If the Browns want to use the tired old "nobody believed but the people in this room" routine, or the "we don't get any respect" line … well this might be the week. Cleveland's orange helmets got little or no love from national pundits, with most keeping them in closer to 32nd in the league than 16th (which would put them in the middle).
SI's Paul Zimmerman put them 25th in his weekly rankings , and it's my humble opinion that he knows football pretty well. Dr. Z's a crusty codger who still charts games and notices things like double-teams and dive plays. CBS Sportsline's Pete Prisco, a good friend from back in our days covering Emmitt Smith in college, puts the Browns 27th. I've learned it's wise not to question Pete too vehemently.
Then consider this: Raiders are favored by three in Sunday's game.
For crying out loud, how's a team supposed to translate a win into respect with this kind of attitude permeating the national airwaves.
Me, I think the Raiders are going to win too. But I have no idea why. Because I have no idea what Browns team will appear today. This is one of the most bizarre games to predict in a long, long time.
Which should at least make things interesting.

1 — Apparently the Patriots really are mad. Note what Tom Brady had to say about the accusation that videotaping the defensive signals of opposing teams meant the Patriots were cheating. It just does not seem like a good idea to make the Patriots mad.
2 — Can someone please explain to me why Britney Spears' former bodyguard has held a press conference, and why we should care in the least? His attorney said the bodyguard will tell of nudity, among other things. After that VMA appearance I'm not sure that's what the world needs.
3 — Good crowd for game two of the Indians-Tigers series. Good atmosphere. Travis Hafner's third-inning bomb really got them going. The more Hafner hits, the better the Indians chances.
4 — I guess O.J. was in that Vegas hotel room in his never-ending search for the real killer, eh?

Is there anything left to say about the Browns?
Unfortunately the bosses make me find at least 10 things every week.
So (warning: shameless plug coming) they make me do this weekly newsletter on the Browns called "First and 10" that is delivered free of charge, without coupon books, to your e-mail address every week.
If you want to sign up, and again it is free and chock full of insights and information and letters and funny stuff (could it get more shameless), go here and register and sign up.
Meanwhile, I have a couple comments on the NFL:
1) I think the Ravens got hosed last night when Todd Heap was flagged for offensive interference on a late touchdown catch. Should have been a score.
2) Interesting to hear Ladainian Tomlinson talk of the Patriots' alleged "spying" practices. LT said he think the Patriots follow the axiom that "If you're not cheating you're not trying."
3) One of the more interesting and offbeat NFL web sites can be found here.
4) Chad Johnson promised more big-time celebrations this weekend in Cleveland. Hope it's better than the Lawrence Vickers dance.
5) Spying or no, the Patriots give no reason to believe they will not run away with the AFC and Super Bowl titles.
Have a great day or evening or whatever time of the day it is in your world …

Patrick McManamon recently was named the lead sports columnist for the Akron Beacon Journal and Ohio.com.

He had been the beat reporter on the Browns since their return in 1999 with a short stint working for the Browns Web site in the middle of that time with the Beacon Journal.

He also has been a beat reporter on the Miami Dolphins.

Pat is planning on writing on any topic in sports 3 to 5 time per week with his thoughts on the Browns appearing on this blog and the Browns blog.

Enjoy and let us know your thoughts.