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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns

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Game: Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) vs. Cleveland Browns (0-0)
Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland, OH)
When: 1:00 PM EST (CBS Today begins at 12:00 PM. WOIO coverage begins at 11:00 PM. WEWS and WKYC also have Browns programming; check your local listings.)
Announcers: Kevin Harlan/Rich Gannon (Game in HD) The last time the Cleveland Browns opened the season off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was our re-birth year and we were promptly blown out. Nearly a decade later, both teams are combating on opening day, and many things have changed, even from just one season ago. The Steelers said "goodbye" to long-time Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, making way for former Minnesota Vikings assistant Mike Tomlin. Tomlin is trying to put a slightly different scheme on the Steelers' defense, while giving Ben Roethlisberger some more control offensively. As for the Browns, it may be do or die time early on in the year for head coach Romeo Crennel. He has been horrible in division games, and will play three of them within the first four weeks of the season. After making the decision to start Charlie Frye in favor of Brady Quinn Week 1, will the decision pay off? Let's get to the breakdown of the game...

OFFENSE (LAST YEAR)

Category Steelers Browns
Points Scored 22.1 (12th) 14.9 (30th)
Passing 233.3 (9th) 181.1 (23rd)
Rushing 124.5 (10th) 83.4 (31st)
Total Offense (yards) 357.8 (7th) 264.6 (31st)

DEFENSE (LAST YEAR)

Category Steelers Browns
Points Scored 19.7 (11th) 22.3 (22nd)
Passing 212.1 (20th) 202.6 (15th)
Rushing 88.3 (3rd) 142.2 (29th)
Total Defense (yards) 300.3 (9th) 344.8 (27th)
- Quarterback
Before the draft, I was against the thought of drafting Brady Quinn so much, because I wanted the Browns to focus more on getting Joe Thomas. After getting the best of both worlds and seeing Quinn perform in the preseason, I wouldn't have had any issues with him starting on opening day. With that said, I completely agree and am in favor of starting Charlie Frye. I don't feel Ben Roethlisberger is an elite quarterback in this league, especially after his efforts at times last season, but he does have a tremendous winning percentage and a Super Bowl ring to brag about. Both quarterbacks are mobile, but Roethlisberger is able to dodge defenders a little bit better, especially when the game is on the line.
- Running Back
The Browns made a definite upgrade with Jamal Lewis in the offseason, but there's no questioning that the Steelers always dominate the Browns on the ground. The last time these two teams met, Willie Parker ran for over 200 yards with ease. As Browns fans, we're hoping he doesn't crack that mark in the season opener, but our run defense is still quite vulnerable. Pittsburgh also has more depth in veteran Najeh Davenport, although Browns backup running back Jason Wright did have some success last year against the Steelers. For the Browns, having a running back that's already so used to facing Pittsburgh will not necessarily help pad the stats, but it can move the chains.
- Receiver
No one does it better than wide receiver Hines Ward, although when Leigh Bodden has been healthy, he has done a fine job at shutting him down. After Ward, the next biggest threat is Santonio Holmes, who looks to be on the verge of having a breakout second season with the way he finished last year. The Browns bring Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow to the rivalry again, both of whom are in desperate need of a huge game against the Steelers to further their popularity in Cleveland. Neither team has the greatest amount of depth past the top players, which is why the ranking is even.
- Offensive Line
I'm hoping that I don't have to eat my words with this one, because I think I may have only ranked the Browns' offense line even or better than the opposing team's offensive line twice all of last season. Did the additions of Eric Steinbach, Joe Thomas, and Seth McKinney put us on the same level as the Steelers' offensive line? I think it's a case where two parts cancel out. While I would still give the slight overall advantage to the Steelers, they have the better run blocking abilities while the Browns have the better pass blocking abilities.
- Defensive Line
Considering all of the positions, this is the one in which the Browns aren't even close to competing. I'd take Casey Hampton as our nose tackle in a heartbeat, and I'd probably ditch all three of our starting linemen if necessary just to get him. Defensive ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel are solid as well, and play a huge role in the reasoning why Pittsburgh is able to shut down the running games of almost every team in football. It'll be interesting to see if Orpheus Roye is able to return for the Browns, and also how well Robaire Smith will do in the rivalry.
- Linebacker
The Steelers are full of veterans, even after dumping the loud-mouthed Joey Porter, but the Browns are full of youth that could wreck havoc in the NFL this year. Kamerion Wimbley and Antwaan Peek have the potential to cut down on all of the side-to-side running plays the Steelers try to pull off. The Steelers are counting on James Harrison to play at a starting level in place of Porter, which is something the Browns may want to try and see if they can exploit early on.
- Secondary
With the exception of Troy Polamalu, I've never been very high on the Steelers' secondary, and I don't think they did anything in the offseason to address the issue. The Browns may have had a problem in the secondary too had they not drafted cornerback Eric Wright, who has the potential to be complete the best secondary the Browns have had since returning to the league. Safety Brodney Pool will heavily be depended on to ensure that the non-impact players on the Steelers don't break out. He's finally a starting safety and needs to show that he's not a vulnerability.
- Special Teams
The status of Dave Zastudil is still in question after the signing of Paul Ernster, which could pose big problems for the Browns. Zastudil has been so good at consistently punting the ball deep and getting it down inside the 20, and you don't want to risk losing that. The Steelers acquired returner Allen Rossum from the Atlanta Falcons a few days ago, but Joshua Cribbs has clearly shown that he is one of the few men in the NFL that can take a kick back the distance on any given play.
FINAL PREDICTION: Cleveland Browns 23, Pittsburgh Steelers 20.
Something about a Steelers team that was average last season under Bill Cowher, and is entering this season with their first new head coach in a decade and a half, tells me that the opening of the season will not be too bright for them. The only thing I keep hearing about the Steelers are assumptions: the Steelers will run the defense fine under Tomlin, and Ben Roethlisberger won't make as many mistakes as he did last year. I think the Steelers have the potential to do well, but I need to see them win before I can make that commitment. The Browns will play a mistake-free game, good enough to just barely slip by with a win.

For an extra thing, here's my prediction for the first play of the game: a four-yard carry by Jamal Lewis.

This is the official gameday topic for the first game of the regular season, featuring the Cleveland Browns against the Pittsburgh Steelers. All comments regarding the game should be posted in this topic. Enjoy the game, and GO BROWNS!!!

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Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Dave Zastudil has been ruled out for this game, and Paul Ernster will get the start at punter. When the Browns gameday inactives and starters are listed near noon, I will be posting them here.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
wow this might hurt us a little.

at least we have one good thing going for us.... willie mcginest is also out for the game. hahaha

by kjc on Sep 9, 2007 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
According to the OBR, here are the Browns' inactives for today:

QB Brady Quinn (Third QB)
FB Charles Ali
WR Travis Wilson
OG Isaac Sowells
OT Kelly Butler
LB Willie McGinest
CB Gary Baxter
P Dave Zastudil

I'm surprised that Nat Dorsey is active over Kelly Butler. What could possibly be the reason for this, unless I overlooked an injury. For the record, do NOT hope to see Brady Quinn in this game. Unless our quarterbacks go down with injuries, Quinn will not be able to enter the game.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 12:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Here are the Steelers' inactive players:

The Pittsburgh Steelers have declared LB Arnold Harrison, QB Brian St. Pierre, OL Darnell Stapleton, RB Gary Russell, CB Ricardo Colclough, OT Trai Essex, WR Willie Reid inactive for Week 1.

No surprises.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I'm a little confused- can't you have 53 players active?  or is there a lower number?  

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 12:54 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
53 players are on the final roster. On gameday, only 46 can participate in the action I believe.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 1:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
you were two yards off on that second prediction

by APV on Sep 9, 2007 1:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Crennel looked like he wanted to quit his job

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 1:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
In fact, He may need to be fired before the week two.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Paul Ernster may be the most hated signing in Browns history. Good god, a 10% version of Zastudil would've been better. I understand Ernster hasn't had many reps, but come on!

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 1:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
"How can Frye be this bad?  He had a whole summer to practice.  He had to learn something from sucking all last year"- my fiancee's reaction to the interception.  

We simply don't looked prepared.  That's on the coaching staff.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 1:25 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I'm ready for the C.H.U.D. offense to kick into gear on this drive.

by JulioBernazard on Sep 9, 2007 1:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Think of all the positives you dreamed about last night regarding how the Browns would start off the game.

Now, take the complete opposite, and you'll have the Browns opening quarter :p

The only positive thing is the thing that was supposed to be a negative: our run defense. Also, my concern about Brodney Pool came true already.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 1:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
This is really an outrage.  It is unforgivable in my eyes.  holding penalties on a punt...  terrible, terrible interception... not ready for the steeler's blitzes that they have run for 20 years... cover two looking like shit...

Let's start putting that package together to get Cowher.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 1:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
How could Brady Quinn possibly do any worse.  How could anyone do any worse?

by Bernie19Kosar on Sep 9, 2007 2:07 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
For those of us not "lucky" enough to be watching the game on TV, who's responsible for all these sacks? Is it the line (if so, who), Frye, or the backs?

by APV on Sep 9, 2007 2:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
To be honest, I put all but one of them on Frye. Frye is out there as if he doesn't expect linebackers or cornerbacks to blitz from the side, where the offensive linemen aren't at.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Those last two were on Frye and Frye only

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 2:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Frye doesn't have a clue where his reads are. He doesn't have a clue where to scramble. He doesn't have a clue where his protection is. He doesn't have a clue where to position the ball to his receivers.

I never thought I'd say this heading into the game...I want to see Derek Anderson in the second half, and Brady Quinn next week.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 2:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Only one sack to really blame on the line.  Shaffer got out muscled...

Anderson is warming up.  I bet Romeo is regretting keeping Quinn off the active roster.  

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 2:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
DA's skills are perfect for a backup QB.  Frye might be the odd man out eventually.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 2:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
This is why I like Anderson's ability to come into a game if a quarterback goes down. However, getting stripped their is a killer. We really have no business being in this game, but if we were to compete, we definitely needed points there.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 2:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I suppose the silver lining is that the run defense is holding up much better than I thought..

by BringBackKosar on Sep 9, 2007 2:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Antwan Peek has looked pretty decent as well.  He has gotten a few pressures and at least two hits on Roethlisburger.

by Fundamentals on Sep 9, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Defense has actually been respectable.

The offense is an absolute nightmare. God, I actually feel sick to my stomach watching this.

by mrich on Sep 9, 2007 2:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
really the defense's only real mistake was the 40 yd td pass to Holmes.  But, the Steelers do have a lot of drops, a little lucky.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 2:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
The thing that's really disturbing to me is that this team, on offense anyway, just looks so incredibly unprepared and ill-disciplined ... and Crennel is just a statue on the sidelines, whenever they show him.

Romeo, dude, you need to get in somebody's face.

by mrich on Sep 9, 2007 2:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Romeo looks worse than Wade Phillips, the coach infamous for the "DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS" look, as his team was going down to the worst playoff comeback in

/facenda mode on

NFL History

/facenda mode off

as much as I can see the value in stability, I don't think Crennel is the one to provide it.  And at the time, I thought he was the best candidate out there

by Casey Jones on Sep 9, 2007 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I'm currently experiencing a football viewing personal hell as a joint Michigan-Browns fan.  Ugh.  Thank God for the Indians.

by APV on Sep 9, 2007 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Out of market and at home today, so not seeing the game.  Is it really THAT bad?

by mjmarble on Sep 9, 2007 2:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
enjoy what you cannot see.  I turned off the brainless chatter on CBS after a couple of plays, and the radio has been on and slammed off periodically after that

by Casey Jones on Sep 9, 2007 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Yes, it's bad. The defense has been fun to watch, especially Antwaan Peek. With so many tipped balls, let's hope some of them go our way in the second half to put some points on the board.

I'm not sure on the official rules clarification regarding Brady Quinn's eligibility today. He may be able to play in the fourth quarter...wish I had a rulebook handy.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I wouldn't blame anyone for not caring to comment on the rest of the game ;)

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 3:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I like Winslow getting catches down field.  He had a lot of 3 yd receptions last year.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 3:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
hope it happens more, I have him on my fantasy team and I thought they would create more ways to get the ball to him, especially in the red zone

by Casey Jones on Sep 9, 2007 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Is Joe Jurevicius not playing or something?

Holy shit we scored!

by BringBackKosar on Sep 9, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Wooo! Finally something to cheer about, thanks to Kellen Winslow being a monster, including his sick block on Carter's 22-yard reception. Hopefully the defense can give us the ball right back with a tipped interception.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 3:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
any turnover would be nice, especially when the run defense seems to be holding its' own weight. The coverage has to be there.  Being really thin after the starters hurts. We're too thin at most positions, which makes this all really frustarting.  Especially if Bodden gets into the round of double jeopardy

by Casey Jones on Sep 9, 2007 3:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
too late to take back my comment about the run D?

by Casey Jones on Sep 9, 2007 3:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Holley getting injured on a play he shouldn't have had to make?

by Casey Jones on Sep 9, 2007 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
It was nice to have hope for a few minutes, anyway.

by JulioBernazard on Sep 9, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Most interesting part of the game is hearing Rich Gannon explain for five+ minutes how to grip a wet football.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I stepped out to watch my son's football game, which they won in the rain, 8-6.  That's right, the game came down to a goal line stop on the extra point. They came up huge. On the opponents' next posession my son's defense recovered a fumble in the middle of the line to seal up the game.

Knowing Rich Gannon's game, I would be very interesteed to hear what tips he let slip through his, umm, ways of communication...  I hope he's a better analyst than he was a QB, but then again he wouldn't have been assigned to the Browns' opening day if he had potential in the booth...

by Casey Jones on Sep 9, 2007 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
This has been atrocious. Neither the offence or the defence has done much worth praising.
At least I wasn't born in Denver

by fwembt on Sep 9, 2007 3:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
F*** continuity, if I'm Randy Lerner I call up Phil Savage after the game and tell him, I want Crennel's resignation letter on my desk tomorrow morning. And if he doesn't resign, Phil, you're both fired.

by mrich on Sep 9, 2007 3:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Seriously.

I don't know why I put myself through this.  I did not have high expectations for this season, but this is ridiculous.

by TonyH on Sep 9, 2007 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
If we're looking for positive players from today's game, here they are:

-Kellen Winslow
-Antwaan Peek

That's about it.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 3:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Cribbs looked like he just wanted to hit someone hard on that kickoff.

Circle your calendars for the Raiders game in two weeks. It'll be our only win for awhile at this rate :p Although I have a feeling Brady Quinn may be getting in for the coming weeks...

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 3:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Well what do you know, Ol' Joe J. IS still on the team! Nice of Anderson to notice.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 9, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Some thoughts:
Ernster was a disaster.
Charlie Frye should not play another down in the NFL.  There was a national reporter (I can't remember if it was ESPN or SI, that said one NFL coach flat out told him that Frye was not a NFL caliber quarterback).
Derek Anderson is inconsistent from play to play.
We lost the special teams battle, and that was supposed to be a strength.
Fumbles by Lewis and Edwards just can't happen.
Run defense looks the same as last year- good to start, then get warn down.  
Wimbley and Peek should be a force, hopefully they start mixing it up and letting other LB's or maybe even safteys blitz.
Corners looked good, overall, i think.
Pool is a major work in progress, at least two of the TD's were his mistake in coverage.  
Who is number 62?  He has been next to Quinn all day.
Why no shots down the sidelines to Edwards or Carter?
I thought Cribbs would be used more- only one real touch.
The Brady Quinn era should start next week!

by DaytonDogg on Sep 9, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Agree on pretty much all that.  Get Quinn ready for next week - it's not like the Bengals defense is anything to be afraid of.  That will give him a couple more weeks to get ready for the Ravens.  I never want to see Frye start for the Browns again!

by Buckeye Brad on Sep 9, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I second all of those points. I was for sitting Quinn this year..but if this is what I'd have to sit through, hell with it, get the kid out there.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 9, 2007 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
that was rediculuos. now there is another week of qb contraversy.

by kjc on Sep 9, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Hines Ward is a punk.  And the media have bought into the hype that Hines Ward can do no wrong.  After he laid out Daven Holly on a cheap shot to the head from behind after the whistle, all the color commentator on CBS could do was talk about how great Hines Ward was because he plays "through the whistle."  Nevermind that he cheapshotted a defenseless player to the head from behind.

God, I hate the Steelers.  I hate that the media seems to believe that they are anything more than punks.

When does my team get to be the team o'destiny?

by woodsmeister on Sep 9, 2007 4:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Not only did he cheap shot him, He then pounded his chest and pointed to the crowd.  Honestly, Hines Ward is a dirty player.  This is not the first time I have seen him take a shot like that.  Karma usually evens out...

by Bernie19Kosar on Sep 9, 2007 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Karma has not even come close to evening out for the Steelers.  Ask any Bengals fan about Kimo von Rollover's cheap shot.
When does my team get to be the team o'destiny?

by woodsmeister on Sep 10, 2007 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I was thinking the same thing woodsmeister. What the hell is Rich Gannon basically saying, "meh, even though he did that, he's a high class guy!"

You know what, I'm 100% sick of "quarterback controversy" and "the Browns" in the same sentence. We need to start Brady Quinn, just to have the comfort of know that he IS our guy, no matter how good or bad he performs.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 5:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Nice show of fair-weather fans on the TV in the 2nd half.

I think they should have stayed to the end if they are going to complain.  If you leave early in the game, how invested are you in the team?

by palcal on Sep 9, 2007 5:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Not sure exactly how, but it was back on Monday during practice I believe.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
meaning Crennel/Savage should have signed someone way earlier than they did.

by JulioBernazard on Sep 10, 2007 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Back to Hines Ward.

Remember when he cold cocked Earl Little a few years ago?  He stood there and danced over him while he was out cold.  Little was never the same after that.

 I wouldn't want to see him permanately injured, but someone ought to make him miss some games like two or three seasons.

He's a great player, but a complete thug.  I don't care how much he does for charity.  Get him!

by Cactus Jack on Sep 9, 2007 6:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Maybe the Browns need to get some real athletes on the team.  Pittsburgh's receivers hit harder than our Offensive Line.
Truth B Known - tellin' it like it is, believe it or not.

by Truth B Known on Sep 9, 2007 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I know it's only game 1, but when are we allowed to begin the revolt

by APV on Sep 9, 2007 7:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I believe that the only cliche not yet said amounts to this: same shit, different year.

by jdudas on Sep 9, 2007 7:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Savages judgement must be called to question.

Romeo is so obvously not the answer and this was fully evident last year. He lacks intensity. Certianly a nice guy, probably a wonderful husband & father & teacher, but not a head coach in  the NFL.

Today, like much of last year, the team seemed leaderless, poorly prepared and completely unmotivated. These are the three greatest responsibilities of the head coach - to lead, to prepare &  to motivate. Romeo consistently comes up short in all three areas.

Savage has seen what we all have seen yet he refuses to pull the plug on this likeable yet wholly inadequate coach.

Now we are into another year with no leadership on the horizon & a dismal frustrating season awaiting us.

The beginning of the return to glory has been delayed at least another year.

Terry O.

Terry O.

by TerryO on Sep 9, 2007 7:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Poorly prepared and poor use of personnel.  Chudzinski is only slightly better than Carthon from what we've seen so far, which means, another long season.

With the exception of Winslow's big catches after the game was out of reach, I'd say our Number 1 picks are AWOL.

Braylon must be sulking for his Alma Mater.

God, am I glad I didn't get sucked into PSLs and season tickets.  And Lerner pulled it off without a mask or a gun.

Truth B Known - tellin' it like it is, believe it or not.

by Truth B Known on Sep 9, 2007 7:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
"We're going to take this game and win it, and we're going to move on," said Cribbs. "It's not even a second thought in our heads. There's no doubt in my mind [we're going to win]."

"I'm so ready to hurry up and win it, and get over that ... Pittsburgh hump," said Cribbs. "Then, we can go on with the rest of our conference."

"We're of course defending our house," said Cribbs. "We're all familiar with the rivalry, but we feel we have the necessary elements on our football to make it happen."

Wow.  Cribbs is definitely drinkin' Phil's Training Camp Kool-Aid.

Truth B Known - tellin' it like it is, believe it or not.

by Truth B Known on Sep 9, 2007 7:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Speaking of Edwards, he has the hands of a defensive back. Fast, good athlete, can't catch = DB.
Terry O.

by TerryO on Sep 9, 2007 7:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Well one bright spot: Cribbs did pretty well returning kicks.

Oh God, its gonna be a long season.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 9, 2007 10:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Seeing the Steelers kick off was even more frustrating, because they had several touchbacks which took away one of our biggest threat (Cribbs).

The players on our team didn't show that "smash mouth attitude" that makes it seem like we're an NFL football team. There were too many aspects of the game in which we were just overwhelmed. The only played who really seemed to have a nice swagger was Antwaan Peek, who ironically was bred from a franchise besides the Browns.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 9, 2007 10:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
This was my first game as a Cleveland Browns fan.

For most of my life, I've followed Drew Bledsoes career until the end...when he retired this year. I decided that it wasn't all that much fun to follow a QB, but I really needed a TEAM to follow.

I considered many teams, including the Cardinals, Bears, Browns, Packers, 49ers, and Raiders. However, they all seemed to have something just bad about them. The Raiders have nasty fans. The Bears are forever condemned to a terrible offense. The Packers are in limbo, and I would never get tickets to a game if I was in Green Bay. The Cardinals have a pretty boy as their QB. However. the Browns...there just seemed to be something about them. Maybe it was the lack of a logo, maybe it's because they seem to be making great strides towards greatness, maybe its because of Crennel....but it just seemed like the right fit.

So, the night the season started, I declared myself a Browns fan....for a long, long time.

Then, Sunday rolls around....I learn what it's like to be a Browns fan.

I was used to watching some ineptness when watching Bledsoe play, but man, this was just...bad. Fumbled Punt, incerceptions...it was sad. Every first down seemed like a battle. And that TD felt like I had just made it up Mount Everest for the 5th time in a row. But hey, at least it was a good feeling.

So, for better or worse, I'm here. I have a feeling there may be long, long seasons ahead, but I can still hope that the team I picked....will make it big.

Go Browns!

by Zorgon on Sep 10, 2007 12:05 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Welcome to the abusive relationship that is Browns Fandom.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 10, 2007 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
:-(....Well, I guess it's as much of a welcome you could ask for...lol.

by Zorgon on Sep 10, 2007 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Crennel should be fired for the Zastudil fiasco.
Why does the team not have a backup punter?  You should not be trying to find a punter 24 hours before the game.

And who says Zastudil would have been worse than the E-man?  Couldn't he suck it up if he had been stringing the team along all week?

by palcal on Sep 10, 2007 12:52 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
hank fraley said he could punt a little lol

by kjc on Sep 10, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
The Browns probably didn;t want to waste a roster spot on a back-up punter.  And lets be honest, a professional punter should be able to catch a snap that is right in his hands.  Then again, this is the Browns...

by Bernie19Kosar on Sep 10, 2007 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
This guy was the punter all last year for the Broncos, so it's not like he lacked experience.  I don't know what signing him any earlier in the week would do.  It's not like he has a playbook to memorize or anything - just catch the effing snap.  He should know how to do that.  

by Buckeye Brad on Sep 10, 2007 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Here is what I said about the QB situation back on August 20:

Re: Lions Defeat Browns 23-20 (Review)
"I disagree emphatically that "he should sit this year". That accomplishes very little in the quest for a return to glory.

Quinn's the future QB of this franchise. We know what Frey & Anderson are going to give us & it's painfull to think about. There is nothing more that a young, promising QB, like Quinn needs than EXPERIENCE. Nothing can replace game action for giving him that experience.

Cutler, Leinart & Young's coaches knew that & they gave their rookie QB's what they needed.

Hopefully Romeo will do the same."

 by TerryO on Mon Aug 20, 2007 at 09:26:20 AM EDT
[ Parent ]  

I know many disagreed but I stand by my opinion.

When you have a Cadillac in the garage, you don't take your beat up Yugo out for Sunday drives.

Terry O.

by TerryO on Sep 10, 2007 8:25 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
All I was hoping for this season (and last) was a return to relevance for the Browns.  That their games re-enter Sunday football conversations.  The draft, with Thomas, Quinn, and Wright, seemed to be moving us in that direction.  A team that mattered.  A team opposing players didn't glance at on the schedule and quickly look ahead to the next week with the mental 'W' already notched.

Peter King's MMQB column contains a fair bit about the Browns, but it's not exactly what I had in mind by a 'return to relevance':

f. Teams that have to feel ridiculously depressed after Sunday: St. Louis, Buffalo, Kansas City, the Jets and Cleveland.

g. Wait -- give me a separate category for Cleveland. What I wonder after watching chunks of that game is, how can you work for an entire training camp and look like that? "If the gamut runs from A to Z,'' GM Phil Savage said last night, "that was a Z.'' Maybe a letter doesn't exist for what that was.

4. I think, still, that Romeo Crennel has to stand strong and not put Quinn on the field. Not yet anyway. Four of the next five games, before Cleveland's bye, come against teams that finished in the NFL's top 10 in defensive rankings last year. "Our whole thought was Charlie [Frye] and Derek [Anderson] keeping us functional through the tough part of our schedule,'' Savage told me. And now? "If you ask 70,000 people in our stadium today, the process got accelerated. We'll meet [Monday morning] and discuss it. But I think you run into trouble if you change your plans after one game. Back in 1999, we lost to Pittsburgh 43-0 in the first game of the season with Ty Detmer playing and we threw Tim Couch in there. You saw how that turned out. Once Brady goes in, that's it; there's no turning back. To do it after the first week ...''

Look, the Browns know this season's a wash. Frye got sacked five times in the first 23 minutes against Pittsburgh. Do you want the kid shellshocked in September, or do you want him to play after he's had more than 92 snaps (the real number) with the first unit since he signed his contract?

d. Cleveland's first series Sunday: Jamal Lewis for 2, Frye incomplete pass, Frye sacked, new punter Paul Ernster fumbles the punt snap and gets off a wobbly 15-yarder. On fourth down, Cleveland had three penalties declined -- a hold, an illegal formation and ineligible receiver downfield.

by APV on Sep 10, 2007 9:19 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I'm a Notre Dame fan, not a Cleveland fan.  But I'm following Cleveland because of Quinn.  Quinn was thrown to the wolves at ND and he did alright.  He is the toughest QB i've probably ever seen.  But I'd worry about unintended concussions and what not and I think it is smart to let him work into the role.  I don't think he will disappoint.

by seamus on Sep 10, 2007 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I heard Peter King relay Savage's comments on the Sunday Night Football pregame show last night. I think it's illogical. This isn't a 1999 expansion team. We added three new men to the offensive line that should make that unit above average. To say that Quinn would almost be thrown to the wolves against tough defenses doesn't make any sense.

And, I got so sick of hearing analysts last night sat "Man, I'm sure Brady Quinn is thinking "I don't want ANY part of this!" Every time I heard that, I wanted to slap those morons. Why wouldn't Quinn want the opportunity to come in and rally this team? They seemed to neglect the fact that almost all of Pittsburgh's sacks were due to Frye hanging onto the ball for 5-6 seconds in the first half. As soon as Anderson was in the game, he was sacked only once on a play where he mistakeningly pumped a quick hitter on a third down play in which the blitz was obvious from the edge.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 10, 2007 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
That is what drove me crazy as well. Frye basically just took it like a man all Sunday and then the national pundits make sound as if the line was at fault.
At least I wasn't born in Denver

by fwembt on Sep 10, 2007 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
BAM! First 100 post commented topic at Dawgs By Nature in history! Thanks guys...hope for better results next week though :p

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 10, 2007 12:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
if you get a few more LGTers in here, you'll be up to 400 before halftime.

by JulioBernazard on Sep 10, 2007 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
There is something to maybe holding Quinn until after the bye, let him break in against easier defenses and spare him Baltimore. Then again, adversity made good QBs out of guys like  Troy Aikman, and is holding Quinn back worth watching the offense without him get shellacked for 4 or 5 more weeks?

Either way, it's a crap situation.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 10, 2007 1:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I don't think you can say "adversity makes good quarterbacks."  You could made just as strong an argument if not a better one that adversity breaks good quarterbacks.  I just worry that one consequence of starting Quinn before some of the other parts of the offense have stabilized is to risk getting him into the habit of making bad decisions as an attempt to overcome the deficiences of those around him.  I feel as if this is part of Frye's problem.  He'll play well for a stretch (although not at all Sunday), and then make a really bad decision in a crucial moment by trying to force a play to happen.  I'd like to avoid that.

by APV on Sep 10, 2007 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
What is wrong with getting him a series or two a game?  Pre-plan out ten plays that he feels comfortable with and let him direct a series a half.  The downside of this is what?  The starter (whoever that is) gets out of sync?  At the very least it would give the fans something to look foward to every game...

by Bernie19Kosar on Sep 10, 2007 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
I didn't mean adversity makes good quarterbacks in all situations. I'm just saying that in some cases adversity aides development. Obviously, in many others, it hinders it. In the end, I think holding Quinn out a bit longer is probably the way to go.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 10, 2007 2:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Tim Couch's career wasn't ruined because he was named the starter too early.  He just wasn't any good.  David Carr?  Ryan Leaf?  Charlie Frye?  Not good.

Someone give me a real example of a QB whose career development was harmed because he was named the starter too early.

by mkwng on Sep 10, 2007 3:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
To be fair, I think Carr still has a shot at salvaging his career.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 10, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Peyton Manning started right away.  He was a four year starter in college.  I am obviously not saying that Quinn will be Manning, but there are cases when a rookie was allowed to start right away.  I know his team went something like 1-15, but it was the right decision.  What is Brady Quinn learning from watching Charlie Frye throw into triple coverage?  Or watching him hold the ball for 5 seconds?

by Bernie19Kosar on Sep 10, 2007 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Hopefully he's learning what the exact opposite of an effective NFL quarterback looks like, and to never, ever emulate it.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 10, 2007 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
There was also another guy in recent (at least to me) memory, Troy Aikman.  He turned out to be a HOF.

by dvd1204 on Sep 11, 2007 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
oops, read the posts backwrads, sorry for the redundancy

by dvd1204 on Sep 11, 2007 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
According to this USA Today article, Ken Dorsey was back in Berea today...

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/browns/2007-09-10-qb-status_N.htm  

by Drewski on Sep 10, 2007 8:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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