Torry Holt took Super Bowl 34 away from us; Maybe he's the key to getting us Super Bowl 44? posted by Wil Herrmuth

Every Titan fan remembers how Torry Holt embarrassed our secondary in the big game back in '99 and now we have a chance to get the veteran receiver. We have the savvy Pro-Bowl quarterback who won't make mistakes and will make plays when we need it, solid receivers who do what they're asked of, one of the best running back tandems in the league, the best pair of tight ends we've had since Frank Wycheck and Erron Kinney and most importantly; the best offensive line in the game. I'm sure Torry is tired of having missed the playoffs for the past half decade with the sorry Rams and now he can be back with a winner. He'd compliment our style about as much as we'd compliment his unselfish, and hard working work ethic and we're just missing another big play threat to go along with Chris Johnson (who has shown he's not always going to be able to go). 

Now, don't think I'm one of those fans who think we need T.O (GIMME A BREAK!) or Dante Stallworth (SERIOUS legal issues) and we'll win the Super Bowl, because I'm not. My favorite type of football is smash mouth/run it down your throat and then dink and dunk it to our tight ends, but I do realize Torry Holt can bring another element to our offensive game that we haven't had on a consistent basis since Derrick Mason. We're not going to get our number one receiver 80 catches a season no matter what, but if we've had some solid, but not on the level of Torry Holt, players catch 30-60 balls for us, then I think it's very fair to say that Holt could get 50-60 catches in our system. Let's look at some receiver stats since Mason has left.

Dream Season Over, Off-Season Begins (January 2, 2008) posted by Michael Langston Moore

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns won their tenth game of the season against a San Francisco team in disarray. A season that started off so poorly in Week 1 resulted in expectations being surpassed for Browns’ fans.

On Sunday night, however, the dream ended in disappointing fashion. After having not beaten the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 to allow entrance into the playoffs, the Browns needed the Tennessee Titans to lose to the Indianapolis Colts.  Browns’ fans were teased and given hope, as the Colts’ backups managed to take a three point lead in the third quarter. It was evident, though, that the Colts’ were highly disinterred in beating their division rival, and they certainly didn’t have the personnel to do so. The Titans won the game 16-10, and sent the Browns into the off-season on a frustrating note.

It cannot be ignored, however, that the team played well this season. Although the defense ranked 32nd in the league, the Browns’ offense was explosive. The special teams unit was electric. The team had a new swagger, and that attitude helped propel the team to ten wins.
Ironically, this off-season just might be more exciting. There is a lot that needs to be done. The 2008 opponents have already been determined for Cleveland, and on schedule are teams such as Dallas, Indianapolis, Washington, Tennessee, the New York Giants and Jacksonville. The Browns also face Pittsburgh twice. Anything can happen between now and next September—coaches leave, players get injured, teams regress—but on paper, the 2008 season looks to have some significant challenges ahead. The Browns cannot afford a let down, but will have to make some tough decisions to prevent one.

The Problem with Derek Anderson (December 27, 2007) posted by Michael Langston Moore

This has been a dream season for Cleveland Browns’ fans. After watching a putrid product on the field for years, Browns’ fans were treated to high scoring, competitive football every weekend this season. The city embraced the “Believeland” moniker, and NFL pundits have openly stated that the Browns are the surprise of the NFL this season.

There’s no bigger of a surprise than quarterback Derek Anderson. A third year player and former sixth round pick, Anderson has been instrumental in pulling the Browns from the ashes.

So there’s no problem, right? Well, not exactly.

While Anderson has big numbers, one cannot know everything there is to know about Anderson’s play just by his stats. Last week, I wrote a blog entry about how the Browns needed to take care of their own business to get into the playoffs. They controlled their own destiny. With a win, they would be invited to the post-season party.

 

 In that blog, I also mentioned that the Bengals posed a serious threat. I stated that Cincinnati has a potent offense, and that Cleveland cannot afford to get behind against the Bengals.

I mentioned that Derek Anderson, in particular, has a penchant for slow starts early in games. Slow starts that put his team in a large hole.

As an example, I mentioned the Arizona Cardinals game, where Anderson threw two interceptions and fumbled a snap--all before the first half. The result? The Browns lost a very winnable game. In last week’s article, I wrote that another “slow start by Anderson could have the Browns down by fourteen or even twenty-one points early in the game.”

Mr. Rogers' New Neighborhood? posted by Macklen Jackson

Today the news broke that the Detroit Lions are looking to move Shaun Rogers via trade or release and, while I do not understand or agree with their decision, the Jets must try to acquire the seventh year defensive tackle.

Just by looking at his 2007 stats, it’s easy to see him as an upgrade to the Jets’ current D-line. Rogers had 39 tackles, 7 sacks, and one interception (which was returned for a touchdown). The Jets’ starting front three accounted for a mere 10.5 sacks with their nose tackle, Dewayne Robertson garnering only 4 of them. Robertson also had 57 tackles to his name; even though that’s more than Rogers, Robertson benefited from the 3-4 scheme the Jets run, while Rogers was in a 4-3 and had to split tackles with three others on the front line.

Rogers was the leading sacker on his own D-line, and he could contribute astronomically to a Jets defense against which everyone likes to run the ball. Shaun Rogers would add such a dominant presence to their pass rush that teams would run the ball against them even more consistently than they already do. Now, on a third and three, opposing teams would normally spread three wideouts and go play-action. But if there’s a serious threat to the passer, more teams would check into a run and the Jets could stack the box with a safety. Kerry Rhodes is a good run defender, but seldom gets to exhibit his run stop talent because he is needed further back from the ball.

But, losing Robertson’s talents isn’t the only way to incorporate the likes of Shaun Rogers. The Jets should also consider switching to a 4-3. Their linebackers absolutely have the intelligence and agility to make the 4-3 work, but for whatever reason it has not been successful. Possibly because the team pass defense isn’t exceptional, so without constant pressure on the quarterback, they can’t lock up the receivers for more than five seconds or so. Putting an extra down lineman on the field would up the pressure on the quarterback just enough that they could survive with one less pass defender.

The Yoffs Are Here! posted by Mike Dussault

It's the best time of year and, for those who lose, the worst time of year. For fans lucky enough to have a bye this weekend it will be one of the most enjoyable, relaxing weekends of the football season. No pressure. Just sit back and watch to see who you'll be playing. My personal recommendation is make something in the crock pot (like Jambalaya). It will simmer all day and be ready just about the time the games are starting. Some random thoughts on the games and my Pats-biased picks..

Washington Redskins @ Seattle Seahawks

Yawn. The kind of game that you put on in the background. Making the playoffs was this seasons major accomplishment for the Skins after the tragic loss of Sean Taylor. Seattle's the loudest stadium in the league. Seahawk fans are true football fans - you've got to love their 12th Man flag raising and how they keep track of false start penalties. I think that's the difference here. Todd Collins... come on. Seattle 24, Washington 13.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers

General consensus seems to be that the Jags are gonna steamroll the Steelers. Seriously, the media hard-on for the Jags right now is bordering on ridiculous. The whole "built for cold weather" thing has been a talking point of every football talk show for weeks now. Granted an unproven QB has come in to Heinz Field and dispatched the Steelers before (see Pats '01) but this one's gonna be a whole lot closer than anyone thinks, especially if the Steelers can score first. No question the Pats would prefer to see Pittsburgh in the AFCDG and I think it will happen. You just can't write off a team with a Super Bowl QB at home in bad field conditions, getting zero respect. No one thinks they can win. That's why they will. Pittsburgh 20, Jacksonville 17 

Lake Erie Weeps posted by Aj

There you have it folks, it was a close one, but in the end all we can walk away with is improvement and a eagerness for next season. As a Browns fan one can only feel disappointed however. Cleveland did have the chance to go to the playoffs without question, but blew that with a loss to Cincinnati, but the disappointment comes in after watching the poor performance by the Colts.

Everyone loves Manning, I mean he does funny commercials and just seems like a real swell guy, and who could blame Indianapolis for pulling players early to save for the playoffs, but the mess that was the Colts vs. the Titans was a bit much for this Ohioan to stomach.

After what seemed only a few drives ol' Payton got the rest of the day off. One could almost hear the cry that let out across the state as the announcers called the rest of the big names the Colts pulled as well. The game was over before it even started.

After practically handing Tennessee the game and ripping the heart out of Ohio, the Colts went on to further cater to the Titans by refusing to force a fourth down play in the last seconds of the game by not using their final time out. 

In Ohio, we play to win. Like John Maddan said, 60 minutes, play till the whistle blows, in it to win it. John and I both agree, sometimes teams lose light of that concept and sometimes you just have to wait until next season. 

Indianapolis' Biggest Fan: The Cleveland Browns posted by Chris Arnone

When it comes to the playoff crunch, the end of the season, the stretch run, the last lap, all a team wants is to "control their own destiny."  Simply put, win and your in.  The Cleveland Browns marched into Cincinnati to take on the Bengals, or should I say 5-9 bungals.  Not only did they have a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a win, they had a chance to put the pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers for who claims the division crown.  On the opening kickoff the Bengals' kick returner Glenn Holt almost gift wrapped it for the Browns with a fumble in his own territory.  However, he was able to recover his own fumble, thus setting the tone of bad breaks for the Browns.  The Browns didn't play horrible on offense, their obvious strength of the team.  Jamal Lewis seemed to be running faster than ever, Derek Anderson was hitting his underneath receivers and the offense was moving the ball through a fierce wind.  The second bad break or bad bounce for the Browns was when Dave Zastudil couldn't handle the snap on a very makeable field goal that would have put the Browns up in the first quarter.  After Kenny Watson shredded the defense for runs of 7 and 9 yards back-to-back, Carson Palmer was picked off by Leigh Bodden and returned 22 yards.  The Browns found themselves with a fourth-and-one deep in Cincinnati's side of the field.  This time on a clean snap, Jamal Lewis was stuffed straight up the gut and gave the ball right back to the Bengals in a scoreless game.  Fast forward to only 1:13 left in the first half and the Browns found themselves only down 6-0 with the ball.  Well although that doesn't sound like a bad scenario it was.  Derek Anderson's next two passes were picked off and returned into the redzone which set up to touchdowns (one missed two-point conversion) and a 19-0 halftime score.  The second half was dominated by the Browns on both sides of the ball.  Behind two Braylon Edwards TD receptions (setting a new franchise record with 15) the Browns crept back to a 19-14 deficit.  However a last second chuck to the end zone from the Cincy 29 yard line to Kellen Winslow was incomplete and so was the Browns' playoff berth.  With one game left the Browns completely lost control of "their own destiny" when the Tennessee Titans knocked off the New York Jets.  The Browns now find themselves rooting for the Indianapolis Colts who will play host to the Titans this Sunday.  The problem for those rooting for the Browns: the Colts have absolutely nothing to play for.  Aside from contributing an extra digit in the W column, there is nothing else.  They already hold the number 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and speculation right now is that Peyton Manning should see no more than the first 15 minutes - if that during the game.  The Browns basically could forfeit (not that they ever would or should) because a win or a loss means nothing as well.  The Titans now control both "their" and the Browns' "destiny."  Win and

Titans QB Young embarrassed by incident (AP)

Vince Young says he was embarrassed by the police search for him last September and then having to wait for a psychiatrist to clear him. The Tennessee Titans quarterback has defended himself against reports he contemplated suicide the day after he sprained his knee in the Titans' 2008 season opener. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

NFL coaches to visit US troops in Gulf (AP)

NFL coaches Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants, Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens will be visiting U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf region this summer. Former coaches Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher also will be part of the latest USO tour involving NFL personnel. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Agent: Young not asking Titans to trade him

Vince Young's agent says the quarterback does not want the Tennessee Titans to trade him, downplaying comments Young made to a Baltimore television station.Major Adams said that Young's intends to remain in Tennessee and battle Kerry Collins for the No. 1 quarterback position. Adams' reaction was first reported in the City Paper in Nashville."Vince's desire has always been to compete for the starting quarterback job in Tennessee," Adams said late Tuesday night. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Agent: Titans QB Young not seeking trade (AP)

Vince Young's agent says the quarterback does not want the Tennessee Titans to trade him, downplaying comments Young made to a Baltimore television station. Major Adams said that Young's intends to remain in Tennessee and battle Kerry Collins for the No. 1 quarterback position. Adams' reaction was first reported in the City Paper in Nashville. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports