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Offense sloppy in preseason opener

August 10, 2006 / John Blake

Not until the fourth quarter did any of the Browns’ offensive units show any type of rhythm or success in their 20-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The first-team offense sputtered and the star of the night on offense was fourth string quarterback Lang Campbell, who was 8-of-14 for 77 yards and threw to Jerome Harrison in the fourth quarter for the Browns’ only score of the game.

Charlie Frye and the first-team offense got a couple of series but weren’t able to mount much. A few penalties hurt and offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon seemed to keep the playbook simple. The first-teamers didn’t attempt anything too crazy and were rather conservative in the few drives they did spend on the field. In his first return to live action in nearly two years, K2 had a modest seven yards on two catches. You couldn’t expect much from #80 and just being back out on the field and hitting and being tackled is another positive step for him.

“It was really good to get back out there,” said Winslow, whose career was stalled by an in-game leg injury and a motorcycle accident. “I just wanted to get tackled to get some confidence back.”

After a slow start, the first-team defense really stiffened up. Donovan McNabb and company drove their way down the field with relative easy against the first unit until they got to the goaline. The defense exhibited a wonderful goaline stand to hold the Eagles to just a field goal. The Eagles didn’t score again until the second half so it’s pretty safe to say the defense is way ahead of the offense at his point in camp. One of the stars of the night on the defense had to be first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley, who had five tackles. Spending time with the first unit as well as the second and third, Wimbley made several nice plays and flew around the field all night. He chased running backs and showed some burst as an edge-rusher. Second-year player David McMillian also made an impact, notching two sacks and displaying some great athleticism.

Overall, the Browns showed they need some definite work on offense, which should come with more practice and more reps next game. Keep in mind, the offensive line is still trying to gel, as well as stay healthy (cross your fingers!), and it may take until the season begins to get the offense in sync and working as a cohesive unit.

Cleveland Browns

Bucks have early test

August 10, 2006 / Bob

The Ohio State Buckeyes open this year�s football season against a very talented MAC school. The Northern Illinois Huskies are the favorites to win the MAC west title. The Buckeyes usually play a mid-level division one school in one of their first two games. This opponent may be more of a challenge than Ohio State originally planned.

The Huskies running back, Garrett Wolfe, is coming off a very successful season. He rushed for over 1500 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. The Bucks rush defense will be tested early as Northern Illinois has a history of success on the ground. The MAC conference is known for competing in high scoring and wide open football games. Coach Tressel may be forced to unleash his talented early and let their speed put this game away.

OSU Football

Clarett’s call for help

August 10, 2006 / G

Two hours before his arrest, Maurice Clarett placed a call to ESPN’s Tom Friend. Friend writes about this call in a fascinating column about the events leading up to Clarett’s arrest.

Friend has some interesting theories about why Clarett was driving around town with loaded guns and a bullet-proof vest. Clarett had been hanging around with some questionable characters who had been giving him money and letting him live large before he screwed up in Denver last year, and now Clarett’s lawyer says Maurice had been receiving death threats.

He better be able to substantiate these threats, because Maurice just happened to be in the area of one of the witnesses scheduled to testify against him when the cops nabbed him the other night, so the prosecutors might choose to draw other conclusions.

In any event, I highly recommend reading Friend’s article.

OSU Football

Westbrook gives complete effort

August 9, 2006 / John Blake

Starter Jake Westbrook gave up most of his hits early in the ballgame and then cruised to a 4-0 shutout over the Angels Wednesday night. It was his second shutout of the season and his 50th win of his career. Westbrook struck out seven in the full nine innings and won back-to-back games for the first time since early April. The majority of the Tribe lineup was Triple-A players but it was the youngsters who led the charge offensively. Choo, Garko, and Inglett each had an RBI. Martinez and Choo each had three hits for the Tribe, who snapped a four-game losing slide.

Give some credit to Wedge for letting Westbrook go back out there to finish the game in the ninth. After eight, Westbrook had over 100 pitches. With Sowers and now with Jake, Wedge is starting to give his starters some freedom. I like a manager who rewards his pitchers for a job well done by letting them finish out games.

Cleveland Indians

Hollandsworth traded, Guitierrez recalled

August 9, 2006 / John Blake

As it turns out, the Indians were not completely done cleaning house when they traded Ronnie Belliard over a week ago. Tuesday, they sent outfield Todd Hollandsworth to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named.

The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, sending OF Todd Hollandsworth to Cincinnati in exchange for a player to be named. To assume Hollandsworth’s place on the 25-man roster, the Indians have recalled OF Franklin Gutierrez from AAA Buffalo.

Jason Michaels is now the elder statesman in the outfield. With the young lineup the Indians will be throwing out there for the rest of season, the casual fan at the Jake will need to consult a media guide.