Browns Town? Why not...

Oaklands kicker looks like Ben Rothlisberger.

DA looks like Z in a helmet.

Is Jerome Harrison the real deal Holyfield? Or is he simply benefiting from playing KC then Oakland?

"DA is sooooo bad" - Nasty Nate Thompson

I'm grubbin some wings from Quaker Steak. LA Lickers sauce and Thai'r Kicker. They are good, but really, a dollar a wing? Kinda steep.

Speaking of Nate and Harrison, he is getting up slowly after a return. Nate is starting him in the PBRXFL Championship game today. Who would've thought?

Anderson is lanky and slow. Gerard Warren with a sack. Screw him.

Some QB's are really having a big first quarter.

- Schaub with 200yds, 2TD's. He's 10/11

- Brady has 90yds, 1TD. He's 7/7

- Eli Manning with 75yds. He's 9/10

- Matt Ryan has 90yds with two scores

First Quarter ticking down in Cleveland

Browns 10 Oakland 3

Quinn done for 2009

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been placed on injured reserve with a right foot injury sustained on his 24 yard run at the end of Sunday's 41-34 victory over Kansas City and will be lost for the season.

"It's going to take a little while (to heal),'' said coach Eric Mangini.

He said he's not yet certain if he'll undergo surgery.

Derek Anderson will start Sunday against the Raiders. Brett Ratliff will be the No. 2 and Josh Cribbs will be the No. 3.

Quinn went 2-7 as a starter this season, and is the NFL's 26th ranked quarterback with a 67.2 rating. Anderson went 1-4 this season with a dismal 36.2 rating.

It's the second straight season Quinn will finish the season in IR. "He's done a lot of good things,'' said Mangini. "I think the no-huddle helped him and helped us.''

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/12/cleveland_browns_brady_quinn_o.html

Braylon Not Paying?

A former "America's Next Top Model" contestant is reportedly suing former Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards for up to $70,000 a month in child support. The New York Post reported that 25-year-old Nik Pace gave birth to Edwards' son in August. The article says Edwards filed in Atlanta to be recognized as the boy's father, but Pace objected and sued for child support in New York. According to the Post, Pace's lawyer said Edwards filed in Georgia because the state is traditionally less generous with child support payments.

But a source said that Edwards wants to be a part of his child's life and filed in Georgia because that's where Pace lived and gave birth, only moving to New York in November. Edwards' attorney, Randy Kessler, said Edwards has loved and supported his son since before he was born.

Pace was a finalist on "Top Model" in 2005.

Browns Awards

The Browns should have the Offensive Player of the Week (Jerome Harrison) and the Special Teams Player of the Week (Josh Cribbs) - go Browns town!

Holmgren coming to town?

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Mike Holmgren is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Mike Holmgren is coming to town
He sees you when you're eating too much
He knows when you're awake
He knows if your blocking has been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Mike Holmgren is coming to town...
Mike Holmgren is coming to town

One Extraordinary Figure

Sometimes extraordinary people do extraordinary things. And sometimes those same people are kind, thoughtful and modest, and might believe the things they do are nothing more than ordinary.

Today marks one year since the passing of Kevin J. Rodstrom, a truly extraordinary guy who did extraordinary things. But my belief is that Kevin thought he lived an ordinary life. Little did he know, that as a grandson, son, brother, best friend, friend, and just as an acquaintance to some people, he left an indelible mark on peoples' lives that will be forever remembered.

Sometimes ordinary people (or seemingly ordinary sports teams) need an extraordinary inspirational figure in order to accomplish extraordinary things. How many people have ever accomplished something in honor of someone or for someone?

As much as family and friendship were important to Kevin, sports played a big role in his life. On Nov. 14, 2009, I ran the SunTrust Richmond Marathon. At that event I encountered countless runners who donned t-shirts noting that this guy was running for this cause, or that girl was running in honor of that sister or mother, etc. On this particular day, I wore my red-colored multiple sclerosis bracelet in honor of my dad, who is living with MS.

But one of the big motivators of mine, who helped me through countless long training runs, was Kevin. I had no RoddyWear to sport for my marathon, so instead I simply used a black Sharpie marker to color a portion of my red bracelet black, in honor of Kevin and to represent the eye-black I'd seen him wear on a few occasions during baseball games.

Somewhere around mile 18 during the marathon I reached a stumbling block. My right foot was throbbing and I stopped to check it out. I now had a nagging injury and wasn't sure that I could make it through the remaining eight or so miles to the finish. It was cold. The sky was gray. It was raining. The tip of my yellow shoe was turning red like Curt Schilling's sock during Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS. And they say that in the marathon that the halfway point is mile 20. So I knew that this hurdle I was up against was going to be a challenge.

I looked around for a brief moment and saw an elderly man wearing a "Veteran" ballcap. I observed a police officer place his hand onto the shoulder of another struggling runner, offering words of encouragement. One runner passed by wearing a LiveStrong t-shirt.

And then I looked down at my red bracelet with the black stripe and thought, "If I'm going to get through this, I'm gonna need a little help guys." And at that moment, I sucked it up, hobbled along and eventually finished all 26.2 miles. My finish time was average, but the important thing was that I finished. I'd accomplished something extraordinary that most people never do, and in my case it took the inspiration of a couple extraordinary figures, Kevin being one of them.

On June 12, 2009, the Painesville Little League was holding its annual City Championship game at Calhoun Field. From what I'm told, one of the teams participating in this game was sponsored in memory of Kevin.

This game was reportedly an instant classic, taking three extra innings to determine a champion. And finally, at 10:48 p.m., the team that was sponsored in memory of Kevin emerged victorious in a 21-20 thriller.

One of the people who attended this game said, "It was one of the best Little League games I have ever witnessed," and "It was quite a testament to Kevin and his family. We felt that Kevin was with that team every game!"

This was perhaps an ordinary team of Little Leaguers that went on to do extraordinary things, and whether the kids knew it or not, they had a big angel with a big heart looking down over them, helping them every step of the way.

My wife and I recently made a trip up to Ohio for Thanksgiving. I wanted to take some time to run through the places where I'd grown up and observe what's changed over time and what remained the same. I did runs through Painesville City, Fairport Harbor, downtown Cleveland, Painesville Township, Concord Township, etc. On one particular morning I had my dad drop me off at the start of the new Lake MetroParks trail on Ravenna Rd. I planned on running from that point all the way back to my parents' home in Fairport Harbor, a distance totaling seven miles.

But when I arrived at Bank St., by where George's Famous Dinner Bell used to be, I took a slight detour. I swung it down around by the train tressel on Rt. 84 and remembered painting that on one occasion with Kevin, my brother, and a few others. I chuckled at the memory, and at the fact that based on my observations the tradition was still alive and well.

I hooked a left at the light and went over the train tracks, then took a welcomed walking break at Riverside Cemetery. This was my first visit to Kevin in years, and it was a nice way to break-up the long run. It was Nov. 28, 2009. Kevin would have been 31 years old.

I wiped the sweat from my brow, my throat was cold and dry. I shook my head and thought to myself, "Damn! Too young! Way too young!"

In five months I'll be turning 31 years old. Life is so precious. In the time I've had to reflect, I've realized that each day we have is a gift. And if we live our lives as Kevin did his - honorably and to the best of our abilities - after we're gone the best gift we can ever give anyone is the gift of knowing that we lived life to the fullest. Like each day was our last. We need to think extraordinary. We need to believe extraordinary. We need to live extraordinary.

And then maybe, just maybe, those who we one day leave behind can be inspired to keep our memories alive and do extraordinary things as well.

State of Affairs (Part 1)

I am going to take some time to point out some things about the Cleveland Browns.

I'm going to jump around a bit I'm sure, but let's try to start with two main guys that no longer play for us.

Braylon Edwards (33 catches, 505 yards, 3 Touchdowns). Remember when he left the Browns and scored for the Jets, everyone freaked out and said how horrible of a move it was for us to 'dump' him. To those same people, did any of you see on Sportscenter last week where Braylon was thrown an easy touchdown ball, in stride, and it hit off his facemask? Good riddance.

Kellen Winslow (58 catches, 633 yards, 5 Touchdowns). Granted, K2 hasn't played for the Browns at all this year, and Braylon did, so he has some better stats. But, he's also seen a QB change, and now has a rookie throwing to him. That being said, I personally miss K2 more than I miss Braylon. Yes, Braylon was double covered. Yes, at times, he makes circus catches. But I can't get over his drops and his attitude. Sorry, but I'd prefer to have K2 right now. In a perfect world, I'd like to have both and be winning. Believe that.

Now, the Brown got Chansi Stuckey (24 catches, 204 yards, 2 Touchdowns) from the Jets in the Edwards deal. The guy has some talent, but our offense is too bad to know if he should be starting.

The other Browns receivers are as follows:

Mohaned Massaquoi (28 catches, 509 yards, 2 Touchdowns). Imagine his numbers if he's the #2 behind Braylon and has K2 drawing attention as well. Kid has shown some flashes, but once again, we're too inconsistent to know if he's a game changer.

Brian Robiskie (5 catches, 92 yards, 0 Touchdowns). This guy has been lost. Why do we draft a WR so early, and then make him inactive? Ray Maualuga (47 tackles, 2 fumbles recovered, 1 sack) would've been a much better pick for us in my eyes. Or, maybe we could've taken Clay Matthews Jr (35 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 7 sacks). At worst, Matthews would've sold a truckload of jerseys to Cleveland faithfuls.

Josh Cribbs needs to be paid. Now. The guy lays his body out on the line play after play, and should be compensated for it. He's not just a kick returner. He's a Special Teams stud, a WR, a QB and a RB. Pay him, he does deserve it.

Brady Quinn (1183 yards, 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) isn't bad. I'm not saying he sucks or that he's the answer. He simply isn't bad. I will say this; I am ok with him being our starting QB in 2010, as we address other needs of the team in the upcoming NFL Draft. Believe that.

I am sorry to see Jamal Lewis go out this way. Say what you want, but he's a gamer. I hope he doesn't walk away, but I do think he's going to.

I hope Shaun Rogers makes a full recovery. He's a big man to be nursing a leg injury, and he's 31, so time will tell.

Corey Williams needs to shut up and play. Upset about your playing time? Try producing on the field. For what he's paid, he should have a much better season under his belt.

We do miss D'Qwell Jackson (59 tackles, 1 forced fumble). I also hope he's ready to rock next season, we'll sure need him.

Wouldn't be shocked if we tried out or drafted a kicker next year. Just sayin'

Who will our punter be in 2010?

Who thinks the Browns have a shot this Thursday against the Steelers?

Rogers Done for Year

Browns will place NT Shaun Rogers (ankle) on injured reserve, ending his season. The team hasn't said if Rogers ruptured his Achilles or broke his ankle, but he will undergo surgery. An Achilles' tear could jeopardize Rogers' status for Week 1 in 2010. Turning 31 in March, Rogers is due a $6.9 million base salary next season.

Gooden Heckling

Heckling by Los Angeles Clippers fans may have led to the Mavericks' Drew Gooden saying some allegedly insensitive comments during the Mavericks' game at Staples Center on Saturday. Gooden did not play and was dressed in street clothes behind the bench. According to the Web site Outsports.com, Gooden yelled a homophobic slur at a pair of fans seated near the Mavericks bench. The Web site said Gooden yelled the slur at actor Chris Wylde, who is married and is not gay and was attending the game with a friend.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Salty's Thoughts: Um, hey Drew, nice picture. And you're the one calling names?

'Bron to LA?

Well, at least I'm fairly sure now where LeBron James is going to be playing next season. Los Angeles, most likely with the Lakers. I've heard this scenario from some NBA people. I don't think James would have any problem submerging his ego for Bryant's for a while knowing full well his talent already is surpassing Bryant's. James has often talked about expanding his empire, and lately has been involved with books and movies. So where else but in L.A. would you want to be to be involved in the entertainment industry?

bulls.com

Salty's Thoughts: It's not 1981. You don't have to live in LA or NY to be involved in the entertainment industry. He's in commercials, tv shows, movies etc now and resides in good old Ohio. Welcome back, LeBron. I said it first.

Browns need a GM

So the Cleveland Browns fired their General Manager yesterday. George Kokinis was escorted by security yesterday around noon out of the Browns facility. Seems a little overkill to me, but obviously Lerner wanted people to know he was done.

Speaking of Lerner, rumor has it he's interested in grooming Bernie Kosar to become the next tenured (or not so tenured) GM of the Cleveland Browns. Also hearing that he wants Ernie Accorsi to groom him. Sounds like Lerner is trying to kiss up to the Cleveland faithful here to me. Kosar is far from being a GM, but Lerner knows that he's a Cleveland Icon, and if Kosar seems to have Lerners back, so will the Dawgs. Or so they hope.

Eric Mangini's job is safe. I actually think that's a good thing. Remember, we are still paying Romeo Crennel, Phil Savage, and now Kokinis. Glad we didn't add Mangini to the list of guys on the payroll that are sitting home spending my money. And yes, I call it my money because I own four season tickets and spend my money on their merchandise, food and drinks. So yes, I feel that I'm paying guys to sit home and hit refresh on the bank account page and then laugh when the direct desposit hits. Imagine that visual. Romeo on a Friday morning in sweat pants and a Browns tshirt, hitting refresh (and about eleven other keys because his hands are so large), spilling powder from his donut on the keyboard, and then cackling when the $200,000 bi weekly deposit shows up. It's like telling Howie Mandell you'll take the deal.

Lerner is also meeting with two "long time season ticket holders". I won't even name their names here. He's actually meeting with two media hogs that do anything and everything they can to get on TV. Including but not limited to catching Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson when he jumped into the Dawg Pound. Could you imagine anyone diving into the Dawg Pound at the old stadium? Forget it. In my eyes, Lerner should take his precious time and meet with a few season ticket holders that save up all damn year to fork over their VERY hard earned cash to show up every Sunday on a budget and watch a very, very subpar product get their teeth kicked in every week.

It's like showing up to a Bruce Springsteen concert and finding out that The Boss isn't going to play today and instead you get to see Weird Al. Oh, and as for a refund, you must be joking, right?

Imagine sitting down in a movie theater to see the newest, biggest release out there, and they instead show you an infomercial. Refund? Sorry, I don't speak that language.

We pay to show up and see a PROFESSIONAL football team play 10 times a year. Yet, we haven't seen a PROFESSIONAL footbeall team in 10+ years.

So after 10+ years, millions of dollars spent, countless hours sitting frozen in our seats, paying for PSL's, all we get is to be represented by two "long time season ticket holders"? Who appointed them the Official Spokesman for the Pissed Off Fans Coalition of Cleveland? I don't remember casting my vote, do you?

ps: I'm sending my resume to Lerner for the open GM position. I recommend you do the same. You never know who he's going to hire next.

Flashback: Cavs vs Celtics 10/27/09

Here's a few thoughts as I look back on that game.

- The Cavs came out fired up, to say the least. Early 14 point lead, they were cruising. Then, just like the playoffs last year, they slowed down. The other team, in this case Boston, started hitting open 3's and the Cavs fell behind. Is it our defensive scheme? Are they making adjustments and the Cavs aren't?

- I will have to check the box score, but I felt like Z played more minutes than Shaq.

- I've already seen enough of Z and Shaq being on the floor together.
- Z really seems to be even slower than he was in the playoffs last year. Not a good sign considering this was the first game of the year.

- I hate Rasheed Wallace. I hated him 100% last year and hate him 200% this year since he's wearing a Celtics jersey.

- Ray Allen still has a sweet stroke. They don't call him Jesus Shuttlesworth for nothing.

- Boobie Gibson's play, or lack there of, reminds me how vital Delonte West is to our bench.
- Part of me wishes that LeBron would've taken D-West under his wing this summer instead of Hickson.

- Speaking of Hickson, the guy seems to always be flailing in the air, grabbing at air and coming down with air. GRAB THE BALL, JJ.

- Jamario Moon has hops.

- If you're going for an 'easy lay up' and LeBron is within 103 feet behind you, lay down and play dead. Hell, stop - drop - and roll if you have to. The man is going to make a poster out of you. You will end up on Sportscenter. Good morning, Rondo.

- Granted he's coming off of an injury last season, but Kevin Garnett can't jump. I'm sure he'll get his legs under him, but he looked like a shell of his former self last night. His team did come out on top, however.

- Marquis Daniels looks like he's straight out of Grand Theft Auto. He and Delonte can ride bikes together.

- When Shaq threw Garnett down yesterday, you could tell it hurt. Garnett got up and pounded his chest if as to prove he's a warrior. He got up very slowly. Like an old man that fell on the Bocce court. It hurt. I wish Shaq would've done it more.

- The Cavs should really sign Antonio Daniels. Cut Coby Karl and get Daniels in. He can surely run that offense better than Boobie, and he surely isn't as soft.

- Anthony Parker can play. I like what he brings to the floor and I think he's going to be a great signing by the Cavs.

- Charles Barkley is a joke. Complete joke. Untied shoes? White shoes with a black suit? Plus, you can't understand half the stuff he's saying. He wants to be a GM one day? JOKE.

- LeBron can hit shots from anywhere. Literally, anywhere.

- Game 1 of the season felt like a Playoff Game. That only means one thing; we are in for a long, fun season!

Fugetaboudit! It's a Mangini!

That's what we Browns fans can say every time Derek "Generic" Anderson steps onto the field as the team's starting quarterback, every time Generic Anderson throws a wild pass or interception, every time Generic Anderson gets sacked and fumbles the ball, and every time the Browns lose a game that Generic Anderson quarterbacks.

"Fugetaboudit! It's a Mangini!"

Yes, this guy is generic in every sense of the term. He's a poor man's Brett Favre. Big arm with wild tendencies. Only he rarely ever has his moments of glory.

Take away the very lucky (and streaky) year of 2007 when the Browns had the league's softest schedule, and Derek Anderson wouldn't even be playing in the NFL in 2009. He be an afterthought. But the Browns exist. So he is still here. Haunting us in our dreams.

So it begs the question: Why on Earth is Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini sticking with Derek Anderson as the team's starting quarterback, and not switching back to Brady Quinn? It's almost like Mangini is waiting for a 2007 Week 1 (Bengals game) miracle to happen just so that he can say, "I told you so!"

Sure, fans really hate it when there is a quarterback controversy and they lose confidence in their head coach when he switches back-and-forth. Coaches don't like doing it either. It makes them look as though they haven't a clue how to effectively do their jobs.

But in this case - the case of Anderson vs. Quinn - any sound football mind in Mangini's current situation would be absolutely bonkers not to make the switch back to Quinn.

But for whatever reason, Mangini just won't budge. He's like a kid who was just told that Santa Claus doesn't exist and starts crying, refusing to listen and let reality sink in. He says it has nothing to do with the $11 million in incentives Quinn would be eligible for if he plays in 70 percent of the team's offensive plays in 2009.

So if that is not the case, then what is?

Quinn was benched after just 10 quarters as a starter. In those 2 1/2 games, Quinn faced the No. 23 (Vikings), No. 2 (Broncos) and No. 15 (Ravens) overall defenses.

Over that span he completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 400 yards, with 1 TD and 3 INTs. He was sacked 10 times and had passer ratings in those three games of 74.1, 58.7 and 42.7.

Bad numbers, sure. There's no doubt about that. But put those numbers up against Anderson's in his three most recent games, vs. the No. 27 (Bills), No. 17 (Steelers) and No. 3 (Packers) overall defenses.

Similar-type defenses, statistically. But far worse numbers.

Over these three games for Anderson, he completed just 32.9 percent of his passes for 244 yards, with 1 TD and 3 INTs. He was sacked five times and had passer ratings of 15.1, 51.0 and 36.4.

Additionally, Anderson fumbled the ball four times in those games compared with Quinn's two.

The teams Quinn played against are a combined 15-4. In the last three games during which Anderson was at the helm, the opponents' combined record was 12-8. Overall, tougher competition for Quinn.

Quinn has done the equivalent of going 0-for-4 with two groundouts, a flyout and a strikeout (swinging), while Anderson has gone 0-for-4 with four strikeouts (all looking). At least Quinn has gotten the bat on the ball.

Quinn has definitely outplayed Anderson this year. And that says a lot based on the quality competition he's faced and the little experience he has.

Coming into his starting role this year, Anderson had 27 starts under his belt. Quinn had just three coming into 2009. So even though this was his 3rd year in the NFL, Quinn is a rookie as far as field commander experience goes. Anderson is a veteran, playing like a bad rookie.

So why Mangini won't make the switch back to Quinn is going to remain a huge question mark.

And do I even need to mention that Anderson was drafted by the Ravens of all teams? For Pete's sake! Go a step further than benching this guy and cut him already.

And until that happens, whenever my friends and co-workers poke fun at me for being a Browns fan, all I can really say is, "Fugetaboudit! It's a Mangini!"

Browns actually won!!??

Yes, the Cleveland Browns pulled out a victory yesterday, despite setting a franchise low in passing yards.

The previous record was 38 yards in 1953, and the Browns offense was dead set on breaking records, and ended with 22 yards of passing offense!

Derrick Anderson starred as JaMarcus Russell in the game, going 2-17. Not a typo.

Myself and Minniti Thumb counted 6 blatant drops by the Browns, but I've read a few reports that say the Browns had a total of 9 dropped passes yesterday. 9. Unreal. If that's the case then DA coul'dve been 11-17.

Guys that blatantly dropped passes, from my account, were; Robert Royal, Brian Robiskie, Chansi Stuckey (who we got for Braylon Edwards), Jerome Harrison and Mohamed Massaquoi.

The Browns won 6-3 on a pair of field goals by Rent-A-Kicker, Billy Cundiff.

The Browns defense, however, looked good. Our defensive backs have been above and beyond, and Shaun Rogers is playing like an All Pro the last two weeks. He was an absolute beast again yesterday in Buffalo.

The bright spot yesterday was simply the Cleveland Browns Special Teams. That entire unit deserves a game ball. Seriously. Dave Zastudil was outstanding. We had them pinned inside the two yard line at least two times, maybe a few more.

Between the Special Teams and the Defensive Backs + Rogers, the Browns do have a few things to build on. The offense, however, is in serious need of some help. Brady Quinn wasn't getting it done, the wideouts can't catch anything thrown by Anderson, so what are we to do? Jamal Lewis looked good, gaining over 100 yards, but part of that could be that the Bills defense sucks, and they lose 2-3 starters during the game yesterday.

What is wrong with our passing game? Can it be some weird jinx that our wideouts simply can't catch a ball? Is it something that DA is doing? Does he put some weird Ninja Spin on the pigskin, rendering it uncatchable? I'm not sure what it is, but if I'm the Head Coach, I'm spending today trying to figure it out. Hell, call up Bernie. Get his input. Yes, I'm serious.

Are you kidding me?

As per my usual lunch ritual, I warmed up some grub and then went to CNNSI.com to do some reading. I'm a big fan of the Truth and Rumors section but always peruse the headlines.

What I saw today made my lunch taste no so good, really fast.

In consecutive order, three headlines in a row:

Browns bench Quinn, will start Anderson at QB

Disappointing season dooms Wedge in Cleveland

FanHouse: The six best, worst NFL organizations

I'll give you a *(!@#$ guess as who was voted the next to WORST NFL Organization out there? That's right, the lonely Cleveland Browns.

Three headlines. In. A. Row. They could've added Delonte West's remake of the popular video game, Grand Theft Auto, where he strapped himself with three loaded guns and drove a 3 wheel motorcycle at damaging speeds.

At least they spared us that, right?

Now, as if it weren't bad enough that the Browns were voted the next to WORST NFL Organization out there, guess what TWO other teams were in the top 3?

None other than the hated Pittsburgh Steelers (#2) and the Baltimore Ravens (#3). Our biggest rival and the city that stole our team and organization? I mean, what gives? Steelers, as much as I've always hated them, have always been a ship to envy. They draft well, they play well, and they hire well. We haven't seen them hire a ton, but when they have, they've made the right calls.

As for the Browns? Here's what CNNSI had to say about them;

31. Cleveland: Why did Randy Lerner jump so quickly to hire Mangini, who treats his players like high school kids? The Browns are are 54-110 since returning to the NFL in 1999. Enough said.

Good question...damn good question. I'll admit, I wasn't anti Mangini. I guess I also didn't realize how high on his horse the guy was.

Think about this: The Jets didn't make the playoffs with Mangini last season. He was then FIRED. He had a Hall of Fame Quarterback by the name of Brett Favre and a solid team around him.

The Jets FIRED him. They hired a new coach and drafted a ROOKIE quarterback by the name of Mark Sanchez. They are 3-0.

The Browns are 0-3 and the laughing stock of the NFL. Hell, the Lions won last week. THE LIONS WON LAST WEEK! I just typed that. Twice. Had to be sure it was correct.

Here's what was said about the other teams...thugs.

2. Pittsburgh: Continuity means three coaches over 40 years, with a record six Super Bowl wins. Dan Rooney, his son Art and the rest of the front office has hired superbly and drafted well. They know luck plays a part -- if the Giants hadn't been able to trade for Eli Manning, they would have drafted Ben Roethlisberger and maybe the Steelers wouldn't have won two titles in four years. But they get premier players with low picks and develop talent -- when it doesn't gel at first, it still seems to work in the long-run, like with James Harrison, cut and re-signed a bunch of times until he developed into the league's most dangerous pass rusher.

3. Baltimore: One title this decade and little change at the top, other than the dismissal of Brian Billick after the 2007 season. Who replaced him? John Harbaugh, who fans didn't know and wasn't on anyone's "hot list.'' Record so far: 16-6. The continuity comes from Ozzie Newsome, who has been running the personnel operation since 1996 after going straight from a Hall of Fame career on the field to the front office. Twenty-five teams passed on Ray Lewis before Newsome took him and 23 passed on Ed Reed. Joe Flacco looks like the next great QB (if Matt Ryan isn't already it).

Awesome, huh? As if we didn't hate both of them enough as it is. That being said, it's hard to argue with anything they typed above, it really is.

Back to my lunch.

"Handoff to Harrison" is the new "Metcalf up the middle"

Reading the play-by-play for the first half of the Browns' embarrassing 34-3 loss to the Ravens, and I got sick and tired of reading Jerome Harrison's name. It was frustrating. Kind of like driving down Mentor Ave. and catching every single red light.

Don't get me wrong, I like the fact that he's in the game and getting his touches. He deserves a shot as the team's RB1, and he's a much better fit than Jamal Lewis at this stage in both of their careers.

Starting Harrison and giving him the majority of the action would do a lot to make Lewis better when he returns to the lineup. Harrison needs a rest? Okay. Plug in the beastly Lewis with fresh legs! Short yardage situation? Okay. Plug in the battering ram! Make Lewis the big back for Harrison like Pittsburgh did when Jerome Bettis was handing over the reigns of the backfield to Willie Parker.

But damn! The Browns ran Harrison into the ground Sunday. The guy was hit by birds worse than Fabio on a roller coaster.

Check it out for yourself and tell me what you think:

1st Browns offensive series:

- 5 plays (1 run to Harrison).

2nd series:

- 5 plays (2 runs, 2 passes to Harrison).

3rd series:

- 6 plays (3 runs, 1 pass to Harrison).

4th series:

- 3 plays (2 runs to Harrison).

5th series:

- 3 plays (3 runs to Harrison).

You sick of reading his name yet? The guy was battered by the Ravens defense in the first half worse than a 9th inning Phillies game every time Charlie Manuel hands Brad Lidge the ball.

Of these five first-half offensive possessions, the Browns ran a total of 22 plays. Fourteen of them were either runs or passes to Harrison.

Remember when the Browns would have a 2nd-and-long or a 3rd-and-short and hand the ball off to Eric Metcalf, who would in turn stutter-step a few times in both directions before running straight up the middle, only to get stuffed at the line of scrimmage?

We referred to that circus act as "Metcalf up the middle," before the Browns would punt and Jimmie Donovan would lead us into another frustrating commercial break.

What the Browns are doing now with Harrison reminds me of "Metcalf up the middle," because I get the feeling that this team has no confidence in any other playmaker.

In the second half he continued to get the crap beat out of him, only it wasn't as bad as it was in the first half:

6th series:

- 5 plays (2 runs, 2 passes to Harrison).

At this point of the game, the Browns had run 27 plays and 18 of those were to Harrison. Seriously.

7th series:

- 13 plays (zero runs or passes to Harrison. Yes, he actually got a breather and saw no action on this series).

8th series:

- 4 plays (1 pass to Harrison).

9th series:

- 1 play (zero runs or passes to Harrison).

10th series:

- 5 plays (2 runs to Harrison).

11th series:

- 3 plays (1 run, 1 pass to Harrison).

12th series:

- 1 play (1 run to Harrison).

So at the end of the day, the Browns ran a total of 54 plays on offense, going to Harrison on 24 of them.

To reiterate, Harrison had the ball on 18 of the first 27. For the final 27 plays ... try just six plays for Harrison.

It was a case of either involving the guy way too much, or not involving him enough. He's 26 years old. Now is the time to start using him the right way.

*Notes on Harrison

2009 stats:

35 carries, 112 yards rushing, 0 TDs (3.2 avg)

14 catches, 90 yards receiving, 0 TDs (6.4 avg)

2008 stats:

34 carries, 246 yards rushing, 1 TD (7.2 avg)

12 catches, 116 yards receiving, 1 TD (9.7 avg)

2007 stats:

23 carries, 142 yards rushing, 0 TDs (6.2 avg)

2 catches, 19 yards receiving, 0 TDs (9.5 avg)

I'll be honest...

Sure - I only posted the first 2 quarters of the game yesterday. I barely watched any of the second half. Derrick "INT" Anderson came in and I almost gagged. I didn't even think the second quarter posted, as the website was giving me headaches (as if the Browns headache wasn't bad enough).

So - we logged off and went fishing. Had a blast and forgot about the Browns.

Screw 'em.

2nd quarter...

Harrison runs for 17!!

Quinn with a QB keeper. Really? That's our call? Even the Announcers questioned it.

2nd and 8. Harrison picks up 3.

I'm calling a screen pass for 3 yards here.

Terrible throw. We will punt.

They get the first.

McGahee runs for one yard. They said he was done. He looks good to me.

They throw for 9. It's like a free for all.

"This game is more depressing than my sex life." - Rellik Dodge. Whoa.

Almost an INT for us. OF course we drop it.

3rd and 3...They just ran the option against us. We are THAT SAD.

Ravens are moving the ball at will.

We can't tackle. It's very sad.

We may hold them to a FG here...unless they go for it.

Looks as though they'll kick. Watch for the fake.

Browns 0 - Ravens 13 (I'm +1)

I'm at a boiling point. Browns are HORRID and then I have to watch a Coors Light commercial featuring Romeo Crennel?? SERIOUSLY?? Stick to eye.

3rd and 7 for the Browns...can we please get a first down? Anyone? Bueller??

And we're 2 yards shy. Ravens appeared to be offsides. UNREAL.

Pass to Todd Heap. We blow ANOTHER tackle.

Elam hits Heap hard on the next play. However he holds on.

They throw to the end zone. Eric Wright with a solid play.

2nd and 1o at the 15...McGahee waltzes in. Nobody laid a hand on him.

Browns get the ball with 1 minute remaining and ran the ball three times. If the players haven't given up, it seems like the coach has. Absolutely no confidence in our passing game.

Halftime. Get some food. Do whatever you want.

First quarter

Start the internal meltdown.

Ravens jerseys look so lame.

CRIBBS! To the 30. He hesitated, I think he could've busted it.

Brady Quinn time. Tick...tick...tick...

Conley's calling handoff. We have 4 WR wide. We throw for 5 yards.

2nd and 5...We throw again, Braylon stretches, I think we have it.

Quinn throws an interception. Awesome. Shoot me.

Commentators are already riding the BEEP of the Ravens.

They love them some Flacco.

Ravens are in the red zone. I missed a few plays, was carrying the meatballs into the basement. Men are lazy on Sundays. Going upstairs to the kitchen wasn't an option.

Ray Rice stopped for no gain. D-Jackson with the stop.

Ravens are going to go for it on 4th.

They got it. QB keeper. Of course. FLACCO FOR PRESIDENT!

Shaun Rogers just stole your lunch. Get over it.

McGahee scores. Sweet.

Head + ass.

Missed some more.

Ravens with a long strike to LJ Smith. Clayton with a penalty. Still got the first. Screw them.

Empty backfield...McGahee wide.

Pressure on Flacco. He throws for 2.

Flacco goes deep. McDonald almost snags it. DAMN!

Flacco has ALL DAY TO THROW. Gain of 18.

We can't sack him.

Wimbley with a sack! LOSS OF 10!!!

Quinn is 4-5 for 16 yards. I've said it 100 times. Tim Couch.

"WE NEED TO GO DEEP!" - Conley

Quinn to Harrison for a gain of 12. Short screen pass. It's working, but it's really Harrison making cuts. He's very elusive.

Harrison runs. Loses 2. We can't run.

Browns 0 - Ravens 10 (so I'm +4 right now. Not good at all)

Some pregame thoughts

LaDanian Tomlinson (BYL) is out this week. He sure isn't what he used to be, but he'd look good in a Cleveland Browns uniform.

Speaking of out and running backs, Jamal Lewis won't start for the Cleveland Browns. Browns are beat up. Hope guys aren't giving up already?

Phildo Dawson is out as well. Sweet.

Sunday Night: Colts vs Cardinals. Shoot out.

"Remember how bad the Cardinals were a few years ago?" - Conley. It goes to show you that a few decent drafts and a front office with their head not up their ass can turn a team around. Hmm....

ESPN pregame hasn't even mentioned the Browns vs Ravens matchup today. We are THAT sad.

So far the entire pregame staff has taken the Jets over the Titans. Berman just took the Titans. I'm saying Titans also.

Colts vs Cards...I'm taking Colts.

I have a bet on the Browns game. Yes, I'm a mo-ron. I have +14 points in a bet w/ my boss from Baltimore. COME ON NOW!

Conley is taking the Dolphins over the Chargers. Bold choice. Tom Jackson just took the Dolphins too.

Cris Carter is lame. "I'm taking the Chargers homie."

"Alright Brownies, give me something to believe in again..." - Kyle Carroll via text.

I have 96 meatballs in the crockpot. Covered in Open Pit bbq sauce. $.99 a bottle. Biggest steal since Ricky Henderson roamed the paths. Believe 'dat.

Almost time for kick off...get up!

Disgruntled? You could say that.

Well, I wasn't able to make it to the Minnesota Vikings game. I had my best friends bachelor party, and was out of town.

We hurried up and cleaned the lodge we rented, so we could be on the road to make it home for the Browns game.

As we drove through Columbus and towards Cleveland, we saw a ton of Browns fans heading down to the Cleveland area to watch the game, albeit at the stadium or a local watering hole.

Should've told them the roads were closed or that the game was canceled.

Little did they know the Adrain Peterson train was rolling through Northeast Ohio that day.

Then we had the Broncos game. Was that even a game? It was embarrassing. There's no other way to describe it.

Next we play the Ravens, in Baltimore. Should I even focus my entire Sunday around this game? You and I both know that I will, but will it be more enjoyable than stepping on a Lego in the dark? The Broncos game sure wasn't, and the Ravens look like Super Bowl contenders. Browns...they are just pretenders.

The Browns honestly may not win a game until the end of November, when the Detroit Lions come to town. And that may even be a reach. Despite their record, they WERE better than the Browns last year.

That being said, I've put my Cincinatti Bengals tickets up for sale. It's a sad day when a die hard, season ticket holding Browns fan can't even muster up the rally to attend a home game.

Let's look at the finances of going to a Browns game for a quick minute:

(2) tickets = $100 total
(2) parking spaces (one for the van, other to tailgate in) = $30 total
Gas for the van = $20
Food = $25 (and that's on the low end)
Beer/Drinks = $20
Propane tanks = $10

So, on the day of a home game, I've dropped $205...and I HAVEN'T EVEN GOTTEN INTO THE STADIUM YET! That's a tough pill to swallow, for such a shitty product.

The Browns are so bad and break my heart so often, I had to be sure I was current on my Life Insurance Policy, so I contacted my Insurance Agent to be sure. Gabe Cicconetti had this to say:

"Well Joe...I don't know what really to say except that I cannot believe that I will have to pay $25 to Muni-lot garage this year for the Browns games. It is so frustrating that as fans we are charged outrageous ticket prices for a sub-par product, $7 for beer, over $4 for a bottle of water, and now the city wants to get in on the action and start digging deeper in our other pocket for parking. It's disheartening that we (Browns fans) are the only people embarking on the city of Cleveland to spend money on a Sunday (or any day for that matter) and the city feels that it is necessary to take advantage of tens of thousands of people that actually still support a business that calls Cleveland home. I look at it this way, how long would I continue to go to my favorite restaurant if every time I go the food sucks but they keep promising it will get better on my next visit, so I keep going back, but now the hostess starts punching me in the face every time I go in. Not sure how long I or anyone could continue to put up with that."

Well said, Gabe. I couldn't of said it better myself.

Tailgating is the only fun a Browns fan has on Sunday. If you don't believe me, hit the ATM and come down on a Sunday and ask them. While at that ATM, got a few hundred I can borrow?

- Salty

Browns ain't what they used to be, but it doesn't matter ...

Why can't the Cleveland Browns field a consistently good team like they used to in the 1980s?

That is the question that springs to mind every time the Browns lose another sloppily-played football game - which seems to be becoming a pattern every Sunday.

During the Browns' heyday from 1979-1989, their record was 92-75-1 (.551 winning pct.).

Since their return to the NFL from 1999-2009, their record is 54-108 (.333 winning pct.).

In the Browns' recent 10-year span they have played 162 games and won 54 times. Major League Baseball's season is also 162 games, and the last time the Indians held a .333 winning percentage over a single season was ... well, never.

The worst Indians season on record was 1991, when the Tribe won just 57 of 162, finishing with a winning pct. of .352.

So its safe to say that the over the last 10 seasons, the Browns have been worse than the worst Cleveland Indians team of all-time. Ouch! It hurts just typing it. That 1991 Indians lineup consisted of:

C - Joel Skinner (.243-1-24)

1B - Brook Jacoby (.234-4-24)

2B - Mark Lewis (.264-0-30)

SS - Felix Fermin (.262-0-31)

3B - Carlos Baerga (.288-11-69)

LF - Albert Belle (.282-28-95)

CF - Alex Cole (.295-0-21)

RF - Mark Whiten (.256-7-26)

DH - Chris James (.238-5-41)

SP - Greg Swindell (9-16, 3.48)

SP - Charles Nagy (10-15, 4.13)

SP - Eric King (6-11, 4.60)

SP - Rod Nichols (2-11, 3.54)

SP - Tom Candiotti (7-6, 2.24)

SP - Dave Otto (2-8, 4.23)

CL - Steve Olin (3-6, 3.36, 17 saves)

Horrible team. Of course, a few of those players went on to have great careers for the Tribe (Baerga, Belle and Nagy).

But the Browns have failed to have all but two players become even decent. And those two players who have had a decent careers as Browns are Joshua Cribbs and Phil Dawson. Sad thing is, their accomplishments in orange and brown have been as special teams players. And having one or two marquee special teams player just doesn't cut it. You can have the best kick/punt returner and field goal kicker in NFL history, and if the rest of your team is in shambles, then your entire team - overall - will still suck. Special teams make a difference, for sure. But special teams don't make your team.

The only other guy you could have put into that category of even coming close to approaching a decent career as a Brown was Kellen Winslow Jr., who is now playing with Tampa Bay. The other players who have come close have been very inconsistent. No need to mention names, but take away the one statistical spike that was 2007 and ... well, you know what I mean.

As the games go by, 2007 is looking more and more like the fluke season we all thought it was. The Browns went 10-6 that year and shocked the league. The reason it was a shocker was because the team went 4-12, 6-10, 4-12 and 5-11 in its previous four seasons.

We had one of the easiest schedules in the NFL in 2007, the one year where the Browns looked like they were actually primed to turn things around and return to the glory days of fielding a winning and competitive team for perhaps the next decade. Cleveland was chocked full of what looked to be young talent, and it only had a few problem areas to address - those being the offensive line, defensive line and secondary.

Well, the offensive and defensive lines were addressed, but the secondary is still flailing. And during the 2007 and 2008 offseasons, addressing and focusing the concerns of 2007's roster holes only opened up new and different concerns for the team. Too much attention was being focused on the problem areas, and the other positions I believe suffered.

Now we look bleak at wide receiver, tight end and linebacker. Also, aside from the couple bright spots on the offensive line, there are other major issues there. And the secondary never really got fixed. AND our quarterback and running back situations are also questionable. Nobody really knows if Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson should be the starter. Nobody really knows if Jamal Lewis still has some gas left in the tank, or if the Browns should shift to the younger and more promising Jerome Harrison, who averaged 7.2 yards per carry in 2008 and showed that he can be a decent pass-catcher out of the backfield.

So many holes, so many questions. The one thing the Browns front office won't have to worry much about is the fans. The fans will always be there because Browns fans are arguably the most rabid and loyal fans in the NFL.

If the Browns win - good. Fans will obviously be there. But it almost feels like the front office has the mantra of "if we lose - so what - the fans will still be there." Well you can't just take the fans for granted. See Jacksonville, Detroit. How many years of losing can a city that's already down on its luck take?

What Browns fans want now, more than ever, is a team like that of the 1986 squad that went 12-4 (5-1 against the division), including 27-24 and 37-31 wins over Pittsburgh. Our scoring offense was 5th in the league. Our defense was 11th. Our turnover differential 4th best. I'll even go so far as to say that there are probably some unemployed Browns fans throughout Northeast Ohio that will take a winning Browns team over a job. That's how much we love this team. It also further emphasizes how painful it is for us to watch this team lose so badly.

We all remember the '86 roster. Every player was a household name. We painted "#1 Dawgs" on our faces. We ate football-shaped Browns cookies from the local bakery. The chile tasted better on Sundays.

You can picture them running up the stairs of the dugout at old Municipal Stadium, and onto the field. Fans barking in the Dawg Pound! Biscuits flying onto the field!

The roster was classic! I never knew how good we had it until 2009.

Quarterback

- #19 Bernie Kosar

Quarterback

- #10 Mike Pagel

Left Tackle

- #77 Rickey Bolden

Left Guard

- #74 Paul Farren

Center

- #61 Mike Baab

Right Guard

- #69 Dan Fike

Right Tackle

- #63 Cody Risien

Running Back

- #44 Earnest Byner

Running Back

- #28 Herman Fontenot

Fullback

- #34 Kevin Mack

Wide Receiver

- #84 Webster Slaughter

Wide Receiver

- #88 Reggie Langhorne

Wide Receiver

- #86 Brian Brennan

Wide Receiver

- #89 Gerald "Ice Cube" McNeil

Wide Receiver

- #85 Clarence Weathers

Tight End

- #82 Ozzie Newsome

Tight End

- #81 Harry Holt

Left Defensive End

- #96 Reggie Camp

Nose Tackle

- #79 Bob Golic

Nose Tackle

- #72 Dave Puzzuoli

Right Defensive End

- #78 Carl "Big Daddy" Hairston

Defensive End

- #96 Reggie Camp

Defensive End

- #91 Sam Clancy

Left Outside Linebacker

- #56 Chip Banks

Left Inside Linebacker

- #51 Eddie Johnson

Right Inside Linebacker

- #53 Anthony Griggs

Right Outside Linebacker

- #57 Clay Matthews

Linebacker

- #59 Mike Johnson

Linebacker

- #58 Scott Nicolas

Left Cornerback

- #31 Frank Minnifield

Right Cornerback

- #29 Hanford Dixon

Strong Safety

- #24 Ray Ellis

Strong Safety

- #22 Felix Wright

Free Safety

- #37 Chris Rockins

Kicker

- #9 Matt Bahr

Punter

- #7 Jeff Gossett

Punt and Kick Returner

- #89 Gerald "Ice Cube" McNeil

What I wouldn't give for a roster like that one today? What I wouldn't give for a meaningful drive to the local bakery for Browns cookies while the chile slow-cooked on the stove early Sunday morning? So while you are pulling your Browns jersey over your shoulders on Sunday mornings, just remember how great it can be in Cleveland. Be rabid and continue rooting for the Dawgs! The 53-orange helmets that make up our team need us now more than ever.

4th Quarter

Huge gain to Buckhalter. Marshall flagged for holding! HUGE!

Moreno stuffed again like a turkey breast.

"I f*cking hate the Browns." - Conley

Huge strike to Jabar Gaffney for 49 yards. Frustrationville. Population us.

They scored. I hate this.

We are down two scores. We have one offensive touchdown in the last 33 quarters. We're still in this, right? Right?

We throw to Harrison. No gain.

We were now offsides. This is a bad dream.

2nd and 17...sure...

Quinn is sacked! WOW! GO BRONCOS!

Quinn sacked again. Almost a safety. Boy are we sad.

Moreno with a great run.

I'm logging off and researching which team I should root for.

3rd Quarter

I'm not feeling too hot. See, I went to my buddy's wedding last night. If I don't finish the blog, you'll have to deal with it.

3rd and 9 for the Browns. Quinn drops back hits Cribbs (short of the 1st down AGAIN) and Cribbs fumbles the ball. Broncos recover. This is just amazing.

False start on the Broncos. We cheered. It's come to this. It's sad.

Orton to Marshall. Hate them both.

Conley said the Browns need a sack. I think they need another kind of sack. Get it? Marbles.

Sorry, that was R Rated.

Marshall runs the ball for a first down. He's the greatest ever to touch a football. He's so dreamy. Announcers sure think so.

1st and 10...Moreno meets the brick wall that is Shaun Rogers.

Orton throws to Graham.

3rd down...can we finally stop them on 3rd?

Stokley drops it. Orton hit him in the hands. SHUCKS!

Denver hits the FG.

Browns 6 - Denver 13

Braylon with a GREAT catch, and then he was literally DDT'd. What the?

Harrison stuffed. I hate Shannon Sharpe.

It's 6:10pm and Delonte West is still playing Grand Theft Auto.

Can I buy a TV package that will mute Shannon Sharpe for life? I'd pay $9.95/mo for it.

Browns will punt.

Moreno runs. Flag down. Minniti says it's on us. And it was. Minniti is no longer with us.

Moreno with a first down, pass from Orton.

Orton scrambles, and is taken down.

"Lot of F bombs flying." - Karissa

Megan is sleeping. Sweet.

Orton scrambles, and is slow, and rifles to Marshall. Seriously, we are weak.

I'm eating. Deal with it.

End of the third quarter. You didn't miss anything. Trust me.

Browns 6 - Denver 13

2nd Quarter

Ok, time flies when you're grubbing and blogging.

We are watching a dog challenge on ESPN during commercials. Hilarious. There's a guy with a dog, and the guy is wearing dual knee braces. HA!

McDonald almost picks the ball off in the corner. That would've been huuuuuge. Damn!

He stepped out with his 2nd foot.

3rd and goal...David Bowens pressures! Orton incomplete.

Broncos to kick a field goal.

Kick is good. Hate them.

Browns 6 - Broncos 10

"Broncos aren't scoring the rest of the game" - Minniti. I think he's eaten too much grub.

Nate, Conley and Minniti are HOOKED on this dog challenge shit. Maybe they're stoned and I just don't know it??

Cribbs returns just short of the 20. We need to drive on this one.

Jamal Lewis with another good run.

Pass complete to Braylon for a first down. I called him a Nancy Bitch, Minniti hated it.

Harrison up the middle. Got 4-5 there. Mangini loves running up the gut.

Cribbs runs to the left. Good run, and a flag down. Thumb is claiming facemask. He is CORRECT!

15 yard penalty. ALRIGHT!

1st and 10...Quinn throws it away.

Lewis lost a few.

Quinn to Cribbs SHORT of the first down. That's the second time already that Quinn has thrown to Quinn MUCH SHORT of the first down. We can't afford that. We welcome Tim Couch back, again?

Dog Challenge time. Shoot me.

Moreno with a sprint. AWESOME. Come on Defense.

Run again for -2.

2nd and 12...Orton has ALL DAY TO THROW. But he tosses incomplete. That was close.

3rd and 12...Orton in the shotgun. ALL DAY AGAIN. Luckily he sucks. Geez o man.

Denver fans are turning into BOO BIRDS! Team Turmoil!

Cribbs returns to the 25 or so.

There's a dog on this named Very Beary. SHOOT ME.

Another named Slim Shady. This is bad TV.

These dogs really wipe out. "Anything can happen out there." - the dumb announcer

Jamal Lewis with a good catch and run.

3rd and 1...we run and don't get it. AWESOME.

We will punt.

Thumb is on sandwich #3.

Megan is about asleep. And she's complaining.

Moreno with another solid run.

3rd and 1...Moreno BARELY gets it. Unreal. Game of inches.

Dog Challenge. I hate it. "What gave you the edge today?" - Announcer. "Lots of hard work." - the lady that owns the dog that won. Spare me. Seriously??

2nd and 6...Nate said it best that we need some pressure!!

Orton throws high, and terribly. He does suck.

3rd and 6...spirit fingers don't work. They complete it.

Eric Wright was just called one of the best corners in the league. Wow.

2nd and 10...Orton throws into the ground.

3rd and 10...Stokley is killing us. Orton only completes on 3rd down. SHOOT ME.

Pass interference on us. Why not, right?

1st and 10 from the 30...Ball is tipped. Browns just let it drop. Really?

Orton almost sacked. Again. And completes to Stokley. Again. Geezus.

Almost picked off. Almost.

Orton throws a duck. Again. He only completes on 3rd down. Kinda like Cris Carter only caught touchdowns. Yes, I just used Orton and Carter in the same sentence.

Orton throws another mallard. Fans mad.

Elways jerseys sighting.

Broncos to attempt a FG. He shanks it! The wind took it, that was wild!

LaMont Jordan looks like a house.

Browns to take a knee. We didn't need to attempt to score again. Why would we? Too much fun.

Browns 6 - Denver 10.

Halftime.

First Quarter - Denver game

Here we go! Blogging quarter by quarter from the Conley Compound! First time for the QbQ (Quarter by Quarter) blog from a remote location! Conley even said I could keep the laptop!!

Browns kick off and DENVER FUMBLES! WOOHOO! Browns recover!

Brady Quinn delivers a strike to Braylon Edwards that gets us within the 10.

Jamal Lewis for no gain.

Incomplete.

Browns settle for a friggin' field goal. Awesome. WASTED OPPORTUNITY #1.

Denver takes over. I'm playing catch up here a bit, so I'll summarize.

Denver slowly moving the ball.

"Kyle Orton's going to have a career day." - Conley

"No he's not." - Nick Minniti

Sausage Sandwiches today were provided by Conley's girlfriend, Mary. We would like to thank her. Nate already spilled some on his shorts. Ha! Chewtoy!

Denver is kicking. Cribbers on the return. Fields from the 6, and dropped at the 12. Browns take over.

Browns 3 - Denver 0

Incomplete to Cribbs. Pass was there, he got popped.

Run to Harrison. No gain.

Our offense reminds me of sitting in class during high school. Dry and boring. Time moves SO SLOW.

Quinn in the shotgun, fumbled the snap.

Broncos recover. Boy I can't wait for the bell. I have study hall next.

We can blame that snap on Alex Mack.

Knowshon Moreno (BYL) runs for no gain.

2nd and goal...Moreno again to the right. Stopped short.

Orton throws a TD to Tony Sheffler. Awesome. Screw this.

Let's take a moment and think about Delonte West for a second. Dude was pulled over carrying a pistol in his waistband, one strapped to his leg, and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case over his shoulder. Both pistols were also loaded. He was riding a 3 wheel motorcycle. Talk about a potion for potential headache. More on that later.

Browns 1st and 10 from the 20.

Jamal Lewis runs for 3 yards.

Jamal Lewis to the right for a nice gain! First down Browns!

Quinn runs it for about 7 yards, before running out of bounds.

Quinn to Furrey for a first down! There we go!

I am a Furrey fan. He has solid hands.

Jamal Lewis up the middle for a yard or two.

Quinn to Braylon for about 20 yards!

Lewis up the gut again, no gain.

Quinn throws to Cribbs. He loses yards.

Browns will kick a FG.

Kick is good.

Browns 6 - Broncos 7

Browns kick off. Dawson had to have a holder for it. Windy? Not sure. It's just Phil being Phil.

Knowshon Moreno to the left for 11 yards. Kid is strong.

Correll Buckhalter runs it. Thought he was still with the Eagles. Who knew?

2nd and 8...Orton throws...over the middle to Brandon Marshall. Eric Wright on the tackle.

Chargers up on the Ravens. BELIEVE THAT!

Pittsburgh winning. Screw that noise.

3rd and 5...Orton throws complete to Stokley. DAMN IT. Huge gain.

Moreno for 5.

Orton throws to Royal. First down Denver. Our defense is paper thin.

1st and 10...Buckhalter stopped.

Whoops! We're in the 2nd quarter! HA!

Tisket atasket Browns want Hank Baskett?

Now that wide receiver Hank Baskett has been placed on waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles, he's liable to draw heavy interest on waivers. Before he was let go by Philadelphia, several teams contacted the Eagles about prospective trades for Baskett. That included the Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns,Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a league source.

National Football Post

Salty's Thoughts: Baskett get's the Jeff Garcia treatment here. The math is simple: If your girls hotness is above your celebrity status, you get her picture on the blog, and not yours. Simple.

TO...a leader?

When the Bills signed Terrell Owens, we were told he would be a leader for a young team, a better teammate than we realized, a star who would bring some straight talk and swagger to the locker room. Owens pulled the old silent act after Buffalo blew a late 11-point lead in New England. He took a pass. The kind you can't drop. Owens has sold himself as a personality, a guy who commands people's attention. He got a key to the city. He has his own reality TV show. The reality after Monday's game was that he lacked the decency to stand and face the music after a tough loss.

Buffalo News

LT had clean pee pee

Legendary Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor submitted a teammate's sample when he failed his first drug test in 1987, he told the Yes network's "Centerstage." "Actually, it wasn't my urine. I failed the drug test and he didn't. I couldn't believe it." Taylor also told Michael Kay: "The night before I retired, I realized that I wanted to do recreational drugs again.

New York Post

Salty's Thoughts: Never mess with Karma. You will lose every time.

4th quarter...

Sound has cut out again. Amateur hour on Fox. Thanks for tuning in. This rocks.

Quinn throws a duck, it's tipped, and Braylon comes down with it. Good snag.

Donovan McNabb appears to be hurt. Nate is mad. Well, he's not mad. I just like to act like he is. It's called creating drama on a blog. Ask Stephen King.

Sounds back!

3rd and 8...False start on James Davis. AWESOME!

3rd and 13...Quinn guns deep and out of bounds. Browns will punt like bitches. Sorry.

So let's see. Notre Dame lost. Ohio State lost. Browns are losing and I'm going to lose in Fantasy Football. I'm a sports fan because....???

LL Cool J doing a Direct TV commercial is bush league. Just saying.

AP slashes us again.

Favre throws incomplete.

2nd and 10...run for 4.

3rd and 6...Favre has ALL DAY. Pass is dropped, they will kick to the Browns!

Cribbs, always electric.

For the record, Kyle Carroll's boyfriend, Joe, is sporting his infamous rattail for the Browns game today. Don't let him down.

Quinn to James Davis, who gets leveled. Looks like potential shoulder, or got the wind knocked out of him.

2nd and 9...Quinn to Steve Heiden. Short pick up.

3rd and 2...false start on Joe Thomas.

3rd and 7...Quinn delivers to Mike Furrey for a first down.

Browns are running the no huddle. I dig it.

Quinn scrambles out, and may of fumbled.

Vikings ball. Guess you can't teach old dogs new tricks. We sure look like the Browns of old.

AP runs for 3. Blah blah blah.

AP is killing us. Runs again for a chunk.

Favre sacked by our boy, WIMBLEY!

AP dropped at the line of scrimmage.

Vikings will attempt a FG. BLOCK THAT KICK! BLOCK THAT KICK!

Field goal is good. BLAH.

Cribbs returns the ball.

Romeo Crennel is in the new Coors Light commercial. Boy, I won't miss his dullness after each game. Trust me there.

Another false start for the Browns. Sad.

Quinn incomplete.

Braylon drops a ball. Granted it was a diving catch, but still, dropped it nonetheless.

Browns kick. BLAH.

Quinn is 14/23 for 98 yards. When did we get Tim Couch back?

AP just made us look like a Midget Football Team. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

That is just piss poor. Very simply put. Glad to see we'll be on ESPN tonight.

Nate is going to get AP tattoo'd on his arm. Ok, I kid. Nate has gotten 40 points from him today.

At least Jamal Lewis hasn't given up.

Two bright spots for the Browns today, well maybe 3:

1. Jamal Lewis has looked good
2. Kamerion Wimbley has looked good
3. They don't play AP every week

Two things that have pissed me off today, well maybe 3:

1. AP
2. Fox Sports for lack of sound half the damn game
3. Reggie Wayne (playing against him in Fantasy and he has 162 yards and a TD)

Quinn looking weak on this drive. Royal just dropped one. COME ON. Thought we were supposed to be improved this year? Less penalties, less dropped balls. Looks like the same dog and pony show that we subject ourselves to week in and week out.

Tav Jackson in for the Vikings.

Hand off to Chester Taylor.

Taylor again.

3rd and 9...Tav Jackson throws incomplete.

Vikings kick. Anyone still watching? You're lucky I love you all or I would've logged off a while ago. As if anyone reads this anyways.

Quinn pump fakes twice, and then takes off. First down due to the feet of Quinn. Nice.

Dump pass to Jamal Lewis for a first down.

Mike Furrey with a drop. What is in the Gatorade cooler that these guys drink from? Something is seriously wrong over the last 2 years.

Another dump pass to Jamal Lewis. Another first down. At least he can catch. Keep giving it to him.

Quinn to Furrey for 5.

2nd and 5...throw to Furrey for a first down!

Quinn to Cribbs. Cribbs was hit hard. Browns are really trying to score, get the old monkey off the back. Vikings should just let us. Be boys. Be friends.

Quinn to Massequai...screw you, I don't know how to spell it. Ha!

Quinn is sacked.

40 seconds left in this game, if you'd call it that.

Royal with CHEESE scores on a strike from Brady Quinn!

BROWNS SCORE! WOOOHOOO!

Browns onside kick. A shitty onside kick.

That's ball game.

Thanks for reading. Thanks to the Browns for 'playing'. Sweet.

3rd Quarter...

Vikings movimg the ball. Percy Harvin (BYL) runs for 11 yards.

Delay of game on the Vikings. 1st and 15 now.

Favre goes DEEP to Moss again, and he catches it, but was out of bounds.

McDonald got beat on that play, hands down mans down. Pick it up.

Run to Chester Taylor. Anytime it's not AP running the pill, I'm happy.

Favre avoids a big sack. Completes to his TE with the funky name. Yes, still lazy.

16 yard pass from Favre to Moss again. Defensive pass interference on McDonald. Sweet.

1st and goal...run to AP who gains a few. Ball on the 1.

2nd and goal...this is huge...Browns stop AP once again! Stopping that guy is a real feat. Can they do it again? If I'm the Vikings I do one of two things: give to AP or go back to Moss who has a big advantage over McDonald.

3rd and goal...they go Peterson for a touchdown. Damn it. We can't buckle here.

Do you think Favre hates it, or will hate it, that the Vikings prefer to run in the red zone? Stay tuned. It's a long season.

AP bleeding from his arm. Probably from carrying the Vikings. Fake.

Vikings kick off to Cribbs, who looked like he may bust it.

Jamal Lewis with another dicing run! Way to go!

Lewis runs again for about 8 yards. Guy is looking good.

Bennie Sapp limping off the field for the Vikings. He looks to have cramps, real hard. (That's a Raising Arizona reference)

Brady Quinn throws a TERRIBLE ball. Directly to the Vikings. You've got to be kidding me. Vikings ball.

Favre throws again to that damn TE.

3rd and 1...AP gets it. Of course he does. Here we go.

Shaun Rogers sacks Favre! That was fantastic! Man-CHILD.

Screen cut out again. Sweet.

Favre finds Harvin (BYL) for a big gain.

1st and 10...AP gets about 4.

2nd and 6...AP gets it. He's starting to wear the Browns down.

2nd and 5 now...AP get it. He's starting to wear the Browns down even more.

Handoff to AP, who was literally a step away from being in the end zone. Was tripped up. Unreal.

AP runs again and loses 2. Barton on the tackle.

Browns need to get fired up real fast.

Favre to Harvin again.

3rd and 3 here...Touchdown throw to Percy Harvin.

This is ugly.

Vikings kick off the Cribbs. We held on it, of course. Why wouldn't we?

Vikings 24 -- Browns 13

Quinn to Royal for a first down. Nice play.

Text from Rellik: This game is horseshit.

Jamal Lewis bulls ahead for 2 yards.

End of the third quarter.

Went from excited to annoyed. Ahh, the life of a Browns fan.