5. Cleveland Still Hungover From The Decision

I realize this is a few days late but I already explained my situation. I cannot help but think that Cleveland is still hurting from Thursday night even though they signed Kyle Lowry today. I can understand somewhat Cavs fans of what you are going through right now. I don't believe I am on your level of grieving but I truly do get what is going on.  It's an uber reality where you believe it's a sports nightmare where you might have been the only one happy for 12 hour coverage of George Steinbrenner today because you didn't have to see LeBron.

The wheels began to turn on this when your friend Eric asked the Sports Guy on Twitter, what is a bigger slap in the face: LBJ leaving Cleveland or Brett Favre leaving Green Bay for Minnesota.  I thought about this for awhile because I knew Simmons probably wouldn't tweet Eric back.  I had trouble coming with a decision and had to remind myself how mad I was about the Brett Favre to Minnesota thing last season.

What's funny is I told people that LeBron was much worse but then looking back on the Favre thing, I couldn't have been more mad.  I really had so much hate in my stomach that week, that first game the Minnesota Viking plays, and the first game against Favre.  Then when the Packers got swept, and lost the division, I felt like I needed to drink 50 beers to swallow the pain.

But what I haven't dealt with it is none of my three local teams never winning a championship for the city. Since 1948, there hasn't been a victory parade in the city of Cleveland. At least I have the Packers 97' Super Bowl to go off and I can be content knowing I saw one championship in my lifetime while some fans have never seen one. It's not just that Cleveland has a bunch of shitty teams for years upon years (right now all three are awful).  The Fumble, The Drive, Jose Mesa, and the two LeBron choke jobs are all examples of the pain this city has felt without winning one championship.

The LeBron's choice to leave for Miami hurt more than Favre because this dealt blow for the Cleveland fan base to win championship or even have a competitive team. The Packers went to the playoffs when Favre went to Minnesota and we had a star in Aaron Rodgers. The Cavs have none of that, I mean who they look to... Antwan Jamison?  That is about it for the Cavs and let's not forget, LeBron is from Ohio. I wrote two weeks ago that LeBron didn't care about the city for the franchises he adored in other sports. I think that point made it clear when LeBron decide to announce on national television that he would leave Cleveland for South Beach. 

An Ohio kid basically told the state that it was too small for him and he needed to move on to create new memories. He didn't care about the history of Cleveland ever and for that I am sorry to the fans who believed that. I am sorry that you had a selfish basketball player even though your ownership should shoulder more blame than they actually have. Cleveland weeps again and hopefully they will find a championship in something before I turn 50.

-Charlie.

Brady Quinn... The Next Sports Figure to Breaks Cleveland's Heart

For those who do not know, Cleveland-Denver have had a classic rivalry in the eighties with the Browns losing three out of four AFC Championship Games to the Broncos in the late 80s.  With games like Ernest Byner fumbling on the goal line, or John Elway signature moment (before the Super Bowl wins) known as "The Drive."  The Broncos have tormented the Browns hearts, I believe this will happened again in the near future with the recent trade of Brady Quinn.

The Cleveland Browns and their new head boss Mike Holmgren decided to get rid of Quinn and Derek Anderson in favor of Jake Delhomme... Yeah that makes sense. The Browns dealt Quinn to the Denver Broncos receiving basically a bag of potatoes.  I personally think this is a huge mistake and could be the another chapter in the Broncos breaking the hearts of Clevlenad fans.  

While I agree that Quinn has not been as good of a quarterback that I expected and others probably thought when he first came out of Notre Dame.  But the team around Quinn hasn't been worth a damn, therefore I feel it is hard to determine how good he really is.  I do agree that Quinn might be a bit soft compared to others and that has been proved to be a problem with Josh McDaniels.  

McDaniels is the major reason why Quinn will excel.  Look at the way, he molded Johnathan Mox.. er Matt Cassel after Tom Brady went down with injury. I think he is a great offensive mastermind and Brandon Marshall likely is out of Denver so it will be a rebuilding process for the next couple of years. Quinn and Knowshon Moreno are both great building blocks to start a franchise with and they could still win the AFC West with the San Diego Chargers looking worst, and the uncertainty of the Oakland Raiders/Kansas City Chiefs.  

-Charlie.

An NFL Weekly Lands in Cleveland and Kansas City

Something I do once in awhile to combine two smaller stories together is make it into one larger story because then you get some substance and I feel a lot better about myself. Anyways this is the first time doing it with the NFL, here we go...

Cleveland Brings the Man-Genius back but Deals with Cribbs- I would like applaud Browns President Mike Holmgrem's decision to bring back Eric Mangini for another year. I think he deserved a second chance after winning the last four games of the season (first time four straight wins since 1994) and gave the fans hope for next season.  I think they need a few more pieces on defense and with Brady Quinn continuing to develop they could be a decent team next year.  I think that Mangini has to have a two win improvement at least to keep his job next year.
         Now sadly the news isn't all good in Browns Country as Joshua Cribbs, one of the most electrifying players in the NFL wants a new contract and called the first offer an insulting now looking for a trade. I will admit the guy is great in the wildcat and a beast at kick returns but heres the thing, people figure you out on Special Teams.  See Devin Hester, Dante Hall, and any other lighting in bottle returners, they never get big contracts because they do not deserve them.  I feel no team will give Cribbs the money he wants and he will end up back in Cleveland where he said multiple times that he likes Mangini.

Kansas City, the New England of the Midwest  First they brought in General Manager Scott Pioli, then they traded/signed Matt Cassel to a fat extension that he didn't live up to, and now they have brought in former Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis to coach their offensive. This is a fantastic idea and has immediatly made the Chiefs a better team.  Every quarterback that Weis has tutored throughout the years has been better because of Weis' toolage. I think this makes the Chiefs a much better team and they are discussing bringing Romeo Crennel to coach the defense, which also would make sense.

-Charlie.

The Walrus That Saved Cleveland

If you do not think that Mike Holmgren looks like a Walrus then I think you might be blind.  Honestly, this could be the best thing for the Cleveland in a long time.

Many people feel that Eric Mangini will be out of Cleveland and I do not think he should be fired.  I know you are probably shocked reading this but what if Holmgren gave this guy another shot to try to prove himself to the czar of operations.  I think this needs to happen because Mangini (despite being a hard ass) is a good coach and I know Randy Lerner, the owner has zillions of dollars I do not think you can convince one of the popular coaches' choices to come to the Browns with Holmgren calling the sots.  

My suggestion for Mangini is bring in Charlie Weis.  When Brady Quinn was at his very best in college, he ran Weis' offense.  I think this would be a full-proof plan that wouldn't fail and they could find ways to use Joshua Cribbs in different formations.  I think Weis would be the perfect addition and then if Mangini cannot get the job done, say worse than 8-8 or a bad start then he should be fired.

In no way will Holmgren coach the team.  He tried doing both jobs and realized that it was too hard to do both jobs.  In my opinion, the reason he is taking this job is because Holmgren wished he took the GM job in Seattle when he had the chance.   

The Browns have guys like Joe Thomas, Cribbs, and Quinn but Holmgren will need at least two to three years to put together a team.  The defense needs to reshaped in so many ways before this team can think about winning again.

-Charlie.

NFL Preview: AFC East/AFC North

Now we move on to the AFC who is proving to be more top heavy than Pamala Anderson in her prime. They have about four to five really good teams but no real parody at all inside the league. Anyways here we go...

AFC East
1. New England Patriots- Key Players: QB Tom Brady WR Randy Moss LB Jared Mayo Key Games- at/vs NY Jets (9/20, 11/22) vs. Baltimore (10/4) vs. Tennessee (10/18) vs/at Miami (11/8, 12/6) at Indianapolis (11/15) at New Orleans (11/30) Outlook- No reason for me not to believe that they will be the best in the East with Brady back. Their defense is a bit shaky but their offense can handle that.

2. Miami Dolphins- Key Players: RB Ronnie Brown, LB Channing Crowder, LB Joey Porter Key Games: at Indianapolis (9/21) vs/at NY Jets (10/12, 11/1) vs. New Orleans (10/25) at/vs New England (11/8, 12/6) at Tennessee (12/20) vs. Pittsburgh (1/3) Outlook- The Phins have a reasonable schedule and you wonder how good Chad Pennington can be this year after a magical season ago. They will fall short of the playoffs but finish second.

3. New York Jets- Key Players: RB Thomas Jones LB David Harris QB Mark Sanchez Key Games- vs./at New England (9/20 11/22) at Tennessee (9/27) at New Orleans (10/4) at/vs. Miami (10/12, 11/1) at Indianapolis (12/27) Outlook- I think Sanchez couldnt have asked for a worst start to his career with all the tough games at the beginning but I think they go on a big run possibly pushing a Wild Card spot late.

4. Buffalo Bills- Key Players: RB Marshawn Lynch WR Terrell Owens S Donte Whitner Key Games- at/vs New England (9/14, 12/20) vs. New Orleans (9/27) at Tennessee (11/15) vs. Indianapolis (1/3) Outlook- I think it will be a rough year for TO and the boys with him already not liking the offense plus dealing without Lynch for 3 weeks.

(AFC North)1. Pittsburgh Steelers Key Players- QB Big Ben (saving space people!), WR Santonio Holmes, LB James Harriosn Key Games-vs. Tennessee (9/10) vs. San Diego (10/4) vs. Minnesota (10/25) at/vs Baltimore (11/22, 12/27) vs. Green Bay (12/20) Outlook- Wow, talk about an easy schedule, they will have home-field in the playoffs no doubt about it plus unreal media attention. Still a class act team. North

2. Baltimore Ravens: Key Players- S Ed Reed LB Terrell Suggs QB Joe Flacco Key Games- at San Diego (9/20) at New England (10/4) at Minnesota (10/18) vs. Indianapolis (11/15) vs/at Baltimore (11/22, 12/27) at Green Bay (12/7) Outlook- The first Wild Card winner of the AFC and their defense is going to tough as nails again. Flacco has a chance to be much better too.

3. Cincinnati Bengals: Key Players- QB Carson Palmer WR Chad OchoCinco WR Laveraneus Coles Key Games- at Green Bay (9/20) vs/at Pittsburgh (9/27, 11/15) at/vs Baltimore (10/11 11/8) at Minnesota (12/13) at San Diego (12/20) Outlook- This is my roommate E's surprise team of the year, I dont see it. Very tough schedule plus their defense isnt that special.

4. Cleveland Browns: Key Players- QB Brady Quinn WR Braylon Edwards DT Shaun Rogers Key Games- vs. Minnesota (9/13) at/vs Baltimore (9/27, 11/16) at/vs Pittsburgh (10/25, 12/10) vs. San Diego (12/6) Outlook- It is going to an ugly year for the Browns even though I enjoy Quinn a lot, he has no defense help.

-Charlie.

Only 30 Days for Killing a Person?

I must say I was shocked to see that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth only got thirty days in jail for his DUI manslaughter charge where he killed a guy in a hit/run incident this past January. Granted, he did get ten years of probation, drug/alchoal testing, and possible life time license suspension. Still I dont feel thats enough punishment for the crime.

If I or any of you that are reading this article would be in jail for a long time for killing somebody while drinking. I remember hearing a guy speak who did do this and he got ten years in jail. Why doesnt Stallworth get the same amount for the crime or at least the same as quarterback Michael Vick. I mean Vick abuses dogs not humans and he got twenty-three months in jail. Commissioner Roger Goodell needs to suspend Stallworth for at least half of the season or even the entire 2009 NFL season. Most people would get in trouble for DUI manslaughter would lose their job and I dont really understand why the NFL is different.

I guess it probably has to do with how much money they make and the ability to get the top-notch lawyers to help people like Stallworth/Marshall/Burress/Vick all out of some sort of situations that could have been a lot worse.

-Charlie.

Mangenius Gets Another Shot

The Browns decided that the Jets were wrong. They hired Eric Mangini yesterday to take over the once promising Browns who people had expected them to be a playoff team or very close to being a playoff team.

Mangini is bringing in his own personal which is probably a good thing and Cleveland has some parts to their team who can get them to the playoffs in the tough AFC North. Rex Ryan the defensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders is a great hire to run the defense because he has done the most wtih little in the NFL right now. Mangini will want to prove that the Jets were wrong with firing him after three seasons in the NFL. The other good news about Mangini is he doesnt have to deal with a superstar on the offensive end. Brady Quinn, Jamal Lewis, and Braylon Edwards are not premier superstars in the NFL right now. Joe Thomas is the only player whos a legit top-tier player right now on the Browns. That will provide Mangini with a sense of relaxation. Another thing about Mangini, I think this whole "New England Curse" is stupid because Romeo Crennel is the only one who has that title and Charlie Weis has one more year before he can join them. Mangini hasnt had two straight losing seasons yet so I think its a great move by Cleveland.

Now I do not know if the Browns will make the playoffs this year but I dont think they will be worse than 7-9 next year with what they have. They could use a couple defensive additions on the team and I think Mangini needs to get along with the new General Manager whoever he will be. They will need to figure out a way to beat the Steelers and the Ravens at least once to be successful but their schedule shouldnt be as difficult as it was this year, they play the NFC North and the AFC West so they should put themselves in good place in my opinion.

-Charlie.

Dont Believe the Hype: Cleveland Browns Theme Song

Remember when everyone was on the Cleveland Browns bandwagon at the beginning of the year with all the free agent moves and the prospect of Derek Anderson being the next great quarterback in the NFL? Yeah about that, 4-12 and no touchdowns since November 17th.

This all meant that Romeo Crennel got the boot today on Black Monday and Phil Savage the General Manager was also give the heave-ho.

Crennel has not had a great career as a head coach with two seasons with ten or more losses and one decent season. He seems clueless when they would challenge calls and things of that nature. In addition, Crennel did not keep his players together when times got rough so there was a divide in the locker room. Granted, I think a couple years down the road he may get another chance but right now, Cleveland has a bunch of talent and there is no reason they shouldnt at least contend for a playoff spot. I would love to see Crennel be the defensive coordinator of the Packers next year, he is an excellent coordinator and the Packers definitely need a new look on defense. Although they would need to bring in a couple free agents to make up a 3-4 defense.

The Browns shoud look at Josh McDaniels of New England especially if they bring in Scott Pioli as their GM. I also think Eric Mangini wouldnt be a bad option for this team either. I thought it was insane to think Bill Cowher would join the Browns, the most hated rival of the Steelers. I think whoever the new coach is, they should have an open quarterback competition and the other one can be used as trade bait if their season is successful.

As for Savage, I disagree with the decision to get rid of him. Maybe I am just an outsider looking in but he has drafted well with guys like Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn (maybe not, but he did look impressive before injury) plus he has brought in some quaility free agents. There is a reason why Kansas City is thinking about bringing him in as a GM.

-Charlie.

Dont Let me Down Brady

Brady Quinn gets his chance, finally. Most people thought this would happened sometime last year but after Derek Anderson decided to go absolutely apeshit last year, there was no chance in many opinions that Quinn would get a chance in at least a couple of years. But now he does, after the weak Anderson performance, Braylon Edwards inability to catch the football, and Kellen "I'm a Solider" Winslow's staph infection dilemma.

See I was a big fan of Brady Quinn all throughout his college career and now he gets his first chance to start for the Browns against the Broncos this Thursday night. I am worried about his chances because all of the guys that I have adore in college have seemed to not play up to their hype see the USC big 3-Bush, Williams, Leinart. So here I am giving Brady Quinn the advance to not let me or his hot sister down.

I honestly think that Quinn will be a good quarterback in the NFL because he has the built to be an NFL quarterback plus he is a pure pocket-passer which always seems to be successful. I also think they have a young nucleus around him that could make him even better. Also, I see him like Aaron Rodgers, he has a chip on his shoulder about being drafted that low and now he finally gets to prove that he was worth in the top 10, dont you think the 49ers would like Mr. Rodgers now, knowing everything that has happened this year?

Best of luck Brady.

-Charlie.