CLEVELAND TEAMS

Skip Bayless is a loudmouth, but he sometimes nails it, and he’ll often make observations that other commentators won’t. Today on “First Take” he pointed out what we mentioned last night – that Braylon Edwards dropped a critical pass late in the game, only to get saved by a bogus pass interference call. Steve Young also notice this last night, but everyone else at ESPN completely missed it, particularly Jon Gruden, who spent the evening expressing his undying love and devotion to Braylon Edwards.

He got VERY lucky with that pass interference call. The commentators all agreed that it was a bad call, but Chuckie and the guys in the booth were so far up Braylon’s ass all night that they missed the obvious point – Braylon DROPPED that pass. Sure, it was a tough catch, but he dropped it! Steve Young did notice it and he mentioned it in the post-game show. I wonder if others at ESPN will notice it, or if they want to run with the “Edwards is God” silliness that we heard from Jon Gruden all night long. I’ve never heard a commentator gush so much over one player (and that includes John Madden’s love affair with Brett Favre). Gruden should be embarrassed.

I have to admit I like the purge that’s taking place under Eric Mangini and George Kokinis. The process may be painful to watch, as it may be some time before the Browns start winning games on a consistent basis, but the quick fix never works in the NFL. The Browns need to build a new foundation, and getting quality players who are selfless and buy into the system is a necessary ingredient. It’s also important to weed out the bad apples like Braylon Edwards, or inconsistent players who want too much money, like Kellen Winslow.

Some have whined about the number of former Jets on the roster, but those players are all contributing. Guys like Abram Elam are setting a very positive tone on the team.

Naturally, talent is also critical, and over time the Browns need players with the talent of a Braylon Edwards. But, the talented players need to be placed in a system that breeds success. Bill Belichick built the Patriots from the bottom up, often with players that most fans knew little about. meanwhile, idiots like Dan Snyder and Jerry Jones focus on big-name players, yet they always fall short.

Give Mangini and Kokinis time. One idiotic sportswriter called Mangini the worst NFL coaching hire ever. He may eat his words in time.

The last 24 hours have not been kind to Braylon Edwards. First, he dropped a pass on the first drive of the game yesterday vs the Bengals, and then watched Mohamed Massaquoi’s coming out party. Then, late last night (early this morning), it has been alleged that Edwards punched a friend of LeBron James. Now we’re hearing all sorts of things about a LeBron/Edwards feud.

As anyone surprised by this? What’s wrong with this guy?

Given Massaquoi’s performance, and with Brian Robiskie on the roster, should the Browns be wasting any time at all with Braylon Edwards in the lineup?

It will be interesting to see if the Browns or the NFL suspends Edwards for this incident. In many ways, they would be doing the Browns a favor. Edwards will not be a part of this organization long term. Why not focus on developing the young guys?

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