SOME SNACKS FROM THE BROWNS’ SURPRISINGLY EASY VICTORY SUNDAY…
DID THIS GAME SIGNAL THE TRUE RISE OF THE BROWNS?
The Browns not only won this game, but they dominated it in most every facet. The key to this was clearly being the more physical team. Offensely, they controlled the line of scrimmage, rushing for 158 yards. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan brilliantly used the strength of the ground game to set up his play-action passing offense. Browns receivers were running wide open throughout the game. Kinda reminded me of just about every Browns-Steelers game for the last 15 years, except it’s been Hines Ward & Plaxico Burress & Santonio Holmes & Antonio Brown & Heath Miller being more open than Wal-Mart.
In their two match-ups this year, the Browns rushed for a combined 349 yards. I am guessing that the last time they did that, the #32 jersey was still getting thrown in the laundry pile after games.
SHOULD THE BROWNS OFFER BRIAN HOYER A FRANCHISE QB CONTRACT?
Browns’ fans should be glowing all week after this statement win over their hated rivals. But no, someone in the 24-hour media cycle stinks up the party by dropping a rumor of Hoyer not willing to sign a long-term contract if Johnny Football is on the team. I say that is hogwash. Hoyer, who is in the last year of his contract, wants the Browns to show their commitment with their wallet. The question is whether or not he is worth franchise QB $$, and how long should the Browns wait before making their offer.
I have been tickled to death with Hoyer’s performance, but I have two names for you: Derek Anderson & Ryan Fitzpatrick. DA had a pro bowl year for the Browns in 2007, and then realized he was Derek Anderson. Fitzpatrick was the AFC Offensive Player of the Month in September of 2011. The Bills gave him a 6-year, $59 million contract by the end of October. By the end of the year, he led the league in interceptions thrown, and was released by the Bills after the 2012 season.
So I say give it some time and see how Hoyer holds up the next few months in the cold of Cleveland weather and the heat of NFL pressure. If he continues to shine, the Browns have had much worse problems than having to pay good money for a good QB.
WILL THESE STEELERS DO THERE USUAL BOUNCE BACK, OR IS THIS THE END OF THE LINE?
My lovely wife said that she thought that Browns coach Mike Pettine kinda had Bill Cowher’s game face. Let’s take a looksie…
A shaved head increases a man’s tough guy image by approximately 38%. Throw in a goatee and people will cross the street to avoid you and your tough look! And Coach Mike is doing a great job of instilling toughness and competitiveness in his team. That being said, he can’t hold a candle to this scowl…
Since Cowher was hired in 1992, the Stillers have had 3 losing seasons: a 7-9 to go with a couple of 6-10s. The Browns in that time have had 3 winning seasons, and have not won 6 games since 2007.
Even when Pittsburgh has gone through some lean times, they have always stormed back with vengeance. Even last year, they followed up their 0-4 and 2-6 start with a 6-2 finish.
But I have my doubts about a revival this time. Why?
BEN IS GETTING OLD.
He looked very average Sunday. Part of it is that his body is even older than his age (32) with the pounding he has taken through the years. But I blame more of his mediocre performance on the terrible play-calling. They ran the ball 21 of the first 28 plays. Remember, it wasn’t Mark Malone under center. It is a likely Hall of Fame QB. As a Browns fan, I fear Ben more than any QB. Ever. He simply torches them. 18 wins and 1 loss going into this game. 18-1. So any time Ben hands off, I am doing handstands.
The first time Pittsburgh got inside the 10, here were the play calls.
1st & goal on the 7: Bell run for 2 yards.
2nd & goal from the 5: Bell run for 2 yards.
3rd & goal from the 3: Blount run for 1 yard.
Yeah baby! Any time the Steelers want to hang their hat on the two guys best known for doing an impression this summer for the police of these guys…
I am 100% behind it!
When the Browns went up 21-3 with about 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, I asked my amazing, beautiful wife the percent chance of Ben responding with a touchdown. She had it at 88%. My son had it at 98%. Ben didn’t squeeze a point in not one, but two possessions before halftime. Is Ben heading to the land of Carson Palmer?
WHO IS THE GUY ON THE FIELD WEARING THE TROY POLAMALU WIG?
If Ben looks a little old, what does #43 look like? I wouldn’t know, because I didn’t even notice him in these two games. As I described in great detail in my last blog, I hate the Steelers. And I have hated going against this Hall of Fame safety, who has tormented the Browns for a decade. But I have to admit that I respect him as a player and as a class act and role model. Unfortunately, Father Time has yet to lose against an NFL player.
ROY JONES JR. POUND FOR POUND TOP 10 HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS (how Tusc./Stark/Carroll County football teams measure up in relation to teams it’s own size as well as their play-off run potential)
10. 5-2 Tuscarawas Central Catholic (last week #10): shut out by Garaway 28-0.
9. 4-3 Lake (last week unranked): Streaking Streaks have won 4 of 5, including a dominant 28-14 triumph over Perry. Can grab a piece of the Federal League title when they host GlenOak Friday.
8. 5-2 Aquinas (last week #6): tough loss to Holy Name. Tough match-ups with Cleveland Central Catholic and St. Joe’s the next two weeks.
7. 5-2 New Philadelphia (last week unranked): took care of E.C.O.L. business with an impressive 31-17 defeat of Zanesville, which likely sets up a another high stakes showdown with Dover in week 10.
6. 5-2 Massillon (last week #3): back to back losses to Austintown Fitch & Youngtown Ursuline have the Tigers leaking oil. Good chance to get back on the right track vs. Garfield. St. V’s and McKinley are looming after.
5. 5-2 Dover (last week #8): Outscored Cambridge 44-0 in the first half. Tons of computer points up for grabs as they host undefeated Coshocton & their wing-T offense.
4. 6-1 Indian Valley (last week #5): Jake Davis scores 6 TDs as the Braves outscore Manchester, 49-36. Huge PAC-7 showdown with the undefeated & high-scoring Triway Titans Friday.
3. 7-1 Louisville (last week #4): easy win against Minerva sets up a trip to Marlington this week to face the NBC co-leaders.
2. 7-0 Garaway (last week #2): shut out over Tusky Central Catholic puts them in great shape for an undefeated season.
1. 7-0 Canton Central Catholic (last week #1): after rolling Barberton, the Crusaders get to dance with the Federal League boys the next two weeks–Hoover, then Lake
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