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Pryce visits Cleveland

March 7, 2006 / John Blake

News out of Denver is that former Broncos DE Trevor Pryce is planning to visit the Cleveland Browns Tuesday. The Denver Post reports Pryce, who was recently cut by the Broncos as a cap casualty, will make his first free agent stop in Cleveland and will visit more teams in the next few days. Pryce had a $10.2 million cap number last season.

The Browns would be spending a decent chunk of their free agent money if they were to sign Trevor Pryce but I say it’s definitely worth it. Pryce, 30, is a four-time Pro Bowler who has built a very success career in Denver the last nine seasons. He was part of a Denver defensive line that was one of the best in the league last season. They were second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, and we all know how poor the Browns’ run defense was. One of the keys of this offseason for the Browns is to strengthen that front line and Pryce could be the man to do that. Our run defense and pass rush are arguably the two weakest aspects of our team and having Pryce on the line would be a huge upgrade. Having Roye and Pryce would be pretty solid.

Granted, there will be several other teams bidding for him, but let’s hope Savage at least attempts to put a good offer out on the table. We’ve got the money to make a serious run at him so let’s sign him because he’s a stud.

Cleveland Browns

Cavs tame Bulls, win second straight

March 6, 2006 / John Blake

The Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls 92-71 Sunday night, completing a four game season sweep. They blew the game open to start the fourth quarter, scoring 11 straight points to put the Bulls away. LeBron James carried the Cavaliers, scoring 27 of his 37 points in the second half. Anderson Varejao provided the spark and energy off the bench, grabbing 13 rebounds.

The Cavs are starting another winning streak, but forgive me if I don�t get too excited. After all, it was the Bulls both games. However, it is important that the Cavaliers take care of business and beat up on the sub .500 teams in order to maintain their position in the four spot. And on another note, where in the world is Sasha Pavlovic? Our bench has been struggling the last couple of weeks and Sasha could give us a lift in that department but he�s not getting any consistent minutes.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Buckeyes win Big Ten Championship

March 5, 2006 / Bob

The Ohio State Buckeyes captured their first outright Big Ten title in 14 years by rolling over Purdue 76-57. The game was close for the first half as Purdue played hard and tried to make it tough on the Buckeyes. The second half was all Ohio State. Terrance Dials led Ohio State with 20 points and was a dominant force under the basket. J.J. Sullinger and Jamar Butler added 16 and 15 points respectively.

The Buckeyes are beginning to get noticed around the country and will have the number one seed entering the Big Ten tournament. The men followed the women who had already won the Big Ten Championship last week. This marks the first time both the men and women from the same university have won outright Big Ten Championships in the same season.

Coach Thad Matta took the microphone after the game and praised the seniors for starting a strong foundation to the basketball program. So, optimistically, we should eliminate Matta from considering the Hoosier post.

OSU Basketball

Buckeye men want Championship to themselves

March 4, 2006 / Bob

The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to capture a Big Ten Title tomorrow against Purdue at home. It would be an amazing accomplishment considering most people figured Coach Matta and OSU were just preparing for next year�s recruiting class. This senior class has been through coaching changes and numerous controversies surrounding the basketball program during their stay in Columbus.

Matta has to very thankful to have such a talented and tough minded group of players. If the Buckeyes can finish strong and make it through 2 rounds of the Big Ten tournament, they will be at least a number 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. If this winning streak continues and they win the Big Ten tournament, look for OSU to be a number one seed in the NCAA�s and set up for a good run to make the final four. This year truly shows Ohio State fans what great coaching can accomplish.

OSU Basketball

Savage, Browns making right moves

March 4, 2006 / Bob

The Cleveland Browns organization is showing signs of stability. Yesterday, General Manager Phil Savage announced the signing of running back Rueben Droughns to a long term contract. The contract keeps Droughns with the Browns through 2009.

This move gives Cleveland a solid core of players on offense. Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Droughns create a starting line up for the Browns that will finally have some versatility and fire power.

The Browns have a good sum of money to sign some free agents before the draft. I believe if they sign a free agent offensive lineman, the draft will focus on defense. The experts are predicting that Cleveland will draft a linebacker. So far, Savage is keeping is keeping with his plan and signing a core of long term contracts for stability.