Author: Gerardo Orlando (Page 22 of 45)

Cleveland Browns defense ranked #4 in NFL

October 25, 2011 / Gerardo Orlando

After six games, the Browns are 3-3 and have the #4 ranked defense in the NFL based on yards allowed per game. The defense is ranked 9th if you look at points allowed per game.

Given all the moaning and groaning we’re hearing from the fans, this stat might be a surprise. We’ll how the entire season plays out, particularly as the schedule gets tougher, but the Browns are seeing the payoff from drafting for defense. Tom Heckert has found excellent players in the draft, with Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard leading the way. The Browns are better this year on defense, and much younger as well.

Colt McCoy and the offense gets all the attention, but the defense is important as well. So far, it looks like the Browns are building a defense that can be a force for years to come.

Cleveland Browns

Browns defense Cleveland Browns defense Colt McCoy Colt McCoy Browns Jabaal Sheard Jabaal Sheard pass rush Phil Taylor Phil Taylor beast Phil Taylor Browns T.J. Ward T.J. Ward hits T.J. Ward safety Tom Heckert Tom Heckert drafts Tom Heckert genius

Brian Rolle replacing Casey Matthews as Philly starter

September 29, 2011 / Gerardo Orlando

Here’s an interesting bit of news. Rookie Casey Matthews is being benched in Philadelphia as the starting middle linebacker for the Eagles, and ex-Buckeye Brian Rolle will be replacing him.

Some Browns fans were whining that the Browns didn’t draft Casey Matthews. I’m thinking I’ll defer to Tom Heckert given how well his picks are doing.

Meanwhile, it’s nice to see Buckeye alumni getting PT in the NFL. Good luck to Brian Rolle!

Cleveland Browns, OSU Football

Brian Rolle Brian Rolle Philly starter Buckeye alumni Buckeyes Buckeyes football Buckeyes in NFL Casey Matthews ex-Buckeyes Ohio State Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio State football Tom Heckert Tom Heckert drafts Tom Heckert genius

Bauserman benched in favor of Miller

September 22, 2011 / Gerardo Orlando

Luke Fickell may not have figured it out during the debacle in Miami, but with more time to study film and think about the matter, he has decided to start Braxton Miller at quarterback this Saturday against Colorado in place of Joe Bauserman.

Maybe it’s inexperience, but he should have done more to address the situation during the game against the Canes. It was clear that Bauserman’s abilities couldn’t carry the Buckeyes against a talented defense. Miller got some playing time, but it was clear that Fickell and the coaches wouldn’t let him do much besides running a wildcat-type offense.

It’s time to let Miller play and learn under pressure. If the Buckeyes lose some games along the way – so be it.

At least Fickell did the right thing. Many of us are down on him after last week’s game, so now he has a chance to resurrect his head coaching career. He’s young, just like Miller, and he’s going to make mistakes. Hopefully this is a sign that he can recognize mistakes and correct them quickly.

OSU Football

Braxton Miller Braxton Miller Buckeyes Braxton Miller development Braxton Miller growing pains Braxton Miller intangibles Braxton Miller leadership Braxton Miller makeup Braxton Miller Ohio State Buckeyes Buckeyes football Joe Bauserman Joe Bauserman benched Joe Bauserman Ohio State Joe Bauserman OSU Luke Fickell Luke Fickell Buckeyes Luke Fickell clueless Luke Fickell development Luke Fickell inexperienced Luke Fickell Ohio State Luke Fickell OSU Ohio State Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio State football

Browns bounce back

September 18, 2011 / Gerardo Orlando

The week one loss to the Bungles was painful, but this is a nice win against the Colts:

– Pat Shurmer used Peyton Hillis more this week and it worked, though Hillis needs to figure out his fumble problem.

– Tom Heckert is looking like a genius. Phil Taylor looks like a top 5 pick and Jabaal Sheard looks like a real pass rusher.

– Colt McCoy had a very good game. He was very accurate and again he made plays on the run. He’s like a Mini Big Ben.

– I have no sympathy for the Colts. They’ve done nothing over the years to develop a real backup for Peyton Manning, unlike other good teams like the Patriots. Several years ago Browns fans had to watch as the Colts played Sorgi in the final game and lost us a playoff spot.

Cleveland Browns

Colt McCoy Colt McCoy accuracy Colt McCoy Browns Jabaal Sheard Jabaal Sheard pass rush Mini Big Ben Pat Shurmer Peyton Hillis Peyton Hillis Browns Peyton Hillis fumbles Phil Taylor Phil Taylor beast Phil Taylor Browns Tom Heckert Tom Heckert drafts Tom Heckert genius

Is Luke Fickell in over his head?

September 18, 2011 / Gerardo Orlando

I’m rooting for Luke Fickell. While many Buckeye fans are holding their breath hoping for Urban Meyer in 2012, I’m hoping that Fickell shows Buckeye Nation that he deserves the job.

That said, last night’s loss to Miami was an embarrassment, and much of the blame has to be put on the young coach.

Like many fans, I was somewhat fooled by Joe Bauserman’s performance in the opener against Akron. But last week against Toledo we started to see some problems, and it became clear to even the casual observer that the Buckeyes would need to be more aggressive with Braxton Miller in order to beat the good teams.

Based on last night, it seems that Fickell has no clue as to how to manage quarterbacks or tight games in general. Buckeye quarterbacks completed just 4 of 17 passes for 36 yards. That’s just stunning incompetence. Fickell and the coaches did nothing to let the quarterbacks establish a rhythm. For Miller, they tightened up and panicked after he threw an INT and then turned him into a one-dimensional running quarterback. He made some nice plays, but the took away the pass and made it clear they had no confidence in him.

They need to develop Miller, because you can’t beat good teams with Bauserman. I would have been fine with a loss last night had they unleashed Miller and let him learn and make mistakes.

Fickell also seemed clueless at the end of the game, as he didn’t use any timeouts as Miami ran out the clock. Sure, the game was over, but it’s like he gave up.

Fickell needs to wake up and get Miller in there for good. If he doesn’t, this season will be a lost season, and we’ll have another head coach next season.