First and 10
1) The Browns should suspend Braylon Edwards for Sunday'a game in Buffalo. He earned it. Suspend him. Enact some true discipline, not the ceremonial kind that fines guys for minor offenses or forces them to run a lap for this, that or the other. Edwards embarrassed the Browns with his actions in the wee hours of Monday morning, and he nearly started a brawl that involved other Browns (their roles should be investigated as well). The Browns have put up with nonsense from Edwards for five years. If they keep putting up with it they're enabling it. Suspend him for one game — at the least.
2) It's getting to the point that you really wonder what kind of tortured existence Edwards leads to do the silly stuff he does. Does he crave adulation? Clearly he feeds off it; perhaps he can't live without it. Perhaps he's amazingly insecure. Perhaps everyone in his life feeds the monster because they worship Braylon the football player instead of Braylon the person. He has to be in some kind of horrible cocoon where if he's not the most successful, the most adored, the most watched … then he's just not going to be happy.
3) Either that or Edwards is just prone to do ridiculous things. Like punch a friend of LeBron James because he's jealous that James gets more attention than him. Edwards is out until 2:30 in the morning the night after a Browns loss, which coincidentally or not was the first game in which Edwards did not catch a pass. And he goes after a friend of James? No matter the underlying cause, there's right and there's wrong, and punching someone unprovoked (assuming the victim was telling the truth, and the evidence he was has piled pretty high) and almost starting a brouhaha (that's a word you rarely get to use) does not add up to much that is right.
4) Just a hunch, but I'm guessing Edwards is not going to win any popularity battle with James in this town. If that reality bothers him, he can sign with the Lions when he's a free agent.
5) James' words seem to sum up things well: "I've never crossed paths with Braylon before but it seems like there is a little jealously going on with Braylon and me and my friends. I have no idea why. I've never said anything to Braylon at all. For him to do that I think is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds, seriously it is like hitting one of my kids or something like that. It doesn't make sense but the right people will take care of it. It hits home for me when I hear something like that at 7 a.m. in the morning when I get up for work. I know how to handle myself as a professional athlete and I take care of my friends and my family. It is unfortunate that some guys don't understand that. You are a role model to kids and you should carry yourself that way on and off the field. And I carry that. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize myself or my family. I'm one of the guys that look at being a professional athlete at more than just being out on the court." N'est ces pas, LeBraylon?
6) The one person who might have helped Edwards was former receivers coach Terry Robiskie, a guy who minced no words and took no nonsense. In fact, late in Edwards' second season when Edwards was staying out late and showing up late for meetings and falling asleep at the team facility, Robiskie tried to approach the situation as he usually does — directly. Edwards complained to GM Phil Savage. After that season, Savage — who had control of the coaching staff at that point — fired Robiskie. Coincidence? Many think not. Edwards can be a likeable guy. He just seems so … needy.
7) As for last Sunday … the attitude after the Browns loss to Cincinnati means things have come to this: Playing Cincinnati close at home is a considered a good thing. Imagine that taking place a few years ago. But the reality right now is that the Bengals have beaten the Browns in eight of the last 10 games. I'm believing that effort (at home) against the Bengals means something when they follow up with something a little more meaningful.
8) Where does the Browns first win come from? If it's not in Buffalo it does not seem like it will be until after the bye week. Because after going to Buffalo the Browns travel to Pittsburgh, play Green Bay at home and then travel to Chicago. That supposedly easy schedule has looked tougher and tougher as this early part of the 
season has unfolded. Included are four road games in five weeks — not a good thing for a team trying to find itself.
9) Can anyone please explain why dentists carry on conversations while you're laying in a chair with your mouth filled with dental instruments and cotton?
10) The most encouraging thing about the offense's play against Cincinnati came in the play of three guys: Mohammed Massaquoi had an excellent game, catching just about everything thrown his way. He looked skilled, polished and confident. And after every catch, he merely flipped the ball to the referee and went back to the huddle. Jerome Harrison ran for 121 yards and ran inside and out. Harrison looked like an every-down back, running 29 times, and he returns to Buffalo this weekend where he had a very strong game a year ago. Derek Anderson made a huge difference, getting the ball downfield and throwing it to several different receivers. Anderson is that close to saving a season once again. It also was evident how much better Anderson threw the ball than Quinn. Receiver dropped at least four passes, two of them when they weren't ready for the ball coming out of a break. Imagine that … a quarterback threw the ball before a receiver made his break.
Three and Out
Fairness and candor prompt to state that the first three letters this week were received prior to the Cincinnati game.
Dear Pat,
Where to start?
I am a season ticket holder with six PSLs. What a bad investment. But I do have a large family, and still plan on going Sunday (vs. Cincinnati).
My question: Does Mangini rate a column on how this year's Jets team is doing?
Is that current team his, or were there drastic changes and Rex Ryan is the next coming of Bill Walsh?
Does Mangini have some redeeming values if given time, and we have some hope once we get some talent? All I'm looking for this year is hope and improvement.
Thanks,
Pete Sutter
Dear Pete,
I'm not sure how much credit Mangini should get for the Jets start. That team was miserable down the stretch a year ago, it changed coaches and quarterbacks, added LB Bart Scott and now it's 3-1.
The quarterback last season played hurt and looks pretty good this year now that he's healthy. Guy named Favre.
I also know that the Jets got rid of a bunch of guys, all of whom seemed to find their way to Cleveland.
This may be too negative. I don't know.
Rex Ryan does seem to "connect" with his players a little better than Mangini.
I asked a friend in New York, and he said Ryan should be credited for turning Mangini's team around, that it is playing better.
As for this season in Cleveland … why settle for hope and improvement? If a change was made after last season because the talent was closer to the 10-win team of two years ago, then does it not follow that the change should bring about improvement?
If the Jets can go 3-1 after a change, why are "hope and improvement" the barometer for the Browns?
Too, there won't be any hope and improvement if Mangini does not handle sideline decisions better. I refer to punting on fourth-and-10 with 19 seconds left instead of trying to … well … you know … maybe take a shot to win the game. But more than that I refer to the ridiculously bad decision to take a timeout with 2:02 left and the Bengals nowhere close to running a play.
That was the Browns last timeout, and it came two seconds before the clock would stop.
The Browns could have used that timeout on their last drive.
Wasting it the way they did might have cost them the game.
Kind of reminds me of the time Romeo Crennel lost two timeouts on one challenge.
Dear Pat,
Watching the Browns try to fix their team is like getting calls from a fax machine dialing the wrong number over and over and over. You pick up the phone, scream in rage, slam it down. It rings again five minutes later: you know what will happen but … you … just … have … to … pick up the phone.
Make it stop.
Best, as ever,
Scott Huler
Dear Scott,
This seems like it would make one heck of a Bugs Bunny-drives-Elmer-Fudd-or-Daffy-Duck-crazy cartoon.
Dear Pat,
When Bill Belichick was coach of the Browns, I commented that he had taken the joy out of following Browns football. I knew that he had a plan, but his pure business approach even then made rooting for the Browns hard, especially after coldly getting rid of Bernie Kosar and others with whom so many of us identified.
Essentially, we are rooting for a bunch of mercenaries, almost all from someplace else, who play a game in uniforms with Cleveland written across the front. For me at least, I have to be able to connect with the team and the players on a somewhat personal level — I see enough of the cold hard business decisions made at work.
What I'm getting at, I guess, is that I feel that Eric Mangini has done the same thing, taken the joy out of following Browns football.
I'm not angry anymore, just depressed, and I hope that some day I can feel something positive towards this team again.
Ken Goetz, from the online comments
Dear Ken,
You wrote before the "uplifting" loss to Cincinnati.
Do you feel better?
If not, might I suggest scrubbing the driveway.
Very therapeutic.
Dear Pat,
Sorry Pat, you are wrong. Losing close to Cincinnati will NOT STOP the outcry about this clown Eric Mangini, and it should not stop it.
Ned Parks, from the online comments
Dear Ned,
If the Browns lose in Buffalo, the outcry grows loud again.
I'm stunned to think I played a part in the Browns feeling good about coming close to beating the Bengals.
I'm going to go swab my driveway.
Dear Pat
Wow! The Browns have moved up from being horrendous to just plain bad and still not being able to make the big play when needed to win a game — 0-16 here they come.
Tony C, from the online comments
Dear Tony,
I'm guessing your driveway will be sparkling by the end of this day.
(Want to be recognized in “Three and Out”? It’s a rare treat. Comment here or send an e-mail to pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com, and put “First and 10” in the subject line)
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Edwards is a punk so full of himself and his ego—and HAS been since the moment we drafted him. I'm surprised his big head fits thru any door. That's a lotta self-praise for a guy who's had ONE fluke season out of five where he caught the ball and made any discernible difference in his team. No, Edwards is no doubt a guy who stands in front of the mirror caressing his face, because he just can't get enough of himself. I'm just saying what you're all thinking. And we ALL know it's true, don't we? He's Michigan Trash, and I can't wait til someone knocks that smug look off his face and sends him back to Detroit. Good riddance.
Oh, and Bray-Bray….to even think you're in the same CONVERSATION with LeBron James, regarding talent, conduct, class….you're just outright delusional. Edwards should have to wear GREEN from this point on, because he's so envious of others having actual SUCCESS, he can't stand it.
1). I am all for suspending Edwards but,to suspend him right now would most certainly lower his trade value, i am sure Kokinis has something in the works to try and recapture some compensation for him before they lose the opportunity.
10).Pat,Pat ,Pat, your comment that "Anderson is that close to saving a season once again".Any novice football fan could see the Bungles defense was no way near the caliper of the Ravens the week before. Why do you think Anderson came out in the second half and threw 3 pic's and had a couple of sacks ? And half of the 4th qt. he played against the Ravens 2nd. string. Do you honestly think Anderson just suddenly " found" himself in 4 or 5 practices during the week? When you have a guy in your face as soon as you get hiked the ball or get chased out of the pocket you are doomed as a QB.Not to mention the running game just suddenly rushed for 3x the yardage as the previous weeks .
When a QB is forced out of the pocket he leaves his blockers behind and having to pass on the run ,well like the old saying goes 3 things can happen when you pass the ball and 2 of them are bad.
I'm sorry; I just don't understand the people who say that Mangini has taken the fun out of football for them and that they're sick of rooting for mercenaries. Sports is a business and the NFL is a league of attrition. Players come and go. They will leave either as free agents or they will get cut. In the era of the salary cap it is managements job to know when to cut bait. I don't think anyone in Indianapolis is sorry that Marvin Harrison is gone. Baltimore is not missing Bart Scott. New England is doing just fine without Vrabel and Cassel.
Now if the Browns were winning would watching this team be fun? Winning cures all ills and it finally looks like the Browns are taking a step in the right direction.
Just look back at Brayon's history, He has always wanted to be the main focus of whatever team he is on. My bet is he was on the trading block until Stallworth screwed up. If we had any experienced starting receivers Braylon would be gone. After Mossaqiou's performance Sunday , maybe the best thing would be to trade Braylon. He is gone anyway. We could sign Marvin Harrison (if he is stil availbable) or someone else with experiece and work with our second round picks for this year. It would be better than putting up with a player who really does not want to be here. Attitude is such a key thing with athletes and Braylon's is all bad.
9) I think its a tactic to relax the patient since a trip to the dentist seems to be one of those unpleasant visits for a lot of people, versus the eye doctor. I've just chalked it up to the fact that my dentist and her staff are just super-friendly.
I agree with a suspension for one game – and he should have to sit with Jim Brown for the game and let #34 set him straight. I think having an actual legend calling him out and explaining that the behavior isn't acceptable might be helpful.
The funny thing is I lived in the Ann Arbor area when Braylon was with Michigan and he wasn't all-that-and-a-bag-of-chips there. I mean, he was on the football team and he was fine, but he wasn't the legend he perceives himself to be.
I guess for me it would be one thing if Michigan had won a national championship and he was coming to the Browns as a proven winner if he behaved this way, but at some point, you have to become part of the team first before you can be the man. Especially in this situation. Your team is brutal so make your mark and be the man by making YOUR TEAM better.
dude your stupid your a steeler fan fo sho
Patrick,
Give the Braylon/LaBron thing a rest. Edwards doesn't need to be suspended for a boyish altercation, and he has a right to be out at 2am (it's a free country), even if the Browns lost (if he waited until they won, he may never get out of the house).
But, he shouldn't play! And the reason he shouldn't play is because he can not catch a football.
So, please, take your emotion out of it, and get it straight.
Pat, there are a lot of assumptions made here. I wasn't there but do you really think that Edwards knew that the guy he punched was a friend of Lebron's and that's why he hit him? For some reason I seriously doubt it. Can you see Edwards exchanging words with some loudmouth and then the guy says, "I'm a friend of Lebron's." I would say who the hell cares? The guy might have been asking for it so we really can't say that Braylon Edwards was out of line because he hit someone that was a close friend of James. Maybe there is a curfew that Edwards broke even though it was after a losing game, and we all know that he didn't have his best game at that but other than the curfew violation if there is one we really can't say who was right and who was wrong unless we were there. I can't believe that this guy called Lebron at eight o'clock in the morning the next day to say that Edwards hit him. They have words for guys like that. Waaaa! Quit crying and man up. Also, you shouldn't take for granted that the Browns are going to lose the next three or four games. I saw an improved team even though we lost. We are not going to lose 16 games this year like the Lions of last year. Green Bay looked mediocre last night, Chicago is definitely a team that could lose at home, even your favorite Steelers don't impress me this year and I guarantee that we will beat them at least once this year. Sorry Patsy but I don't agree with you. Keep wearing your big Ben Jersey but don't count out the Browns yet.
From what the purported "130-pound" guy said himself, he did let some words fly in rebuttal to Edwards' words. Edwards might have had a reason to fight, but it sure didn't make it right. Hey, that rhymes.
And by the way, who gives a crap what James says. The pussycat hero-worshiping local yokel sports media puts some microphones into his face at practice, and asks him about a skirmish in which he wasn't involved? Gee, local drooling media, thanks for feeding us totally hearsay information from the local superstar. It added absolutely nothing whatsoever to what actually happened, but at least it gave you an excuse to quote LeBron. Next questions: "What did you eat for breakfast?" "Is Shaq fun to play with?" "Who cuts your hair?"
As a follow-up, "local drooling media" was not targeted at the blog host. He drools, but that's entirely from the alcohol. The poor reporting and unnecessary hype of this incident, as if Edwards and James are feuding professional wrestlers, was aimed at others.
I've got it! Suspend Braylon for the Buffalo game and have him sit with Jim Brown, LeBron and his Four Horsemen!
Braylon plays football like you write. 'nuff said!
When I was young, my dentist used to do that to my brother because he knew it annoyed him (you have to know my brother). He mentioned to my dad that he waited until my brother's mouth was stuffed with cotton to ask him a question — just to get a rise out of my brother.
To respond to Chicago_Brown, winning really doesn't make it better for me. I understand that pro sports is a business and all that, but, for me at least, that "personal connection" with the athletes allowed me to care, and to cheer for them. Now, it's nice for the city, but I really don't feel invested. It's OK. I don't look down on those who live and die with their teams, the true fans. It's just that I just feel depressed if I feel anything, and I've made the decision not to let it matter that much to me anymore.
I concur – make Braylon sit – he can't catch anyways!
Anderson, the savior – heard that before.
Bet Quinn was on the sidelines thinking – why didn't coach put Massaquoi in while I was quarterback.
Answer to above – it's part of the Art Model conspiracy to relegate the Browns to mediocrity.
Now – when does Robo get his chance? Maybe when they bench cry-baby Edwards for conduct unbecoming.
I heard the have slam dunk evidence -> the victim had a black eye and residue of a slippery substance resembling crisco on that eye. What Brown's receiver could that be on a game night?
me thinks the mighty Quinn mave have had an uplifting game had he been allowed to play the Mighty Mighty Bengals i guess well never know?!?!?! Go Steelers Go Shaq ..Hey pat my wifes van leaks lots of fluid i need my drive etched more then swabbed …….till next time
keep in mind……the last five drives when the game was on the line…..nothing from Anderson but happy feet and a nervous arm. he looked better than Quinn, but we'll never be a winner with him finishing games!
fate was sealed late in the first with a no call on several late hits over the sideline by 2 or 3 bengals . man-gina needs to improve – alot.
I'd like to correct myself – I mistakenly put the wrong jersey number down for Mr. Brown.
Also, the best part about all this hot mess is how its framed in the national media (IE: the headline I just saw on ESPN.com, "LeBron Feuding With Braylon Edwards", so now LBJ is the a-hole.)
I miss the days when the games were covered and there was a interesting feature once in a while and we didn't have to know about all these immature shenangans.
Matters not anymore. He's now the J-E-T-S problem.
Looks like they did you one better Pat!
I'm hoping we see an article/blog post in support of the move this afternoon. To get a receiver (who by no means is a star but who can catch), a supposedly very solid ST guy, and two picks for this underachieving malcontent is a godsend.
I'm in complete agreement with Ken Goetz about becomign apathetic about the Browns. Except I felt the same way for most of Butch Davis' reign and the majority of the time since 1999. If I miss a game nowadays it's no big deal. I've probaby got yard work to do or something. It's hard to believe that I lived and died by this team's fortunes in the 80's and early 90's. I can hardly remember what that was like.