhomme because Mangini (and Holmgren and Heckert) are keenly aware that Delhomme won’t be back here next season?  There are a lot more questions than answers here. [Read more...]

Not the Best Afternoon for Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn

While the Cleveland Browns won their first game of the season via the shoulders (and triceps) of one Peyton Hillis and the arm of Seneca Wallace, things were not quite as good for two guys that would have been factoring into this equation one year ago.

Former Browns quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn had an afternoon that both would like to forget, yet one that should provide quite a feeling of deja vu.

[Read more...]

Peyton Hillis Has a Day for the Ages

Even though the Browns lost yesterday there were a few bright spots.  For me it feels a bit like gloating because I picked Peyton Hillis as my sleeper player for the Browns this season.  At the end of the day, every Browns fan has to be ecstatic to have Peyton Hillis (and two draft picks) in exchange for Brady Quinn.  Even before Hillis’ big game against the Ravens it felt good to be rid of the QB controversy.  It felt good to not ever have to hear a Browns fan utter the phrase, “Let’s just see what we have in Brady Quinn!”  Who could have thought just how well it would turn out though?

I know it is just one game and I know that Hillis put the ball on the ground a few times earlier this year.  The thing is that these were the Ravens.  The Ravens with Ray Lewis and Haloti Ngata and all the rest.  Ed Reed didn’t play, but even that can hardly tarnish the stats that Peyton Hillis was able to put together yesterday.  We are talking about a historically stingy defense.  It was the 6th most ever yards against the Ravens and the most since 2005.  Hillis was the first ever Cleveland Browns player to post over 100 yards against the Ravens. [Read more...]

Browns Can Use Both Quarterbacks Without Controversy

The relationship between the Browns and their quarterbacks is so well-documented that I can hear people groan even before I think about typing the name Brady Quinn.  Be that as it may, I can’t help but wonder why, exactly, we didn’t see Seneca Wallace play quarterback yesterday for the Browns yesterday.  I am not even referring to Jake Delhomme’s two interceptions.  Yes, the first interception was really bad.  That in and of itself is not a good enough reason to abandon your starter in the first game of a long NFL season.  More troubling was watching Jake Delhomme hobbling around on an injured foot for two series.

The foot was obviously doing bad things for Delhomme’s mobility.  More importantly, it seemed to be affecting his ability to throw the ball.  Yet, through the struggles and with the game hanging in the balance Delhomme kept limping onto the field.  His foot did seem to get better and by the fourth quarter he even pulled the ball down to attempt to scramble for a few yards.  I sincerely hope that Delhomme wasn’t kept on the field because the Browns’ recent struggles with the QB position had the head coach gun-shy about trying something different. [Read more...]

Is It Still Too Early to Evaluate the Brady Quinn Trade?

I’m always one of those people that tries to preach patience. In my first article in response to the trades of Quinn and Kamerion Wimbley this past March, I reiterated my desire to have a successful team built for the long-haul through the draft, and as such am a big proponent of the “you can’t call a draft pick a ‘bust’ until after season-three” philosophy. And, in his response to those trades, Craig made the ultimately correct diagnosis for the Quinn trade:

The Browns traded Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos for third year fullback Peyton Hillis, a 2011 6th round pick, and a conditional pick in 2012.  Obviously we won’t know whether the Browns got enough for Quinn for some time.  Anyone who says they know today is guessing.  In order to see, we will have to see the results of Peyton Hillis’ career in Cleveland and Brady Quinn’s career in Denver, not to mention the conditional picks.

[Read more...]

Be Patient With Browns Passing Attack

The Browns pretty well ran their way to victory in the last four weeks of the previous season.  Out of those last four games, the Browns only managed to complete passes for over 100 yards as a team against the Raiders.  Derek Anderson went 8-17 that day in the meaningless grudge match against Charlie Frye.  From that perspective, last year provides a very favorable comparison for this year’s crew responsible for piling up the passing yards.  That doesn’t mean that out of the gate this season, we can expect to see the Browns looking like the Pats with Brady, Moss and Welker.

The Browns should be improved.  Believe it or not, the “shell-of-his-former-self” version of Jake Delhomme is still probably better than either Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn of a year ago.  DA and BQ might be productive again in their NFL careers, but they were so beaten down and psychologically broken by the time last season finished that it couldn’t happen.  Additionally, the Browns wide receivers should also be improved with another year under their belts.  That has been the mantra throughout all the media so far. [Read more...]

While We’re Waiting… QBs and Wideouts, Watson’s Emergence, and LeBron’s Return

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

Cart or horse? “Some are calling the Browns receivers the worst in the league. It’s hard to tell, though, just how good the receivers are, or can be, because they were paired last year with Derek Anderson (a big-armed QB who can’t hit the broad side of a barn, according to ESPN) and Brady Quinn (he of the tentative pocket presence and unwillingness to stretch the field, according to ESPN).

And therein lies the rub: were the receivers bad last year because the quarterbacks were horrid, or did the QBs suffer because Mohamed Massaquoi (34 catches), Brian Robiskie (seven catches) and company are just not that good?” [Red Right 88]

[Read more...]