Cleveland Browns: In the Locker Room
Posted September 10th, 2008 by George M. Thomas
'Just Another Game'
Is this what free agency have wrought? A couple of media members did a double take in the Browns locker room when Shaun Smith downplayed the importance of this Sunday night's Browns-Steelers game that's being televised nationally on NBC (WKYC Channel 3)
"It's just another game. We're trying to get better and trying to get a 'W'," Smith said. "I know it's a big rivalry as you guys (the media) make it, but to us it's just another game on the schedule that we have to go out and play and try to make something happen."
I'm willing to give Smith the benefit of the doubt on this one for not wanting to give the Steelers any bulletin board material. But in this part of the NFL universe, he could have at least acknowledge the importance of the game on some level.
Sean Jones out
As reported in Marla Ridenour's blog post earlier, Sean Jones is out because of knee problems and will have arthroscopic surgery on it in the hopes of remedying the problem. It will fall to backup Mike Adams to help fill the void in the defensive backfield. He said he's up to the responsibility.
"I'm ready for the challenge. I'm out there getting everything right. I'm looking at film for anything and everything, so I'll definitely be ready."
He'll have his word cut out for him with having to deal with Hines Ward and Heath Miller.
Just a Little Recognition
Browns center Hank Fraley recognizes that this game goes beyond being "just another game" in that he believes that it's still a rivalry. More importantly, however, he understands the predicament the Browns could find themselves.
"It's been a long time for us to be at the top and here's a chance to be there. We go 1-1 for the season and 1-0 in our division. It's a big game for us. They're going to be up for it; we're going to be up for it. It's going to be exciting Sunday Night Football."
From the Other Side
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger left his team's opener with an injured shoulder this past Sunday and didn't practice today.
"Today has been a good mental day for me watching and learning about the blitzes and the new plays we put in, so that will be a very above-the-shoulders productive day today, so we'll take it one day at a time," he said in a conference call with reporters.
Browns fans shouldn't count on Roethlisberger not playing. His coach, Mike Tomlin, said there's little dobut he will.
September 11th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I believe that has been the problem with the Browns as of late. I'm not sure that this team realizes that Pittsburgh is not just another game. You can see it when these teams play. The Steelers seem to know what is at stake and the Browns kind of just ho-hum around and usually wind up getting killed. Alot of media people say that there is not much of a talent difference between these 2 teams. Although, I am a diehard Browns fan, I must disagree. I heard Toni Grossi say that it is just a mental thing with the Browns. But if you look at the 2 teams right now, we don't have anybody on defense that is as good as anyone they have. Their quarterback is better, their running back is better. The only advantages I give the Browns are at WR and TE and we'll wait to see if the o-line can match last years play. But you win with defense, that is why I cannot see the Browns winning this game. Pittsburgh will be able to keep us in check, can we keep them in check?
October 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Thank you for the nice post. I liked also your theme colours.
June 27th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
tenks good