Month: December 2006 (Page 2 of 6)

More misery as Browns lose

The Browns actually found themselves tied at 17 in the third quarter but once again found ways to lose in their 27-17 loss to the Ravens. Kyle Boller, subbing for the injured Steve McNair, and the Ravens’ running game dissected the Browns defense, who continues to look worse and worse as the season starts to come to an end. Cleveland’s failure to consistently run the ball effectively against the stout Baltimore defense allowed the Ravens to go after Derek Anderson. Anderson looked decent under the circumstances but made some questionable throws.

Clock management and communication on offense plagued the Browns again in the second half. They wasted their timeouts trying to get plays off and also on a stupid decision on Romeo’s part to challenge on obvious Ravens’ completion near the end of the fourth quarter. 0-8 in the division, pitiful. While I normally would like to give a new head coach three full seasons to turn a franchise around, I’m not so sure Romeo deserves a third season. Sure, injuries have played a large role in the Browns’ disappointing season but the team is heading towards a possible 4-12 season and is not showing many signs of improvement.

Cavs find success on the home court

The Cavaliers almost gave up a 13-point second half lead but were able to survive in their 104-101 win against Charlotte at the Q. They allowed the Bobcats to get within a couple of points in the final minutes but a key steal and a couple of free throws by Larry Hughes sealed the victory. LeBron James led the Cavaliers with 22 points and had eight rebounds and seven assists. Anderson Varejao once again was solid off the bench with 16 points and 10 boards.

The Cavs continue to look strong and get the job done at home, where they are 10-2 this season. With the exception of the run given up to the Bobcats in the second half, the Cavaliers didn’t look all that bad. They played very well in the first half and it was finally a great sight to see Hughes back in the starting lineup. With as tight as the Central looks right now, a run of five or six straight wins by the Cavs would be a big boost for the team.

Cavs lose an easy one

The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their trend of playing a bad second half of basketball. Last night, the Cavs went almost 5 minutes without scoring and finally lost 95-89 to the New Orleans Hornets.

Cleveland’s defense has been a problem all season and last night was no exception. The Hornets shot close to 55% from the field and Chris Paul put in 30 points against the Cavs. LeBron James was held to 15 points as New Orleans focused on stopping him and forcing others to score.

The Cavaliers, at times, looked very confused and uninspired playing on the road. This team needs to find an identity and play with pride if they want to go deep in the playoffs.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Coach Mike Brown needs to wake up and take control of this team if he wants to stay in Cleveland a long time.

Questions and answers

Kenny Roda from WKNR SportsTalk 850 will be writing a weekly blog on Cleveland Scores covering the sports world both locally and nationally. Check back often for his updates!

Q: Is Troy Smith the greatest quarterback ever at Ohio State?

A: Absolutely, 100% YES. Heisman Trophy winner, 25-2 as a starter, 3-0 vs Michigan and after January 8th, 2007, a National Championship!

Q: Should the Browns draft Troy Smith if he is available with their pick in the 1st round in 07?

A: Yes and No. Yes… if they go out and address the offensive line through the draft and free agency. No…if they expect him to come in and be the savior behind this crappy O-line. The Glenville and Ohio St. grad deserves better than that.

Q: Were those tears in Jim Tressel’s eyes as Troy Smith was accepting the Heisman?

A: Yes…so for those of you who thought he doesn’t show any emotion, he is human! Beneath the sweater vest and that cool and calm demeanor on the sideline, is a man who cares about his players as human beings more than as just quarterbacks and linebackers.

Q: Does Derrick Anderson deserve another chance to start for the Browns?

A: Without a doubt. You already know what you have in Charlie Frye from his 17 starts. Anderson has only started one game and played a total of 6 quarters. At 4-9 with 3 games left, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by playing him more and finding out if he can be your starter, a back-up or doesn’t belong in the NFL.

Q: What’s it say about 3rd pick, wide receiver Travis Wilson if he can’t play ahead of Dennis Northcutt, who dropped 3 more balls against Pittsburgh?

A: He must really suck or is not smart enough to pick up the offense.

Q: Is Romeo Crennel the answer at head coach?

A: My gut tells me no. My head tells me no. But my heart tells me… maybe. Not a resounding vote of confidence for Romeo like he got from Phil Savage. Sorry, that’s the best I can do right now.

Q: Does Larry Hughes really make that much of a difference for the Cavs?

A: Yes and it counts! Cleveland is 7-2 with Hughes in the lineup and 5-5 without him.

Q: Can Greg Oden lead Ohio State basketball like Troy Smith has in football?

A: Most definitely! I watched him in person this weekend and, granted it was Cleveland St. that the Buckeyes beat 78-57, but he is a man playing amongst boys. If Oden stays healthy the rest of the season, Buckeye Nation could be celebrating two National Championships this year.

Q: How much have the Indians helped themselves so far this off season?

A: They’re much better defensively at 2nd base with the trade for Josh Barfield. As far as the bullpen goes. Even if the guys they signed are 100 years old or not 100% healthy, they can’t do any worse than last year’s pen did. Can they? As for David Dellucci in left field? I felt that money could have been spent on more bullpen help or in a trade to bring somebody here, by picking up the remaining years on their contract.

Q: Are the Buckeyes going to beat the Gators?

A: Yes and yes! December 23rd in basketball at Florida, 82-78. January 8th in football for the National Championship, 34-24!

Cavs bury the shorthhanded Pacers

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to show that they’re a team with two faces. Tonight, the Cavalier “playoff contender” showed up and cruised to a 32 point victory over the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers were without superstar Jermaine O’Neal for the second straight game with a pulled left hamstring. LeBron James led all scorers with 32 points and Donyell Marshall pulled down 17 rebounds.

This game was over early, as Cleveland held a 15 point lead by the end of the first quarter. The only question tonight was if Cleveland was going to stay focused and put the Pacers away. They finally played four quarters of inspired basketball and walked away with much needed win.

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