Banks: McCoy and Stafford Have Fans Optimistic

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 18, 2011 10:55 PM EDT in General News

I've been watching the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and unfortunately, the outcome wasn't one that Cleveland Browns fans would hope for. Ben Roethlisberger went 8-of-12 for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. The worst part was that Roethlisberger looked in midseason form already -- he faced a pass rush, but consistently dodged defenders and extended plays for positive results. Michael Vick had a terrible outing, throwing three interceptions as the Eagles had the very definition of an "off" day.

I needed a booster after that, and I got it when I read Don Banks' latest article on Sports Illustrated. It talks about the optimism in Detroit and Cleveland (the two teams will meet on Friday), led by two young quarterbacks looking to revive franchises.

If anything, McCoy was even better [than Stafford's good day], completing 9 of his 10 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown, with a QB rating of 152.1 in his three series of work against Green Bay. It was a confidence-inspiring performance for the 2010 third-round pick, who was getting his first real shot at running new head coach Pat Shurmur's version of the West Coast offense. McCoy looked poised, comfortable and in command, three words not often used to describe the play of Cleveland quarterbacks. He looks ready to take the next step in his development as an NFL passer and leader, and the news that he traveled during the lockout to get tutored on the West Coast offense by Brett Favre only seemed to add to the positive buzz surrounding McCoy and his Browns.

...

But I say let the Lions and Browns dream. August may not matter much in every NFL market, but it does this year in Detroit and Cleveland. There's hope for these Lions and Browns, and for a change, it doesn't feel like false hope. It may only be the preseason, but after all those long years of losing and languishing, any winning start is a start worth noticing.

It's always nice to see someone from the national media shine some positive light on the Browns. Hopefully the team delivers again this week to keep everyone's hopes high.

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Comments

How about a different McCoy pick man? You’ve used this one.

Pittsburgh is just jealous. We got Cudi and they have Wiz.

by SpecialBrownie on Aug 18, 2011 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

Chill

"It is unlikely that anyone has ever read Nietzsche or Derrida and has been inspired to open a soup kitchen"

by troy145 on Aug 18, 2011 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

? I’m good.

Pittsburgh is just jealous. We got Cudi and they have Wiz.

by SpecialBrownie on Aug 19, 2011 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Seriously, why can’t you spend all your free time writing articles for us to read AND finding interesting pictures?

by HenryDawg on Aug 18, 2011 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Eh, I like seeing the Training Camp pictures. Makes me feel optimistic and excited for football.

Pittsburgh is just jealous. We got Cudi and they have Wiz.

by SpecialBrownie on Aug 19, 2011 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

The PD has training camp pics up every day. Plus they’re a for profit company who gets paid to do that stuff.

by HenryDawg on Aug 19, 2011 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Unlike sbnation, which… oh.

by Chemo on Aug 19, 2011 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions

The parent company makes money, but Chris doesn’t make much. These blogs are a labor of love.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Aug 20, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I heard Favre gave him a few pointers with the camera when they had their little get together.
Maybe McCoy will tweet a few – then Chris might have some more interesting visuals to use for his next post.

Go, I say go away boy, you bother me.

by burntorangeandbrown on Aug 19, 2011 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions

We may love Coly McCoy, but no one needs to see his junk except Mrs. McCoy.

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Aug 19, 2011 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Is there some sarcasm here that I missed in another thread? Just asking, because I’m pretty sure I’ve never used the photo, which was taken Tuesday. I used the Tressel photo on that day.

Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 18, 2011 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions