Comments on: Browns vs. Bengals — during and postgame thoughts

By: terje

terje — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:26:53 +0000

pat, why do i get the feeling that terry pluto's column after the browns game was originally an e-mail to you.

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2008/12/pluto_pathetic_finish_to_a_woe.html

By: ClayMatthewsSchoolforLaterals

ClayMatthewsSchoolforLaterals — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:35:31 +0000

I have to agree with Drew, here. Being a Cleveland Sports Fan is the height of sado-masochism. You watch, you read, you suffer…and you keep coming back for more. Hurt me, oh won't you please hurt me! The even scarier part is that when we are having a successful season, Browns & Indians last year, Cavaliers this year, all I ever do is worry: injuries, bad luck, bad management, stupidity, will bring it all crashing down to earth. Is this any way to live?

By: Drew

Drew — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:10:16 +0000

I keep saying that I don't care…and yet I read about the aftermath every Monday…or is it because Pat is such a fabulous writer?

By: larry d.

larry d. — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:08:40 +0000

No Holmgren or any other west coast offense guy, please.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:10:46 +0000

Maybe we can play some of our home games in Toronto next year.

Or Windsor.

Or Anchorage.

Heck, New York Cityish has two teams, You think Baltimore/DC could support 3?

By: Flash48197

Flash48197 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:08:11 +0000

What’s wrong with the Brown’s starts at the top. Savage was a well respected talent scout, but was over his head with GM responsibilities. He has made a few good choices, however the product on the field he assembled only looks good on paper. Considering the power struggle a couple of years ago, its unlikely Savage will agree to stay on in a talent evaluator/scouting role. He’s had the limelight, and is unlikely to take a hit on his pride. Further, see his distancing himself from Romeo as Lerner announced changes forthcoming.

What the Browns need is a true football man with proven franchise turnaround experience, the grit to make the tough choices, and provide leadership that reflects the entire organization and earns respect through consistency- but most importantly results on Sunday.

The Browns need someone like Ron Wolf (formerly of the Packers) as President of Football Operations that took that troubled franchise, hired a strong leader for a coach (Holmgren), and traded for his “on the field general” – Favre. He then built the football dynasty of the 90s around these leaders once in place.

Start with the right top football guy – he’ll recruit the right coach. It would be great to see Cowher come to Cleveland, but lets be honest- the Rooneys stayed by him for over 15 years, and (in his own words) treated him as a son. Cowher is a proudful man, and will not go to the competition in the same division. It would be viewed as disrespectful, and Cowher just won’t do it. I think he’ll take the Cowboys job if it does indeed become available.

Steve Spagnuolo, Raheem Morris, Jim Schwartz are all defensive coordinators (yes I know no coordinators, but look at Tomlin, Smith, Harbaugh and their first year accomplishments) that will be HCs in the NFl next year. An outside candidate is an innovative HC Urban Meyer (Florida Gators) whose track record for success cannot be ignored.

Bottom line-start at the top with the right leader, and build from within – success will follow.

By: alan t.

alan t. — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:07:25 +0000

I'm looking at that website, and it's amazing what tons of makeup and great hair care can do to an otherwise very average-looking gal. It's too bad average guys can't wear makeup without looking really gay. The world would be a much better-looking place. And what's with Tim McGraw's silly toupee? And what would Mike Holmgren look like wearing Tim McGraw's silly toupee?

These last few Browns games are for the best. With no redeeming qualities coming out of them, Lerner will feel pressured to can Savage at the same time he cans Crennel, instead of merely demoting Savage. If nothing else, the housecleaning will give fans hope, even if there's nothing tangible about it. That's what keeps money in sports franchise owners' wallets, the never-ending hype of hope. Then come September, let the spin begin. And then Lerner can go back to wearing those cute little soccer shorts with the Jim Thome hiked-up socks.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:03:40 +0000

Pat you are right. This season cannot end quick enough.

By: Marshall

Marshall — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:30:25 +0000

…and yet I keep watching.

By: alan t.

alan t. — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:30:35 +0000

Here's a Faith Hill update for Pat:

http://www.faith-images.us/displayimage.php?album=topn&cat=0&pos=169

Mike Holmgren??? I don't trust a guy who once shilled for Rogaine, and then proved it doesn't work one iota. That kind of failure gives us regular guys even less hope than the Cleveland Browns.