Flash Package: Joshua Cribbs the Browns' Key Against Pittsburgh
by Chris Pokorny on Sep 14, 2008 2:23 PM EDT
in 2008 Game Day Threads
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Print"Powerful offense, porous defense."
Though there have been improvements this season on the defensive line, at least until the chemistry builds up (if it does), we're going to have to rely on shootouts. Considering our offense can't score on every possession to match what our defense gives up, we need an X-factor. That X-factor is none other than Joshua Cribbs.
When we lost to the Steelers 31-28 last November, how many solid offensive drives did we have?
One. That's right -- just one. It came on our first offensive drive of the game, consisting of 16 plays for 71 yards, and lasting nearly ten minutes. After that, the offense was shut down and the defense really couldn't stop Ben Roethlisberger. We survived on the kick returns of Cribbs.
After our first touchdown, the Steelers kicked a field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, Cribbs returned the ball 90 yards, setting up an easy touchdown pass to Lawrence Vickers. We later scored another touchdown after great field position following a Brodney Pool interception.
In the second half, the Steelers scored two touchdowns to take the lead. That lead didn't last too long though, as Cribbs had his ever-so-memorable 100-yard tiptoe kick return for a touchdown, putting us back on top at the time. Without Cribbs' ability, we very well could've lost 35-14. After missing last week's game against the Dallas Cowboys, fans have an even greater appreciation. Syndric Steptoe and Gerard Lawson were frustrating to watch on returns, because you could visualize Cribbs taking the same kicks an extra 20 yards at least every time. The big question, then, is this: is he ready?
"I'm ready," Cribbs vowed. "I feel I can be a difference in the game."
In order for the Browns to beat the Steelers, we're going to need more contributions from Cribbs than just kick and punt returns. We're going to need him on offense too.
With Donte Stallworth doubtful and unlikely to play for the second week in a row, we're in need of an extra weapon for Anderson. That has to involve Rob Chudzinski's "Flash" package that was on display throughout all of training camp. Although Cribbs has not had a lot of practice time lately, this is arguably the biggest game of the season for the Browns, and you need to bring everything you have to the table. I'm not saying every play needs to be a reverse to Cribbs or an option pass down the field to Braylon Edwards, but something needs to be in place to keep the Steelers' secondary off-guard. Head coach Romeo Crennel has already stated that Cribbs may not play the gunner position on kick return in hopes that he can be used in some of the offensive sets.
In the national spotlight, there's no better player than Cribbs to alleviate the pressure facing the rest of the team. Hopefully it's enough to finally defeat the Steelers, and regain our side of pride in this heated rivalry.
"Powerful offense, porous defense...and a great special teams."
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Comments
As always
Great post. Lets get this game going!
Donte Stallworth is really looking like the offense’s Antwan Peek. How do you pull a quad/groin enough to have to sit for 2 weeks?
Lets hope Cribbs is healthy. I feel like his injury (ankle sprain) shouldn’t hurt his north/south hit-the-hole-as-hard-as-I-can style as much as it would for a Donte Hall style runner. With all the WRs out with injuries, do you think we will line him up wide more than usual, Chris?
I think we’d have to. Steptoe and Sanders have literally no experience in regular season games at the receiver position, and in prime time and a rivalry game, we need someone who is not timid to take charge. Granted, Cribbs’ reps at receiver are limited too, but he is a playmaker.
I’d still like to see Sanders start, and work off of Cribbs in rotation or in the slot.
Dawgs By Nature - Find out why Pittsburgh still sucks.
by Chris Pokorny on Sep 14, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Why do I have this nagging feeling?
that Pittsburgh will play like USC and the Browns like Ohip State? Gosh I hope I am wrong but I got a bad feeling if the Browns dont take the game to the Steelers.
Because you are a Browns fan and you are resetting to your default feelings about games.
Nothing unusual.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cribbs is back. And the peasants rejoice
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
the sunday night football extra online is pretty cool with the different cameras
by Gradyforpresident on Sep 14, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply actions
SACK!
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
Let’s have a talk about how much we absolutely must stay out of third and long tonight.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions
The dropsies continue
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in golf terms
Braylon’s got the yips
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
Ol' Ben doesnt look too sharp. thankfully
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
If theres on thing I know, its sore shoulders
trust me, that wind and rain will make him fell that shoulder plenty.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Another drive, another third and long.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions
hope Chud has a clue
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s funny how they’ve essentially, and rather discretely, swapped the roles of Harrison and Wright. Just a month ago Wright was the backup and Harrison was the third down back – and now it appears it’s been flipped.
Harrison showed a bit more in preseason, I thought
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Whew.
thought they had that. Good to have you back, Mr. Pool
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
following the Eric Lindros School of Concussion Recovery
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Bullshit chants have begun
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Terrible play call
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very disappointing drive
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers
cult classic horror flick
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks for your quick response — nice work!
by JulioBernazard on Sep 14, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
yes.
if only we had a secondary to match
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
why, because that run would have gone for 40+ last year? Or because of the stop on 3rd and short against the steelers? Or are you being sarcastic?
could be all three
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought our run D was pretty good last week overall as well until late in the game.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
You should have put a line on number of plays for that drive.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
D is much less infuriating than last week
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Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply actions
YES
wow, you said it earlier, rufio, mcginest is supposed to be a heady player, and he should have fucked us there.
See: belichick, bill
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
WOW.
I just went ballistic. Thank you to whomever called that TO.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions
Steelers bullshit bit them in the ass their
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
uh there
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah don't call any of that holding, zebras.
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Always good to see an acquisition that works out
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I was wondering that , too. At least the second.
by JulioBernazard on Sep 14, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Fucking team is gonna give me a heart attack
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so when does ESPN do the "Biggest Dickhead" award? cause he's a shoo-in
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have never agreed with a comment so much in my entire life.
by Bernie19Kosar on Sep 15, 2008 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
DAMMIT TO HELL
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Did we just put a pick on our own player?
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions
Cribbs for the 1st
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You see…
Third and short. This is better.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions
nice run by Lewis there
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Vickers old=skools it for a 1st
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Now this drive could be promising
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shit, suit up Jim Brown, he can probably still do short-yardage work
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I would like to point out that I suggested this last week and I stand by it.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
he's thinking, "ooo, what a big check!"
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
ma needs to be smacked with a rolled up newspaper
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn you, Romeo
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Oh, for the love of CHRIST
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they dont sell Liney red here. Just Summer wheat
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
SoCal
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
You guys aren't nearly unimaginative or unorganized enough to be Romeo's coaches
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Just terrible.
Terrible, terrible, terrible.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions
Really? This is the team I waited all summer to watch? Christ.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
Dear sir, please do shut up.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
If this is going to be a trend, I would suggest ending it.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
right now, this team has MANY other problems besides him
by JulioBernazard on Sep 14, 2008 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Gah!
I hate this team and this coach and Michael Phelps and the wind and especially ESPECIALLY the goddamn Steelers, every one of them.
Seriously, Hines Ward and Troy Polamullet and Ben Backwardscap and all the rest of those fucking yinzers can eat me.
by exposition on Sep 14, 2008 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, its clear DA is costing us this one thus far. Our defense has shut this offense down given how mediocre it is.
Hey man, I think your records broken. Might want to fix it.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions
If our answer hasn’t been clear enough, here it is:
No.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
They deferred, so they get the ball and we get the wind in the fourth.
game could come down to wind advantage. crazy.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I suppose
But it seems more likely that the game will come down to the ability of Jamal Lewis to gain more than 1.66 yds/carry, our intermediate passing game to gel, and our D to continue to play well.
See above
for a total meltdown on my part
1.66? ouch.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
well at least he's umm.....consistent?
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't feel bad, Kellen
I was screaming you were open, too
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:01 PM EDT reply actions
Rogers is a man-beast
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:03 PM EDT reply actions
uh oh...Robaire is down
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply actions
Hey, I know what we really need: more injuries on the defensive side.
Yeah, that. Let’s have that.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply actions
Huh. Wonder where ol’ Pokorny is.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions
This is why
Romeo Crennel should not be a head coach and Der"wreck" Anderson is a backup QB. How many times are the Browns going to look confused, not call timeouts, stupid ass pentalties and bad real bad INT’s
enough already, same old song and dance
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
well aren't you a ray of sunshine
Though Romeo IS on my last freakin’ nerve
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
another Punt. Romeo, you pussy
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:10 PM EDT reply actions
C'mon, we got that!
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:10 PM EDT reply actions
Awww crap.
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:11 PM EDT reply actions
*prepares for Dorn Flip*
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy shit. 47 yards.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:13 PM EDT reply actions
I’d be all for putting Brady Quinn in…
On Defense.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions
How is he at zone coverage?
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
That pic of Jeff Reed
is pretty funny, I must admit
I am quite certain he was either high or drunk during that photo session.
Or both.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Considering his reputation...
Google him and you’ll see how true that is.
Odds of BQ taking them down for a TD here…Zero
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Its not pretty, but its working
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions
Sweet. 10 yard gain with the penalty
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions
20, even
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
WE LOOK LIKE A FOOTBALL TEAM.
AND I LIKE IT.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions
Spoke too soon.
You know in Madden, whenever Braylon goes over the middle Collinsworth won’t shut up about how tough and awesome Edwards is and how he isn’t afraid to take hits…I wonder what he would say now.
Was gonna say he’s holding on to it now, but then he dropped another one
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder
I think on the balance, Savage has done well. And you can’t plan for things like losing both Jurevicius and Stallworth to injury. But it seems like we have absolutely no depth, and when starters are hurt or just suck, we have no plan.
Oh, and Madden needs to stop fellating Polamalu. I can’t believe they replayed that highlight of him diving over the line of scrimmage to TACKLE NOTHING BUT AIR!!
It would really help to have any of these players on offense:
Jurevicious
Tucker
Rucker
a Travis Wilson who actually panned out
an Issac Sowells who actually panned out
a Paul Hubbard who pans out
Sure do miss TD Joe
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
WTF!
TAUNTING PENALTY.
Thank you Zebras.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:26 PM EDT reply actions
from their huddle. awesome.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I would line Winslow out wide here with Braylon in the slot, Braylon running a fade crossing kellen on a post.
Holy God.
I take back what I said about looking like a football team. Now we just look like the Rams on a good day.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
stupid penalties will be the death of us
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
Jesus, that was terrible
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
I’d enjoy just getting the ball back with the score at 10-3.
But, I think I am clearly asking for too much.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Gutless, Tressel-like playcalling
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:30 PM EDT reply actions
lets go for the safety
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by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:33 PM EDT reply actions
lk’dsajflk;dfjasf/lkja
pianwaif’jawe’ifwea
jFIPwej
aPFjwmf’paweijnf’waiokfj’awifk
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:34 PM EDT reply actions
I'm so done with this
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:35 PM EDT reply actions
And to that asshole Ward. I can hear my blood pressure rising
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:35 PM EDT reply actions
Adams just got stiff-armed by a WR.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:38 PM EDT reply actions
You know, I wasn’t able to watch a single snap last year because of work.
I’m beginning to think it was much, much better for my health.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:40 PM EDT reply actions
Oh, I know. I watched last week.
I simply meant that not watching the games last year seemed to work out. I blame myself here.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Silver linings
Our run defense is much better this week.
Wow, really surprised Rodgers didn’t get called there.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:43 PM EDT reply actions
I’m sure you want BQ to come in for Cribbs since he hasn’t returned a kick tonight.
Am I right?
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Dear God are we converting these third downs or WHAT.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions
and for my beer supply
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
nice toss to Braylon
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions
We’re eating up so much of the clock….
I mean, this is the game right here. Honestly.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions
and for my beer supply
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions
So now what, Romeo?
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions
I know..but if he'd ball'd up and gone for it, wouldn't have blamed him
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
kinda wish we'd go for the 6 here
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions
I do not, and never will, understand that second down call. Ever.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 10:55 PM EDT reply actions
Braylon doesn’t look like he’s thrilled with it either
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
+1 for the Simpsons reference
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Well great, I have to go to work now. Thank you Browns for sending me off in such a good mood
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 10:58 PM EDT reply actions
how do the coaches not know the rules?!?!
by JulioBernazard on Sep 14, 2008 11:02 PM EDT reply actions
I hate sequels
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Who do we replace him with?
Lynch?
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I am trying to remember when we threw it more than 15 yards downfield.
Did we? Despite the weather….
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
He should be stripped of all time-management responsibilities.
by JulioBernazard on Sep 14, 2008 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
open field tackling drills for Pool on Monday
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 11:07 PM EDT reply actions
Wow
Wow. Look, I’ve been around here (and LGT) for a long long time, although I just reregistered under a new name. Believe me when I say I’ve always been the last guy to advocate blaming the coach or manager. But Romeo has been truly awful, AWFUL, managing the game.
Let me pop in for my first comment in the thread to say “Ditto.”
http://hasthelargehadroncolliderdestroyedtheworldyet.com -- just in case.
Hahahahahahahaaha. Robert Horry.
Hahahahahahaahaha. He just makes me laugh.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
26 seconds. We need a miracle.
http://hasthelargehadroncolliderdestroyedtheworldyet.com -- just in case.
Go ahead Mike Adams, celebrate. Because you have been beat every which way all night long. You, Mike, suck.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAA
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 11:14 PM EDT reply actions
Wow. what an appropriate end to an overall shitty game experience
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 11:15 PM EDT reply actions
Well, that sucked. See you guys week 3.
Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
by BringBackKosar on Sep 14, 2008 11:15 PM EDT reply actions
I shall leave you losers to discuss all the problems the Browns have except
their sorry assed QB. Wake up .! There are none so blind as those who refuse to see.
Not the Quarterback (who is by far the most important and fragile) DURING the game. We have 2, and one of them obviously needs to go at some point. But we were in this thing till Ben rolled out and hit someone Mike Adams was supposed to cover. You don’t replace a QB when you are anywhere close to the other team in score.
Browns seem to have the same problems regardless of the coordinators; could the head coach be the problem?
are you insane, seriously? we gave up 10 points. if you think that’s the “same problems,” you’re even dumber than your comments suggest.
Mel Tucker had his guys ready to play today.
by JulioBernazard on Sep 14, 2008 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
The D actually looked decent. I mean if you aren’t winning every game, you seem to have the same problems. That is to say if you can do certain things, you will win. Rush/protect the passer, catch things that hit you in the hands, win the short yardage situations, win the TO battle, and make tackles.
It was the rain!
Look at the stats. The defense was not so effective.
oh, and i’m waiting for some arcane schedule stastic that gratuitously predicts a bad outcome for the browns.
come on, you know you have one, just like you have 30 ever ready for the tribe at LGT.
my solution is to score more than 6 points from a team that averaged 20+ against them last year.
the fact is you wouldn’t have commented once in this game if we had won by 10. you’re a gratuitous debbie downer, you didn’t post once on LGT between sept and oct last year. your schtick is tired and annoying.
My ability to comment depends on my travels. You’ll be glad to know I won’t be watching the game next week. I do hope the Browns catch the rested Ravens off-guard.
Put Romeo on the horse trailer
Romeo and a picture of a clock.
There were a lot of ways for the first two games to go this year, but I’m going to say…
This is just about the worst they could have. I really don’t think we’re a bad football team and I’m not done with this team this season, but man. Those two games were disheartening to watch.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Sep 14, 2008 11:21 PM EDT reply actions
This game could have gone much, much worse.
We could still go 9-7, which would be just fine for me. We just need to upset somebody now.
Along those lines, we lost to the NFC favorite, and what appears to be the AFC favorite. 0-2 sucks, yes. Maybe it took this to shake everyone out of feeling like they had a right to the playoffs and like they didn’t have to earn it. Maybe they can finally wake up and take the chances at the big plays like they did last year.
Chud, now would be a good time to step the f@$k up.
Condolences
Hey, I am a Steelers fans, but I went to Case Western, in East Cleveland. I feel for you guys, your coach cost you ANOTHER game. Your loss is our gain, good luck til game 16.
i thought the biggest play was not falling on the loose ball on the kickoff. that would have been huge.
by Gradyforpresident on Sep 15, 2008 12:27 AM EDT reply actions
predictions
Week 2 vs. Steelers Prediction Face it…we suck! The supposed prolific Offense last year was against mediocre teams at best. Tonight the Steelers will dominate us. We are their little bitch and have been for what feels like forever!
How about a 35-6 shellacking? Kind of like Ohio State got raped by USC last night. Standby…Browns will get raped by the Steelers.
What would make you think we could beat them? Crennel is 0-6 against them and what I saw last week, hahahahahahahahahaha!!! I have awoke from my dreamworld fantasyland where the Browns make the playoffs and it won’t be this year.
Prediction…Browns go 5-11 and Crennel (Mr. Motivator Extraordinaire) gets fired this year!!!
We have the talent just not the right motivator…look for Cowher to be the 2009 Browns Head Coach!
I guess I wasn’t to far off!
by BROWNS GREATEST SEASONS 1996 1997 1998 on Sep 14, 2008 1:25 AM EDT reply 0 recs
by BROWNS GREATEST SEASONS 1996 1997 1998 on Sep 15, 2008 1:37 AM EDT reply actions
Everyone: Sorry for not getting an official game thread up. I’d been in the process of composing it around 5 PM EST, when my power zapped out. It is still out this morning, and I had to watch the game at a friend’s house.
Dawgs By Nature - Find out why Pittsburgh still sucks.
This morning's headlines
I was hoping to read this morning that Crennel was fired.
Just read through the whole game thread, was out at a bar for the game.
Got to give big props to my man Roger Dorn for having a good thread. Made a lot of salient points. I’m thinking that this is a team that has made very little progress against good teams since RAC has been head coach. They may have improved against poor teams but they still look clueless against the class of the league.
The offense doesn’t seem to be aware that if they don’t perform at a high level, we’ll go 4-12. We need them to outscore people and be aggressive. I lay a lot of the blame at the feet of whomever drew up the gameplan for this contest.
- The Steelers were minus their number 1 corner and we didn’t exploit that.
- The best way to neutralize Polamalu is to look for him matched up against Winslow and wear him down in pass coverage.
- In my opinion, they ran the ball too much in 1st and 2nd and long situations. This caused a lot of unmanageable 3rd and longs in which the Steelers brought pressure and Anderson was forced to make a quick decision.
- Through two games against top-15 defenses, I would argue Derek Anderson is not an NFL-caliber starting quarterback. It might be that he’s a good backup who can toast a lousy secondary (Cincy, St Louis) and that’s it.
- As I mentioned before, Dorn already pointed out that Crennel cannot manage the game. It seems to me that he waits until after the play is blown dead to decide to use a timeout. This usually ends up costing the Browns 6-8 seconds. Because of these game management issues, I’m going to try and go back and look at the game on tape later this week and diagnose some of the mistakes.
- There’s a small part of me that wants them to start 0-4 and fire Crennel during the bye week. I have doubts about his ability to manage an offense and no confidence in his ability to manage a close game. Another benefit of 0-4 is that we might see Quinn, which would interest me, given Anderson’s early season struggles.
Bottom line, I think the Browns have a LOT more question marks on the offensive side of the ball (and in the coaching staff) now than they did two weeks ago.
Thanks man, I echo your sentiments here. I don’t see Crennel being fired midseason, but I also don’t see us starting 0-4. I honestly believe we win the next 2 and go into the bye 2-2, which is where we started last year.
I just said this in the new FanShot about Robaire but I’m thinking this game in Baltimore is going to be an all-out war. The Ravens would improve to 2-0 and be in pretty good shape divisionally. We’re only getting more banged up as the games go on.
Currently, Vegas has us as three-point dogs. I think that line will move up to 4 or 5 as the injuries are listed.
Like I said in the above comment, I want to go back and watch the game again, hopefully try and quantify all of the bitching about clock management into a cohesive narrative.
If we can get to the bye week at 2-2 we will be fine. Hell, even 1-3 is recoverable. San Diego is 0-2. Indy looks lost (4th quarter aside). New England is done (Not buying the ESPN Matt Cassel is actually good crap). Jax is 0-2. This season is just started.
Oh and by the way, there is no way Big Ben lasts the season with that blocking. He took an absolute beating last night. That shoulder is not healthy and it is only week two. I put the over/under at week 7 for a prolonged Byron Leftwich sighting. We just gotta keep the Steelers in sight.
by Bernie19Kosar on Sep 15, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
“- There’s a small part of me that wants them to start 0-4 and fire Crennel during the bye week.”
Please tell me it is a very small part of you. Like every Cleveland fan, I believe our sports teams “rebuild” too much (I’d prefer "winning"). I would much rather have us rally to go 2-2. After that, the following teams are definitely beatable:
Washington
Buffalo
Tennessee
Baltimore
Cincy
Houston
which would put us at 8 wins. To make the playoffs, we might only have to upset one or two of the following:
Indy
Jax
Den
Pit
NYG
Philly
And after watching the Colts and some of Jacksonville’s performances this season…it’s doable. Plus, you never know when one Josh Cribbs return, or one terrible kick in Cleveland in December can change a game.
You (and Dorn?) make a good point that we are not beating the best teams, the types of teams we would need to beat to get to the Super Bowl. We always seem to have a shot at the steelers, even when they are one of those elite teams but aside from them we really haven’t been there with an elite team.
But it has been a LONG time since the Browns have even been in the playoffs. We need to make that step first, and then think about how to beat those elite teams. Most years, that just means taking care of business against the crappy teams. If we do that last year, we make the playoffs even though the best team we beat was the Seahawks. I would love to be in that elite tier and be competing with the best in the NFL, but I can’t see why anyone would expect a jump from “team that has only made the playoffs 1 out of 10 years” to “Super Bowl contender”.
I agree that we need to get a look at Quinn, and that becomes problematic when we are competing.
I agree with your post. However, I would clarify that if they were to fire Crennel or start Quinn, it wouldn’t signal a rebuilding but a refocusing. I think it’s very possible they could hire a veteran coach during the bye week, Schottenheimer comes to mind immediately, who would be an immediate upgrade over Crennel in clock and game management.
Keep in mind, I’m only advocating this if the offense continues to be awful and get no support from the head coach, vis a vis fourth down situations and clock management. If we only manage 16 more points in the next two games and fall to 0-4, then the scenario I painted above seems at least plausible and at least a little appealing, no?
After an 0-4 start, absolutely. I think that’s probably the cutoff for me. 1-3 losing to the two current Super Bowl favorites, I am still hopeful we can right the ship. We get to at least see Quinn and get a feel for who we should keep and probably a better grasp on what sort of draft picks/players we can trade for under your scenario. But that’s the silver lining, it’s still a big, crappy cloud.
If we do fire Crennel and bring in the RIGHT guy, things could transition smoothly and playoff hopes could be high next year (a "refocusing"). Mike Tomlin stepped in with out much of an adjustment period. He was also alright with the best coordinator on the team (LeBeau) doing his thing. Would Marty come in and want to give our team an old Woody Hayes look? I think you would agree that we are not built for 3 yards and a cloud of dust. There might be someone out there, and I am not going to pretend like I know.
I have no problem with getting a look at Quinn pretty much any time other than during a steelers game when we are still in it. If this game would have looked like game 1 last year, I would have been calling for Brady bigtime. If we choose to get rid of RAC, we need to be more careful about how we do it and who we bring in. His clock management in the game was inexcusable, and Al Michaels would have done a better job but there are still some negatives involved in firing him.
p.p.s. Sorry about the triple-comment, but I thought this needed to be said after rereading everything. We might just need to bite the bullet and do both of these things sooner rather than later. If we get to the point where we are in the playoffs every year but can’t win IN the playoffs, and Crennel or DA need to go, it might set us back further. There are several anecdotal cases of the opposite of this happening (Norv Turner, Wade Phillips, but both juries still out in my mind) but it’s worth considering.
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