Today the Cleveland Browns hired Mark Whipple as the team's new quarterbacks coach. Whipple comes to the Browns after jobs with the Steelers from 2004-2006 and the Eagles from 2007-2008. He was a quarterbacks coach and an offensive assistant respectively. He was instrumental in the development of then rookie Ben Roethlsiberger during the the 2004 season, leading them to a 13-0 start.
Whipple has also served time in the college ranks as a head coach as well as offensive coordinator. As the head coach at The University of Massachusetts, Brown and New Haven, Whipple amassed an overall record of 121-59. He served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Miami in 2010.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Alex Mack-- MY GUY
For those of you who took on the pain of watching the lame and primarily uneventful 2011 NFL Pro Bowl from start to finish, you already know what this post is all about. For those of you who have lives and could not take on the pain, Browns Center Alex Mack caught a lateral pass during a busted play late in the 4th quarter and returned it 20-30 yards, while busting a few tackles, to rumble into the endzone for a touchdown. For a Browns fan, it was a night made and a boring evening turned into one well spent. Congrats to Alex and his Pro Bowl success, Browns fans around the world are proud of you! Another shout out goes to Joe Thomas, as he also played a great game.
The only negative regarding the Browns was that stud running back peyton Hillis was no where to be seen. He did not get a single carry, and was no where to be seen on the sidelines. I blame stupid Bill Belichick for this. I hate you Billy.
The only negative regarding the Browns was that stud running back peyton Hillis was no where to be seen. He did not get a single carry, and was no where to be seen on the sidelines. I blame stupid Bill Belichick for this. I hate you Billy.
Pro Bowl
Honestly how many people out there sit down and watch the Pro Bowl from start to finish? Anyone? Exactly no one does, the players don't even want to be there. They just want to start their offseason and get on with it, but no the NFL has a meaningless game in Hawaii every year. This year it's a blow out, awesome, wasting airtime that no one wants to watch. They even let the FOX sideline reporter call a play. Just goes to show how much this game actually means. Maybe make it like the MLB and have the winner determine the conference who hosts the Super Bowl the following season.
As much as it pains me to say it, I have no life and HAVE watched this game from start to finish...
Pick 6, this one has been over for a while, 55-28, way to go AFC. Better luck next year.
As much as it pains me to say it, I have no life and HAVE watched this game from start to finish...
Pick 6, this one has been over for a while, 55-28, way to go AFC. Better luck next year.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Buckeye Basketball
College basketball is at its peak here in Columbus, as the Buckeyes find them selves with the nation's top ranking, as well as a 19-0 record. They are playing as a team, and even when the games become closer than desired, they have yet to choke in the end. Ohio State is coming off a recent demoralization of Iowa, and look to keep the winning streak going Saturday at Illinois. In my opinion, this will have been the Buckeyes biggest test up to date, as Illinois is a tough team, especially in such a hostile playing environment. I would not be suprised to see Ohio State lose this game, simply because, in college basketball, it is virtually impossible to run the table. The Bukeyes talent wise are above the Illini, but this should be a difficult game regardless. I give this match up a "must see" rating, as it should attract many television sets in and around Columbus.
All in all, the Buckeyes are good, real good. None of their players, at the time being, are Citgo worthy, and they seem to be playing as a team as good as any other program in all of college basketball. Look for them to finish in the top 5 in the country this season, and earn a #1 seed for the tourny. Expect the Buckeyes to go deep, and for a very entertaining remainder of the college basketball season. I'm out, Go Bucks!
All in all, the Buckeyes are good, real good. None of their players, at the time being, are Citgo worthy, and they seem to be playing as a team as good as any other program in all of college basketball. Look for them to finish in the top 5 in the country this season, and earn a #1 seed for the tourny. Expect the Buckeyes to go deep, and for a very entertaining remainder of the college basketball season. I'm out, Go Bucks!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
3 Browns Players Receive Postseason Accolades
Joe Thomas along with rookies Joe Haden and TJ Ward were honored, for their work on the field this season, by Pro Football Weekly and the Professional Football Writers of America on Monday.
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-receive-postseason-honors/e0c87ca2-b4ab-45a1-83a9-1afda918cab9
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-receive-postseason-honors/e0c87ca2-b4ab-45a1-83a9-1afda918cab9
Indians Offseason Update
The Indians reached deals today with the following players to avoid arbitration:
Shin-Soo Choo
Chris Perez
Rafael Perez
Asdrubal Cabrera
I guess you could say these are some of the "key" players for the Tribe for the 2011 season. But with the direction that this club is headed, don't count on it. Sizemore and Santana are progressing nicely in their respective rehab processes and figure to be ready for or during Spring Training.
We all remember the glory days of the 90's...well glory until the Fall Classic, and then it was everything but glory. Don't be surprised if we end up with a similar curse to that of the Chicago Cubs. What does this mean Tribe fans?
In another 40 years we will have equaled the current World Series drought held by the Cubs of 102 years...
And they haven't won one yet so no promises on the Indians breaking their curse either.
62 years and counting my friends...
GO TRIBE!
Shin-Soo Choo
Chris Perez
Rafael Perez
Asdrubal Cabrera
I guess you could say these are some of the "key" players for the Tribe for the 2011 season. But with the direction that this club is headed, don't count on it. Sizemore and Santana are progressing nicely in their respective rehab processes and figure to be ready for or during Spring Training.
We all remember the glory days of the 90's...well glory until the Fall Classic, and then it was everything but glory. Don't be surprised if we end up with a similar curse to that of the Chicago Cubs. What does this mean Tribe fans?
In another 40 years we will have equaled the current World Series drought held by the Cubs of 102 years...
And they haven't won one yet so no promises on the Indians breaking their curse either.
62 years and counting my friends...
GO TRIBE!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
NFL Conference Championships: AFC
Well here we are, finally time for the Super Bowl match up to be decided! Much shake up has already occurred in this year's NFL playoffs, as both conference champions from last season were knocked out during the wild card round this season. Last year's suprise team, the New York Jets, have proven that their playoff success is no fluke, after returning to the championship game to pick up where they left off. Not to mention, their recent victory over New England was nothing short of perfection. The fiesty Jets will fight for their Super Bowl spot in the hostile city of Pittsburgh, against the hated Steelers.
Pittsburgh was not expected to be as successful this year as in previous seasons, primarily with the issues regarding the suspension of their star quarterback..cough rapist..cough. Unfortunately, their recent trend of dominance did not stop, as they posted an impressive win against Baltimore at home, as well as a phenominal 2010 regular season. This heated matchup will be close, no question about it. However, my wisdom brings me the answer to who the victor shall be: The New York Jets. Take it to the bank.
The Jets not only have a strong defense, but they are very balanced on offense. Mark Sanchez has evolved into one of the better passers in the league, and their receivers get the job done (as much as it pains me to say, Braylon Edwards). The addition of LT this year also bolstered their running game. I look for this Jets offense to do what is needed to win against an always tough Pittsburgh D. Rex Ryan has this team coached well, and they seem to have all the momentum heading into championship week. Now, an explosive performance from Big Ben and Mendenhall could likely produce a differing outcome, but but facts and my always correct guy tell me that the AFC rep for the Super Bowl has New York written all over it.
Final Score: 20-17 Jets. I'm calling for an overall well played game on both sides, but a late turnover will likely be the difference. I would say good luck to both teams, but being a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns, that would just be a flat out lie. Fellow Clevelanders and football fans alike, Jets baby! No question to it!
Pittsburgh was not expected to be as successful this year as in previous seasons, primarily with the issues regarding the suspension of their star quarterback..cough rapist..cough. Unfortunately, their recent trend of dominance did not stop, as they posted an impressive win against Baltimore at home, as well as a phenominal 2010 regular season. This heated matchup will be close, no question about it. However, my wisdom brings me the answer to who the victor shall be: The New York Jets. Take it to the bank.
The Jets not only have a strong defense, but they are very balanced on offense. Mark Sanchez has evolved into one of the better passers in the league, and their receivers get the job done (as much as it pains me to say, Braylon Edwards). The addition of LT this year also bolstered their running game. I look for this Jets offense to do what is needed to win against an always tough Pittsburgh D. Rex Ryan has this team coached well, and they seem to have all the momentum heading into championship week. Now, an explosive performance from Big Ben and Mendenhall could likely produce a differing outcome, but but facts and my always correct guy tell me that the AFC rep for the Super Bowl has New York written all over it.
Final Score: 20-17 Jets. I'm calling for an overall well played game on both sides, but a late turnover will likely be the difference. I would say good luck to both teams, but being a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns, that would just be a flat out lie. Fellow Clevelanders and football fans alike, Jets baby! No question to it!
Monday, January 17, 2011
NFL Conference Championships: NFC
Here we take a moment to step aside and analyze the NFC Championship Game.
The Green Bay Packers and The Chicago Bears (Da Bears)
Green Bay comes in hot, riding the right arm of Aaron Rodgers. You can't do much better as a quarterback than Rodgers did against the Falcons on Saturday. Take a look at this stat line:
31/36 passing, 366 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Leading the Packers to a 48-21 rout of the Atlanta Falcons.
Da Bears, will make for an interesting divisional matchup in the NFC title game. Coming off a narrow 7 point win over the lowly Seahawks. Who in my opinion should not have been in the playoffs to begin with. 7-9 are you kidding me? Sure they won their division but there were better teams in the NFC than the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL needs to revise their playoff setup in the coming years.
That doesn't matter anymore because they lost, so back to Da Bears.
The Bears defense will be critical in this game. Stopping Aaron Rodgers will be key, if they can't do that...then forget it, the Packers are headed to Indy.
Look for a close game, that will ultimately end up in a win for the Packers.
Final Score: 27-17
"Take it to the bank."
The Green Bay Packers and The Chicago Bears (Da Bears)
Green Bay comes in hot, riding the right arm of Aaron Rodgers. You can't do much better as a quarterback than Rodgers did against the Falcons on Saturday. Take a look at this stat line:
31/36 passing, 366 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Leading the Packers to a 48-21 rout of the Atlanta Falcons.
Da Bears, will make for an interesting divisional matchup in the NFC title game. Coming off a narrow 7 point win over the lowly Seahawks. Who in my opinion should not have been in the playoffs to begin with. 7-9 are you kidding me? Sure they won their division but there were better teams in the NFC than the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL needs to revise their playoff setup in the coming years.
That doesn't matter anymore because they lost, so back to Da Bears.
The Bears defense will be critical in this game. Stopping Aaron Rodgers will be key, if they can't do that...then forget it, the Packers are headed to Indy.
Look for a close game, that will ultimately end up in a win for the Packers.
Final Score: 27-17
"Take it to the bank."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
New Guy In Town
Just one day after speculation that the Browns had a new head man in Cleveland, Pat Shurmur was officially named the head coach.
Shurmur comes to the Browns from the St. Louis Rams and is the 13th full time head coach in franchise history. He had a successful 2010 campaign with the development of the #1 overall draft pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, Sam Bradford. Browns President, Mike Holmgren hired Shurmur in hopes that he can do the same for Colt McCoy.
Shurmur has coached in the NFL since 1999 with two teams, the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2008 and the St. Louis Rams from 2009-2010. He also spent years as a coach in the college ranks with Michigan State and Stanford University.
The task that lies ahead for Shurmur is a daunting one and will not be easy. If he can get the Browns turned around Holmgren will look like a genius, however, if it's more of the same losing football, people might begin to question the judgement of The Big Walrus.
Shurmur has ties to Holmgren and was the Browns first choice when Eric Mangini was relieved of his duties following an embarrassing loss to divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Shurmur's uncle Fritz Shurmur was a coach under Holmgren when he was the head coach for the Green Bay Packers.
Needless to say, it is time for Shurmur and the Browns organization to get to work for 2011. The draft will be here before you know it and a solid draft will be the first step to getting the Browns headed in the right direction.
Shurmur comes to the Browns from the St. Louis Rams and is the 13th full time head coach in franchise history. He had a successful 2010 campaign with the development of the #1 overall draft pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, Sam Bradford. Browns President, Mike Holmgren hired Shurmur in hopes that he can do the same for Colt McCoy.
Shurmur has coached in the NFL since 1999 with two teams, the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2008 and the St. Louis Rams from 2009-2010. He also spent years as a coach in the college ranks with Michigan State and Stanford University.
The task that lies ahead for Shurmur is a daunting one and will not be easy. If he can get the Browns turned around Holmgren will look like a genius, however, if it's more of the same losing football, people might begin to question the judgement of The Big Walrus.
Shurmur has ties to Holmgren and was the Browns first choice when Eric Mangini was relieved of his duties following an embarrassing loss to divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Shurmur's uncle Fritz Shurmur was a coach under Holmgren when he was the head coach for the Green Bay Packers.
Needless to say, it is time for Shurmur and the Browns organization to get to work for 2011. The draft will be here before you know it and a solid draft will be the first step to getting the Browns headed in the right direction.
Cavaliers Basketball
This post could be summarized in one word..BAD. This franchise has gone from the best team in the NBA a season ago to the worst. The Cavaliers are coming off of their worst loss in franchise history to the Lakers, 112-57. The Cavs were held to 25 points in the first half, and shot a field goal percentage lower than any other team in Cavalier history. The starting lineup is abundant with no names; a month ago many of the players on this curerent team had never even been heard of. Watching this Cavaliers team is like watching a a mid major college team, and that is being generous.
All in all, what else should we have expected? Jamison is old, Mo is not an all star. The overall talent level is abismal. This past off season, the Cavs lost the majority of their skilled players; Shaq, LeJerk, our boy Delonte, and big Z. Anderson Varejao has also been lost for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. The NBA is clearly corrupted, as teams in the gutter are destined to remain in their lowly position.
Where do the Cavs go from here? If the ping pong balls go in our favor, who should we expect to select with the first overall pick in the NBA draft this summer? Looking ahead, the franchise is at risk if this team continues in this downward trend.
All in all, what else should we have expected? Jamison is old, Mo is not an all star. The overall talent level is abismal. This past off season, the Cavs lost the majority of their skilled players; Shaq, LeJerk, our boy Delonte, and big Z. Anderson Varejao has also been lost for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. The NBA is clearly corrupted, as teams in the gutter are destined to remain in their lowly position.
Where do the Cavs go from here? If the ping pong balls go in our favor, who should we expect to select with the first overall pick in the NBA draft this summer? Looking ahead, the franchise is at risk if this team continues in this downward trend.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Right Guy?
Rumor has it that Pat Shurmur will be next in charge for the Cleveland Browns:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6015881
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6015881
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Cleveland Browns Offseason: 2011
After another disappointing 5-11 season the Browns are looking for help in the 2011 offseason. Some may say "help" is an understatement. The Browns need another good draft in April and need to break the Cleveland curse. "The Drive", "The Fumble", Jose Mesa, dare I say it LeB**n Ja*es...
The list goes on and on. All the loyal Cleveland fans want is a championship...just ONE.
Before we consider the 2011 NFL Draft let's reflect on 2010. What we learned:
- Peyton Hillis was a monster at the beginning of the season, until everyone in the league figured out he likes to hurdle. Poor ball security and injuries caused Hillis to limp to the finish line but with a good offseason expect a solid season from him in 2011
- Colt McCoy is the starter? Not so fast, he did lead the Browns to wins over the Patriots and Saints but again another poor finish leaves some questions at quarterback. He seems like he could be the Browns quarterback of the future, but we'll see how he handles his first offseason in the NFL before we make any decisions on that one.
- Joe Haden was one of the top rookies during the 2010 campaign in the NFL. 6 interceptions as a rookie as the 7th overall pick in the 2010 Draft. It won't be too long before there is another island besides Revis Island out in the NFL shut-down corner ocean!
2011 Draft: The Browns NEED a go to receiver for whoever the starting quarterback ends up being. A guy in the likes of AJ Green or Julio Jones that can stretch the defense and pose a deep threat. Another NEED is defensive line help, a solid pass rusher will help solidify the Browns D Line.
The list goes on and on. All the loyal Cleveland fans want is a championship...just ONE.
Before we consider the 2011 NFL Draft let's reflect on 2010. What we learned:
- Peyton Hillis was a monster at the beginning of the season, until everyone in the league figured out he likes to hurdle. Poor ball security and injuries caused Hillis to limp to the finish line but with a good offseason expect a solid season from him in 2011
- Colt McCoy is the starter? Not so fast, he did lead the Browns to wins over the Patriots and Saints but again another poor finish leaves some questions at quarterback. He seems like he could be the Browns quarterback of the future, but we'll see how he handles his first offseason in the NFL before we make any decisions on that one.
- Joe Haden was one of the top rookies during the 2010 campaign in the NFL. 6 interceptions as a rookie as the 7th overall pick in the 2010 Draft. It won't be too long before there is another island besides Revis Island out in the NFL shut-down corner ocean!
2011 Draft: The Browns NEED a go to receiver for whoever the starting quarterback ends up being. A guy in the likes of AJ Green or Julio Jones that can stretch the defense and pose a deep threat. Another NEED is defensive line help, a solid pass rusher will help solidify the Browns D Line.
Monday, January 10, 2011
BCS National Championship
The high flying, hard hitting, score runner upping OREGON DUCKS. Who cares if they run up the score, a W is a W in the world of sports my friends, no matter how you slice it. Sure Auburn has got the Heisman Trophy winner, but look at how previous winners have faired in championship games...not too hot, a spectacular 2-6 record to show for. Cam Newton is the ninth winner of the award to also play for the national title in the same season.
College football needs a change of pace, the SEC has won 6 of 12 BCS National Championship Games. Come on now, I think it's time for them to share. The Ducks are more than willing to take the reigns and knock the SEC off their pedestal.
Go Ducks my friends, Go Ducks!
College football needs a change of pace, the SEC has won 6 of 12 BCS National Championship Games. Come on now, I think it's time for them to share. The Ducks are more than willing to take the reigns and knock the SEC off their pedestal.
Go Ducks my friends, Go Ducks!
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