May 18, 2013

Week 3 Open Thread: Browns vs. Bills

 

A huge game in many ways for the Browns moving forward as they host the Buffalo Bills in Cleveland this afternoon. The Browns will look to keep up their offense rhythm from last week’s loss to the Bengals while also hopefully improving a bit on the defensive side.

From the leadership side of things, many are already saying how bad a loss would be for the combination of Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur in terms of their future with the franchise. Obviously, we all know Holmgren might be out already when Jimmy Haslam III has his hands on things, but an 0-3 start wouldn’t really give off a great first impression of Shurmur either.

Come join with us in the fun and share your thoughts in the comments as the game moves forward. Check out some links as well after the jump.

More WFNY coverage of Week 3:

Top Five Non-Essential Things Jimmy Haslam Should Do With the Browns
Cleveland Browns Film Room: Game 2, Third Down Offense
Bills vs. Browns – Reader Survey
Bills vs. Browns – Browns fans predict a 23-23 tie?

Go Browns!

Week 13 Open Thread: Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Browns lost a tough one down in Cincy last week.  Since then, Ryan Pontbriand was cut, Josh Cribbs voiced his displeasure with losing, and the Baltimore Ravens arrived in Cleveland looking to extend their record to 9-3.  If Pat Shurmur’s group is able to respond to last week’s loss by getting into the win column today, they will need to play their best game of the season to date.

Las Vegas has the Ravens favored on the road by seven points.  They intend to blitz Colt McCoy all afternoon and into the early Cleveland evening. It would be pretty encouraging if Peyton Hillis showed up today with one of those games he had last season.  Beyond that, the other things that will have to happen in order for the Browns to come out on top were previously identified both here and here.

Go Browns.

Game 14 Open Thread – Browns vs. Bengals

It is game time.  The Battle for Ohio commences yet again.  The weather should be cold and clear with temperatures in the 20s.  Colt McCoy is back from injury and many of you will finally be excited about a Browns game for the first time since he has been out.  Before the game starts, be sure to check out all the coverage WFNY has done prior to the game.

Colt McCoy Eric Mangini and more were discussed in the weekly WFNY podcast with Cleveland.com

All the writers weighed in on how the Browns can defeat the Bengals with BWWI

Of course you can also check out Pre-Game Intel which is just below this article as you look at it on the front page.  Enjoy the game, and go Browns!

Open Thread: Ohio State vs. Michigan

Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1) vs. Michigan Wolverines (7-4) | Time: 12p EST
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio | 35 degrees, 14 MPH winds | Line: Ohio State (-17.5)

As Eleven Warriors put best, it’s the game we wait 364 days for.  This one could be even better as a win would not only solidify a seventh consecutive win over the Wolverines, but it may very well cost Rich Rodriguez – who allegedly had a “relatively long leash” back in 2008 – his job.

A fun fact from ESPN this morning: “Under Rodriguez, Michigan is 0-11 against Big Ten opponents that finished with a winning conference record (including Michigan State and Iowa this season). In fact, Michigan’s six conference wins under Rodriguez have come against teams that are a combined 13-33 in Big Ten play.”

That’s not gonna cut it, Richard.  Oh, and hey…Red helmets! Go Bucks!

Cavs vs Celtics: Game Six Open Thread

“Maybe they were right about us. Maybe we don’t belong here.”

“Coach can I say something, I think LeBron can take his man if we set him up.”

“What about it ‘Bron?”

(LeBron nods head)

Yeah, maybe it’s a bit of a stretch to compare the Cavaliers to the team from Hickory. It doesn’t mean that we need any less of a performance however. The Cavaliers have been saying all postseason that the game in front of them is the most important game. Well guess what guys- I’m not sure if you believed it before, but you better believe it now.

There maybe rotation changes. (What else is new?) LeBron may not rest at all. Every rebound and loose ball will be magnified. Every easy basket crucial. In the end, Cleveland’s best chance a for title since Mesa’s blown save is at stake. Win and we do it all over again on Sunday at the Q. Lose, well I don’t even want to think about that one right now.

It may be played out, but it’s painted on the wall leading out of the tunnel to the court at the Q. Cue the speech- [Read more...]

Open Thread: Cavs at Celtics, Game Three

Well, it sure has been a long three days. 

Those that jumped the fence into Armageddon are free to come back over on to the side where the fans have remained calm.  Sure, the Cavaliers got blown out at home during Game Two.  Sure, the team still hasn’t found a way to stop Rajon Rondo.  And sure, the intensity has been lacking in three of the four quarters of play.

But the series is tied one-to-one.  This isn’t soccer – point differential means nothing. 

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Open Thread: Cavs vs. Bulls, Game 5

A lot is being made about the Cavaliers recent inability to close out a series at home.  Thankfully, LeBron James was quick to point out during his pregame interview that the team really has not had a lot of chances to close out at home due to sweeping their first two opponents last season.

James’ elbow has been deemed “ready.”  Both he and Coach Brown focused a lot of their pregame expectations on transition defense and staying aggressive throughout the entire game.

Derrick Rose and Luol Deng are both considered healthy.  Rose did acknowledge treatment to his ankle during this morning’s shootaround, but said that the swelling has subsided.

Cavs are favored by 13 points tonight.  At this rate, I’m willing to assume that fans will be alright with a one-point win.  You know, if you take away all of the mid-game heart attacks and all…

Follow along in the comments, folks.  For those looking to live chat – feel free to head over to FoxSportsOhio’s chat with Zach Jackson and company.  I’ll be occasionally dropping in via Twitter.

With all of that said… Go Cavs!

Open Thread: Cavs vs. Pacers

Three games left, this one against the 30-48 Indians Pacers. 

These last few games will be a mixed bag – we are not quite sure what to expect.  Will LeBron play?  Doubtful.  What about Antawn Jamison?  Not likely, given his foot injury last night.  Can Mo Williams keep rolling?  Who will step up in the absence of all of the typical scoring options?

Tune in to Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM 1100/AM at 7:30pm tonight to find out! 

Follow along in the comments, folks.  I’m sure several of us will be on Twitter as well! 

Go Cavs!

Open Thread: Game 1, Indians at White Sox

It’s baseball time again, folks. 

The Cleveland Indians, a team that many have pegged to finish among the worst in the AL Central, will start off the 2010 MLB season in Chicago against the White Sox, a team that many have pegged to win the AL Central.

First pitch is slated for 2:05PM EDT.  You TV-watchin’ folks can head to STO(HD) or ESPN2(HD); Radioheads should check out 1100AM/WTAM – Tom Hamilton apprecaites the company.  

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Cavs vs Nets Open Thread

Cavaliers vs NetsSorry, no actual preview today. I was going to suggest taking a look at the preview for the last time we played the Nets, but after checking it out myself it seems really out of date.

Our starting line-up on February 9th was Daniel Gibson (not likely to play tonight), Anthony Parker, LeBron James, JJ Hickson (who will start at Center instead of PF), and Shaq. Mo, Delonte and Leon Powe were all out for that one. Zydrunas played significant minutes. Wow. That was less than a month ago.

The Cavs are on a modest four game winning streak, and have beaten the Nets all three times they have played this season. In fact, the Cavaliers have beaten New Jersey seven straight times. [Read more...]

Open Thread: National Signing Day

LATWANANDERS1_11200Though spurned by five-star linebacker Jordan Hicks (West Chester, OH), the Ohio State Buckeyes continue to be in the running for several big names that still remain out of the 2010 recruiting class.

As it stands, Ohio State is currently ranked 23rd by Rivals.com with their 18 commitments – eight of which are rated with four-stars, nine with three-stars. 

A few names to keep an eye on:

Matt James (OT – Cincinnati, OH)  - Choosing his destination at 11:45 AM, James has narrowed his selection down to Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Seantrel Henderson (OT – St. Paul, Minnesota) – The five-star offensive lineman is the one everybody will be watching – ranked as the second signee overall by Rivals.com.  Disseminating his choice at 5PM tonight, Henderson is allegedly looking at USC, but some feel that Ohio State is still in the mix. 

Lawtawn Anderson (ATH/DB – Cleveland, OH) – Another Glenville AC product.  He gave a “soft verbal” commitment to West Virginia, but is rumored to possibly be switching to the Buckeyes.  Has had academic issues in the past, but is a five-star talent and freakish athlete that has him ranked above the aforementioned Hicks.  In terms of timing, it appears that Anderson will also visit USC before making his official announcement.

Cavaliers/Warriors Open Thread

Cavaliers vs WarriorsThe Cavs go from one of the slowest teams to one of the quickest in terms of game pace as they take on the Warriors tonight on the road. The Cavaliers are smack in the middle of this five game road trip, and although Golden State is just a game above .500, they are a tough test for the Cavs on a back to back.

The last time these two met the Cavs were without Shaq and Delonte, and Jamario Moon turned an ankle early in the game and did not return. The Warriors were also missing a few key components in Biedrins and Turiaf, both of whom will play tonight.

Probable Starters- For the Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, LeBron James, J.J. Hickson, Shaquille O’Neal.

For the Warriors: Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Ronny Turiaf, Corey Maggette. [Read more...]

Open Thread: Browns vs. Steelers

brownssteelers

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Cleveland Browns Stadium |  Cleveland, OH
Kickoff: 8:20 PM EST | TV/Radio: NFL Network/100.7 FM/WMMS | Line: PIT (-10.5)

A month ago, there would not even have been a glimpse of hope for tonight’s game.  Couple a few injuries for the Steelers with a “not terrible” game last week for the Browns, and this one actually raises a few eyebrows.  

Feel free to follow along in the comments, folks.  You know the rules.

Go Browns!

Cavaliers vs Rockets: Open Thread

Cavaliers vs RocketsLess than 24 hours ago the Cavs walked off the court in Memphis with a nasty taste in their mouths. Today they find themselves in Houston for an always tough match-up with the Rockets.

The first quarter could be very important tonight. We know that the Cavs have been getting off to solid starts this season, and with the OT game yesterday, coupled with Houston’s rest the Cavaliers might not have it in the tank to come back if they find themselves trailing big in this one. LeBron has been tremendous in the first quarter this season, but not in the scoring column. It is in first quarter assists that LeBron is King. In fact, Lebron has either scored or assisted on 48.8% of the team’s first quarter field goals. That’s a crazy stat! It is by far tops in the league. (Thanks Cavs media notes!)

Last season the Cavs and Rockets split the season series with each team winning on their home floor. The Rockets have the 4th best offense in the league statistically at scoring in the paint, while the Cavaliers boast the best defense against points in the paint. Of course, Memphis had the best offense in that category, and they certainly got to the basket against us. [Read more...]

Cavaliers vs Grizzlies: Open Thread

Cavaliers vs GrizzliesThe Cavaliers take a modest four game win streak into Memphis tonight to take on Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies. Cleveland has won 12 of their last 14 games, and owns the third best road record in the Association. The Cavs have a seven game winning streak against Memphis, including 3 in a row at FedEx Forum.

Probable starters- for the Cavs: LeBron James, JJ Hickson, Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Parker, Mo Williams.

For the Grizzlies: Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley.

Injury report- for the Cavs: Leon Powe is out, Jamario Moon is doubtful (hamstring), Jawad Williams (food poisoning).

For the Grizzlies: Darrell Arthur, Marko Jaric, Jamaal Tinsley are all out.

Game notes from NBA.com

Have at it…

Cavs vs Suns: Open Thread

Cavaliers vs SunsShaq vs his former team. Big Z setting a franchise record (we think). LeBron James. Steve Nash. New Hardwood Classics uniforms. All kinds of story lines in this one.

Projected starters: Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, LeBron James, J.J. Hickson, Shaquille O’Neal.

For the bad guys: Steve Nash, Jason Richardson, Grant Hill, Amar’e Stoudemire, Channing Frye.

Have at it…

Open Thread: Browns vs Baltimore Ravens

brownsravens

Baltimore Ravens (4-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-7) | Cleveland Browns Stadium
8:30 PM EST | ESPN, WJW-TV (Ch. 8); WMMS FM/100.7. 
48 degrees, winds 13 mph | Line: BAL (-10.5)

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Week 2 Open Thread: Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos at Invesco Field

brownsbroncos

The Cleveland Browns travel to Denver today to take on the Broncos.  This is definitely a game that should be winnable for either team as both struggled in Week 1 and have not established identities.  It is a huge game for the Browns who travel to Baltimore next week.  It would be devastating to start the year 0-3 for the second straight season.  Eric Mangini had a rough week and was hammered in the media for a variety of off the field issues.  Let’s see how he and his team respond today.

Join us in the comments this afternoon as we follow our beloved Browns.

UPDATE: James Davis is inactive for the Browns and as expected, Knowshon Moreno is active for the Broncos.

Open Thread: Ohio State vs. Toledo Rockets

osu-toledo_med
12 PM EST | Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

The Lake Erie Classic, folks.  Word is that a lot of streets will be closed off downtown, so make sure you get down there plenty early if you’re driving.  The Buckeyes are 21-point favorites over one of the more high-powered offenses in the country.  Will Jim Tressel finally unleash Terrelle Pryor?  Could we be in for an upset?  All I know is that we have Ohio State football in Cleveland, Ohio.

As usual, feel free to give your predictions or follow along in the comments.  Cheers.  Go Bucks!

UPDATE w/ pics from the tailgate scene below…

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Open Thread: Cleveland Browns Begin Season Against the Minnesota Vikings

brownsvikings

Here it is boys and girls. The beginning of Cleveland’s 2009 season with Brady Quinn as the official starting quarterback comes against Brett Farve, Adrian Peterson and the rest of the visiting Minnesota Vikings. Stick around the site this afternoon as all of us will be joining in on the season opening fun in the comments.

By the looks of it, rookie running back James Davis remains questionable while the Browns enter the game on Vegas as four point underdogs and on ESPN Insider as seven points behind the Vikings. Would anyone take Cleveland on those lines today? Will we actually start a season 1-0 on not fall behind in the division already? The tension is building and football season is officially here!

Denny Edit 1:30 – some sights from the tailgate crowd, from Scott:

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