Now that’s a haircut you can set your watch to!

It is another Sunday, which means it is probably breakfast time. Here are some fun and interesting reads for your morning.

In Baltimore, it looks like Joe Flacco will be taking part in a movie, or moving pictures for those in the “business.” The Baltimore Sun reported Saturday night Flacco would be playing Johnny Unitas in a couple of scenes for a movie about Unitas. Whether or not this means Flacco will get a flat top haircut remains to be seen.

Last week, we didn’t post much in Aerys content, but this week is different. Over at Halftime Voodoo, there’s a terrific article and interview with Battle Sports Science.

Meanwhile, at the Dawg Pound, the site says farewell to several players leaving the Browns, including quarterback Colt McCoy.

In Dallas, much of the talk is still about the Tony Romo contract extension. Well, DeMarcus Ware has a few things to say about this contract extension.

In Oakland, the Raiders released Rolando McClain Friday. Oakland has made lots of changes as of late. Read the Silver Lining for more on the Raiders.

With the NFL Draft coming up later this month, NFL.com is publishing a team by team list of the best and worst draft picks.

Speaking of the NFL Draft, it looks like the sons of Joe Montana and Cris Carter will be making appearances at the super regional combine.

Over at NFL.com, the finals of their bracketology best play ever thingy or whatever is going on now. The choice is between the DeSean Jackson punt return for a touchdown against the New York Giants and the Steve Young playoff touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings. Voting will continue until Tuesday.

Looking for a shopping item, well you can purchase this 49ers bedding sheet set on eBay.

Enjoy your Sunday!

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”

Since I’m in the middle of March Madness for the NCAA site, you all get Meme Friday today. Enjoy.

Thanks to NFL Memes for these gems.

LET THE FREE AGENCY BEGIN!

So what happened on Tuesday, other than rumored malarkey?

The Buffalo Bills cut starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Which you can’t be surprised about, after hearing what Buffalo’s GM Buddy Nix had to say when overheard on this epic prank call with Tampa Bay Bucs GM Mark Dominik. Looks like one Irishman might be hitting the bars a little early this year. Or not, with this terrible QB market.

Speaking of QBs, did you see that the Chiefs signed Chase Daniels as a backup QB? My bet is that the former Missouri star will be right at home in KC, with at least the Jayhawk-hating half of the fan base. Just see the comments on any article about this move!

The Dolphins were pretty busy Tuesday, signing wide-receiver Mike Wallace and and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. Let’s hope these two like runs on the beach, because that’s what Hard Knocks taught me about the Dolphins preseaon last year.

In what some are calling the best free-market move of the day, the Browns signed linebacker Paul Kruger. It’s also quite the kick-in-the-pants to their division rivals the Ravens.

Paul Kruger: when Googling, try not to be confused by the bodybuilder Paul Krueger. Or be confused, and enjoy.

And to conclude this Wednesday Morning Blitz, I give you the most fun to say names in the free agency: Pouha! Bigby! Beanie! Fozzy! Nnamdi Asomugha!

Oh, and Tony Gonzalez is coming back!!!

Emily Ritter is a contributing writer to Aerys Offsides. If you follow her on Twitter @ebritter2, she might use the word malarkey more often.

It is time for another Sunday, which means it is almost Monday, which means you’re probably clinging to your bed frame and don’t even want to think about Monday.

For those of you that want to actually enjoy your Sunday, we do have the Blitz for all your breakfast readings.

The big story around the NFL is the impending free agency funfest. It is so popular to talk about the start of free agency period. In fact, if you go to the NFL website, you’ll see a countdown clock to the start of free agency. At NFL.com, you’ll see free agency lists galore, including the top 85 free agents list, which was compiled by Gregg Rosenthal, who has been busy with the Around the League blog. They’ll be a very good source for you to read leading up to the start of free agency.

But there were a few interesting stories that popped up Saturday.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers wished linebacker James Harrison well as they released him Saturday afternoon, reports Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Harrison has played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Steelers. Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Steelers. Make sure to check out the Aerys site Steel City Blitz for all the latest on the Steelers offseason.

A big story started to brew in Minneapolis Saturday night as Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune is reporting that Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin doesn’t want to be in Minnesota anymore. Harvin reportedly told the team he wanted to be traded. Read the Skol Patrol for the latest on the Percy Harvin situation. » Continue reading “Sunday Morning Blitz: Free Agency Stuff”

Black Monday is upon us and several surprises and not so big surprises took place. Let’s discuss!

* Arizona Cardinals. Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves are out. With more problems under center than one could fathom, in addition to a plethora of other issues, the firing of this duo is no surprise at all. It will be a breath of fresh air to see what is next for this team!

* Buffalo Bills.  Chan Gailey was let go after three seasons that went nowhere in Buffalo. Case in point, last season’s wonderful start and then collapse and then this season … well, their record ended up 6-10. Need I say more? I’m sure the frustrated fan base is ready for a big change. The status of general manager Buddy Nix is unknown.

* Chicago Bears. Lovie Smith is out. I am a little surprised with this move. But he did only go to the playoffs three times in nine seasons. Unacceptable for this rabid fan base, for certain. General manager Phil Emery took the job last year and will hire his own guy. Should be an interesting off-season in Chicago. Keep up with the team’s moves at Windy City Sweetness!

* Cleveland Browns. Coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert.  Gone. No surprise! A 5-11 season. Two rookie sensations in Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson. So much promise. So much fail. Look for new owner Jimmy Haslam to make some noise this off season! For more on the Browns, check out Dawg Treats!

* Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Romeo Crennel is out. GM Scott Pioli’s status is still in limbo. After a disappointing 2-14 season, moves were bound to be made. Hate to see Crennel out but … it’s safe to say he could use a break after this season and witnessing the suicide of player Javon Belcher.

* Philadelphia Eagles. Andy Reid is out. After 14 seasons as head coach. The only surprise here is that it took this long. Seriously. Expect lots of moves from the Eagles this off season too … including players!

* San Diego Chargers. Yeah, big surprise! Norv Turner and A.J. Smith are out. Again. Expect big moves this off season!

* New York Jets. GM Mike Tannenbaum was let go this morning but Coach Rex Ryan will stay on. Check out Kristine Reese’s story on this move at The Green Room!

* Jacksonville Jaguars. GM Gene Smith is out. Head Coach Mike Mularkey could be next.  For more on the Jags, check out Roaring Black and Teal!

Who is safe? 

* Tennesee Titans coach Mike Munchak. But, personnel executive Mike Reinfeldt is out.

* Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he hasn’t even thought about changing head coaches. So, Jason Garrett is probably safe! He may be asked to make some moves with his assistants though. An offensive coordinator that will help Tony Romo, maybe?

We will update this as more moves are announced today!

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.

Redskins vs Browns,
Sunday, 12 pm CST

The Washington Redskins take on the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. With rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III questionable to play, the quarterback duties may fall to Kirk Cousins.

The Browns are on a hot streak, winning their last three games for the first time since 2009. Many are chalking it up to their new ownership and  the draft picks they chose for this season.

The Browns defense has been very effective. Their pass rush is one of the most effective in the NFL. Defensive ends Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker have combined for nine sacks. If RG3 does play, the defense may have a tough time with his speed. » Continue reading “Redskins Roundup: News and Browns Preview”

The KC Chiefs were able to break their losing streak last week with a win over the Panthers, but the win streak wouldn’t hold either, and they lost this Sunday to the Cleveland Browns, 30-7.

Dexter McCluster gets sandwiched, picture courtesy of Arrowhead Pride

The Chiefs started out right, when 12 seconds into the game, Jamaal Charles took a handoff and ran it 80 yards for a touchdown. Charles went on to rush for 165 yards, but this score was the only one KC saw all afternoon.

This was Coach Romeo Crennel’s return to Cleveland, along with Brady Quinn who was drafted by the Browns and Peyton Hillis who returned to the home of his former team. It didn’t go well for any of them. QB Brady Quinn was 10 for 21 and 159 yards, and one of his favorite targets, Dwayne Bowe had two catches for 70 yards before he went out with a rib injury in the first half and did not return. Hillis had only 11 yards on 5 carries.

The loan bright spot on the defense were the two of three sacks by Tamba Hali.

This was the Chiefs first away game since tragically losing teammate Jovan Belcher last week. The (2-11) Chiefs face the Raiders next Sunday.

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.