First and 10

1)      Got an e-mail from a friend who said the best thing that happened Sunday night was that his power went out. He said that enabled him to a) get a good night's sleep and b) not be forced to watch the Browns lose to Pittsburgh. Again.

2)      It's gotten to the point that Pittsburgh cackles over how it beats the Browns. Hines Ward "marks his spot" (his spot) to the Dawg Pound. Willie Parker talks after the game about how much they love to beat the Browns. This is bad. Real bad.

3)      I'm not sure why he did it, but when Phil Savage told WTAM that the Steelers game was the biggest game of his and Romeo Crennel's tenure it kind of added a little bit of a new dimension to the game. Savage is a pretty honest guy, and he may have just been being honest, but I'm not sure the coaching staff viewed it that way. As one NFL type opined: "That just puts the heat on the coaches more than anything."

4)      Deep breaths. The Giants started the 2007 season 0-2.

5)      Reality. Record of Browns head coaches against Pittsburgh since 1999 - Chris Palmer: 2-2. Butch Davis: 1-8. Romeo Crennel: 0-7.

6)      More troublesome than anything about the Browns start is the play of the offense. Jamal Lewis has 100 yards in two games, Derek Anderson has one touchdown, the offense has one touchdown and Braylon Edwards has as many drops (5) as he does catches. We can whine and lament and second-guess all the coaching decisions in the world, but when the team is producing that way - albeit against good teams - the team is not going to win.

7)      For some reason the offensive edge that was present last year has disappeared these two games. Anyone who watched Dallas and Philadelphia Monday night saw confident teams playing with abandon. The Browns aren't playing that way offensively. They are not playing with abandon. They are not playing with focus. With the exception of Kellen Winslow and Jamal Lewis. There is absolutely no reason a receiver as talented as Edwards should drop so many passes. No receiver who wants to be in the elite of the league can catch half the balls thrown his way. It's easy to pick on Edwards, in part because he makes himself so pick-on-able, but the Browns need him to come through if they are to win. This offense needs to wake up. And trying to do it in Baltimore might not be the easiest challenge, against that defense.

8)      Robaire Smith evidently is done for the year with a torn Achilles tendon. This is a significant loss, because Smith is a hard-nosed, dependable guy who played hard every down. Note that there was never a moment when the Browns considered replacing Smith, even though they had acquired Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. Smith is a very underrated, solid player, the kind of guy who helps a team win. Now he'll do it next year - assuming he can come back from the Achilles.

9)      It's pretty evident that what people say about Rogers is true: He can be a wrecking ball in the middle of the line.

10)   I really don't feel like I'm in the position to fire a coach. It's too easy a solution when a team struggles, and if a team continues to struggle the coach basically will fire himself. Or the owner and/or GM will. Unless you're Ned Yost in the middle of a pennant race; in that case knee-jerk owners and GMs who have surrendered your future for one pennant run will fire you. That being said, Romeo Crennel has not helped himself at all these first two games. And if the season keeps going south, he's going to be in a very tenuous position at the end of the year. But … and this is important … it's not all the field goal decisions or non-decisions. It's the way the players have played as well. The players have done very, very little to help their coach and coaches with their play on the field.

Three and Out

Dear Pat,

I hope your article in Tuesday's Beacon Journal was written tongue-in-cheek. I agree with everything you have said about the post '99 Browns. In regards to adopting the Steelers, let me give you a bit of insight. Half or more than half of Northeast Ohio already has! I made a comment to Terry Pluto the other day that we may be getting close to the point that the dwindling fan base in Northeast Ohio can no longer support an NFL franchise in Cleveland. If that is what you are suggesting, perhaps you should be writing about the NFL at the Post Gazette.

In regards to embracing the Steelers, you need a little insight into the Western PA mindset. I worked in Pittsburgh for 15 years and I can tell you that sports fans in Pittsburgh think everything about Cleveland stinks and, for that matter, everything in Ohio in general. Unlike Ohio, where you can purchase Steelers paraphernalia almost everywhere, you won't find an Indians or Cavs jersey for sale anywhere near Pittsburgh. Wearing said jersey would certainly draw ridicule and "mistake on the lake" comments.

I have no particular issue with people supporting an out of state team as is their right however, when respect only goes one way, it is a larger issue.

The Browns are bad because they lack a winning culture, not talent. I believe the right coaching staff can turn this team around and would see this mess fixed before we throw in the towel and start sending all of our money to Pittsburgh and drive the Browns out of town

Ed Eaken

Columbiana

Dear Ed,

Very thoughtful letter.

Of course the notion of embracing the Steelers was written tongue-in-cheek. And I would never advocate the Browns leaving again.

I just think you fans deserve better, and I think stating what I said was a good way to get that point across.

I will say this though: It's impossible not to respect the way the Steelers build and run a team, and the way they play football.

But if the Rooneys lose control of the team in this financial struggle, a lot can change about the way things go in a very short time.

Dear Pat,

I've been a fan of yours for a long time.  I look forward to reading your articles and blogs.  But… it seems like lately you've swallowed the ‘cup half-empty' pill.  The other day your article included a derogatory dig for Sarah Palin.  I'm sick of the political digs from both sides.  Please keep your digs to yourself… we don't need another Keith Olberman.

As far as this article about adopting the Steelers, this totally disgusts me.  As a Browns season ticket holder I was there to hear the abuse from those Steeler fans.  It was bad enough to lose to them again on Sunday, but now this article is yet another victory for them as they continue to mock all Browns fans.  I'm sure the local Steeler fans will absolutely love reading this article.

Pat, you're an excellent writer.  Your funny and you do a great job of communicating your point.  Please get back to being the Pat that we love to read.  I hope you take this as constructive criticism.

Thanks!

David Freund

Account Executive

Chas E Slusser Agency, Inc

Dear David,

I appreciate the note … and I appreciate the fact you were constructive about it.

As for Sarah Palin, it was just a joke. I crack on myself, so I figure I can crack on myself too.

As for the "adopt the Steelers" remark - again it was tongue-in-cheek prompted by the frustration over the team.

As a beat writer, I pretty much had to keep opinion out and stick to analysis. As a columnist, I'm expected to have a strong voice and strong opinion. I know it seems half-full at times, but I really think what I write reflects the team.

Believe me, had the Browns competed the first two games and played smart, I'd have written it was disappointing to start 0-2 but there was still hope for the season. The way they played doesn't provide a lot of hope … not yet at least. I mean, how can you expect to see hope when they can't figure out how to line up for a kickoff after six weeks of training camp and all that off-season stuff???

When they start playing better, the glass will re-fill. And when they actually BEAT the Steelers, the approach will really change.

Dear Mr. McManamon,

I'm a transplant from Akron living in Portland (Pacific-side).  Always have enjoyed your columns.

I'm writing in order to inquire as to what the general mood in Cleveland is with regard to our utterly hapless coach.  You mentioned some coaching errors in your recent article, yet I believe this understates the egregiousness of his incompetence at this level (at least in the central role, as opposed to a coordinator position).

Even in the way Romeo walks across the football field, or paces the sidelines and tries to manage the various speaking devices he has with upstairs and the sidelines (true — you couldn't get more subjective than studying another's strolling mannerisms, but bear with me), he appears to me to be very uncomfortable … to, indeed, be in way over his head, and has for each of these four years.  When is the hammer going to come down?
This, in my opinion, should be it.

The complete lack of any semblance of clock management at the end of the game (a game against a divisional rival, at home) is cause enough to realize that our team needs better (or, actually, any) direction.  Tim Couch would be a better head coach (this is probably untrue, but I have severe feelings about this).  Even Mike Tomlin, in his first year last year, seemed to have a vastly greater understanding of how to manage his players (albeit they are better players, but still).

I understand the desire for "continuity," but the only continuity we currently have with Crennel is of losses to the Steelers.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers,
Parker Staley

Dear Parker,

Well, I'd say your feelings are shared by many in this area. Many.

Let's just say that folks are not very happy.

Dear Pat,

Note: Written before the Steelers game.

I'm pretty sick of this.  Here are a few related questions for you and your readers:

Let's consider the season openers -

1) Which team is better? The Bears or the Cowboys?
2) Did we notice the Browns and Colts both hobbled into their season openers, after a preseason derailed by injuries with prime talent still in recovery mode?

3) Is it just me, or did the Bears do to the Colts what the Cowboys did to the Browns? (Bears win 29-13, Cowboys win 28-10)?

4) Is anyone saying the Colts are a bad team, or that they are doomed?

Take a second and piece the whole connection together.

"Fans" in this area, and you yourself - some of your columns are the biggest, most pessimistic downers of all - don't take much motivating to drag this team out to the curb on trash day, do you?

The Browns have far more talent than what they were able to pull together against the NFL's most complete team. Conversely, the Steelers are healthy and had the luxury of starting against a weak team. Get a grip on yourselves, people. There are 15 games left. Fifteen of 16.

Stop firing people. Stop trading players. Stop whining. Try enjoying football for once. Try backing your team. The rest of us are tired of hearing you gripe.

Dave Curfman
Actual Browns Fan
Akron, Ohio

Dear Dave,

I again point out to all that your note was written prior to the Steelers game.

But I do appreciate your positive sense.

I would repeat again: The Giants started 0-2 last season.

And after one game last year, everyone (me included) was ready to, as Dave says, take the Browns out on trash day.

They rebounded.

There is still time to rebound this year.

Finally … a personal note … the Beacon-Journal has again decided to lay off employees. This time, five reporters are on the list, me being one of them. The outrage is that this calls into question the long-term future of this brog. Layoffs take effect in 60 days. While I certainly hope things change in that time, I can only promise this clog will be around until Nov. 15. Questions may be directed toward your local Sta-Puf Marshmallow Man.

(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)

The latest loss to Pittsburgh had barely ended before the e-mails started rolling in.

"I dare you to defend Crennel," one wrote.

"Romeo has got to go," said another.

"When you have the ANNOUNCERS criticizing the coach's decision, it is not good," said a third.

First, announcers make their living criticizing coaching decisions. They can get away with it - unlike us newspaper mopes - because their networks pay godzillions of dollars to broadcast the games.

Second, if Romeo has to go, there are bathrooms in the locker room.

Finally, I will defend Crennel the man. Steadfastly. This is a good man, a good father, a good grandfather. His steady hand had much to do with the team's success a year ago. He is worthy of respect because of the way he lives his life and conducts himself. He's the kind of coach you wish would win, because not all coaches have the same quality of character. Personally, there's not a better place to start when choosing leaders.

But good men do not always make decisions I think are the best. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're not right.

Crennel's decisions with every key field goal/touchdown situation in this short season have been different from the ones I'd have made.

We've already discussed Dallas. End of the first half against Pittsburgh, I'd have taken the points - and there are witnesses in the press box who heard me say it before the interception.

Late in the game, I wasn't as sure. Crennel seemed to have his reasons for making the score 10-6 with 3:24 left. He was counting on his defense.

In one sense, this is the way Crennel coaches.

He trusts his players. He asks them to do something, and they either do or don't. It's a reason his players like him so much. Players appreciate trust.

Sunday night his players did not return the trust. They let Pittsburgh just about run out the clock. Same with the pre-half time decision to go for the end zone. He trusted his quarterback, and his quarterback did not respond.

But the more I think the more I think I would not have tried for the field goal in the fourth quarter.

Because no matter what, the Browns needed a touchdown. They were down seven. If they make the field goal, they're down four and need a touchdown to win. If they don't get the first down, they're down seven and need a touchdown to tie. And if they get the first down and go on to score a touchdown, they're tied and win with a field goal.

In every scenario, they need a touchdown.

And the worst situation is that if they get a touchdown the Browns are tied.

No matter what happened offensively, the Browns defense had to stop the Steelers and the Browns had to score a touchdown.

So me, sitting in the booth, not being on the sideline, not being in meeting rooms, I'd have gone for the first down in the fourth quarter and the field goal in the second.

Crennel didn't.

And the thing about sports is that decisions are sometimes played out on national TV with millions watching and announcers commenting. Ultimately, he'll be judged on these decisions.

I find it interesting today, though, that Mike Shanahan is being feted as a hero and for his guts for going for two to beat San Diego.

Clearly he deserves some credit.

But Shanahan went for two because he had no confidence in his defense. And he got to go for two because of a gift call and another quirk in the replay system that negated a turnover that would have won the game for San Diego.

He went for two; bully for him.

But his players backed him up by making it.

Browns players did nothing to help their coach. Through two games all we've seen from this team is hype and talk.

If Braylon Edwards wants to be an elite receiver, he doesn't drop key passes - most especially the third-down slant prior to the field goal.

If the Browns want to win, they recover the botched kickoff return and they don't let Ben Roethlisberger stand in the end zone for 10 seconds before he throws.

If they want to win, they don't give the other team 20 yards in penalties on a night when offenses need every yard, they line up properly on onside kicks and they manage a two-minute drill with a sense of professionalism.

If this, if that. If, if, if, if … if.

Crennel did not make decisions I would consider wise.

But he had a lot of help in losing that game.

It's really impossible to fathom losing nine of 10 season openers at home. That's an indication that a team is either a) really not very good or b) really not prepared or c) a really not very good and not very prepared or d) really, really unlucky. This Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys were far and away the better team. But the Browns didn't play like a well-prepared team.

Too many mistakes, silly penalties (illegal formation trying to block an extra point, apparently for lining up right over the center, a no-no this year) and too much of one offensive guy having to tell another offensive guy where to line up. The defense was overmatched, and though Shaun Rogers had some pressure now and then, the pass rush was nonexistent. Browns players said it's a "pick your poison" thing with Dallas' offense. If you rush a bunch, you're vulnerable in the secondary. If you drop back, you get no rush. Bottom line: That shows the Browns knew they were not good enough to stop the Cowboys.

Dallas made it look easy.

The offense seemed to collapse when it learned that receiver Donte Stallworth had injured himself in pregame warm-ups. That's right. Pregame warm-ups. Think about that next time you see an NBA guy go down shooting layups in pregame. Never heard of it? That's because it never happens. Well, hardly ever, apparently.

"That was like, ‘Wow! How does this happen?'" running back Jamal Lewis said of Stallworth's injury. "To me as a running back, that's my meal ticket." Lewis went on to say that the absence of Stallworth left the Browns with basically the same team they had last year. Minus Joe Jurevicius of course. Which again highlights how big it was to lose Jurevicius. His absence took away a third-down receiver and wiped out the receiver depth. Dallas doubled Braylon Edwards and dared Syndric Steptoe to step in and beat them. He didn't, the vaunted Browns offense scored just 10 points and players seemed to spend a lot of time telling teammates where they should be lining up.

No, I do no understand Romeo Crennel's decision to take a field goal down 28-7 with 10 minutes left in the game. He said he wanted points to have some kind of momentum, and said had he gone for it on fourth down and failed he'd have been asked why he didn't kick a field goal. Hate to disagree, but I disagree. I don't think anyone would have asked why he didn't try a field goal. That's because going for the touchdown was the logical choice - if there was any real hope to win the game. It was simply a strategy decision I did not agree with.

Some other observations:

—No, I've never heard of a guy pulling a muscle - groin, quad, hamstring - in pregame warm-ups. Not sure how often it's happened either.

—Shaun Rogers was very active in the middle of the Browns line. He was the only guy who got occasional pressure on Tony Romo, and showed the qualities that have people saying he's unblockable when he wants to play.

—By game's end, Rogers and the rest of the big guys on the defensive line were pretty worn out, though. That's a negative to the big guys. They will wear down if the defense can't stop folks.

—Right now it seems like the defense can't stop folks, but they did face a huge, physical line and they did face one of the better offenses in the league. That's the going line at least.

—Dallas had 30 first downs, Cleveland 11.

—Dallas had 11 rushing first downs, Cleveland had 2.

—Expect NBC and ESPN to petition the league today to move the "flex schedule" start date up a couple months.

—Yes, the Browns offense should be expected to score more than 10 points. And they did have one nice drive. But the 10 points was what they deserved. We can say all we want that they should score more than 10, but if they fall apart to the extent that they did because one receiver is out, well that's just not good.

—Sunday's game against Pittsburgh has large implications. Win and the Browns are 1-1 and feeling pretty good. Lose and …, well … you know. Personally, I cannot and will not pick the Browns to beat Pittsburgh until they actually do. But if they want to erase a downer of an opener, a win over Pittsburgh on night-time national TV would be a very good step. Me, I just can't see it happening. Not the way this defense played, and not the way Pittsburgh's offense played. Geesh. An 0-and-2 start after all this offseason hype?

Spent Wednesday at the Browns, talking to a lot of players about Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens. It would be a shock, beyond stunning, beyond astounding if TO does not have a huge day Sunday against the Browns secondary. The Browns can win, but they won't stop Owens, who figures to treat the Browns corners like a pair of inexperienced second-year starters. If Mel Tucker has any secrets stashed on how to stop the most explosive receiver in the league, this is the Sunday to use them. More on TO in tomorrow's Beacon Journal.

As for the injured guys, quarterback Derek Anderson seemed fine, as did WR Braylon Edwards. Jamal Lewis, though, sounded iffy. He said he'd try to practice and see how it went. And he said the only thing that fixes a hamstring is rest. Safeties Brodney Pool and Sean Jones were both on the field for the part of practice open to the media, and KR/WR Joshua Cribbs was even seen running around a little. It would be a huge surprise if Cribbs played, though. Two guys did not practice: OG Rex Hadnot and LB Kris Griffin. Both should miss the game.

On a conference call, Cowboys coach Wade Phillips was asked if Adam "PacMan" Jones would play any receiver this weekend. His response: "Well … we're not telling." Kind of sounded like the thought had crossed his mind. If it hadn't, it probably should. Dallas has no healthy or experienced depth beyond TO and Patrick Crayton.

Edwards pronounced himself ready to go, but did admit that the cut on the back of his heel did come close to his Achilles' tendon. … TO was on the conference call for the Cowboys, which was disappointing because had Tony Romo been speaking we could have asked some questions about Jessica Simpson. … My good friend Andre Knott, he of SVSM, discovered this interesting tidbit: Crayton and Donte Stallworth both had the same amount of receiving yards last season - 697.

Some more quotes from some of the principals:

• Owens on the sign he ripped down after scoring the last time he played in Cleveland Stadium: "I'm not real worried about what happened in the past."
• Owens on whether he became more team-oriented after he left the Eagles: "I think I'm pretty much the same person. I think maybe my choice of words has changed with the questions that are directed toward me. I think I changed the way I answer questions, but I think I'm the same pretty much across the board."
• CB Brandon McDonald on facing TO: "I'm looking for every challenge I can get … I'm trying for every challenge and I'm not backing down from the guy."
• McDonald, speaking of himself and fellow CB Eric Wright: "We're guys who like to compete. I think that's one of our major pluses. We like to get things done."
• Browns coach Romeo Crennel on how Anderson looked in Monday's practice: "Not as sharp as they could have been. Hopefully the rest of the week we can get him sharp."
• Crennel on whether he'd prefer facing a team in the opener that did not have a Terrell Owens lining up across from his corners: "I don't think it makes much difference who you open with, because they're going to get thrown on and going to get tested. Whether they can stand up to the test is the question. You just have to wait to find out."

OK … there's not a lot new from last week, except the final roster, and I talked about that on Saturday. So this week's First and 10 will contain as much Browns news and oh-so-cogent insight as seems relevant, but I reserve the right to discuss other things as well.

Why do I even say that? This is my blog, isn't it?

1) Much was made by many (including me) of the Browns receiver situation. Well, Dallas enters the Browns game with two receivers with NFL experience - Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton. Owens being one of them makes up for a lot of inexperience, and the Cowboys do have Jason Witten at tight end as well. But their backups and third wideout are Stan Hurd, Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback. Austin and Hurd will not play due to injury, and Stanback is coming off a shoulder subluxation. This might limit the passing game a bit.

2) It also means the Browns might not have to worry about their secondary depth. The Cowboys won't really be able to spread the field with receivers when they don't have receivers. For a week at least, Travis Daniels is safe.

3) If you've heard of any of those backup receivers, you're more Mel Kiper than Mel Kiper is Mel Kiper. And while you're in earshot, how about doing something with the hair.

4) Of course a couple years ago, an unknown named Marques Colston arrived with New Orleans for the season opener. He had a darn good game, and has made a name for himself. So … anything is possible.

5) I seem to have forgotten to purchase tickets for Toby Keith at Blossom. Anyone who has extras may forward them. Along with my iPod, which someone seems to have run off with. I blame Sarah Palin.

6) Speaking of Sarah Palin, folks tell me this is her giving the sports in Alaska a few years back. What's impressive is not once did she say "Boom goes the dynamite!"

7) We all have ambitions, but given the ruthlessness of the rumors on the internet these days and the tenacity of the press during election time, I really wonder if I'd have said yes to the vice presidential spot knowing my 17-year-old daughter was pregnant. I'd have asked myself: Is it worth putting her under such scrutiny at this time in her life?

8 ) Trivia time! (Like I said, we're reaching this week, folks): Who are Stricker, Mahan, Holmes and Campbell? No, not a law firm. And not a barbershop quartet. They are the four guys named to the U.S. Ryder Cup team by captain Paul Azinger. Steve Stricker, Hunter Mahan, J.B. Holmes and Chad Campbell. Now that's a foursome that ought to keep Nick Faldo up at night.

9) Interesting take from Phil Savage on the preseason: "I think this year we did try to emphasize that it's all about getting ready for the regular season. We are not up in arms or overly concerned about the result of the preseason because we feel like when our starters were in, they played pretty well other than a five-to-ten minute spell in New York. It's not reality that we were going to go out there and win every game 20-0 and have no injuries, it just doesn't happen. It doesn't happen across the NFL and it isn't going to happen here." Savage also said that if Lewis did not play that Jerome Harrison would "take over the first and second-down type plays and Jason (Wright) would probably stay in the role that he now has, which is a third-down back and a special teams guy." This is very interesting. And it will be more interesting if Harrison actually starts.

10) Savage also had an interesting take on the season opener. "As we saw last year," he said, "the first game certainly doesn't make a season." If the Browns trade Derek Anderson next week, though, I'm going to go cover Alaska high school hockey.

Three and Out

There was a) nothing to be three-and-outish about, and b) not enough letters to make three-and-out viable. Perhaps next week? Same with "You're an Idiot." For one week, at least, I can say I am not an idiot. Hoo hoo.

Reserve-Injured

OL Lennie Friedman

Waived

TE Brad Cieslak

DB A.J. Davis

WR Efrem Hill

TE Kolomona Kapanui

DB Travis Key

OL James Lee

WR Lance Leggett

LB David McMillan

DB Brandon Mitchell

LB Chase Ortiz

OL Jonathan Palmer

DB Jereme Perry

DL Melila Purcell

K Jason Reda

WR Steve Sanders

WR Travis Wilson

Terminated-Vested Veteran

LB Shantee Orr

Waived-Injured

OL Derrick Morse

OL Marvin Philip

DL Chase Pittman

RB Travis Thomas

A few thoughts on a Browns game that produced very little for thought …

The first-team offense provided enough positives to let everyone breathe a little easier heading into the season. Brady Quinn led the starters to a field goal and touchdown, and the unit was sharp.

Quinn should have hit Kellen Winslow for a touchdown, though. Poor throw.

The offensive line, too, finally played like it’s been expected to play.

Derek Anderson was on the sidelines. He left the locker room without addressing the media, but did give a thumbs-up signal on his way out. Expect him to return to practice next week.

Braylon Edwards got a pretty nasty cut on his foot – nobody has said how many stitches he needed, to my knowledge – but the team expects him back as well. Same with Jamal Lewis, who strained a hamstring.

It was not good to see starting guard Rex Hadnot leave with a strained knee. But if the Browns are to lose anyone up front, at least they have experienced backups in Seth McKinney and Ryan Tucker on the team.

Travis Wilson might have done enough to save his job, especially if Syndric Steptoe’s shoulder injury keeps him out any length of time.

Observers said Steptoe did not seem seriously injured as he left the locker room. The Browns will need either he or Josh Cribbs to be healthy for the opener.

It’s hard to gauge these injuries during games. The team says what is hurt, and gives the chances of return (probable, questionable, doubtful, will not return). Other than that, the media pretty much knows what everyone watching on TV knows. Details on the guys hurt in the finale will be available probably on Saturday when GM Phil Savage discusses the final roster.

The Browns finished preseason 0-4, the second time in team history they went winless in preseason. But as Romeo Crennel said: “We could've been 4-0 and if we lose to Dallas you're going to ask what went wrong."

Someday we will all look back on this date and remember it as the day that Martin Luther King gave the “I Have a Dream” speech, the night that Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination and the night when the Browns concluded the preseason that seemed to drag on forever.

Where is Adriana Lima when you need her?

Click here for a video preview of the Browns preseason finale …

1) I think next year the NFL calendar should just bleep right through this final week of preseason. Let the all-powerful NFL find a way to just warp time so we don't have to endure this full-priced bologna another year.

2) I have no idea what the Browns gain from this week. They have two days of practice, then they play a game on Thursday. They do not have their quarterback, top running back and top receiver. The starters will probably play, at most, one quarter in the preseason finale. How does a team get better in these circumstances?

3) Consider Brady Quinn. The team's backup might (emphasis on might) have to start the season opener against Dallas. That means he needs playing time. But the starters don't get playing time in the preseason finale. Nobody wants to lose a starter to injury in the final game of preseason. So Quinn probably will be yanked after one series, and he probably won't have Lewis to hand to or Edwards to throw to. These are not the most ideal of circumstances for a quarterback to prepare for the start of the season.

4) It's so predictable. A team struggles in this area of the nation and people immediately start yelling for the coach to be fired. The same guy who was a Coach of the Year candidate a year ago now can't coach. The Browns have problems, and I've written about them and discussed them. But it is still preseason, and the coach has proven he can win and he has the respect of the players. Fire the coach? It's just silly to even suggest such a thing.

5) That being said, Romeo Crennel needs to get his players' attention. I don't know the cause for the preseason malaise, whether it's overconfidence, injuries, inattention to detail or if the Browns are overrated, but the team really needs to get its act together. Because if they play in the regular season the way they've played in the preseason, it's going to be a long season.

6) I was marveling during practice on Monday that the Browns were penalized on a kneel-down play at the end of the first half in Detroit. Turns out that the Browns committed two penalties on that play. I am informed by my good friend Andre Knott, an Akron native, that the Browns were flagged for illegal formation and false start. On a kneel-down. This should not happen. This is the kind of attention to detail that has been lacking.

7) A long, long time ago in a previous life I asked a doctor once what caused swelling on the knee. "Usually a tear," he said. "Almost always a tear of some sort. Could be cartilage. But it's usually some kind of tearing in the knee." Which brings us to Sean Jones, the Browns safety. He missed the Detroit game with swelling in his knee. He missed Monday's practice with the same swelling. Crennel said team doctors had found nothing in extensive exams. I have no idea what is wrong with Jones, nor am I really qualified to make a diagnosis because I've not examined Jones for one single second. But when Kellen Winslow had his motorcycle accident, the Browns put out a release that stated he had swelling in his knee. That raised my eyebrows, and I wondered if it meant he had a tear. Well … he did. Now Jones has swelling, and it's fair to wonder the same thing.

8 ) Thanks to Joel for solving my problem with this dude - …As much angst as there is about the Browns locally, it's worth mentioning that the other AFC North teams aren't exactly having great preseasons. Baltimore is unsettled at quarterback and has had injuries, Pittsburgh's offensive line is a mess and Cincinnati is so desperate at receiver (where Chad Johnson has a torn labrum) it brought back Chris Henry after saying it would never bring him back.

9) Health. That's the key for the Browns. Amidst all the problems, real or perceived, the one thing they need to do is get healthy. And right now it's hard to say when that will happen. Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis and Braylon Edwards are just not around while the media watches practices, nor is Joshua Cribbs.

10) Here's my prediction for the 53-man roster, and no, there are not a lot of great surprises:

QB - (3) Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey. You were expecting Brett Favre?

RB - (3) Jamal Lewis, Jason Wright, Jerome Harrison. Rookie Travis Thomas makes the practice squad. I wonder how long the Browns wait on Jerome Harrison.

FB - (2) Lawrence Vickers, Charles Ali.

WR - (6) Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth, Joshua Cribbs, Steve Sanders, Syndric Steptoe, Paul Hubbard with Joe Jurevicius going to PUP. The Travis Wilson experiment ends. He just never came through in games. This also could be an area where the Browns sign someone who has been released by another team to be the sixth receiver on the roster.

TE - (3) Kellen Winslow, Steve Heiden, Martin Rucker. The versatility of Winslow and Rucker allow the Browns to (perhaps) keep five receivers.

OL - (9) Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley, Rex Hadnot, Kevin Shaffer, Lennie Friedman, Ryan Tucker, Seth McKinney, Isaac Sowells. Suddenly the depth does not look very deep.

DL - (6) Robaire Smith, Shaun Smith, Corey Williams, Shaun Rogers, Melila Purcell, Chase Pittman. With a three-four, the Browns only need six.

LB - (9) Kamerion Wimbley, D'Qwell Jackson, Andra Davis, Willie McGinest, Antwan Peek, Leon Williams, Kris Griffin, Beau Bell, Alex Hall. Backup linebackers are almost always valuable special teamers

DB - (10) Eric Wright, Brandon McDonald, Brodney Pool, Sean Jones, Terry Cousin, Travis Daniels, Nick Sorensen, Mike Adams and Jereme Perry until a guy is found on the waiver wire. Be a shame for Perry, who is a definite good guy. This is clearly the greatest area of concern on the team.

PK - (1) Phil Dawson.

P - (1) Dave Zastudil.

LS - (1) Ryan Pontbriand.

You're an Idiot

For one week I skate. Nobody called me an idiot, or offered a comparable insult.

I figure folks were just busy with their kids going back to school.

Three and Out

Dear Pat,

Maybe they should trade … the starting quarterback to Seattle? That seemed to have a salutary effect last year.

As for a song for the Browns, how about Ray Charles' "Here we go again." It's like an actual anthem for the Browns fan experience:

"I've been there before

"And I'll try it again

"But any fool knows

"That there's no way to win.

"Here we go again

"[They'll] break my heart again

"I'll play the part again

"One more time."

I am not kidding you - I have this song on a mix with the Browns fight song, Randy Newman's "Burn on," and a few other Cleveland faves.

I keep thinking I should get a life, but then I wonder: What would I do with it?

Yours,

Scott Huler

Raleigh, N.C.

Dear Scott,

I've wondered the same thing about my life. It would be nice to get one, but that might entail actual responsibility, and who in the heck wants that?

As for the Browns and theme songs, I suggest you give a listen to "To win just once" by The Saw Doctors.

Dear Pat,

I agree with you. The Browns looked awful. No defense in the secondary. The Browns look flatter than a soft tortilla shell. What is Romeo Crennel running this summer? An NFL workout camp or summer spa vacations for NFL old timers. The Browns were playing in New York like they were afraid of the "G Men". Crennel should cut at least a third of the team and start over.

Best regards,
Mike (in an online comment)

Dear Mike,

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I don't recall any FBI agents on the field when the Browns played in New York.

Dear Pat,

It's too predictable… unless a Cleveland team runs the table, and apparently that includes meaningless scrimmages now, idiot fans will dive to the nearest message board and call for the head coach to be fired. Totally realistic expectations here in the city of champions.

I'll never understand what goes through some fans' tiny brains. This team has some talent, but they certainly aren't on par with the Patriots yet. How about having a little patience? Or at least wait until the regular season starts?

Josh (in an online comment)

Dear Josh,

Never let it be said that Cleveland fans do not have angst, but keep in mind this is the same town where folks wanted to fire Eric Wedge when the Indians missed the World Series by one game and Mike Brown when the Cavs lost in the Finals.

Frustration at not winning a championship since 1964 can be a terrible thing.

Have a good day everybody … pat

(Want to be in "Three and Out"? Comment here or send an e-mail to pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com, and put "First and 10" in the subject line — and for a video preview of the Browns preseason finale, click here.)

That sure didn't look like much of an improvement to me. Same silly penalties. Same silly mistakes. Same nonexistent pass defense. One team played on Saturday, and it wasn't Cleveland. This preseason has not gone well, and it's hard not to conclude that too many with the team have put expected success ahead of the work needed to achieve that success.

Some random thoughts:

• Crennel was asked if there any bright spots. He said: "Uh, no."
• Since when does Jon Kitna have the ability to elude the rush. The Browns let him outside the pocket twice, and he found receivers both times.
• Check out the penalties, including an illegal formation on a kneel down at the end of the half. That's one I've never seen. How does a team get illegal formation on a stinking kneel down?
• I think the Browns spent too much time in pads during the week.
• Brady Quinn did not look very good. He had some moments, but he also had some not-to-good moments. He wasn't helped by the poor pass protection up front. Quinn's first non-penalty first down came early in the second quarter. The next play Lawrence Vickers was flagged for holding. Figures.
• The protection was not good. That's because the Browns have a large line that was out-quicked by the Lions defensive linemen. Detroit jettisoned Shaun Rogers in part because they wanted quicker guys. He's a massive guy. He also was inconsistent, among other things, in Detroit. "This is a speed team that we were playing," coach Romeo Crennel said. "It's the Tampa philosophy where they have excellent team speed. That showed up. I think with more work hopefully we'll be able to settle some things down." Hopefully.
• Lions fans booed heartily every time Rogers' name was announced. "They're Detroit fans and if they're not rooting for the home team, what are they doing here?" Rogers said. "It's expected."

• Rogers had five tackles, which was impressive. Crennel said Rogers did what he was supposed to do in the game. "I'm never one to throw bouquets at guys when we lose the game," Crennel said.
• There was a Chase Pittman sighting.
• In the first quarter, Quinn was two-for-four for eight yards.
• Dan Orlovsky looked like Tom Brady against the Browns defense. First-team, second-team, no matter. Orlovsky shredded the Browns.
• This was in the Dallas Morning News story about the Cowboys game Friday night: "The Cowboys ripped off four first downs in their first five plays before Tony Romo connected with a crossing Patrick Crayton on a 6-yard score."

You always wonder if you make too much out of preseason. The games don't count, after all, and if the Browns beat Dallas and Pittsburgh it will be forgotten. Too, the Browns were plain awful last year in preseason. That being said, the last two games the Browns haven't exactly given any reason for folks not to be concerned. This is a team that has not looked good.

Some more quotes:

• Crennel on the pressure Quinn faced: "I think you saw the classic NFL approach to a young quarterback. Bring pressure to see if he can handle it, and if he can't handle it keep pressuring."
• Crennel on getting back several injured players who missed the game: "They're going to be a little rusty, so it's going to take some time for those guys to knock the rust off. So it's not just going to automatically happen that we're going to be back to where we want to be."

Quinn on his game:

• "I didn't execute the way I wanted to."
• "They brought a decent amount of pressure, which is to be expected when you're a young quarterback in this league."
• "I definitely was disappointed in my performance."

I'm off to Detroit to see if Brady Quinn can lay any kind of claim to the Browns starting quarterback job. I know … the Browns do not want a quarterback controversy, nor do they have one. But isn't this exactly how these things happen? Guy gets hurt. New guy steps in and does well. Other guy never gets his job back. The length of time Anderson is out with that concussion might have be a large determining factor in how this plays out, too. And … I ask you … what better to do on a beautiful Saturday afternoon than take a leisurely drive to Detroit?