Post-Game Thread: Roethlisberger Sacked 8 Times; Cribbs Puts on a Show
by Chris Pokorny on Dec 10, 2009 11:37 PM EST
in General News
405 comments
Right now, I don't care what the Cleveland Browns record is for the 2009-2010 campaign. In Eric Mangini's first year as head coach of the Browns, we beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 to make it almost impossible for Mike Tomlin's defending Super Bowl Champions to reach the playoffs.
The defense was absolutely amazing today, and that includes every unit -- the defensive line, the linebackers, and especially the secondary. The pressure was brought early and often from Rob Ryan, resulting in an insurmountable 8 sacks. For the record, let's take a look at all of the players credited with sacks...
- DL Corey Williams (2 sacks)
- LB Marcus Benard (2 sacks)
- DL Brian Schaefering (1.5 sacks)
- LB David Bowens (1 sack)
- DB Hank Poteat (1 sack)
- LB Kaluka Maiava (0.5 sacks)
Besides the sacks, the man-to-man coverage by Eric Wright was tremendous, and Brandon McDonald didn't do a bad job either. There were other unsung heroes too, because upon review, every time Roethlisberger dropped back to throw, nobody was open.
The defense played all four quarters too. The offense didn't hang them out to dry, but they were scoreless in the second half.
The individual star of the game was Joshua Cribbs. Words cannot express the type of game he had in terms of providing the Browns with an advantage in field position all game long. His 55-yard punt return in the first quarter set up a field goal, and the rest of the game, he ran extremely effectively from the Wildcat. On 8 carries, Cribbs had 87 yards. Why is that so impressive? Because every time he was under center, the defense KNEW he was going to run it. They couldn't stop him.
And, did I mention it all came against the Steelers? Celebrate, Cleveland fans -- December 10, 2009 was our Super Bowl, and we came away with the trophy.
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the more i watch the Browns without J Lewis i think he might have been what was holding back our O
by The Brown Note on Dec 10, 2009 11:43 PM EST reply actions
But we actually ran the ball with success tonight. With Lewis in there, I say we lose this game.
"There is a small, but important difference between peeing in the pool and peeing into the pool." - Demitri Martin
by Browns town on Dec 10, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
Or, what about this one: The two games that we have won this year, we did it without Lewis. Not that our offense looked spectacular in either game, but we rushed the ball with effectiveness both times.
"There is a small, but important difference between peeing in the pool and peeing into the pool." - Demitri Martin
by Browns town on Dec 10, 2009 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, I am not denying how destructive Lewis was on the running game. Merely pointing out that the offense is still significantly below average.
i would say considering the weather conditions thats a decent amount of points, and they moved the ball all night, even when it didn’t result in points.
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
what i mean is, there were relatively few 3-and-outs
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
Jamal Lewis ran 31 times against Buffalo for 117 yards.
He was our offense that week.
by Bernie19Kosar on Dec 11, 2009 4:26 AM EST up reply actions
But both games we have won we ran for 100 yards.
by Brownsfan4ever on Dec 11, 2009 5:58 AM EST up reply actions
So what’s your point? Browns town said that we won both games without Lewis and that’s clearly wrong.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 11, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I messed up, sorry. I could have swore that Harrison was the guy for that game, but it was Cincinatti I was thinking of.
"There is a small, but important difference between peeing in the pool and peeing into the pool." - Demitri Martin
by Browns town on Dec 11, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure what my point was.I should never ever post when drunk :(
by Brownsfan4ever on Dec 11, 2009 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
It was past time for Lewis to go. I haven’t seen anything to make me miss him.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 10, 2009 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
I was really impressed with Jennings’ play. I was just flat out impressed overall. This win was a long time coming and gives me hope for next season. As Cribbs said, it was a nice Christmas present.
by Off-the-Chain on Dec 11, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
i think the TD run shows a lot of what we’ve been missing. no way lewis makes it to that corner.
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
cribbs interview: he is flat out amazing. he said they gave the fans an early christmas present, quoted romeo, and got a round of applause from the nfl network guys. that is one kick ass football player, and a good dude.
Well said Dawg.
“What he does is so pure, it’s running the ball, then going down to make a tackle. It’splaying the game with the right attitude, giving himself all the way.” – Jim Brown (from Terry Pluto’s article today)
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
His NFL Network interview should be put up for an Emmy.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 11, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
agreed … i hate deion trying to bait him into saying something stupid about his contract. sorry deion not everyone just cares about money.
But for anyone who said that he should show that he deserves a new contract, I think they can put a check in that box.
Of course, now the Browns could have saved a substantial amount of money by renegotiating his deal in camp like was initially set out.
by Fundamentals on Dec 12, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
Cribbs feels now that he made a bad deal when he traded security for a lesser annual return. He didn’t feel that way at the time, and he didn’t have to sign a multiyear deal. I don’t feel sorry for Cribbs in the slightest. He was fully adult when he signed that contract and knew what he was doing. You signed the contract, Josh. Do better next time.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 12, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
I would agree with this if contracts were guaranteed, but they’re not. Cribbs is doing it the right way: he’s letting his play on the field demonstrate that he deserves a raise. He’s not pouting because he hasn’t gotten it yet. Pay the man.
Any time you are under contract and put it out that you are not happy with the contract YOU signed, that, for me, is the equivalent of pouting, whether or not you pull antics like TO does. You’re under contract, so go to work and earn the next one.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 12, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
You have extremely high ethical standards on this point. I hope Josh is more of a pragmatist, because I’d like to see him richly rewarded ASAP.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 12, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
How is that extremely high ethical standards?
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 12, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
No mentioning of your discontent with a preexisting contract during it because you signed it and you’re bound by it until it expires? Seems like a very ‘bound by your word’ point of view. Some might call that naive, especially in today’s world, but I can respectfully disagree with that.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 13, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
It wasn’t a verbal agreement, it’s a contract. As woodsmeister mentioned, he gave up money for long-term security. I don’t like someone complaining publicly about their contract two years after they signed a new one. Nobody forced him to sign that contract; if he thought he was worth more then he shouldn’t have signed it.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 13, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
I never mentioned a verbal agreement. I said, this seems to come from the point of view of “I’ve agreed to this and thus we shall not speak of it again, no matter how I feel about it now or my contributions since.”
You’re free not to like it - as I said, that’s a highly ethical point of view. I hope Cribbs feels differently and gets the money he deserves today.
"Everybody loves progress but not a lot of people love change." - E. Mangini, 12/11/2009
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 13, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he’s ‘outperformed’ his contract in the sense that if he were on the market today, he’d receive a significantly richer contract. There’s been some grumblings about a new contract, mainly through his agent, but Cribbs himself has gone forward as the good soldier and played great for us this year. Not the first time this issue has arisen in pro sports and surely won’t be the last. I’m not sure how many Browns fans would really be heartbroken if they renegotiated his contract.
by Western Reserve on Dec 13, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly, I have more of a problem with what he has done through his agent, and what he has allowed his agent to do than what he has said.
I was totally fine with the way he acted in the post-game interview. “Putting it out there” is one thing, threatening holdouts and what not is another. I am fine with rewarding him with a new contract by going about it the right way, but he has to do that for a while longer.
I think he left himself open to some criticism by giving his agent too much free rein there. I don’t have a problem with that saber rattling, but Cribbs would be nearly beyond reproach if he hadn’t allow it.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 13, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t ‘feel sorry’ for Cribbs, but unquestionably he’s now demonstrated just how invaluable he can be for this team, and deserves full consideration. PTM.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 12, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
Well said Chris. We got it done tonight.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 10, 2009 11:44 PM EST reply actions
some highlights from the steelers fan facebook group:
“Wtf! We lost to the browns. Are a officially the worst team in the NFl now.” <what loyalty!
“FAIL, EPIC FAIL…. You couldn’t have done any worse, 8 SACKS, NO…. NONE…. ZERO…. Touchdowns”
“we got punched in the mouth by the worst team in the NFL…we were fighting for our playoffs lives and got run over by the team that is last in almost every possibly category on offense and defense…that was absolutely pathetic”
by emily522 on Dec 10, 2009 11:45 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
You gotta find more of those and just post a whole topic on them!
by BrownDawg1409 on Dec 10, 2009 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
Behind the Steel Curtain is calling for the firing of Bruce Arians and Mike Tomlin and the benching of Big Ben.
Sweet.
by Bernie19Kosar on Dec 11, 2009 4:27 AM EST up reply actions
Benching Big Ben?!? Really?? That’s hilarious, because those guys are always here claiming that Ben is one of the elite QB’s in the league. I guess he’s not much of a “winner” now.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 11, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Bingo. Losing to the Browns pretty much killed any of his credibility.
Rejoice, Browns fans! This is the start of something beautiful!
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Wow. I had no clue who you were till I read your sig.
Congrats.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 11, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
LOL thanks. I couldn’t just show up like a random…that would be creepy.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone seen the Steeler troll? Also Steeler fans need some perspective, didn’t they just win the Super Bowl? And now they want to fire the head coach, bench their (overrated, albeit super bowl champion) starter? Wow, I thought we had it bad.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
This is what front running fans do when their team is suddenly not successful.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 11, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
Could they be more fair-weathered? Go stealer fan, show your true identity!
Stealer fan was so cocky at the bw’s before the game. Oh what a glorious weekend.
by HenryDawg on Dec 14, 2009 3:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
A bit of trivia on Hines Ward…On a local Baltimore radio show porn star Jesse Jane was asked about her relationship with Hines Ward. She said something along the lines of “Let’s just say he’s more Korean than Black.”
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 10, 2009 11:45 PM EST reply actions 12 recs
Laugh. Out. Loud.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 10, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not even black
But I’m half korean, and I know where the black went, in my case.
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 11, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Nice. You must be really good at math!
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
I am
But I am also hung like a horse. Screw shittsburgh
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 11, 2009 2:57 AM EST up reply actions
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 11, 2009 3:15 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
That is so wrong. but also funny.
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 11, 2009 3:24 AM EST up reply actions
This gets better every time I read it. I need a second account so I can REC it twice.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 11, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
Even a Bengal fan knows of my famed double-accountedness?
by TheRealSlimShady on Dec 11, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
Yep
I show my support for the Browns whenever you all play stoolers or ratbirds.
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 13, 2009 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Epic.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
Agree.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 10, 2009 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
I have seen Roth dominate some O-lineman. He puts those guys on their heels and helps collapse the pocket.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 8:46 AM EST up reply actions
It seems to me like we’ve picked a couple of nice pieces during the season so far…Moore, Roth, Stuckey…nice.
by BrownDawg1409 on Dec 11, 2009 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
hahah
first sentence on recap from yahoo:
“There’s nothing Super about the Pittsburgh Steelers anymore.”
I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep til Sunday, it feels like I’m on drugs or something.
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 10, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
Barring that, I think tomorrow morning is going to find a lot of us happy but dragging….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
I am so looking forward to that.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 10, 2009 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
its too late at night, i don’t think i could handle it. plus, where he’s from, the game hasn’t even been played yet.
Definitely Europe somewhere. He won’t reveal it to us though, nor explain much of anything when we ask him.
not sure, but definitely from the sabotage video, with the short sleeve dress shirt, mop-top hair, and porn mustache.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
this looks like a disguise to me…
also, tough game for the jackets last night.
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Ugh, don’t remind me.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
They will be immediatly worked into rotation and show pro bowl caliber play also…
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 11, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
and one of them will double as a safety a la Mike Furrey.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
German.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 10, 2009 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
He’s an experimental AI program running from a former Soviet Bloc research lab.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
I watched an online feed from Skytv in the United Kingdom tonight. Moon might very well have been one of the analysts with a funny accent.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
I for one can’t wait to hear what moon has to say
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 10, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
8 sacks?
Against this line:
Not even the Big Show would take them on.
Maybe they´re dealing out free passes for sacks, once again pushing the curb on statistics?
by mooncamping on Dec 11, 2009 6:40 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Assumed that was a typo for “pushing the curve” myself.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Heh. One never knows with moon….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 12, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Ryan did a heck of a job. They played Cover 0 for a significant portion of the night and that takes some guts.
our D was immaculate
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 10, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah it did…especially because how that cover 0 worked out for us before. i was surprised he didn’t call T.O. on that last 4th down stop. We seemed really confused and out of sync…
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 10, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely. Either the Steelers have totally lost it or our corners have improved in man coverage tremendously.
Neither QB did much of anything. I think the wind probably helped both teams corners.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 11, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
Taking that into consideration I stared in awe at the man when he dropped to his knees and plucked at his jersey after a stop. Congrats buddy, act like you’ve done this before. Oh, I forgot, you haven’t.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
If he starts making tackles, he can pluck anything he wants. I do remember him making one really good tackle (for a CB named McDonald), which surprised me even more.
This. He learns to tackle and he goes from ‘get off my team’ to ‘starter’.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
He could go all Clint Eastwood on WRs…
Get off my field!
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
WOOOO! Go Browns! Cribbs is a beast! (But we knew that already)
Rob Ryan has been fantastic. I’m amazed by what I saw tonight, incredible.
If Cribs doesn’t get a big raise this year then there is no justice in the world. He deserves every penny. He got banged up early in the game… was limping. And he still had several amazing/timely/crucial carries after that! My hat’s off to Mr. Cribbs.
Brownsyup
I’ve run out of superlatives for Josh Cribbs.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
You Sir...
Have won yourself an internet for your contributions. Still, it is nothing compared to an awe-inspiring win over the Steelers! w000000t!
I can’t wait to see my Ohio-born Steeler fan co-workers tomorrow. Bandwagon broken down on the way back I-80!!!
My son is so excited to wear his Browns colors tomorrow to school and rub it in the jr. Stellar fans noses. He’s put up with a lot but he is a true Browns fan.
Brownsyup
Way to raise the next generation, Brownsyup!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
It wasn’t easy. He has only known the team since they came back. It has been a roller coaster for him with mostly downhill runs. But he is definitely a fan. This game and the Giants last year were definite highlights for him. I hope there are many more to come…
Brownsyup
Amen to that. He’ll be that much more appreciative when we rise to be contenders again….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
Sometimes the kids are even worse. I remember between grades 6th to 10th kids literally changing their “favorite” teams on a yearly basis, it pissed me off because they all love talk smack all season long. In my junior year of high school there was a kid who claimed to be a Penn St. fan one week, then a Illinois fan the next, and it just happened to be the year and week we lost to them (2007). He well balls out too, orange and blue attire, claiming how Juice Williams is going to be the next big thing. Ha, I’d love to run into that kid today…
I really thought whoever ran the ball better would win the game and I thought there was a 0% chance that would be us.
Me too. But the Steelers are playing like hell right now. Despite what posters have said above, nobody who is thinking coherently is calling for the firing of Tomlin or the benching of Ben. I’ll be surprised if Arians and the ST coach are still around next year.
Your ST coach really needs to stay…so we can win some more games against you guys.
by rufio on Dec 11, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, Brady Quinn didn’t throw a pick and managed teh game well!
by BrownDawg1409 on Dec 11, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
Yes. Everybody thought I was nuts when I said that there’s a chance the run defense improves without Rogers, Rubin being a true runstopping nose and all…
Love Rogers though, and want him back.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 11, 2009 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
we on the other hand have @ KC, OAK and JAX….hmmmm
http://prideofcleveland.blogspot.com/
by Red-Right-88 on Dec 11, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
wonderful interview, i’m glad he gave credit where credit was due, he was ready to admit that the defense and ST won the game, and seemed happy to do it.
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
I thought that was very nice myself. Between Cribbs and BQ, we’ve got some real class on this team.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I would give anything to be wrong about Quinn and he is starting to show that I am, and what’s good for the Browns is good for me.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Im really interested in hearing why Mangini took the penalty on the one 4th quarter that Mendenhall ended up dropping. That kind of flies in the face of all conventional wisdom.
Roth had another, solid, solid game.
I really thought that was a mistake. He is lucky the play worked out for us, but I think the odds say to decline that penalty.
I think the idea was to keep points off the board. They could have tried a field goal from the previous spot. With our defense playing well I think the idea was to make sure there was no field goal tried at that point in the game.
Brownsyup
I thought that they were at the 35yd line for what would have been the 4th down? I would have loved to have seen Reed try a 50+ yarder tonight.
Yeah… that would have been a miracle kick but you never know. Not sure I agree with the call but it paid off.
Brownsyup
I’m interested in the rationale here as well….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
No the Steelers were clearly GOING for it on 4th and 8. Their offense was staying on the field. They could have lined up to see the D and then call TO to kick if they didn’t like the defense, but they were on the 34 yd. line going into the swirling wind. I doubt they would have Josh Reed, who has missed alot, try and hit it from 52 anyways.
I guess I’m missing something but giving them an extra play there seems inexplicable to me.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 2:11 AM EST up reply actions
If you watch it Tomlin nods like he’s going for it and the offense huddled up and was already calling a play at that down and distance. They weren’t standing around waiting for the ref to indicate what the browns were going to do. It looks obvious they assumed we would decline it (which would be the clear choice). The ref has to go over and tell them.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 4:12 AM EST up reply actions
Tomlin also raises his hands at the ref asking ‘Whats going on?’ while Mangini has to call the ref over to the sideline to tell him he would accept it. The refs had also thought he would decline, I’m assuming, because there’s a delay and he has to make it clear again the browns were in fact accepting.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 4:16 AM EST up reply actions
Plus, lol finally, if Mendenhall doesn’t drop that wide open pass he’s clearly going to get waay past the 34 as he was at about the 39 and had plenty of green. It would have then been 4th and aLOT less than 8.
Mangini (and all of us) needs to thank the football gods he dropped it, cause there would have been some bigtime fallout for that one.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 4:22 AM EST up reply actions
I am all for declining that penalty. But you don’t take your offense off the field in that situation until the ref gets on the mic and says the penalty is declined or until you hear the other coach tell the ref he will decline it (if you are going to attempt the kick at all).
None of the sequence you mentioned is on gamerewind, so I am not looking at the same thing you are, so maybe you are right. All I’m tryin to say is the if the offense was on the field during that moment of confusion, that in and of itself does not mean they would have gone for it on 4th down because we never actually made it 4th down.
I would have declined the penalty and dared them to let Reed kick that, or have only had to defended for one down versus two.
I am pretty sure given the circumstances they would have gone for it. Even still, declining the penalty makes it a 1 down situation instead of 2.
I was so surprised he took that penalty. I thought it was a dumb move, but thankfully it didn’t backfire.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 11, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Isn’t it obvious? Mangini has now developed phychic powers that allows him to look into the future once per game. He saw that if he took the penalty, Mendenhall would drop the ball and give them better field position.
by BrownDawg1409 on Dec 12, 2009 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
I too at the time said " Oh crap, I hope that doesn’t come back and bite us in the ass."
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 11, 2009 1:59 AM EST up reply actions
Is it just me, or does it actually look like some of Mangini’s craziness is starting to pay off? If they win out, shouldn’t we not be so quick to run him out?
Yea, let’s wait and see what happens here. The team has played a lot better over the last few games and against Steelers and Chargers is pretty impressive.
Let’s just say that our season starts with this win. We’re 1-0, not playing for playoffs, but darn it we’re going to smack some people around and make some noise!
by BrownDawg1409 on Dec 11, 2009 12:08 AM EST up reply actions
we’re gonna unleash hell in december!
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Well, our mid-season pick-ups do speak positively for him. That’s something I guess. I certainly am not going to bash him after a win over the Steelers.
This week.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
/agree. If this rag-tag bunch can whup up on the Stellars it says something about coaching and acquisition of players off of waivers. Incidentally, I wonder how Lewis felt watching that from where ever he was tonight. I’d think a player would want to be a part of a win like this. I’m glad he quit… I think we are a better team without him.
Brownsyup
Mangini got some good props for his draft picks with the Jets during the game too.
http://prideofcleveland.blogspot.com/
by Red-Right-88 on Dec 11, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
Lewis didn’t quit, he was injured. He said he was going to retire at the end of the season, and that’s not quitting.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 11, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
It’s amazing how many guys came up huge who did not start the season on the roster: Jennings, Roth, Benard, Schaefering (practice squad), Evan Moore. And Michael Gaines didn’t have a catch, but was an important blocker in the two tight end formation We have a guy who started the season at wide receiver playing safety.
We just beat the defending Super Bowl champions with guys who spent most of the season on practice squads or who were waived by other teams.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 11, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Speaks well for someone’s personnel handling, doesn’t it?
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
I really think this should buy him some time. The team has looked better, and he beat the steelers for the first time in 92354 years. The players are playing hard, and Cribbs is even talking about letting his play on the field speak for itself, when Deion pretty much baited him into saying “yes, it is ridiculous that I don’t have a new contract”. If that isn’t buying in, I don’t know what is.
If we got a czar with the track record of Parcells and he wanted to axe Mangini, fine. But if Lerner fires him without any sort of team President/VP/“czar” in place, I will have to question the decision.
honestly, i think beating the steelers/handing them their 5th straight loss/ending their playoff hopes gets him another year. and the draft has looked good.
Agreed. Someone is doing a good job scouting for some obscure talent. Moore made an amazing catch and had a chance for two other big plays, but was was overthrown by Quinn. Roth rushes the QB like he actually plans on getting to him.
Whoever this person is, I hope they can evaluate college talent and I hope they get the chance to atleast offer their input in the draft.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Yup.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 11, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
I remember at least one of those plays that was not an overthrow, but an “underrun” if you will. Quinn was throwing to open space, and Moore should have been running to it, away from his defender. You can call it a lack of chemistry, if we want to keep praising Moore.
He does things that other TEs on the roster don’t: get down the middle of the field, get into seams, and catch the ball.
You’re probably right I just remember two passes going over his hands, it think it was probably the first one that was an underrun.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Well said. I’ve been pretty critical of the guy but you can’t argue with a win like this, with all the injuries, nothing really to play for, and a lot of reasons to just give up. Coaching has to be part of this as well as discipline and pride.
Brownsyup
This certainly has to raise his stock, but we’ll see how the rest of the season goes….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
I just caught that interview. Just when you think you can’t like Josh Cribbs anymore.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah that was fantastic. What a great guy.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 11, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
Great night to be a Browns fan!
I know how men in exile feed on dreams of hope. (Aeschylus, Agamemnon)
by portland, oregon on Dec 11, 2009 12:27 AM EST reply actions
anyone who didn’t see the post game interview with Cribbs on NFL Network, gotta love this guy.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/cleveland-browns/09000d5d814dfefb/Cribbs-interview
Wow.
I’m obsessed with Josh Cribbs after this. Fucking class act. I hope we pay him a lot of money.
by DisplacedBuckeye on Dec 11, 2009 1:46 AM EST up reply actions
What Cribbs says in this interview makes that ticket price I pay now and then seem all the more worth it. Thanks Josh for being a class act. I hope you get what you obviously deserve and I hope you get it here from the Browns organization. They would be fools to let this guy get dissatisfied and end up playing for someone else. Talk about role model… everyone should trot their kids over and have them watch this interview. Money is not everything and success comes to those who keep their focus on what is most important.
Brownsyup
Mangini said in his press conference today that he’s confident the Browns will do what it takes to keep him.
I was hoping that this meant ‘keep him happy and on the field’ but that’s wishful thinking on my part. The quotes from the press conference were:
"(On if something will get done with Cribbs’ contract): “Yes, I imagine that something will get done.”
“(On if he has told Cribbs that they will take care of him): “He and I have talked about that and he knows how strongly I feel about him and the contributions he makes and all of those things. You want to move forward with the next steps. Timetable don’t know; structure don’t know. All of those things are to be determined, but he knows how I feel about them and he’s a guy I really appreciate more than just for what he does on the field.”
Nothing definitive to put it mildly….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 13, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
yes
3 points for a regulation win!
by Ghost of Bill Wirtz on Dec 11, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
i hope he doesn’t get fired… you gotta give the guy more than one year with one of the least talented teams in the NFL… it seems to me like the media just all decided to gang up on him for some reason. i mean sure the team stinks but you gotta give the man some time… he proved it tonight that we can be competetive
I highly doubt he was going anywhere even if they lost. I just do not think Lerner was ever going to change coaches again after one season…right or wrong.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 2:33 AM EST up reply actions
It will still depend on the GM we get.
http://prideofcleveland.blogspot.com/
by Red-Right-88 on Dec 11, 2009 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
I would even venture to say that it gives Quinn a bit more stability. His numbers weren’t great in this one, but I’m gonna be generous and chalk some of that up to the wind. One thing he did not do was fling the ball out into the wind to see which way it got carried (unlike a certain other QB during a game in Cincy).
i think you have to look at the gameplan as a whole to evaluate quinn. he threw less than 20 times and we ran almost 40 times. quinn’s job wasn’t to make plays in the passing game, just to “manage” the game, and he did that. I think the thing that sticks out to me about his performance is regardless of how bad the numbers were, i was never nervous when he dropped back, i was never crossing my fingers when he threw a pass.
by notthatnoise on Dec 12, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
After rewatching the game on the dvr, I have to make the observation that a lot of this victory needs be attributed to …. Daboll
Just about even in time of possession, this with a QB that couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat, the play calling was frustrating to watch (especially in the second half) but the overall tempo of the offense was good for the conditions.
If the defense is playing lights out, don’t give the opponents field position or defensive points.
3 points for a regulation win!
by Ghost of Bill Wirtz on Dec 11, 2009 1:57 AM EST reply actions
Good call. I’d say the defense, Josh Cribbs, and Daboll get the majority of the credit (in that order) for this one.
There are still what? 4 games left? Maybe depending on how the last few games go, Mangini and Daboll could save their jobs.
3 games, I’d like to see Mangini come back, I’m tired of regime changes, but someone please please please show Daboll the door
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 11, 2009 2:09 AM EST up reply actions
A) Bring back Mangini and Ryan. No DaBoll
B) Another “Unsung hero” must be the one and only….. HANK POTEAT???? Yes, the guy was all over the field tonight. Blitzing, blanketing receivers, making tackles, etc.
Notice the play of these MANGINI guys:
Castanzo, Ventrone, Trusnik, Bowens, Benard, Schaefering, Coleman, Roth, Furrey (@ Safety), Mack, Moore, Massaquoi, and Chris Jennings.
Notice the improved play of:
Rubin, Wimbley, Harrison (better blocking since being inactive), Quinn (better QB since being benched), Hadnot, Wright.
As I look at the OVERALL body of work by Mangini in year one, I am impressed. Nobody mentioned is really a WOW player. More lunchpail/heart types. He competed w/ SD, beat Pitt, competed twice w/ Cincy, should have beat Detroit, showed improvement the 2nd time in against Baltimore (not much, but some). I think it just took a win against a good team, but more so a good team that we hate so much. Thanks EM, congrats on earning another season with the Browns, and I really hope that you can make Cleveland proud of its Browns!~
Quote of the evening that sums up no success since the return of the Browns:
“They beat us in all 3 fazes tonight”
Coach Mike Tomlin on the Pittsburgh loss to the Browns!
Can any one Browns Employee be competent?
by Dawg26 on Dec 11, 2009 2:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nobody mentioned is really a WOW player.
How do you know what they do in their free time?
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 2:34 AM EST up reply actions
I play WoW :P
http://prideofcleveland.blogspot.com/
by Red-Right-88 on Dec 11, 2009 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
I do too
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 11, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
No, but you can find the “plant in game” night elf mohawk, you get a special grenade that turns any character’s head into a night elf mohawk head.
by SpecialBrownie on Dec 13, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
In the last 5 days, Jennings, Moore, Schaefering, Roth and Bernard have combined for:
25 carries 101 yards and 1 TD
9 receptions for 116 yards
19 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 6 hits on the QB
When was the last time we got any production out of the practice squad?
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
Continuity. The Browns need it. Love to see them keep building on the points you mentioned above.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions
I see it Defense, then Cribbs, then OLine.
OLine really pounded them tonight. Not only did they drive the ball down the field to score a TD by almost all running plays, they also ground out a few key first downs rushing as the clock wound down in the 4th…
That scoring drive we had…if you watch it again they sealed really well, and got downfield on the long ones too…PorkChop absolutely flattened one of the corners on Cribbs long wildcat run…and that was about 30 yards down there. Plus, look at the majority of the runs, our backs were getting past the line of scrimmage virtually untouched to the outside and getting a good push inside too for 4 yards instead of the customary 1-2.
…oh yeah, don’t forget Vickers too. He had a monster game blocking tonight.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 2:22 AM EST up reply actions
You can make even Brian “dipshit” Daboll look good if your line is blocking like that.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 2:26 AM EST up reply actions
If you are a NFL lineman and you can’t flatten a corner that you get your hands on, you have problems.
I can see why Mangini got the guys who are playing on the right (he was still blocking 30 yards downfield) but they are clearly less effective than the left side, which was great tonight (barring the one Joe Thomas penalty, which was kinda BS anyway).
I think if we really want to be a good offense, we need a new RT.
If you are a NFL lineman and you can’t flatten a corner that you get your hands on, you have problems.
The fact that he was busting his hump to get 30 yds. downfield to even make that pancake block was my point.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 4:25 AM EST up reply actions
Entirely fair. Plays like that were why he was hired. I still think we need to get better on that side, and I still think that side made some errors tonight. If they can make errors while we win, I’ll take it.
oh yeah…I really dont consider either as players i would necessarily ‘want’ as starters…and Ive been down on them alot, but effort like that should be mentioned.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 4:51 AM EST up reply actions
Daboll has to show that he can plan an offense for more than one week in a row before we keep him on. Our offense has looked professional in what, three games (first Cinci, Det and Pittsburgh)?
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 11, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
forgotten san diego already? it was only sunday
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
True, my bad. That does make it two in a row. Still, I would not shed tears if Daboll were employed by some other team next year. Maybe if Steeler Nation gets Bruce Arians fired then we can bring him on.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 11, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
i agree i wouldn’t be upset if he were fired, but no thank you on arians, we’ve been down that road.
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe we can orchestrate a trade, Daboll for Arians straight up
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 11, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
I did like some of the things Daboll did. I think the wildcat has become a lot more unpredictable over the last few games. It used to be Cribbs lining up at QB and running the read option every time. Now we’ve had some of the jet sweep, some triple option stuff, and that pass to Quinn against Cincy.
Its hard to blame Quinn for not being accurate on a night like tonight. I even liked what he was doing on some of the incompletions to Moore over the middle, Moore just has very little chemistry with Quinn and there were miscommunications on where he was going to go. There was another miss where Quinn thought Stuckey was going to run a deep comeback or a deep out, and Stuckey ran more of a go/post. You can tell Quinn and the receivers need to get on the same page. The man can throw the ball, that isn’t the biggest issue out there right now.
by rufio on Dec 11, 2009 4:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If only he would play action pass on First Down…
http://prideofcleveland.blogspot.com/
by Red-Right-88 on Dec 11, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
yeah in a game where we ran the ball so well i really expected more PA passes
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I would love to see this from us, particularly some Cutler-in-Denveresque bootlegs off of PA. Quinn is pretty mobile for a QB, and 235+ lbs. Lets use that.
I also would like to see them let him check to passes instead of outside runs or runs to the opposite side of the formation against obvious pressure. There was a play last night where he went through the hard count, got some players to step forward showing blitz, and audibled. I turned to my girlfriend and said “they are going to run outside to the right”, and that’s exactly what happened, and we didn’t get much on the play.
that play was very sour. I think as Quinn proves himself more, they will give him more responsibility.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Cribbs had 8 carries for 80+ yards and a 7.3 YPC average for the season. How can you argue with those numbers?
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
“I’m Ron Burgundy?” haha, poor phrase on my part. You certainly weren’t.
How about “80+ yards, blah, blah. Awesome numbers from Cribbs!”
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
I was fine with Quinn’s play because there were no turnovers. I was a little concerned with how he kept throwing off his back foot. He needs better mechanics if he’s wants to get his completion percentage better.
Best username/avatar combo ever. Is it true that Blackhawk fans actually booed the guy during his moment of silence?
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 11, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
8 times worthless was sacked
I drank 8 beers to commemorate that moment
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 11, 2009 3:33 AM EST reply actions
Good night dawgs
And Congrats on destroying the stoolers playoff hopes
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 11, 2009 3:36 AM EST reply actions
After this game there is no question in my mind the Cribbs should be a RB and getting the ball much more.He looked like Metcalf eating up the Butsteelers tonight!
Cribbs is GREAT with the football, but he needs some work if he’s going to be someone we use at RB more. As I was watching the game last night, I noticed he doesn’t cover up the ball like you would want to see from someone who gets alot of carries out of the RB position. Also, I noticed (and Vickers even talked about it a bit in his post game interview) that he just runs like a kickoff returner. A RB has to be able to follow his blocks and communicate with his blockers, and I think Cribbs might need some work on that.
That being said, I wouldn’t be broken hearted if he just stays with the wildcat like he has been. I think we’re seeing some good enough things from Harrison and Jennings that we wouldn’t really need Cribbs to play RB.
Yeah I’m not sure Cribbs should be the starting RB. But he is fantastic creating plays out of the Wildcat formation. He should get 10-12 snaps each game.
i agree with this, i think last night we saw how cribbs should be used every game, except maybe throw in a pass or two a game
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Harrison is a free agent after this season. Do we re-sign him?
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
That is why I would love to see him used more like Metcalf was.Get about 10-15 caries and about 6-7 swing passs plays.Don’t think he is a starter but he could be very good as a part of a 2 headed RB team much like we use to have.
by Brownsfan4ever on Dec 11, 2009 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
What impressed me the most was the intensity of the Browns. I have to give credit to Mangini and the players, they played there ass off. Hell even got to see Mangini smile.
Cribbs is a beast and should be paid accordingly. And why wasn’t there a late hit on his punt return in the first half?
Quinn can win in this league. Dabol needs to be let go, Robiske needs to grow into a productive receiver, add two more offensive linemen, Moore is a nice player, however I think a TE is still needed.
Just a great win, hats off to Mangini and the Browns.
Right on Grock. Whether they are playing for Mangini/Ryan or just for themselves, it’s great to see these guys let it all hang out.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
I agree we still need a TE… Royal just isn’t that good IMO. But did you see that first Evan Moore catch last night? That was SICK! The man is GOOD.
There’s a lot we need but I wouldn’t put a TE too high up on the list. Heiden unfortunately can’t stay healthy. Estandia didn’t thrill me and Royal, ugh. But between Moore and Gaines, I think we have two guys that can block well enough and make some catches. I have no idea who will be available in the later rounds but I’d fill some other holes first.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
that one handed catch, then juggle almost gave me a heart-attack
The sporting gods hate Cleveland, they give us false hopes, then yank it out from under us like a tablecloth.
by North Coast Flea on Dec 11, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
Hard Cold Practices
The Browns could clearly handle the weather. Those hard cold practices Mangini is putting the Browns through paid off.
These are the kinds of condition the Browns need to know how to win in going forward. Hopefully a young team can remember, that a December game in Cleveland should be impossible for the visiting team to steal one.
Very True, good points, lets get the home-field advantage back. Blizzard for Jax on Jan . 3.
http://prideofcleveland.blogspot.com/
by Red-Right-88 on Dec 11, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
I agree, make it pay that we build our stadium five inches from Lake Erie.
by Western Reserve on Dec 11, 2009 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
JUSTICE!
I woke up this morning and guess what, it definitely was NOT a dream!
Go Browns!!!
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 8:58 AM EST reply actions
QB sneak on 3rd and short is all but a given now. The line and Mack have been dominating those situations.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
And Quinn is a big strong kid. He’s always had success sneaking the ball like that.
by Western Reserve on Dec 11, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
i think that is definitely worth pointing out.
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
Vickers and the O-line did some fantastic blocking. Jennings seemed quicker to me than he did the first few times I’d seen him carry the ball. I love the fact that he put his shoulder down to get that touchdown. The Browns seemed hungry for the first time in years! I could barely sleep last night.
We need one more O-lineman (RT), a serious 3-4 rushing OLB, a safety or CB, and some time to develop chemistry b/w Quinn and the WRs and TEs.
by chitown browns fan on Dec 11, 2009 9:28 AM EST reply actions
Anybody know what kind of defensive formations the Browns were using last night? Now that they’re getting some rather big linebackers/defensive ends (like Roth and Bowens), are they working in some 4-3?
They always use some 4-3 concepts, particularly in nickel/dime packages and in more obvious passing situations. I think I saw Roth lined up as a 3 technique DT at one point.
We also ran a lot of Cover-0 as ghanki pointed out earlier, and even a sub package with zero down linemen (4lbs lined up in two point stances around where the line would be:
Those are Bernard, Roth, Bowens, and Wimbley from defense’s left to right.
Another funny thing about the picture you posted: every time I saw this I thought “Man, those guys look too laid back. Are they going to get burned because they’re not ready?”
They did get a little more set before the play actually started, after my screenshot.
A large part of what we did seemed to involve not staying put before the snap to confuse pitt’s protections, and it worked. Matt Millen used the phrase “walk around package” several times to describe when our defensive front is just a mess of guys moving around and any number of them could be blitzing.
It worked pretty well in the passing game, but it would hardly be as effective if the run was an option. We did get burned once because our D wasn’t ready, letting Mendenhall get an easy first down.
Also, not sure how relevant it is at this point exactly, but we gave LeBeau a taste of his own medicine a lot last night, using his zone blitz concepts. A lot of the time, you’d see someone like David Bowens or Roth be up at the line of scrimmage, take one or two steps like he would be blitzing, and then drop off in a zone. Often times, they were “replaced” by blitzers from other parts of the formation to try to overload pittsburgh. More of that, please.
One of your defensive breakdowns was the first post I saw here when I first found this place in the off-season. Tremendous insight.
It would be great to see more of that. With all of the injuries it almost seems like it is a completely different unit out there on D. It would be interesting to see if they are game planning differently now than earlier in the season.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
Congrats Cleveland
I posted something on here around the time the Lions played Cleveland in what turned out to be the most exciting game I’ve seen all season. You guys deserved this win and hopefully there will be more of these to come in the future. Congrats!
"Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." -Mark Twain
We deserved the win against Detroit, too, but that was taken away from us.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 11, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously, last night I could have sworn we were playing Tresselball most of the game. In the words of a real estate agent – Location, Location, Location! or for a football team – Field Position, Field Position! FIELD POSITION!.
And what exact defense was Ryan playing last night in the 4th? Seemed to be like 3 LBs and 8DBs just running around hari-kari or something.
The formation on the last 4th down play had 2 down lineman and the rest of the guys running all over the field. I don’t think Ben had any idea what our guys were doing.
someone referred to it earlier in the thread as “Cover 0”
by Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds on Dec 11, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think that play was. Cover 0 just means you are locked up in man-to-man with no safety help deep. We did this to send 6+ rushers at the QB. On the 4th down play, we looked like we were in cover-3 with 5 underneath zones, and we sent 3 at the QB:
That’s exactly right. I thought Bowens was free in the middle to read roethlisberger’s eyes.
Cover 0 was what we were in most of the times earlier this season when McDonald or Wright would get burned for a big gain on those hitch passes. No safety help at all.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I can see why Ben was confused, because it almost looked like Cover-3 with man underneath until Bowens makes a jump on that ball, and what a great jump it was.
it was nice too…because backside the WR was clearing out the corner for Heath miller running a flat pattern underneath…and he was pretty wide open.
Ah well, Thanks Ben.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
i noticed that too on replays this morning, but by that time ben was on the run to his right, so we got lucky
by notthatnoise on Dec 11, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll take lucky over good any day of the week…actually, we don’t really have a choice right now…
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
That is what some coaches call Cover 8. Looks like the underneath guys were pattern-reading the short routes while the three were simply play 1/3 each.
I thought our defense was confused and not ready for the snap, so I was expecting a big play from the Steelers.
by Buckeye Brad on Dec 11, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
They definitely WERE confused, though.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
UFO.
Dawgs By Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.
by golanbatrac on Dec 11, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Oh man I had almost forgotten that, at the time I was really wanting that to catch on.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
With this win, I’m reminded of something that will make me laugh until the day I die.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 11:32 AM EST reply actions 9 recs
that should have automatically posted green
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Even after I die, this will make me laugh.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Does anyone see us winning these next two winnable games and coming out inspired to beat the Jags and finishing with 5 victories? Not great but. . .
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Also this season is shaping up to end a lot better than the 6 losses of last year.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
I’d sure like to see us picking up momentum toward the end of the year and going out strong….
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 11, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
the worse thing the team could do now is come out next week and look like total crap. even if they lose, if they play hard and compete we’ll still ride a high from this game. but if they meltdown over the last 3 games, that will effectively poop all over the goodwill this game earned them.
I think these last few weeks have got the guys believing in Mangini and that they can win. In my opinion it’s going to come down to the coaching staff developing the correct gameplan and preparing the players to play and the players going out and executing. Oh yeah and avoiding injuries.
Looking at these past few weeks I see no reason not to expect this team to be able to win out the rest of the year, if not because of actually being a better team at this point in the year compared to earlier for the simple fact that this game showed them how far pride can take you.
I’m hoping Mangini is reminding these guys how much better it will feel ending this season with a 4 game win streak compared to the 6 game losing streak some of the players had last year and the 11 losses we have accumulated so far this year.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Good points. The Browns and Bengals both sucked last year. Difference was Cinci played like a team bound for the post-season in their final games while the Browns slinked off the field. Seems to be something to be said for a team finishing strong.
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Eating Crow
I was saying some rotten stuff about how terrible we are earlier in the week. I’d like to take it all back— even if I lose any and all credibility. I don’t give a rip. WE BEAT THE STEELERS!
DP
Pay MR. Cribbs Today
This MAN needs a new contract today!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJWSm13LBh8&feature=related
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Beer. Keyboard. I mean. . . Water. Keyboard.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Man this is a love-hate type of thing. Yea beat the fucking steelhers but we most likely have taken ourselves out of the running for Suh. But maybe that will open up into a great situation in itself. Maybe we could trade down and get another 2nd, grab Haden, maybe earl thomas (who some people feel has been a bigger playmaker this year than Berry) and Von miller or jerry hughes in the second. Cintron Black is also projected in the second.
by The Licensed Pessimist on Dec 11, 2009 1:31 PM EST reply actions
Yeah I agree with you there about Suh, but Rubin isn’t all that bad of a back up is he? Although if we could still get him, I’d take him in a heartbeat.
Draft Suh, switch back to the 4-3, have him in the middle with Rogers. Game over.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon! March On!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
i have no love hate relationship with winning
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
Agreed. I strongly disagree with any idea of losing (or even any less effort other than your best) just for better higher draft picks, even if it is Suh. Especially when we play the Steelers. This feeling is SOOOO worth it!
The highest draft picks are consolation prizes for the biggest losers. I don’t want us to be one of them, if we can help it.
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 12, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
I love those commercials. Romeo’s got a few good ones himself.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
If anyone wants a good read, go over to Behind The Steel Curtain, and read the 2nd half game thread. Scroll down a little ways to where you can find them talking about the last pass that Bowens almost picked off.
If you listen very, very closely, you can actually hear an entire fanbase’s hopes and dreams jump off a cliff. It sounds glorious!
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 4:10 PM EST reply actions
Thanks for the rec but muslims don’t eat pork and I don’t visit Steeler’s blogs. That said, yo si le voy le voy al columbus!
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
I was going to go rub it in some faces, but I remembered I had to join.
Then I left.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
Same… Plus, I feel like if we go on their turf and rub it in their faces then we’re just as douchey as them (well, we aren’t bandwagon fans, so not JUST as douchey… But still, I feel like we have a fanbase worthy of respect and rubbing this in on their turf would be a classless move).
Oh it’s definitely a bad idea, but you can’t hide from 11 losses and we are what we are, but sometimes, you get that feeling in your belly where you just have to flex for a bit.
That said, I wouldn’t do it on another teams board because it’s like inviting them over to do the same. Now drunk at a bar? Oh hell yeah shirt off on a table doing a jig.
Oh yeah /sarcasmbutjustalittlebit.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
by Villeslgr on Dec 11, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I feel ya…the board crap is stupid…
…you want a bunch of douchebags over here then go be a douchebag over there. Simple as that.
It ended up cool. They stayed away, we stayed away…AND…the next browns/steelers game will have a little of that old attitude back. Not all of it, but some.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This place is great right now. I’d hate to see it change into a troll-driven flame board. We have a lot of class here. Let’s keep it that way.
Brownsyup
by Brownsyup on Dec 11, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814dfe52/WK-14-Browns-Defensive-highlights
if you want to relive the glory.
Glory = Relived!
Thanks for that.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 11, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
How nice is it to actually have some highlights that don’t involve Adrian Peterson stiff-arming half your defense or Antonio Gates running a muck in your secondary
by Monsters of the Midway on Dec 11, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
Nice, nice, nice. Just loved watching our guys WRAP UP AND TACKLE in this array of sacks!
by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Dec 12, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
Last night on the way to the car…
Steelers fan: “You’re 2 and 11!”
Browns fan: “Yeah, and you just lost to a 2 and 11 team!”
Woof! Woof!
…and they’re goin’ the same place we are after the season.
Home.
by johnnyphoenix on Dec 11, 2009 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed! Must be a Chuck Liddell fan.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
FKA BLAZER_FAN_199. Now an author for THE Jackets Cannon!
by Andrew Tolliver on Dec 12, 2009 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
Just a run of bad luck we’re havin, could happen to anybody. We’ll be back to form and next time you will be playin the Pittsburgh Steelers!
We had a run of bad luck as well, 12 games worth where you weren’t actually playing the Browns. Heck, Thursday you weren’t playing the Browns. The Steelers have never played the Browns. Maybe next time you can play the Browns and we can play the Steelers.
One baseball game, he came to the plate and heard a woman in the crowd shout to the pitcher, "I'll make you a chocolate cake if you strike out that 'so-and-so'!" Says Strong: "I hit that ball out of the park. Then I looked at her like, 'Do I get a cake now?' "
I was under the impression that we were playing the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And your fair weather fans wouldn’t know bad luck if it bit you on the butt.
"Nobody ever thinks, 'Hey, maybe I’m actually an idiot.'" - Jay
by woodsmeister on Dec 14, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
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