Geno Smith

It’s the Monday after Easter. I’m sure you are all coming down from food and candy comas, so take a big sip of your morning beverages and check out these headlines!

* Geno Smith. So who should draft West Virginia’s Geno Smith? Charley Casserly talked with NFL.com about who could possibly pick up the potential number one quarterback. Now. He said Buffalo. But this was obviously recorded prior to the Bills signing Kevin Kolb. He did suggest Arizona. But didn’t find it likely considering the Bills obvious need. I guess we will just have to see what happens.

ESPN is reporting, per sources, the Kansas City Chiefs will meet with Smith today. If that’s the case… poor Alex Smith.

* RG3 News and Notes! A little more information about the talk between President Barack Obama and Robert Griffin III was revealed Sunday. The President had some advice for the quarterback who will enter his second season this fall. Noting an injury that ended his spectacular rookie campaign, the president advised RG3 to protect himself on the field.

Yeah…

Good advice coming from the President who advised Michael Vick to learn how to slide!

* NFL Community Reaches out to Kevin Ware. RG3 was one of many NFLr’s to reach out to Kevin Ware, the Louisville basketball player, who suffered a horrible leg injury during Sunday’s Elite Eight game against Duke.

* Cleveland Brown QB Problems? The Cleveland Browns signed quarterback Jason Campbell last week. If this leaves you scratching your head wondering why, we’re in the same boat! The Browns have a fine QB in Brandon Weeden, who will enter his second season this fall. So what is up? Per NFL.com,  Weeden will get “most” of the first-team reps in off-season workouts, meaning Jason Campbell will at least begin the Browns’ off-season program firmly in a backup role. And there is still the 2013 NFL Draft. The Brown haven’t ruled out selecting a quarterback next month, though an underwhleming draft class might work to the advantage of both Weeden and Campbell. » Continue reading “Monday Morning Blitz: Geno Smith, Brown QB Quandry, Matt Flynn and More”

Wow. Another great win for the Cleveland Browns! This makes three in a row. The Browns now have five wins on the season.

The game started out a bit rough; the Kansas City Chiefs got a touchdown on the first play from Jamaal Charles.

What bothered me the most about this play? The announcers.

This is football not baseball, but I think the announcers were confused because they said, “They [Chiefs] made a home run on the first pitch.” Later they also said “Jamaal Charles jumped out to the Browns as a home run hitter.”

Ok, back to football. A tale of two former Browns players also happened during the game. First you have Brady Quinn who was starting for the second week in a row for the Chiefs. He was met with apathy, because the Browns traded him, and in my opinion didn’t really give him a chance, but they don’t pay me so my opinion doesn’t matter. Then there was Peyton Hillis. Every time Hillis was on the field and especially when he touched the ball, he was booed by what sounded like everyone from the stadium west to Lakewood and east to University Circle.

In a lot of the games this past week, I saw a lot of missed pass interference calls, and so did the announcers. One friend commented to me, “Maybe they’re giving us a flashback to what the replacement refs were so we continue to appreciate them.” There was also a penalty on a Browns player that didn’t exist. Awkward, especially since they were trying to call it on Greg Little, who’s #15 and they called #46. Those numbers look nothing alike. Also, there were three separate penalties with nine minutes left in the third quarter. They took two touchdowns from Trent Richardson off the board for pass interference calls that the announcers (and me) never saw.

It occurred to me during the forth quarter that the Browns were winning, and by a pretty large margin. Then I made a brilliant observation, especially one that hasn’t happened in a while in Cleveland; the Browns were playing like a real NFL team. Then, as if that wasn’t enough for my Grinch heart to grow three sizes, there was a Colt McCoy sighting.  Brandon Weeden did a pretty good job all day. He was consistent and was 17/30 in passing and threw for 217 yards, but no touchdowns.

Fun random fact: Phil Dawson kicked three field goals during the game. Those field goals entered him into an elite group, the 300 FG Club. He’s made 300 field goals in his career, and now the 25th member to this elite group of kickers. Alright Phil! Also, Trent Richardson has nine rushing touchdowns on the season, tied with Jim Brown for total rushing TDs in one season, and it’s only Week 14. Equally as awesome!

Moral of the story: BROWNS WIN with a score of 30-7 and are now 5-9 on the season. Next up, the Redskins. With Robert Griffin III questionable after injuring his knee at the end of his game on Sunday. This should be interesting for sure.

It doesn’t matter what your opinions of Coach Pat Shurmur, QB Brandon Weeden, or any other players or staff of the Cleveland Browns have been in the past, we’re now on a two game winning streak.

There were some pretty interesting and great things about last Sunday’s game in Oakland, but what does that mean for this week? The Chiefs are in town coming off their inspired victory against the visiting Carolina Panthers. The Chiefs, as you know, are still mourning the loss of their teammate and friend Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins. They came together as a solid team just one day after the tragedy, lead by backup QB (and former Browns player) Brady Quinn, to beat the Panthers 27-21.

The Chiefs did what they had to do last week to work through the tragedy, and we as Brown’s fans should expect nothing less from them this week, even though they will be in Cleveland. Phil Dawson’s record of field goals ended when one was tipped last week, so that is something I’m sure was addressed in Berea this week.

This week there was some chatter between some current Browns players and former Brown’s and current Chiefs RB Peyton Hillis. If you didn’t hear about it, let’s just say they won’t be exchanging Christmas cards this year. It seems like typical former teammate turned opponent back stabbing, so let’s hope Shurmur kept our boys focused on beating the Chiefs on the field, not beating Hillis in a media fueled locker room interview war.

Finally, I stumbled upon this while on the Official Cleveland Browns Facebook page. A short (obviously edited) video of the locker room victory speech Coach Shurmur gave after the win in Oakland. The most poignant part of the speech is when Shurmur says, “…some of you veterans I’m looking around and looking at. You’re helping these other young guys grow and we’re growing together as a team.”

Perhaps Shurmur is on to something in Cleveland.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Cleveland Browns are on a winning streak!!

Yes you read that right. WINNING.

The Browns went in and beat up on the Raiders in California and come home with a 20-17 win.

It wasn’t always pretty, no NFL game is, but we came out on top and that’s all that matters, right? Wrong. What matters is how we did it. After the first quarter, the game was still scoreless. Early in the second quarter Phil Dawson hit a 41-yard field goal. The Browns forced a quick 3 and out and Josh Gordon catches a 44 yard touchdown from rookie Quarterback Brandon Weeden.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski hit a 51 yard field goal near the end of the first half, but had a chance for another field goal (61-yards) but it was wide right at the end of the first half, keeping the score 10-3.

The Browns come out for the second half firing on all cylinders, but were held for a field goal, while the Raiders got a 64-yard touchdown. “Automatic” Phil Dawsons’ career high field goal record was stopped at 29 when he had a field goal blocked during the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter the score was 13-10 in favor of the Browns.

The forth quarter was a lot of back and forth until Trent Richardson put the Browns up 20-10 with a 3-yard TD run. The Raiders had a small chance to tie it up, when they got the ball back with over 3 minutes to play, but had no timeouts left. They managed a touchdown with 0:01 left on the clock. After a failed attempt at an onside kick, the game was over and the final score was 20-17.

The Browns played well on both sides of the ball; the defense had a key interception that turned into a Browns touchdown few plays later, and Weeden threw for 364 yards, which is a career high. They also had solid play from TE Jordan Cameron, CB Sheldon Brown (with the key interception), S Eric Hagg and DB Buster Skrine Next week the Browns take on the 2-10 Chiefs at home.

This week the Browns head to Dallas to play “America’s Team” Sunday, but here in Cleveland we’re a bit worried.

Both CB Joe Haden (oblique) and CB Dimitri Patterson (ankle) were held out of practice on Thrusday. Haden is a game time decision, but Patterson has been ruled out for Sunday as well as S Ray Ventrone. DT Ahtyba Rubin (calf) is also listed as questionable. The injury report is rather worry-some because a lot of defensive players appear on the list. Mind you, not all of them will sit the bench, but if enough of them do or aggravate their injuries during the game, we’re in for a very long game.

On the Cowboys side of the ball, RB DeMarco Murray is listed as doubtful with a foot injury, which could be good news for the possibly weakened Browns defense. The Browns had a week of rest and relaxation before getting back onto the practice field, while the Cowboys are coming off a nice 38-23 win against the battered Philadelphia Eagles.

What the Browns need to do this week is get the ball into the hands of RB Trent Richardson. Also, hopefully a week of rest helped WR Greg Little relax and be able to step up and make the plays when his number is called. If both Little and Richardson can get on the same page with QB Brandon Weeden, this could be a very good game.

As most Browns fans seem to be around this time of the season, I’ve been hearing snarky remarks from my friends, and among my football pool friends it’s been the most entertaining.

Friend #1: “The one week the Browns are guaranteed not to lose.”

Friend #2: “I think I’ll take the Bye Week over the Browns this week, but it’ll be close.”

Clearly the confidence from the Week 8 win is all but lost, maybe. Perhaps my friends are a bit too hasty to lost their positive thoughts about the possibility of the Browns heading into the “second half” of their season on a high note. Last weeks game against the Ravens wasn’t atrocious. The Browns managed to score into the double digits, Brandon Weeded did some nice things, Trent Richardson did some excellent running, Phil Dawson made five field goals, and our defense had some really great reps and at times even showed their strength against the Ravens Offense.

However, none of those good points could overcome the division leading Ravens. The Browns don’t seem to be relying in “Automatic Phil” to get the job done, and yet he was the only player who put any points on the board. While Weeden had some nice moments, he didn’t throw any touchdowns and still threw two interceptions, the second of which solidified the loss for the Browns. This was a step back from the win during Week 8, where Weeden threw no interceptions and one touchdown.

I believe the Browns have it within themselves to win, they just don’t know how to do it yet. Sometimes, the most entertaining part of the game is when the cameraman pans up to new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam after a particularly frustrating play. I find it comforting that he’s reacting in ways similar to diehard Browns fans: shaking his head, waving his hands, etc. For some reason, these reactions comfort me, and some of my friends, because it’s nice to see that we’re not the only ones frustrated. Hopefully the frustration will turn into some positive change in the Browns organization. If not this year, then hopefully by the 2013 Draft. Browns fans: always looking forward.

Oh Cleveland.

What more can you say about it?

Division rival Baltimore Ravens graced the North Coast with their presence, and boy was their presence felt.  The Ravens jumped out to a quick 14-3 lead. But the Browns played an awesome second quarter, holding the Ravens to those 14 points. Two field goals later, the Browns were only down by 5 points going into the locker room at half time.

The second half was much of the same; in fact it was a rather boring game, all things considered with one exception, penalties. There were a lot of penalties, and of course some of them were questionable. Even the Dawg Pound seemed rather bored through out the game; enough so that even the two commentators mentioned several times lack of enthusiasm from the legendary Browns cheering section.

In the second half, the Ravens were kind of quiet for the 3^rd quarter, allowing Phil Dawson a fourth field goal, making the score 14-12 still in favor of the Ravens. The Ravens offense found some life again, despite phenomenal play from the Browns defense, and scored twice to seal the game. Even Phil Dawson’s 5 field goals couldn’t keep the Browns from earning their seventh loss in 9 Weeks.

The largest problem plaguing the Browns on the offensive side of the ball is making plays. Several times Brandon Weeden didn’t see passing opportunities (he also had two interceptions today), players dropped passes, or not knowing where the first down marker is, and not making the 3^rd down conversions. On the other side of the ball there’s a lot of missed tackles; defenders trying to tackle high or playing to strip the ball rather then just trying to get the player on the ground. Fumble recoveries would be nice, but making the tackle for only a 3-yard gain is also pretty effective for a defense. In the past, the Browns have been known for their tough defense, and we saw glimpses of it throughout this game and last week, but it needs to be consistent.

As a Browns fan, I’m just exhausted. We’ve come so close in so many games, starting on opening day against the Eagles, but we just can’t seem to find a way to win. That’s something that I’m hoping the second half of the season brings, structure and focus to get and hold onto a lead. Games aren’t won by just the offense or defense, it’s a collective effort of the entire team, the coaches, and even the guy with the Gatorade bottles. The Browns have a bye week next week. Hopefully they can learn from today’s game and put it to good use in Week 11 against the Cowboys.

Trent Richardson

It’s late October. You have that sniffle, coughing, headachy feeling. For me, it’s a sinus infection but for the rest of the Cleveland fans its “Mid-Season Fever.” Yes, that’s a thing.

It’s that time in the year when every Browns fan is frustrated almost to the brink of not watching a game. That day when we turn on the T.V. to watch the game, but get sucked into an infomercial about some “brilliant” cooking invention because we feel that will be less painful then the Browns game. Well what is the cure for this fever we Browns fans get? A win, of course.

On a rainy and blustery (understatement) Lake Erie, the Browns welcomed the 3-3 Chargers from sunny San Diego to…. well a typical fall day in Cleveland. This of course was exacerbated by Hurricane Sandy aka “Frankenstorm.” Even new owner Jimmy Haslam braved the elements to watch the game. None of these things could stop the Browns from victory at home.

Granted, the game wasn’t always fantastic, but playing in the elements off a lake will do that. I would equate it to playing at Lambeau Field in January in the middle of a blizzard. Both are very difficult places depending on the weather. There were dropped passes, bad punts, bad snaps, and just sloppy playing on both sides of the ball.  But here’s how Cleveland was cured of the “Mid-Season Fever.”

Trent Richardson did what he was unable to do the past two weeks because of bruised ribs; he broke tackles and rushed for 122 yards and one touchdown. Richardson was very effective on Sunday, doing what we always knew he could do, break tackles and make defenses look silly. Our other rookie, Brandon Weeden also had a good game, throwing zero interceptions and a passing 11/27 for 129 yards.

The lone Browns score came on a 26 yard run from Richardson in the first quarter. The Chargers were held to only two field goals, one coming in the second and third quarter.  With the wind at Browns Stadium, it was impressive that any kicker could do anything right, considering the ball had to be held on the tee during at least one of the kick offs.

It honestly was a great game, and one that has Browns fans looking toward next week. Yes, we have the Ravens for Week 9, which is what makes us all the more optimistic. A win at home is just what the Browns needed before a game with a divisional rival.  Hopefully the Browns take what they learned worked in Week 8 and use it to their advantage next week as they go into it with a record of 2-6. For the rest of Browns fans, I hope it cured your “Mid-Season Fever.”

Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan

We’ve just about at the mid-point of the 2012 NFL season. With Week 8 kicking off tonight, it’s time to break down the quarterbacks in the league and see where they rank power-wise.

1. Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons
As a rule of thumb, until you’ve been beaten, you’re the best. Ryan and the Falcons are 6-0 (the only undefeated team left), coming off a bye-week, and are preparing for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. in the first six weeks he’s completed 160 passes in 236 attempts for 1,756 yards with a 67.8 completion percentage. He’s thrown 14 touchdowns and ran in a touchdown himself. Ryan is connecting well with Julio Jones and is utilizing his tight end Tony Gonzalez better than ever. Ryan, though, has already been sacked 13 times for a loss of 107 yards and has thrown six interceptions. A little better movement in the pocket, and no one is going to stop this guy. The Falcons are going to eventually lose a game, but it won’t come this week.

2. Eli Manning – New York Giants
Sometimes he has great games and sometimes he has not so great games. However, at the end of the day, Manning finds a way to win. Manning is one of those quarterbacks that will continue to prove that games are never over until the clock reads 00:00 and will set the team up for either a field goal or a touchdown to tie or take the lead. So far this season he is 169-for-265 for 2,109 yards with a 63.8 completion percentage. He’s also been sacked only five times for 40 yards. Manning has a way of staying calm in the pocket and finding his receivers for big yards. He’s coming off a fourth quarter comeback against the Washington Redskins where he threw a 77-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz with under two minutes left in the game. There’s no stopping him when there are less than two minutes remaining.

3. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
It’s been a season of ups and downs for the Packers, but they are 4-3 and the last two weeks for Rodgers have been powerful ones. He handed the Houston Texans their first loss of the season when he threw six touchdowns on the night. His offensive line does have to get better though as he’s already been sacked 26 times for a loss of 142 yards. He’s been sacked five times in the last two weeks, but still managed to throw nine touchdowns for 680 yards. He is coming off an MVP season and if Packers can protect Rodgers better, he will be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. Sorry, Rob Parker, but Rodgers is not the best quarterback in the league this year. » Continue reading “2012 Mid-Season Quarterback Power Rankings”

Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck scoring one of his two touchdowns on Sunday

For the third time this season, Andrew Luck once again receives the Rookie of the Week honors in his nail-biting 17-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns Week 7.

Luck was 16-29 for just 186 yards, but both touchdowns the Colts scored was ran in himself.  For a quarterback that’s not known for running out of the pocket, he has moved well this season.

It looks to be a tight race for Rookie of the Year between the top two draft picks in Luck and Robert Griffin III.  Both quarterbacks are taking teams and rebuilding them and are having impressive seasons.  Both are very calm, cool, and collected and have shown strong leadership skills in their early careers.

The rest of the season between these two guys will surly be fun to watch.

Noteworthy honorable mentions:

Alfred Morris – RB – Washington Redskins
Despite key fumble, he had 22 carries for 120 yards and 2 receptions for 10 yards

Brandon Weeden – QB – Cleveland Browns
Threw 25 completions in 41 tries for 264 yards and threw two touchdowns with a 61 completion % in loss to Indianapolis

Robert Griffin III – QB – Washington Redskins
20-for-28 for 258 yards and two touchdowns with a 71.4 completion % in loss to the Giants

 Follow Kelsey on Twitter, @KelsOdonnell