Month: December 2006 (Page 3 of 6)

The Cleveland Browns may not be progressing this year, but Kellen Winslow is making huge strides. Winslow will one day be a star in this league because of his talent and maturity. He’s made numerous “questionable” decisions and comments growing up, but seems to learn from each situation.

This Thursday, he attempted to interact with the biggest jerk in the NFL, Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter. Porter and Winslow have been exchanging jabs over the past year and Winslow wanted Porter to know it was just talk. He forgot he was dealing with a “big mouth” baby. Porter showed how classless he is by continuing to run his trap.

These are the situations that should inspire Winslow and the Browns to improve and payback a player like Porter. These are opportunities for Romeo Crennel to challenge his teams pride and desire to win. I can only hope that next year we are winning by 10 and Winslow hits Porter so hard he bites his tongue, because that is the only way to shut him up.

Terry Pluto makes a persuasive argument that Derek Anderson should start the next game against the Ravens. He clearly has an NFL-caliber arm, and he also has a quick release. If he keeps playing, our terrible receivers might even learn how to catch his crisp passes. His decision-making has also been solid, and he does not get rattled. He seems to get rid of the ball – something that Charlie has trouble doing.

They might have something with this guy, but we will only find out if he gets the chance to play.

While they’re at it, they should bench Dennis Northcutt and activate third-round pick Travis Wilson. Let’s see if he can catch the ball.

The Browns scored a late touchdown on a Derek Anderson pass to Braylon Edwards to avoid the shutout, but the damage was already done. For the third time in three weeks, the Cleveland Browns were utterly embarassed by their opponent. The Pittsburgh Steelers issued a 27-7 beatdown of the Browns in a game where Willie Parker rushed for a Pittsburgh single game record 223 yards.

The Browns continue to have no answer for the Steelers, who once again pushed them around like they were a bunch of children. It’s been almost a year since last season’s 41-0 destruction. The score this season wasn’t as bad but the game sure seemed just as pathetic. The Steelers were more physical than us and owned the line of scrimmage. The final net rushing stats were simply deplorable: Pittsburgh – 303, Cleveland – 18. Put me in the backfield, I’ll run for 18 yards, are you kidding me? If a team outsmarts you and out “gameplans” you, that’s one thing. But for Pittsburgh to ram it down our throats was sickening to watch. I mean, the Steelers offense isn’t exactly rocket science. First and foremost, they will run, run and run some more. Everyone knows what they’re going to do offensively but we still couldn’t stop it. Maybe it’s time we think about changing our defensive line personnel.

After such a dramatic and emotional comeback last weekend against the Chiefs, you would think the Browns would come out with some momentum and motivation, especially after they blew a 10-point fourth quarter lead to the Steelers three weeks ago. But of course, these are the Browns, and another inconsistent performance just begs the question whether or not this team really understands the Pittsburgh rivalry. Perhaps I was a little too naive to think the organization had turned a corner after last week’s come from behind victory. No passion, no drive, nothing. Sure it was cold, but that’s no excuse. Looks like we’re headed towards another winless season in the division.

But I guess the real culprit here is us fans for taking time out of our weeknight to watch this sorry excuse for a football team.